If you live in one of the big cities in South Carolina, you may often wonder what it would be like to move out in the country, where life would seem to be less complex. Whoever said “the grass is greener on the other side” may have been spot-on in the case of the smallest town in our state. The grass, the trees and the views in general, are definitely greener in Smyrna. But is life in the state’s smallest town also better? Read on and then decide for yourself.
Smyrna, South Carolina (population: 45) is a bonafide, incorporated town. And oddly enough, even though it’s technically less than .75 of a square mile, Smyrna straddles two counties in the Piedmont: York and Cherokee.
Google Maps [streetview]
As you may expect from a rural town, there are some gorgeous old buildings that are gawk-worthy and full of historic charm. This one sits next to the fire station right in the middle of “town.”
Google Maps [streetview]
It’s hard to call it town, really, when there’s no official town hall or defined retail center. If you blink as you round the turn on SC-233, you may even miss it.
Google Maps [streetview]
But don’t blink. Because next to the convenience store, you’ll find the old Symrna Barber Shop, now an abandoned roadside attraction. We found one source on the Internet that claims this barber shop was the smallest business in the state in its heyday.
Google Maps [streeview enhanced with red arrow]
Blink and you may also miss the Smyrna Volunteer Fire Department. Its members are each part of the community they protect.
Facebook/Smyrna Volunteer Fire Department
When there’s an emergency in Smyrna, albeit health, fire or other, it’s the fire department that shows up first. In the photo below, taken in 2012, a small aircraft crashed in Smyrna. There are eight people in this photo. That’s nearly 20 percent of the town that showed up to help out.
Facebook/Smyrna Volunteer Fire Department
Life in small towns in general means people are a little more willing to lend a helping hand. Perhaps it’s because they’re less busy. In this photo someone from Smyrna Baptist Church is helping out a neighbor who has a tree problem.
Facebook/Smyrna Baptist Church
Life in Smyrna means you’ll find some services and things right in town. But for the most part, you’ll need to travel to a neighboring city to get your staples.
Google Maps [streetview]
Luckily, Walmart in York is only a short 20-minute drive away.
Flickr/Mike Mozart
In Smyrna, you can find some uniquely rural activities and creations. For starters, head to Dixie Farm Charm and Creations. The farm specializes in horse, rabbit, and poultry breeding.
Facebook/Dixie Farm Charm
They also have a family member that’s super creative and offers custom crafts and decor, like the custom bronc noseband shown below.
Facebook/Dixie Farm Charm
Equally as unique, the Roger Ridge Ranch is just on the outskirts of the official town and located on Canaan Church Road. The sprawling property has been in the owner’s family for generations and is a beautiful place to explore.
Facebook/Roger Ridge Ranch
They offer a spot for the community to gather a couple of times a year with special farm-sponsored events in the spring and summer. The farm is also open for outside events like birthday parties, reunions and weddings.
Facebook/Roger Ridge Ranch
Roger Ridge Ranch is a good place to bring little ones, where they can meet a menagerie of hogs, goats, chicken, ducks, horses, and dogs.
Facebook/Roger Ridge Ranch
If you’re ever wondered what life would be like in the smallest town around, then head to Smyrna… just don’t blink as you drive through.
Wikipedia
Have you been to Smyrna? We’d love to know. For another charming small town to visit in the Palmetto State, read about this one.
Google Maps [streetview]
Google Maps [streeview enhanced with red arrow]
Facebook/Smyrna Volunteer Fire Department
Facebook/Smyrna Baptist Church
Flickr/Mike Mozart
Facebook/Dixie Farm Charm
Facebook/Roger Ridge Ranch
Wikipedia
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