South of the Border 4/15/06

South of the Border is a true piece of Americana roadside kitsch. Not too many roadside attractions survive these days and this has to be one of the largest. Located in South Carolina, literally feet south of the North Carolina border, it was started as a beer stand in the 1950's by Alan Schafer who continually built up the 135 acres into a multitude of attractions til his death in 2001. It features 300+ hotel rooms, campgrounds, mini-golf, a small amusement park, the Sombrero observation tower and many other shops and food stands. Since Schafer's death, the facility has been managed (or mismanaged) by his daughter and the place is really beginning to fall apart. It's worth a peek, but just a peek - I'd say it's days are numbered unless some major bucks are reinvested.