A little bit of quirkiness goes a long way in Dillon, South Carolina.
Tucked neatly into the northeastern corner of the state—just a stone’s throw from the North Carolina border—the town started life in 1886 as a mere 50 acres of land, which was used to construct the footprint of a new private rail depot. Since those early days, Dillon has grown and grown (slightly) into what it is today: a historic small-town community known mostly for its odd association to the souvenirs and touristy trinkets of Old Mexico.
No, we don’t have our geography wrong.
Planning a visit? Stay at South of the Border Camp Pedro.
Just a few miles north of Dillon, a Mexican-themed roadside attraction known affectionately as South of the Border greets surprised drivers traveling south across the North Carolina-South Carolina border.
Like Dillon itself, South of the Border had humble beginnings—as a simple roadside beer stand. Today, however, a 97-foot tall water tower turned cartoon character named Pedro (mustachioed and wearing a sombrero) is the main attraction. His towering frame straddles the entrance and casually invites passersby to stop, peruse a range of Mexican souvenir shops, and to grab a bite or two of some of the best Mexican grub in the state.
But if taquerias and giant sombreros don’t strike your fancy, there’s still plenty to keep you happily enthralled in and around Dillon. Leading the way is the town itself: a nationally registered historic site with an adorable downtown core dotted with antique shops, mom and pop cafes, and eclectic art galleries. Every year in May the town celebrates its history and its iconic Main Street with a two-day festival full of live music, cooking contests and a car show that attracts visitors from across the county.
For outdoorsy types, the quirky-named Little Pee Dee State Park sits just a few miles to the southeast. Throughout the spring and summer months, its 835 acres buzz with hikers, mountain bikers, campers, fishermen, bird watchers and boaters on Lake Norton. Dillon is a popular landing spot for families and nature enthusiasts.
Somehow this tiny town in northern South Carolina has managed to represent the best of small-town America while also doubling as a geographically misplaced Tijuana. No easy feat.
