‘South of the Border’ Highway Attraction Gets Upgrades

South of the Border
South of the Border Tourist Attraction South Carolina/You Tube

[Stay on top of transportation news: Get TTNews in your inbox.]

HAMER, S.C. — South of the Border, a popular South Carolina tourist attraction, is receiving some upgrades.

General Manager Timmy Townsend told The Myrtle-Beach (S.C.) Sun News that three of the shops have been torn down to make room for new projects, and several others are being renovated.

“A lot of people are wondering if South of the Border is closing down, the answer is no, we are still open for business,” he said in an email.



The corny Mexican-themed attraction is unmistakable for its huge sombrero towering over the intersection of Interstate 95 and U.S. highways 301 and 501. Thousands of drivers take detours every year to visit the shops and restaurants.

So far, they have torn down the motel, the T-shirt shop, and the Ice Cream Fiesta. They are upgrading the elevator at the Tower Arcade, putting in charging stations for electric vehicles and remodeling the Sombrero Restaurant. At the arcade, Pedro’s iconic sombrero also is being refurbished.

With the pandemic causing shortages in supplies and labor, Townsend said he doesn’t know when the renovations will be completed.

“It seems that COVID causes problems with everything now, as far as getting materials etc. and people to do the work,’’ he said. “Our elevator was supposed to be operational June 1, 2021, and at this time it still is under construction.”

Want more news? Listen to today's daily briefing below or go here for more info: