Looking for any info about Shaw Air Force Base and the surrounding area? ?

Question

Hello. I currently live in FL, but Im moving to Shaw AFB in Sumter SC next week because my hubby is in the AF. I was wondering if anyone happened to know anything about Shaw or the Sumter area? What is there to do? Cool places to visit? Good places to eat? Anything will be helpful... Ive already looked at the Shaw website, the Sumter website, and wikipedia... so now Im just looking for personal experience information. =)

Answer 1

Hey and welcome to South Carolina!  Well soon.  Sumter has really grown in the last 20 years.  Swan Lake is the must see in Sumter.  It is also close to Columbia and Camden.  Camden has a Blues Festival in October if you like the blues.  But is mostly known for the Steeplechase events held at the Springdale Course in April and November.   Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia is internationally renowned, that is a must see as well.

Answer 2

Welcome to Shaw and the 20th FW.

Sumter is a fairly small town but it's growing - good and bad in that. It now has the standard set of chain restaurants you find in every other town in the US, along a strip that looks exactly like the strip you'll find in every other town in the US. There's a really good Mexican place called Jose's Yucatan and many decent mom & pop operations. There are a several bars/night clubs that don't suck terribly bad and a mall with the usual Sears and JC Penny.

The cost of living is pretty reasonable compared to most of the US. Gas is normally a few cents under the national average. On base housing is almost non-existent. The summers are uncomfortably hot and humid but the other six months of the year are almost bearable. About like Florida as I recall.