On the way from Durham to Hilton Head, we came upon South of the Border, in Dillon, SC, and just HAD to stop. I had never been there and was curious about it. I’d seen the awful day-glo bumper stickers growing up but never had a real understanding of what it was. Frankly, I’m not sure I entirely understand it now. Technically, I suppose it is what one would call a “roadside attraction” featuring themed restaurants, souvenir shops, games, and rides.
The first thing one must understand is how culturally offensive this place is. South of the Border revolves around “Pedro,” a poncho-wearing, sombrero-topped, mustachioed Mexican character for whom everything in the complex is named. Billboards line Interstate 95 up and down the coast boasting the available fun at South of the Border with such quips as “You Never Sausage a Place! (You’re always a wiener at Pedro’s)” and “Pedro's Weather Forecast: Chili today, hot tamale!” Truly groan-worthy. They have gotten rid of the signs that existed when I was a kid that usually began with “Pedro seez” followed by a campy quote written phonetically with a Spanish accent. Ugh.
We arrived there around 4 pm on a hot July Thursday, and the place was more or less deserted. The amusement rides were shut down; the shops were open but there was hardly a car in the parking lot.
South of the Border is mostly populated with these weird statues of animals.
I’m not clear on what all of the apes are all about, I’m just happy they’re there.
The shops are filled with souvenirs that make very little sense.
Dave was willing to put on a poncho and hat for this one.
We ate at the Sombrero Restaurant, which was the original beer stand opened by SotB’s owner in 1950. We had a thoroughly unremarkable, if not disappointing, lunch. The burrito was a Patio burrito from the frozen-food section of the local Food Lion. The taco was in a stale Old El Paso taco shell. The chips were Tostitos. The salsa was picante sauce from the grocery store. The enchilada was fine, as were the beans. Sad, really, but not surprising. When I expressed my disappointment, Dave asked what I had been expecting. I guess I should have expected what I got.
This ad was on our table. Note the times the restaurant is open.
We found this strange store there as well.
Pedro’s Africa Shop was actually filled with nice wooden figurines and sculptures, not the tacky souvenirs in every other building in the area.
This was my favorite sign of the day since it was so poorly laid out.
How many people try to bring their cats into stores with them? Apparently, enough to warrant a sign.
I finally got fed up with the shtick and had to get out of there. I’d had my fill of South of the Border. We got back in the car and headed to Hilton Head, which is the absolute opposite of South of the Border. We arrived at the Marriott Surf Watch resort where Patrick and Jen were waiting for us. Hooray!
Patrick and Jen had agreed to sit in on a 90-minute timeshare pitch in return for getting this great timeshare for $100/night. It was a two bedroom, two full bath apartment with full kitchen, dining room, family room, and patio overlooking the ocean. The cupboards were full of dishes, cups, glasses, and cookware, so you could cook there, but then there was maid service as well. It was very confusing and awesome.
The resort had three pools, a couple of gigantic hot tubs, and a beach bar. More on that tomorrow. In general, this place was fabulous and totally decadent.
South of the Border was a must-stop when we used to visit the South Carolina beaches when I was a teenager. I remember getting this water toy, like a small water sausage that would slip through your hands. It was difficult to hold onto, in other words. I thought it was cool until my parents and friend started laughing every time I played with it. I was ten; what did I know? It was a strange toy, and my family was a little perverted about it, if you ask me. LOL
ReplyDelete~Amy B.