Edisto Island, South Carolina - Serpentarium

The new Serpentarium (opened 1999) features well designed exhibits of local snakes, crocodiles, and other scaley critters, as well as indoor tanks of notable snakes from around the world. The owners really know their stuff and have decades of serpent experience. As the only visitors, we received the fully informed tour. "The more you look, the more you see." And he's right. The outdoor pits are home to snakes that you don't spot at first glance. The indoor displays prove to be more informative, and the building nicer, than you might expect. The gift shop sells appropriately snake-y items. Edisto Island Serpentarium 1374 Highway 174 Edisto Island, SC 29438 843-869-1171 [Chuck Gordanier, 02/04/2001]