Swan Lake Iris Gardens is the only public park in the United States to feature all eight swan species, Swan Lake-Iris Gardens is also home to some of the nation's most intensive plantings of Japanese iris, which bloom yearly in mid to late March.
Sumter, South Carolina is filled with quality golf courses, such as Crystal Lake Golf Course, Sunset Country Club, The Links at Lakewood, and Beech Creek Golf Club.
Sumter is in the center of South Carolina, just 44 miles east of Columbia. Home to Shaw Air Force Base, a big supporter of the local economy, the city enjoys a thriving tourism industry with Swan Lake Iris Gardens, the "Crown Jewel" of Sumter, as the number one attraction. Golf, festivals and a mild climate helped land Sumter a spot on the Top 10 Places to Retire by Retirement Lifestyle Magazine.