South of the Border (attraction) facts for kids
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South of the Border's large welcome sign
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| Location | Dillon, South Carolina, US |
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| Opened | 1950 |
South of the Border is a fun and colorful stop located on Interstate 95, US Highway 301, and US 501 in Dillon, South Carolina. It's just south of the border between North Carolina and South Carolina. This spot got its name because it was a popular halfway point for travelers driving between New York and Florida a long time ago.
The whole place has a fun, Mexican-inspired theme. You can find restaurants, gas stations, a video arcade, a motel, and even a truck stop here. There's also a small amusement park, a mini-golf course, and shops where you can buy souvenirs and fireworks. The mascot of South of the Border is Pedro, a cartoon character who looks like a Mexican bandit. You'll know you're getting close to South of the Border because of its many roadside billboards. These signs start miles away and count down how far you have left to drive!
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What South of the Border Looks Like
The style of South of the Border is meant to be very playful and over-the-top. It's located right where I-95 meets US 301/US 501, just south of the state line. The entire area covers about 350 acres (140 hectares).
Inside, you'll find a miniature golf course, a truck stop, and a motel with 300 rooms. There are also many souvenir shops, a campground, and several restaurants. For fun, there are amusement rides and a 200-foot (61-meter) tall observation tower. This tower has a cool observation deck shaped like a giant sombrero hat! South of the Border is also home to "Reptile Lagoon," which is the biggest indoor reptile exhibit in the United States.
Some buildings have unique designs, like a swimming pool area called Pedro's Pleasure Dome, which is inside a special dome. You'll see bright, flashing signs everywhere, making the whole place feel very colorful. There are also many large statues of animals, like dolphins, horses, dogs, gorillas, and even dinosaurs. The Peddler Steakhouse, one of the restaurants, is shaped like a sombrero. The Mexican-themed Sombrero restaurant has decorations like sombreros, cactus plants, and terra cotta pottery.
How South of the Border Started
South of the Border was created by a man named Alan Schafer in 1950. He first opened a small beer stand called South of the Border Depot in 1949. This was a good spot because a nearby county in North Carolina didn't allow alcohol sales at the time.
Over time, the business grew. Alan Schafer started selling Mexican trinkets and many fun, unique items imported from Mexico. The site expanded to include a cocktail lounge, a gas station, and a souvenir shop. In 1954, a motel was added. In 1962, South of the Border started selling fireworks. This was popular because fireworks were not allowed in North Carolina back then.
In 1964, it was announced that the new I-95 highway would pass right by South of the Border. This meant the attraction would be easy to see and reach from two highway exits. By the mid-1960s, South of the Border had grown even more. It added a barber shop, a drug store, a variety store, a post office, and an outdoor go-kart track. A huge 104-foot (32-meter) tall statue of Pedro, the mascot, was also built.
Today, about 300 people work at South of the Border. Many years ago, it was the largest employer in Dillon County, South Carolina, with 700 employees.
Meet Pedro, the Mascot
When South of the Border first started, Alan Schafer used only sombreros and serapes (Mexican blankets) in his advertisements. Later, he hired two men as bellboys, and people started calling them Pedro and Pancho. This led to the creation of the Pedro mascot.
Pedro is a fun, cartoon-like character who wears a sombrero, a poncho, and has a big mustache. He was created to add to the unique and exotic theme of the attraction. Today, all employees at South of the Border are called Pedro, no matter who they are.
South of the Border in Pop Culture
South of the Border has appeared in popular culture:
- The American storyteller and TV personality, Jean Shepherd, started his TV movie, The Great American Fourth of July and Other Disasters, with a visit to South of the Border. He stops at a fireworks market called Fort Pedro, which then leads him into a story about a memorable Fourth of July from his childhood.
- In Season 3, Episode 5 of the TV show Eastbound & Down, the opening scene shows characters Eduardo Sanchez Powers and Casper robbing a Mexican store. Viewers first think they are still in Mexico. However, the scene later shows they were actually robbing the gift shop at South of the Border, meaning they were already in the United States.
