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Keep up with South Of The Border news, events & happenings in the community.

Loretta Lynn Southeast Area Qualifier March 15-17 at SOBMX

Tuesday, February 26, 2013 ˜ 3:37 am

South of the Border Motocross Training Facility will be hosting the 2013 Loretta Lynn Southeast Area Qualifier on March 15-17. For more information about classes, scheduling and pricing, you can check out the Loretta Lynn Area Qualifier section of Victory Sports.

SOBMX is located on the grounds of South of the Border Tourist Attraction and offers 300 hotel rooms and 100 campsites with full hook-ups for race attendees. There are 24-hour restaurants on site, as well as shopping, arcades and the new Reptile Lagoon learning center. All these great features makes the Loretta Lynn Southeast Qualifier at SOBMX a great outing for the entire family.

If you need accommodations at South of the Border for the race, you can call 800-845-6011.

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Posted in Accommodations, Events, Reptile Lagoon, South of the Border MX, South of the Border News No Comments »

South of the Border MX Training Facility is Pedro’s Newest Attraction!

Monday, April 16, 2012 ˜ 1:28 am

South of the Border MXSouth of the Border MX Training Facility is the newest attraction to join the South of the Border family of companies in Hamer, SC. These tracks are located on the north side of South of the Border complex behind Camp Pedro in our spacious wide-open fields. No expense was spared to make this attraction a world-class motocross training facility for everyone from beginner to pro.

South of the Border MX offers 3 different specially designed and carefully constructed motocross tracks that rival any facility in the nation and a smaller training track that is perfect for those just learning to ride motocross bikes.

The 1.4 mile outdoor MX track features all of the conditions and obstacles a rider will see at the amateur national Motocross tracks. The clay-based soil, with sand and topsoil mixed in, forms the deep ruts and bumps motocross riders need to train on to prepare for the conditions they will face at tracks like Loretta Lynn’s, The Mini Olympics and the AMA Outdoor Nationals.

The next track is a full-on Supercross track that replicates the conditions and obstacles found in the stadiums where AMA Supercross races are held. This track is for riders holding an AMA Professional license, and those pros  can train on our pro-level Supercross track.

The SOBMX Arenacross track was designed to be an exact replica of the tracks in arenas holding AMA Arenacross races. This packed red clay track will have you ready for the stadiums in no time sharing the podium with Chad Cook and all the other big names.

In addition to the outdoor MX, SX and AX tracks the 1.1-mile Skills Development Track features rutted turns, bermed turns, flat turns, a roller section, jumps, and a set of whoops. It is perfect for developing the skills needed to become a motocross champion.

 South of the Border MX

South of the Border MX is much more than a collection of places to ride. It’s also a training facility with some of the best instructors around to help you learn how to be a motocross rider, or how to take your skills to the top level in the sport. Our Training Packages are set up with the goal of advancing our riders to the next class and making you a championship rider. We believe that SOBMX offers a much better package of amenities than any other motocross training facility in America. Things like a gym, pool, restaurants, bike shop, arcades and shops allow for a much more pleasant and convenient training experience. You aren’t stuck in a ratty cabin out in the backwoods; you are right beside one of America’s top tourist destinations and this allows your down time be productive and fun.

 south of the border mx

We hope you will check out our newest feature here at South of the Border when you stop by to check out our facilities, shopping and restaurants.

You can find us on Facebook, follow Pedro on Twitter and head over to the website of South of the Border MX and give them a look.

Posted in South of the Border MX, South of the Border News (1) Comment »

South of the Border-One of America’s Kitchiest!!

Wednesday, August 31, 2011 ˜ 5:48 pm

A new article rates South of the Border in Dillon, SC as one of the Top Ten Kitschiest Roadside Attracitons in America. We are often called “America’s #1 Roadside Attraction” and we are very pleased to see that a few travel writers are beginning to agree with what millions of East Coast tourists have known for years That South of the Border is one of them most fun diversions along your travels of any attraction in the U.S.

Travel and Leisure Magazine’s list of the Kitschiest Roadside Attraction has South of the Border comig in at #8. This article says “If the Three Amigos had their own theme park, it might resemble South of the Border.” and that sounds like a good description to us. Thanks to writer Jessica Su and all at the magazine. SOuuth of the Border welcomes you all back anytime, along with our millions of other faithful visitors.

South of the Border Sombrero Tower

Sombrero Tower

Posted in Press (9) Comments »

Big Bad Border Bumpers

Tuesday, March 1, 2011 ˜ 1:26 am

At South of the Border, America’s Favorite Roadside Attraction, in Dillon South Carolina there are a lot of larger than life things to see. We have a 200 foot high observation tower that soars above the grounds. You can reach the tower in a glass elevator to enjoy the scene on your way up to the top. Standing over the shops and hotel lobby is our 97 foot tall Pedro mascot and South of the Border neon sign. And in our new Reptile Lagoon, you can find of the largest Burmese Albino pythons in America. Daisy is an astounding 22 feet long.

But maybe one of the most memorable things about South of the Border is only a few inches long and a couple of inches high. Our bumper stickers are an American icon that can be found on front and back of millions of traveler’s cars over our 60 year history. No matter where you go in the U.S., you can find a car or RV with that instantly familiar logo. You know right away that those people are veteran travelers with great taste!

While doing some research for this post about the South of the Border bumper sticker, we ran across this little gem. A vintage bumper sticker for sale on Ebay for an amazing $29.95. That’s quite a good price for something that probably was free or cost maybe a penny in its day. If that is a little too rich for your blood, we found another classic sticker from the 70′s for half that on arts and crafts site Etsy.

We found some Flickr photos of more recent South of the Border bumper stickers from user Jason Liebig. This one was from the 1980′s and has that classic 80′s neon color scheme and the over-lapping letters look really nice. His next photo shows a more modern look and design from the 1990′s.

So next time you swing through to see Pedro, make sure you pick up a bumper sticker by the checkout register at any of our shops. And if you need some help putting it on just right, we even found a Youtube video to show you the right way (NSFW-language). You can follow Pedro on Twitter for fun and information, join our Facebook fan page and read all the latest happenings and news from South of the Border on our blog.

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Posted in History, Reptile Lagoon, Souvenirs (3) Comments »

Pedro’s Top Nueve reasons to visit in the Nuevo Year

Monday, January 24, 2011 ˜ 6:11 am

It’s a new year here at South of the Border in lovely Dillon, South Carolina. 2010 was a busy year here at The Border, with lots of fun new additions to make your visits even more exciting. It has also been a year of hard work making all your favorite attractions look new again. Although, if you have never visited us they are all new to you sez Pedro.

9) Tamales, Tamales, Tamales

8) You can crash in our guest room, and you don’t even have to make the bed when you leave.

7) You like that BOOM BOOM POW.

6) You think getting high is pretty cool.

5) Your need to stock up on Good Ole Blenheim Ginger Ale.

4) To fill up those hungry kids and get back on the road

3) Educate the kids about all the creepy-crawly things from around the world.

2) With hundreds of miles of  signs, resistance is futile.

1) Pedro loves you and he likes your pesos too!

Hope you have enjoyed our silly little list for the new year. But to be serious, we really do love all the people who stop by and visit with us. Thanks for making 2010 a great year. It was a year of change and renewal around South of the Border. In 2011, we plan to continue this effort to refurbish the grounds and provide new exciting attractions to go with all the ones you have grow to love here.

Thanks again for making South of the Border America’s Favorite Roadside Attraction. Follow us on Twitter and join the Official Facebook page for South of the Border here.

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Posted in South of the Border News (2) Comments »

Border History Revealed

Tuesday, December 7, 2010 ˜ 5:23 am

South of the Border tourist attraction has been a landmark in Dillon, SC for over 60 years. With such a long rich history, there have been many cards, posters, trinkets and memorabilia associated with Pedro and The Border. Many people have collected these items over the years, and occasionally the drop us a line or email to share their treasures with us. We have some great photos on our website that reflect the changes and growth of South of Border over the years. But that is only a small fraction of the images out there in cyberspace.

We recently received a picture of a 1957 post card on our Facebook group from a person who collects memorabilia about Hwy 301. This highway is the original location for South of the Border, and was the way all our travelers came to us. This changed when Interstate 95 became the main north/south highway in the area years later. He has quite few more photos and post cards on his profile and we thank him for sharing them with us. Here is a collection of early billboards from our Facebook group too. We believe these are from the late 50’s and early 60’s as well. And this shot of the motel lobby and giant Pedro sign is from the 60’s too, judging by the sweet, sweet rides in the parking lot.

Speaking of sweet rides, check out the photo album that showcases all the Mustangs from the car show held every year on the grounds of South of the Border. It has pictures of Mustangs and Fords from several decades. The Round Up at the Border event raises money for charity every year, and continues to attract more and more muscle car enthusiasts from across the country.

To stay connected to all the events, news, photos and fun at South of the Border, subscribe to our Twitter feed, join our Facebook group and follow our blog.

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Posted in History (4) Comments »

The Border Celebrates Blenheim Ginger Ale

Friday, October 1, 2010 ˜ 1:17 am

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As some of you know, Good Ole Blenheim Ginger Ale is made right here on the grounds of South of the Border, America’s Favorite Roadside tourist attraction in Dillon, South Carolina. Today Pedro is helping them celebrate and announce the opening of their Online Store. You can now place an online order for the tongue-slapping ginger ale that was created in 1903, making it America’s oldest independent soft drink.

Blenheim Ginger Ale is owned by the Schafer family, who also own South of the Border. As the story goes, Alan Schafer began drinking Blenheim Ginger Ale as a youngster and fell in love with that spicy heat and homemade flavor. Legend has it he once credited his long life and good health to two things: An Old #3 Blenheim Ginger Ale and a beer every day. So when the opportunity arose to buy Blenheim Bottlers, he jumped at the chance. After a marketing campaign in the Seventies, the demand for Blenheim Ginger Ale became so great, he decided to build a new modern factory near his office on the grounds of South of the Border. He may have modernized the equipment, but Blenheim Ginger Ale is still made the old fashioned way with sugar and a century old recipe that puts the fire and spice in ginger ale.

For over 100 years, Blenheim Ginger Ale has been made in small batches with the love and attention only a family run business can offer. This made getting your hands on a bottle pretty difficult if you didn’t live in the Dillon, SC area. But now every home in America can have a case of Blenheim Ginger Ale sitting in the fridge in just a few short days. Once you place you online order, the factory will ship it to your home in a couple of days for the incredible price of $24 per case plus shipping. That’s only a dollar a bottle, and Pedro loves a good bargain. So head on over to their website and read all about Blenheim Ginger Ale’s 3 unique flavors: Old #3 Hot, #5 Regular and #9 Diet.

You can get more updates, news, info and fun from South of the Border by following Pedro on Twitter, @sotbpedro or checking out our Official Facebook page.

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Posted in Blenheim Ginger Ale, Schafer Family (2) Comments »

Reptile Lagoon ~ South Of The Border’s Newest Attraction

Wednesday, August 11, 2010 ˜ 7:48 am

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REPTILE LAGOON

The newest addition to the South of the Border Tourist Attraction is our Reptile Lagoon, run by Pedro’s cousin Zurdo. It’s the largest indoor reptile exhibit in the U.S. and it’s right here in Dillon, South Carolina. It has an amazing collection of snakes, alligators, crocodiles, turtles and other creepy crawlies.

On your next trip to South of the Border, make sure you allow ample time to spend in our fun and informative Reptile Lagoon. We have an experienced veteran snake and reptile handler, along with friendly staff who are here to educate the kids while they marvel at the huge variety of exhibits. What would a trip to South of the Border be without shopping? Boring is what it would be, so of course the Reptile Lagoon has a gift shop full of reptile themed items to remember the experience.

Our Reptile Lagoon has a wide variety of crocodile species. We have over 15 varieties that are on display. These include American alligators, Nile crocodiles, a slender-snouted crocodile, and many other types. We also have crocs that are on the endangered species list and a portion of every admission goes to the Crocodile Conservation Institute to help save these prehistoric animals. The custom built pools and walkways allow close up viewing, while always maintaining strict safety.

TAKE A PHOTO TOUR

The Reptile Lagoon boasts an exotic collection of slithering snakes from all around the planet. A visit here is a must for any snake enthusiast. There are gigantic reticulated pythons, awesome anacondas, and beautiful Burmese pythons. Daisy is a rare albino Burmese python and is our largest snake. She stretches over 22 feet in length and weighs more than 220 lbs. That’s more than Pedro!

No reptile exhibit would be complete with some of the most deadly and dangerous venomous snakes known to man. The Reptile Lagoon’s most lethal residents include King Cobras from India, American Diamondback rattle snakes, and the world’s most feared killer: the African Black Mamba.  Along with these treacherous creatures, we also have dozens of different beautiful and fascinating snake specimens.

Another section of the Reptile Lagoon features the lovable turtle. Pedro and Zurdo couldn’t find a Ninja Turtle, but we have brought in a Giant Tortoise from Aldabra Island. Aldabra is halfway around the world off the coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, and the Giant Tortoise is considered one of the largest types. The Fly River, or Pig-nose turtle, comes to us from the far away island of New Guinea and Australia. This is a very rare creature because it is the only freshwater turtle that has true flippers like an ocean turtle.

From closer to home in South America comes the funny looking horned Mata Mata Turtle. It’s a must see because it looks like someone crossed a turtle with a dinosaur. Kids will love it for sure. From right here in the good ole Southeast U.S.A. the Reptile Lagoon has the giant Alligator Snapping Turtle, the largest freshwater turtle in N. America. Many a country boy has been on the losing end of messing with this beast. Legend has it, once it bites down it won’t let go until it hears thunder and lightning. Zurdo found this out the hard way, but Pedro won’t find out you can be sure of that!

Zurdo and Pedro will be constantly adding new species, exhibits and learning opportunities. Every trip to the Reptile Lagoon at South of the Border can be a whole new experience, so come back often. You can follow Pedro on Twitter (@sotbpedro) and on our official Facebook page for the most up-to-date information about Blenheim Ginger Ale, the Reptile Lagoon and the South of the Border Tourist Attraction.

Hours of Operation
Monday-Thursday: 10am-7pm
Friday: 10am-9pm
Saturday: 9am-9pm
Sunday: 9am-8pm

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Posted in Amusement, Reptile Lagoon (39) Comments »

Spring Brings New Things To South Of The Border!

Wednesday, May 19, 2010 ˜ 10:34 am

spring_pool_postThe days are heating up here in Dillon, SC at South of the Border, and we have a lot of hot new things going on around the 300 acres that make up America’s Favorite Roadside Attraction. Everything from renovations and updating of all of Pedro’s classic attractions to construction of a brand new feature is coming together as the summer travel season gets closer. We invite you to stop by and see all the exciting new changes on your way to your favorite summer vacation fun spot!

South of the Border features 3 different ways to spend an evening with us on the way to your vacation destination. Our Motor Inn has 300 newly refurbished rooms to get you relaxed, rested and ready to hit the dusty trail the next morning. Our Pleasure Dome features an indoor heated pool, sauna and locker rooms with showers to help motel and campground guests with their relaxation. Also, the Pleasure Dome and surrounding area has just been outfitted with free WI-FI wireless internet for our guest’s convenience. Our campground has full hookups and power for motor homes and campers, and barbecue grills and showers for those who rough it in a tent. You can see our newly published rate schedules for Camp Pedro and the Motor Inn on our Accommodations page.

Construction of a new attraction for South of the Border is progressing extremely well. We will be transforming our Pedroland Park page into an Attractions page in the very near future to reflect the park’s new direction and focus. Our new environmentally themed attraction will feature a “Reptile Lagoon” ~ complete with live alligators and crocodiles run by Pedro’s cousin Zurdo. It will also have a Learning Center to educate our guests, school groups and locals about the vital need to preserve our natural resources and respect Mother Nature. We will have more details in a future blog, which you can receive through an RSS feed.  Or you can follow @SOTBPedro on Twitter and join our official Facebook group for regular updates and happenings at South of the Border.

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Posted in Accommodations, Amusement, South of the Border News (1) Comment »

Round Up at South of the Border ~ Mustang Car Show

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 ˜ 3:53 am

round_up_sotbOn March 20, 2010 South of the Border will be hosting the 8th Annual Round Up at The Border car show, bringing in Ford Mustang and Classic Ford auto enthusiasts from all over the East Coast here to Dillon, South Carolina. Each year the show gets bigger and better, and this year should be the best yet. The Round Up at The Border car show is a must-attend event if you love the classic good looks of a true American automotive icon like the Ford Mustang. You can see a fantastic video of a previous show, posted by the Southern Mustang and Ford Club.

The Round up at The Border is hosted by the Eastern South Carolina Mustang Club based out of Florence, South Carolina. All models of Classic Ford cars are welcomed at this event, and there will be many different classes to choose from for Mustang owners. Door prizes will be given away all day during the show so make sure you register to win, even though Pedro always thinks you are a winner. The show will begin at 8AM and continue until 4PM. You can check your hot-looking cars in from 8AM to Noon.

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The registration fee is only $20, but you can get and Early Bird discount if you register before March 13th. To get your registration forms you may contact Gene Turner at gtmustang@bellsouth.net or give him a call at 843-617-1456.

Pedro is also helping you out at this event with a good deal at the South of the Border Motor Inn. If you would like to stay over or come a day early, simply give us a call at 800-845-6011 and mention that you would like the special rate for the Round Up at The Border show. We also have full camping sites available with room for even the largest RV’s. There is also plenty of parking on the South of the Border complex for trailers and car haulers. And of course, no trip would be complete without some trinkets, collectibles or kitsch from one of our many shops. There are 6 different dining options at South of the Border ranging from the high-end steak house The Peddler to Mexican food at the world famous Pedro’s Hot Tamale.

EVENT DETAILS:

Hosted by: Eastern South Carolina Mustang Club
Location: “Pedro’s South of the Border” on I-95 at the North Carolina South Carolina border.
Event time: 8am – 4pm; check-in 8am- noon.
Registration Fee: $20 ($15 before March 13).
Door prizes, classes for all models of Mustangs and Fords, special motel rate with South of the Border.
Contact: Gene Turner at gtmustang@bellsouth.net, call 843.617.1456.

Click here to view large flier »

We encourage everyone to drive safely on your trip to Dillon, SC and we will see you on March 20th for the 8th annual Round Up at the Border here on the grounds of America’s Favorite Roadside Attraction, South of the Border.

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Posted in Events (10) Comments »

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