There are too many dining opportunities in and around Sumter to list here, but diners can choose from nearly 40 locally-owned restaurants serving everything from down-home southern barbecue to ethnic goods from places across the world, to more sophisticated dining fare.

One example: Situated on the banks of an old mill pond, the aptly-named Boykin's at the Mill Pond Restaurant takes visitors by complete surprise with its homey outward appearance, concealing a ritzy restaurant serving dishes like rack of lamb, blackened rib eye steak, and broiled swordfish.

Of course, in addition to our locally owned restaurants, visitors and residents can dine at all of their favorite fast food and chain "sit-down" restaurants including Ruby Tuesday, Red Lobster, Casa Grande Mexican Restaurant, Redbone Alley, The Outback Steakhouse, and more.

Known as the "Crown Jewel" of Sumter, Swan Lake-Iris Gardens is located in the heart of the city and hosts the world-famous Iris Festival each May. A half century ago, a local entrepreneur donated a parcel of land to the city with only one stipulation--that it always be used for public purposes. Later, another entrepreneur matched the gift with an adjoining parcel of land, and Swan lake-Iris Gardens came into being.

Today, Swan Lake-Iris Gardens features 165 acres of rolling landscape and a large picturesque lake surrounded by trails, boardwalks, and masterfully landscaped gardens which feature more than 6,000,000 iris blooms each spring. But putting the "swan" in Swan Lake are hundreds of graceful majestic swans, with representative for every species of swan know to the world.

The Swan Lake-Iris Gardens complex is open to the public year round during daylight hours and features picnic areas, a playground, and tennis courts. While the park is always free to the public, the gazebo at the lake and other gathering areas can be rented for private or corporate events.

In addition to Swan Lake-Iris Gardens, there are 22 parks in the city and two parks in the county. A few of those are

Dillon Park is the county's center of recreational activity with baseball fields, football/soccer fields, a running/walking track, and more.

Memorial Park is open to the public year round and includes tennis courts.

Riley Park features baseball, wrestling, concerts, and more.

Crosswell Park includes baseball fields, tennis courts, and in-line skating court, picnic facilities, and a playground.

Palmetto Park has a playground, five lighted baseball fields, tennis courts, and amphitheater, and a picnic area.

YMCA is not only approaching its centennial year of service to Sumter, but it is continually recognized as the "Largest fitness center in the midlands" year after year in The State's survey of fitness facilities.

At these parks and at other places throughout the county, the Sumter community enjoys organized recreation for all age groups and is served by a full-time staff in four year-round community centers and 10 summer playgrounds. In addition to public facilities, the local YMCA and YWCA provide additional services.