There's one thing to be said about the pizzerias in Florence, South Carolina and that's they like to stay traditional. For that reason, Florence is known for thick crust pizza and you'll find very few other types of pies, unless it’s a New York-style or a Sicilian-style, on the menus here. Thick crust is one pizza that is not going anywhere – unless it's in a delivery box obviously. It's been around for centuries in Italy and Greece and for decades in the rest of Europe and in America. The magic of its staying power through the generations is inexplicable as it's such a basic food it defies logic. Who would ever think that a ball of flattened bread dough, a simple tomato sauce, and a bit of cheese could entrance the taste buds of so many over the years? But it has, and continues to do so and probably will for generations to come.

Best delivery pizza in Florence, South Carolina

When you don't want to be kept hanging around waiting for your delivery pizza to turn up, order one from a reputable pizzeria that promises swift service. There's a pizzeria in Florence that does that and they also bake the best delivery pizza in Florence too. That's a double whammy which means you come out winning on all counts. The pizzeria in question is Schlotzsky's which is located in the Florence Mall on West Palmetto Street. This joint is a modern pizzeria that is sparsely but comfortably furnished in trendy colors of ivory and lime green. They're not colors that suit all tastes and do clash a little, but the same can't be said about the colorful toppings on Schlotzsky's pies. They have a natural balance and are totally delicious.

Best takeout pizza in Florence, South Carolina

If you've been topping up on your retail therapy sessions by shopping at the Florence Mall and have worked up an appetite, you're in the right place to get the best take-out pizza in Florence. Just walk around the corner and you'll find Cici's Pizza where they'll be more than happy to serve you a slice or a whole pie to take away with you. Cici's Pizza is an established pizzeria where they know how to knock out great pizzas in double-quick time. You won't be waiting long for your pie to bake as they only take a few minutes and once it's ready you can be on your way home to put all your purchases away. Go for Cici's Supreme pizza and you won't be left feeling hungry after you've eaten as it's loaded with a bit of everything.

Best pizza near Florence, South Carolina

Darlington

No fan of motorsports will be able to resist making the short twelve-mile drive northwest from Florence to Darlington. Darlington is a South Carolina city obsessed with speed in one form or another. In Darlington, you can visit the Darlington Raceway which is a NASCAR circuit reputed to be extremely testing for the drivers. If that's not enough action then head for the Darlington Dragway where you can watch the super souped-up drag racers speed along the mile and a third of tarmac. After all the excitement is over, drop in at Mama Mia on Ward Street for a slice of tray-baked pie.

Lake City

When you want to go somewhere where it's all happening, head south out of Florence in the direction of Lake City. It's just a half-hour drive and at the end of it you'll be in one of the most culturally awake cities in South Carolina. Explore the downtown area and you'll discover just how much into art the residents of this city are as there are murals everywhere as well as a fair few galleries exhibiting works by local artists. Take a look at the eclectic collections in the Lynches Lake Historical Society Museum or have a stroll through the Moores Farm Botanical Garden. Don't go home without trying a pizza from Pizza Roma on Saul Street.

Bishopsville

Bishopsville is a thirty-minute drive west of Florence and a spot to head for when you want to get away from urbanization. Bishopsville is bordered by the Lee State Park and that's the place for canoeing or kayaking along the Lynches River, hiking, biking, horse riding on trails running through the woodlands, or going fishing for catfish. There's no food within miles so make sure you pick up a pizza from Big Cheese Pizza on South Main Street before you go. If you don't eat it all it'll come in handy for baiting your fishing hook.