Pedro's Mexico Shop West — Local services in Dillon

📍 Pedro’s Mexican Shop West @ South of the Border – Hamer, SC

🛣️ A Classic Roadside Attraction with a Lot of Character (and a Need for Some TLC) My husband, daughter, and I went out of our way to stop at South of the Border, and it was totally worth it! One of the coolest spots we explored was Pedro’s Mexican Shop West—this gift shop is HUGE and filled with colorful, quirky, and unique finds. We spent over an hour just browsing everything inside.

✨ It’s one of those old-school, fun stops that brings out the road-trip nostalgia. Definitely a memory-maker!

🖌️ My one suggestion: The entire South of the Border compound could really use a fresh coat of paint. It’s looking a bit rundown, especially the hotel and RV park areas. The place has so much personality—it would be a shame to let it keep decaying. A little love and upkeep would go a long way here!

🕰️ Hours of Operation (as of August 2025): Gift Shops & Dining: 🛍️ Mexico Shop East & West: 🕗 Sun–Thu: 7:30 AM – 9 PM 🕘 Fri–Sat: 7:30 AM – 10 PM 🍴 Sombrero Restaurant: 🕢 Sun–Thu: 7:30 AM – 9 PM 🕙 Fri–Sat: 7:30 AM – 10 PM 🍨 Pedro’s Ice Cream Fiesta: 🕚 Daily: 11 AM – 8 PM 🥩 Peddler Steakhouse (Dinner Only): 🕔 Sun–Thu: 5 PM – 9:30 PM 🕠 Fri–Sat: 5 PM – 10:30 PM 🚫 Closed Mondays through Nov 25 🛏️ Motor Inn & Truck Stop: OPEN 24/7

🗺️ A Little History: South of the Border started in 1949 as a beer stand and quickly grew into one of America’s most iconic roadside attractions. Located just south of the North Carolina state line on I-95, it became famous for its flashy signs, neon lights, giant Pedro statue, and over-the-top charm. At its peak, it included hotels, restaurants, fireworks stands, and even a mini amusement park.

✅ Worth the stop? Absolutely. 🚫 Would we stay overnight? Probably not—unless it gets a refresh. ➡️ If you're road-tripping down I-95, this is a must-see for a quick break, some photos, and fun shopping. Just hope they give it the glow-up...

Just so you know...there is a west shop and across the street is the east shop. I always stop at the west shop. Yes. South of the Border is still there. The billboards are not as numerous as before. I love this shop. They closed the tee-shirt shop and put them in this store. The ice cream shop is gone. Made a bigger parking lot. I bought jewelry and my favorite hot ginger ale 🍺 Blenheim. The price has gone up, but then again what hasn't. Great place to stretch and browse or buy sumptin, anything. Make sure to put SOB on your must see ot have to stop list....

My family and I have stopped here several times over the years, and spent more money than I can remember. This was our first time stopping here during the pandemic. The sign on the door says "NOTICE: FACE MASKS REQUIRED". We walk in wearing our masks. The employees were wearing their masks. But about 8 customers were not. Nobody enforces the rules here. We've lost people in the last year to Covid. And now we will never spend another dollar at any of the SotB...