Despite being only the size of South Carolina, one remarkable thing about Scotland is the country's regional differences. Whisky and golf pervade the country, but venture further and you'll find corners that stand out entirely on their own.

Campbeltown, Scotland, was once the Scotch capital, with its 30 distilleries producing more than any other region. While all but three have long since died off, Campbeltown and the Kintyre Peninsula as a whole are under-the-radar destinations that reward the unique journey.

Ask a Scotch whisky enthusiast about their favorites, and you'll quickly get into the nuances of regional differences that make each unique. Scottish golf isn't that much different; there's a common thread of excellent golf and warm hospitality wherever you go, yet each region greets you with subtle nuances that reward deeper exploration.

Getting there is half of the fun, and every mode of transportation is available to visit Campbeltown. So whether you're driving the scenic A83, making the short hop from Glasgow in a Twin Otter (local car hire is possible) or taking the ferry across the Firth of Clyde, tremendous golf, world-class drams and much more await you in Campbeltown.

The Golf

Machrihanish — Old Tom Morris' 1879 redesign of the Kintyre Golf Club brought the course to an 18-hole layout. The course is a proper out-and-back links, playing downwind along the beach going out, before looping back alongside the old RAF Machrihanish air base. The first tee is as good as advertised; the thrilling shot over the beach that Jack Nicklaus called "the best in the world." Simply put, Machrihanish is one of the purest golfing experiences in Scotland or anywhere for that matter, with a great membership, clubhouse, and caddie program to match. You're going to want to play it over and over again.

Machrihanish Dunes — You'd be hard-pressed to find two courses that share a boundary with a greater age difference. David McLay Kidd's Machrihanish Dunes is 130 years younger than Old Tom Morris' creation, but those interested in golf course architecture will delight in experiencing the same stretch of land through the eyes of two architects; one ancient and one modern. Mac Dunes was built on a Site of Special Scientific Interest, so there was little to no movement of dirt across the entire course; an impressive feat in this day and age. Dunes is understated and intimate, with plenty of quirk; and is a worthy companion to Machrihanish.

Dunaverty — It's on the shortlist for the most memorable golf courses anywhere in the world. Electrified fences, seaside views, crossing fairways, livestock — Dunaverty has it all. Venture all the way south to the tip of Kintyre, pay your £65, and enjoy 4800 yards of pure par 66 fun.

Arran Island — Arran sits in the middle of the Firth of Clyde between Troon/Prestwick and Campbeltown. The island is rugged and beautiful, with plenty of places worth exploring. There are seven courses on the island, but Shiskine Golf and Tennis Club, in particular, is the standout: 12 holes situated on a rocky section of the coast that naturally creates some of the most dramatic holes you'll ever experience. Pair it with the 9-hole Corrie Golf Club, which plays inland, for a perfect 21-hole day. Finish your round at Shiskine with a visit to the Green Goddess Wild Sauna on the beach below, a mobile sauna built into an old Bedford RL British Armed Forces truck.

In terms of getting to Arran, the Caldonian MacBrayne ferry schedules can be somewhat unpredictable, but you can sail to Arran from Troon and Ardrossan (if the ferry is available that season) before or after you plan to visit Kintyre, or head north from Campbeltown to Claonaig for the short jaunt across.

The Whisky

Springbank — The crown jewel of the surviving Campbeltown distilleries, Springbank remains a favorite of serious collectors. The distillery rolls out consistently great whiskies across their Springbank (lightly peated), Longrow (heavily peated), and Hazelburn (triple-distilled) labels, plus a bevy of outstanding limited editions. The tour is impressive, and you will be as close to the action as possible, from walking through the drying barley to poking your head into an active mash tun. You'll come away with a deep appreciation for the distillation process, which has been done entirely on-site since the 1820s. A dram (or two) at The Washback Bar following the tour is not to be missed. Book ahead.

Well Cl. between Glebe St and Longrow | www.springbank.scot

Cadenhead's — Scotland's oldest independent bottler dates back to 1842, continuously operated by a single family until it was sold to J & A Mitchell & Co (the proprietors of Springbank) in the 1970s. Cadenhead bottles a wide-ranging selection of special edition whiskies from all over Scotland, as well as other spirits from around the world. In particular, its gin, Old Raj, is a standout. Bottled at two strengths - the red label 46% and the blue label 55% - it has a subtle yellowish hue from the addition of saffron, and makes an excellent martini or G&T.

Visit the tasting room to sample the range alongside light bites, or opt for an elevated experience in the warehouse or even try your hand as a master blender to create your own blended malt.

9 Bolgam Street | www.cadenhead.scot

The Food & Drink

Let's be honest, you haven't really come here for the food, but Campbeltown does have some great options in town, along with proper boozers in town.

Red Herring — Locally sourced Scottish seafood served just steps from the docks of Campbeltown, this is probably the nicest restaurant in town. Open daily until 10pm, it's a great place to tuck in to a more elevated meal.

42 Main Street

Bangladeshi Tandoor — Sometimes you just need solid, dependable curry joint. This is that place. There are absolutely zero frills on the inside, but the curries are good and they will bring the heat if you ask for it. It's BYOB, so make sure to hit the nearby Tesco beforehand.

24 Bolgam Street

The Chip off the Old Block - Proper chippy with a chalkboard menu. Enough said.

28 Saddell Street

Order a 'Munchy Box' — Uniquely Scottish, the Munchy Box features some combination of  kebab meat, chicken tikka, samosas, chow mein noodles, pakora, naan, a pizza, chicken nuggets, garlic bread, mozzarella sticks and coleslaw. There is no better caloric bang for your buck, though plan accordingly for afterwards.

Pubs — Honestly, they're all great. The Tennants is always cold and friendly locals give each pub a lively feel. Pop into as many as possible, chat with the regulars and experience what makes Campbeltown wonderful.