I remember Aiken, a town that once had more polo fields than any place in America. It is so beautiful it is like a lovely woman - you can’t take your eyes off and you never forget. Nice place they choose...as a former californian I cry at the distruction of their once thriving life.
They’ll like all of South Carolina from the Piedmont through the Midlands to the Lowcountry coast. Just remember that here our beaches are known for their sunrises.
BTW, this is a very gun-friendly state.
As for the weather, we say if you don’t like it, stick around for a day and it’ll change.