The Olde English District honors its storied past while embracing the future. Here you can enjoy small-town charm, outdoor recreation, unique shopping opportunities, wonderful eateries, fun family adventures and so much more. It’s also a fantastic place to simply relax and recharge, disconnecting from the rigors of everyday life.
Spanning the counties of Chester, Chesterfield, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lancaster, Union and York, we invite you to see all that we have to offer. We know you’ll love what you discover in South Carolina’s Olde English District.
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York County
Just south of Charlotte, North Carolina, York County is a vibrant area packed with outdoor recreation, local restaurants and buzzing breweries. It is home to Kings Mountain National Military Park (as well as a state park by the same name, which commemorates a key Revolutionary War battle). The Anne Springs Close Greenway is a natural escape, perfect for an afternoon picnic or leisurely hike. Grab a bite in Downtown Rock Hill, also known as Old Town, at Kounter, Elk Ave Tavern or Flipside Restaurant, and be sure to check out some of the nearby watering holes after a delicious meal.
Officially in South Carolina’s “Upstate,” Union County starts to hint at the foothills that rise to rolling hills and vistas. A visit to Union is not complete without a tour of downtown Civil Rights-era historic sites — nor without a stop at Midway BBQ. History buffs will love the Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site in Sumter National Forest, which tells the rich yet complicated story of many generations of plantation dwellers. Adrenaline junkies, however, may want to visit the Union County Dragway just southeast of the town of Union.
With various water access points, agri-tourism destinations and scenic state parks, Chester County offers opportunities for both outdoor adventure and relaxation. Visitors often gravitate to the Catawba River or Landsford Canal State Park. The 523-acre Chester State Park is a haven for hiking, picnicking, boating and fishing. From enjoying annual festivals such as the Flopeye Fish Festival in Great Falls or Lily Fest at Landsford Canal State Park to stopping by local farms for u-pick produce, Chester County is a breath of fresh air from life’s hustle and bustle.
With a rich art community, Lancaster County features galleries and a variety of collectives sprinkled throughout, including Bob Doster’s Backstreet Studios. The Lindsay Pettus Greenway intersects nature and public art in a surprising setting, while history buffs will not want to miss Andrew Jackson State Park, which tells the story of the President’s boyhood and South Carolina’s storied role in the fight for American independence. Also noteworthy is the Native American Studies Center housed at USC Lancaster with its impressive collection of Catawba Indian pottery.
Downtown Cheraw is a quaint and cozy town for dining, shopping and learning the area’s history, including the life of hometown favorite, Dizzy Gillespie. Nearby Pageland supports a strong antiquing district while two state parks invite visitors to do as much or as little as they like. Cheraw State Park has an 18-hole championship golf course, mountain biking and hiking trails, and fully outfitted cabins and campsites. Nature lovers will enjoy Sand Hills State Forest and the Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge. Find all this and more in beautiful Chesterfield County.
Home to the South Carolina Railroad Museum, Fairfield County is the gateway to the 283-acre Lake Wateree State Park, which sports 100 paved camping sites, an on-site tackle shop and a mile-long nature trail. Situated on about 2,600 wooded acres, Carolina Adventure World offers the thrills of ATV, UTV and dirt bike riding. Fairfield County also celebrates the quiet charms of small-town living. Don’t miss Laura’s Tea Room in Ridgeway and the longest continuously running clock in the U.S. in Winnsboro, whose settlement dates back to 1777.
In the county seat of Camden, a vibrant downtown attracts foodies, antiquers, equine enthusiasts and pickleball players, among others. Nearby, you’ll find charming inns, distilleries, grist mills and historic sites that invite a leisurely stroll. Many varieties of birds make their homes in cypress stands along Lake Wateree, while Goodale State Park offers an excellent opportunity to view native flora and fauna. The Revolutionary War Visitor Center and the Historic Camden campus interpret the origins of the nation.
Revolutionary War Visitor Center Located in Camden at 212 Broad Street, this attraction serves as a key historical and educational hub dedicated to the gateway to the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution. In fact, the Battle of Camden witnessed a crucial confrontation between the American and British forces during the war. Learn how South Carolinians were instrumental in turning the tide in the war for independence.
Skydive! Carolina Lookin’ for adventure? Head out to Skydive! Carolina at 1903 King Air Drive in Chester. Billed as the premier skydiving center of the Carolinas, this venue offers first-timers the opportunity to jump in tandem with a professional instructor from 14,000 feet. Training is, of course, provided prior to jumping. The entire experience is documented with photography and a DVD. They also welcome experienced and licensed skydivers.
Goodale State Park Located in Camden, this state park features a nature trail and canoe trail, which give visitors an excellent opportunity to view the native flora and fauna. Cypress trees line the spring-fed lake which offers boating and fishing. In the open water area, you can see ducks, kingfishers, osprey and occasionally bald eagles. Picnic shelters, tables, playground equipment and a meeting facility are available.
Inn Upon Moon River Plantation Blues B&B This plantation style home built in 1904, offers all the modern conveniences expected in comfortable and pleasant accommodations. The century-old front porch is perfect for watching the hustle and bustle of the community. The Inn is also a blues and jazz museum that contains the Dave CC Club Library for researching the blues. Located in the historic district, the inn is within walking distance to the quaint downtown.
Cotton Hills Farm Explore Cotton Hills Farm in Chester, a thriving family-owned farm since 1882, and South Carolina’s largest pumpkin farm. Offering seasonal fruit and vegetable picking, from strawberries in April-May to pumpkins in September-October, this farm presents an authentic rural experience. With its farm market and multiple locations, you can enjoy the farm’s fresh produce. Check out the special events, too!
Flipside Restaurant Group Experience the charm and Southern hospitality of the Flipside Restaurant Group owned by chefs Amy and Jon Fortes. Famed for local-inspired comfort food, they offer a variety of dining experiences from hearty breakfasts to relaxed family dinners. Enjoy the upscale ambiance at the Flipside Restaurant or the casual goodness of Flip Out Burger, each in Rock Hill. Meanwhile in Fort Mill, enjoy the friendly neighborhood feel of the Flipside Café, sumptuous Italian fare at Salmeri’s, or globally inspired treats at FM Eatery.
October is here, and the Olde English District is bursting with fall fun! From pumpkin patches and hayrides to festivals, haunted happenings, and live…
Family vacations are about making memories, and the Olde English District has plenty of unique places to stay that make your trip even more special. F…
From the suburbs of Charlotte, N.C., to tucked-away towns and rural communities, the Olde English District offers just the kind of getaway you need. We offer an array of hotels, bed & breakfasts, cabins, camping and more across our seven counties.
We love to see you enjoying your time in the Olde English District. Share your photos on social media using #oedtravel for a chance to be featured in our gallery.
🏇✨ The 50th running of the Marion duPont Scott Colonial Cup Races returns November 23, 2025! Celebrate this golden milestone with an unforgettable day of excitement — from thrilling steeplechase races to festive fun for all ages. Enjoy a holiday market and food village, show off your style in the best dressed contest, and let the little ones explore the kids zone. 🎩🎁🍂
📅 Sunday, November 23, 2025 🔗 For more information, visit: carolinacup.org/colonialcup/
🎅 All aboard Santa’s North Pole Express! 🚂✨ Join the South Carolina Railroad Museum for a magical 90-minute holiday ride where Santa visits each child—no waiting in line! Wear your coziest pajamas, bring your letters for Santa, and make unforgettable Christmas memories. 🎄
🎟️ Rides run the first three weekends in December — get your tickets now at scrm.org
Celebrate Native heritage, history, and creativity! 🌾 USC Lancaster’s Native American Studies Center kicks off its 20th Annual Native American Studies Celebration on Nov. 8, featuring lectures, an artist market, a book signing, artifact identification, and more. All are welcome to learn, connect, and experience culture. ✨ 👉 For more info, visit: https://nativeamericanstudies.org/
🍁 Did you know Kings Mountain is one of the top-ranked state parks in South Carolina for fall foliage viewing? And now is the perfect time to plan a visit. Wander through miles of scenic trails, admire the vibrant mix of reds, oranges, and golds, or simply enjoy a quiet picnic surrounded by nature’s best colors. 🌳✨
Whether you’re an avid hiker, photographer, or just love a good autumn drive, Kings Mountain is the place to soak up the season. Don’t miss this chance to see fall on full display before the leaves are gone! 🍂
📸 A big thank you to @sylviefsmith for sharing these breathtaking photos with us!
🇺🇸 Step back in time at the Revolutionary War Visitor Center in Camden, where the story of America’s fight for independence comes alive! Learn about the Southern Campaign, meet the Friends and Foes of the Revolution, and uncover the hard-fought battles that turned the tide for liberty. ⚔️✨
🎄✨ Get into the holiday spirit at the Jingle Bell Bazaar! 🎨🛍️ Join the Arts Council of Chester County for an indoor holiday art market featuring local artists, makers, and vendors — perfect for finding unique gifts this season!
🗓️ Saturday, November 8, 2025 🕙 10 AM – 4 PM 📍 Gateway Conference Center (3200 Commerce Dr, Richburg, SC)
Support local creativity and start your holiday shopping early! 🎁
🎃 Happy Halloween from the Olde English District! 👻 Wishing everyone a frightfully fun day filled with sweet treats, spooky adventures, and plenty of local charm. #oedtravel #happyhallowen
🔥🐖 Get ready, BBQ lovers! Pig on the Ridge is taking over downtown Ridgeway Oct 31–Nov 1! Friday is No Pigs Allowed—chefs whip up anything BUT BBQ 🍔🌮, then Saturday is the BIG BBQ day. From vinegar to mustard to ketchup-based sauces, they’ve got it all, plus entertainment, a classic car parade, and even a hog calling contest! 🎶🚗🐷 Don’t miss one of the state’s biggest cookouts!
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