Skip to content
destination guide icon
Request Your Free Destination Guide
Homepage

OLDE ENGLISH DISTRICT

Connect with Character

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.

x

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.

View County

Union County

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.

View County

Chester County

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.

View County

Lancaster County

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.

View County

Chesterfield County

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.

View County

Fairfield 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.

View County

Kershaw County

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.

View County
CarowindsMap Pin
Catch some thrills at Carowinds.
9/12

SCarowinds

SCarowinds, brought to you by Carowinds, reigns as one of the Carolinas’ premier Halloween experiences. Located on the North…

Chester State ParkMap Pin
Chester Disc Golf Course
10/09

United States Disc Golf Championship

The United States Disc Golf Championship (USDGC) stands as one of the most esteemed tournaments in the sport, drawing elite d…

Dizzy Gillespie Statue & MonumentMap Pin
Dizzy Gillespie Statue & Monument
10/16

South Carolina Jazz Festival

Swing into fall with the South Carolina Jazz Festival in historic Cheraw, SC—birthplace of jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie. Thi…

Epoch Tour: MYCO’s Version
10/17

Epoch Tour: MYCO’s Version

Join us for a fun educational evening at the Museum of York County as we explore lyrics and titles of Taylor Swift songs that…

Humanities Festival
10/17

Humanities Festival

Every year, South Carolina Humanities sponsors a Humanities Festival in a community in South Carolina. Established in 1993 in…

Downtown Fort MillMap Pin
photo of downtown Fort Mill
10/18

Fort Mill Fall Festival

Celebrate the season at the Fort Mill Fall Festival, a beloved community tradition filled with food, music, and festive fun!…

Pumpkin Patch Express
10/18

Pumpkin Patch Express

Hop aboard the Pumpkin Patch Express for a festive fall train ride perfect for families! Departing from the main depot, this…

South Carolina: The Epicenter of the World War for American Independence
10/21

South Carolina: The Epicenter of the World War for American Independence

Demonstrations & Reenactments | Lancaster County Join us for a speci…

Lunch & Learn: Spain in the American Revolution
10/21

Lunch & Learn: Spain in the American Revolution

France’s involvement in the American Revolution is well known to most who study history, but they were not the only Europea…

Boo-seum
10/25

Boo-seum

Magic, magic in the air. Something new to discover everywhere. Start off with the crystal ball, it shows a quest for one and…

See All Events
Homepage

Get Our

Homepage
Homepage

Get Our

Homepage
The South Carolina Jazz Festival

The South Carolina Jazz Festival

Each October, the charming town of Cheraw, South Carolina, transforms into a stage for music, culture and community. From October 16–19, 2025, Ch…

The Daily Grind Coffee BarMap Pin
The Daily Grind Coffee Bar

10 Local Coffee shops to Try in the Olde English District

There’s just something special about a cup of coffee, no matter the time of day. Before you set your sights on a day full of exploring and advent…

Cotton Hills FarmMap Pin
Cotton Hills Farm

6 Spots To Pick Pumpkins in the OED

September in the Olde English District brings the promise of fall, even if the temperatures haven’t quite caught up yet. As we dive into autumn a…

Windy Hill Orchard & Cider MillMap Pin
Windy Hill Orchard & Cider Mill

Guide to Windy Hill Orchard & Cider Mill this Fall

As the leaves transform from vibrant greens to rich reds, oranges and golds, Windy Hill Orchard & Cider Mill in York County opens its doors for vis…

SCarowinds: Where Fear and Fun Collide This Fall

SCarowinds: Where Fear and Fun Collide This Fall

Every fall, Carowinds transforms from a family theme park into something much darker, creepier and thrilling: SCarowinds. As one of the Southeast 

Family friendly stays in the Olde English District

Family friendly stays in the Olde English District

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…

Romantic Stays in the OED

Romantic Stays in the OED

Whether you’re planning an anniversary escape, a cozy weekend away or a spontaneous trip with someone special, the Olde English District is full…

All Aboard: Why the South Carolina Railroad Museum Is a Must-Visit in The OED

All Aboard: Why the South Carolina Railroad Museum Is a Must-Visit in The OED

If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping back in time to the golden age of rail travel, the South Carolina Railroad Museum in Winnsboro is the perfect…

Your Guide to National Picnic Month in the OED

Your Guide to National Picnic Month in the OED

July is National Picnic Month, and there’s no better way to enjoy the summer sunshine than with a basket of your favorite foods and a scenic spot…

Read More

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.

Homepage

#OEDtravel

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.

🎃👻 Big news for the Olde English District! We’re excited to share that Forbes contributor Ronny Maye has featured us in her article, “A Mini Guide To The Tricks, Treats, And Thrills Of SCarowinds.” 🕷️✨

SCarowinds is one of the Southeast’s most thrilling fall attractions, and we’re proud to see this Halloween tradition right here in our region highlighted on a national platform. From haunted mazes and eerie entertainment to festive treats and spooky fun for the whole family, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season in the Olde English District.

We’re so grateful to Ronny Maye and Forbes for shining a light on our area’s unique attractions and the unforgettable experiences you can find here. 🍂
✨ A perfect day in Downtown Chester, SC! ✨ From a charming carriage ride with Dream Carriage and Special Events, to shopping local treasures at The Rainbow Rooster, Broad River Mercantile, and Hazelwood Farms we loved every stop. 🍦 Lunch & ice cream at Spotlight Ice Cream & Deli hit the spot, followed by a fascinating tour of the Transportation Museum and a peaceful stroll at Chester State Park. 🎶 We ended the evening with smooth jazz at the beautiful Inn Upon Moon River. Chester truly has it all! 

#oedtravel #inchestercounty
🍁 Hello, October! 🍁
We’re ready for crisp mornings, colorful leaves, pumpkin patches, and all the fall festivals that make this season so special. ✨ What’s on your autumn bucket list in the OED?
✨ Exciting news for the Olde English District! ✨ We are thrilled to announce Micah Jane Decker as our new Executive Director. With over a decade of experience in tourism marketing, community engagement, and building strategic partnerships, Micah brings both passion and vision to this role. She’s eager to highlight the history, culture, and natural beauty of our seven-county region while leading the OED into its next chapter of growth.
🎃🍂 Pumpkin season is here in the OED! Whether you’re after the perfect carving pumpkin or just a fun fall outing, check out these local spots:

1️⃣ Black’s Peaches
2️⃣ Bush-N-Vine
3️⃣ Cherry Place Farm
4️⃣ Cotton Hills Farm
5️⃣ Hall Family Farm
6️⃣ McLeod Farm Roadside Market

🍁 Grab your sweater, sip some cider, and go find your perfect pumpkin! 🧡

#oedtravel