Olde English District

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Events At A Glance

Photo courtesy of Old Town Rock Hill

12/05

ChristmasVille

Experience Old Town Rock Hill as it undergoes a magical transformation into a storybook wonderland. Encounter Santa himself,…

12/15

Lowry’s Christmas Parade

This is a Chester County tradition! Watch horses strut through the streets of Lowrys at this annual Christmas parade. Expect…

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Things to Do

History Buffs

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.

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Sports Adventure

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.

Dive In

Nature Lovers

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.

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Small-Town Americana

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.

Family Fun

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!

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Food & Drink

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.

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Stay

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.

Where to Stay

Charming B&B’s: Your Cozy Retreat Awaits

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Where to Stay

Your Home Away from Home

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Where to Stay

Camping & Cabins for Every Adventure

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#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.

It`s that time of year again when the OED comes alive with lights, merriment and holiday events! Watch floats and enjoy a festive celebration at Lowry`s Christmas Parade or head to Old Town Rock Hill as it transforms into the storybook wonderland known as ChristmasVille.

From sleigh rides to parades, here is your guide to holiday events in the Olde English District for celebrating the holidays in South Carolina!

🎁Shop for gifts at the Jingle Bell Bazaar, an indoor holiday art market or the Christmas market at @cotton_hills_farm
⛄ Immerse yourself in a winter wonderland at @carowinds Winterfest celebration
🎅 Explore ChristmasVille, a town transformed into a decorated storybook at @christmasvillerockhill
🚂 Take a ride with the kids to see Santa on a @scrailroadmuseum Santa Train
🥁 Experience beloved Christmas parades throughout the region in Clover, Kershaw, Lowry and Boykin

See for yourself why the best place to celebrate the season this year is in the OED! Explore more events and find more information when you read our Holiday Events blog at the link in our bio.

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The @loopylemonsc is the place in Camden for lunch and brunch! 🍋

Try sandwich favorites like the Chicken Salad Sandwich and Pimento Cheese BLT for the freshest takes on Southern fare. Or, indulge in brunch with the Smoked Salmon Benedict and Avocado Toast. Enjoy freshly made lemonade and sweet tea or unwind with a glass of beer or wine. Come out on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday night with friends or family and try their tapas menu meant for sharing.

The vibe at The Loopy Lemon Cafe is a mix of maximalism against historic brick that puts a new spin on vintage styles. Nothing beats a cute cafe in a charming small town and The Loopy Lemon delivers on delicious flavors, amazing customer service and a relaxing atmosphere that will invite you to slow down and enjoy the small moments of your day.

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Open

Did you know our South Carolina State Parks stay open for the holidays?

And one of the great things about visiting South Carolina is every season is a great time to be outside!

Today, we`re highlighting Goodale State Park in Camden, a great choice for those who prefer water excursions through the wilderness. The park’s 3-mile canoe trail is a relaxing paddle through the forest, offering scenic views of plants and wildlife. You may even spot an alligator, bald eagle or osprey on the water. 🛶

Looking for a way to celebrate the holiday season at a state park?

Check out this list of holiday events at state parks in the Olde English District:
📍 Cookies with Santa at Goodale State Park
📍 Hognamay at Andrew Jackson State Park
📍 A Cheraw Christmas at Cheraw State Park
📍 Christmas on the Farm at Kings Mountain State Park
📍 Christmas at Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site

Check out our Nature Itinerary and start planning your outdoor adventure to one of the OED`s nine state parks at the link in our bio!

Photo credit by @duckdoo14

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Open

Learn about the history of the meat-and-three in the South and explore menus from our list of must-try meat-and-threes in the Olde English District! 🥩

Build your perfect plate with protein choices like fried catfish, meatloaf and chicken-fried steak, and load up on savory sides like collard greens, mashed potatoes, steamed cabbage and macaroni and cheese. Complete the meal with a homemade biscuit, cornbread or roll and wash it down with a Southern-style sweet tea.

Read our guide to the Best Meat-and-Threes to Try in the OED at the link in our bio!

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Open

❄️ Winterfest is back! Celebrate the holiday season at Carowinds (@carowinds) with holiday lights, ice skating, family activities, live entertainment, and so much more. Find the perfect present at specialty holiday gift shops, play holiday-themed games and enjoy festive live entertainment.

Embrace the season with holiday music and find joy in Christmas activities and holiday attractions for the entire family. Make sure you don`t miss the Carowinds’ Christmas tree lighting!

🥁 End the night at the WinterFest Wonderland Parade, a nightly Christmas parade with decorated floats, holiday music and performers.

Winterfest at Carowinds runs Nov. 15 – Jan. 4. Check the Carowinds website to buy your tickets today.

Open

Did you know The Olde English District spans seven counties in the north-central area of South Carolina?

📍 Chester, Chesterfield, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lancaster, Union and York make up the OED. Take a look around and consider hopping from county to county and enjoy a getaway to one of the small towns.

Explore the Historic Downtown of Fort Mill, see for yourself why the Clover district is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and shop the small businesses on Main Street in Union!

Learn more about the small towns that make up the Olde English District in our "7 Historic Small Towns to Visit in South Carolina`s OED" blog at the link in our bio.

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As the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, start planning a getaway to where it`s nice year-round! 🌞

The Olde English District offers visitors an amazing time all year with attractions like family farms, living history museums, antique stores and six state parks.

🔍 Find family fun, outdoor adventures, historic landmarks, local shops, small-town charm and so much more when you connect with the character of the Olde English District.

Tag someone in the comments you want to explore OED with and start planning your getaway to OED today at our website linked in our bio!

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☕️ Hello, November—time for cozy coffee meetups & gearing up for the holiday season in the OED!

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