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Welcome to the
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. Itโ€™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 youโ€™ll love what you discover in South Carolinaโ€™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.

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Union County

Officially in South Carolinaโ€™s โ€œUpstate,โ€ 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 โ€” 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 lifeโ€™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 Presidentโ€™s boyhood and South Carolinaโ€™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 areaโ€™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. Donโ€™t miss Lauraโ€™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, youโ€™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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Old Town Market in Downtown Rock Hill
4/11

Old Town Market in Downtown Rock Hill

The Old Town Market at Fountain Park is OPEN every Saturday, April 4 โ€“ November 21, 8:30 AM โ€“ 12:30 PM. There will be no markets in July or fes…

Main Street York Farmers Market
4/18

Main Street York Farmers Market

Join us in Downtown York for the Main Street York Farmers Marketโ€”a seasonal market featuring fresh, locally grown and made products in a welcomin…

Fort Mill Farmers & Artisans Market
5/09

Fort Mill Farmers & Artisans Market

The Fort Mill Farmers & Artisans Market is back for Its 7th Season! Join us for another incredible year of local flavor, creativity, and community…

Food Truck Firday at The Fountain in Downtown Rock Hill
5/15

Food Truck Firday at The Fountain in Downtown Rock Hill

Food Truck Fridays at Fountain Park returns to Old Town Rock Hill with local food trucks, live music, and a fun night downtown.Join the comm…

Moonlight Paddle Float at Cheraw State Park
5/30

Moonlight Paddle Float at Cheraw State Park

Enjoy the beautiful sunset and natural beauty, birds and wildlife abound on the 361-acre Lake Juniper at Cheraw State Park on a moonlight ride you’…

York County 250 Summer Speaker Series
6/18

York County 250 Summer Speaker Series

June 18 – Michael Burgess: The Soul of America: The Challenges of Teaching the American Revolution at 250….

Cultivating Connections Garden Series with the Native American Studies Center
6/20

Cultivating Connections Garden Series with the Native American Studies Center

The Cultivating Connections Garden Series has been extended this summer and fall!Designed to be a living classroom, the program bridges trad…

Pop-Up Art Market
6/20

Pop-Up Art Market

Support local talent and discover something special! These mini monthly pop-up art sales offer original works by Native American artists, perfect f…

Cultivating Connections Garden Series
6/20

Cultivating Connections Garden Series

The Cultivating Connections Garden Series has been extended this summer and fall!Designed to be a living classroom, the program bridges trad…

Paddle with a Ranger at Chester State Park
8/07

Paddle with a Ranger at Chester State Park

Experience outdoor adventure on a ranger-guided kayak tour of Chester State Park’s lake, from the historical boathouse to the new bridge, all that’s i…

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Tee Off in the Olde English District: The Best Disc Golf Courses in South Carolina

Tee Off in the Olde English District: The Best Disc Golf Courses in South Carolina

This corner of South Carolina has hosted the world’s best disc golfers, the United States Disc Golf Championship and the World Disc Golf Championships…

Old Town Farmers Market Map Pin
Old Town Farmers Market

Farmers Markets in the Olde English District

There’s nothing better than a sunny morning at a local farmers market: fresh produce, homemade treats, and local vendors. The Olde English District is…

Explore the small-town charm of Historic York during Summerfest.Map Pin
Aerial view of York Summerfest showing a Ferris wheel, vendor tents, and crowds in historic downtown York, SC.

York Summerfest 2026: Celebrate Summer in Historic Downtown York, SC

Summer may be winding down, but there is still time to make memories in the Olde English District. York Summerfest returns to Historic Downtown York o…

Polly’s Coffee & Ice Cream ShoppeMap Pin
Polly's Ice Cream in Pageland

Ice Cream Stops in The OED: A Sweet Summer Road Trip Guide

Summer in South Carolina’s Olde English District is made for backroads, small-town exploring, and discovering hidden gems along the way. And after a d…

Anne Springs Close GreenwayMap Pin
Anne Springs Close Greenway

Andrew Ferguson: A Free Black Patriot Who Refused to Surrender

Andrew Ferguson: A Free Black Patriot Who Refused to Surrender

Peter Harris: The Only Catawba Regular of the Continental Army

Peter Harris: The Only Catawba Regular of the Continental Army

Peter Harris: The Only Catawba Regular of the Continental Army

Martha Bratton: Igniting the Spirit of American Freedom and Defying the British

Martha Bratton: Igniting the Spirit of American Freedom and Defying the British

Martha Bratton: Igniting the Spirit of American Freedom and Defying the British

The Jackson Family: The Making of a President in the Carolina Backcountry

The Jackson Family: The Making of a President in the Carolina Backcountry

The Jackson Family: The Making of a President in the Carolina Backcountry

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 to s…

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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.

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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.

For the second year in a row, Chester, S.C. has been named one of Blue Ridge Outdoorsโ€™ Top 100 Adventure Towns in the Small Town category!

Each year, Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine highlights 100 communities across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast that offer great opportunities to get outside while showcasing the unique culture, character and experiences that make each destination worth exploring.

Voting is now open! ๐Ÿ—ณ๏ธ

Help us celebrate one of our Olde English District communities by rallying your friends, family, neighbors and fellow adventurers to vote for Chester, S.C.

Link to vote in bio. ๐ŸŽ‰
Already dreaming about fall in the OED? ๐Ÿ‚ 

This is your sign to make it happen. Check out our website for itineraries, things to do, and all the inspo you need for your next adventure. 

#oedtravel #discoversc #falliscoming
๐ŸŒฝ Letโ€™s get Hall Family Farm to #1! ๐ŸŒฝ

One of the OEDโ€™s very own is in the running for USA TODAYโ€™s 10Best Best Corn Maze, and we want to help them take the top spot! ๐Ÿ†

And if youโ€™ve never experienced Hall Family Farm in Lancaster, consider this your sign to plan a fall visit. ๐Ÿ‚ With a 7-acre corn maze and scavenger hunt, a second 15-minute maze, a 2-acre play area, bamboo maze, 30-foot spider web, fire truck slide, farm animals, and more, thereโ€™s plenty of fall fun waiting for you.

Vote once a day through September 7 at noon ET and help us take Hall Family Farm from #12 to #1! ๐ŸŒฝ

๐Ÿ‘‰ Vote through the link in our bio!

#OEDTravel #DiscoverSC
๐ŸŒŸ Your Weekend in the OED ๐ŸŒŸ

๐Ÿ“ Chester County โ€“ Saddle Up at Woods Ferry Horse Trail ๐Ÿด
Explore Chester County from the saddle at Woods Ferry Horse Trail, where rolling hills, forest trails, and scenic Broad River views make for the perfect outdoor escape.

๐Ÿ“ Chesterfield County โ€“ Shop Local at McLeodโ€™s Farm Market ๐Ÿฅ•
Pick up fresh produce, local favorites, and Southern staples at McLeodโ€™s Farm Market โ€” the perfect stop to add a little hometown flavor to your weekend.

๐Ÿ“ Fairfield County โ€“ Make a Splash at Lake Wateree State Park ๐ŸŒŠ
Soak up the summer sun at Lake Wateree State Park with boating, swimming, fishing, and plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors.

๐Ÿ“ Kershaw County โ€“ Experience Live Dance at the Arts Center of Kershaw County ๐Ÿ’ƒ
Enjoy an evening of artistry and movement as Cola Rep Dance Co. brings their summer show โ€œKISS THE GROUNDโ€ to Camden.

๐Ÿ“ Lancaster County โ€“ Take a Stroll on the Lindsay Pettus Greenway ๐ŸŒฟ
Enjoy the fresh air and explore one of Lancaster Countyโ€™s favorite outdoor spaces with a relaxing walk or bike ride along the scenic greenway.

๐Ÿ“ Union County โ€“ Discover Union County Carnegie Library ๐Ÿ“š
Explore a historic community landmark where stories, learning, and local history come together.

๐Ÿ“ York County โ€“ Rock Out at Tega Cayโ€™s Concert in the Park ๐ŸŽธ
Spend your evening outdoors with live music and community fun as Pluto for Planet brings their powerhouse sound to Runde Park in Tega Cay.

Whatโ€™s on your list? ๐Ÿ‘€

#OEDTravel #DiscoverSC #YourWeekendinTheOED #weekendplans