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. Itās 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 youāll love what you discover in South Carolinaās 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 Carolinaās āUpstate,ā 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 ā 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 lifeās 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 Presidentās boyhood and South Carolinaās 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 areaās 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. Donāt miss Lauraās 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, youāll 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.
Come spend 1.5 hours surrounded by the soothing hum of spinning pottery wheels, where you’ll craft your own functional or artistic pieces. Kim Will gu…
Tour by van to all five Greenway entrances to learn about the activities and history of the Greenway! This tour is free for members. To receive the di…
Looking for something fun and different to do? Join us in welcoming back the goats of New Moon Flower Farm to the Greenway to bring our guests the nov…
The Old Town Market at Fountain Park is OPEN every Saturday, April 4 ā November 21, 8:30 AM ā 12:30 PM. There will be no markets in July or festiv…
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 Lookinā 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.Ā
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!
The South Carolina Ag + Art Tour is the largest free farm and art tour in the United StatesĆ¢ĀĀand one of the most immersive ways to connect with th…
MorningBegin your journey in Lancaster atBob DosterĆ¢ĀĀs Backstreet Studio & Garden, where renowned metal artist Bob Doster has transformed his work…
MorningBegin in Lugoff at Gorget Distilling Co., where founder Nikki Thomas brings small-batch distillation to life. Schedule a tasting or guided tour…
Each spring, the SC Strawberry Festival brings thousands of visitors to Fort Mill. As one of the regionĆ¢ĀĀs most anticipated annual events, the fes…
Each spring, Landsford Canal State Park bursts into life as thousands of Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies blanket the Catawba River in delicate white blooms…
Nestled in the rolling woodlands of Winnsboro, South Carolina, Rattlesnake Bike Park is quickly becoming one of the SoutheastĆ¢ĀĀs go-to mountain bi…
Each spring, Rock Hill, South Carolina comes alive in bright green as the community gathers for its signature event, the Come-See-Me Festival. Held an…
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.
Today, the Olde English District hosted our @southcarolina250 Regional Gathering with @authenticitybrandstrategies . Our Executive Director, Micah Decker, shared a sneak peek of some of the exciting things we have going on as we prepare to celebrate SC250. Weāre proud to collaborate with our partners to educate, inspire, and celebrate South Carolinaās role in Americaās founding. Stay tuned for more on how the OED and our partners are bringing SC250 to life. šŗšø
The Olde English District is in the media again š®āØ
Highland cows are having a moment, from their Scottish roots to must-see experiences right here in South Carolina. You can even spot these shaggy stars at @ascgreenway where the Childrenās Farm offers a hands-on outdoor education experience within a stunning 2,100-acre preserve.
From weekend adventures to photo ops and festivals, these iconic cows are stealing hearts across the region.
Thank you to @morethanvmi for including us in @southparkmagazine
Spring is calling, and thereās no better place to experience it than @oldmccaskillsfarm š Mark your calendar for April 18th from 10 AMā5 PM for the 16th Annual Sheep Shearing Day and step into a true working farm experience, where wool goes from sheep to shawl right before your eyes. Enjoy live sheep shearing, Border Collie demonstrations, horseback rides, bluegrass music, concessions, and plenty of hands-on farm fun for all ages.
Discover where history, culture, and adventure meet in Union County š
From legendary Southern barbecue to scenic outdoor escapes, this Upstate gem has something for every kind of travelerāhistory buffs and foodies alike.
Explore a historic state park, dive into local history, and plan your next adventure with five must-do experiences in Union County.
š To help you plan your trip, we created a list of 5 must-do activities when you visit! (link in bio)
š Get ready for smiles at @fishingcreekcreamery
Famous for their incredible goat cheese, this Chester, SC creamery supplies top restaurants and customers across the Carolinas. But the fun doesnāt stop at cheese! Visit the farm to meet adorable baby goats and join their āBottle Babiesā events, where you can feed and play with the little ones. A visit here is a treat for the whole family! š§š
Toss, aim, repeat š„ Spend the day playing disc golf at Chester State Park, home to both an 18-hole and 9-hole course. As the first South Carolina State Parks location to feature disc golf, itās a spot worth adding to your next outdoor adventure.
Raise a glass to history at @gorgetdistilling š„ Rooted in South Carolinaās Revolutionary past, this small-batch distillery crafts rum, vodka, whiskey, and bourbon with bold flavor and hometown pride. Using grains from local Midlands farms, their bourbon starts with corn ground at Boykin Millāa 100+ year-old water-powered grist mill. Every sip is a true taste of South Carolina tradition.
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