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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 welcoming,…

Crafts & Farmers Market at Kings Mountain State Park
4/25

Crafts & Farmers Market at Kings Mountain State Park

Join us on the Living History Farm for a fun filled day. Enjoy a variety of local food & craft vendors as well as a blacksmith demonstration. Take…

Sundown Series Trail Race at Anne Springs Close Greenway
5/06

Sundown Series Trail Race at Anne Springs Close Greenway

Southern summers are long and hot, but…

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…

Bird Walk at Catawba Bend
5/09

Bird Walk at Catawba Bend

Explore Catawba Bend Preserve with our trip leader as we look for resident and migratory birds. Guided for all skill levels ages 10 and up. …

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…

Hometown Heroes: Celebrating 250 Years of American Service at Fort Mill History Museum
5/21

Hometown Heroes: Celebrating 250 Years of American Service at Fort Mill History Museum

A special exhibit to honor Fort Mill veterans and experience the temporary military exhibit, which will feature stories and a…

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….

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Explore Historic Brattonsville

Explore Historic Brattonsville

Explore Historic Brattonsville: The Patriot Victory That Sparked Backcountry Resistance

See Blackstock's Battlefield

See Blackstock’s Battlefield

See Blackstock’s Battlefield: Where Thomas Sumter Outmaneuvered the British

Enjoy Landsford Canal State Park

Enjoy Landsford Canal State Park

Enjoy Landsford Canal State Park: History, Nature and a Revolutionary River Crossing

Tour Andrew Jackson State Park

Tour Andrew Jackson State Park

Tour Andrew Jackson State Park: Exploring the Revolutionary Roots of a Future President

Explore the Chester County Historical Society

Explore the Chester County Historical Society

Explore the Chester County Historical Society: Uncovering the Personal Stories of the Revolution

The Revolutionary War Visitor Center

The Revolutionary War Visitor Center

The Revolutionary War Visitor Center: Your Gateway to South Carolina’s Southern Campaign

Visit the Lancaster County Historical Courthouse and Museum

Visit the Lancaster County Historical Courthouse and Museum

Visit the Lancaster County Historical Courthouse and Museum: Connecting Communities to the Revolution

Explore Hanging Rock Battlefield

Explore Hanging Rock Battlefield

Explore Hanging Rock Battlefield: Where Patriot Resistance Held Strong

Stone monument at Musgrove Mill State Historic Site in Union County SC.

Visit Musgrove Mill and Blackstock’s

Visit Musgrove Mill and Blackstock’s: Patriot Victories That Kept the Revolution Alive

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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.

Your Weekend in the OED ๐ŸŒŸ

๐Ÿ“ Chester County โ€“ Showing of The Patriot
๐ŸŽฌ Grab your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a special outdoor screening of The Patriot, filmed largely right here in Chester County! Popcorn is provided, and the movie begins at 6 p.m.

๐Ÿ“ Chesterfield County โ€“ 250 Flags for Americaโ€™s 250th
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Honor Americaโ€™s 250th with the 250 Flags for Americaโ€™s 250th display in downtown Cheraw beginning at 3 p.m.

๐Ÿ“ Fairfield County โ€“ Winnsboro Fourth of July Drone Show
โœจ Celebrate Independence Day with live music, food and beverage vendors, and a patriotic drone show lighting up the night sky. Festivities begin at 7:30 p.m.

๐Ÿ“ Kershaw County โ€“ Pints with Patriots
๐Ÿป Ever wanted to grab a drink with a hero from the 1700s? Meet Revolutionary War characters at Greener Pastures Brewing and Silver Leaf Cigar Lounge for a one-of-a-kind evening in downtown Camden.

๐Ÿ“ Lancaster County โ€“ Sunset Yoga
๐Ÿชป Unwind with a free hour of yoga surrounded by blooming lavender and soft evening light at Lavendar Flair. Bring your yoga mat and water, then shop the farm store after class. 7:30โ€“8:30 p.m.

๐Ÿ“ Union County โ€“ Canoe the Broad River
๐Ÿ›ถ Paddle the scenic Broad River as it winds through Union County, offering peaceful views, pine forests, and plenty of opportunities to connect with nature.

๐Ÿ“ York County โ€“ Celebrate Americaโ€™s 250th at Historic Brattonsville
๐ŸŽ† Step back into the Carolina Piedmont of the 1850s with living history demonstrations, 19th-century games and toys, site tours, hot air balloon launches, and more.

Where are you headed this weekend? ๐Ÿ‘€
Yesterday, we officially celebrated the Grand Opening of the Backcountry Revolution Trail, and we couldnโ€™t have asked for a better turnout! Seeing so many partners, supporters, and history enthusiasts come together made this milestone even more special.

The Backcountry Revolution Trail brings the stories of the American Revolution to life by connecting the people, places, and events that shaped our nation right here in South Carolinaโ€™s backcountry.

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who helped make this vision a reality, including:

โ€ข Our Board Members
โ€ข @southcarolina250 
โ€ข @sc_battlegrounds 
โ€ข @simplyrevolutionarysc 
โ€ข Our County Committees
โ€ข Brewed in Defiance Coffee - @whiteblossomcoffee 
โ€ข @americanpatriotcoffeesc 
โ€ข South Carolina Parks, Recreation & Tourism
โ€ข @kershawcountychamber 
โ€ข @historiccamdenfoundation 
โ€ข @experiencecamdensc 
โ€ข @authenticitybrandstrategies 
โ€ข And the many others who contributed behind the scenes

And to everyone who joined us yesterday, thank you for celebrating with us! Your support means the world, and we are so excited for whatโ€™s ahead.

โœจ The Backcountry Revolution Trail is officially OPEN.
โœจ Our History Hub is LIVE.
โœจ The only thing missing is YOU.

Ready to start your journey through the Revolutionary backcountry? Visit the link in our bio and start exploring today.

#BackcountryRevolutionTrail #oedtravel #discoversc #revolutionarywar
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ The excitement surrounding SC250 doesn't stop with our Backcountry Revolution Trail launch next Tuesday!

Communities across the Olde English District are bringing history to life with special events, programs, and heritage experiences celebrating South Carolina's role in America's 250th.

Looking for ways to join the celebration? Check out our latest blog featuring SC250 events and experiences happening throughout the region.

#OEDTravel #SC250 #America250 #RevolutionaryWar #DiscoverSouthCarolina
We want you there for the Backcountry Revolution Trail Grand Opening Celebration & Press Conference as we officially unveil this exciting new way to experience Revolutionary War history across the Olde English District. 

๐Ÿ“ Revolutionary War Visitor Center at Camden
๐Ÿ“… Tuesday, June 23, 2026
๐Ÿ•™ 10:00 AM

Join us as we kick off South Carolinaโ€™s America 250 celebration with:

๐ŸŽค Welcome and remarks from regional leaders and partners
๐Ÿ”ฅ Live cannon demonstrations and musket drills by @historiccamdenfoundation 
๐Ÿค A reception featuring county SC250 committee booths from across the OED and local vendors

This is the start of something big for our region, and you donโ€™t want to miss it.

#oedtravel #discoversc #sc250 #revolutionarywar 
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ See you there!
Your Weekend in the OED

๐Ÿ“ Chester County โ€“ Farm and Tractor Day at @cotton_hills_farm
๐Ÿšœ Get ready for a day full of farm fun and big machines Experience the sights, sounds, and excitement of real farm life.

๐Ÿ“ Chesterfield County โ€“ Antique Farm Museum & @mcleodfarms
๐Ÿฆ Step back in time at the Macโ€™s Pride Antique Farm Museum, then grab fresh produce and ice cream for a perfect small-town stop.

๐Ÿ“ Fairfield County โ€“ Christyfest SC Folk Art Festival
๐ŸŽจ Celebrate Southern creativity and community at this two-day folk art festival featuring regional artists, live music, food, and meaningful local impact.

๐Ÿ“ Kershaw County โ€“ Folklore & Legends Lantern Tour at Historic Camden
๐Ÿฎ Spend the evening on a lantern-lit walk through @historiccamdenfoundation as storytellers bring local folklore, legends, and eerie tales from Camdenโ€™s past to life.

๐Ÿ“ Lancaster County โ€“ Outdoor Adventures
๐ŸŽฃ Cast a line at Andrew Jackson State Park and enjoy a peaceful day outdoors.

๐Ÿ“ Union County โ€“ Flag Day
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Explore U.S. flag history and take a journey through time with a creative mocktail experience at Carnegie Library as part of the SC Humanities Festival.

๐Ÿ“ York County โ€“ Guided Bird Walk at Catawba Bend Preserve
๐Ÿฆ… Join a guided bird walk at Catawba Bend Preserve as you look for resident and migratory birds.

All these events and more can be found on the events page on our website. Have a great weekend!