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. Itโs 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 youโll love what you discover in South Carolinaโs 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.
Officially in South Carolinaโs โUpstate,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.
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 lifeโs 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 Presidentโs boyhood and South Carolinaโs 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 areaโs 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. Donโt miss Lauraโs 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, youโll 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.
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 festiv…
Come out and join us to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day! Learn more about migratory birds who visit our park during their travels. This year’s them…
Mammoth March South Carolina 2026 After our premiere at Kings Mountain in 2025, we are thrilled to be back for year two with a 20- and 30-mile Mammoth…
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 Lookinโ 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.ย
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!
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 Cafรฉ, sumptuous Italian fare at Salmeriโs, or globally inspired treats at FM Eatery.
The South Carolina Ag + Art Tour is the largest free farm and art tour in the United Statesรขยยand one of the most immersive ways to connect with th…
MorningBegin your journey in Lancaster atBob Dosterรขยยs 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 regionรขยยs 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…
If youรขยยre craving a delightful escape from the ordinary cafรยฉ experience, look no further than Laura’s Tea Room, a charming destination for tea…
Nestled in the rolling woodlands of Winnsboro, South Carolina, Rattlesnake Bike Park is quickly becoming one of the Southeastรขยยs 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.
Flannel, Doc Martens, and alt-rock vibes ๐น Get ready for the Red Rose Festival taking over Lancaster May 15โ16 for two days of FREE fun!
From live music and local food to shopping, vendors, and a Kid Zone for all ages, this is your throwback weekend done right. Donโt miss Saturday nightโs headliner, @sisterhazelband closing out the festival in style ๐ถ
Dust off your scrunchies and come celebrate the decade that defined a generation!
Chester Countyโs @agandarttour is happening this weekend, May 2โ3! ๐พ๐จ๐งโ๐พ
Visit local stops like @watsonfarmsbeef, @cotton_hills_farm, and @stridesofstrength @fishingcreekcreamery and more to experience the best of agriculture, art, and community.
Plus, donโt miss a special SC250 living history experience from the Chester250 Committee and Great Falls Home Town Association. Step back in time with militia drills, period music, and stories of the farmers, families, and citizen soldiers who shaped the American Revolution.
Celebrate the worldโs largest population of Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies along the Catawba River on May 16โ17. Enjoy a 1.5-mile round-trip hike on the Nature or Canal Trail for the best views of these stunning blooms.
๐ถ Live Music ๐ถโโ๏ธ Nature Hikes ๐ญ Food Trucks ๐จ Local Vendors
Donโt miss this seasonal celebration of South Carolinaโs natural beauty!
Still looking for the perfect Motherโs Day gift? ๐ With Motherโs Day on May 10, nowโs the time to shop local and find something sheโll truly love.
Our Motherโs Day Gift Guide in the Olde English District highlights unique shops and stops like
@therainbowroosterboutique @cascadefarmssc @over_the_top_boutique_ @shopwithellas @shopgenelles and more!
Support local while finding something special for Mom. ๐ Read the blog โ link in bio
Today is all about stepping outside, slowing down, and reconnecting with the natural beauty that makes South Carolina so special. From our rivers and forests to our trails and open spaces, thereโs no better reminder of why we work to protect and promote these places.
Get out there, explore something new, and celebrate the Earth that welcomes us every day.
๐ The sweetest weekend of the year is almost here! @scstrawberryfest returns to Fort Mill May 1โ2 with live music, rides, vendors, contests, and plenty of fresh strawberries. Grab the details in our blog โ link in bio!
๐ธ Explore @piedmontphysicgarden and celebrate spring at the Spring Garden & Art Party! ๐ธ
๐ April 18 | 1โ5 PM โจ Hear from horticulture experts Jay Sifford & Susan McLeod Epstein ๐จ Enjoy a juried art exhibit โ Treats from Little Leaf Coffee
Plants, art, and sweet vibes, all in one afternoon!
Sign up for the Olde English Districtโs eNewsletter to receive free travel resources, event updates, and tips on top attractions, dining, and unique things to doโall delivered straight to your inbox.