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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.

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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 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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Santa Claus holds a young child dressed in a red plaid shirt aboard a festive train ride at the South Carolina Railroad Museum, surrounded by families seated in the vintage railcar.
12/01

South Carolina Rail Road Museum Santa Trains

All aboard for a magical holiday journey! The Santa Train at the South Carolina Railroad Museum is a festive 90-minute ride w…

Photo courtesy of Old Town Rock HillMap Pin
ChristmasVille in Old Town Rock Hill
12/04

ChristmasVille

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

A horse-drawn carriage carrying Santa Claus and a costumed driver travels through a downtown street decorated for the holidays.
12/05

Holiday on the Ridge

Holidays on the Ridge is a Christmas event that takes place the first Friday in December. The Town is decorated in holiday sp…

ChristmasvilleMap Pin
Christmasville
12/14

Kershaw County Christmas Parade

Every year on the second Saturday of December at 10 a.m., over 3,000 spectators gather to enjoy the Kershaw County Christmas…

Riders dressed in festive elf costumes guide decorated horses wearing holiday garlands and antler headbands during the Lowrys Christmas Parade.
12/20

Lowry’s Christmas Parade

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

A man dressed in traditional Irish attire carries a large Irish flag during Irish Fest Camden, surrounded by festival goers and colorful banners on an open field.
3/07

Irish Fest Camden

The 7th Annual Irish Fest Camden is 3 days of fun events celebrating Irish and Celtic heritage. Make Camden, South Carolina y…

Carolina CupMap Pin
Camden, Springdale Race Track
3/28

The Carolina Cup

Join us for the 91st running of The Carolina Cup Races on March 28, 2026! This South Carolina tradition blen…

Two people in colorful frog mascot costumes pose together in front of a fountain during the Come-See-Me Festival, with families enjoying the outdoor event in the background.
4/16

Come See Me Festival

The Come-See-Me Festival will be back and better than ever in 2026! This year, you’ll be able to enjoy friends and family,…

Two people in colorful frog mascot costumes pose together in front of a fountain during the Come-See-Me Festival, with families enjoying the outdoor event in the background.
5/09

Best Dam Food Fest

Savor the flavors of the Best Dam Food Festival at Catawba Park in Tega Cay, SC. Set against the backdrop of the Catawba Da…

People at Italian Festival at church
5/14

St. Philip Neri Italian Festival

The Italian Festival, St. Philip Neri Church’s biggest fellowship event is held each May. Celebrated since 1998, the Festiv…

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People marching in a Christmas Parade

Celebrate the Season: 2025 Christmas Parades in the OED

Nothing kicks off the holiday season quite like a Christmas parade. Across The Olde English District, communities ring in the most wonderful time of t…

ChristmasVille: A Magical Holiday Experience in Old Town Rock Hill

ChristmasVille: A Magical Holiday Experience in Old Town Rock Hill

If you’re looking to soak up holiday spirit, get into a joyous mood, and make some truly memorable winter memories then you’ll want to head…

Choose & Cut Your Christmas Tree in the OED

Choose & Cut Your Christmas Tree in the OED

‘Tis the season to find the perfect tree and create new holiday traditions the whole family will enjoy.Christmas trees are planted and grown acro…

Andrew Jackson State ParkMap Pin
family at Andrew Jackson State Park

4 Places to Hike in South Carolina’s Piedmont

Calling all hikers and outdoor enthusiasts: The Olde English District is home to some of South Carolina’s most scenic hiking trails, perfect for…

Celebrate Fall: Festivals and Fun in the OED this October

Celebrate Fall: Festivals and Fun in the OED this October

October is here, and the Olde English District is bursting with fall fun! From pumpkin patches and hayrides to festivals, haunted happenings, and live…

ScarowindsMap Pin
Spooktacular Spots to Visit This Halloween Season

Spooktacular Spots to Visit This Halloween Season

Boo! Spooky season is upon us, and the Halloween countdown is on. While some may prefer pumpkin patches and milder fall activities, others revel in…

The South Carolina Jazz Festival

The South Carolina Jazz Festival

Each October, the charming town of Cheraw, South Carolina, transforms into a stage for music, culture and community. From October 16–19, 2025, Ch…

The Daily Grind Coffee BarMap Pin
The Daily Grind Coffee Bar

10 Local Coffee shops to Try in the Olde English District

There’s just something special about a cup of coffee, no matter the time of day. Before you set your sights on a day full of exploring and advent…

Cotton Hills FarmMap Pin
Cotton Hills Farm

6 Spots To Pick Pumpkins in the OED

September in the Olde English District brings the promise of fall, even if the temperatures haven’t quite caught up yet. As we dive into autumn a…

Windy Hill Orchard & Cider MillMap Pin
Windy Hill Orchard & Cider Mill

Guide to Windy Hill Orchard & Cider Mill this Fall

As the leaves transform from vibrant greens to rich reds, oranges and golds, Windy Hill Orchard & Cider Mill in York County opens its doors for vis…

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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.

🎄✨ Parade season is here in the Olde English District!

From small-town charm to festive floats and Santa sightings, our communities know how to celebrate the holidays. We’ve rounded up all the Christmas parade dates, times, and routes so you don’t miss a moment of the magic. 🎅🚗💫

👉 Head to our blog for the full list — the link is in our bio!

#oedtravel #discoversc
Downtown Ridgeway has you covered for all your Christmas shopping needs. From unique gifts to festive finds, you can check everyone off your list at local favorites like Grama’s Attic, Palmer Street Market, Ridgeway Marketplace, Over The Top, and Sue Chef. Shop small, shop local, and soak up the holiday charm! 🎄✨🛍️

#oedtravel #shoplocal #shopsmall #discoversc
Grateful today and every day for great friends, great adventures, and the incredible destinations that make the Olde English District feel like home. Happy Thanksgiving!
✨🎄 Lancaster Lights & Holiday Sights is coming soon for three weekends of festive fun! 🌟

Kick off on Nov 29 with the Christmas Market, Red Rose Watch Party, and the Annual Tree Lighting with Santa, hot cocoa, and live music. 🎁🏈🎅

Dec 6 brings Christmas in the City—trolley rides, crafts, photos with Santa, an ice skating rink, and the festive Christmas Parade! ⛸️🎨🎄

Wrap up Dec 12–13 at Springdale Recreation Center with s’mores, carolers, festive vendors, a kid zone, movies, skating, and more magical surprises!

Bring your friends and family and make memories under the lights—this is Lancaster at its most magical! ❤️💚

📸 : @seelancastersc
🎄✨ Christmas in Chester is happening for two magical days in Downtown Chester! Enjoy the annual tree lighting, ice skating, merry-go-round rides, breakfast with Santa, live entertainment, kids’ workshops, holiday shopping, and so much more. All activities are free and perfect for the whole family! 🎅

🗓️ December 5-6
📍Downtown Chester