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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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Christmas on Congress
11/30

Christmas on Congress

Join us on Sunday, November 30, 2025 for an evening of holiday festivities and cheer!…

South Carolina Railroad MuseumMap Pin
South Carolina Railroad Museum
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,…

2025 Country ChristmasShopping Trunk Show
12/05

2025 Country ChristmasShopping Trunk Show

Get into the holiday spirit at the 16th Annual Country Christmas Shopping Experience in the heart of the countryside! Enjoy a…

Holiday on the Ridge
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…

Christmas in Chester
12/05

Christmas in Chester

Christmas in Chester brings two festive days of holiday fun to Downtown Chester. Enjoy the annual tree lighting, ice skating,…

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…

Lowry's 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…

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…

Come See Me Festival
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,…

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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…

SCarowinds: Where Fear and Fun Collide This Fall

SCarowinds: Where Fear and Fun Collide This Fall

Every fall, Carowinds transforms from a family theme park into something much darker, creepier and thrilling: SCarowinds. As one of the Southeast 

Family friendly stays in the Olde English District

Family friendly stays in the Olde English District

Family vacations are about making memories, and the Olde English District has plenty of unique places to stay that make your trip even more special. F…

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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.

🎄✨ 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
Find the perfect Christmas Tree at one of the Christmas Tree Farms in the OED!

Choose from cypress trees, cedar pines and even Fraser firs. Cut your own tree and create a new family tradition. Bundle up and explore all these family farms have to offer from Christmas wreaths and a cup of hot cocoa to hayrides and marshmallow roasting.

We’re here to help you choose from our list of Christmas Tree Farms in the Olde English District.

Some of OED’s favorite Christmas tree farms are:
🎄Caldwell Tree Farm
🎄 Moseley Old Time Christmas Tree Farm
🎄 Penland Christmas Tree Farm
🎄 Cherry Place Farm

Read our blog highlighting these Choose and Cut Christmas Tree Farms and find more information at the link in our bio.
The weather couldn’t have been more perfect for a stroll through @historicbrattonsville ☀️
We wandered past centuries-old buildings, explored the grounds, and enjoyed a peaceful day soaking up the history and scenery. A timeless spot on a beautiful day.