5 Things to Do in Chesterfield County
Within Chesterfield County, Downtown Cheraw is a quaint and cozy spot for dining, shopping, and learning the area’s history, including the life of hometown jazz king Dizzy Gillespie. Take a swing at Cheraw State Park’s 18-hole championship golf course. Or spend the day in Pageland, which supports a strong antique district and is nationally recognized for hosting a sweet summer festival: The Pageland Watermelon Festival.
To help you plan your visit, we compiled a list of 5 must-do activities.
1. Rent a Kayak, Canoe or Pedal Boat at Cheraw State Park
Grab your paddles and head for Cheraw State Park for a scenic water-bound excursion. Cypress wetlands line Lake Juniper and can be explored by kayak, canoe or pedal boat (you can rent either for $15/hour). Not a water-lover? A boardwalk runs along a portion of the lake, and the sandy shore is a relaxing spot to catch some rays. Golf enthusiasts may rather head to the park’s 18-hole championship golf course to squeeze in a round before the sun goes down.
Just a few minutes from the park in Downtown Cheraw are cozy restaurants like The River’s Edge Restaurant and Bistro on 2nd Street. After lunch, pop into The Caffeinated Cow for a scoop (or three) of ice cream or coffee.
2. Grab a Slice, Movie and Scoop of Ice Cream in Pageland
Pizza, ice cream and a movie — the perfect trio. Grab a traditional or specialty pizza at PYG Pizza in Pageland before walking across the street to The Ball Theatre, a restored, vintage theatre. Catch a $5 movie for a unique and nostalgic experience. Then, head next door to Polly’s Coffee & Ice Cream Shoppe for a scoop (about 30 flavors to choose from), a banana split, a sundae, a slice of cheesecake or other delicious treat.
3. Visit South Carolina’s Most Equestrian-Friendly State Park
With more than 7,000 acres of longleaf pine forest and fields, H. Cooper Black State Park is the setting for national-level field trials and retriever competitions. The park is known to be one of the most equestrian-friendly parks in South Carolina, with more than 20 miles of trails and sand roads. It also features stables, kennels, corrals, a waterfowl pond and camping sites.
4. Learn the History of Jazz Icon Dizzy Gillespie
Dizzy Gillespie, a Cheraw native, was a profound American jazz trumpeter, composer and bandleader. He was born in Cheraw in 1917 and has been celebrated for many years. In the fall, the town hosts the SC Jazz Festival to honor his memory. But you don’t need to wait until then to learn more. Discover the musician’s significant background at the Dizzy Gillespie Homesite Park and the Dizzy Gillespie Memorial and Statue in Downtown Cheraw.
Bonus: Want to hear him jam? Click here to listen to him play!
5. Grab Fresh Produce from McLeod Farms
Head to McBee to pick up fresh fruits and veggies. McLeod Farms has been around since 1916 and is known for growing delicious peaches, along with other produce. During the warmer seasons, the farm features more than 800 acres of peaches, 60 acres of strawberries, 10 acres of blackberries, and more. Once fall rolls around, you can expect u-pick pumpkins and a corn maze.
Next door, take a walk through history at the McLeod Farms Antique Museum. You’ll find automobiles from each decade, including a 1920 McLaughlin and 1930 Lincoln, along with old farming equipment, like tractors and plows.