Nikki Thomas’ Two-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Morning
Begin in Lugoff at Gorget Distilling Co., where founder Nikki Thomas brings small-batch distillation to life. Schedule a tasting or guided tour to learn about Gorget’s production process, seasonal releases, and the artistry behind each spirit. This is a hands-on introduction to the area’s Makers & Creators, where visitors connect directly with the people shaping the region’s craft scene.

After your visit, take a short drive into Camden, one of South Carolina’s oldest inland towns and a hub for local creativity.

Afternoon
Have lunch in Historic Downtown Camden, where locally owned restaurants line Broad Street. Camden House of Pizza is a longtime favorite, while Haile Street Grill has been making Southern favorites in Camden since the restaurant first opened in 1928.

Spend the afternoon exploring Camden’s creative and cultural spaces. Stop by Books on Broad, an independent bookstore that also hosts author events and community gatherings. Then visit the Camden Archives & Museum, where rotating exhibits often highlight local history, folk traditions, and regional craftsmanship.

If you’re interested in locally made goods, stroll through downtown shops featuring artisan items, gifts, and specialty foods that reflect the area’s creative spirit. Be sure to see the vibrant butterflies adorning Town Green Alley, a mural by artists Colt Shirley and Lori Isom-Starnes.

Evening
As evening approaches, head to Greener Pastures Brewing Company for craft beer in a laid-back, community-focused space that offers a nice Italian-inspired menu, too, making it a natural extension of the district’s maker culture. Stay Holiday Inn Express Camden or Hampton Inn Camden for convenience.

Day 2

Morning
Drive northeast into Chesterfield County, where creativity intersects with heritage and community storytelling. Start your morning in Cheraw, sometimes called “The Prettiest Town in Dixie.” Here, the Cheraw Arts Commission supports local artists through exhibits, performances and workshops held throughout the year.

The Southern African American Heritage Center offers exhibitions and programs that celebrate African American culture, art, and craftsmanship. It’s a meaningful stop that connects creativity to history and lived experience, but is open only by appointment. If we think about creators, how about the guy who founded modern jazz? John Birks “Dizzy” Gillespie was born in Cheraw in 1917. Be sure to stroll through the Dizzy Gillespie Homesite Park and check out the 7-foot bronze statue of Gillespie in the Town Green. If you’re visiting in October, you can attend The South Carolina Jazz Festival. 

Afternoon
Enjoy lunch in downtown Cheraw at a locally owned café or diner, where conversation and hospitality are part of the experience. Afterward, explore nearby galleries. Continue to Pageland, known for its small-town atmosphere and the Pageland Mural, a watermelon-themed work by Will Sellers, an ode to the renowned Pageland Watermelon Festival. Pageland also supports a strong antiquing district and small shops and boutiques owned by an array of talented makers, such as New Creations Embroidery and Gifts.

Evening
Return toward Camden or perhaps stay in Cheraw at The Guest House of Cheraw for your final evening. Choose a relaxed dinner spot and reflect on a trip centered on meeting makers and experiencing creativity firsthand.