Two-Day Itinerary for Foodies
Whether you’re a self-proclaimed “foodie” or just like to eat, the Olde English District boasts delicious local eateries. This two-day itinerary through part of the region is a perfect mix of elegance and casual dining with the occasional brewery mixed in. From BBQ to a cup of coffee, this list will give you a small taste of South Carolina’s Piedmont region.
Day 1
Morning
Start your morning in Rock Hill with a cup of coffee at Knowledge Perk. Located downtown, this small-batch roastery has been a local favorite since it opened. Try one of the shop’s signature blends, limited releases, or single-origin coffees. If you loved what you ordered, we recommend buying a bag of beans to savor your trip even after it’s over. (Pro tip: If you are a coffee fanatic, buy beans from local roasteries to take home with you. There are several in the area, including BoCo Coffee Roasters, York CoffeeRoastery, Enderly Coffee, and Rock Hill Coffee Roasters.)
Take a short walk from Knowledge Perk to Amelie’s French Bakery & Café for a quick bite (and maybe a second cup of Joe). The bakery serves a variety of hot and cold beverages, fresh macarons, pastries, and savory items that will make you feel like you just walked through Paris.
Lunch
While working your way out of Rock Hill into Chester County, consider stopping on Lancaster Highway for a quick bite at a local staple. The Wagon Wheel Restaurant in Fort Lawn has been serving steaks, sandwiches, seafood, and other Southern favorites since 1978. Whatever you order, make sure to tack on the restaurant’s famous fried squash; you won’t be disappointed. Just make sure to have cash on you; this spot does not accept cards.
Another popular eatery just a few minutes away is the Catawba Fish Camp. Here, you can expect a simple menu, all served family-style, making it a great option for seafood lovers.
Dinner
For dinner, make a reservation at The Retreat on Lake Wateree in Ridgeway for a taste of more locally sourced ingredients. Every seat inside the restaurant offers beautiful views of the water, so you can enjoy the scenery while nibbling on fresh fare. (Pro tip: The menu changes several times a week, so double-check what’s being served before you make your reservation.)
For something a little more casual, The Windmill serves anything from seafood to wings. It offers menu items that the whole family can enjoy at a great price.
Day 2
Morning
Stop by American Patriot Coffee in Camden, Kershaw County’s only coffee roaster. Order a pastry or breakfast sandwich and a cup of locally roasted coffee before tackling the rest of your excursion. Or pop into Books on Broad to peruse the books on the shelves with a coffee in hand.
If you are still hungry, the nearby Triangle Subs & Cafe serves anything from omelets to biscuits to French toast. Its signature items, however, are Shrimp & Grits, Eggs Benedict, or Corned Beef Hash & Eggs.
Lunch
It wouldn’t be a foodie trip to South Carolina without BBQ. On your way through Lancaster, take a pit stop at 521 BBQ & Grill for a smoked pulled pork sandwich. This spot is a local favorite, serving a variety of smoked meats. Or trek a bit further to Union and stop by the legendary Midway BBQ, which has been featured in Southern Living Magazine.
Dinner
For dinner, head back to York County for a beer and bite at one of the area’s breweries. Slow Play Brewing offers popular pours like Squeeze Play (a New England Hazy IPA) and The Grind (a blonde ale made with Knowledge Perk’s Accelerate Blend cold brew coffee). While you’re there, grab a bite from Cibi! Cibi! Food Truck for modern American dishes. Nothing quite like a California burrito or a double cheeseburger to wrap up your food-filled visit.
