Attractions
African American Cultural Center of Camden
The center showcases African-American history in the town. Its mission is to highlight and foster the appreciation of the rich history of the African-American community of Camden and surrounding area. The center is a part of the Camden Archives and Museum system. Exhibits and programming are curated and operated by the Archives and Museum staff. Hours of operation: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 1 pm - 4:30 pm, and Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm. Closed major holidays. Admission is free.
African-American Business District Monument
This monument pays tribute to the business district that served the African-American community until its demolition in the early 1970s. It recalls the storefront look of "days gone by" and features historical images and information about the district. The monument has become a great educational resource for the community, providing information on the contributions that Rock Hill’s African American citizens made to its history.
Andrew Jackson State Park
Created as a memorial to the seventh president of the United States, the park features an Andrew Jackson Museum that details his boyhood in the South Carolina backcountry in the 18th century and a birthday celebration held each March in his honor. The museum is open on Saturdays and Sundays, 1–5 pm and by appointment. Other popular features include living history programs, an 18th-century replica schoolhouse, campground and picnic facilities, a fishing lake and nature trails. Hours of operation: 8am-6pm, daily from Nov.1-March 31; 9am-9pm daily April 1-Oct. 31. Museum hours: Sat & Sun, 1pm-5pm, M-F by appointment or when staff is available. Schoolhouse hours: Mid-March to November, Sat: 1pm-5pm and Sun: 2pm-5pm. Office hours: 11am-noon, daily. Self-guided tours of the park museum and schoolhouse are available during the hours when these facilities are open. Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Owners will be asked to remove noisy or dangerous pets or pets that threaten or harass wildlife. Park entrance fee charged for ages 16 and older.
Arts Center of Kershaw County
Camden, SC 29020
Experience the excitement of live theatre, concerts, chamber music, art exhibits, along with dance, music art, and drama classes for all ages, and much more! The home of the Carolina Downhome Blues festival each October, the Fine Arts Center is a true community arts center. Free and ticketed events. Mon-Fri: 10 am–5 pm.
Arts Council of Chester County
Chester, SC 29706
The council encourages participation and appreciation of the arts through the advancement of arts in education, community arts, and individual artist development. The Ann D. Marion Gallery features artist showcases, community events, and art classes for all ages. Gift shop with local items for sale. Tues–Fri: 10 am–5 pm, and by appointment.
Blackstock Battlefield State Historic Site
This is the site where Gen. Sumter defeated the hated Col. Banastre Tarleton. This large battle was important for lifting backcountry morale and for encouraging Gen. Greene to send Continentals into the region, who two months later turned the tide of the Revolutionary War at Cowpens. Situated along the Tyger River in Union County, this beautiful property is home to a 2.5-mile segment of the Palmetto Trail that provides tremendous recreation potential along the river. Open daily from dawn until dusk.
Bloomsbury Inn
Camden, SC 29020
Sensational in every season--ranked as the #1 lodging in Kershaw County and the midlands of SC. This nationally recognized, award-winning bed and breakfast graciously awaits your arrival. Experience unparalleled elegance and comfort during your escape to Camden, SC. Quietly tucked away in the historic district, the property is known for history! The manor house and two acres of manicured gardens survived the Civil War, and stand today to welcome you. Mary Boykin Chesnut wrote many entries of her famed Civil War diaries at Bloomsbury. Relax and enjoy yourselves in this beautifully appointed Antebellum home with stylish guests rooms and a full gourmet breakfast. A trip to Bloomsbury is a magical experience from arrival to the afternoon social, from the gourmet breakfast to exploring the charming city of Camden, you'll love the unmatched amenities, historic architecture, and reprieve from your daily stresses. Inspected and approved by Select Registry. Just 3 miles from I-20 and 1 mile from Downtown.
Bob Doster’s Backstreet Studio and Gardens
Lancaster, SC 29720
Internationally renowned artist invites visitors to his working studio, outdoor botanical and sculpture garden and art gallery, featuring the works of many distinguished artists. Housed in a row of historic storefronts, this eclectic site is an art-lover's dream come true. The private garden, complete with 55 fishpond and waterfalls, is an oasis in the middle of downtown Lancaster. Groups and field trips welcome. Facilities available for rental for special events.
Bonds Conway House
Camden, SC 29020
Visit the home built by Bonds Conway, believed to be the first African American in Kershaw County to buy his freedom. The house, circa 1812, currently serves as the office of the Kershaw County Historical Society. Groups welcome with prior arrangements. Open to the public Thursdays, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Other times by appointment.
Boykin Mill Farms
This is a working history “town” with an onsite water powered grits mill with 100+ year old equipment and other restored buildings including the Boykin Mill Store, the Swift Creek Church and the Mill Pond Steakhouse Restaurant. Ocassionally the Broom Place has handmade brooms, and gifts and crafts by local artisans.
Camden Archives and Museum
Camden, SC 29020
Found here is a treasure trove of artifacts that encourage visitors to discover history, depth and diversity of the region’s culture. The museum’s exhibits relate the stories of centuries past, while its archives is one of the state’s premier genealogical research facilities with material covering South Carolina and the Southeast. No paid researchers, but staff will do simple searches for a small fee. No admission fee. Open Mon-Fri: 8 am-5 pm, and Sat: 10 am-4 pm.
Camden Historic District
Featuring more than 60 historic sites, this National Register designated district is the essence of Camden. From cottages to spacious mansions, the district is the reflection of Camden's 250-year-old history ranging from the Revolutionary War era to the antebellum South to the winter residences established in the early 1900s. A self-guide book is available for purchase. Guided tours are also available.
Carolina Adventure World
Winnsboro, SC 29180
Situated on 2,600 wooded acres of land, this unique family ATV, UTV and dirt bike riding park is the largest in the southeast. There is over 100 miles of ATV and single track trails of varying degrees of difficulty from “Green” nature trails to “Blue” trails for more experienced riders to “Black Diamond” trails to stand even the most seasoned rider’s hair on end! Also features a Motocross Area designed by Dirt Wurx U.S.A. that features a Championship Motocross course, a Vintage course for ATV competitors that love the “air time” and the thrills and chills of competition, plus an Enduro Course that challenges the skills and stamina of even the best of the best. The Welcome Center features wide verandas, swings, and rocking chairs, fans to keep cool, fireplaces for warmth, and Internet access. Horseback riding, log cabin rentals, a shower house, and more. (I-77, exit 46).
Carolina Cup Racing Association, Springdale Race Track and the National Steeplechase Museum
Experience the excitement of Camden’s nationally renowned steeplechase race that takes place each Spring–the Carolina Cup–on South Carolina’s race track, Springdale Race Course. A viewing stand welcomes visitors for early morning Thoroughbred workouts. The National Steeplechase Museum is on site and features the history of steeplechase racing through archival and interactive exhibits. Kershaw County is also home to extensive racehorse training facilities, horse farms and many equine events such as fox hunting, rodeos, and horse shows. Call for museum tours.
Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge
Established in 1939 as a federal refuge for indigenous wildlife and game management demonstration project, the 45,348-acre refuge now serves as a demonstration site for land management practices, which preserve and enhance the longleaf pine/wiregrass ecosystem. It supports approximately 190 species of birds, 42 species of mammals, 41 species of reptiles, 25 species of amphibians, and innumerable species of plants, including several species of fauna and flora that are listed as threatened or endangered. These include the Swainson’s warbler, red-cockaded woodpecker, pine barrens treefrog, white wicky, Well’s pixie moss, and the sweet pitcher plant. It supports an estimated 125 clusters of the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, the largest population in the National Wildlife Refuge System. Offers 30 man-made lakes & ponds, walking trails, an auto tour route, picnic areas, hunting and fishing. Click here to join the FaceBook group, Friends of Carolina Sandhills NWR.
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