Attractions

Offers fun, educational activities created for ages 0-6. Make believe in the pumpkin house, climb to the tip-top of the tree house, and sail on the magic ship. Memory-making family experiences engage young children in creative, developmental play. This facility is inspired by the artwork of American illustrator Vernon Grant, who lived and worked in Rock Hill. Tues-Sat : 10 am-5 pm; Sun: 1-5 pm; closed Mon. Admission charged.

This original site of the Yorkville Female Academy (founded in 1852) includes the 500-seat Lowry Family Theater. Noted for its remarkable acoustics, the historic theater has a lovely 1920s ambiance and hosts Culture and Heritage Museums’ annual Southern Sound Series and the Grand Ole McCelvey summer concert series. The mission of the Lowry Family Theater is to present the unique heritage of the Carolina Piedmont through the performing arts while maintaining a quality venue for community enrichment. Check website for concert dates and admission.

Pride in local history prompted the town of Sharon and a historical society to establish the museum in June 2003. In a rural setting the museum offers visitors an insight into local history in 5,000 square feet of exhibit space. Main exhibits include a 1930-1940 country kitchen, an 1860 Yorkville bedroom, an 1890s eclectic dining room and the War Room where veterans of Western York County are honored for their service. Open Saturdays, 10 am–3 pm and other times by appointment. Admission: Adults $5.00, Students $3.00, 12 and under free. Groups welcome. Select genealogical research documents from primarily Western York County. No paid researchers.

The Battle of Musgrove Mill was fought on this site near the Enoree River on August 19, 1780. A detachment of American militia engaged and defeated a superior British force composed almost entirely of loyalist troops. Occurring at a time when American prospects for winning the Revolution seemed to grow dimmer by the day, the success at Musgrove Mill bolstered patriot morale in the Carolina backcountry. The park consists of nearly 360 acres. Hours (Main Gate): Open year round, 9 am–6 pm daily; (Horseshoe Falls Road Area): sunrise to sundown, daily. (Visitor Center): Fri-Sun, 10 am--5 pm. Other days vary depending on season and available staff. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. For more information, call or send the park an e-mail. Free park admission.

The county of Lancaster, South Carolina, sits within the lands once held by the Catawba Indian Nation. The current Catawba Reservation lies about 15 miles from the campus of USC Lancaster. With strong geographical and historical ties to the Catawba, USC Lancaster has begun to develop curricular and public programs focused on Native American art and culture, with a special emphasis on the Catawba and other Native communities in South Carolina. The gardens are a site on the SC Ag + Art Tour. Open Tuesdays through Sundays, and Mondays by appointment. Admission is free.

The Courthouse (c. 1884) with its cupola and mansard roof replaced a Robert Mills Courthouse burned by Sherman. The First Secession meeting in the South was held at this location. Now home to the Chesterfield Visitors Center, it houses the genealogy society, historical society, art gallery, gift shop, museum and Chamber of Commerce office. Mon–Fri: 10 am–4 pm.

This is the heart of the city which includes the historic downtown and the area where Winthrop University, the Textile Corridor and the city's original neighborhoods are found. The streets of Old Town are lined with one-of-a-kind shops and locally owned restaurants serving a variety of cuisine, including "southern comfort" favorites. Acclaimed residential neighborhoods renowned for restored historic homes transition seamlessly into urban living. Arts-inclined and culturally-minded young professionals and empty-nesters alike are immersed in a healthy and diverse arts community engaging in programs at the Center for the Arts and the working artist studios in the Gettys Arts Center. Cultural offerings are supported by a strong arts program at Winthrop University, the York County Library, Fountain Park and the Old Town Amphitheater. The amphitheater hosts a wonderful selection of spirited, family-friendly activities including theater, dance and musical performances. Annual festivals such as ChristmasVille, St. Patrick's Day on Main, and the Blues and Jazz Festival punctuate a year filled with races, parades, fireworks and regular art crawls.