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OLDE ENGLISH DISTRICT

Connect with Character

The Olde English District honors its storied past while embracing the future. Here you can enjoy small-town charm, outdoor recreation, unique shopping opportunities, wonderful eateries, fun family adventures and so much more. It’s also a fantastic place to simply relax and recharge, disconnecting from the rigors of everyday life.

Spanning the counties of Chester, Chesterfield, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lancaster, Union and York, we invite you to see all that we have to offer. We know you’ll love what you discover in South Carolina’s Olde English District.

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York County

Just south of Charlotte, North Carolina, York County is a vibrant area packed with outdoor recreation, local restaurants and buzzing breweries. It is home to Kings Mountain National Military Park (as well as a state park by the same name, which commemorates a key Revolutionary War battle). The Anne Springs Close Greenway is a natural escape, perfect for an afternoon picnic or leisurely hike. Grab a bite in Downtown Rock Hill, also known as Old Town, at Kounter, Elk Ave Tavern or Flipside Restaurant, and be sure to check out some of the nearby watering holes after a delicious meal.

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Union County

Officially in South Carolina’s “Upstate,” Union County starts to hint at the foothills that rise to rolling hills and vistas. A visit to Union is not complete without a tour of downtown Civil Rights-era historic sites — nor without a stop at Midway BBQ. History buffs will love the Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site in Sumter National Forest, which tells the rich yet complicated story of many generations of plantation dwellers. Adrenaline junkies, however, may want to visit the Union County Dragway just southeast of the town of Union.

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Chester County

With various water access points, agri-tourism destinations and scenic state parks, Chester County offers opportunities for both outdoor adventure and relaxation. Visitors often gravitate to the Catawba River or Landsford Canal State Park. The 523-acre Chester State Park is a haven for hiking, picnicking, boating and fishing. From enjoying annual festivals such as the Flopeye Fish Festival in Great Falls or Lily Fest at Landsford Canal State Park to stopping by local farms for u-pick produce, Chester County is a breath of fresh air from life’s hustle and bustle.

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Lancaster County

With a rich art community, Lancaster County features galleries and a variety of collectives sprinkled throughout, including Bob Doster’s Backstreet Studios. The Lindsay Pettus Greenway intersects nature and public art in a surprising setting, while history buffs will not want to miss Andrew Jackson State Park, which tells the story of the President’s boyhood and South Carolina’s storied role in the fight for American independence. Also noteworthy is the Native American Studies Center housed at USC Lancaster with its impressive collection of Catawba Indian pottery.

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Chesterfield County

Downtown Cheraw is a quaint and cozy town for dining, shopping and learning the area’s history, including the life of hometown favorite, Dizzy Gillespie. Nearby Pageland supports a strong antiquing district while two state parks invite visitors to do as much or as little as they like. Cheraw State Park has an 18-hole championship golf course, mountain biking and hiking trails, and fully outfitted cabins and campsites. Nature lovers will enjoy Sand Hills State Forest and the Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge. Find all this and more in beautiful Chesterfield County.

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Fairfield County

Home to the South Carolina Railroad Museum, Fairfield County is the gateway to the 283-acre Lake Wateree State Park, which sports 100 paved camping sites, an on-site tackle shop and a mile-long nature trail. Situated on about 2,600 wooded acres, Carolina Adventure World offers the thrills of ATV, UTV and dirt bike riding. Fairfield County also celebrates the quiet charms of small-town living. Don’t miss Laura’s Tea Room in Ridgeway and the longest continuously running clock in the U.S. in Winnsboro, whose settlement dates back to 1777.

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Kershaw County

In the county seat of Camden, a vibrant downtown attracts foodies, antiquers, equine enthusiasts and pickleball players, among others. Nearby, you’ll find charming inns, distilleries, grist mills and historic sites that invite a leisurely stroll. Many varieties of birds make their homes in cypress stands along Lake Wateree, while Goodale State Park offers an excellent opportunity to view native flora and fauna. The Revolutionary War Visitor Center and the Historic Camden campus interpret the origins of the nation.

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Photo courtesy of Old Town Rock HillMap Pin
ChristmasVille in Old Town Rock Hill
12/05

ChristmasVille

Experience Old Town Rock Hill as it undergoes a magical transformation into a storybook wonderland. Encounter Santa himself,…

Lowry's Christmas Parade
12/15

Lowry’s Christmas Parade

This is a Chester County tradition! Watch horses strut through the streets of Lowrys at this annual Christmas parade. Expect…

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Downtown CamdenMap Pin
couple walking through an alley in Camden

7 Historic Small Towns to Visit in South Carolina

The Olde English District in South Carolina is home to many historic small towns. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing getaway or an adventure with famil…

The Front PorchMap Pin
The Front Porch in Richburg

Meat-and-Threes in the Olde English District

When it comes to Southern cooking, South Carolina doesn’t mess around. Sweet tea, cornbread, fried chicken—served up with all the fixins. If…

Anne Springs Close GreenwayMap Pin
Beers cheer at Anne Springs Close Greenway in York County

5 Things To Do In York County

Just south of Charlotte, York County is a vibrant area, packed with outdoor recreation excursions, local restaurants and buzzing breweries. To help yo…

Inn Upon Moon River Plantation Blues Bed & BreakfastMap Pin
Inn Upon Moon River Plantation Blues Bed & Breakfast

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A 1904-built, humble home sits proudly in historic Chester, South Carolina. The sounds of the piano that flood the rooms and the blues memorabilia sca…

Inn Upon Moon River Plantation Blues Bed & BreakfastMap Pin
Inn Upon Moon River Plantation Blues Bed & Breakfast

7 Guided Tours for History Buffs in the Olde English District

Step back in time and uncover the stories that shaped the Olde English District. From historic landmarks to scenic landscapes, this region is a haven…

ScarowindsMap Pin
Spooktacular Spots to Visit This Halloween Season

Spooktacular Spots to Visit This Halloween Season

Boo! Spooky season is upon us, and the Halloween countdown is on. While some may prefer pumpkin patches and milder fall activities, others revel in…

Photo courtesy of Visit York CountyMap Pin
Photo of two friends drinking beer in York County

Raise a Pint: Sip Along the YoCo Brew Trail & Beyond

While the OED is widely known for its historical sites and outdoor recreational activities, part of the region is also a haven for craft beer enthusia…

Goodale State ParkMap Pin
Canoe or kayak on the water trail at Goodale State Park in Camden.

4 Things to Do at Goodale State Park

Goodale State Park in Kershaw County is one of the most underrated state parks in South Carolina, offering a variety of outdoor activities. Just a sho…

Dizzy Gillespie StatueMap Pin
photo of the Dizzy Gillespie statue in Cheraw, SC

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Get ready to enjoy the soulful sounds and vibrant rhythms of jazz as the South Carolina Jazz Festival returns to Cheraw October 18-20, 2024. This annu…

Cotton Hills FarmMap Pin
Cotton Hills Farm

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September in the Olde English District brings the promise of fall, even if the temperatures haven’t quite caught up yet. As we dive into autumn a…

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From the suburbs of Charlotte, N.C., to tucked-away towns and rural communities, the Olde English District offers just the kind of getaway you need. We offer an array of hotels, bed & breakfasts, cabins, camping and more across our seven counties.

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#OEDtravel

We love to see you enjoying your time in the Olde English District. Share your photos on social media using #oedtravel for a chance to be featured in our gallery.

Did you know our South Carolina State Parks stay open for the holidays?

And one of the great things about visiting South Carolina is every season is a great time to be outside!

Today, we're highlighting Goodale State Park in Camden, a great choice for those who prefer water excursions through the wilderness. The park’s 3-mile canoe trail is a relaxing paddle through the forest, offering scenic views of plants and wildlife. You may even spot an alligator, bald eagle or osprey on the water. 🛶

Looking for a way to celebrate the holiday season at a state park? 

Check out this list of holiday events at state parks in the Olde English District:
📍 Cookies with Santa at Goodale State Park 
📍 Hognamay at Andrew Jackson State Park 
📍 A Cheraw Christmas at Cheraw State Park
📍 Christmas on the Farm at Kings Mountain State Park
📍 Christmas at Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site

Check out our Nature Itinerary and start planning your outdoor adventure to one of the OED's nine state parks at the link in our bio!

Photo credit by @duckdoo14

#oedtravel
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❄️ Winterfest is back! Celebrate the holiday season at Carowinds (@carowinds) with holiday lights, ice skating, family activities, live entertainment, and so much more. Find the perfect present at specialty holiday gift shops, play holiday-themed games and enjoy festive live entertainment. 

Embrace the season with holiday music and find joy in Christmas activities and holiday attractions for the entire family. Make sure you don't miss the Carowinds’ Christmas tree lighting!

🥁 End the night at the WinterFest Wonderland Parade, a nightly Christmas parade with decorated floats, holiday music and performers.

Winterfest at Carowinds runs Nov. 15 - Jan. 4. Check the Carowinds website to buy your tickets today.
As the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, start planning a getaway to where it's nice year-round! 🌞

The Olde English District offers visitors an amazing time all year with attractions like family farms, living history museums, antique stores and six state parks.

🔍 Find family fun, outdoor adventures, historic landmarks, local shops, small-town charm and so much more when you connect with the character of the Olde English District.

Tag someone in the comments you want to explore OED with and start planning your getaway to OED today at our website linked in our bio!

#oedtravel
#discoversc