Olde English District

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.

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, Old Town Kitchen & Cocktails 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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Chester
Chesterfield
Fairfield
Kershaw
Lancaster
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York

Events At A Glance

Pageland, SC

7/18

Pageland Watermelon Festival

Since its inception in 1951, the Pageland Watermelon Festival has been a cornerstone event in Pageland, initially established…

Carowinds

9/15

SCarowinds

SCarowinds, brought to you by Carowinds, reigns as one of the Carolinas’ premier Halloween experiences. Located on the North…

10/11

Rock Around The Clock

Rock Around The Clock is a Winnsboro tradition. Historically held in October, the weekend events’ festivities kick off with t…

Photo courtesy of 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,…

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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Things to Do

History Buffs

Revolutionary War Visitor Center
Located in Camden at 212 Broad Street, this attraction serves as a key historical and educational hub dedicated to the gateway to the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution. In fact, the Battle of Camden witnessed a crucial confrontation between the American and British forces during the war. Learn how South Carolinians were instrumental in turning the tide in the war for independence.

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Sports Adventure

Skydive! Carolina
Lookin’ for adventure? Head out to Skydive! Carolina at 1903 King Air Drive in Chester. Billed as the premier skydiving center of the Carolinas, this venue offers first-timers the opportunity to jump in tandem with a professional instructor from 14,000 feet. Training is, of course, provided prior to jumping. The entire experience is documented with photography and a DVD. They also welcome experienced and licensed skydivers.

Dive In

Nature Lovers

Goodale State Park
Located in Camden, this state park features a nature trail and canoe trail, which give visitors an excellent opportunity to view the native flora and fauna. Cypress trees line the spring-fed lake which offers boating and fishing. In the open water area, you can see ducks, kingfishers, osprey and occasionally bald eagles. Picnic shelters, tables, playground equipment and a meeting facility are available.

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Small-Town Americana

Inn Upon Moon River Plantation Blues B&B
This plantation style home built in 1904, offers all the modern conveniences expected in comfortable and pleasant accommodations. The century-old front porch is perfect for watching the hustle and bustle of the community. The Inn is also a blues and jazz museum that contains the Dave CC Club Library for researching the blues. Located in the historic district, the inn is within walking distance to the quaint downtown.

Family Fun

Cotton Hills Farm
Explore Cotton Hills Farm in Chester, a thriving family-owned farm since 1882, and South Carolina’s largest pumpkin farm. Offering seasonal fruit and vegetable picking, from strawberries in April-May to pumpkins in September-October, this farm presents an authentic rural experience. With its farm market and multiple locations, you can enjoy the farm’s fresh produce. Check out the special events, too!

Dig In

Food & Drink

Flipside Restaurant Group
Experience the charm and Southern hospitality of the Flipside Restaurant Group owned by chefs Amy and Jon Fortes. Famed for local-inspired comfort food, they offer a variety of dining experiences from hearty breakfasts to relaxed family dinners. Enjoy the upscale ambiance at the Flipside Restaurant or the casual goodness of Flip Out Burger, each in Rock Hill. Meanwhile in Fort Mill, enjoy the friendly neighborhood feel of the Flipside Café, sumptuous Italian fare at Salmeri’s, or globally inspired treats at FM Eatery.

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OED Stories

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Cheraw State Park

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Hilton Garden Inn

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Landsford Canal State Park

Family-Friendly Summer Getaway in the Olde English District

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Stay

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.

Where to Stay

Charming B&B’s: Your Cozy Retreat Awaits

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Where to Stay

Your Home Away from Home

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Where to Stay

Camping & Cabins for Every Adventure

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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.

Celebrate Juneteenth in the OED! 🎉This historic day marks the end of slavery in the United States. Here are some ways you can celebrate in South Carolina’s piedmont region:

🌟Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom in Rock Hill (June 21, 6pm & June 22, 11am-2pm)

🌟Living History Demonstration at @historicbrattonsville (June 15, 10am-4pm)

🌟Juneteenth Freedom Celebration in Lancaster (June 14, 6-pm-10pm & June 15, 12pm-10pm)

🌟Juneteenth Remembrance & Celebration in Union (June 15, 2pm-6pm)

🌟Pageland’s 4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration (June 15, 3pm)

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📸: @visityorkcountysc via @137north
📍: @onlyinoldtown

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Beat the heat this summer 🌊🌞 Grab a tube, kayak, or other floating device and hit the many bodies of water in the OED! Here are a few (of many) spots to consider:

☀️Lake Wateree
☀️Lake Wylie
☀️Lake Monticello
☀️Catawba River
☀️Lake Juniper at Cheraw State Park

🛶Whether you’re into kayaking, canoeing, or tubing, the OED has various lakes and rivers, each offering a different way to get on the water!

📸 Share your floating photos with us and tag #OEDTravel for a chance to be featured!

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📹: @visityorkcountysc via @137north
📍: Catawba River

Open

🌳Guess that South Carolina State Park 🌳 Can you guess which park features this stunning spillway?

☀️ Along with the spillway, the park boasts an 1800s living history farm, two lakes, campsites, trails, and more!

⬇️ Guess away in the caption below!

Open

🥾#DYK: @threadtrail connects greenways, trails, and blueways across 15 counties in North and South Carolina, including York, Chester, and Lancaster counties?

🌳 With its scenic routes and accessibility, it’s perfect for those wanting a little bit of adventure while soaking in the scenery in the heart of the Carolinas!

Open

It’s blueberry season at @ivyplaceberryfarm 🫐 Send this to someone you want to pick berries with this June and July!

🫐Pro tip: Check @ivyplaceberryfarm ‘s website and social media for the most updated produce info!

🔗For a list of more u-pick farms in the #OED, click the link in our bio!

#oedtravel #discoversouthcarolina

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🏕 @lakeshorefamilycampground has officially set up camp on Lake Monticello in Fairfield County!

🛶 As the only lakefront campground on the lake, this spot offers stunning views and spacious campsites! Operated by a family who loves camping themselves, it’s designed for both short and long stays.

⛺️ Follow their social media (@lakeshorefamilycampground) to lean more about the campground!

Open

☀️ Looking for a family-friendly summer getaway? Here are some fun activities to enjoy in the #OED:

🌳Hike at a state park and enjoy a picnic
🍦Pick produce and grab a scoop (or three) of ice cream at a farm
⏳Explore the many historic sites and museums in the region
🎢Spend the afternoon on world class coasters
🐐Get up close to goats and other animals

🔗To help get you started, we created a summer getaway guide for your next visit (link in bio)! Happy exploring!☀️

Open

🍅 There’s nothing quite like the taste of fresh, vine-ripe produce in #SouthCarolina! 🥕 That’s why we rounded up farmers markets to stop at when visiting the OED (link in bio)!

📸: @visityorkcountysc

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