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Welcome to the
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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Old Town Market in Downtown Rock Hill
4/11

Old Town Market in Downtown Rock Hill

The Old Town Market at Fountain Park is OPEN every Saturday, April 4 – November 21, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM. There will be no markets in July or fes…

Main Street York Farmers Market
4/18

Main Street York Farmers Market

Join us in Downtown York for the Main Street York Farmers Market—a seasonal market featuring fresh, locally grown and made products in a welcoming,…

Sundown Series Trail Race at Anne Springs Close Greenway
5/06

Sundown Series Trail Race at Anne Springs Close Greenway

Southern summers are long and hot, but…

Fort Mill Farmers & Artisans Market
5/09

Fort Mill Farmers & Artisans Market

The Fort Mill Farmers & Artisans Market is back for Its 7th Season! Join us for another incredible year of local flavor, creativity, and community…

Bird Walk at Catawba Bend
5/09

Bird Walk at Catawba Bend

Explore Catawba Bend Preserve with our trip leader as we look for resident and migratory birds. Guided for all skill levels ages 10 and up. …

Food Truck Firday at The Fountain in Downtown Rock Hill
5/15

Food Truck Firday at The Fountain in Downtown Rock Hill

Food Truck Fridays at Fountain Park returns to Old Town Rock Hill with local food trucks, live music, and a fun night downtown.Join the comm…

Moonlight Paddle Float at Cheraw State Park
5/30

Moonlight Paddle Float at Cheraw State Park

Enjoy the beautiful sunset and natural beauty, birds and wildlife abound on the 361-acre Lake Juniper at Cheraw State Park on a moonlight ride you’…

York County 250 Summer Speaker Series
6/18

York County 250 Summer Speaker Series

June 18 – Michael Burgess: The Soul of America: The Challenges of Teaching the American Revolution at 250….

Cultivating Connections Garden Series with the Native American Studies Center
6/20

Cultivating Connections Garden Series with the Native American Studies Center

The Cultivating Connections Garden Series has been extended this summer and fall!Designed to be a living classroom, the program bridges trad…

Native American Studies Center Summer Mini Art Markets
6/20

Native American Studies Center Summer Mini Art Markets

📅 June 20, July 18 & Aug. 16, 2026⏰ 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.📍 Native American Studies Center, 119 S. Main…

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Anne Springs Close GreenwayMap Pin
Anne Springs Close Greenway

Andrew Ferguson: A Free Black Patriot Who Refused to Surrender

Andrew Ferguson: A Free Black Patriot Who Refused to Surrender

Peter Harris: The Only Catawba Regular of the Continental Army

Peter Harris: The Only Catawba Regular of the Continental Army

Peter Harris: The Only Catawba Regular of the Continental Army

Martha Bratton: Igniting the Spirit of American Freedom and Defying the British

Martha Bratton: Igniting the Spirit of American Freedom and Defying the British

Martha Bratton: Igniting the Spirit of American Freedom and Defying the British

The Jackson Family: The Making of a President in the Carolina Backcountry

The Jackson Family: The Making of a President in the Carolina Backcountry

The Jackson Family: The Making of a President in the Carolina Backcountry

Your Guide to National Picnic Month in the OED

Your Guide to National Picnic Month in the OED

July is National Picnic Month, and there’s no better way to enjoy the summer sunshine than with a basket of your favorite foods and a scenic spot…

Explore Historic Brattonsville

Explore Historic Brattonsville

Explore Historic Brattonsville: The Patriot Victory That Sparked Backcountry Resistance

See Blackstock's Battlefield

See Blackstock’s Battlefield

See Blackstock’s Battlefield: Where Thomas Sumter Outmaneuvered the British

Enjoy Landsford Canal State Park

Enjoy Landsford Canal State Park

Enjoy Landsford Canal State Park: History, Nature and a Revolutionary River Crossing

Tour Andrew Jackson State Park

Tour Andrew Jackson State Park

Tour Andrew Jackson State Park: Exploring the Revolutionary Roots of a Future President

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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.

National Picnic Month just hits different in the OED 🧺✨

Golden sunshine, shady spots, lake views, and nowhere to be but right here. 

We rounded up some of our favorite picnic spots in a full blog, so all you have to do is pack the snacks and head out.

#oedtravel #discoversc #nationalpicnicmonth
Your Weekend in the OED 🌟

📍 Chester County – Showing of The Patriot
🎬 Grab your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a special outdoor screening of The Patriot, filmed largely right here in Chester County! Popcorn is provided, and the movie begins at 6 p.m.

📍 Chesterfield County – 250 Flags for America’s 250th
🇺🇸 Honor America’s 250th with the 250 Flags for America’s 250th display in downtown Cheraw beginning at 3 p.m.

📍 Fairfield County – Winnsboro Fourth of July Drone Show
✨ Celebrate Independence Day with live music, food and beverage vendors, and a patriotic drone show lighting up the night sky. Festivities begin at 7:30 p.m.

📍 Kershaw County – Pints with Patriots
🍻 Ever wanted to grab a drink with a hero from the 1700s? Meet Revolutionary War characters at Greener Pastures Brewing and Silver Leaf Cigar Lounge for a one-of-a-kind evening in downtown Camden.

📍 Lancaster County – Sunset Yoga
🪻 Unwind with a free hour of yoga surrounded by blooming lavender and soft evening light at Lavendar Flair. Bring your yoga mat and water, then shop the farm store after class. 7:30–8:30 p.m.

📍 Union County – Canoe the Broad River
🛶 Paddle the scenic Broad River as it winds through Union County, offering peaceful views, pine forests, and plenty of opportunities to connect with nature.

📍 York County – Celebrate America’s 250th at Historic Brattonsville
🎆 Step back into the Carolina Piedmont of the 1850s with living history demonstrations, 19th-century games and toys, site tours, hot air balloon launches, and more.

Where are you headed this weekend? 👀
Yesterday, we officially celebrated the Grand Opening of the Backcountry Revolution Trail, and we couldn’t have asked for a better turnout! Seeing so many partners, supporters, and history enthusiasts come together made this milestone even more special.

The Backcountry Revolution Trail brings the stories of the American Revolution to life by connecting the people, places, and events that shaped our nation right here in South Carolina’s backcountry.

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who helped make this vision a reality, including:

• Our Board Members
• @southcarolina250 
• @sc_battlegrounds 
• @simplyrevolutionarysc 
• Our County Committees
• Brewed in Defiance Coffee - @whiteblossomcoffee 
• @americanpatriotcoffeesc 
• South Carolina Parks, Recreation & Tourism
• @kershawcountychamber 
• @historiccamdenfoundation 
• @experiencecamdensc 
• @authenticitybrandstrategies 
• And the many others who contributed behind the scenes

And to everyone who joined us yesterday, thank you for celebrating with us! Your support means the world, and we are so excited for what’s ahead.

✨ The Backcountry Revolution Trail is officially OPEN.
✨ Our History Hub is LIVE.
✨ The only thing missing is YOU.

Ready to start your journey through the Revolutionary backcountry? Visit the link in our bio and start exploring today.

#BackcountryRevolutionTrail #oedtravel #discoversc #revolutionarywar
🇺🇸 The excitement surrounding SC250 doesn't stop with our Backcountry Revolution Trail launch next Tuesday!

Communities across the Olde English District are bringing history to life with special events, programs, and heritage experiences celebrating South Carolina's role in America's 250th.

Looking for ways to join the celebration? Check out our latest blog featuring SC250 events and experiences happening throughout the region.

#OEDTravel #SC250 #America250 #RevolutionaryWar #DiscoverSouthCarolina
We want you there for the Backcountry Revolution Trail Grand Opening Celebration & Press Conference as we officially unveil this exciting new way to experience Revolutionary War history across the Olde English District. 

📍 Revolutionary War Visitor Center at Camden
📅 Tuesday, June 23, 2026
🕙 10:00 AM

Join us as we kick off South Carolina’s America 250 celebration with:

🎤 Welcome and remarks from regional leaders and partners
🔥 Live cannon demonstrations and musket drills by @historiccamdenfoundation 
🤝 A reception featuring county SC250 committee booths from across the OED and local vendors

This is the start of something big for our region, and you don’t want to miss it.

#oedtravel #discoversc #sc250 #revolutionarywar 
🇺🇸 See you there!