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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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Planting for Native Pollinators At Hanging Rock
4/08

Planting for Native Pollinators At Hanging Rock

Join us to plant native plants to attract pollinators at the Hanging Rock Battlefield. Meet parking lot near the intersection of Flat Rock Road and Be…

Pottery Wheel Throw Down1 Day 1.5 HR Pottery
4/10

Pottery Wheel Throw Down1 Day 1.5 HR Pottery

Come spend 1.5 hours surrounded by the soothing hum of spinning pottery wheels, where you’ll craft your own functional or artistic pieces. Kim Will gu…

Get to Know the Greenway Van Tour
4/11

Get to Know the Greenway Van Tour

Tour by van to all five Greenway entrances to learn about the activities and history of the Greenway! This tour is free for members. To receive the di…

Kayaking Clinic
4/11

Kayaking Clinic

Paddle into adventure on scenic Lake Haigler. The session begins with a group orientation, giving participants a chance to connect, review safety and…

Goat Yoga
4/11

Goat Yoga

Looking for something fun and different to do? Join us in welcoming back the goats of New Moon Flower Farm to the Greenway to bring our guests the nov…

Gnome Sweet Gnome
4/11

Gnome Sweet Gnome

Pre-registration Required | $2 per Member and $12 per Non-memberCome join us as we work with Mu…

Yoga & Blooms
4/11

Yoga & Blooms

Yoga & Blooms A Studio Well x Cascade Farms Event Join us for a one-of-a-kind morning as Studio Well partners with Cascade Farms to celebrate the…

Farm Tour
4/11

Farm Tour

Join us Saturday, April 11th for an informative tour of our farming operations at Wild Hope Farm.

Pottery Wheel Throw Down1 Day 1.5 HR Pottery
4/11

Pottery Wheel Throw Down1 Day 1.5 HR Pottery

Come spend 1.5 hours surrounded by the soothing hum of spinning pottery wheels, where you’ll craft your own functional or artistic pieces. Nicki Will…

Pottery Wheel Throw Down1 Day 1.5 HR Pottery
4/12

Museum Seminar Series: To the Solar System and Beyond

Recommended for Ages 12+ | $10 per Member and $15 per Non-member for each session attended Remaining Dates in Series: April 12 Astronomy has…

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Bob Doster’s Two-Day Itinerary

MorningBegin your journey in Lancaster atBob Doster’s Backstreet Studio & Garden, where renowned metal artist Bob Doster has transformed his work…

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Nikki Thomas’ Two-Day Itinerary

MorningBegin in Lugoff at Gorget Distilling Co., where founder Nikki Thomas brings small-batch distillation to life. Schedule a tasting or guided tour…

A Sweet Spring Tradition: The SC Strawberry Festival in Fort Mill

A Sweet Spring Tradition: The SC Strawberry Festival in Fort Mill

Each spring, the SC Strawberry Festival brings thousands of visitors to Fort Mill. As one of the region’s most anticipated annual events, the fes…

Landsford Canal State Park, rocky shoals spider lilies

Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies at Landsford Canal State Park

Each spring, Landsford Canal State Park bursts into life as thousands of Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies blanket the Catawba River in delicate white blooms…

The Ultimate Mother’s Day Gift Guide in the OED

The Ultimate Mother’s Day Gift Guide in the OED

Mother’s Day is the perfect time to show the women in your life just how much they mean to you. Instead of the usual gift cards, why not explore…

Sip, Savor, and Socialize at Laura’s Tea Room 

Sip, Savor, and Socialize at Laura’s Tea Room 

If you’re craving a delightful escape from the ordinary café experience, look no further than Laura’s Tea Room, a charming destination for tea…

A mountain biker jumps their bike over a rock in a wooded area of Rattlesnake Bike Park

Discover the Thrill of Rattlesnake Bike Park

Nestled in the rolling woodlands of Winnsboro, South Carolina, Rattlesnake Bike Park is quickly becoming one of the Southeast’s go-to mountain bi…

Come See Me Festival frog mascots by fountain in Rock Hill SC.

Experience Come See Me

Each spring, Rock Hill, South Carolina comes alive in bright green as the community gathers for its signature event, the Come-See-Me Festival. Held an…

Old Town Farmers Market Map Pin
Old Town Farmers Market

Farmers Markets in the Olde English District

There’s nothing better than a sunny morning at a local farmers market — fresh produce, homemade treats, and local vendors. The Olde English…

Two children picking colorful zinnias in a flower field on a sunny day.

McLeod Farms

Across the Olde English District, rolling fields and backroads lead to some of the sweetest stops you’ll ever make. From strawberries in the spri…

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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 the world’s hottest chili pepper was bred right here in South Carolina’s Olde English District?

The record-breaking Carolina Reaper was developed by Ed Currie of @puckerbutt_pepper_company  putting the OED on the global map for serious heat.

Recently, PuckerButt Farms and Ed were featured on an episode of @bravotopchef 🌟

Now that’s something to brag about! 🌶️ 🔥 

#oedtravel #discoversc #worldshottestpepper #topchef
🎉 Spring is in the air and the Come See Me Festival is right around the corner in Rock Hill! From parades to live music, family fun, food, and fireworks, this 10-day celebration has something for everyone. 🐸

📅 Don’t miss out — read our blog for more info!

📸 : @137north - @visityorkcountysc - @comeseemefestival 

#oedtravel #discoversc #yorkcounty #rockhillsc #comeseeme
Welcome back, spring 🌸 Longer days, warmer sunshine, and fresh blooms are finally here, making it the perfect time for a stroll through Glencairn Garden.

From blooming camellias to peaceful ponds and vibrant seasonal color, this Rock Hill gem invites you to slow down and soak in the beauty. Whether you’re snapping photos or simply enjoying the fresh air, it’s always worth a visit. 

#oedtravel #discoversc #rockhillsc #spring