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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. Itโ€™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 youโ€™ll love what you discover in South Carolinaโ€™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 Carolinaโ€™s โ€œUpstate,โ€ 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 โ€” 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 lifeโ€™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 Presidentโ€™s boyhood and South Carolinaโ€™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 areaโ€™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. Donโ€™t miss Lauraโ€™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, youโ€™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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National Trails Day at ASCG
1/01

National Trails Day at ASCG

Letโ€™s hit the trails! Join the celebration of American Hiking Societyโ€™s…

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 โ€“ November 21, 8:30 AM โ€“ 12:30 PM. There will be no markets in July or festiv…

Crafts & Farmers Market at Kings Mountain State Park
4/25

Crafts & Farmers Market at Kings Mountain State Park

Join us on the Living History Farm for a fun filled day. Enjoy a variety of local food & craft vendors as well as a blacksmith demonstration. Take…

beekeeper at Ivy Place Berry Farm
5/02

The South Carolina Ag + Art Tour

The South Carolina Ag + Art Tour is a fun, self-guided tour that explores farms and markets in the state This unique experien…

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

Sundown Series Trail Race at Anne Springs Close Greenway

Chase the sun toward the horizon with the Sundown Series Trail Races! Southern summers are long and hot, but evenings welcome a break from the heat. T…

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. T…

Food Truck Firday at The Fountain
5/15

Food Truck Firday at The Fountain

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

Hometown Heroes: Celebrating 250 Years of American Service at Fort Mill History Museum
5/21

Hometown Heroes: Celebrating 250 Years of American Service at Fort Mill History Museum

A special exhibit to honor Fort Mill veterans and experience the temporary military exhibit, which will feature stories and a…

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’ll…

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Celebrating Juneteenth Across the Olde English District

Celebrating Juneteenth Across the Olde English District

Juneteenth is a time to reflect, celebrate, and honor the enduring legacy of freedom, resilience, and progress. Across the Olde English District, com…

Bob Doster's Backstreet Studio

Bob Doster’s Backstreet Studio

In the heart of downtown Lancaster, Bob Dosterรขย€ย™s Backstreet Studio is a place where creativity comes to life. Known for its larger-than-life meta…

Discover the Farms of the Brave Ag + Art Tour in the Olde English District

Discover the Farms of the Brave Ag + Art Tour in the Olde English District

Agriculture, artistry, and patriotism come together during the first statewide Farms of the Brave Ag + Art Tour, a unique experience celebrating South…

Cherry Place FarmMap Pin
goats at Cherry Place Farm

How to Experience the South Carolina Ag + Art Tour in the Olde English District

The South Carolina Ag + Art Tour is the largest free farm and art tour in the United Statesรขย€ย”and one of the most immersive ways to connect with th…

Cherry Place FarmMap Pin
goats at Cherry Place Farm

Bob Dosterโ€™s Two-Day Itinerary

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

Cherry Place FarmMap Pin
goats at Cherry Place Farm

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 regionรขย€ย™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 Motherโ€™s Day Gift Guide in the OED

The Ultimate Motherโ€™s Day Gift Guide in the OED

Motherรขย€ย™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 Lauraโ€™s Tea Roomย 

Sip, Savor, and Socialize at Lauraโ€™s Tea Roomย 

If youรขย€ย™re craving a delightful escape from the ordinary cafรƒยฉ experience, look no further than Laura’s Tea Room, a charming destination for tea…

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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.

Your Weekend in the Olde English District ๐ŸŒŸ

๐Ÿ“ Chester County โ€“ Princess Carriage Ride with Dream Carriage & Special Events
๐Ÿ‘‘ Enjoy a magical time with Princess Tiana and Cinderella on an enchanted carriage ride, donโ€™t forget to wear your favorite princess outfit!

๐Ÿ“ Chesterfield County โ€“ Moonlight Paddle Float at Cheraw State Park
๐Ÿ›ถ Enjoy the sunset, wildlife, and peaceful beauty of 361-acre Lake Juniper on a moonlight paddle led by a park ranger.

๐Ÿ“ Fairfield County โ€“ Spend the Day at Lake Monticello
๐ŸŒŠ Relax and explore this waterfront park featuring a 300-acre recreational lake full of fun for the whole family.

๐Ÿ“ Kershaw County โ€“ Go Wild Messtival at @nature.as.teacher 
๐ŸŒฟ This hands-on event for kids and families features muddy fun, nature crafts, scavenger hunts, bug exploration, trail soakers, and more.. dress for a mess!

๐Ÿ“ Lancaster County โ€“ South Carolina Wine & Stories at @laurelhavenestate 
๐Ÿท Spend a charming afternoon with author @ameliaoldofficial as she shares stories and hidden gems from across the Palmetto State while celebrating South Carolinaโ€™s growing wine scene.

๐Ÿ“ Union County โ€“ Savor a Bowl of Hash at Midway BBQ
๐Ÿ– Known for delicious barbecue and Southern favorites, Midway BBQ is a local stapleโ€”donโ€™t miss the famous beef hash and chicken stew.

๐Ÿ“ York County โ€“ Craft & Farmers Market at Kings Mountain State Park
๐Ÿ›๏ธ Enjoy local food and craft vendors, a blacksmith demonstration, and a self-guided tour of the Living History Farm.

For even more events happening across the region, check out our events page! ๐Ÿ‘€

#oedtravel #discoversc #weekendplans #scstateparks
This Memorial Day weekend, whether youโ€™re exploring charming small towns, enjoying local restaurants, spending time outdoors, or discovering the history and beauty of the Olde English District, take a moment to remember the heroes who made these freedoms possible. ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ

#oedtravel #discoversc #memorialday
Your Weekend in the Olde English District ๐ŸŒŸ

๐Ÿ“ Chester County โ€“ Flopeye Fish Festival in Great Falls
๐ŸŽถ A 2-day celebration featuring live music, a carnival, car show, and plenty of food trucks. 

๐Ÿ“ Chesterfield County โ€“ Explore Lake Juniper by pedal boat at Cheraw State Park
๐Ÿšฃโ€โ™€๏ธ Cruise a 360-acre lake and take in the peaceful beauty.

๐Ÿ“ Fairfield County โ€“ 5th Annual Memorial Day Weekend Stars Hunt at Carolina Adventure World
โญ Find a hidden star on May 23rd and win a $100 Welcome Center gift card in this fun holiday weekend challenge.

๐Ÿ“ Kershaw County โ€“ Camden Polo Club 2026 Anniversary Match
๐ŸŽ Watch one of Americaโ€™s oldest polo clubs in action as tradition, sport, and history come together in Camden.

๐Ÿ“ Lancaster County โ€“ Noel & Maria at Lancaster Cultural Arts Center
๐ŸŽท โ€œSassy Swing, Satin Ballads: A Celebration of Sarah Vaughanโ€ featuring vocalist Maria Howell and pianist Noel Freidline.

๐Ÿ“ Union County โ€“ Explore SC History at Rose Hill Plantation
๐Ÿ›๏ธ Tour one of the best preserved plantation homes in the South and walk historic grounds.

๐Ÿ“ York County โ€“ Flying Legends of Victory at Rock Hillโ€“York County Airport
โœˆ๏ธ Step back in time and tour historic aircraft or even book a once-in-a-lifetime ride.

So, whatโ€™s on your weekend list in the OED? ๐Ÿ‘€

#oedtravel #discoersc #weekendplans #scstateparks #festival
We had a great time at Lilyfest this year! ๐ŸŒธ While the festival may be over, you can still see the beautiful Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies in bloom now through mid-June. Itโ€™s a sight you donโ€™t want to miss!

#oedtravel #discoversc #scstateparks #rockyshoalsspiderlilies