Skip to content
destination guide icon
Request Your Free Destination Guide

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.

x

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.

View County

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.

View County

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.

View County

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.

View County

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.

View County

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.

View County

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.

View County
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 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…

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…

Rock Hill Pride Festival
6/14

Rock Hill Pride Festival

Rock Hill Pride Returns with a Week of Celebration, Arts & Community Events…

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….

See All Events
Homepage

Get Our

Homepage
Homepage

Get Our

Homepage
Explore Historic Brattonsville

Explore Historic Brattonsville

Explore Historic Brattonsville: The Patriot Victory That Sparked Backcountry Resistance

Revolutionary War Living History Park

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

Chester County Historical Society MuseumMap Pin
Enjoy some time at the Chester County Historical Society Museum in Chester.

Explore the Chester County Historical Society

Explore the Chester County Historical Society: Uncovering the Personal Stories of the Revolution

The Revolutionary War Visitor CenterMap Pin
The Revolutionary War Visitor Center

The Revolutionary War Visitor Center

The Revolutionary War Visitor Center: Your Gateway to South Carolina’s Southern Campaign

Lindsay Pettus GreenwayMap Pin
Lindsay Pettus Greenway

Visit the Lancaster County Historical Courthouse and Museum

Visit the Lancaster County Historical Courthouse and Museum: Connecting Communities to the Revolution

Explore Hanging Rock Battlefield

Explore Hanging Rock Battlefield

Explore Hanging Rock Battlefield: Where Patriot Resistance Held Strong

Stone monument at Musgrove Mill State Historic Site in Union County SC.

Visit Musgrove Mill and Blackstock’s

Visit Musgrove Mill and Blackstock’s: Patriot Victories That Kept the Revolution Alive

Read More Stories

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.

Homepage

#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.

🇺🇸 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!
Your Weekend in the OED

📍 Chester County – Farm and Tractor Day at @cotton_hills_farm
🚜 Get ready for a day full of farm fun and big machines Experience the sights, sounds, and excitement of real farm life.

📍 Chesterfield County – Antique Farm Museum & @mcleodfarms
🍦 Step back in time at the Mac’s Pride Antique Farm Museum, then grab fresh produce and ice cream for a perfect small-town stop.

📍 Fairfield County – Christyfest SC Folk Art Festival
🎨 Celebrate Southern creativity and community at this two-day folk art festival featuring regional artists, live music, food, and meaningful local impact.

📍 Kershaw County – Folklore & Legends Lantern Tour at Historic Camden
🏮 Spend the evening on a lantern-lit walk through @historiccamdenfoundation as storytellers bring local folklore, legends, and eerie tales from Camden’s past to life.

📍 Lancaster County – Outdoor Adventures
🎣 Cast a line at Andrew Jackson State Park and enjoy a peaceful day outdoors.

📍 Union County – Flag Day
🇺🇸 Explore U.S. flag history and take a journey through time with a creative mocktail experience at Carnegie Library as part of the SC Humanities Festival.

📍 York County – Guided Bird Walk at Catawba Bend Preserve
🦅 Join a guided bird walk at Catawba Bend Preserve as you look for resident and migratory birds.

All these events and more can be found on the events page on our website. Have a great weekend!
Celebrate Independence Day in the Olde English District 🇺🇸✨

From small-town parades and lively festivals to fireworks, live music, and family-friendly celebrations, there’s so much going on across the region this Fourth of July. 🇺🇸 🦅 Whether you’re planning a full day out or just looking for a festive stop, the OED is full of ways to celebrate all weekend long.

Check out the full guide, link in bio for all the details on how to spend your Independence Day in the OED.

#oedtravel #discoversc #fourthofjuly #indepenceday
Sunset chasing at Lake Monticello 🌅✨
Golden skies, calm water, and that “wish this moment would last a little longer” feeling.

#oedtravel #discoversc #lakemonticello #sunset