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
Union
York

Events At A Glance

Carowinds

9/13

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

The Front Porch

Meat-and-Threes in the Olde English District

When it comes to Southern cooking, South Carolina doesnât mess around. Sweet tea, cornbread, fried chickenâserved up with all the fixins. If…

Anne Springs Close Greenway

5 Things To Do In York County

Just south of Charlotte, York County is a vibrant area, packed with outdoor recreation excursions, local restaurants and buzzing breweries. To help yo…

Inn Upon Moon River Plantation Blues Bed & Breakfast

A Stay That’s Good For The Mind, Body & Soul

A 1904-built, humble home sits proudly in historic Chester, South Carolina. The sounds of the piano that flood the rooms and the blues memorabilia sca…

Inn Upon Moon River Plantation Blues Bed & Breakfast

7 Guided Tours for History Buffs in the Olde English District

Step back in time and uncover the stories that shaped the Olde English District. From historic landmarks to scenic landscapes, this region is a haven…

Scarowinds

Spooktacular Spots to Visit This Halloween Season

Boo! Spooky season is upon us, and the Halloween countdown is on. While some may prefer pumpkin patches and milder fall activities, others revel in…

Photo courtesy of Visit York County

Photo of two friends drinking beer in York County

Raise a Pint: Sip Along the YoCo Brew Trail & Beyond

While the OED is widely known for its historical sites and outdoor recreational activities, part of the region is also a haven for craft beer enthusia…

Goodale State Park

4 Things to Do at Goodale State Park

Goodale State Park in Kershaw County is one of the most underrated state parks in South Carolina, offering a variety of outdoor activities. Just a sho…

Dizzy Gillespie Statue

What is the South Carolina Jazz Festival?

Get ready to enjoy the soulful sounds and vibrant rhythms of jazz as the South Carolina Jazz Festival returns to Cheraw October 18-20, 2024. This annu…

Cotton Hills Farm

6 Spots To Pick Pumpkins in the OED

September in the Olde English District brings the promise of fall, even if the temperatures havenât quite caught up yet. As we dive into autumn a…

Chester State Park

5 Things to Do at Chester State Park

Chester State Park in Chester County offers a mix of adventure and relaxation across its 523 acres. Whether you’re a nature lover, a family looking fo…

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.

🍁Snapshots of fall in the OED! 📸 Psssssst: Be sure to use #OEDTravel in your travel pics for a chance to be featured!

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👻Boo! Spooky season is upon us, and the Halloween countdown is on! That’s why we created a list of spooktacular spots to visit in the OED before November rolls around:

🎢SCarowinds: Haunted thrills galore at @carowinds
🔦Lanterns and Legends Tour via @fortmillhistory: Ghost stories on a guided tour through Fort Mill
👻Chester County Jail Tour: Explore a haunted 1914 jail in Chester

Who’s ready for a fright? Full details in the blog (link in bio)!

📸: @carowinds

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🕒 Get ready to Rock Around the Clock in Winnsboro!

🎸Join in on 25 years of fun on October 11-12! Expect live performances, food vendors, a legendary car show, and much more!

📍 100 Congress Street, Downtown Winnsboro, SC

🔗For more info about this event, head to our website (link in bio)!

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🍻Get ready to sip your way through York County’s finest breweries on the #YoCoBrewTrail!

🍺While the OED is widely known for its historical sites and outdoor recreational activities, part of the region is also a haven for craft beer enthusiasts. That’s why we put together a list of some of the best breweries in the area, with a special spotlight on the @yocobrewtrail in #YorkCounty!

🔗Check out our latest blog (link in bio) for more details—cheers!🍻

📹: @visityorkcountysc

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When that “TGIF feeling” hits… 🍻

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🎃 Time to find the perfect pumpkin! This fall, check out one of the many farms in the OED to find the perfect pumpkin for your front porch! Here’s a quick list:

🎃 @blackspeaches
🍂 @bushnvine
🎃 @cherryplacefarm
🍂 @cotton_hills_farm
🎃 @hall.family.farm
🍂 @mcleodfarms

🔗Check out the link in our bio for more details!

Open

🌳 Goodale State Park in Camden is calling this fall!

⬇️ Here’s your adventure checklist ⬇️

🛶 Paddle through cypress-lined waters along the park’s out-and-back canoe trail
🥾 Hike the 2-mile nature trail
🎣 Reel in some fish, or at least a good story about ‘the one that got away’
🥪 Let the kids play at the playground while you unwind with a picnic

🔗 Plan your fall trip—more details in our link in bio! #oedtravel

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☕️ Start your day off right in Downtown Chester! There’s no better way to enjoy a laid-back morning in this charming town!

📍 @hillsideeatz
📍 The Rainbow Rooster Boutique
📍 @theshabbychiqueboutique
📍 @hwfdairy

#inchestercountysc #OEDTravel

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