4 Reasons To Visit A Small Town
Why You Should Visit One of the Small Towns in the Olde English District
A new year means new goals and plans, including where to vacation in 2024. Maybe you plan to go abroad or to a large metropolitan city — to climb the stairs of the Empire State Building and to dine at Michelin star-honored restaurants.
Or you can escape from the crowds to discover the charms of small-town living and reconnect with the outdoors. Whether it’s hospitality, affordability or enjoying unique activities, there are many advantages to visiting small towns. Here are four reasons why you should consider an escape to the Olde English District for a vacation this year.
1. The Olde English District is Easily Accessible
The Olde English District, OED for short, spans seven counties in the north-central area of South Carolina: Chester, Chesterfield, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lancaster, Union and York. Most of the counties in the region are within an hour’s drive of larger metropolitan areas, including Charlotte, North Carolina and Columbia, South Carolina — both of which house major airports. From Main Streets to highways, driving around the region is a breeze and there are unique destinations at every stop.
2. Small-Town Vacations Tend to be More Affordable
A visit to one of the small towns in the OED will most likely be more affordable than a big city. There are many reasonable restaurants and budget-friendly lodging options, so you can focus less on price and more on your itinerary.
A majority of outdoor activities, such as paddling, hiking or relaxing in a hammock, are either free or inexpensive, depending on where you venture. And with nine state parks, the OED is a hub for outdoor adventure. There are a variety of museums and historical exhibits throughout the region that offer free admission, including the Native American Studies Center in Lancaster and Camden’s Revolutionary War Visitor Center.
3. Small Towns Have Unique Lodging Options
There are many unique lodging options in the Olde English District. Relax at cozy B&Bs like Inn Upon Moon River Blues Plantation B&B or Four Oaks Inn, both of which have been recognized as TravelPulse’s “10 Charming Southern Inns For a Summer Getaway.” The more adventurous may choose to rent a cabin at Chester State Park, Cheraw State Park or they may take the campground route. There are also many convenient hotels and motels in just about every county.
4. Small Towns Offer a Variety of Things to do
There is a little something for everyone in South Carolina’s OED. Explore the outdoors and reconnect with nature at one of the region’s state parks or greenways. Shop around main streets and local stores for unique souvenirs and gifts. Dine at local eateries for a taste of the region and stop by nearby farms to pick your own produce to take home with you. Learn about the district’s rich history in a personal way at museums and historic sites and be sure to check for any upcoming events to plan your visit around.
Plan Your Next Trip
The small towns in the OED are full of opportunities to explore and unwind. Take a step back from your busy day-to-day and escape to South Carolina’s Piedmont region! (Pro tip: Learn more about the region by downloading our Destination Guide.)