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 you plan your visit, we rounded up 5 must-do activities.
1. Step Back in Time at Historic Brattonsville
Step back in time at Historic Brattonsville, where the 18th and 19th centuries come to life in York County. Wander through the well-preserved buildings and interact with costumed interpreters who bring the past to life. Learn about the daily lives of settlers and African Americans during this era and learn the stories of courage and perseverance. With its many immersive exhibits, Historic Brattonsville promises an engaging experience for history enthusiasts and families alike.
2. Explore Nature’s Beauty
Enjoy the great outdoors at Anne Springs Close Greenway, a 2,100-acre nature preserve offering a variety of outdoor activities. Hike or bike along the scenic trails that weave through lush forests, or enjoy a relaxing canoe float. Equestrian enthusiasts can admire the scenery from a different perspective on the many horseback riding trails. With picnic areas, playgrounds and a nature center, the greenway provides an idyllic retreat.
On the other side of York County is the 6,885-acre Kings Mountain State Park. Discover miles of forested trails, two fishing lakes, a spillway, picnic shelters, campsites and more. (Bonus: Down the road from the state park is Kings Mountain National Military Park, where the Battle of Kings Mountain was fought in 1780.)
3. Fill Up On Delicious Food
York County’s culinary scene is full of vibrant flavors, offering everything from casual bites to fine dining. FM Eatery in Downtown Fort Mill offers a mix of small and large plates, each bursting with bold flavors. For those seeking an unforgettable dining experience, Kounter in Rock Hill is known for serving artfully crafted meals. The Flipside Restaurant is a local favorite, renowned for tasty comfort food and warm ambiance, while Garden Café in York serves Southern-style meals in a cozy setting.
Attention beer lovers: you won’t want to skimp on brewery hopping along the YoCo Brew Trail, which showcases the county’s vibrant craft beer scene. This self-guided trail features a collection of local breweries—like Slow Play Brewing and Legal Remedy Brewing—each offering unique and flavorful brews. Participants can get their trail passport stamped at each stop, enjoy exclusive events and even earn prizes.
4. Pick Your Own Produce & Flowers
From juicy strawberries in the spring to plump pumpkins in the fall you can have your pick of fresh produce in York County. Visit one of the many u-pick farms—like Cherry Place Farm, Bush-N-Vine Farm, and Springs Farm—to snag fresh produce and create memories with friends and family. Just be sure to check what is in season before planning your visit.
5. Take On Giant Coasters At Carowinds
For an exhilarating day of family fun, head to Carowinds, an amusement park situated on the border of North and South Carolina. With its thrilling roller coasters, water rides, live shows and family-friendly attractions, Carowinds guarantees an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Beat the summer heat at Carolina Harbor, the park’s water park and scream as loud as you can on thrilling rides.
