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.
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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, Old Town Kitchen & co*cktails 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
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…
Flopeye Fish Festival
The Flopeye Fish Festival brings a variety of food, fun and entertainment accompanied by the enthusiasm of a homecoming atmos…
Pageland Watermelon Festival
Since its inception in 1951, the Pageland Watermelon Festival has been a cornerstone event in Pageland, initially established…
SCarowinds
SCarowinds, brought to you by Carowinds, reigns as one of the Carolinas’ premier Halloween experiences. Located on the North…
Rock Around The Clock
Rock Around The Clock is a Winnsboro tradition. Historically held in October, the weekend events’ festivities kick off with t…
ChristmasVille
Experience Old Town Rock Hill as it undergoes a magical transformation into a storybook wonderland. Encounter Santa himself,…
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.
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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
Exceptional Service Recognized in the Olde English District
The OED is excited to announce the recipient of this year’s Hospitality of the Year (HEY) Award:Essie Cunningham, breakfast server atHilton Garden…
Family-Friendly Summer Getaway in the Olde English District
Summertime was made for family-friendly adventures, and the Olde English District has a lot to offer. From exploring historic sites and enjoying outdo…
Farmers Markets in the Olde English District
Thereâs nothing quite like the taste of fresh, vine-ripe produce in South Carolina. Thatâs why we rounded up farmers markets to stop at when…
5 Things To Do In Kershaw County
Charming inns, tasty restaurants, grist mills, outdoor adventures, and historic sites invite visitors from near and far. Kershaw County is comprised o…
Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies at Landsford Canal State Park
It’s that time of the year again when beautiful flowers make their short appearance along the Catawba River. And Landsford Canal State Park is the ide…
5 Things To Do In Union County
Officially in South Carolina’s “Upstate,” Union County starts to hint at the foothills that rise to rolling hills and vistas. To help you plan your tr…
What to Know About Picking Strawberries in South Carolina’s Piedmont
U-pick season is here, and strawberries are ripe and ready to be tossed in a basket. Before you head out for a day of harvesting, Bailey Westbrook Edw…
OED Travel Tips: Outdoor Adventure
Whether you are a thrill-seeker or looking to unplug in nature, the Olde English District offers several outdoor adventure opportunities. Here are a f…
Revolutionary War Sites in the Olde English District
From 1780 until the end of the American Revolution, the Olde English District was a hub for revolutionary activity. The loyalists (locals who remained…
5Things To Do at Kings Mountain State Park
Set amid scenic terrain in York County is Kings Mountain State Park, not to be confused with its next-door neighbor Kings Mountain National Military P…
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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.
#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.
Guess that State Park! 🌳 Can you identify which SC state park is featured in these images? Here are a few hints to help you out: ☀️This park has a museum with Revolutionary War artifacts Leave your guesses in the comments below! ⬇️
🎣 It features an 18-acre lake for boating and fishing
🧺Visitors can explore scenic trails and picnic areas
🇺🇸It is named after the seventh President of the United States
🏕This park has 25 campsites
There’s nothing like it! 🌸 🍓🌳
Open
#TuesdayTip: The rocky shoals spider lilies will start to bloom soon at Landsford Canal State Park! 🗓When: These beautiful flowers bloom each year along the Catawba River and can typically be viewed from the park from May through mid-June! 🛶 A 1.5-mile, round-trip hike down the Canal Trail takes you to an overlook where the spider lilies can be best viewed. You can also rent a kayak or bring your own for an up-close view! 🔗 Click the link in bio to learn more about how you can see these rare flowers!
Explore Union County, SC! 📚 In our latest blog, we share 5️⃣ must-visit attractions, from historic sites to an iconic bbq joint! 🔗 Click the link in our bio to learn more!
🚗 Get in! We are going to @cotton_hills_farm 🍓
Open
Cheers to spring! 🍓🍦 ☀️ @springsfarm_sc is officially open for the season! Expect tasty strawberries, ice cream, fresh produce, local products, and more!
🗓️ Mark your calendars for the @agandarttour, a self-guided exploration of farms and markets across #southcarolina during May-June! 🌾Dive into the origins of local food, witness artists in action, and shop for their creations. The tour will visit several counties in the OED, including Chester, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lancaster, and York Counties! 🔗Don’t miss this unique experience! Head to our website (link in bio) to learn more about this event and others!
🍓 @cherryplacefarm will open for U-pick on Saturday, April 20th from 10am-6pm! 🗓️ To learn more about U-pick dates at @cherryplacefarm, please check the farm’s social media; dates & hours change with weather and availability! 🌾Want to know more about picking strawberries in #southcarolina? Click the link in our bio to get the full scoop! 🔗
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