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The weather is cool, the air is crisp, and if you’re yearning for a weekend away from the bustle of city life, a visit to South Carolina’s Old 96 District is the escape you’ve been looking for.
Located about two hours southwest of Charlotte, Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens and McCormick, counties that make up Old 96 District, embody small-town charm. Each area offers unique cultural experiences, relics from the past and unexpected wonders to explore.
Curious about what there is to do in Old 96 District? We’ve got you covered. We’ve put together a list of 5 things we love about the destination to help you plan and make the most of your trip. Buckle up – adventure awaits!
1. Charming accommodations
Live like a local for a few days by staying in a historic hotel or Southern home that’s been converted to a bed-and-breakfast. A few places to consider are:
Inn on the Square
The Inn on the Square, located in Greenwood, SC, is a boutique hotel with a full-service restaurant, casual bar, 24-hour fitness center, complimentary breakfast and more. Did we mention it’s the only boutique hotel in the county?
104 East Court Avenue
Greenwood, SC 29646
(864) 330-1010
The Belmont Inn
Step back in time with a stay at this 25-bedroom inn located on the square in Abbeville, SC. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Belmont Inn offers period-decorated rooms with modern amenities, fine dining, drinks and more.
104 East Pickens Street
Abbeville, South Carolina 29620
(864) 459-9625
Azalea Inn in Johnston SC.
This bed & breakfast rests on a working farm, supplying the fresh ingredients for their restaurant in Edgefield, SC: Christine’s Farm to Fork!
201 Egghouse Rd,
Johnston, SC 29832
(217)-412-9617
Find more lodging options here.
2. Delectable dining
The Old 96 District boasts some of the best family-owned eateries you’ll find in South Carolina. Whether you’re looking for farm-to-table cuisine, to grab a cold beer, or you have a hankering for bakery treats, check out the following stops to fuel-up on your journey:
Daily Bread Bakery
Daily Bread is baking a difference in the lives of its customers! You won’t find artificial sweeteners, high-fructose corn syrup, chemicals or preservatives here. Located in Abbeville, SC, Daily Bread Bakery delivers on a promise of scratch-made, natural treats. They even serve gluten-free and nut-free products for those with dietary restrictions and sensitivities.
109 Washington Street
Abbeville, South Carolina 29620
(864) 366-4404
Indigenous Underground
Collard greens, black-eyed peas and smoked turkey in an egg roll are par for the course in Erica McCier Indigenous Underground kitchen. The Black-owned Southern and global-fusion style restaurant is fairly new to Abbeville, serving up dishes like grits with alligator and other staples made with locally sources ingredients.
117 Trinity Street
Abbeville, South Carolina 29620
(864) 366-9054
Tacos & Bla Bla Bla
Mexican food the whole family can agree on – and enjoy, Tacos & Bla Bla Bla is a South-Carolina based restaurant with multiple locations. Naturally, we added the Laurens, SC location to our list because it’s muy delicioso (very delicious). Its also fresh and features unique menu items to top off any evening fiesta.
Hungry for seconds? Find a full list of bakeries, barb-b-que restaurants and breweries, distilleries and wineries to fit into your schedule.
108 W. Public Square
Laurens, South Carolina 29360
(864) 715-1090
3. Opportunities to explore American history
Fancy yourself a student of life? Explore historical monuments and remnants of days gone by at beautifully preserved sites. You won’t want to skip:
Battle of Musgrove Mill Historic Site, Clinton, SC
Experience a variety of diverse wildlife and birds, storytelling and more at the site of this historic Revolutionary War battlefield.
398 State Park Road
Clinton, South Carolina 29325
(864) 938-0100
Dr. Benjamin E. Mays Historic Preservation Site Greenwood, SC
A mentor to Martin Luther King Jr. and an intellectual leader of the Civil Rights Movement, the legacy and influence of Dr. Benjamin E. Mays lives on forever. Now, his childhood home stands as a museum for all to visit.
237 North Hospital Street
Greenwood, South Carolina 29648
(864) 223-8483
Culbertson Back Country Settlement
This historic settlement provides a glimpse into the past of Black Americans. Featuring two log cabins built around 1790; a blockhouse and a school, and a church all preserved by the SC Gray-Court Owings Historical Society.
7700 Georgia Road
Gray Court, South Carolina 29645
(864) 876-2667
McCormick Arts Center
Located at the Keturah-Gift Gallery, you can view the work of local artists and shop locally-crafted goods in the gift shop.
Immerse yourself in the history of Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, and McCormick Counties by checking out these additional historical sites.
115 Main Street
McCormick, South Carolina 29835
(864) 852-3216
4. Fall festivities
Some might consider this the meat and potatoes of our list, and we won’t protest it. Stimulating the local economy with a day of shopping or attending any of the below festive seasonal events is sure to make your Old 96 District adventure that much sweeter. Mark your calendars for:
Fall Farm Nights at Hickory Hill Farm
In its thirteenth year, Fall Farm Nights are every Tuesday in October at Hickory Hill Farm in Edgefield, SC from 6-9 p.m. Enjoy live country or bluegrass music, navigate the corn maze (don’t get lost!), befriend a few farm animals, fill up on food from food trucks and more. This event costs $10 and is fun for the whole family. Food truck prices vary.
150 Faulkner Mountain Road
Edgefield, South Carolina 29824
(803) 480-3312
Stewart Farm Visit
Pumpkins, mazes and wagons, oh my! A trip to Stewart Farms in Enoree, SC offers all the fall things and more. Pick your activities and make sure you take photos for Instagram!
6600 Highway 92
Enoree, South Carolina 29335
Stay current with Old 96 District events anytime by viewing the events calendar.
5. Trails for every personality type and fitness level
Calling all outdoorsy types! Old 96 Districts boasts some of the best trails in the state of South Carolina. But don’t take our word for it, see them for yourself! Lake View Trail at Hickory Knob State Resort Park is known to have the best views, Cherokee Path at Ninety Six National Historic Site is the best for families, and Parson’s Mountain Recreation is the best for dogs.
Discover the “Ten Best Trails in South Carolina’s Old District 96”.
What are you waiting for? Scenic, historic and charming Old 96 District is waiting to welcome you this fall. To learn more about Old 96 District, go to visitold96sc.com.
