If you’re a history buff (like me) or you like a small town vibe with unique attractions, visit York County, SC. There, you can time-travel through history from the Ice Age to the Civil Rights Movement to the present, and along the way, enjoy great food, dining, art galleries and beautiful gardens.
This fun weekend destination is an easy one-tank drive from nearby metro areas including Charlotte, Columbia, Greenville, Raleigh-Durham and Atlanta.
I was hosted for this trip but opinions are my own.
Things to do in Rock Hill – York County’s Most Populous City
See Art, Big and Small
- Why Go: Art lovers will love the museums and galleries and the public art displays that reflect the local culture
- What Not to Miss:
- The “Mural Mile” in Old Town Rock Hill: The program provides funds and opportunities for local artists to create public murals which organizers hope will improve the quality of life in the city.
- The Center for the Arts Dalton Gallery: Features revolving exhibits by local, regional, national and international artists. Housed in the same building are classroom galleries, private artist studios and the offices of the Arts Council of York County.
- The original paintings in Cotton Alley
- Interesting Fact: Rock Hill’s water tower features lights displays that change color for holidays and special occasions.
Are you ready to explore off the beaten path? Let us inspire you!
Get Back to Nature
- Why Go: Natural history lovers; especially those with kids for the hands-on exhibits both inside and out!
- What Not to Miss:
- Museum of York County: Planetarium, Exhibits, Educational Gardens, Nature Trail and the Naturalist Center for a hands-on experience with over 2000 specimens.
- Glencairn Garden: 11-acre free public garden with award-winning displays and the inspiration for the Come-See-Me Festival, which attracts over 100,000 people annually.
- Come-See-Me Festival: Week long food and live music fest held annually in early April. Kicks off with a parade and ends with a tailgate party and fireworks display.
- Interesting Fact: Vernon Grant, creator of Kellogg’s Snap, Crackle and Pop icon, is the inspiration behind Rock Hill’s Come-See-Me Festival. His family dedicated the stage to his memory.
Connect with the Civil Rights Movement
The Jail, No Bail Exhibit tells the story of the Friendship Nine, nine African American students who chose a 30-day jail sentence over a fine after being arrested for a sit-in at a segregated McCrory’s lunch counter.
- Why Go: History buffs and human rights advocates will enjoy seeing original letters, newspaper articles, images, audio and video about the Friendship Nine and their efforts to protest segregation as part of the 1960s Civil RIghts Movement.
- What Not to Miss:
- The personal stories shared by these men.
- Interesting Fact: The harsh treatment of the Freedom Nine compared to white prisoners drew attention and hastened Civil Rights legislation.
Eat at the Kounter
Kounter retains the original McCrory’s counter from 1961 where the Freedom Nine sat. Each seat has a plaque with the names of the Freedom Fighter who sat there.
Chef Rob Masone, South Carolina’s 2023 Chef Ambassador, is recognized for his sustainable menu featuring seafood, chicken, beef, and pork. Kounter now includes a speakeasy named Elsie’s.
Have the Cheesecake Canola, with a touch of Grand Marnier flamed at your table.
Wander Old Town
- Why Go: For culture vultures, Old Town, in the heart of Rock Hill, contains boutique stores, restaurants, unique architecture and art.
- What Not to Miss:
- Fountain Park near the end of Main Street, where you can see concerts and events.
- The First Presbyterian Church, originally named Antioch Chapel and built in 1895.
Other York County Things to Do
Visit Historic Brattonsville
Settled in the 1760s by the Bratton brothers, Brattonsville’s 800-acre plantation includes buildings dating from the Revolutionary War to the post-Civil War era.
- Why Go: History buffs will love the period architecture and stories of the eras. Note: Not all stories have happy endings – many are stories of America’s darker slave days.
- What Not to Miss: In September, the annual By The Sweat of Our Brows Festival when descendants of Brattonsville’s enslaved people gather to honor their ancestors
- Interesting Fact:
- The Bratton family advocated for independence while most locals sided with England.
- The Patriot, starring Mel Gibson, filmed here.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Wear shoes you don’t mind getting muddy. And keep a spare pair in your car.
Black Paul Revere
At William Bratton’s home, Docent Carey Tilley told the story of Watt, a Black man who acted as a Paul Revere in the 1780s. When British Dragoons sought to arrest Bratton, his wife Martha dispatched Watt to warn him. This warning enabled Bratton to lead a successful militia attack the following morning, known as The Battle of Huck’s Defeat. Due to his loyalty, Watt, who died in December 1837, received the sole tombstone in the Brattonsville Slave Cemetery.
The Brick House
At the 1871 Brick House, Docent Tilley and historian Zach Lemhouse recount the 1871 Klan lynching of James Williams, a former slave and civil rights advocate. The Brick House, then a community meeting place, hosted the inquest. Sadly, nine Klansmen received light sentences while local leaders went unpunished.
Walk a Battlefield at Kings Mountain Battlefield National Park
- Why Go: History buffs will love the battlefield art, monument and stories.
- What Not to Miss: The Visitors’ Center features a museum and offers a map to follow the 1.5-mile paved Battlefield trail with markers and monuments, including Ferguson’s grave.
- Interesting Facts:
- American Patriots fought the Loyalists who were recruited and led by Major Patrick Ferguson, a British army officer who was defeated and killed in the Battle.
- This battle win boosted Patriot morale and led to a retreat of the British from South Carolina to North Carolina and eventually a retreat into Virginia.
Savor Some South Carolina BBQ
In McConnells, SC, I had lunch at Sweet Caroline’s named for the owner’s mother and housed in a rustic barn setting.
Enjoy a traditional southern meal like my three-meat BBQ plate with pulled pork, brisket, and chicken, along with baked beans, mac and cheese and coleslaw.
Where I Stayed
If you like local lodging rather than cookie-cutter hotels, this is for you. The East Main Guest House in Rock Hill earned a renovation award and featured on two national TV Reality shows.
Heidi said she had a dream of running a bed-and-breakfast for years. When she served me breakfast on her Blue Willow China of baked pear, French toast, muffin bread, bacon, and English breakfast tea, I knew she found her calling.
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