Just minutes south of Charlotte, York County, SC offers the perfect setting to enjoy the warmer temperatures and experience something off the beaten path.
Spring in Bloom
The first signs of spring come to life at Glencairn Garden in Rock Hill. This backyard garden turned into an 11-acre park will bloom with hundreds of picturesque azaleas. Just as the colors pop, festivals will follow. Mark your calendar for the ten-day Come-See-Me Festival in Rock Hill, a springtime annual tradition. Plus, gear up for the South Carolina Strawberry Festival in Fort Mill. The Strawberry Festival offers everything from a brunch to a golf tournament to a “Little Miss Strawberry Pageant.”
Looking to reconnect with nature as part of your new year’s resolution? Boasting 2,100 acres of pristine land, the Anne Springs Close Greenway is home to 36 miles of hiking trails, a 28-acre Lake, biking, and horseback riding trails. Day passes for non-members start at just $6 for children and $12 for adults.
If you’re looking to enjoy the warmer weather, float in your kayak among thousands of natural blooming flowers along the Catawba River. Don’t miss the Spider Lilies in bloom for their once-a-year appearance each May through mid-June at the 448-acre Landsford Canal State Park. Spider Lilies come in a variety of colors, and are a Southern garden classic.
Farm Fresh
When it comes to enjoying all the farmland of York County boasts, strawberry season is a can’t-miss activity. Pick-your-own at Bush-N-Vine, Black’s Peaches, Cherry Place Farm or Springs Farm.
See where your food comes from and watch artists in action at the annual South Carolina Ag + Art Tour. During this free, self-guided tour, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about rural life, enjoy the melodies of local musicians, and purchase local works of art. The festival will run June 8 – 9. It’s the country’s largest free farm and art tour with over 85,000 visitors participating since its beginnings in 2012.
Comforts of Home at York County, SC
Want to stay for a while? Nestled “inn” the heart of Rock Hill, you’ll find East Main Guest House. This isa charmingly updated 1916 Craftsman Bungalow turned Bed & Breakfast. The home features three bedrooms – The Fountain Suite, The Charleston Suite, and the Garden Room. An English garden and a pergola offer a tranquil setting within walking distance of Old Town Rock Hills restaurants and activities.
One of our favorite activities is nearby in the town of Clover. There’s an antique scene that is sure to please any vintage enthusiast. Take a stroll down Main Street, and you’ll find a plethora of shops offering unique and one-of-a-kind treasures from yesteryear.
One-of-a-kind Flavors
Enjoy the food scene in York County with a variety of different local spots.
Nestled in the heart of historic downtown York, SC, The Garden Café offers the perfect setting to enjoy a romantic meal or lunch on the porch. For authentic southern-style barbecue, look no further than Sweet Caroline’s in McConnells. Here, you will find curated meats with all the fixings. For those of age, book a tour and rum tasting at Sleeping Giant, York County’s first legal distillery since prohibition. If you’re a beer connoisseur, the region as more than a dozen craft breweries, and the YoCo Brew Trail was designed as the perfect way to experience award-winning craft beer. Pick up a free YoCo Brew Trail passport from the York County, SC Visitor’s Center or any participating brewery and visit at least ten locations to receive a custom YoCo Brew Trail t-shirt.