While 2020 has wreaked havoc on our great exotic vacation plans around the world, it has taught us to appreciate the beauty of exploring places in our own backyard – as a social detachment, of course.
We also learned that road trips are the perfect option – whether traveling as a family, alone or for a getaway with friends.
Jumping in the car and hitting the road opens you up to a new adventure. O Old 96 District, located in northwestern South Carolina, is a short drive from Charlotte and is full of activities for any interest.
Planning ahead? Here are 11 fun things for you to do in the Old 96 District when you’re ready to explore.
1. Visit Benjamin E. Mays historic preservation site
As one of the locations along the US Civil Rights Trail, this parade honors one of the most influential leaders of the era. Learn more about Dr. Mays’ life in South Carolina and how he became one of the greatest educators of our time. Visit his childhood home on the site located in Greenwood, SC
2. Go to a movie at the 25 Drive-In Movie Theater
Also in Greenwood is one of the last of its kind in the entire state, the 25 Drive-In Cinema. You can watch a movie under the stars and still have a fun sofficially distant night from the comfort of your car. They even have a food menu, so you don’t have to worry about packing snacks.
3. Eat all the donuts your heart desires at Mama’s Sweet Shoppe
From a stall at the local farmers market to a physical store, this donut shop in Due West, SC, is a local favorite. In Mama’s Sweet Shoppe, the menu changes daily, so you may be tempted to come back the next day just to try new flavors.
4. See the battlefields of the Revolutionary War
Old 96 District is home to Battle of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site in Clinton, SC and the Ninety-six Historical site in Ninety Six, SC. These battle fields featurand interpretive sides of the American Revolutionary War.
Appreciate the points of view while getting some “active” learning.
5. Go mining quartz crystals
Want to win the jackpot? You can get really close when you visit Diamond hill, a 3-acre mine filled with the widest range of quartz crystals, theutside of Abbeville, SC.
Known varieties include amethyst, smoked, skeletal (elestial) and even garnet quartz.
6. Take a walk
Looking for fresh air and heart-pounding activities? With over 400 kilometers of hiking and biking trails and 6 state parks, the unique landscape of the Old 96 District is a paradise for nature lovers.
Hike, bike, hike or camp by the lake – the many outdoor activities here offer much to discover. Check here for more information about the trails.
7. Tee off for 18 holes
The Old 96 District offers almost a dozen golf courses; all you need to do is choose your favorite.
You can even opt for a golf package that includes an overnight stay at the only resort state park in South Carolina, Hickory Knob State Resort Park in McCormick, SC
8. Eat your way on the Old 96 District BBQ Trail
If you didn’t know that such a thing existed, you are probably happy to know now. After taking some of the outdoor trails in this region, access the BBQ trail to refuel.
Indulge in basic products like the Big Pig sandwich at The Carolina Tavern, ribs that fall off the bone and all the fixin’s that make a well-rounded barbecue meal.
Fat Daddy’s BBQ in Greenwood, SC
9. Become a wild turkey expert
Did you know that there is a National Federation of Wild Turkey? Did you also know that your headquarters are located in Edgefield, SC?
As a game bird in the state of South Carolina, wild turkeys were hunted almost on the verge of extinction in the 1930s. National Federation of Wild Turkey holds an annual convention and other events every year relating to the conservation of wild turkey habitat and the preservation of hunting heritage.
10. Take a tour of the Carolina Moon Distillery and experience a little moonlight
For audiences 21 and over, we think you might like this. Carolina Moon Distillery is a microdistillery that grinds, distills and bottles brandy, whiskey, aged rum and “fruits shine” in downtown Edgefield, SC
Visit the facilities and then sit down to try a little of the houselike spirits.
11. Shop till you drop, antiques style
have several antique dealers throughout the area selling exclusive gifts, vintage furniture and even works of art. You can also buy pieces handmade by local artisans – it’s like taking a piece from the Old 96 District home with you.
To see all these interesting places and eat really good food, you might want to make this a weekend getaway! Checks out all really unique and clean B & Bs and Inns in old district 96.
Succotash do Sul in Abbeville, SC
Ready to plan your trip and make new memories in this unique destination nearby? Click here to explore more activities and places to stay in the Old 96 District of South Carolina.