Abbeville | Edgefield | Greenwood | Laurens | McCormick
Nestled in the Upper Western section of South Carolina, the Old 96 District is home to amazing outdoor adventures, a haven for history buffs and the location of the most remarkable attractions and places of interest. Come see our miles and miles of hiking, biking and walking trails or paddleboard across one of our pristine freshwater lakes. Step back in time to explore history that changed our culture and country, or embrace the up-and-coming with local shops, restaurants, and other small town delights.
South Carolina’s Old 96 District, located in the western section of South Carolina, provides outdoor adventures, history and heritage, arts and culture and family fun for travelers! Comprised of Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens and McCormick Counties with 3 of 5 counties bordering Georgia, this region offers you an opportunity to experience rural beauty and Old South mystique.
Summer is an excellent time to take a road trip through South Carolina’s Old 96 District. In addition to the warm weather and abundant outdoor scene across our five counties, it’s a great time to experience small-town charm through a number of unique local festivals. We’ve gathered a few of our favorite must-see festivals this…
By Carol Timblin Every year fans of the South Carolina Festival of Flowers look forward to the return of the “living” topiaries to Uptown Greenwood. During the weekend of June 10-11, on the 15th anniversary of the topiaries and the 55th anniversary of the popular festival, visitors will be treated to a brand new topiary.…
By Vanessa Infanzon Donna Livingston with Edgefield County Chamber of Commerce reminisces about the homemade peach cobbler from her childhood. Her mom and grandmothers baked the fruity dish for dessert on Sundays, a simple recipe with flour, sugar and milk. “I’ve lived here my whole life,” she says. “Peaches have always been part of my…
By Carol Timblin A year after they were married in 1966, Frank and Cate Townsend purchased the old Collins/Langston farm, also known as the “Graines Store and Residence,” located in southern Greenwood County. For nearly half a century Frank raised beef cattle and hay on the farm but worked full-time as a math teacher in…
Day One We start our small-town getaway in Edgefield, SC. This town is the historic home to 10 South Carolina governors throughout American history, and the Ten Governors Trail tells the story with historical markers along its easy walking trail. This urban hiking trail allows you to gently get the blood flowing and learn a…
By Lori Blalock With an endless supply of warm sunshine, cool lake breezes and the sounds of water gently lapping the shore, the Old 96 District is a nature lover’s paradise. It’s the ideal location for a fun outdoor weekend. Here, in western South Carolina, where the Savannah River forms the border with Georgia, three…
By Jason Barnette South Carolina’s “Freshwater Coast” is sixty-five miles of coastline along the Savannah River – and one of the best hidden gems of the Old 96 District. The tourism district comprises five counties, is filled with small, charming towns connected by two-lane roads. Life is a bit slower as nature and history abound…
By Jason Barnette From the Revolutionary War to the Civil War, early railroads and a miniature gold rush, to historic homes and museums, there is a lot of history to explore in the Old 96 District. But, the exploration is more than just artifacts safely tucked away behind a pane of glass in a museum…
By Jason Barnette Every day of thrilling outdoor adventures requires a peaceful night of rest – that’s one of the many unwritten rules of human nature. Fortunately, the six state parks located in South Carolina’s Old 96 District offer a fine balance of both. Learn about the outdoor adventures unique to each park, the things…
By Jason Barnette The Old 96 District spans across South Carolina’s backcountry. At the heart – literally and figuratively – is the “big city” of Greenwood. All roads through the district converge on Main Street, surrounded by local retail shops and dining, history museums, and entertainment venues. It’s an incredible place for a weekend getaway…
In honor of Black History Month this year, we’re celebrating Black Excellence by highlighting some Black-owned shops, restaurants, and attractions we are proud to have in South Carolina’s Old 96 District, featuring the counties of Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, and McCormick. Chef Erica McCier- Indigenous Underground, Abbeville, SC Abbeville, SC native Chef Erica McCier’s dream…
There’s nothing quite like experiencing the joys of different farms on a road trip! Especially when traveling with family and children, few would pass up the opportunity to pet friendly farm animals or pick fresh fruits right off the vine. Because many of these farms have tight hours and we want you to enjoy each…
