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.
If there’s one thing we all love, it’s delicious food! Our five counties have a lot to offer for foodie-minded travelers, and we love showing off our bakeries, cakeries, holes-in-the-wall, and cafes. If there’s one type of food most people can unite over, it’s something sweet. We’ve gone ahead and prepared a trail-like crawl through…
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we are thinking of all things turkey! The National Wild Turkey Federation’s headquarters are in Edgefield, South Carolina, part of the Old 96 District. This organization primarly focuses on the preservation of the wild turkey, among the most popular game animals in the world. Did you know that the…
By Michael J. Solender Greenwood, S.C.’s Benjamin E. Mays’ influence and impact on American history between Reconstruction and the modern Civil Rights era are unparalleled. Visitors traversing the U.S. Civil Rights Trail through South Carolina’s Upstate are well served in ensuring Greenwood is high upon their list of must-see destinations. This modest community lays claim…
Happy almost-Halloween, everybody! We’ll confess, as much as we love the Fall season, changing leaves and cooler weather, there’s another element we love: the sheer spookiness of the season! As South Carolinians, our love for a good ghost story might as well be genetic. Old 96 District has plenty of historic sites dating back to…
By Brad King An historic parcel of upstate South Carolina dating back to the Revolutionary War is steadily carving out a modern-day reputation among golf connoisseurs for its eclectic offering of sporty layouts, clubs and communities. South Carolina’s Old 96 District has become renowned for its attractive and affordable golf offerings. Boasting an array of…
With everyone rushing to get outside and get some fresh air, many of mother nature’s biggest fans may find themselves looking back at their map for something new. Finding a new favorite place is a mix of trial, error, and pure luck. What’s the best hiking trail, easy to reach but not over-crowded? What lake…
By Carl Hedinger of Travel Through Life Hickory Knob State Park and Resort sits next to the Georgia border and hugs the shores of Lake Thurmond. It’s known by many as a wonderful golfing destination, thanks to the Tom Jackson-designed course inside the park. And while you could easily spend your entire time on those…
Lake Greenwood State Park: 7 Places to Play in and Around the Water By Carl Hedinger of Travel Through Life No matter your plans for an Old 96 District of South Carolina trip, you need to make at least one stop at Lake Greenwood State Park.This 914-acre series of peninsulas is ready and waiting for…
Old Edgefield Pottery: Legacy & Tradition Crafted by Hand By Michael J. Solender Local clay mixed with Southern history create earthen treasures at this storied pottery. Slabs of freshly mixed pewter-toned wet clay wait patiently inside Old Edgefield Pottery to achieve their calling atop Justin Guy’s well-worked wheel. Guy, Master Potter in residence and…
Let’s make one thing very clear: I love food. Food does not always love me back, but there’s little I wouldn’t do for something delicious. Sweets and desserts pose their own unique challenges in the kitchen, being as much a science as an art. Because sweets are everywhere and everyone craves them, it’s easy to…
Abbeville is a small South Carolina town packed with big charm, and colorfully painted buildings blended with historic architecture, one-of-a-kind shopping, restaurants, and bakeries. Wander the streets before settling in for a show at the Abbeville Opera House, explore any of the 6 State Parks within driving range, or take a day trip to Greenwood,…
This summer, a new attraction has moved into Old 96 District- the Smithsonian! In a cooperation between the McCormick County Chamber of Commerce and South Carolina Humanities, the Smithsonian travelling exhibition Water / Ways made its home for a few weeks in Hickory Knob State Resort Park. It is currently open for visitors from now…
