Best known for its authentic opera house and vintage shopping experiences, Abbeville County has a rich and colorful history tracing back to the 1700s. Abbeville’s downtown square is known for its colorful, classic architecture and churches. The area is rich in farmland and nature and has a wide range of natural resources such as Lake Russell where you will find Calhoun Falls State Park in Calhoun Falls, SC. The Long Cane District of the Sumter National Forest features a recreation area called Parsons Mountain, where you will find a beautiful lake, trails, and camping options. Abbeville County welcomes visitors with charming southern hospitality, unique outdoor adventures, and beautiful historic architecture.
Margie Blalock has always talked to those in the ether. The resident of Ninety Six never shared the spirits she witnessed because kids either didn’t believe her or made fun of her psychic abilities. When she became an adult, and perhaps due to the proliferation of ghost tales on TV and in literature, Margie embraced…
The delicious food scene of the Old 96 District Whenever I’m visiting South Carolina, a resident spots my Georgia license plate and promptly lets me know that their state grows more peaches than mine. It happens all the time! California takes the peach cake as the number one producer, but South Carolina comes in second,…
Finding souvenirs is a fun travel activity, but it’s not always easy to distinguish one kitschy trinket from another. Instead, find a meaningful souvenir that feels unique to the Old 96 District – something you can proudly use or savor every day. Souvenirs to Wear and Display Discover a treasure from your time in the…
Embark on a whirlwind tour of international cuisine in the Old 96 District—no passport needed! Abbeville and Greenwood offer a treasure trove of impeccable establishments, each serving up bold flavors that will transport your taste buds around the world: Adelita’s Tucked away in a tiny Latin market in Greenwood, Adelita’s is a hidden gem where…
Article by Clayton Hensley of Knox Road Tripper. Nature and history collide along the highways and backroads of South Carolina’s Old 96 District taking you on an unforgettable journey. From lakes along the Savannah River to battle grounds of the Revolutionary War, outdoor opportunities abound in this part of the Palmetto State. South Carolina’s Freshwater…
By Hayley Hutson One of my favorite things about living in North Carolina is the abundance of charming towns within a few hours’ drive. From major players like Asheville and Charleston to hidden gems like South Carolina’s Old 96 District, there’s a worthwhile destination for every type of traveler. This fall, my fiancé and I…
Are you thinking of exploring the Old 96 District in South Carolina? I’m here to show you what a good time you can have enjoying their beautiful outdoor spaces, learning at important historical sites, and eating delicious food. When my mom told me just her and I were going on a three-day road trip to…
By Nicole Letts Food tourism has exploded in the past few years. Thanks in large part to social media, travelers are enticed to hidden locales. These visitors have an appetite for fresh, new flavors and menu items that represent local experiences. South Carolina’s Old 96 District has plenty of provisions to pique curiosity and satiate…
Five historic buildings in the Old 96 District turned eateries, accommodations, event spaces, and more. By Nicole Letts History has deep roots in South Carolina’s Old 96 District. In the five counties comprising the district, countless historic sites and markers dot the area. However, did you know many of these places of the past…
Exploring a new place can be thirsty work. At some point after all that driving, walking, hiking, shopping, and eating, you might just want to sit down to a cold beer, crisp glass of wine, or (depending on how long your day has been), a nice strong cocktail. As I trekked back and forth across…
If the idea of getting stuck in school overnight sounds like a nightmare, don’t worry. At Sharon Manor, just on the outskirts of downtown Abbeville, that nightmare turns into a dream when you spend a few nights in the former schoolhouse turned boutique inn. Yes that’s right, what was once a local school was…
Any visitor to the Old 96 District would do well to pack their appetite, for there is as much to eat and drink as there is to see and do. We’re talking historic buildings transformed into upscale restaurants serving delicious, locally-sourced cuisine, unique wines sipped on while strolling through the cutest houseplant shop, a colorful…
By Lisa Sokolowski, founder/blogger, DrugstoreDivas.net If you’re in Abbeville, and you hear something go bump in the night, don’t assume it’s a raccoon in a trashcan or a car’s exhaust backfiring. There’s a better chance that it’s actually a ghost. Yes, a real life ghost. Well … a real dead ghost. Abbeville is filled with…
by Anna Cook, blogger, Stuck on the Go In the heart of rural South Carolina, the Old 96 District is an unexpected treasure for campers and outdoor enthusiasts. Offering multiple waterfront campgrounds with RV-friendly spaces or primitive tent sites, it’s perfect no matter your setup. Have fun exploring these campgrounds in the Old 96 District…
by Cate Schweitzer After spending a weekend in South Carolina’s Old 96 District, I can confidently say you are sleeping on a great time outdoors. This stunning area of South Carolina is chock-full of beautiful state parks that offer great hiking trails, water activities, campgrounds, and other amazing activities to do outside. The Old 96…
January 26, 2023 — Celebrations are in full swing at the state capital as Abbeville’s own Erica McCier, chef at Indigenous Underground, is named one of three 2023 Chef Ambassadors for the state of South Carolina. An Abbeville native, Erica is known as a creative chef and successful businesswoman, an impact and inspiration for the…
Text and photos by Anna Cook of Stuck on the Go. While many people may not think of a rural area as a great solo travel destination, I tend to disagree. You find the kindest people in small towns and there’s always plenty to do when you know where to look. Not to mention…
Exploring different places at Christmas brings a sense of wonder and magic to the holiday season – especially when you’re in the Old 96 District. These small towns pack some big Christmas spirit and can provide great family fun, a couple’s getaway, or even a solo adventure. If you want to avoid major…
Part 1 of 4 A drive-in movie, a jump in a lake, a downtown right out of Mayberry, old-timey train cars to ignite fantasies of long-ago rail travel, even a building that hosted Houdini and the Ziegfeld Follies. And a somber reminder of the early days of the Civil Rights movement. We had no idea…
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…
Guest blog by Gaines Huguley partner in Shafer& Huguley Communications Check out our News Break video where Gaines shares his experience at Sharon Manor with us! Just before Christmas my wife, Kendall, and I made the short drive to Abbeville County in South Carolina. I was working on a special project requiring overnight accommodations…
By Lori Sorrentino of Travlinmad Isn’t your heart in need of some good feels right about now? Aren’t you just so ready to travel some place warm? Warm with friendly faces, freshwater lakes, comfort food eateries, and a cozy bed to welcome you. That’s Abbeville, South Carolina, for the small town in us all. Site…
