By Alyssa Nelson, blogger at Wayward
Quality time with friends doesn’t just happen by chance, so make time with your girlfriends this season to enjoy a getaway that’s as relaxing as it is memorable. While coordinating busy schedules can be the hardest part, one destination makes the rest a breeze: South Carolina’s charming Old 96 District.
This corner of the Palmetto State offers the perfect blend of experiences to savor a weekend together. With local boutiques, attractive wineries, and incredible restaurants it’s the ideal choice to reconnect and create lasting memories with your favorite people.
Where to Shop in Old 96 District
From the vintage decor to the latest fashions, a little retail therapy is always a good idea:
Sugar Boutique
Greenwood’s Sugar Boutique is your go-to for all the latest trends, especially if you love colorful clothing and accessories. Find a new outfit for a night out in Old 96 District or pick up a set of matching tees as a memento from your weekend away.
Divine Your Space
Friends with green thumbs may already have Divine Your Space on their weekend itinerary, but even if you’re a member of the plant killers club (hey, me too!) you’ll still find a stop at this urban home and plant shop worthwhile thanks to its wine slushies. Located just off the square in Abbeville, pick up a new plant friend or surprise the group by signing everyone up for a fun workshop.
Main & Maxwell
For the friend group that’s seemingly always at the latest gallery opening, go ahead and plug in the address for Main & Maxwell in your phone. With works by more than sixty local artists, you’re sure to find something for everyone’s tastes in Uptown Greenwood
August & House
The minimalists among your group will agree that August & House in Edgefield is a must-visit. You’ll find racks and racks of gorgeous neutral clothing and handcrafted home decor. Oh, and who’s up for ice cream? They have that here, too.
Once Upon a Thyme
If your group is always texting and showing off your latest antique finds, put Once Upon a Thyme on your list. This lovely boutique in downtown Abbeville thoughtfully combines sweet vintage pieces with unique French cottage-inspired decor, all at reasonable prices.
Pendleton Farms
Abbeville’s Pendleton Farms carries oodles of spices, specialty foods, and kitchen gadgets, making it perfect for friends who love to cook together. Go ahead and plan your next menu while strolling through the displays of unique and delicious finds.
Stop and Sip for a Spell in Old 96 District
Toast to the girls’ weekend finally making it out of the group chat with a glass from one of these great local bars and wineries:
Buenavista Latin Cafe
The drinks at Buenavista Latin Cafe in Uptown Greenwood are big on flavor! The mojitos here are as fresh as they are in Havana, loaded with mint and just sweet enough to balance out the punchy lime. When the sun sets, get ready to mambo on the dance floor.
Three Star Vineyard and Orchard
Enjoy a taste of the South’s most well-known grapes at Three Star Vineyard and Orchard in Johnston. This 100-acre property includes a picturesque muscadine and scuppernong vineyard, where grapes are harvested and transformed into jams and wines. Gather for a tasting and choose your favorite!
Break on the Lake
Just for the record, Break on the Lake is primarily a full-service restaurant (and I have it on good authority that the food here is delicious), but it’s also the perfect relaxed lakeside retreat. Located on the shores of Lake Greenwood, you can order a drink at the back bar, and park yourselves in a row of rocking chairs to soak up the sunshine and watch the boats glide by.
Old 96 District Sweets and Treats
As if your weekend wasn’t sweet enough, there are plenty of places to indulge:
TLC Confections
Satisfy your cravings with a stop in Edgefield at TLC Confections for a round of cinnamon rolls, cookies, or cheesecake. Actually, change that “or” into an “and” because there’s a cheesecake flight on the menu and everyone can have a slice. How very Golden Girls of you!
Swartzentruber’s Bakery
Swartzentruber’s Bakery has been serving visitors to Old 96 District for decades, so a visit here while in Abbeville is like stepping into a time-honored tradition of freshly baked goods, warm hospitality, and flavors that feel like home. Pick up a classic cake or pie you may not have seen in a long time, or try something new together.
The Bakery on Main
For wholesome baked goods, check out The Bakery on Main in Uptown Greenwood. Owner and baker Abby has created a menu of delicious goodies without the use of artificial sweeteners, high-fructose corn syrup, or preservatives. Go for a nostalgic Oatmeal Cream Pie (they’re gluten-free!) or savory Southern Cheese Straws.
Main Street Coffee Co.
Downtown McCormick’s Instagram-worthy Main Street Coffee Co. is always baking up something delicious alongside a list of dessert-inspired coffee drinks (Cinnamon Roll Latte, anyone?). On a hot day, don’t miss out on a hand-dipped sundae or milkshake!
Great Crepes & More
Located right on the square in picturesque downtown Laurens, don’t miss a fresh crepe—cooked right before your eyes! Great Crepes and More is the perfect spot for a girls brunch, or just to satisfy the sweet tooth.
Delightful Dining in Old 96 District
Be sure to arrive to Old 96 District on an empty stomach:
Christine’s Farm to Fork
For the best of Southern flavors with an occasional detour across the globe, make the trek to Christine’s Farm to Fork in Edgefield. This family-run restaurant trucks in fresh produce from their very own farm and keeps the community feel going on select Saturday nights when they bring in live music on the patio. What better way to wind down the evening?
Pascal’s Café & Grill
So what if the trip to Paris didn’t happen this year? You can always head to the darling dining room at Pascal’s Café & Grill for French flavors like Coq au Vin and Crème Brûlée. Add a bottle of red to the tab, and la vie est belle in Greenwood.
Indigenous Underground
Chef Erica (Trudy) McCier brings eclectic Southern cuisine to the table at her restaurant Indigenous Underground in Abbeville. Sunday brunch at this delightful gem is a girlfriend getaway staple, with Shrimp and Grits, Pimento Cheese, and, yes, plenty of mimosas to go around. Chef Erica was named South Carolina Chef Ambassador in 2023, and holds the honored title so well!
Montague’s Restaurant
For an elevated evening out, Montague’s Restaurant in Greenwood offers classic steakhouse favorites with a twist. Filet Mignon and Oysters Rockefeller are on the menu, of course, but so are other delicious options like Sesame Seared Tuna, Smoked Gouda Mac n Cheese, and Fried Brussels Sprouts.
Where to Stay in Old 96 District
Drift off to sleep in a one-of-a-kind property in the heart of Old 96 District:
The Belmont Inn
Whether you prefer to bunk together or go your separate ways to sleep, there’s room for everyone at The Belmont Inn, located on the town square in Abbeville. This historic inn offers a variety of room types, all infused with the kind of character and charm you expect from a more than century-old property. Unwind in the evenings at JPs Food and Spirits downstairs, or uncork one of your winery treasures out on the breezy veranda. Continental breakfast is served each morning, and on Sundays, be sure to stick around for the inn’s famous Simple Southern Sunday Lunch. Since The Belmont Inn is perfectly situated for your weekend away, you have plenty of time.
Sharon Manor
For the coziest stay, look no further than Sharon Manor, located just minutes from downtown Abbeville. This delightful, family-run bed and breakfast is set in the historic former Sharon School and offers a lesson in relaxation for those in need. Guests can choose from four elegantly furnished rooms, each designed for ultimate comfort. In the evenings, unwind in the hot tub as the sun sets, or start your mornings on the porch with a cup of coffee roasted right on-site. Be sure not to miss the locally-inspired breakfast, featuring regionally-sourced ingredients and fresh eggs from the chickens that roam the property.
Inn on the Square
For a boutique hotel experience in Uptown Greenwood, Inn on the Square is the perfect choice. This 51-room property offers spacious accommodations with modern amenities, providing guests with plenty of space to relax and recharge after a busy day. Looking to add some excitement to your evening? Head to the Fox & Hound Lounge for a signature cocktail and relive the day’s adventures in the Old 96 District. Afterward, settle in for a restful night, knowing you’re ready to do it all over again the next day.
