Take advantage of our suggestions for the top 10 things to do this Spring. The Old 96 District of South Carolina blossoms this spring with road trips and excursions across the counties of Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, and McCormick.
1. Splash Around at Calhoun Falls State Park, Calhoun Falls, SC
The Spring temperatures are just right. Calhoun Falls State Park in Abbeville County nestles against Lake Russell. Wade into their beachy nook or take the kayaks out into deeper waters. Rent a pontoon boat and have it brought right to your campsite. This News Break video talks about Calhoun Falls State Park!
Find more information on boat/kayak rentals in the Old 96 District here.
2. Hike Through History at the Battle of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site, Clinton, SC
This state park/ historic site was once a Revolutionary War battleground. With two beginner-friendly, secluded hiking trails through the grounds, follow along the natural riverside path to learn the story of the battle and its twist ending. If you’re into Revolutionary War history, we have lots more to explore as well!
3. Play a Round of Golf
Spring weather brings comfortable temperatures and lush conditions, perfect for golfing season. The Old 96 District offers 9- and 18-hole golf courses, some of which even include stay-and-play deals like Hickory Knob State Resort Park and Savannah Lakes Village. See the full list of our courses and get more info on packages here.
4. Take up Archery or Skeet Shooting at Hickory Knob State Resort Park, McCormick, SC
Travelers to Hickory Knob State Resort Park enjoy more than just camping. They discover new hobbies. Park rangers teach beginners about archery and skeet (shooting clays) so that everyone interested can play safely and do well, even on their first try. Book your sessions at the front desk where you check in. Skeet shooting is $27.50 per round and archery is $10 per person, with discounts on both if you bring your own equipment. You can check out more details and a complete list of activities here.
5. Grab a Sweet Treat at our Bakeries
No matter where you travel in the Old 96 District, you’re likely not far from one of our locally-owned bakeries. Whether it’s the signature pound cake from Swartzentruber’s Bakery in Abbeville or the butter pie at TLC Confections in Edgefield, your tastebuds will rejoice. You can check out our sweets trail here.
6. Sip Locally-Made Moonshine at Carolina Moon Distillery, Edgefield, SC
This one is for the grown-ups: Carolina Moon Distillery uses only fresh, locally-sourced ingredients to make some of the tastiest moonshine around. Their products are all named after local legends and folklore, so pop in for a free sample sip and hear the tales behind the labels. One of our favorites is the “Rabbit Spit” moonshine… named after a prohibition-era judge that said the moonshine in Edgefield was “mean enough to make a rabbit spit in a dog’s face!” The peach moonshine uses fresh South Carolina peaches, grown nearby. After production is finished, leftover corn goes to local farms; nothing is wasted.
7. Pet Goats at Emerald Farm, Greenwood, SC
Emerald Farm is just a few minutes from Uptown Greenwood, making it an easy-to-reach hidden gem. Meet friendly saanen goats and feed them right from your hands, explore the grounds with free-range peacocks, an antique store, and goat soap for sale – with ingredients supplied by the goats on the farm. A large model train room transfixes both young and old. A kid-sized train circles the property, carrying young riders.
8. Meet a Unicorn at Hidden Pasture Farms, Laurens County, SC
Try this excursion for the whole family: Hidden Pasture Farms in Laurens County is a “unicorn” farm and sanctuary. In addition to “unicorns,” the farm offers plenty of chickens, roosters, turkeys, rabbits, and farm dogs to see as well. The farm is a popular local spot for photographers, birthday parties, and school field trips. Popular events throughout the year, including a Mother’s Day weekend celebration, a Yardzee tournament on Father’s Day weekend, a Luau with Santa in July, and other Fall/yuletide events
9. Stock up for Spa Night at Breezy Quarters, Abbeville, SC
Self-care comforts the soul, and aromatherapy eases the burden of a long day. Breezy Quarters in Abbeville handmakes soaps, bath bombs, body scrubs, skincare supplies for the perfect luxury bath. Choose from Spring scents such as Handpicked Wildflowers and Front Porch Sippin’.
10. Book a Girlfriend Weekend Getaway, Greenwood, SC
Unwind after your road trip at Inn on the Square, the region’s full-service boutique hotel located in the heart of Uptown Greenwood. From there, it’s an easy walk down the block to the Spa on Maxwell, Greenwood’s premiere medi-spa, the Vault marketplace and salon, plus plenty of charming local shops and even a restaurant with authentic Cuban cuisine. (Imagine this weekend as a Spring cleaning, but for your soul.) Check out our Greenwood Girlfriend Getaway for a full example itinerary, travel tips, and more.
