HISTORY PRESERVED

Experience the small town charm and character of South Carolina’s Old 96 District.

TThe Carolinas, like most of the South, are home to some incredibly charming small towns, reminiscent of a time long gone by. One such area is known as the Old 96 District. Nestled in the upper Western section of South Carolina, the Old 96 District comprises the counties of Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens and McCormick. Within these counties you’ll find Southern history alongside local businesses, miles and miles of hiking, biking and walking trails and pristine freshwater lakes. Escape the hustle and bustle of busy life and explore these quaint Southern towns at your leisure.

Below, you’ll find our top recommendations from our memorable trip to the Old 96 District.

Edgefield, SC

Edgefield was once home to thousands of settlers. As part of the Great Wagon Road, it was a stop for travelers headed West. Today, Edgefield is beloved for its quaint downtown square, countless historic sites, and its growing artisan community.

First, take a stroll around the square! Then grab some delicious grilled cheeses and, of course, some sweet desserts at TLC Confections. After that, head around the corner for a tast- ing at Carolina Moon Distillery. For the cocktail connoisseur, this place has an incredibly large local selection of pretty much every spirit you can think of, from moonshine to bourbon, gin, vodka and rum. Finish the day with an upscale meal at the Old Edgefield Grille or Christine’s Farm to Fork.

A note for the sporting lovers visiting Edgefield: The Palmetto Shooting Complex is an excellent destination just down the road. This world-class facility on 300 acres is home to five trap and skeet overlays and two sporting clays courses. They also have archery and a massive pavilion!

Johnston, SC

This quaint town is fondly known as the “Peach Capital of the World.” This area produces around 60 percent of South Carolina's peaches. If you enjoy traveling on country roads, a drive to Titan Farms or Big Smile is very picturesque. There are even opportunities to get off the pavement and onto some clay to explore even more of rural South Carolina. See the rows and rows of peach trees in this county for yourself. Titan Farms is the largest peach grower on the East Coast, with over 6,200 acres of peaches. One interesting fact we learned while there: You do not want ripe peaches to touch each other.

Laurens, SC

From Edgefield, Laurens County sits about an hour and a half drive away. Laurens County was established in 1785 and is a proud part of the Old 96 District. In Laurens you’ll find a tight knit community with a lively downtown and beautiful outdoor gathering area.

The historic town square is home to standout eateries and local shops. We got to explore the knick knacks and antiques at Designs by D. The staff was so friendly, and the pickin’ was fun! For coffee enthusiasts, we can confirm that there’s tasty caffeinated beverages to be found in this town. A Cubano at Courthouse Coffee right on the square will get your morning started on the right foot. If you like sweets, we highly recommend ordering their famous cinnamon roll. And if you are in Laurens later in the day for lunch or dinner, be sure to carve out time for elevated Southern fare at Chef Caleb Satterfield’s Rootimentary. This beautifully designed restaurant has a sophisticated flair. The open kitchen allows guests a glimpse to where their food will be prepared. The bar has a speakeasy vibe and offers up some harder to find bourbons, such as Blantons and Buffalo Trace. And the food, well, it surprised us in the best way: so much flavor, and a great presentation too! If you go for dinner, order the shrimp and grits or the popular Coq Au Vin (chicken breast poached in red wine with bacon lardon). For lunch, the hamburger is spot on!

City Hall and outdoor dining area in downtown Laurens. Old Coca-Cola mural in Laurens. Chef Caleb Satterfield of Rootimentary in Laurens. Cinnamon roll from Courthouse Coffee in Laurens. The Willington Bookshop in Mt. Carmel. The Battle of Musgrove Mill State Park in Clinton.

Clinton, SC

Discover Clinton, SC — a hidden gem for those seeking a break from the city grind. Enjoy a stroll around town and then treat yourself to some delectable dining options. Steamers Restaurant is famous for their burgers, or grab a slice at House of Pizza. And if you're craving something different, don't miss out on the legendary hot dogs at Wilson's Curb Market.

For a delightful shopping experience, make your way to Tapestry Inc or Sunshine City — a salon meets boutique offering well known brands like Scout, Lily Pulitzer, and Simply Southern.

When you’re ready to explore, the perfect daytime activity awaits. The Battle of Musgrove Mill State Park and Historic Site is central to this area’s history. What was once the location of a Revolutionary War battle is now a park with beautiful natural features. Some of the features of the park include Horseshoe Falls, a fishing pond, and the Enoree River.

Willington, SC

Currently, the community of Willington is supporting a mission to become a “Book Town,” or a town that “supports a nonprofit book store at its center” and maintains a dedication to the history and culture at its roots.

If you blink you’d probably miss Willington. But, don’t let that fool you, because this area of South Carolina has a lot to offer, both culturally and naturally. The Willington bookshop is the center of this community, and features beautiful murals and over 40,000 new and used books. It’s a book lover's dream. There’s also The History Center, which includes local artifacts and genealogical resources. Visitors can tour the historic Daniel P. Juengst Railroad and Post Office Building as well as visit the African American Cultural Center. While in town, visit Mt. Carmel Cafe for some solid BBQ.

McCormick, SC

Then continue to the lovely downtown of McCormick to see the Dorn Mill, a former cotton gin that is now a nonprofit. Dorn Mill hosts a variety of events like the local farmers market and annual Festival of the Trees. Next, experience the vibrant local artists’ scene at MACK, the McCormick Arts Council at the Keturah and then go for a walk around downtown to take in the history and several beautiful murals.

As far as natural beauty in this area, there are several standouts. A bit outside of town, stop by Hickory Knob State Resort Park for a variety of outdoor activities like camping, archery, and even golf. This was our first visit to a State Park with a golf course — and a nice one at that. In nearby Mt. Carmel, you will find one of the most picturesque campgrounds we’ve seen while traveling. The beautiful Hester’s Bottoms family campground is located on the shores of Lake Thurmond.

Cotton Gin in downtown McCormick. A beautiful church in Trenton, SC. Hester's Bottoms family campground. South Carolina Chef Ambassador Erica McCier of Indigenous Underground in Abbeville, SC.

Trenton, SC

Trenton is a small 1.27-square-mile town in the Eastern part of Edgefield County. Formed in the late 1960s following the advent of the Charlotte, Columbia, and Augusta Railroad, the current town location was initially a stagecoach way station. Quaint and slow are this place’s charm! The town square has a single mural, a handful of benches, the cute Trenton Branch Ben Tillman Library, an homage to Veterans, several historical homes and beautiful churches, and lots of peace and quiet. It truly feels like a bygone era.

2023 South Carolina Chef Ambassador

You really haven’t eaten in Abbeville, SC till you’ve sat down at Chef Erica McCier’s restaurant, Indigenous Underground and ordered the Gator and Grits! The restaurant, opened in 2021, provides a space for guests to enjoy food, music and culture under one roof. Chef Erica McCier has recently been named one of South Carolina's 2023 Chef Ambassadors, a first for the Old 96 District region. Erica is an inspiring and impactful businesswoman and chef, hailed for her creative dishes. What's surprising is that Erica never planned on becoming a chef or restaurant owner. She was previously a middle school visual arts teacher. However, health problems — specifically, kidney disease and renal failure