We love all of South Carolina’s cities and towns equally. And we have so many to love and so many reasons to love them! However, sometimes it may seem we feature the same tourist and popular towns again and again because they have so many things to do. But there are fun things to do in all of our cities and towns – if you know where to look. Let’s show some love for Lancaster today. Below are 13 solid reasons to love this little “town” (it’s really a city) in South Carolina. Take a look.
The City of Lancaster officially may be classified a "city," but it's loaded with so much small town charm you'll want to visit.
Located within the Charlotte Metropolitan Area, Lancaster incorporated in 1830. The current population is approximately 9,000 residents. If you've never made it a point to visit this South Carolina "town" then here are 13 reasons why you should:
1. Lancaster may have the most beautiful city hall in the whole state.
Lancaster City Hall is located in a circa 1820-1830 dwelling in the middle of town. Also known as the Leroy Springs House, the building is a wonderful piece of history even though it was renovated in 1906-07. Go and check it out in person. It's located on the corner of Catawba and Gay Streets.
2. It's the site of the last witch trials in the U.S.
The Lancaster County Courthouse is located right in the heart of downtown Lancaster. It was built in 1828 and thought to be a work of Robert Mills. Interestingly, the
Wikipedia entry cites a page on the City's website that claims the courthouse was the site of the very last witch trials in the United States. The courthouse is located at 104 N. Main St., Lancaster.
3. Historic Architecture abounds in Lancaster.
The architecture in historic downtown Lancaster is a sight to behold with representations of several styles and time periods.
4. Historic homes dating back to the 1800s.
The Robert Barnwell Allison House was built in 1897 in classic Queen Anne style. Its steeply pitched roof and unique shingles give it all the charm of the past. You'll find it at 404 Chesterfield Avenue in Lancaster. Admire it from the street, though.
5. Andrew Jackson State Park
In addition to the abundant outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and fishing this state park offers, you'll also find a museum honoring the 6th president of the United States. The museum dishes up some details on Jackson's time growing up in South Carolina. Andrew Jackson State Park is loaded with charm, wide open spaces and a fun outdoor experience for the entire family. It's located at 196 Andrew Jackson Park Road.
6. The original North Carolina-South Carolina cornerstone.
The dispute over the actual state line boundary between North and South Carolina has existed for quite a long time. Supposedly it was settled in 1815 and in 1818 this cornerstone was placed near Lancaster to mark the boundary. It used to have NC - SC chiseled into the top of the stone but a car hit it and broke that part off. You can see this historic landmark off U.S. Route 21 near Lancaster.
7. Lancaster Super Speedway is loaded with seasonal fun.
Billed as the "fastest half mile dirt track in the South," the Super Speedway's red track is also one of the prettiest. The track has been a part of the Lancaster community since 1957 and is a fun event for the entire family. Find it at 223 Shiloh Unity Road in Lancaster.
8. You can tour a craft brewery located on a farm.
Benford Brewing began as a personal brewing hobby on farm in Lancaster and now includes a 30 barrel brew house with a wide distribution of its special craft beers throughout the South. You can visit them and sample the beers! They're located at 2271 Boxcar Rd., Lancaster. They're normally open to the public on Saturday from 12:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m. Scheduled tours are welcome!
9. Experience local cultural arts at its best.
After just one visit to Bob Doster's Backstreet Studio in the Cultural Arts District of Lancaster you'll be hooked. The nationally-acclaimed artist has an out-of-this-world imaginative and eclectic space filled with all sorts of stunning creations to admire (and purchase). The studio also serves as an event space in Lancaster. Find it at 217 E Gay St., Lancaster.
10. You can quietly visit the site of Buford's Massacre.
The bloody site of an American Revolutionary War battle, the Buford Battlefield, a.k.a. the Site of the Buford Massacre is a symbol of the many British atrocities that took place in the back country of South Carolina. It was here that nearly one-third of a regiment of 350 Virginia soldiers were massacred, the rest were wounded or taken prisoner by British forces. The monument standing behind the fence at the gravesite was the first to be erected. You can visit the site and pay homage to the fallen soldiers on SC 522, also known as Rocky River Road in Lancaster.
Attractions aren't the only reasons to visit Lancaster. The food is also pretty amazing! Check some of it out below. 11. Sambo's 903 Grill
In business for more than 50 years, this local's favorite hot spot has been dishing up some truly great food for generations of Lancaster families. Some even say they have the best steak in town! Find them at 1445 Flat Creek Road.
12. Mariachis Restaurante Mexicano
With food that looks this tasty, it's easy to see why TripAdvisor.com users rank this Mexican restaurant as the numero uno eatery in town. You'll love the food and enjoy the colorful decorations in this local restaurant. It's located at 1217 Highway 9 Byp. W in Lancaster.
13. Festivals!
Lancaster's signature annual event is the Red Rose Festival held each May when "everything is coming up roses" in the Red Rose City. The Cultural Arts district is home to the annual weekend event that's free and fun for the entire family.
With so much to see and do in Lancaster you may just want to plan a weekend excursion! When was the last time you visited the Red Rose City? And if you are from Lancaster, then what’s your favorite thing about this South Carolina city? We’d love to know the answer to both in our comments!
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