There are many places to visit in the area no matter the time of year or your interests. You can learn about our area's heritage, experience nature in all its glory or take a step back in time. You're sure to learn something new, even if you're a life long resident of the area. We've tried to list a few of the gems you might want to check out below.

The Anne Springs Close Greenway is a protected natural area north of Fort Mill with 2,300 acres that include such amenities as 14 miles of trails, 8 camping sites, a 35-acre reservoir for fishing and a nature center. Call (803) 548-7252 or (803) 547-1234.

Historic Brattonsville, which was one of the locations for the filming of the major motion picture "The Patriot," is a 720-acre living history village and Revolutionary War battlefield site featuring 29 historic structures, including house museums that chronicle the development of the Carolina Piedmont from the 1750s through the 1840s. The Walt Schrader Trails feature eight miles of hiking, bicycling and horseback riding trails. Historic Brattonsville earned the Bundy Award, which is one of the top tourism awards given by the state. Special living history programs are held bimonthly; please call (803) 684-2327 for dates and hours of operation. You can also check them out on the web.

The Catawba Cultural Center on the Catawba Indian Reservation strives to preserve the heritage of the Catawba culture. A gift shop features the distinctive Catawba pottery and other items. Tours and programs demonstrating the Catawba's culture and heritage are available by appointment. For more information, call (803) 328-2427

Located in downtown Rock Hill, The Center for the Arts houses office, studio, gallery and classroom space. The Dalton Gallery features six to eight regional/national exhibitions annually. Alternate galleries house the work of local artists and school children. Call (803) 328-2787 for gallery hours and information.

Confederate Park on Main Street in downtown Fort Mill is home to several Civil War monuments and a bandstand.

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont, N.C. is a captivating place to visit any time of the year. Visit their web site or call (704) 825-4490.

 

Photo Courtesy of American Fast Photo

Glencairn Garden is an award-winning park located on Charlotte Avenue in Rock Hill that is a popular setting for weddings, picnics and strolls. Paths wind through six acres of artistically landscaped trees, dogwoods, flowering shrubs and bulbs, featuring over 3,000 azaleas and a lily pond complete with fountain. Peak period is early April. Call (803) 329-5620.

Huckle Grove, a pedestrian park located in downtown Rock Hill, is home to many historic trees, a number of which were cultivated from trees that were witness to an historic event in the founding of our country. Call (803) 329-5620.

Kings Mountain Battlefield still stands as the place historians believe was the turning point of the American Revolution. Kings Mountain National Military Park is open to visitors year round, offering an on-site information center, films and a museum of period artifacts. Call (803) 936-7921 or visit www.nps.gov/kimo.

The Museum of York County is home to Stans African Hall, renowned throughout the world as the largest exhibition of hooved, mounted African mammals under one roof, along with displays of tribal dress and artifacts, art galleries, a planetarium, and nature trail. A gift shop and changing exhibits in the areas of natural history and the arts complete the experience. Please call (803) 329-2121 for operating hours and membership information. On the web, visit the site at www.yorkcounty.org/museum.

Located in the heart of Downtown Rock Hill, the Rock Hill Telephone Company Museum offers a free hands-on tour encompassing 100 years of providing communications to our area's homes and businesses. Call (803) 324-4030 for more information or to schedule a tour. The phone company's web site also has a section devoted to the museum.