Things to do

20 Cool Things To Do In Rockhill, South Carolina

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Known as one of the least expensive cities in the United States, Rock Hill is one of the best places to live in South Carolina. It is the largest city in York County.

There are tons of things to do in Rock Hill, no matter your age. You can hike on the Riverwalk, visit the Museum of York County, or stroll around Glencairn Garden. Hence, we've covered you with the cool things to do in Rockhill, South Carolina.

1. Explore The Carhartt Mansion Ruins

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The Carhartt clothing brand is certainly familiar to you, and you may even be wearing some of their items at the moment. The majority of Rock Hillians are unaware of this secret, that the Carhartt Mansion ruins are tucked up in the woods off Riverwalk Trail.

If you don't know where to look, it could be difficult to find these ruins because they date from the 1930s. Take a right up the slope after passing the 1.25-mile marker sign on the Riverwalk route.

Although the firm is no longer present in Rock Hill, Carhartt apparel is currently one of the most well-known brands in America. Along the mountain bike paths in the present-day Riverwalk area, this home now stands in ruins.

2. See The Site Of The ‘Friendship 9’

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Over the years, McCrory's Variety Store, which opened decades ago, has seen several alterations. Before becoming the restaurant it is now, Kounter, it was a lunch counter and variety store.

Students from the neighboring Friendship Junior College comprised the so-called Friendship 9. In 1961, the men took over the lunch counter at McCrory's Five and Dime by staging a sit-in.

In addition to its historical significance, Kounter is a fantastic restaurant in Rock Hill that serves exclusive lunch and supper selections as well as weekend brunch. With so many options, it's also a fantastic place for vegetarians who want something different to eat.

3. Stop By The York County Visitor’s Center

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The York County Visitor's Center is located directly across the street from Kounter and the Friendship 9 plaque. The ideal starting point for your journey is the visitors center, which is situated directly in the center of Old Town.

Along the journey, the helpful and informed staff will assist you find unique activities in addition to helping you build an itinerary that suits your interests.

Pick up a leaflet on the town's historical sites. Does not matter if it is history, outdoor activity, or just amazing meals, your trip to find things to do in Rock Hill starts here.

4. Relax at Fountain Park

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For tourists on a tight budget, this gorgeous park near Rock Hill is a great destination. The park has a lovely fountain surrounded by thick vegetation. It's the ideal location for tourists who want to snap some pictures or explore the natural world.

It is a lovely addition to Rock Hill's Old Town and provides a picturesque area in the center of the city for leisure as well as the enjoyment of scheduled events and activities.

Every month, Fountain Park hosts Food Truck Fridays, when local food trucks provide delectable meals at reasonable costs. In this lovely location, it's also simple to spend a few hours taking in the fountain's views.

5. Shop The Mercantile

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One of the most famous tourist attractions is the Mercantile in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Located at the intersection of Oakland Avenue and E White Street, it offers a distinctive blend of contemporary conveniences and vintage charm.

Inside, the Jackass Coffee and Wine bar serves a selection of drinks to start or finish the day. Fresh coffee from nearby roasters Rock Hill Coffee is among the coffee and espresso they provide.

There is also a nice wine selection if you are seeking a little bit more. You may relax with friends and family in the lovely outdoor area, which offers lots of seats and shade.

6. Shop Old Town's Saturday Market

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This must-visit market when you are in Rockhill, South Carolina, local craftspeople from all around the region may be found at the farmer's market, which is open every Saturday from 8 am to 12 pm from May through November.

In addition to jewelry, candles, handcrafted clay mugs, and even baked items, you may get vegetables, meats, and cheeses from farms in the nearby towns. At this well-known local market, they usually sell out, so arrive early if you are planning to visit.

7. Enjoy Rock Hill Coffee Roasters

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In Rock Hill, South Carolina, a driven company called Rock Hill Coffee Roasters is creating a fuss. They have a mobile coffee cart, a weekend trailer at PetSmart, and a full-fledged coffee shop in downtown Rock Hill, among other locations.

They are committed to serving high-quality coffee and promoting local communities.

Pineapple Coconut Lattes and coffee-infused mocktails are among the delightful beverages that Rock Hill Coffee Roasters serve on a rotating menu. They sell a range of locally roasted coffee beans that are responsibly obtained from coffee farms worldwide, in addition to espresso drinks.

8. For Affordable Meal Go To Mary’s Cafe

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This is the spot to go if you're searching for a cheap meal in Rock Hill. Both locals and tourists like Mary's Cafe, which is an institution. Mary's Cafe is well-known for its meat-and-three specialties and is skilled at preparing delicious meals.

Don't pass up the gravy-covered country-fried steak, which comes with a variety of side dishes including fried green tomatoes, macaroni and cheese, and lima beans. You can also order 'build your own' Pizza and get it ready within 15 minutes.

9. Visit The Catawba Cultural Center

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Another thing to do while you are in Rockhill is to visit the Catawba Cultural Center as it is South Carolina's sole Native tribe to get federal recognition. The Catawba, who have lived by the Catawba River for more than 6,000 years, refer to themselves as Ye Iswa, People of the River. Visit this cultural institution to discover Rock Hill's earliest heritage.

At the Catawba Cultural Center, you may explore trails, purchase Catawba art, take workshops in basketry and pottery, and even learn the Catawba language. To see the culture center in action, visit in the fall for the yearly Yap Ye Iswa Festival.

10. Explore Brattonsville's History

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Just a short distance from the center of Rock Hill lies the historic location known as Historic Brattonsville in South Carolina. Visitors may explore the grounds and participate in amusing and instructive reenactments, providing them with a genuine historical experience. Adult entry to Historic Brattonsville is only $8 for those who wish to experience history up close.

The historical reenactments are entertaining and educational. Visitors get a sense of what life was like for people throughout the Revolutionary and colonial periods.

Visitors to Historic Brattonsville may anticipate events like field days, militia musters, dance classes, spinning demonstrations, candle dipping, and blacksmithing, etc.

11. Explore Kings Mountain State And National Parks

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With enough to discover without going over budget, Kings Mountain National Military Park is a great place to visit. Only a few kilometers from Rock Hill, it provides stunning natural beauty without charging any entry fee. It's ideal for those who want to travel on a tight budget.

Since its creation in 1931, the park has been maintained as a memorial to the American Revolutionary War's Battle of Kings Mountain. Since the American Colonists and British Loyalists engaged in combat, this region holds great significance in the history of both the United States and South Carolina.

Because they provide insight into the events that occurred here so many years ago, visitors should take the time to view the monuments at Kings Mountain National Military Park.

12. Tour The Historic White Home

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The White Home is a well-liked Rock Hill wedding location, but it's also a historic house that you can tour. To understand more about the White family's more than 200 years of history and the house itself, the White Home offers a $6 self-guided tour with advance reservations.

In addition, Historic Rock Hill, a preservation organization devoted to Rock Hill and the surrounding area's history, has its offices in the White Home.

13. Visit Museum of York County

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A trip to the Museum of York County might be reasonably priced for those on a tight budget as the museum provides a variety of activities and the entry fee is just $8. The museum has a planetarium with regular shows and a natural history display that focuses on the Carolinas.

Through its award-winning displays and nature-based programming, the museum aims to highlight the Carolina Piedmont's natural heritage and its global links.

Also, there is the interactive Nature exhibit, which will fascinate as well as educate you. They also have a black bear, grizzly bear, and polar bear that guests can touch, which is why this display is so well-liked.

14. Check Out The Winthrop University Art Galleries

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Visitors get a great chance to view a range of sculptures and art galleries at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina. The best part is that entry to these galleries is free, and they normally include educational activities like lectures, seminars, and panel discussions.

Students can study visual arts, communication media, graphic design, theater, and dance in the university's strong arts program.

It's fun to visit the galleries, and you may learn about the expanding local artist community. Additionally, visiting the university's art galleries is the best method to learn about its culture. So, while you are in Rockhill, South Carolina pay a visit to the Winthrop University Art Galleries.

15. Enjoy Anne Springs Close Greenway

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In Fort Mill, South Carolina, Anne Springs Close Greenway is a popular recreational area close to Rock Hill. Minutes south of Charlotte, it is a natural area that is more than twice as large as Central Park.

Its 2,100 acres offer a vast open area for a variety of activities, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, picnics, kayaking, and more. It also acts as a natural barrier against urban growth. The area has been permanently maintained for public use and has connections to the Civil War and Catawba Indians.

Many outdoor activities are accessible with a $12 park entry fee. Moreover, the Canteen at the Gateway Entrance sells the YoCo Brew Trail stamp.

16. Hike At Riverwalk

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For both locals as well as tourists, Rock Hill's Riverwalk is a charming excursion. The Piedmont Medical Center Trail offers stunning views of the water as it meanders beside the Catawba River.

Visitors may come to local wildlife, and flora, and rest seats along the way. It is the perfect spot for a comfortable stroll or an outdoor picnic with friends.

After strolling by the river, stop at Blend, a locally owned, healthful, and fresh food establishment near the trailhead, for a cool smoothie. Hiking at the Riverwalk for a pleasant view and a good mood is a must while at Rock Hill.

17. Have Fun At Carowinds Theme Park

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The 398-acre Carowinds amusement park has live entertainment, a Boomerang Bay waterpark, and rides and attractions. The park is situated on the edge between North and South Carolina, very next to Interstate 77. It is a fantastic place for tourists on a tight budget who want to have a good time. After 4 p.m., tickets are cheaper.

For everyone in the vicinity, it's a simple road trip because of its handy location near Rock Hill.

From traditional rollercoasters to summer water parks, Carowinds has a wide variety of rides and activities to suit all tastes. Also, there are many dining options and retail locations to check out while you're there.

18. Walk Around Winthrop Lake

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About a mile from the university's main campus, this magnificent recreational and research facility encircles Winthrop Lake. The Winthrop Coliseum is one of the facilities, along with a number of recreational fields, protected Piedmont wetlands, an outdoor education center, baseball, softball, tennis, soccer, and track complexes.

U.S. and World Disc Golf championships have been held on a difficult 18-hole disc golf course. Near the Winthrop Ballpark is a driving range where visitors can hit and recover their own golf balls.

There are over 5miles of biking and pedestrian paths that wind through the complex, including a 1mile loop around the lake that easily connects to Rock Hill's public trails.

19. Experience The Natural Beauty At Indigo Iris Farm

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For visitors on a tight budget who want to take in York County's natural splendor, Indigo Iris Farm is the ideal location. Visitors get a rare chance to get up close with nature at this modest, family-run farm that has been in operation for 150 years.

The farm takes pride in its sustainable approaches, which include composting farm animal waste and cultivating flowers free of chemicals to benefit local pollinators.

Indigo Iris Farm offers visitors a range of experiences, such as their farm stand, which is stocked with homemade goods and fresh produce; the U-Pick garden, where they can pick their own produce; and activities like their Sip and Snip parties, which combine drinking your favorite beverage with cutting flowers.

20. Visit The Liberty Book Company

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If you are a book lover and read books, then this place is a no-brainer, you must visit it here. This bookshop appears to be quite small, yet its floor-to-ceiling shelves are crammed with both new and secondhand volumes.

You won't be able to leave without a tote bag full of cheap secondhand books, ranging from sci-fi, fantasy, and even popular new fiction to other languages. When visiting Rock Hill, it's worthwhile to stop at the Liberty Book Company.