Tours and Getaway Packages
Day Trips
York County, SC is a great day trip destination for senior church groups, garden clubs, and school groups, just to mention a few. A visitor to York County can experience a little history – Native American, African-American, Revolutionary War, early American; a little culture; a little outdoor adventure; a little natural beauty; a little bit of entertainment and a whole lot of Southern Hospitality.
Depending upon the group’s interests and day trip schedule, the following attractions will create a enjoyable group tour experience in York County, SC.
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Anne Springs Close Greenway
The Greenway is 2,300+ acres of history and natural beauty. In 1780, British General Lord Cornwallis said the countryside looked like an English park with splendid forests of oak and hickory surrounding open green prairies where wild life live. And today, a visitor can see much of the same.
The Greenway includes 26 miles of hiking, horseback and bicycle trails, 2 lakes, swinging foot bridge and nature center.
1.5 – 2 hours / Weekdays / Free admission
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Glencairn Garden
Award winning Glencairn Garden displays nature’s finest colors, textures and shapes. This 7-acre garden includes a reflecting pool and fountain and is a quiet place for strolling, nature watching and quiet contemplation. Walking tours area available with a local horticulturist.
Peak bloom period is the last week of March until mid-April. Glencairn Garden is also the focal point of Rock Hill’s Annual Come-See-Me Festival.
1 hour / weekdays for guided tours / Free admission
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Windy Hill Orchard
Windy Hill Orchard and Cider Mill is the only working orchard and cider mill in South Carolina. In keeping the with the tradition of the Olde English, Windy Hill produces an English style draft cider as well as Classic American sweet cider. Tours are offered in season(mid-August thru December) and include a visit to the bake shop – wassail, apple and other fruit butters, fresh pies, cider donuts, and fried pies. Take home a taste of the Carolinas.
1 hour / seasonal, weekdays and Saturdays / Group admission $3- $5 per person
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The Catawba Cultural Center
A group tour program at the Center includes a variety of programs; some of which are history and storytelling sessions, language presentations, pottery demonstrations, drumming and dancing performances, and educational hands-on archaeology programs. The Center is housed in the old Catawba Nation school house, with a craft/pottery store and Native American exhibits.
2 hours / weekdays and Saturdays / Group admission $10-12 per person
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The Museum of York County
A guided tour is a cultural excursion into learning, which includes a African animal hall, changing art, science, history, natural history galleries, a planetarium, and an gallery dedicated to Vernon grant, creator of Snap, Crackle and Pop. Groups can also enjoy a Safari breakfast or tea in the Stans African Hall.
A gift shop visit is also available.
1.5 - 2 hours / weekdays and weekends / Group admission $5- $6
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Historic Brattonsville
An interpreter in period dress escorts the group tours at Historic Brattonsville. Historic Brattonsville is a 775-acre living history village that includes a Revolutionary War battlefield site. The tour includes 29 historic structures - first and second generation Bratton homes, Bratton slave quarters, outbuildings, barns and other 1840’s plantation structures. Historic Brattonsville is also a film location for Mel Gibson’s epic, “The Patriot”.
Teas or picnics with a boxed lunch are also available for groups. A stop at the gift shop is also included in the tour.
1.5 - 2 hours / weekdays and weekends / Group admission $5-$6 per person
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Kings Mountain State Park
Kings Mountain State Park offers groups 6,883 acres of woodland terrain, adjacent to Kings Mountain national Park, a prominent Revolutionary War battle site. Kings Mountain can be a self-guided tour or a guide will explain the Living History Farm which recreates an Upcountry farmstead of the 1850’s.
A boxed lunch at the picnic area is also available.
1.5 - 2 hours / weekdays and weekends / Group admission $3-$5 per person
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Kings Mountain National Military Park
The battlefield at Kings Mountain National Military stands as the place many analysts believe was the turning point of the American Revolution. The Park includes a visitor information center, film and museum of period artifacts. The park allows access to the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail which is part of the National Trails System and follows the Revolutionary War route of Patriot militia men from Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia to the battle of Kings Mountain.
A boxed lunch at the picnic area is also available.
1.5 -2 hours / weekdays and weekends / Group admission $3-$5 per person
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Historic York
Historic York, established in 1785, is a delightful small southern town with tree-lined streets, historic homes, and friendly people. York’s distinguished history and rich architectural heritage have been preserved, and the mayor of York is the local guide for the tour. This strolling or riding tour includes quaint shops and eateries, historic homes, churches, and cemeteries.
An additional activity includes an art workshop, designed especially for the group. The choice of craft is only limited to the imagination; some ideas are window mosaics, tin can art, wind chimes, hummingbird feeders, and travel journal/photo album.
2-3 hours or half of a day / weekdays or weekends
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Western York County Driving Tour / Museum of Western York County
Visitors step back into a simpler way of life. Along the sedate country roads of Western York County are open fields of hay, wheat and cotton. In these peaceful hills and plains of the Broad River Basin watershed, there are goats, horses, cattle, ostrich and perhaps a buffalo or two wandering the countryside. Beginning with the first settlements along the Broad River, these byways have continued to echo the song of liberty.
The Museum of Western York County sits in this rural setting, just 10 minutes from York. This museum offers visitors a unique insight into local history presented through a wide a variety of memorabilia from rough plows to delicate glass ware.
4 hours, including tour of museum / weekdays / Fee for driving tour step-on guide, Group admission $3-$5 per person
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Charlotte Knights
York County is home to the Charlotte Knights Baseball Club, Triple-A Affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. “Take me out to the ballgame” is a great way to spend an afternoon, especially since baseball is America’s game.
Group tickets and box seats are available.
2-3 hours / seasonal / weekdays and weekends / Group rates available
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NarroWay Productions
Hilarious comedy and chilling drama in fun-filled interactive performances are NarroWay’s trademarks. With dinner theatres, epic biblical productions, mystery theatres, tours, field trips and spectacular holiday events, NarroWay has a host of activities your group will talk about for years to come!
2 – 2.5 hours / Friday and Saturday (evenings and other scheduled times) / Group admission $15-$25 per person
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Paramount’s Carowinds
Paramount’s Carowinds is a 105-acre theme and water park offering thrilling entertainment and fun for all ages. More than 100 rides, attractions and live shows entertain guests all spring and summer.
All day / seasonal, weekdays and weekends / Group rates available
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Winthrop University
Through the College of Visual and Performing Arts, Winthrop University offers a variety of arts programs. Exhibits of local, regional, and national artists, dance, music and theater performances by guest artists, faculty members and students are available for groups throughout the year. Some events are even free to the public.
1-3 hours / evenings based on performance schedules / Group admission $5-$10 per person
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McCelvey Center
McCelvey Center is a grand historical building housing a 560-seat theater, which hosts an annual performing arts series. It is also home to the Yorkville Players Theater Group and several art-related studios. McCelvey also houses the Historical Center of York County, which provides opportunities for extensive genealogical and historical research related to the region.
2 hours weekday or weekend evenings, based on the showcase series schedule /
