Sharon South CarolinaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Sharon, South Carolina.
1. Windy Hill Orchard & Cider Mill
RUSTIC FARM EXPERIENCE
Windy Hill Orchard & Cider Mill is a popular farm attraction in Sharon offering visitors a chance to experience apple picking and cider tasting. Visitors can enjoy seasonal activities including orchard tours, fresh apple products, and handcrafted hard ciders in a family-friendly setting. The orchard has become a beloved destination for both locals and tourists seeking authentic farm experiences in York County.
2. McCelvey Center
HISTORIC CULTURAL VENUE
The McCelvey Center serves as a cultural hub and theater venue in Sharon's historic district. The center hosts various performances, community events, and cultural programs throughout the year. Its historic architecture and significance make it an important landmark in preserving Sharon's cultural heritage.
3. Chicks On Congress
UNIQUE ANTIQUE SHOPPING
Chicks On Congress is a charming antique and specialty gift shop located in downtown Sharon. The store offers a curated selection of vintage items, handcrafted goods, and unique gifts that draw shoppers from across the region. Visitors appreciate the friendly service and one-of-a-kind merchandise that makes this shop a local treasure.
4. Sharon Grill
LOCAL DINING FAVORITE
Sharon Grill is a beloved local restaurant serving classic American cuisine in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant hosts the popular Cars and Coffee event on the first Saturday of each month, drawing car enthusiasts and community members together. Visitors enjoy hearty meals while experiencing the genuine small-town hospitality that Sharon is known for.
5. Sharon Fresh Farmers Market
LOCAL PRODUCE HUB
The Sharon Fresh Farmers Market brings together local vendors offering fresh vegetables, eggs, breads, flowers, and seasonal items. Located on Pratt Street behind the Sharon Grill, the market operates on Saturdays from May through the growing season. Visitors can connect with local producers while shopping for fresh, locally-grown products in a friendly community atmosphere.
6. Fourth of July Celebration
FESTIVE TOWN EVENT
Sharon's Fourth of July Celebration is an annual community event featuring vendors, food, drinks, homemade crafts, and live entertainment. The festivities culminate in a spectacular fireworks display that draws visitors from throughout the region. The 2025 event is scheduled for Saturday, June 28, offering a perfect opportunity to experience small-town America at its most festive.
7. Christmas in Olde Town
SEASONAL HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES
Christmas in Olde Town transforms Sharon into a charming holiday destination with seasonal decorations, special events, and community gatherings. The annual celebration brings together residents and visitors to share in the joy of the holiday season through various activities and displays. The event showcases the town's historic character while fostering a sense of community spirit and goodwill.
8. Historic District Walking Tour
HERITAGE ARCHITECTURE EXPLORATION
The Historic District Walking Tour allows visitors to explore Sharon's protected historic buildings, neighborhoods, and landmarks at their own pace. Along the route, guests can admire well-preserved architecture that reflects the town's rich history and commitment to historic preservation. Informational plaques provide context about significant structures and their role in Sharon's development over time.
9. Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
HISTORIC ROMANTIC GARDENS
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens is America's oldest publicly accessed garden, established in the early 1700s and first opened to visitors in 1870. The gardens are unique as America's last grand Romantic-style garden, offering spectacular floral displays and scenic paths along the Ashley River. Visitors can also explore the Cabin Project which preserves former slave dwellings and provides insight into African-American history through a 45-minute program highlighting the Gullah culture.
10. Middleton Place
AMERICA'S OLDEST LANDSCAPED GARDENS
Middleton Place sits above America's oldest landscaped gardens, offering visitors a glimpse into plantation life through guided tours of the fully furnished historic house. The tours include discussions not only about the Middleton family but also the enslaved people and freedmen who served them, providing a comprehensive historical perspective. The meticulously maintained gardens feature geometric patterns, reflecting pools, and butterfly lakes that showcase 18th-century landscape design principles.
11. Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens
AVENUE OF OAKS
Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens is one of the nation's oldest plantations still operating as a working farm, best known for its picturesque, three-quarter-mile Avenue of Oaks. The plantation features live presentations of the unique Gullah culture developed by African slaves, where descendants tell their history through storytelling and song. Visitors can explore the grounds, gardens, and historic buildings while learning about both the plantation owners and the enslaved people who worked the land.
12. Drayton Hall
PRESERVED COLONIAL ARCHITECTURE
Drayton Hall is the oldest unrestored plantation house in America open for tours, showcasing rare 18th-century craftsmanship in its ornamental details. Active archaeological studies at the site continue to recover artifacts that provide insight into the undocumented lives of enslaved people who lived and worked there. Visitors can experience the authentic colonial architecture preserved in its original state rather than restored to modern interpretations.
13. Fort Sumter
CIVIL WAR HISTORIC SITE
Fort Sumter is a sea fort in Charleston Harbor where the first shots of the Civil War were fired on April 12, 1861. Visitors reach the national monument via ferry, allowing them to experience both the historic fortification and beautiful views of Charleston Harbor. The fort's museum contains exhibits about its construction, its role in the Civil War, and its continued significance in American history.
14. Rob Kennedy Historical Trail
HISTORIC LANDMARK PATH
The Rob Kennedy Historical Trail features more than 20 landmarks that highlight significant events and locations in South Carolina's history. Visitors can explore the trail at their own pace, discovering hidden historical gems and learning about the region's rich cultural heritage. The well-marked path provides an educational experience through interpretive signage and preserved historic sites.
15. Cars and Coffee Sharon
MONTHLY AUTO ENTHUSIAST GATHERING
Cars and Coffee Sharon is a monthly gathering held every first Saturday at the Sharon Grill from 8 am to 11 am, weather permitting. The event brings together automobile enthusiasts who showcase their vehicles while enjoying morning refreshments and community camaraderie. Visitors can admire everything from classic cars to modern sports cars while connecting with fellow car lovers in a relaxed, informal setting.