Welcome to Florence, South Carolina! This charming town is located in the heart of the Pee Dee region and is home to some of the most beautiful sights in the state. These sites are perfect for those who want to learn about the area’s rich history.
For those who enjoy being outdoors, there are plenty of parks and trails to explore. If you’re looking for things to do in Florence, you won’t be disappointed – there are plenty of attractions that will keep you busy during your stay.
Everyone may find their ideal experience in Florence. That being said, listed below are some of the top attractions in and around Florence, South Carolina.
Check Out the Exhibits at the Florence County Museum
The Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center is a contemporary venue that showcases an extensive range of cultural programs that is suitable for students of all ages and academic levels.
The Centre plays home to a number of exciting and enjoyable events, such as instructive activities and seminars including both adults and younger attendees. Some of these activities include modern theater, recitals of classical music, and a variety of concerts including music from pop, country, rock, and other genres.
The center’s visitors have the chance to witness local, regional, national, and worldwide artists, and the multifunctional arena presents excellent performances that are suitable for both day and the night.
Visit the Museum Devoted to the American Civil War
There was a lot of upheaval during the Civil War era in the United States, so if you’re interested in learning more about that time in history, you should go on over to this museum right now. In 1988, the Sons of Confederate Veterans established this repository to preserve historical records.
Several items and relics from the years 1850 to 1900 are on display in the museum. Here you may see images of notable military figures as well as other artifacts recovered from the Florence Stockade.
The collection also contains a number of unique books and historical papers. A public reference library is available for use by museum visitors. Guests may also peruse the museum’s gift store while they’re there.
Take on a Challenge in the World-Famous Locked Inn Escape Room
The Locked Inn was the first escape room in South Carolina, opening at a time when the concept was rapidly gaining popularity.
If you want to treat yourself to something interesting and pleasant, this is a fantastic option to consider. At Locked Inn, you may play thrilling adventure games in which you’re trapped in a room for 60 minutes.
In order to escape the chamber within the allotted time, players must use their wits to complete a variety of puzzles and play different types of interactive multiplayer games. They provide four distinct topics that raise the stakes and interest of the competition.
Timrod Park Is a Great Place to Have a Picnic
The 18 acres of Timrod Park provide incomparable space and amenities for relaxation and recreation. Locals will tell you that a visit to this park is a must if you’re looking for something fun to do while visiting Florence, South Carolina.
In this section, visitors are free to utilize whatever the park has to offer. Visitors to the park may enjoy the fresh air and exercise the park provides by strolling, jogging, or sprinting along the paths while also taking in the natural beauty of the area.
More than a dozen tennis courts are accessible for a game, and there are plenty of other things to do. Timrod Park is a great spot to spend time with family, friends, or even coworkers, thanks to its playground and beautiful picnic areas.
Timrod Park has a number of extra conveniences, including a beautiful pavilion, a state-of-the-art leisure facility, and a magnificent amphitheater.
There is a wide range of trees and bushes in this park, and they give refuge to a charming cast of creatures, including squirrels, birds, turtles, and stunningly gorgeous butterflies. The park also has a plethora of stunning flora.
Everyone should make it a priority to visit Timrod Park at least once in their lifetime since it is the kind of place where amazing memories may be made with those closest to you.
If you wish to visit more places in South Carolina, see the things you can do in Summerville , SC.
Hunt for Strawberries at the Cottle Strawberry Farm
If you have a couple of hours to kill, you may spend them picking the freshest, tastiest strawberries in town at Cottle Strawberry Farm.
In the spring, visitors may enjoy a taste of strawberries straight off the vine. Strawberries may be harvested by hand, but pre-picked strawberries can also be purchased if that’s more convenient.
Customers may choose from a variety of strawberry items, including quarts, gallons, syrups, bread, and preserves.
There is a picnic area and restrooms available for visitors’ use within the property. Picking sessions do not need appointments, however, it is recommended that you phone ahead to ensure there are enough berries and no delays due to weather.
Take Advantage of Thieves Market’s Bargains
Thieves do not congregate in this area since it is not a safe market. Palmetto Street in Florence is home to a massive market known as “the thieves market,” which has been regarded as a paradise for vintage and antique lovers.
Unique and old items may be found in abundance at the market. The merchandise in Thieves Market is among the finest in all of Arizona.
The experience of exploring this market is unlike any other, and is reminiscent of a treasure hunt in the city. You go in blind, but you discover more than you could have ever hoped for.
The market is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., giving adventurers plenty of time to sift through mountains of unsalable riches in search of rare and unique items.
However, Thieves Market is just $3 to enter and parking is free. Weekends spent perusing the market for potential necessities are well spent.
Visit the Museum of Florence County
Florence’s rich creative, cultural, and historical legacy is celebrated at Pee Dee’s leading museum, the Florence County Museum, via an exciting array of exhibits, family activities, workshops, and lectures.
The museum has numerous priceless relics, some of which date back to before the colonial era, the early modern era, and the American Civil War.
Some of the greatest examples of Southern art may be seen in the museum as well, including stunning oil paintings, intricately crafted pieces, and more. The museum has earned a stellar reputation among locals because it provided a fertile environment for the development of Florence’s contemporary art scene.
One of the results of the museum’s unrelenting efforts is the Pee Dee Regional Art Competition. South Carolina’s oldest judged art competition is still held here.
If you are looking for something enjoyable to do in Florence, South Carolina, add some historical exploration to your itinerary.
Get Your Antique Fix at Palmetto Peddlers
The city of Florence, Italy, has a long and illustrious history in the New World and is brimming with priceless antiquities.
The Palmetto Peddlers Antiques Mall is, nonetheless, a viable option for locating such collectibles. This 38,000-square-foot architectural marvel provides buyers with non-stop access to the antique market.
The Palmetto Peddlers Antiques Mall has an extensive selection of jewelry, antiques, collectibles, and vintage wares for the house.
A well-designed system maintains the ambiance in the antique mall, which features a wide variety of collectibles. All mall merchandise may be safely stored inside due to the building’s climate control measures.
The shopping center is open from 10 am to 6 pm on weekdays and 24 hours on weekends. The public may shop at Palmetto Peddlers Antiques Mall on Sundays from 1:30 p.m. till closing time.
In addition, anybody interested in making a fast buck off of rare collectibles or other goods may easily set up shop and start selling in no time.
Visit the National Cemetery in Florence to Lay Your Wreaths
The Confederate States Military Jail, often known as the Florence stockade or simply “The Stockade,” was a prison for Union and Confederate soldiers and civilians during the American Civil War. It was located next to the Florence national cemetery.
From September 1864 until February 1865, the Stockade held about 18,000. Even now, the prison’s scarred wall is plainly visible.
An estimated 2,800 servicemen lost their lives while captive; many of them are buried in Florence’s unmarked national cemetery. The Stockade is an integral feature of Florence’s path network and the National Record of Historic Places.
While visiting The Stockade, tourists may learn about the fort’s significance in the American Civil War by following a walking route that ends with a memorial gazebo. Since 2008, the area has welcomed visitors, and a parking garage has been built to accommodate them.
Examine the Crater Created by the Nuclear Weapon Detonated on Mars’s Bluff
Despite its relatively modest size, the Mars Bluff Atomic Bomb Impact Crater draws visitors from all over the globe.
This nuclear-looking crater may be seen in a deserted trailer park. However, it is not the Atomic Bomb Impact Crater itself that draws visitors, but rather the legend around it. It was fortunate that an atomic bomb that had been dropped in Mr. Gregg’s yard during the Cold War never detonated.
It turned out that the bomb didn’t go off because it was missing a rod that would have triggered the detonation. Hence it fell to the ground without exploding.
Fortunately, nobody was killed, and the few injuries sustained were rather mild. But recently, the Mars Bluff Atomic Bomb Impact Crater has become a well-known symbol of Florence. The perimeter of the structure has a tiny observation platform that was built to improve the viewing experience. The deck brings in sightseers and photographers from all around the nation.
Take a look at the Florence Stockade Museum
During the American Civil War, between September 1864 and February 1865, POWs were housed in the Confederate States Military Prison.
The Stockade, or Florence Stockade, is another name for this area. Almost the course of their time here, over 18,000 troops were incarcerated; 2,800 of them did not make it.
Access to the site was granted to the general public in 2008. As of right now, it is a registered historic site in the United States.
Offering a self-paced walking tour filled with facts and figures about the stockade, it is a great place to learn more about this military structure. A parking lot is also available for your use.
Locked Inn Is One of the Fun Places to Visit in Florence
If you’re in need of exciting things to do in Florence, South Carolina, go no further than Locked Inn. The abstract and one-of-a-kind enjoyable experience that Locked Inn provides for its customers is legendary.
The not-very-popular “Escape Room Games” are one of the attractions of Locked Inn. Locked Inn is the first of its kind in South Carolina, while “Escape Room Games” are becoming more popular around the nation.
The Inn offers a variety of thrilling adventure games, in which teams of up to six people are confined to a room and given 60 minutes to escape by working together to complete a series of riddles and challenges.
If you’re looking for something fun to do, playing these games is a good option. With four diverse and original themes to choose from, Locked Inn is sure to provide an exciting and revitalizing experience.
Go on an Excursion to the Plantation House With Columns
The Columns, Rankin-Harwell House, James Harwell House, and Carolina Hall are just a few of the titles that have been given to this building.
The plantation home was constructed in 1857 and has two stories. Its primary crops include cotton, maize, and tobacco. Located on two acres of ground, the home is decorated in the Greek revival style and has spacious living quarters.
The structure has a hipped roof with a shallow slope and a raised base. Twenty-two massive, stuccoed brick columns, arranged in a Doric fashion, encircle the home. The Harwell family still resides in and owns the beautifully renovated mansion and adjoining plantation grounds. Privately owned yet available for tours and special events.
First Presbyterian Church Is a Gathering Place for Blessings
In 1861, the first Presbyterian congregation in Florence was founded. Dr. Thomas English, along with 34 others, served as the church’s first pastor.
On Sundays, there are programs for both young people and older people. The church offers both a Contemporary Worship service with a praise band and a Typical Worship service with the Chancel Choir. Go to the church if you’re in the area and are looking for some quiet and serenity.
Conclusion
Florence, South Carolina is the place to go if you’re a history buff who also enjoys spending time in the great outdoors.
There are plenty of recreational facilities, agricultural centers, educational institutions, and historical landmarks to keep you occupied. This collection of activities in Florence, South Carolina is here to help you make the most of your stay there.