HOW TO SPEND A DAY IN ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA
Rise and Shine
Breakfast
Start your day at Rock Hill Bagels & Deli for New York-style bagels, sandwiches, and more. Looking for something on the sweeter side? MoMo Donuts and Rise and Shine Doughnut Cafe offer traditional classics and extravagant combinations that are sure to please. For those craving brunch, sit back and relax at Flipside Restaurant in historic Old Town Rock Hill or Another Broken Egg, where their passion is to create exceptional southern-inspired food that will leave you wanting more.
Fuel Your Day
Just a short walk from the Rock Hill Sports & Event Center, Knowledge Perk Coffee Roasters is a small-batch roastery offering signature organic blends. Take a trip to France at Amelie’s French Bakery & Café or Mado Paris Bakery and Cafe for Parisian-inspired classics and more traditional favorites. Looking to engage in retail therapy while you enjoy your coffee? Head to the Mercantile HQ Cafe and enjoy one of their signature drinks while you browse their artistic displays and eclectic mix of gifts, clothing, and homewares!
Explore Rock Hill
Grab a Bite
Along with that incredible growth comes amazing locally-owned restaurants. Dining with a large group? The brand new Power House in Rock Hill is where you need to be! Featuring five different food vendors, you’re guaranteed to find something to satisfy everyone in the group! Legal Remedy Brewing offers great drinks on tap with the perfect southern bites. Kids in tow? Head to Hobo’s Rock Hill or Off the Tracks Brewing. The adjacent restaurants are connected by a greenspace which features a putting green and outdoor area for kids. Looking for an easy lunch? Head to RoCo – The Roasting Company for delicious Costa Rican rotisserie or Millstone Pizza and Taphouse for Neopolitan-style, wood-fired pizzas. Looking for something more romantic? Dine with a view over the Catawba River at the Pump House or make your way to Old Town Rock Hill for date night at Old Town Kitchen & Cocktails, Kounter, Flipside Restaurant, or Ay Papi. Ready or a cocktail? Head to Sky Bar 354, CAMBRiA Hotel’s rooftop bar. Make sure you get there by sunset for the perfect picture of your trip!
Shop ’til You Drop
Shop our unique stores. For home goods and décor, try The Mercantile, Overhead Station, or Hickory Post. Looking for the latest clothing trends? Try Chic Boutique, Gypsy Debutante, The Mercantile HQ, or McFadden’s Men’s Shop.
Explore
Stretch your legs and explore Rock Hill. From Glencairn Garden to Fountain Park, there’s plenty of green space in the heart of Old Town. Grab a selfie at one of the murals along the Mural Mile or discover a new gallery at the Center for the Arts.
Engage in History and Culture
Immerse yourself in our rich history and culture! Set up a guided tour of the White Home to learn about the history of Rock Hill. Visit the African-American Business District Monument and Freedom Walkway to learn more about Rock Hill’s pivotal role in the civil rights movement. Just a 15-minute drive from downtown, you can visit the Catawba Cultural Center. Learn about the only federally recognized tribe in South Carolina and how their history dates back over 6000 years. The center includes four exhibits, beautiful public walking trails, and even a trading post where you can purchase native art and gifts. The Cultural Center and its trails are open to the public, operating from Monday to Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Pro Tip: Stay downtown at Rock Hill’s Bed & Breakfast at the East Main Guest House or the Cambria at University Center.
Sweet Treats
From vine-to-cone ice cream fresh from local farms to some of the best family recipes around, Rock Hill has something to satisfy every sweet tooth. Discover our sweet treats here.
Rock Hill and Beyond
Outdoor Fun
Follow the nature trails of Anne Springs Close Greenway and get lost in the beauty and tranquility of mother nature. With over 2100 acres of beautiful protected green space, you can’t go wrong with spending the day on the Greenway. The Anne Springs Close Greenway is open to the public for a small daily fee. You can also head to the newly renovated Ebenezer Park! Ebenezer Park is a 26-acre park on the shore of Lake Wylie that offers a wide variety of day-use recreational opportunities. Feeling adventurous? Rent a stand-up paddleboard from The Goat Boater and launch from one of their many launch locations in Tega Cay. If you’re on a budget, take a walk along the Catawba on The Piedmont Medical Center Trail. Located in the Riverwalk community, The trail offers scenic views of the Catawba River and is a great location for outdoor activities. Providing ample space for walking, the trail is 10 feet wide and connects to nearby River Park allowing users to begin their 3.35-mile trip. Who doesn’t love a gorgeous view while getting some exercise?
Spend time at a Local Farm
Spend some time at a few of York County’s many farms! Black’s Peaches is a family-owned business and has been growing sweet, delicious peaches since 1923. Packed with fun, Bush-N-Vine is also a local farm that has endless activities such as a hiking trail, picnic tables, pick-your-own-crops, and even an observational beehive! The Peach Tree Orchard has fresh local produce, canned goods, and flowers. While you’re there, get a taste of their 32 flavors of deluxe ice cream
Find a Thrill
Straddling the state line, Carowinds theme park has been a Carolina staple since 1973! Not only is Carowinds home to more than 50 rides and attractions, but it’s also famous for its world-class events. Discover these upcoming Carowinds events you don’t want to miss! Or – get competitive at Mr. Putty’s for a day filled with fun including miniature golf, ropes course & zipline, rock climbing, Mr. Stumpy’s Axe Throwing, and more!
Getting Around Rock Hill
Free Bus Transportation
The My Ride Transit System is one of the best ways to get around Rock Hill. The bus system, which launched in July 2019, is free to ride, has mobile charging ports and free Wi-Fi, and is outfitted to be ADA-compliant. Need a break from riding your bike? The bus even has bike racks on the front. With four fixed routes, the bus runs along the key corridors of the city, taking you from one end to the other, allowing you to visit almost any place in Rock Hill. You can download the My Ride mobile app to track where the bus currently is, preview routes, find nearby bus stops and more.
The downtown loop, called Route 1: Knowledge Park Loop, has a bus stop right in front of the Rock Hill Sports & Events Center.
Read more here.
