Florence, SC Day Guide - Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau

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Florence Convention & Visitors Bureau
3290 W. Radio Dr. Florence, SC 29501
843.664.0330 or 800.325.9005
www.visitflo.com
Florence, SC
Day Guide
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History & Museums
1. The Bean Market - 111 Henry St,
Lake City, 843.374.1500
The Bean Market is a multipurpose
cultural and community center at
the heart of downtown Lake City.
Built in 1936 by the Public Works
Administration (PWA), the Bean
Market rose to acclaim as the world’s
largest truck auction of green beans.
Farmers drove to Lake City from
across the South to bring their bean
crops to market; traders would
then ship the beans north on one of
the many freight trains that rolled
through Lake City each day. The
building is listed on the National
Register of Historic Places.
2. The Columns - 5001 Rankin
Plantation Rd, just off Old Marion
Hwy, 843.662.6350
The 1857 Columns Plantation is
an outstanding example of Greek
Revival architecture and is listed on
the National Register of Historic
Places. The property is the last
working plantation in the area and
is the site of the annual reenactment
of the “Skirmish at Gable’s Hotel,” a
local Civil War battle, held the first
weekend in March. The Columns is a
private residence. Tours of the home
- given by a guide in period dress are scheduled at least two weeks in
advance for 10 or more people.
3. Florence Museum
111 W Cheves St, 843.662.3351
The new location of the Florence
Museum enlightens visitors to the
history of Florence. It contains a
changing art gallery and a permanent
collection featuring artwork by
Florence native William H. Johnson.
Additionally, you’ll find Civil War
history and Pueblo Pottery. Open
Tue-Sat, 10am-5pm; Sun, 2-5pm.
florencemuseum.org
7. Lynches River Park - 1110 Ben
Gause Rd, Coward, 877.319.7799
This popular day use park features a
river swamp with towering cypress
trees as well as sand hills offering a
wide variety of vegetation. Popular
activities include river fishing,
canoeing, nature trails, picnicking,
a Splash Pad open during summer
months, and an Environmental
Discovery Center. The park is open
year-round, 9am-sunset.
lynchesriverpark.com
4. Hewn-Timber Cabins at Francis
Marion University
Wallace Woods Rd, 843.661.1311
Listed on the National Register
of Historic Places, these are the
remaining two of eight cabins, circa
1836, that were built by African
Americans. The Hewn-Timber
Cabins are open to the public
10:30am-2pm on the second Tue
of each month, Mar-Nov (weather
permitting). Interpretive signage
present. fmarion.edu
8. Veterans Park
Woody Jones Blvd, 843.665.3253
The Florence Veterans Park pays
homage to those who are serving or
have served in our armed services
with a ‘Wall of Honor’ and several
monuments for the wars of the 20th
century. The park’s memorial, a three
pillar center obelisk, was co-designed
by Brown Memorials of Florence,
and local sculptor Alex Palkovich.
Bronze medallions representing all six
branches of the US military complete
the memorial.
5. Florence National Cemetery and
Florence Stockade - 803 E National
Cemetery Rd, 843.669.8783
This cemetery was established in
1865 as a burial place for the Union
soldiers that died while being held
at the Florence Stockade. The first
woman to be buried in a National
Cemetery, Florena Budwin, is interred
at the Florence National Cemetery.
The cemetery contains the remains of
veterans from all major US conflicts.
Open daily during daylight hours.
9. Woods Bay State Natural Area
11020 Woods Bay Rd, Olanta
843.659.4445
Woods Bay features a geologic
formation known as a Carolina Bay,
and offers a variety of natural habitats
in which many species of wildlife can
be found. Guests can enjoy canoeing,
hiking, fishing, photography and
birding. The park’s boardwalk and
canoeing trail offers a closer view of
their rare resource. The park is open
year-round Thur-Mon, 9am-6pm.
6. War Between the States Museum
107 S Guerry St, 843.662.1266
This museum showcases local life in
the area during the 1860s. Exhibits
include artifacts from various battles,
camp sites, photos and household
items. It also houses a scale model of
the Florence Stockade and artifacts
from the C.S.S. Pee Dee, the only
commissioned naval vessel built in the
area. Open Wed & Sat, 10am-5pm.
Admission: $2 for adults, $1 for
children.
Local Flavors
Parks, Outdoor Recreation &
Walking Trails
Florence County has a variety of
outdoor venues. Please ask at the
Florence Convention and Visitors
Bureau for the Florence Trail Guide
for complete listings and a location
map, or visit sctrails.net.
10. The Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden
165 Broad Acres Rd, Bishopville
803.484.5581
Pearl Fryar’s amazing topiary garden
began as a project to raise self-esteem
in local youth. Now, his three acres
of organically grown evergreens
have become a nationally renowned
attraction. Open year-round Tue-Sat,
10am-4pm. pearlfryar.com
15. Darlington Raceway Museum
and NMPA Hall of Fame
1301 Harry Byrd Hwy, Darlington
843.395.8862 / 843.395.8821
See and learn about the pioneers of
the sport and the historic cars that
carried them to greatness. NASCAR
souvenirs available for purchase in the
gift shop. Open Mon-Sun, 9am-5pm.
Admission: $5 for adults, children 12
& under free. darlingtonraceway.com
11. Pee Dee State Farmers Market
2513 W Lucas St, 843.665.5154
The Pee Dee State Farmers Market
offers fresh local fruits, produce and
plants, as well as jams, sauces and
other products made right here in
SC. You’ll also find local favorites
like Blenheim Ginger Ale and Old
Plantation Syrup. And don’t leave
without trying the tasty boiled
peanuts! Open year-round Mon-Sat,
8am-6pm. pdfarmersmarket.sc.gov
12. Young Plantations
2230 Babar Ln, 843.662.2452
You’ll feel right at home at Young
Plantations! Choose from candies,
gifts baskets, pecans of various flavors,
jams, jellies and more. Samples are
available. Open Mon-Sat, 9am-7pm;
Sun, 12-6pm. youngplantations.com
Shopping
Shop ‘til you drop! Florence offers the
best selection with wonderful malls,
unique specialty stores, charming
boutiques, and antiques & auction
houses. Please visit visitflo.com for
more information about shopping in
the Florence area.
Sports & Entertainment
13. Blue Line Shooting Range
1811 Sally Hill Farms Blvd
843.667.9565
Indoor shooting at its finest! $20 per
day. bluelineshootingcenter.com
14. Darlington Raceway
1301 Harry Byrd Hwy, Darlington
866.459.RACE
The track ‘Too Tough to Tame,’
NASCAR’s oldest super speedway has
been the site of many legendary races.
The Southern 500 races Mother’s Day
weekend! darlingtonraceway.com
16. Dr. Eddie Floyd Florence
Tennis Center
1060 N Cashua Dr, 843.665.3106
Boasting 24 Hard Courts and 6
Hydro Clay courts, the Dr. Eddie
Floyd Florence Tennis Center is one
of South Carolina’s Premier Tennis
facilities. The center is open Mon-Fri,
8:30am-9:30pm; Sat, 8:30am-6pm;
Sun, 2-8pm. No admission fee.
21. Julia 4 Cinema
1110 S Irby St, 843.665.5064
See current releases at discount prices.
22. Regal Cinemas Swamp Fox
Stadium 14
3400 W Radio Dr, 843.669.5466
Choose from the new releases playing
on Swamp Fox’s 14 screens.
Arts
23. Art Trail Gallery
185 W Evans St, 843.667.0428
An eclectic and ever-changing mix
of creativity found in the Pee Dee
region. Open Tue-Thur, 1pm-3pm;
Sat, 11am-6pm. Admission is free.
art-trail-gallery.com
24. Florence Little Theatre
417 S Dargan St, 843.662.3731
Florence Little Theatre offers a variety
of plays and performances throughout
the year. florencelittletheatre.org
29. The Traces Golf Club
4322 Southborough Rd
843.662.7775
A 27-hole semi-private course with
practice facilities, a fully equipped pro
shop and a bar and grill. Any 18 holes,
par 72. 7,000 yards.
thetracesgolfclub.com
Accommodations
With the highest concentration of
hotel rooms along I-95, Florence
is the natural place to rest! Choose
from your favorite brands such as
Hilton, Marriott, or Choice hotels,
or stay in one of our comfortable
family-owned establishments. Please
visit visitflo.com, and download the
Accommodations Guide.
Education
25. Francis Marion University
Performing Arts Center
201 S Dargan St, 843.661.4444
See variety shows, Broadway
performances, concerts and more!
fmupac.org
18. Florence Motor Speedway
836 Smith St, Timmonsville
843.346.7711
Experience a real race at the speedway
every Saturday night. Season AprilOctober. florencemotorspeedway.com
19. Florence RedWolves - Sparrow
Stadium at Francis Marion University
4700 E Palmetto St, 843.629.0700
Competing in the Coastal Plain
League, the Florence RedWolves
provide great summer family
entertainment. It’s minor league
collegiate baseball at its best! Season
June-August. florenceredwolves.com
20. Freedom Florence Recreation
Complex
1515 Freedom Dr, 843.669.4597
This state-of-the-art softball facility
hosts state, regional and national
tournaments. cityofflorence.com
30. Clemson Outdoor Educational
Trail - 2200 Pocket Rd, 843.662.3526
The Outdoor Educational Trail
runs along scenic, 150-acre Dargan’s
Pond and features a series of learning
centers focused on the many natural
resources of the area. clemson.edu/oet
26. The Country Club of South
Carolina
3525 McDonald Blvd, 843.669.1838
A semi-private 18-hole course with
a full practice facility, pro shop and
the Duffers Bar & Grill. Par 72.
Yardages range from 5292-7062.
countryclubsc.com
27. Crossings Golf Club
3540 Shadow Creek Dr
843.665.8040
An 18-hole public course with pro
shop and grill. Par 72. 6,881 yards.
crossingsgolfclub.net
28. Oakdale Country Club
3700 W Lake Dr, 843.662.0368
A semi-private 18-hole course with a
cozy clubhouse offering a full menu
and bar service. Par 72. 6,251 yards.
oakdalecountryclub.com
34. Ronald E. McNair Memorial &
Life History Center, 235 E Main St,
Lake City, 843.374.0046
Dr. Ronald E. McNair, space shuttle
astronaut, perished at age 35 aboard
the Challenger. His memorial and the
Life History Center chronicles his
life as a research scientist, pioneering
astronaut, jazz musician, and karate
expert. Please call for hours.
35. Science South
1515 Freedom Blvd, 843.679.5353
Extract DNA from a strawberry, build
a solar car, or make a spectroscope!
Experimental science center open to
the public on weekends and school
holidays. sciencesouth.org
Restaurants
Florence offers an interesting variety
of delicious dining and southern fare!
Check out the Florence Restaurant
Guide which includes listings and a
location map. visitflo.com
Golf
17. Florence Civic Center
3300 W Radio Dr, 843.679.9417
The civic center is the largest
entertainment and convention center
in northeast SC. It hosts a variety of
events and shows throughout the year.
florenceciviccenter.com
33. Francis Marion University
4822 E Palmetto St, 843.661.1231
The university offers planetarium
programs on 2nd and 4th Sundays.
Check their schedule for art exhibits
and sporting events. fmarion.edu
31. Drs. Bruce & Lee Foundation
Library
509 S Dargan St, 843.662.8424
The Drs. Bruce & Lee Foundation
Library is an impressive 83,000 sq. ft.
building, featuring classical columns,
etched windows and marble exterior.
This $17 million project initiated the
revitalization of downtown Florence.
florencelibrary.org
32. Florence-Darlington Technical
College
2715 W Lucas St, 843.661-TECH
This college is a post-secondary two
year institution offering day and
evening classes for more than 3,800
students in 60 degree, diploma and
certificate programs. The school helps
new and existing industries to develop
and implement hands-on training
programs for employees. fdtc.edu
Transportation
36. Florence Regional Airport
2100 Terminal Dr, 843.669.5001
The airport is served by US
Airways/US Airways Express.
florencescairport.com
Florence Visitor Center
37. The Florence Convention and
Visitors Bureau
3290 W Radio Dr, 843.664.0330
The Florence Convention and
Visitors Bureau is a great place to
learn about Florence, as well as the
Pee Dee Region. The CVB offers
maps and many brochures featuring
lots of information about the area.
And while you’re at the center, don’t
forget to pick up a free postcard so
you can let a friend back home know
you visited Flo!