Summer in Camden, SC has a specific kind of magic. The morning air carries the scent of sweet tea and fresh produce, the afternoons call for a serious cold treat, and our historic streets are buzzing with energy. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or rolling into town for a weekend visit, this season is packed with unique ways to experience South Carolina’s oldest inland city.
Here’s a handful of summer adventures to get you started! 👌
Books on Broad & Coffee
Hunt for Waldo All Across Camden
If you love a good challenge (or have kiddos who need to burn off some energy), you’re in luck! Thanks to the folks at Books on Broad and Coffee, the beloved Find Waldo Local scavenger hunt is back. Throughout July, everyone’s favorite red-and-white striped world traveler is hiding in 25 local businesses around town. You can pick up a stamp card at Books on Broad, track him down as you wander the shops, and work your way toward a grand celebration party.
Off The Hook Seafood Market
Cool Off with Artisanal Gelato at Off the Hook Seafood Market
After a morning of walking around, you’re gonna want something sweet and refreshing. While Off the Hook Seafood Market is our absolute go-to for the freshest catch, wild-caught shrimp, and local seafood, their hidden summer superpower is their authentic Italian, locally-made gelato. Creamy, perfectly chilled, and exploding with flavor, grabbing a scoop here is a total insider secret for surviving a hot South Carolina afternoon. 🍦
Camden Golf Studio
Take a Swing at the New Camden Golf Studio
Want to work on your golf game without breaking a sweat in the humidity? Head over to 1020 Broad Street and check out the newly opened Camden Golf Studio. 🏌️♂️
This premium, climate-controlled indoor simulator lets you play some of the world’s most iconic courses right from the heart of downtown. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer analyzing your swing data or a complete beginner looking for a fun, cool afternoon out with friends, it is a brilliant addition to Camden’s entertainment scene.
Kershaw County Farmers Market
Shop Fresh and Local at the Kershaw County Farmers Market
Saturday mornings are sacred around here, and that means waking up early to head over to the Kershaw County Farmers Market. There’s nothing quite like browsing the stalls under the warm morning sun. It’s the best place to stock up on locally, juicy summer peaches 🍑, fresh-picked heirloom tomatoes 🍅, artisanal baked goods, and handmade crafts. Plus, it’s a great spot to grab a bite from a local food truck and chat with the farmers and makers who make our community so special. 🧺
Track Down America’s 250th Boykin Spaniel Statues
Camden is famous for the Boykin Spaniel Invasion—a permanent scavenger hunt featuring 12 adorable, miniature bronze puppy statues, modeled by the great-granddaughter of the breed’s founder. 🐶
But this summer, the hunt has an epic twist. In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, these little bronze pups are getting decked out in patriotic style. Grab a clue brochure from the Camden Archives and Museum and see if you can spot all of South Carolina’s favorite state dogs showing off their historic pride! 🌟
Vintage Collections
Hunt for Treasure Along Camden’s Antique Street
With ten independently owned antique stores, Camden’s Antique Street is a premier destination for collectors, history buffs, and treasure hunters alike. Stay cool while you spend hours browsing an eclectic array of goods, ranging from rare 18th-century furniture and vintage estate jewelry to Civil War-era memorabilia and mid-century collectibles. Chat with our local “stuff-ologists”, who can help you find something specific or something that’s just fun!
Where Is Your Next Adventure? 🤔
Whether you’re here for a day, a weekend, or you call Camden home, there’s always something fun and unique here to help fill those lazy days of summer. Let us know about your favorite spots and don’t forget to tag us in your weekend photos using #ExperienceCamdenSC!
Separate Sealed Bids for construction of Stormwater Improvements, for the City of Camden will be received by Owner at 1000 Lyttleton Street, Camden, SC 29020 until 2:00 pm on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, and at said place will be publicly opened and read aloud.
The Work consists of “Stormwater Improvements” in accordance with the Bidding Documents heretofore prepared by GHD Inc., 1320 Main Street, Suite 425, Columbia, SC 29201. The project generally consists of the installation of 5 new catch basins, approximately 614 linear feet of stormwater piping, resurfacing of the intersection of Lyttleton and Laurens Streets, and other incidental items required to complete the work. 90 Calendar Days will be allowed for contractor to achieve Substantial Completion after the date established for start of construction in the Notice to Proceed, and 120 Calendar Days to achieve final completion.
Electronic copies of Bidding Documents may be obtained at the office of GHD Inc., 1320 Main Street, Suite 425, Columbia, SC 29201 for no charge by contacting Marjorie Howe via email at marjorie.howe@ghd.com. Bidder shall provide full contact information for the plan holder list including name, address, email address, telephone number and SC Contractors License number. Plan holders are required to acknowledge receipt of emailed set of bidding documents. Bidder must be on the official plan holders list, for bid to be considered.
All technical questions shall be submitted in writing via email to Kevin Krick (kevin.krick@ghd.com) and cc: marjorie.howe@ghd.com. No response will be given to questions received less than seven (7) days before the Bid opening date.
Bidders shall review and acknowledge all Addenda on the Bid Form.
Bid must be accompanied by Bid security made payable to Owner in an amount of five-percent (5%) of Bidder’s maximum Bid price and in the form of a certified check, bank money order, or a Bid Bond (on the form included in the Bidding Documents) issued by a surety meeting the requirements of the General Conditions.
If, upon acceptance of a Bid, a Bidder fails to enter into a Contract with the City of Camden, the bid security shall be forfeited to and become the property of the City of Camden.
The bid hold period is as defined in the Bid Form. The successful Bidder must furnish a 100% Performance Bond and a 100% Payment Bond with a surety company satisfactory to the City of Camden and conforming to the prerequisite requirements of the General Conditions on the forms included in the Bidding Documents. Contractor must provide fire, extended coverage, vandalism, and malicious mischief insurance equal to the actual value of the insured property during construction.
This project is being funded in whole or in part by the South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA).
Any prospective bidder, offeror, contractor, or subcontractor who is aggrieved in connection with the solicitation of this contract may protest to Engineer (or) Owner in accordance with Section 11-35-4210 of the SC Code of Laws, within 15 days of the date of issuance of the Notice of Intent to Award.
No bid will be considered unless the bidder is legally qualified under the provisions of the South Carolina Contractor’s Licensing Law (South Carolina Code of Laws as amended on April 1, 1999, Chapter 11, Sections 40-11-10 through 40-11-428).
Contractors shall have a classification of GD.
The City of Camden reserves the right to waive any informalities at its sole discretion or to reject any or all Bids to the maximum extent permitted by law.
Bidders are required to certify, under penalty of perjury, that Bids have been prepared without collusion with other Bidders, subcontractors, suppliers, etc. This certification is included with the Bid Form and each Bidder must sign in the space provided.
Jack Thornsberry Director of Utilities & Public Works City of Camden
This Call for Artists is modeled after the South Carolina Arts Commission’s standards and the City of Camden’s recently established Public Art Committee guidelines.
Request for Proposals (RFP): “More Than a Revolution” Mural at Gallery 537 The Camden Public Art Committee invites individual artists and artist teams to submit proposals for a mural at Gallery 537, located at 537 East DeKalb Street in the Downtown Camden Cultural District.
I. Project Description Location: Exterior wall facing west bound traffic on East DeKalb Street/U.S. Hwy 1, approaching the intersection of Broad Street/U.S. Hwy 521. Theme: “More Than a Revolution” A visual narrative blending the heritage and history of Camden, SC along with the strong artistic and cultural contributions of the community, with a highlight on music, particularly incorporating piano keys. Size: Approximately 32’ long x 20′ high. Project Fee: $7,000 – $10,000 (inclusive of surface prep, materials, and anti-graffiti coating).
II. Artist Eligibility Open to all professional artists 18+. Local Preference: Preference may be given to artists residing in Kershaw County, South Carolina or those with a demonstrated connection to the community.
III. Submission Requirements All applicants must submit a digital portfolio (PDF or via web link) containing: Letter of Intent: Specify your artistic vision for this blending of Camden’s history and cultural landscape. Annotated Portfolio: 3-5 images of previous large-scale public work. Concept Sketch: A preliminary visual draft of your proposed design. Itemized Budget: Breakdown of artist fees, materials, travel, and installation. Project Timeline: Phased approach for design, feedback, and execution.
IV. Selection Criteria Proposals will be evaluated by the Camden Public Art Committee based on: • Artistic Excellence: Strength of vision and technical skill (40%). • Thematic Relevance: Connection to Camden’s identity (35%). • Feasibility: Durability of materials and realistic timeline (25%).
V. Key Dates • RFP Issued: March 9, 2026 • Submission Deadline: April 8, 2026, 5:00 PM EST • Finalist Interviews: April 15, 2026 • Project Awarded: April 30, 2026 • Target Completion: September 30, 2026
Notice is hereby given of a public hearing to be conducted by the City of Camden Planning Commission in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1000 Lyttleton Street, Camden, South Carolina on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at 6:15 PM for the purpose of obtaining public comments concerning rezoning of the following property:
402 Bishopville Highway – Tax Map Number C286-00-00-019
The request is to rezone property from R-15 to R-E. Documentation regarding this request is available for public review at City Hall.
• Amendments to Sections 157.094(B)(12) and 157.095(B)(9) to remove slab on grade foundations as an allowable foundation type for residential units
Copies of the proposed ordinance amendments and rezoning request documentation are available for public review at the Planning & Development Department at City Hall or in the agenda packet posted here. Anyone having questions about the rezoning, needing assistance due to sight impairment hearing impairment, or disability should contact Shawn Putnam at 432-2421 prior to the date of the meeting so that arrangements can be made to provide the specific assistance required.
Another public hearing will be conducted by the Planning Commission in the Council Chambers on Monday, September 29, 2025 at 6:15 PM for the purpose of obtaining public comments concerning rezoning of the following property:
2200 Carter Street – Tax Map Number C270-00-00-013
The request is to rezone property from R-15 to RE. Documentation regarding this request is currently available for public review at City Hall, and will be made available online in the coming days.
Your New Ride Around Town: King Haigler Express is Here!
Free bus service now connecting Camden’s key destinations! Camden residents, get ready for a new way to get around town! As of Monday, August 4th, the King Haigler Express is rolling through our community, offering free weekday bus service that connects you to the places you need to go most.
What You Need to Know The King Haigler Express runs Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., following a continuous loop route with convenient stops throughout Camden. The service is completely free during this pilot program, and the buses are fully accessible for all riders.
Where Can You Go? The route covers practically everything you need for daily life.
Shopping & Errands: Food Lion, Walmart, Piggly Wiggly, CVS, Walgreens at DeKalb, Belk at Springdale Plaza, and Ollie’s at Camden Square
Healthcare: MUSC Health at Haile St., MUSC Women’s Health at DeKalb St., Community Medical Clinic, Fresenius Dialysis, and Kershaw County Mental Health at Liberty Hill Rd.
Government & Community Services: City Hall, Kershaw County Government Center, United Way, Camden Post Office, Camden Library
Recreation: Boykin Park and Monument Square
Try It Out – It’s Free! Since this is a pilot program, your feedback matters. The City of Camden and the Santee-Wateree Regional Transportation Authority want to hear from you about how this service works for your needs.
“This pilot program reflects our commitment to providing practical solutions that support Camden’s future, improve quality of life, and ensure everyone has access to the places that matter most,” said Councilman William Wilkes. Whether you need to pick up groceries, visit the doctor, handle business at City Hall, or just explore downtown, the King Haigler Express offers a reliable, safe way to get there without needing a car.
