🌸 Spring is finally here, and if you’re looking for a getaway that blends outdoor adventure, unbridled history, and small-town charm, Camden is your perfect Spring destination. As South Carolina’s oldest inland city, we’ve curated a bucket list that will keep the kids entertained, the history buffs happy, and the nature lovers inspired.

How many can you check off?

Shop Local at the Revolutionary War Visitor Center’s Market Day

🛍️ Kick off your spring shopping on Saturday, March 14 at the 6^th annual Market Day at the Revolutionary War Visitor Center. This event brings together the best local vendors, artisans, and food trucks right in the heart of our historic district. It’s the perfect place to grab a souvenir and support local makers.

Experience The Carolina Cup

🏇 Nothing says spring in Camden like the thunder of hooves! The Carolina Cup is a South Carolina tradition unlike any other. Whether you’re there for the world-class steeplechase racing, the elaborate tailgate spreads, or the iconic spring fashion (hats encouraged!), it’s the crown jewel of our spring season.

🎶 Pro Tip: Don’t miss CupFest! Get the party started early at our inaugural downtown kickoff celebration featuring live music on two stages, a classic car cruise-in, food and drink specials from our downtown retailers, a Kids Zone and puppy petting party, and plenty of community spirit to get everyone hyped for race day.

Paddle Through Goodale State Park

🛶 Trade the traditional lake day for a fairytale experience at Goodale State Park. Rent a kayak or canoe and follow the 3-mile water trail through a Civil War-era mill pond. You’ll drift under towering cypress trees draped in Spanish moss on what is widely considered one of the most scenic canoe routes in the Southeast.

Sheep Shearing Day at Old McCaskill’s Farm

🐑 For a true farm-to-fashion experience, head over to Old McCaskill’s Farm for Sheep Shearing Day. Watch professional shearers at work, see border collie demonstrations, and let the kids enjoy hayrides and bluegrass music. It’s a hands-on look at Camden’s agricultural roots that the whole family will love.

Celebrate the Season at the Farmers Market Spring Fling

🌻 Fresh produce, plants and flowers, and locally made goods of all kinds await at the Kershaw County Farmers Market Spring Fling. This event officially kicks off the market season with a face-painting booth, a photo booth for your four-legged friend (for a donation), and Sarah Dippity and her big festival bubbles!. Grab your goodies and enjoy Spring Fling vibes as you browse the booths under the warm Carolina sun.

Stand Where History Was Made

⚔️ Visit the Revolutionary War Visitor Center before heading across the parking lot to the Historic Camden Foundation’s Colonial Village. Explore the Kershaw-Cornwallis House, the redoubt and envision the pivotal battles that turned the tide of the war right here in our backyard. At the Camden Burials site across Broad Street, pay your respects to the as-yet-unidentified Revolutionary War soldiers who were laid to rest in 2023 after being discovered at the Battle of Camden site in 2022. Can’t get enough? Head down to the Battle of Camden site, just 8 miles outside of Camden, and check out the revamped interpretive signage.

Take a Tour of Goat Daddy’s Farm

🐢 Calling all animal lovers! Get up close and personal with a wide variety of animals, including goats, kangaroos, tortoises, potbelly pigs, snakes, alpacas, emus, a porcupine, camel, and so much more at Goat Daddy’s Farm in Elgin. Group tours are (most) Saturdays and Sundays and require tickets, which can be found here.

Go on a Boykin Spaniel Scavenger Hunt

🦴 Did you know the Boykin Spaniel is the South Carolina State Dog and was first bred right here in the greater Camden area? Challenge yourself, your friends or the kids to a scavenger hunt through the Camden Cultural District to find all 12 bronze Boykin Spaniel statues hidden around town.

Fuel Up Like a Local

A bucket list is only as good as its snacks!

• Breakfast: Grab a hearty country breakfast at Haile Street Grill or try a new stuffed croissant at American Patriot Coffee Company.
• Lunch: Visit Blackmon’s Little Midget for a classic drive-in hot dog or hamburger, or try Loopy Lemon Café for fresh Mediterranean flavor.
• Sweet Treat: Stop by Books on Broad for a coffee and a pastry while you browse the shelves. Or, pop in to off the beaten path Mad Batter Bakery to peruse their delicious selection of cupcakes and mini loaves.
• Dinner: Enjoy a family meal at Sam’s House of Pizza or go upscale at B.Colson or Sam Kendall’s for Southern steak and seafood.
• Nightcap: Grab a self-serve glass of wine at Broad & Vine, a smoky cocktail (and maybe a stogie if that’s your thing!) at Silver Leaf Cigar Lounge, or an ice-cold beer from Camden’s only brewery, Greener Pastures Brewing Co.

Don’t forget to tag us!

As you check items off your Camden Spring Bucket List, share your photos with us using #ExperienceCamdenSC or tag us @ExperienceCamdenSC for a chance to be featured on our page!