Day 1

Book your multi-night stay at Four Oaks Inn Bed & Breakfast.  Not only is it rated Top Ten Romantic Inns by ILoveInns®, the owners have spared no expense in renovating this historic property to offer the luxury their guests deserve. When you check in you’ll see award-winning Select Registry™ host Janet Ellerman knows how to pamper and plan a relaxing visit. She will have the Camden Visitor Guide and other literature to share, and also her ideas of the must-dos for couples. 

Start with a beverage poolside or on the veranda. Then step into history. Unwind from your travels as you take a stroll through one of Camden’s most historic neighborhoods – Hobkirk’s Hill District*. Each antebellum home you see has a wonderful story. Use the print Area Map to Camden, or download the Camden Tour app and plug in your buds. It’s a great way to acclimate yourselves to South Carolina’s oldest inland city.

Next, head to Downtown Camden. Here you step into a community of local retail and entertainment business owners who take pride in offering each customer attention and excellent services – in a variety of lovingly restored and revived historic places.  

Head to Teneleven Galleria – a gorgeous three-story brick building on the corner of Broad and Rutledge Street. The interior features public art depicting early scenes in Camden, and a floor mural of our famous blueway, The Wateree River. And you both will enjoy browsing Camden Art Shoppes.  With more than 60 local artists it’s the perfect place to find that unique gift or just enjoy the creativity of these talented individuals.

Now you’ve probably worked up an appetite? Excellent – because you are exactly in the right place. Head into Salud’s Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Bar, A true hidden gem (that’s so popular, be sure to make a reservation) Salud’s provides tasty and fun dining experience in a relaxed, inviting space with great service. They have one of the largest tequila collections in the state, you can customize your own flight by vendor or type. It’s very popular so reservations are recommended.

If you aren’t ready to call it a day, pop around the corner to Gallery 537.  Here you’ll enjoy their art – but will stay for their music.

Day 2

A “good morning” at Four Oaks Inn means the best morning ever. At 9.a.m. you’ll be treated to a three-course seated breakfast by candlelight in the magnificent dining room. Then as you finish your coffee or tea, be sure to peruse the extensive library in the Inn’s Sitting Room. You’re sure to find a book to devour.  

Time to get to know each other – and Camden a little better. We’re called “the steeplechase capital of the world” because of our unbridled love of all things equine. A visit to The National Steeplechase Museum will show you how this romance began. 

Located on the grounds of the Carolina Cup Racing Association at the historic Springdale Race Course, this museum is dedicated to telling the story of Steeplechase Racing. Curator Westley Faulkenberry will walk you through the history of horseracing in Camden and American, have you take some snaps in the trophy room, and help you pretend you are  the jockey as you try to ride the Equicizer, a mechanical horse to help riders build strength and balance. This is truly an Instagram moment. 

You can also take part in The Thoroughbred Racehorse Experience.  Offered during fall, winter, and spring mornings this is a special tour when trainers and horses are available. Museum staff will accompany you to watch horses perform their morning workouts and a visit to the barns to get a peek behind-the-scenes. You may even get a chance to chat with some of the trainers and riders at the track! 

Feeling like more horsing around? Then you must visit the nearby Tackroom, a 30,000 sf shopping wonder. This 50+ year old family-owned and operated business specializes in racing, foxhunting, and hunter/jumper disciplines. Their offerings include the very best brands in men’s and ladies sporting apparel, horse clothing, tack, gifts and home decor.  

Across the street visit the Fox Den Ltd., you will find another unique gift shop that specializes in equestrian decor and design. 

Now, are you appetite ready? Then it’s time for lunch with the locals at Everyday Gourmet. EDG is a casual café OPEN for inside and outside dining and takeout, with fresh made-to-order sandwiches and salads – their specialty. You’ll likely meet friendly-everyday chef and owners Kim and Clayton Daniels.  

Fueled and ready for some action? The Tennis Center of Camden and Pickleball Plaza is the place to be. Director Rick Martin can serve up court time – or instruction – convenient for you, and you may be able to pick-up a couples match. But if Pickleball is your pleasure – competition lives at our Pickleball Plaza. They have ‘open play’ every day – ready and waiting for you. Racquets, paddles, balls available on site.  

As you wrap up your day, you may want a light fare. Check out the Broad & Vine Wine bar. Great wine selections, and their charcuterie board is delightful and very filling. Here you can toast Champagne – or any amazing wines on tap – to being two-gether.