Camden’s Cultural District

Welcome to the Heart of the Arts

in Camden, SC

Eat, Shop, Explore and Experience The Arts, Entertainment and Culture of South Carolina’s Oldest Inland City.

Downtown Camden is the cultural center for Kershaw County, with charming boutiques, award-winning restaurants, and a host of entertainment and offerings for everyone from history buffs and antiquers, to foodies and families with small children.

A designated South Carolina Cultural District, on the streets of Downtown Camden you can stroll through fine art galleries, such as Rutledge Street Gallery and Gallery 537, and artist studios offering pottery, paintings, sculpture, photography and more, such as Artists Attic and Camden Art Shoppes. But the cultural district also plays host to artisan markets like The Edge of Broad, maker spaces such as Boykin Furniture Co., and places of creative experimentation and expression.  Stroll the district as you enjoy historic landmarks, beautiful greenspaces graced with public art, antique shops, well-known boutique retail stores, restaurants, and indoor and outdoor venues for community events and celebrations.

You’ll find small-town charm in lunch spots like Blackmon’s “Little Midget” or Candy’s at the Granary. But you’ll also find “big city” sophistication in places like Pink Stable women’s boutique, Ideation Spa, Sam Kendall’s, and Broad & Vine. Savor a cup of locally roasted coffee while you browse through our locally-owned toy store, Blue Skies & Sunshine, our downtown jewelers, and our indie bookstore, Books on Broad

The Arts Center of Kershaw County is no doubt the artistic hub of the Cultural District, not to mention all of Kershaw County, bringing arts experience and exposure to all ages. But the Cultural District is also where you will find the African American Cultural Center of Camden, historic churches and places noted in the SC Green Book, and a historic twin-screen movie theater playing new releases. Add to that a host of public art, historic landmarks, and quiet greenspaces for reflection and relaxation.

Immerse yourself in all of the culture, history, and heritage the Downtown Camden Cultural District has to offer.

Experiences & Destinations

Ready to eat, play and shop your way through the Cultural District?

We’ve put together some of the best places to do just that. Plan a day trip, a weekend or an extended stay…Camden’s Cultural District is worth it.

Visit

Arts Center of Kershaw County, 810 Lyttleton
African American Cultural Center, 517 York
Dodo-n-Jeans Pottery Studio, 923 Broad
Gallery 537, 537 E. DeKalb
Ideation Spa, Skin & Body, 1042 Broad
Kershaw County Farmers Market (Apr-Nov), 906 Broad
Laurie B McIntosh Art, 1014 Broad
Lisa B Studios, 506 Rutledge
Little Theater, 506 E. DeKalb

Dine

American Patriot Coffee Roasters, 1012 Broad
B.Colson’s, 1105 Broad
Blackmon’s “Little Midget”, 1012 Market
Books on Broad & Coffee, 944 Broad
Broad & Vine, 1025 Broad
Camden House of Pizza, 545 E. DeKalb
Candy’s at the Granary, 509A Clyburn
DeBruhl’s Market St. Cafe, 818 Market
Flavors Soul Food, 951 Broad
Ginza, 901 West DeKalb
King’s Kitchen Breakfast Bar, 912 Broad
Loopy Lemon Cafe, 611 Rutledge
Monster Bagels, 1110 Little Street
Mad Batter Bakery, 509A Clyburn
Ming’s Buffet, 137 East DeKalb
Salud Mexican Kitchen, 1011 Broad
Sam Kendall’s, 1043 Broad
Silver Leaf Cigar Lounge, 1015 Broad
Steeplechase Bar & Grill, 1044 Broad
Sub Station II, 1001 Market

Want More?

Want to go even deeper into Camden’s Cultural District?

Here are some additional opportunities to experience the “Heart of the Arts” in Camden, SC

Take In a Performance at KC Arts Center

The Heart of Art in Kershaw County

Visit the artistic hub of Kershaw County with a trip to the Arts Center. Expanded programming, a campus expansion and a new generation of leadership are behind the Arts Center’s trajectory as a major tourist attraction for visitors to Camden. The center’s campus is three buildings in the heart of Camden that include a stage, gallery, classrooms, and studios. The Arts Center hosts major multi-day performances on stage, in the black box, and in public places throughout Downtown Camden. A not to miss stop for lovers of the arts.

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Hunt For Treasure on Antique Street

Camden is home to one of the most charming antique districts in the state, if not the country.

Spanning from Downtown to Dusty Bend, Broad Street is lined with a variety of antique shops and specialty stores, making it a popular destination for antique enthusiasts and collectors.

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Explore Your Family History

Have you ever wondered where you came from?

Bond with mom while you explore your connections and family history at the Camden Archives & Museum. Considered to be one of the best genealogical research facilities in the state, it contains a diverse collection of books, microfilm, maps, files, periodicals and general reference materials which will aid visitors in their research. The friendly staff can help you get started. And best of all it’s free.

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