Summer might be coming to an end, but that doesn't mean your travel plans have to! What better way to cap off the end of a season than with a good, old-fashioned road trip to Rock Hill, South Carolina? Located just 30 minutes south of Charlotte, Rock Hill is home to a vibrant arts scene, a burgeoning culinary scene, and a booming sports industry. Not sure where to start? Let us plan your weekend for you!
Where to Stay
Looking to stay close to downtown? Check out the brand new CAMBRiA Hotel Rock Hill or our newly renovated bed & breakfast, East Main Guest House. Looking for a specific brand? Check out one of our other preferred hotels.
Friday
Are you just getting into town? Drop off the bags at the hotel and head out for a night inside Old Town Rock Hill.
Start with a cocktail at Sky Bar 354, CAMBRiA Hotel's rooftop bar. Make sure you get there by sunset for the perfect picture of your trip! We know you're hungry, so make your way to dinner at the brand new Power House in Rock Hill! Featuring five different food vendors, you're guaranteed to find something to satisfy everyone in the group! Or, try Old Town Kitchen and Cocktails, a quaint restaurant with a variety of menu options that will leave your belly full and your heart happy. Looking to dine closer to Main Street? Make your way over to Kounter and be wowed by Chef Rob Masone, RoCo - The Roasting Company for delicious Costa Rican rotisserie, or Millstone Pizza and Taphouse for Neopolitan-style, wood-fired pizzas. While you're in Old Town Rock Hill, experience some of the history that has made Rock Hill the town we all know and love! Right by Kounter, find the Jail, No Bail Exhibit and learn about the history of the Friendship 9 and the 1961 "Jail, No Bail" sit-in. Looking for something more romantic? Dine with a view over the Catawba River at the Pump House! Kids in tow? Head to Hobo's Rock Hill or Off the Tracks Brewing. The adjacent restaurants are connected by a greenspace which features a putting green and outdoor area for kids.
Not ready for the night to end? Find the best selections of craft beer at Main Street Bottle Shop or Tattooed Brews! Now time for some fun, make your way down to Player 1Up, titled a "barcade." From pac-man to pinball, there's sure to be a game you'll fall in love with!
Saturday
Ready for an epic adventure along the Catawba River?
Tube the Catawba River with your own tube on your own time! You can buy tubes from Academy Sports (don't forget one for your cooler!) and rope to connect them, then head down to the water. You can drop in at the Fort Mill Dam but before you do that, you will need to park one car at Riverwalk Carolinas so that when you "land" you have a ride back up to your car at the Dam.
Floating from the Dam to Riverwalk Carolinas is about 3.5 hours depending on the river that day, so lather up the sunscreen! You will need to paddle every now and then to avoid fallen trees or stumps, so bring your sense of humor and water shoes in case you need to hop out – there’s usually one brave soul who does!
Items we recommend bringing: tubes, rope, water shoes, a waterproof cover for your phone (Ziploc bag works), drinks, koozies, snacks, waterproof speaker, sunscreen, change of clothes, towels, hat, and friends!
After a tubing adventure, we typically head to a nearby establishment for some grub. If you're craving Mexican, you'll definitely need to try Tony's Cantina. Looking for a healthier option? Blend offers build your own bowls and salads. Thirsty for a drink? Grapevine is the place to be. If you clean up well, Pump House is the perfect spot after a day on the river.
If you'd rather stay on land, take a stroll along the 2.9 miles of paved Piedmont Medical Center Trail in Riverwalk. With scenic views of the Catawba River the entire way, this walk will likely convince you to visit again soon!
Ready for dinner? Head back to downtown Rock Hill and make a reservation at The Flipside Restaurant off Caldwell Street. With a charming atmosphere and stellar food, you'll be blown away by these Southern classics. Owned by Jon and Amy Fortes, a South Carolina Chef Ambassador, they definitely know their way around a kitchen. Our recommendation? Try the braised short ribs or the shrimp and grits that were featured in USA Today's 10 Best!
Sunday
Fuel up for the day with coffee at Rock Hill Coffee, Knowledge Perk or Jackass Cafe at the Mercantile HQ, or ease into your morning at Amelie’s French Café with a pastry or breakfast sandwich! Looking for a big breakfast? Dine in at Another Broken Egg Cafe!
Then, you can immerse yourself in the arts and culture of Rock Hill! Discover The Mural Mile as you explore Downtown Rock Hill or get artsy with a stroll through the Center for the Arts and Gettys Center galleries.
Engage with history and learn about the Civil Rights Movement and the Friendship 9 along Freedom Walkway or take a quick walk to the African American Business District Monument and learn about the district that served the African-American community until the 1970s.
Make your way to the iconic Fountain Park and get lost in the sounds of tranquility as you watch the water move in patterns.
Ready for lunch? Head to Legal Remedy Brewing! With food as crafty as their beer, you're guaranteed to find something you'll love on the menu! Or head to Slow Play Brewing and discover the food truck everyone is always talking about, Cibi Cibi! Don't forget to pick up a passport at The Visitor's Center or at any of the participating breweries to get started on the YoCo Brew Trail!
Monday
Before you pack up and head out, make sure you get a chance to experience the magic at Glencairn Garden. This 11-acre city park is a true hidden gem that started as a backyard garden in 1928. Take a stroll through the mid-century-style fountains while admiring all Mother Nature has to offer.
With the trip almost over, you'll want to grab a few gifts to return home. Shop till you drop at one of our unique boutiques, including The Mercantile, Overhead Station, Hickory Post, The Gypsy Debutante, Chic Boutique, McFadden's Mens Shop, and Rock Hill Pottery.