Spider lilies and other reasons to cross the state line into that other Carolina this spring
A benefit to living near the state line is that when it comes to talking about The Other Carolina, we Charlotteans got jokes.
And for the record, I was raised in that Carolina, so any poking fun of South Cackalacky is simply that — all in good fun.
And while there’s never a bad time to hit up the Piedmont region for a day trip, we are here today with your annual reminder that you don’t want to miss Landsford Canal State Park around this time of year.
Why? Each year, from May through mid-June, the largest colony of the rocky shoals spider lilies bloom along the Catawba River and can be viewed from the Chester County park. It’s a 40-mile ride from Center City, so might as well make it a day trip, right?
Here’s what you need to know, plus some other things to do while you’re in the area or on the way home to Charlotte:
In Fort Lawn, South Carolina
Visit the spider lilies
Location: Landsford Canal State Park, 2051 Park Dr, Catawba, SC 29704
What to know: Visit each year between May and mid-June to see the largest colony of the rocky shoals spider lilies blooming along the Catawba River.
You can take a 1.5-mile round-trip hike down the Canal Trail, which takes you to an overlook where the spider lilies can be best viewed.
Or you can go by water: A paddling trail also runs through the park for canoes and kayaks.
Fuel up at Coffee on the Creek
Location: 2610 Catawba River Rd, Fort Lawn, SC 29714
What to know: It’s the opposite direction from home, but if you’re willing to go South on U.S. 21 for a few minutes after you leave the park, you’ll find Coffee on the Creek. The local coffee shop also serves up pastries and bagels, and it has outdoor seating, a drive-thru and a walk-up window.
Sit a spell at Wagon Wheel Restaurant
Location: 5724 Lancaster Hwy, Fort Lawn, SC 29714
What to know: If it’s a full meal you’re after, Wagon Wheel Restaurant will be calling your name. It’s been open since 1978 and serves steak, seafood and vegetable dishes made with produce from the nearby farmers market. Pro trip: Plan your day trip around the restaurant’s Sunday Buffet — preview the menu before you go (it changes each week).
Or check out an old-school fish camp
Location: Catawba Fish Camp, 6131 Lancaster Hwy, Fort Lawn, SC 29714
Craving crab legs, Calabash shrimp or just some good old-fashioned hush puppies? Catawba Fish Camp has been around since 1951, but it recently remodeled — so if you’ve been here before, it’s time to go again.
On the way home: York County
Pick your favorite Rock Hill or Fort Mill exit and check out a York County favorite. Now’s a good time: Who knows when you’ll cross the state line again? Here are a few local favorites:
A brewery with great food
Location: 274 Columbia Ave, Rock Hill, SC 29730
Grab a good brew and some grub at this two-for-one favorite: Cibi Cibi’s food truck is located at Slow Play Brewing. A double cheeseburger, some wings and a cold one just hits different after a day on the water.
History with a side of good food: Kounter
Location: 135 E Main St Suite 101, Rock Hill, SC 29730
The downtown Rock Hill restaurant Kounter pays homage to its background: It was the site of the 1961 Friendship 9 lunch counter sit-in protest. Visit for cocktails, Sunday brunch or an elevated dinner experience.
See a Shepard Fairey
Location: 153 E White St, Rock Hill, SC 29730
Famous street artist, Shepard Fairey, who has ties to the area, recently painted a mural in Rock Hill and another one at Queens University. Don’t miss a chance to see the Old Town Rock Hill art on your way back to the Queen City.
