Revolutionary War reenactors portray soldiers during the annual Battle of Camden Reenactment that takes place each November. Photo Credit: Southern Campaign 1780.
Experience Camden is published yearly by the ChronicleIndependent/Paxton Media Group (Suite 1001-D Market St. Camden, SC 29020) in cooperation with the City of Camden.
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Welcome to Camden!
Experience History, Horses, and More
Nestled in the heart of South Carolina, Camden embodies a blend of Southern charm, rich history, and a vibrant equine culture.
Camden is a center of history for the American Revolution in the South. Discover the most extensive collection of grand antebellum homes in the South, quaint boutique shops, award-winning restaurants and a decades-old art scene. Explore our museums and historical sites to learn more about the legacies of influential figures, admire the town’s resilient spirit, and delve into the stories that shaped our community.
steeplechase experience. And, throughout the year, you can witness the grace and athleticism of horses at various training facilities and equestrian events that paint Camden’s unique character.
Beyond history and horses, Camden provides ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Explore scenic trails, enjoy a picnic in one of our many parks, or try your hand at kayaking and fishing along the Wateree River.
Known as the “Steeplechase Capital of the World,” Camden’s deep ties with horses are evident. You can attend the world-renowned Carolina Cup in the spring and the Colonial Cup in the fall, for an exhilarating
Immerse yourself in our rich past, experience the vibrant cultural scene of our present, and enjoy the warmth that makes our city truly special.
We areconductingthe oldest John Doeidentification in theUnited States knowntodate. Ourobjective is to identify thetwelveunknown RevolutionaryWar soldiers exhumedfromthe Camden Battlefield andreburiedwithfullmilitaryhonorsinthe fall of 2023 by orderof the Secretaryofthe Army in theOld Presbyterian Cemetery.Please comeand visittheir final restingplace in Camden,and wheretheyfell on August 16th,1780atthe Camden Battlefield.
Camden gets ready for America’s 250th birthday
By MARTIN L. CAHN
In a bit of historical irony, the 250th anniversary of Camden’s most pivotal role in the Revolutionary War won’t come around until August 2030. The Battle of Camden took place August 16, 1780, while the Battle of Hobkirk Hill was fought on April 25, 1781.
But, the 250th anniversary dates of those battles, in 2030 and 2031, aren’t stopping the city from finding ways to get ready for America’s 250th birthday, coming up a year from now on July 4, 2026.
The Historic Camden Foundation (222 Broad St.) and the neighboring Revolutionary War Visitor Center (212 Broad St.), and other organizations, will be hosting a number of events during the next 12 months. The events range from lunchtime talks to reenactments, concerts, parades and more.
Cary Briggs and Rickie Good are the directors, respectively, of Historic Camden Foundation and the Visitor Center. They said while not everything has been planned out for the next 12 months, there are already a number of events that should attract residents and visitors alike.
For those who may not know, what is now Camden was near the center of the native Cofitachequi chiefdom in the 1500s. Some 200 years later, in 1730, King George II ordered a township plan and -- as noted on the city’s official website (www.experiencecamdensc.com) -- in 1732, it was laid out as the Fredricksburg township, though never truly settled. The city will celebrate its 300th birthday in 2032.
A group of British Army reenactors march in front of the Kershaw-Cornwallis House at Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site in April 2025.
The first 250th anniversary of note took place in 2024: the signing of the Camden District Resolves, also known as a “Little Declaration of Independence.” It was signed on Nov. 5, 1774, in response to the Coercive Acts (or “Intolerable Acts,” as they were known in the colonies) the British put in place following the Boston Tea Party.
The following April saw the opening rounds of the Revolution at the battles of Lexington and Concord. Months later, in November and December 1775, Camden Patriots were involved in what is known as the Snow Campaign.
“It was a kind of a dress rehearsal for what was to come,” Briggs said, further explaining that it was also more akin to a mini-civil war as it pitted Georgia and North and South Carolina Patriots against South Carolina Loyalists, not British soldiers.
The Camden militia became involved with Richard Richardson and his brother-in-law, John Cantey III, at its head. It was called the Snow Campaign because of the heavy snows that fell during a siege of Ninety Six, a town in what is now Greenwood County. Richardson and Cantey led the militia there along with others from across the area.
“It marked the beginning of Camden’s involvement in the Revolutionary War,” Briggs said, adding that there were some 3,000 Patriots taking on a maximum of no more than 400 Loyalists.
Another year went by. In late May-early June of 1776, the Camden militia was mustered yet again, this time to march to Charleston. They arrived in time for the June 28, 1776, Battle of Sullivan’s Island, where a relatively small force, led by Col. William Moultrie, defeated the British Navy, keeping the sailors out of Charleston.
“That day is known as Carolina Day, with the oldest continually annual parade in Charleston (starting in 1777) and the South Carolina Sestercentennial Commission, or SC250, is declaring the week from June 28 to July 4 as Patriot’s Week,” Briggs said.
Rickie Good said the Visitor Center continues to host its “Lunch & Learn” series on Tuesdays and “Thursday Talks” programs throughout the year.
“We will be looking at all aspects of the Revolutionary War, not just the battles,” Good said. “We’ll be presenting information from the perspectives of the Native Americans who were here, the enslaved people who were brought here, the colonial women and children, and the “Loyalists, too”.
Next door, back at Historic Camden, Briggs noted ongoing projects to prepare for America’s 250th birthday.
It is important for the site, which is affiliated with the National Park Service and includes the actual Camden Battlefield 8 miles north of the city on Flat Rock Road, to have programs and amenities that will attract visitors, serving as a launching point to the rest of Camden, Kershaw County, and other Southern Campaign spots. To that end, Historic Camden has launched a series of upgrades to the site at 222 Broad Street.
The redoubt to the right of the Kershaw-Cornwallis House has been enlarged to full military scale. While Camden was never the site of a siege, the redoubt gives visitors an idea of what it would be like.
Across the street, heading toward Quaker Cemetery, the garrison wall is being improved and a Centennial Garden planted, to be maintained by the Camden Garden Club (see page 9), just beyond where the “Camden 12” -- Patriots who died during the Battle of Camden, whose remains were found on the battlefield site in 2022 and were reinterred the following year.
The main Historic Camden property is being transformed to look more like the original Colonial-era village, along with a trades education building, named for Camden’s Sheheen family. It will focus on Colonial/Revolutionary era art, trades and archeology. Nearby, a pavilion over a new wood-fired oven and a new blacksmith area have been built.
“Our lectures will focus on topics of trade and craftsmanship of the time, such as gunsmiths and long rifles,” Briggs said. Other programs will focus on a water-powered trip hammer, the Washington drill plow, conflict archaeology and the Battle of Camden, and English trade guilds.
Justin Cherry, the resident baker at George Washington’s Mt. Vernon, in Virginia, takes a loaf of rice bread out of a wood-fired oven at Historic Revolutionary War Site in Camden.
Briggs is especially excited about a program featuring Justin Cherry, who, in November 2023, became the first American member of the Worshipful Company of Bakers -- London’s second-oldest guild of any trade. Cherry lives in Summerville, but is also the resident baker at George Washington’s Mount Vernon in Virginia. He visits Camden on a monthly basis to cook meals using the wood oven when Historic Camden hosts “Tavern Dinner” nights.
Good and Briggs noted a number of other events coming up in the area that are tied to the Revolutionary War.
The city of Camden’s annual 4th of July Kids Parade is a real favorite among locals, featuring a host of youth with their decorated bicycles, scooters and other non-motorized forms of transportation, put on by Books on Broad with the support of the City of Camden. Reenactments of the Battle of Camden and the Battle of Hobkirk’s Hill are scheduled, in addition to a muster reenactment for the Snow Campaign in November 2025.
The Visitor Center’s “Lunch & Learn and “Thursday Talks” include programs on music, Colonial living, art during the American Revolution, Spain’s involvement in the American Revolution, a talk on Francis Marion’s papers, and more.
In addition, a rotating exhibit at the Camden Archives and Museum at the corner of Broad and Laurens streets features an exhibit about the Snow Campaign, on display through the end of 2025.
“Then, in 2026, we’ll focus on sea actions near Charleston and Georgetown,” the Archives’ Manager Sarah Murray said. “There wasn’t a lot of action here in Camden during the first half of 1776, militarily speaking. But we were involved in so much more.”
Another spot to check out is The Camden Battlefield and Longleaf Pine Preserve, owned and operated by Historic Camden Founda-
tion, approximately eight miles north of the city at 1698 Flat Rock Road, which splits off to the left from U.S. 521 North. Specific directions can be obtained from either Historic Camden or the Visitor Center.
An entirely new trail system has been created at the battle site, which straddles Flat Rock Road. Three trails, of 3/10ths, 6/10ths and 9/10ths of a mile long, reach up to four stations with signage explaining what would be happening during the battle from the respective vantage points. A highlight is the Voices of Camden experience, featuring an immersive audio play with narration, voice acting, sounds and music.
Figures representing British and Patriot soldiers seem ready for action inside the Revolutionary War Visitors Center’s Public House. In addition to exhibits and the gift shop, the space includes helpful information about all the things to do in the area, serving as a launching point for visits to other parts of Camden, Kershaw County and beyond.
Examples of new signage installed at Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site with the expanded redoubt in the background. These signs explain the redoubt’s construction and purpose, garrison life for British troops, and the various people who made up camp followers. The signs were installed as part of an effort by the S.C. Sestercentennial, or SC250, Committee, which is overseeing South Carolina’s observance of America’s 250th birthday in 2026 and beyond. Similar signs have been installed at the Camden Battlefield on Flat Rock Road, some eight miles north of the city.
Camden Garden Club Centennial Honor Garden
As part of celebrating its 100th anniversary, the Camden Garden Club is assisting with the design of and fundraising for the Camden Garden Club Centennial Honor Garden, and will continue its maintenance after its completion. The garden is being created on Meeting Street adjacent to a special burial area where the “Camden 12” -- soldiers who died during the Battle of Camden and whose remains were discovered in 2022 -- were reinterred.
“It’s always been my style to make the South look like the South,” commented Howard Wallace, founder of Sassafras Landscapes and the Centennial Honor Garden’s designer.
To this project, Wallace -- a Camden native -- brings a homegrown aesthetic for plant materials and hardscape that reflect and honor the period to which they are seeking to connect visitors.
time period. Locally quarried granite screening provides a smooth and durable U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant pathway.
Wallace selected plants along with Master Gardener Ansley Browning, that are native to the area or would have been found in an 18th century garden, with the additional caveat that the plant materials should also be deer-resistant. From fragrant gardenias and showy camellias to the colonial cash crop of indigo, and a pollinator’s favorite, summersweet clethra, the plant palate is not only visual interesting and inspiring but also, in many ways soothing and spiritual.
The Centennial Honor Garden, overlooking the soldier’s graves and others, is designed intentionally to be a contemplative and sacred space where visitors can remember and honor the sacrifices of a young nation. The garden’s formal footprint is reminiscent of a colonial garden in its formality and is specifically designed in the pattern and colors of the flag of Great Britain, or King’s Colour, outlined with authentic handmade bricks from North Carolina-based Old Carolina Brick Company. Unlike modern manufactured brick, Old Carolina bricks are hand-thrown in a wooden mold, resulting in a textured product that is in keeping with the desired
“My goal in creating the Centennial Honor Garden is to design a place that is respectful of whom it honors, is of the place and of the time, and most importantly, of the situation,” added Wallace. “It’s my hope that visitors not only see the beauty of the space but also are uplifted by its spiritual setting.”
The Camden Garden Club would like to acknowledge the Honor Garden Committee that helped direct Howard in the right direction: Chair Karen Brown, Ansley Browning, Innes Gibbes, Betsy Greenway, Alice Thaxton, Anna Locke and DuGue Zion.
“This is not a one-person job,” Brown said. “We are thankful they have skilled and professional tradesmen to lay out such a beautiful gardenscape.” The garden is expected to open in May 2026.
A Message From Above
A billboard touting Camden as a pleasant place to visit and live led Ansley and William Browning to calling Camden home
By TOM DIDATO
F
unny how taking his eyes off the road for a split-second changed the life of William Browning, his wife, Ansley, and their family.
One day, while making the nearly 300-mile trek back home to Winston-Salem, N.C., from their monthly trips to visit their three grandchildren, who reside on Daniel Island with the couple’s daughter and husband, a billboard along Interstate 26 touting Camden as a place to visit or reside, caught William’s eye. Having no idea where Camden was or what it offered, he did his due diligence on the town.
The Brownings wasted little time in visiting Camden and almost less time finding a place to call home. And not just any place; the former Bloomsbury Inn, an historic 17-room house nestled along Lyttleton Street in Camden’s downtown historic district.
It has not taken long for the Brownings to set up residency in the former bed and breakfast and become a part of Camden’s fabric. They have quickly ingratiated themselves into a community which they had no idea existed until that fortuitous glance at the billboard looming high above I-26’s hustle and bustle.
“We had already begun the process of looking for somewhere closer to our family, upon my retirement.
We informed our daughter of that and she said, ‘That’s great, just not in my backyard,’” William said with a smile in telling the story of how he and his wife settled on Camden.
“We began to draw a circle that, basically, started in Beaufort and Georgetown and even Brunswick, Georgia. After another exhausting week of looking around, we’re coming up I-26 and there’s this big sign that says ‘Come visit Camden. It’s simply revolutionary.’ I said, ‘What’s Camden?’
“Ansley said, ‘I think, when I was in college, I went to a couple horse races there.’”
Having a bit of familiarity with Camden, the Brownings did their due diligence on the town before deciding to test the waters and spending a weekend here. Ironically, the couple stayed at Bloomsbury for their weekend visit. They were directed to have dinner on Saturday at the Mill Pond Steakhouse before taking a walk around Camden using the old house tour book as their guide. Soon thereafter, William was led to say, “Camden’s super-high on the list.”
Having a bit of the lay of the land, the Brownings returned to Camden to do some serious house-hunting. Again, they set up shop at Bloomsbury. They told then innkeeper Bruce Brown of their intent to find a residence here.
He said, ‘Why, are you looking? I can sell you mine.’
“That became the process over the next six or seven months. We had no intention of running a bed and breakfast – just having a place where we could live on the first level and open the second to grandchildren a couple times a year.”
After 17 years as a popular bed and breakfast, Bloomsbury was returning to being a residence.
William said Bloomsbury was always at the top of the list. “We put all our eggs in this basket. This place had that feel and vibe that is incredibly welcoming.”
Having purchased a place to call home, the next item on the punch card was to get to know the town, the area, and their neighbors. Enter longtime Camden resident Joan Corbin, who years earlier, was a transplant from Winston-Salem, who with her husband George and their two sons, moved to Camden in 1982 and called Bloomsbury home for nearly 20 years.
works from his home office. They have had no difficulty adjusting to life in Camden which lists some 8,400 in-town residents. In fact, moving to less-populated locales has all but been the norm for the family.
“We’ve moved around,” explained Ansley. “We’re both from Atlanta, but we met and were married in Washington, D.C. We were there (in D.C.), had kids and then moved back to Atlanta. We stayed there for seven or eight years and then BB&T moved us to Winston-Salem, where we started fresh with a small farm just outside the city.
“When Joan found out that we were moving here, she wrote me a letter … the whole world turned on its heels for my arrival,” Ansley Browning said. “I do think it’s so ironic that we both moved from the same town and into the same house.
“It was just an easy, happy transition for us.” The Brownings arrived in Camden after 23 years living in Winston-Salem, a city of nearly a quarter-million residents, with William being a bank executive who
“Starting fresh and moving isn’t that bad. We’ve been working our way down to a small town,” she said with a laugh. “(Camden’s) wonderful.”
The Brownings have found plenty to do to keep themselves active and have become friends with many in the community, which has made the transition a smooth one.
“There’s so much to do,” Ansley said. “The warm welcome that we received when we arrived here has continued. I love my little garden club. We’re social members of the Camden
Hunt and have become very involved in that. We’ve made friends in every direction.”
For William, what he has perceived to have changed since arriving in Camden has been a wider range of friends.
“What I think has changed is that, historically, my circle of friends developed through my professional career. I was talking all the time to bankers
and like-minded people. I came here and was challenged at one of the first parties I went to, where a gentleman who said, ‘Here in Camden, we don’t care what you do. We want to know what you like … your interests. Tell us something about yourself that’s interesting because being a banker doesn’t light up anybody.’
“I thought that was great advice and I’ve taken that to heart, to be ready to talk about the latest book that I’ve read, maybe a television show that you’re watching, some place that we’ve traveled to, but don’t talk about rising interest rates and derivative swaps, because nobody really cares.”
“This has been such a warm and receiving community.”
“Because we’ve moved so many times,” Ansley said of changing addresses and meeting new friends, “you learn that you let people come to you. You’re not trying to get yourself into anything. You listen a lot and learn from people.”
When the three grandchildren come to visit their grandmother and grandfather, there is no shortage of activities to keep them active.
“They love this house,” Ansley said of when the grandchildren stay here. “It is a vacation for them. We have Camp Camden each summer. There is a lot for them to do here.”
The grandeur of this home and its history as a bed and breakfast are hard to forget. The Brownings admit they have had a few interested parties stop by to inquire about the availability of rooms. That fact, however, has not stopped interested parties from stopping by the expansive front porch, knocking at the door and inquiring about the availability of rooms. This phenomenon is especially prevalent during Carolina Cup week.
“I was painting the dining room one day,” Ansley said, “and I was covered in pink paint. I was wearing painting clothes and I’m sure that my hair had paint in it, and this man walks in the front door and I said, ‘Can I help you?’ He said ‘Can I rent a room?’ We just told him that we were not an inn any longer.’”
On another occasion, following the Carolina Cup, the Brownings looked outside to find several people on the porch, looking inside the house through the window. Those gathered inquired as to whether they could rent a room for the following year’s steeplechase races, only to be politely told the house was all residential.
“It happens less frequently now, because I’ve been emphatic that I’m not up that early and I’m not going to make your breakfast,” Ansley laughs, adding that word has spread through social media and various sites that Bloomsbury is no longer catering to visitors.
Along with that, some websites still have Bloomsbury listed as having a charging station for electric cars. Ansley said she could not count the times in which car owners, such as Tesla vehicles, stop at Bloomsbury seeking to charge their car for free.
Nevertheless, the Brownings have not regretted their decision to downsize --- population-wise --- and move to Camden.
Looking back, William said all the pieces fit and came together nicely in finding a perfect place to call home. In his short time in town, he has served as on the Kershaw County Humane Society’s Tail Waggin’ Ball committee. He is also the co-chair for the Horse and Hound event held each October in Camden.
This has been such a warm and receiving community,” he said. “This has been the perfect move for us.”
Debbie Elliott
Something’s Brewing Downtown Greener Pastures Brewing Company offers an experience unique to Kershaw County
By TOM DIDATO
Many a good idea was hatched over the course of a few beers. And the owners of Greener Pastures Brewing Company hope to light a new spark in the downtown scene.
Owners and cousins, Roland Matthews and Ross Hough, both of whom were two-sport standouts in their playing days at Camden High School, have taken the former Broad Street Cleaners at 826 Broad Street and given it a brand new life.
This venture, nearly a decade in the making, can trace its roots to a conversation which Matthews and Hough had in 2016 with family friend and fellow Camden native Matt Foster. At the time, Foster was the founder and owner of Flyaway Brewery in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Since then, the brand --- which was featured on Food Network’s “Diner, Drive-Ins and Dives” - has grown to a family of three with Flyaway locations in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and most recently, Memphis, Tennessee.
to tell us what he did. Finally, in 2018, I called him and told him that I thought that Camden really needed this and I asked him, ‘What do you think?’”
If Matthews really wanted to find out the ins and outs of the business, he would have to learn from the ground up. Foster was more than willing to show his friend the ropes.
During a break between the end of football season and recruiting, Matthews went to Arkansas to become a temp at Flyaway. There, he worked with the head brewer to learn the process of turning hops, yeast, water and other ingredients into beer. More importantly, he met with Foster’s accountant, who did not sugar-coat all that went into the business.
“He told me, ‘Look, it’s not all rainbows and sunshine. This is how we started and this is where we are now.’”
At the time, Matthews was a football coach at his alma mater, Presbyterian College. Hough was a student at Erskine College. Matthews was looking to see what else might be out there after his coaching days were over.
“Anytime Matt would come home to visit family,” Matthews says, “I was always picking his brain
Undaunted, Matthews forged ahead with his dream of bringing a similar facility to Camden. He basically told Foster to “talk me out of it.”
The plans were put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, Matthews was undeterred and continued to map out his plan. After the completion of the 2021 football season, PC decided to go in a different direction with its pro-
gram and the coaching staff was released. That forced Matthews to speed up his timeline for his new venture as he returned to Camden with his wife Caitlin.
“At that point,” says Matthews, who starred as an offensive lineman and wrestler at CHS, “I call Matt and said, ‘I think I’m home for a reason. I want to pursue this seriously.’ He came here and helped us look for a location. In the middle of all this is when I contacted Ross to tell him this was something I was pursuing and something that I’m working on.”
Enter Hough, who starred on the baseball diamond and as quarterback during his days as a Bulldog. Hough graduated college in 2020 and like his cousin, was looking to see where life and a career would take him.
“I wasn’t really sure what my next move was,” Hough admits. “I always had an interest in business and felt that there was something bigger I could be a part of. For a long time, I thought that was coaching. But during the pandemic, I realized I needed a different route.”
The first thing to do was to find a space which was adequate enough to hold a microbrewery and its massive tanks, along with a dining area. The two men were adamant about being located in downtown Camden. After one site did not work out, they looked to the south end of Broad Street; finding a perfect spot at the former Broad Street Cleaners building.
“What we loved about this place is how big it is and the space that it offers,” Matthews says of the half-acre location. “It was so overgrown behind the building that I don’t think people realized how deep the lot went and how much it had to offer. We clear cut the property, which allows us to have this great place where folks can gather outdoors. We want to offer a place to hang out while they grab a drink and something to eat.”
Greener Pastures joins an already bustling food scene in downtown Camden, including award winning restaurants, creative food fusions, Kerhaw County’s only coffee roaster, and traditional Southern lunch spots.
Hough was living in Columbia at the time. Before long, he started going around to almost all the breweries in the area before taking a job at the fledgling Savage Ale Works in West Columbia.
“At the time,” Hough says of Savage Ale Works, “they were in their beginning stages and I got to see what it took, from the ground up to being one of the most popular spots in the area.”
Hough worked with the brew masters and operators at Savage Ale Works for more than three years before deciding to come home and cast his lot with his cousin and Greener Pastures.
“It just made sense. We love this community and we love beer,” Hough says with a smile. “That was something we always bonded over through college and after that.”
“You have B. Colson at one end, and I hope we can be that anchor on the other end of the street,” Matthews says.
“We hope we can pull businesses down the block so that Broad Street is one big area for people to come out,” Hough adds.
Thanks to his time working in the brewery sector, Hough has a large input in that end of a business which is often left to the whim of customers in the area.
“I tell people all the time that, with breweries, there is no blueprint. There’s no one way to do it,” Hough says. “What we have found to launch our brand is to bring something to this community that it doesn’t already have - an outdoor dining and a place to casually hang out.”
“This is a beautiful city we live in and it’s not
just the weather year ‘round, but the sights, too. We want to include some visuals in our backyard. One thing special about this property is that you can see the clock tower from our back yard. Our brick oven pizza is something you won’t find elsewhere, and, obviously, the craft beer. We want to give people a reason to spend their money here instead of traveling to Columbia, Charlotte or anywhere else.”
What both men agree may be a harbinger of good things to come is that, when touring various breweries in the region, they looked at Seminar Brewing in Florence. Thanks to a piece on a Columbia television station, Seminar’s head brewer, Matthew Presson, had his interest piqued about the proposed Kershaw County business, since he is a native of Lugoff.
“For two or three months, we would drive over to Florence to get a feel for him,” Matthews laughs when having it compared to his days of recruiting student-athletes to come to PC. “He was exactly what we needed, and he and his wife wanted to move to Camden.”
When microbreweries were first becoming the rage, it was almost a race to see which one could produce the most outlandish style of beer. These days, things are more mainstream.
“The market research is incredible; a lot of it is trial and error,” Hough says. “In today’s world, a brewery is different even compared to 10 years ago. Ten years ago, a brewery was all experimental beers … you had some very funky stuff. Now, because they are so popular, patrons go in and know what they want. You have to find a balance between mainstay beers and options for persons looking for something experimental, too. We’re hoping to always have 14 taps on the wall, with 12 different beers. We can brew our
own seltzers as well, which are so popular now. We may also have a (non-locally produced) cider from time to time.”
“We’ll have a full bar and have non-alcoholic options, as well. We don’t want to become ‘just a bar’. We want to become a hub for our community.”
And, don’t forget about the food.
“We are excited to offer brick oven pizza, along with appetizers, sandwiches and salads,” Matthews says. “With the exception of salads, we want everything to be hand-held in a casual environment with high-quality food. We are going to harp on the quality of ingredients … fresh.”
“One of the main distinctions between a beer garden and a restaurant is the feeling that you’re not locked into a seat. We want it to feel free-flowing so that people feel comfortable and can enjoy the entire property.”
November 23,2025
Returning to Family Roots: The Whitakers
By MARTIN L. CAHN
The house to the left of Springdale Hall on Knights Hill Road may not be an historic home, but it feels like one.
Currently home to Andrew and Pam Whitaker, and their 15-year-old English Field Springer, Maddie (short for Madison), the house was built in the mid-1970s by Nick Butler and his wife as what Andrew likes to call an A-frame “Carolina Cottage.” It sits on a 1-1/2-acre lot, backing up to the fourth hole of the Camden Country Club’s golf course, with a pool and pool house, garage, and a backyard featuring trees and benches.
Even though he was neither born nor grew up in Camden, purchasing the home and moving here in 2020 was something of a homecoming for Andrew. That’s because the Whitaker family has roots in Kershaw County dating back to around the time of the American Revolution. A Robert Mills 1820s Kershaw District map hanging in Andrew’s home office lists no fewer than five locations with the Whitaker name attached to them on the Lugoff side of the Wateree River.
“My family has been here since the mid-1700s and I have visited here all my life,” Andrew said while sitting on the rear Creole Louisiana half-porch, looking out at the golf course with Maddie nearby. “Why move here? Why not?”
Andrew is currently CEO and managing partner of Kings Highway Media, a global media rights company primarily focused on the sports industry. Born in
New York, where his father was a banker, the family moved to London, England, when Andrew was about 6 years old, due to his father’s work. He lived there with his family until the age of 17 when he returned to New York to attend Syracuse University from which he graduated in the early 1980s.
By 1996, he was back in the greater New York City area working for what is now World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), first as its vice president of international television and marketing and then senior vice president of international television distribution. He continued moving his way up through the company, eventually becoming an executive vice president in 2009.
He started Kings Highway Media in 2011, and joined Glory Sports International for two years in 2012, but has continued as Kings Highway’s CEO and managing partner.
Along the way, he met Pam, who was born in Tokyo, Japan, the daughter of an U.S. Air Force veteran. For the most part, she grew up in the Springfield, Va. area outside of Washington, D.C.
The two met when Pam was a flight attendant on an Eastern Airlines flight Andrew was taking from New York to Germany on behalf of NBC
Television, for whom he once worked. They married in 1997 and moved to London where they raised their two daughters, Mary and Lucy.
Eventually, though, they moved back to the States, settling in Darien, Conn., which is considered part of the greater New York City area.
As Pam joined in the conversation, the couple talked about the renovation they completed in 2021.
“Andrew has a good eye,” Pam said. “We needed to bring light into the house.”
The Whitakers had been looking for some time to come to Camden, having joined Springdale Hall in 1997 when they got married, and visited here often. After Mary and Lucy graduated from high school and went off to their respective colleges, they began thinking about moving here permanently.
“But this was during COVID and there just weren’t a lot of homes available,” Pam said, adding that they looked at a number of houses in Camden during that time. “It was like doing our own tour of homes.”
As Springdale Hall members, they had passed by the house on Knights Hill Road many times and, even though they both said they wanted to live in an historic home, liked what they saw from the outside.
Inside, however, it was dark, and they didn’t like the large fireplace that, if it still existed, would sit in front of the doors to the back porch.
“But we had a vision that we could make it ours,” Pam said.
The front door was moved from closer to the right side to the center. An interior staircase was moved aside, and that fireplace was taken out and the back porch added on.
“It’s very peaceful and we love sitting out here,” Pam said of the added porch.
These are all changes that, unless you had visited the home prior to the Whitakers living there, you would never know had been made.
While their daughters now live away from home -- Mary is a third-grade teacher in Richmond, Va., and Lucy is currently overseas in Rome -- much of Andrew’s family lives in the area. Pam’s mother also lives here now.
“She moved here after my dad passed away; she’s in the Mill Village. It’s been the best move for her. She made lots of good friends and has her own little group, so she doesn’t even really need us,” Pam joked.
The Whitakers are also taking advantage of what’s available in this community. Andrew enjoys hunting, while Pam is the current president of the Camden Garden Club and an avid tennis player. She also helped start the now annual Horse & Hound Expo in 2023.
The fireplace in the living room serves as a replacement for one that used to be in front of what is now the exit to the back porch -- seen through the window -which was added to the house as part of their renovations.
Where Art Lives: The Arts Center of Kershaw County
At the corner of cultural heritage and community pride stands the Arts Center of Kershaw County - a creative anchor that has shaped Camden’s identity for more than half a century.
Housed in a historic complex that blends oldworld charm with modern functionality, the Arts Center isn’t just a venue - it’s a vibrant home for creativity, connection, and celebration. Whether you’re catching a professional theatre production in the Wood Auditorium, enjoying live music under the stars at the Shull Pavilion, or perusing local art in the Bassett Gallery, there’s always something happening at “The Arts Center.”
Throughout the year, the Arts Center offers a robust calendar of events: gallery exhibitions, theatre performances, concerts, workshops, and education classes drawing in audiences from across the Midlands. But what truly sets the Arts Center apart is its role as a community catalyst. Here, local artists find their voice, students discover their stage, and residents of all ages gather to be inspired.
Signature events like the “Party at the Pavilion” concert series and the Holiday Market transform the campus into a hub of festivity, where the sounds of live music mingle with laughter, food trucks, and artisan vendors. These aren’t just events - they’re shared moments that bring the community together.
For visitors, the Arts Center offers a glimpse into Camden’s creative spirit. For locals, it’s a beloved institution reflecting the region’s past and helping shape its future. Whether you’re a first-time guest or a lifelong patron, a visit to the Arts Center of Kershaw County is a reminder that art doesn’t just entertain - it connects, inspires, and endures.
Recently celebrating its 50th Anniversary season, the Arts Center transformed its Bassett Gallery into a trip down memory lane, with photos, posters and other items representing the accomplishments of the Arts Center over its first 50 years.
Top of page: Patrons of the Arts Center dance the night away at the annual Starry Night Gala, one of the premiere events held each year on the Arts Center’s campus.
Camden: Steeplechase Capital of the World
With a spring and a fall race meeting at historic Springdale Race Course, Camden lives up to its moniker as “The Steeplechase Capital of the World.”
The Carolina Cup, contested each spring, has become Camden’s unofficial holiday tradition. For 90 Saturdays in late March or, sometimes in early April, thousands of patrons have gathered for a day of steeplechase racing, socializing, and reuniting with family and friends for the Carolina Cup Races. The 2026 Carolina Cup Races presented by MUSC Health will be contested on Saturday, March 28.
The elder statesmen of the two jump racing events in Camden, the Carolina Cup is the second event on the National Steeplechase Association (NSA) slate. The day of racing is highlighted by the $75,000 Carolina Cup, a 2 1/8-mile race open to novice jumpers. The race has been a springboard for future stars of the sport, many of which will use competing in the fall Colonial Cup at Springdale as one of their career goals.
Though the races are the main attraction for the day, so too are the tailgating and the apparel options, a part of the Carolinas’ Rite of Spring. Patrons come decked out in their finest and most festive spring outfits, with sundresses and fasci-
nators being the choice of the ladies, and bold, sometimes flamboyant sport jackets and pants, colorful shirts and bow ties for the gentlemen. The dining options at various parking spaces run the gamut, from fried chicken and sides to more elaborate delicacies served throughout the day.
Held in November, the Marion duPont Scott Colonial Cup is a more sedate affair, as compared to the Carolina Cup, which attracts the best jumpers in the country. The 2025 Colonial Cup Races will be contested at Springdale on Sunday, Nov. 23.
The day of jump racing is heighted by the running of the $150,000 Colonial Cup Stakes. The final Grade I event of the NSA campaign, the race of champions is a 2 5/8-mile test over 14 National Fences.
Winners of the Colonial Cup feature read like a who’s who of horses, riders and trainers. Six jumpers Café Prince, Flatterer, Good Night Shirt, Lonesome Glory, McDynamo and Zaccio --- have won the Camden fall classic before being enshrined in National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.
For more information on the Carolina Cup and Colonial Cup races, visit carolinacup.org.
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Calendar of Events
SPRING
Irish Fest Camden
Experience live Celtic music, storytelling, hands-on bagpipe and drum experience, whiskey tasting, axe-throwing, Highland games, a large kids zone, over 40 food trucks, and more than 100 retail vendors on the first Saturday of March. The Lucky Leprechaun 5K race preceding the main event makes this a weekend getaway opportunity. irishfestcamden.com
Lafayette Weekend
Celebrated in early March, the Historic Camden Foundation commemorates Revolutionary War hero the Marquis de Lafayette’s return visit to Camden. historiccamden.org
Simply Revolutionary Market Day
Eat and shop local while you enjoy lawn games and explore the grounds of the Revolutionary War Visitor Center. simplyrevolutionary.com
Wild Game Dinner
A joint fundraiser for Kershaw County’s Rotary Clubs, enjoy fine wild game cuisine while you bid on high quality auction items.
Camden Coin Show Spectacular
Held twice a year, this two-day event draws collectors and enthusiasts from all over South Carolina. camdencoinclub.com/events
Sheep Shearing Day
Welcome lambs, chicks, and kids and see professional sheep shearing and border collie demonstrations during this family-friendly event at Old McCaskill’s Farm. oldmccaskillfarm. com
Carolina Cup
Camden’s “Rite of Spring” held in late March/early April, this not to be missed event brings tens of thousands of spectators to a day at the races. Look for pre-Cup concerts and events leading up to the big day. carolina-cup.org
Boykin Spaniel National Field Trials
Get in the spirit of celebrating South Carolina’s state dog, born and bred right here in Kershaw County. boykinspaniel.org
GRIDLIFE Festival
A full weekend of motorsports action, drifting, track battles, and more. Spectators can enjoy racing simulators, arcade games, and live musical performances. carolinamotorsportspark.com/ events
Starry Night Gala
Enjoy and evening “under the stars” with live music, fine food and drink and bid on art and other items while supporting the Arts Center of Kershaw County. artscenterkc.org
Blankets & Bands Concert Series
Held each spring and fall, these free, family friendly concerts take place on Town Green in the Downtown Camden Cultural District. experiencecamdensc. com/events
24 Hours of Lemons
Block Party
One of the most interesting events you’ll see, this racing event kicks off with a Downtown Block Party the night before racing begins at Carolina Motorsports Park. 24hoursoflemons.com/ schedule
Clinic Classic 5K
Relish in a South Carolina spring morning as you make your way through our historic residential districts, all to benefit the local Community Medical Clinic. cmcofkc.org
Jim Smith Memorial Rodeo
A weekend of bronco and bull riding, barrel racing, roping and fun activities for spectators make this a bucket list experience. Find this annual event on Facebook.
SUMMER
Ag + Art
Kershaw County Tour
Explore and experience Kershaw County’s farms and markets, arts and culture during the first weekend of June. Artists and artisans set up on site
for a weekend of demonstrations and activities at some of Kershaw County’s farms and homesteads. agandarttour. com/
Juneteenth Celebration
Honoring this federal holiday the Friday before June 19, this event includes live music and entertainment, free food and admission, and an empowerment fair full of local organizations on hand to assist community members. Look for this annual event on Facebook.
CLASS Shag Blast
A rite of summer, you might say, this annual celebration of the official dance of South Carolina is hosted by the Camden, Lugoff Area Shag Society and takes place in June. shagginwithclass.com/class-blast
Kids 4th of July Parade
A fun and colorful parade celebrating the Independence Day holiday, this event takes place the Saturday before July 4 and features decorated bicycles, wagons and scooter. No motorized vehicles please. facebook.com/JulyFourthParadeCamdenSC
Fireworks at Lake Wateree
The Lake Wateree Association hosts this annual tradition on July 4. Public viewing is possible in various areas. lakewatereeassociation.org
FALL
Springdale 5K
Take a jaunt through horse country, as this fun 5K starts and ends at the National Steeplechase Museum and benefits the United Way of Kershaw County. unitedwaykershawcounty.com/ events
Blankets & Bands Concert Series
Held each spring and fall, these free, family friendly concerts take place on Town Green in the Downtown Camden Cultural District. experiencecamdensc. com/events
Camden Coin Show Spectacular
Held twice a year, this two-day event draws collectors and enthusiasts from all over South Carolina. camdencoinclub.com/events
Fire Fest
Held the last Saturday of September and hosted by the Camden Fire Department, this annual tradition teaches community members about fire prevention and safety through a fun day full of activities, demos, a live side-by-side burn, plus vendors, food, a cruise in and huge kid zone. experiencecamdensc.com/events
Fall Family Farm Day
Make your way through the corn pool or hay maze, pick a pumpkin from the patch, and enjoy hay rides, games, live music, demos, and more. oldmccaskillfarm.com
Day at the Museum
See the mannequins come to life and tell the tales of the Revolutionary War at the Revolutionary War Visitor Center. simplyrevolutionary.com
Southern Gothic Festival
Dark tales, haunted histories, and the eerie beauty of the South. Join in on this weekend of live music, storytelling, folklore and immersive
experiences celebrating the essence of Southern Gothic culture. southerngothicfestival.com
Camden Horse & Hound
This weekend showcase of traditional sporting life highlights the bond between horses, hounds and their humans. Featured activities include a charity polo match and expo with topnotch equestrian and canine exhibitions, fun for the whole family. camdenhorseandhound.com
Oysters & BBQ Bash
This annual event that attracts visitors from all over South Carolina to enjoy steamed oysters, BBQ with all the fixings, live music and more, to benefit the Community Medical Clinic. cmcofkc.org
Chili Cook Off
This annual event occurs the last Saturday of October and brings out the best in friendly competition, with room for friends and family to enjoy live music, contests and more. unitedwaykershawcounty.com/events
Boo Fest
Also held the last Saturday of October, local businesses open their doors for trick-or-treating and the hunt to find Cammie the ghost, plus other activities and fun for the whole family. experiencecamdensc.com/events
Roll Con
Kershaw County’s own game and cosplay expo, hosted in early November by the Kershaw County Library. Games, costumes, vendors and family fun! kershawcountylibrary.org
Wateree Cup Annual Polo Classic
An exciting day filled with thrilling polo matches, fun activities, vendors and good company is what you will find during this annual event. watereehounds.com
Battle of Camden Reenactment
This all outdoor, family-friendly event is the largest annual force-on-force reenactment in the nation! See reenactors and full scale battles each day, along with 18th century craftsmen, merchants, and entertainment. southerncampaign1780.org
Battle of Camden BBQ Festival
Two days of South Carolina’s best pit masters smoking up amazing barbecue for you to come and sample, including the chicken wing competition Friday night and pulled pork Saturday. facebook.com/battleofcamdenbbq
Colonial Cup
Often referred to as the “Super Bowl of Steeplechase”, this fall race is a more relaxed, family-friendly affair, compared to the spring’s Carolina Cup. carolina-cup.org
WINTER
Candlelight Tour of Homes
Visit historic Camden homes and landmarks, decked in holiday décor and Southern hospitality, hosted by the Camden Junior Welfare League. camdenleague.org/candlelight-tour-of-homes
Boykin Christmas Parade
One of the most unique holiday events you’ll find in South Carolina, bringing thousands to witness the parade and participate in the traditional gospel singa-long following. facebook.com/boykinchristmasparade
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Outdoor Attractions & Parks
Carolina Motorsports Park
The only purpose-built road racing facility in the Carolinas, this track and kart campus is committed to all things motorsports
Hermitage Sporting Grounds
This premiere sporting clays facility offers state-of-the-art equipment and multiple courses for all levels of experience, whether it’s the Cypress Course, perfect for beginners, the Loblolly Course, with a variety of technical targets to test your skills, or the Cedar Course for the super sporting enthusiast.
Pine Creek Golf Course
Pine Creek is a locally-owned and operated public golf course with an 18-hole course and driving range. No tee times required, with a variety of rates available, and special events all season long.
Springdale Race Course
Home to the internationally renowned steeplechase races, the Carolina Cup and Colonial Cup, held annually. The race course is open for daily viewing as well as special events. The National Steeplechase Museum is located on the grounds.
Tennis Center of Camden & Pickleball Plaza
Located in Downtown Camden, this award-winning complex features 16 lighted tennis courts, 12 lighted pickleball courts, and 3,500 feet of lighted walking trail.
Kershaw County Farmers Market
Voted the number one South Carolina farmers market in 2023, this permanent market in Downtown Camden occurs every Saturday morning April through November, along with First
Thursday evening markets, holiday events, and winter markets scheduled in the off season.
Old McCaskill’s Farm
Bringing back the farm life nostalgia, this working farm boasts a bed and breakfast, country store, blacksmith shed, root cellar and canning kitchen. Old McCaskill’s Farm is open to the public with seasonal events, weddings, and weekly farm-to-table lunches.
Austin Sheheen Sr. Natural Resources Area
8,000 acres of land protected by the Department of Natural Resources, with 14 miles of Lake Wateree shoreline open to the public for fishing, hiking and bird watching.
Park/Chotty Trail
This natural habitat preserve at the historic Port of Camden includes a meandering half-mile interior waterway, as well as a canoe/kayak launch onto the Wateree River. The park serves as the trail head for the Palmetto Trail Connector, or “Chotty Trail”, a 3.5 mile “urban” link to the SC Palmetto Trail.
Lake Wateree
North of Camden, the calm of this 13,000 acre lake attracts anglers looking to reel in the big fish. Boat launches and marinas are located on both east and west sides of the lake, spanning Kershaw and Fairfield Counties.
N.R. Goodale State Park
Lined with cypress trees and including a spring-fed lake, you can find a peaceful setting for boating, fishing and hiking. Picnic shelters and meeting facilities are located on the grounds, and fishing boats, kayaks and canoes are available for rental.
Nature As Teacher
Hardscramble Preserve
This 800 acre woodland along the Wateree River was donated by Margaret H. Lloyd to Clemson University with the intention that it become a haven for environmental education. Enjoy open trails the first Saturday of the month, March through November, and a variety of activities, classes and camps throughout the year.
Wateree River Veterans Park
Owned and maintained by the Kershaw County Parks and Recreation Department, you’ll find a peaceful walking trail, a floating kayak launch and plenty of shoreline for fishing.
Elgin Community Park
Off the beaten path, this park features a half mile gravel loop trail around a pond. There is also a pier available to fish off of and watch the turtles swim, large pavilion for small picnics or bigger events.
KC West Complex
The complex includes a large ADA compliant inclusive playground, lighted soccer and baseball fields, tennis courts, public restrooms, a large picnic area, and a paved, half-mile walking trail.
Scott Park and the Sweet Gum Walking Trail
Scott Park is a 30 acre campus featuring tennis courts, an outdoor fitness circuit, playground, picnic shelter and public restrooms. The paved walking trail branches off into the Sweet Gum Trail and disc golf course that connects to Woodward Park.
Pro Tip
Check out the Guide to Outdoor Life in Kershaw County for more trails, parks and the best places for hiking, biking, and paddling. This mobile-friendly digital guide can be found in the “Get Outside” section at experiencecamdensc.com
Local Culture & History
MUSEUMS
Camden Archives & Museum
Dive into the stories that shaped our community in one of the finest genealogical research facilities in South Carolina. The Camden Archives & Museum is home to an extensive and diverse collection of artifacts, as well as local historical and genealogical records.
Historic Camden Foundation
The Historic Camden Foundation’s Colonial Village and Battle of Camden Longleaf Pine Preserve are keeping the spirit of the Revolution with tours, historic homes and buildings, live demonstrations and events throughout the year.
National Steeplechase Museum
Step into the world of steeplechase racing and learn about the incredible athletes – the breeders, jockeys and horses that have made glorious contributions to one of America’s grandest sports. A visit to this museum is a one of a kind experience.
Revolutionary War Visitor Center
Revolutionary War Visitor Center at Camden serves as the gateway to the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution and the Liberty Trail in South Carolina and is the nation’s first permanent exhibit dedicated to telling the story of the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution and South Carolina’s role in turning the tide of the war for independence.
HISTORIC & BATTLE SITES
Battle of Camden Site
Known as the Camden Battlefield and Longleaf Pine Preserve, the site offers 3 miles of walking trails with interpretive signage. A monument on the battle site marks the spot where Revolutionary War Hero, Johannes Baron de Kalb, was mortally wounded. Guided tour tickets available at Historic Camden Colonial Village, 222 Broad Street.
Battle of Hobkirk’s Hill Site
Although the battle site is now a residential area, wayfinder signs allow visitors to follow in the footsteps of the soldiers who fought to determine the future of South Carolina. Brochures detailing the events of the Battle of Hobkirk’s Hill can be picked up at the Camden Archives and Museum or Revolutionary War Visitor Center.
Battle of Boykin’s Mill Site
The Battle of Boykin’s Mill was the last American Civil War battle to be fought in South Carolina. A monument stands at the Boykin’s Mill complex in memory of the soldiers who fought on both sides of the conflict.
Camden’s Historic Districts
As South Carolina’s oldest inland city, history is everywhere! You can stroll or drive through our nine historic districts while getting the full story through our free Camden Audio Tours app, highlighting more than 100 sites. From the Colonial District to Horse Country, you’ll see exquisite homes, landmarks and historic sites.
Cedars Cemetery
For a long period of time, Cedars Cemetery, located on Campbell Street near the King Street intersection, was Camden’s only black burial ground. Dating back to the early 1800s, many prominent black Camden residents are buried there.
Quaker & Beth El Cemeteries
The oldest cemetery in Camden, Quaker Cemetery is the final resting place for some of its earliest settlers, war heroes and notable residents. The grounds include the Old Presbyterian Burial Ground and Revolutionary War Park. It is where you can find the final resting place of Revolutionary War soldiers, whose remains were found at the Battle of Camden battle site in 2022. The Beth El Cemetery is surrounded by Quaker Cemetery on three sides. Entrances to both cemeteries are on Campbell Street.
Cleveland School Fire Memorial
A tragedy occurred on May 16, 1923 during a school play when a candle tipped over and ignited curtains. The fire quickly spread and 77 men, women and children lost their lives that evening. This tragedy led to changes in building and fire codes. The memorial site is marked by a monument on Cleveland School Road, across from the South Carolina Equine Park. At nearby Beulah Methodist Church, a monument and enclosure mark the mass grave of the majority of the fire’s victims.
Robert Mills Courthouse
Designed in 1825, the fully-restored historic Robert Mills Courthouse features a copper roof, brick floors, vaulted central hallway and double arched ceilings downstairs. The second floor courtroom is restored to conform to the building’s 1845 renovation. Mills, the first American-trained architect, also designed the Washington Monument and the U.S. Treasury Building in Washington, D.C. The Courthouse is located at 607 Broad Street, near downtown Camden.
Woodward Field Airport
The Kershaw County Airport at Woodward Field was established in 1929 by Ernest Woodward, owner of the Jell-O Company, who donated 160 acres of land for an airport. The airport was home to The Southern Aviation School from 1941-44, a primary pilot training school for British and American pilots operated by the Army Air Corp during WWII. Today the airport, serves the citizens and businesses of Kershaw County and surrounding areas.
CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS
African American Cultural Center of Camden
The history and contributions of Camden’s African American community are highlighted here with exhibits, events and conversations, relating the stories of the African American experience in Camden through the centuries.
Arts Center of Kershaw County
Visit the artistic hub of Kershaw County, complete with stage, gallery, classrooms, and studios. The center’s campus is three buildings in the heart of Camden, and hosts dozens of performances and events on stage, in the black box, or under its pavilion on the back lawn. Take in a show, register for a class, or simply stroll through the gallery and grounds to experience art of all varieties.
Downtown Camden Cultural District
A designated South Carolina Cultural District, you can stroll through art galleries and artist studios, maker spaces, antique shops, well-known boutique retail stores, the historic twin-screen Little Theater, and many restaurants. Look for historic landmarks, beautiful greenspaces, and a host of public art, as well.
Eats & Treats
American Patriot Coffee
1012 Broad Street
Open Mon-Sat
Roasting fresh beans in the heart of Downtown Camden, a full service coffee shop and retailer.
B. Colson
1105 Broad Street
Open Daily
Polished casual restaurant serving steaks, seafood and bourbons. Dinner and Sunday brunch.
Bill’s Country Kitchen
1804 Jefferson Davis Hwy
Open Mon-Sat
Family-owned country kitchen serving breakfast and lunch, with daily specials during the week that.
Blackmon’s Little Midget
1012 Market Street
Open Tues-Sat
Once a family drive in, now an enclosed eatery with a menu food of old fashioned favorites, owned and operated at the same location for nearly 60 years.
Blaney’s Wings & Grill
1008 Mill Street
Open Daily
Experience over 25 flavors of wings, along with a wide variety of sandwiches, burgers, and appetizers.
Books on Broad & Coffee
944 Broad Street
Open Daily
Independent bookstore and coffee shop located in Downtown Camden, offering a variety of beverages and baked goods.
Broad & Vine
1025 Broad Street
Open Tues-Sat
Unique wine bar located in Downtown Camden, featuring a 32-bottle cruvinet system, specialty beers, charcuterie boards and other small plates and desserts.
Camden House of Pizza
545 E. DeKalb Street
Open Mon-Sat
Dine-in or carry-out from this local favorite, with lots of choices, from pizza to subs, Greek and Italian dishes.
Camden Wing Shack
129 East DeKalb Street
Open Daily
This self-proclaimed chicken joint serves up wings, burgers and cold beverages.
Candy’s at the Granary
509A Clyburn Lane
Open Mon-Sat
Sandwich shop nestled in an old granary, serving up daily specials, soups, salads and dessert from the bakery next door.
CC’s Snack Shop
1909 Jefferson Davis Hwy,
Open Mon-Sat
Downhome burger joint offering lunch and dinner options.
DeBruhl’s Café
2020 West DeKalb Street
Open Daily
Classic Southern meat-and-three buffet with all the traditional fixings.
DeBruhl’s Market St. Cafe
818 Market Street
Open Tues-Fri/Sun
A slightly smaller branch of the family-owned café, serving up the same meat-and-three favorites.
Eats
514 Rutledge Street
Open Wed-Fri
A take away only location, offering fully cooked, take and bake meals, sides and snacks.
Eggs Up Grill
2209 W DeKalb Street
Open Daily
Serving breakfast and lunch, this locally-owned regional favorite offers signature omelets and brunch classics, as well as burgers and sandwiches.
El Jimador
168 Wall Street
Open Daily
Chef-inspired Mexican food and margaritas in an eclectic atmosphere that celebrates the agave farmer.
Everyday Gourmet
2204 ½ Broad Street
Open Mon-Fri
A Camden lunch tradition, serving sandwiches, salads and soups made daily.
The Flavor Lab
168 Wall Street
Open Daily
A delicious destination for wings and mouthwatering burgers, with other offerings from the grill.
Ginza Hibachi Grill
901 W DeKalb Street
Open Mon-Sat
Asian cuisine featuring sushi rolls, hibachi plates and poke bowls, served with complimentary soup.
Greener Pastures
Brewing Company
826 Broad Street
Open Mon, Wed-Sun
Kershaw County’s only microbrewery, featuring a menu of multiple brews and brick oven pizza, along with other casual eats.
Groucho’s Deli
168 Wall Street
Open Daily
Fast casual sandwich shop featuring signature subs and original sauces.
Haile Street Grill
1350 Haile Street
Open Tues-Sat
Open for breakfast and lunch, this grill also has a hot bar with Southern favorites, plus daily specials.
King’s Kitchen
951 Broad Street
Open Tues-Sat
Breakfast favorites alongside creative brunch and lunch pairings, including Southern favorites like shrimp and grits.
La Fiesta
29 East DeKalb Street
Open Mon, Wed-Sun
Serving Mexican comfort food, this family-owned restaurant offers large portions and bottomless chips.
Loopy
Lemon Café
611 Rutledge Street
Open Mon-Sat
Mediterranean fusion, a local lunch favorite serving sandwiches, salads and traditional shwarma and falafel platters.
Mad Batter Bakery
509A Clyburn Street
Open Tues-Sat
Locally-owned bakery bringing you all the sweet treats you need, specializing in custom cakes and cupcakes.
Masa Mexican Street Food
2209 West DeKalb Street
Open Mon-Sat
Sister restaurant to Camden’s favorite Mexican destination, Salúd. Specializing in tiki cocktails, margaritas & counter-served street food in a fast-casual setting.
Ming’s Buffet
137 East DeKalb Street
Open Daily
All you can eat Chinese buffet, offering dine in and take out options.
Old South Catery
509B Dicey Ford Road
Open Wed & Sun
Traditional Southern food served buffet-style by this local catering company.
Revolution Nutrition
501 Dicey Ford Road
Open Mon-Sat
Smoothie bar offering protein shake, energy teas, coffee, smoothie bowls, and good vibes.
Salúd Mexican Kitchen
1011 Broad Street
Open Tues-Sat
Upscale Mexican food destination, celebrating the bold flavors of Mexico, from their endless spirit list to colorful cuisine.
Sam Kendall’s
1043 Broad Street
Open Mon-Sat
Proclaiming serious food and a cool bar, this pioneer Camden restaurant offers American cuisine, from steaks and seafood to salads and pasta.
Silver Leaf Cigar Lounge
1015 Broad Street
Open Mon-Sat
Diverse selection of top-notch cigars, paired with a top-shelf selection of spirits and cocktails, and a growing menu of appetizers, pizza and sandwiches.
Steeplechase Sports Bar &
Grill
1044 Broad Street
Open Mon-Sat
A local hangout featuring daily food and drink specials and lots of sports on its multiple screens.
Sub Station II
1001 Market Street
Open Mon-Sat
Locally-owned sandwich shop offering more than a dozen hot or cold sandwiches, as well as a variety of salads and sides.
Triangle Subs & Café
2515 Broad Street
Open Tues-Sat
Full breakfast and lunch menu, dine in and take out options, with weekly specials.
Wateree Cajun Seafood & Wings
2523 Broad Street
Open Mon-Sat
Fresh seafood boils and a variety of chicken wing options, not to mention fried rice combinations that bring Cajun and Asian flavors together in a relaxed setting.
MARKETS
Kershaw County Farmers Market
906 Broad Street
Open Saturdays April-November
Voted the #1 Farmers Market in South Carolina in 2023, here’s where you can find fresh, locally-grown produce, farm-raised meats, baked goods and treats every Saturday morning.
Off the Hook
2339 Broad Street
Open Wed-Sat
A unique fish market that offers high-quality, fresh seafood along with gourmet market items each week.
Ole Timey Meats
405 Rutledge Street
Open Tues-Sat
Local butcher shop that features family farmed, minimally processed proteins and specialty cuts, with a selection of sides and wines for pairing.
Three Sisters Essentials
2503 Broad Street
Open Tues-Sat
A self-proclaimed grassroots market that promotes sustainable living, carrying local produce, honey, coffee, as well as bulk spices and other locally sourced items.
Traders of Camden
2412 Broad Street/803 East DeKalb Street
Open Mon-Sat
Locally owned spirits shop with knowledgeable staff into good liquor, beer, and fine wine.
One of the greatest ways to experience Camden is through our shops and small businesses!
