14 Things To Do In Florence Without Breaking The Bank

Florence, South Carolina began as a railroad crossing in the mid-1800s. Three major lines—Wilmington & Manchester, Northeastern, and Cheraw & Darlington—converged here, turning a quiet farming region into a vital transport hub. The city was officially chartered in 1890, named after Florence Harllee, daughter of the president of the Wilmington & Manchester Railroad.

During the Civil War, Florence served as a supply and hospital base for Confederate forces. A prison camp on its outskirts held thousands of Union soldiers—many of whom are now buried at the Florence National Cemetery. This legacy still shapes the city’s landscape and memory.

Today, Florence is the economic and cultural center of the Pee Dee region, home to around 40,000 residents. It blends small-town familiarity with a growing arts and culinary scene. People come for different reasons—some to trace family roots, others for its museums, music, or the simple quiet of its shaded parks.

In the chapters ahead, we’ll explore what to do in Florence, from art museums and Civil War history to race tracks, golf courses, and hidden food gems. Each place adds another line to the story—one still being written.

1. Exploring the Florence County Museum

📍 Address: 111 W Cheves St, Florence, SC 29501

At the center of Florence’s cultural life is the Florence County Museum. Opened in its current location in 2014, the museum blends contemporary design with deep historical purpose. It's more than just a collection of artifacts—it’s where the region’s identity is preserved, questioned, and retold.

The museum’s permanent collection begins with the basics: pre-Colonial Native American tools, maps from early European settlement, and relics from the Civil War era. But it goes deeper than names and dates. The exhibits draw direct lines between the past and present—how agriculture shaped labor, how railroads drew borders, how war altered lives. Florence isn’t just shown as a backdrop, but as an active participant in South Carolina’s transformation.

One of the museum’s most important features is the WWII exhibit, built around letters and photographs from local soldiers. You don’t need to be a history buff to feel the weight of these moments. A letter home from a Florence farm boy serving in France in 1944 sits next to a photograph of his return years later, quiet and changed. These aren’t distant stories—they’re part of the fabric that built this town.

The museum also houses the W. Lester Anderson Collection, a compelling selection of Civil War-era photography and weaponry. These pieces don’t glorify war—they document it. And in doing so, they offer context for the region’s legacy and the tension that still lingers in its architecture and politics.

On the art side, Florence County Museum celebrates both regional and national talent. Its centerpiece is the work of William H. Johnson, a Florence-born painter whose bold, modernist style told Black American stories long before they were widely accepted in art spaces. Johnson’s work

2. Discovering the War Between the States Museum

📍 Address: 107 S Guerry St, Florence, SC 29501

The War Between the States Museum in Florence is small—just three rooms in a modest brick building—but the weight it carries is heavy. Operated by the Sons of Confederate Veterans, this museum focuses entirely on the Confederate side of the Civil War. That makes it controversial, but also important to understand—because how a region remembers its history says a lot about where it's been, and where it's going.

Inside, you'll find uniforms, sabers, letters, flags, and personal belongings of Confederate soldiers from the Pee Dee region. Some of the pieces are rare—like the Confederate bond notes or locally made buttons from a volunteer infantry unit. Others are deeply personal: wedding photos, hand-stitched Bible covers, lockets with initials faded by time.

There’s no attempt to tell the broader national story here. The focus is squarely on Southern memory, often described through terms like “heritage” and “sacrifice.” But reading between the lines is part of the experience. The museum doesn’t confront slavery or secession directly, which has drawn criticism. Still, for visitors willing to engage critically, this omission speaks volumes.

One of the museum's most thought-provoking features is a display on the Florence Stockade, the makeshift Confederate prison camp that held over 16,000 Union soldiers in the final years of the war. Conditions were brutal—many prisoners died from disease and starvation. The site of the stockade is just a few miles away and is now part of the Florence National Cemetery.

The War Between the States Museum isn’t polished. It feels more like a private archive than a public institution. But that rawness is revealing. This is how some communities in the South continue to frame their Civil War past—not through battlefield reenactments or sweeping films, but through the preservation of family stories, heirlooms, and a specific narrative.

3. A Day Out at the Florence Veterans Park

📍 Address: 601 Woody Jones Blvd, Florence, SC 29501 (adjacent to Florence Center)

Florence Veterans Park sits just behind the Florence Civic Center, quietly framed by trees and wide walking paths. It’s not a large park, but it’s thoughtfully designed, and every element here serves a purpose. This isn’t a place you rush through. You walk. You read. You reflect.

At the center stands the Wall of Honor, etched with the names of military veterans from Florence County who served in conflicts from World War I to the present day. Each name is a reminder that war isn’t something that happens far away to strangers. It’s something that passed through this town. Left chairs empty. Left scars. Left stories.

Sculptures throughout the park represent different branches of the military. One of the most striking is the bronze statue of a combat medic tending to a wounded soldier—no dramatic heroism, just care under fire. Nearby, a large stainless-steel globe honors those who served overseas, symbolizing Florence’s connection to a global history.

The park also features a Purple Heart Monument, a Gold Star Families Memorial, and individual stones recognizing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and National Guard. The layout is open, almost circular, designed to feel inclusive—no one path is more important than another.

People don’t just come here for ceremonies. You’ll see joggers, families pushing strollers, high school kids taking senior photos by the memorial fountain. Veterans come alone sometimes. They sit quietly on the benches, facing the flags. You don’t ask questions.

Each Veterans Day and Memorial Day, the park becomes the heart of the community. Flags wave. Stories are told. Moments of silence are held. And for a few hours, people from all corners of Florence stand side by side—different generations, different backgrounds—bound by shared respect.

There’s no entry fee, and parking is easy. If you're visiting nearby spots like Magnolia Mall or the Civic Center, it's worth carving out time for this. It’s not flashy, and it doesn’t try to be. But if you let it, the park will leave an impression that lasts longer than your visit.

4. Shopping and Dining at Magnolia Mall

📍 Address: 2701 David H McLeod Blvd, Florence, SC 29501

Magnolia Mall is Florence’s main commercial hub. Built in 1979 and renovated over the years, it’s more than just a place to buy things—it’s where the rhythms of local life play out in real time. You’ll find national brands here, yes, but also something harder to buy: familiarity.

Anchored by stores like Belk, JCPenney, and Barnes & Noble, the mall draws a steady stream of traffic from Florence and surrounding towns. It’s the kind of place where people bump into old classmates, run errands between shifts, or take shelter on rainy days. On weekends, it’s not unusual to see three generations walking the same aisles—grandparents resting on benches while kids trail behind with bags from H&M or Bath & Body Works.

But what makes Magnolia Mall more than just a checklist of retailers is the food. The food court, while compact, serves up a mix of quick favorites and local staples. Try a slice from Villa Italian Kitchen, or grab Southern-style chicken and fixings from Chick-fil-A. If you’re lucky, there’s a food truck or two parked outside—often local vendors from the Florence Farmers Market or nearby pop-ups testing out menu ideas.

And here’s a tip: Walk past the food court toward the exterior entrances. You’ll find some of the best regional dining options just beyond the mall itself. LongHorn Steakhouse and Red Bone Alley, a locally-owned restaurant inspired by Charleston-style cuisine, offer fuller meals and local flavor. Red Bone Alley, especially, is a crowd favorite—two floors of Lowcountry-inspired dishes, colorful murals, and strong sweet tea.

Magnolia Mall is also evolving. Over the past few years, newer shops and experiences have popped up: small boutiques, pop-up kiosks featuring local creators, and seasonal events like photos with Santa or school supply drives. The mall reflects Florence’s mix of old and new, chain and community.

If you’re traveling through town, this is a practical stop: clean restrooms, comfortable seating, and a place to stretch your legs. For locals, it’s part of the weekly routine. For visitors, it’s a glimpse into what everyday Florence feels like—busy, familiar, and quietly changing.

5. Enjoying Nature at Timrod Park

📍 Address: 400 Timrod Park Dr, Florence, SC 29501

Timrod Park is where Florence slows down. Set on over 20 shaded acres just off Cherokee Road, it’s part garden, part playground, part quiet escape. The park is named after Henry Timrod, often called the “Poet Laureate of the Confederacy,” but today the space reflects more than just a name—it reflects what this town values: family, rhythm, and a moment to breathe.

At the heart of the park is a canopy of towering oaks and pines. Walking trails loop through them, offering small discoveries—brick paths, tucked-away benches, and azalea bushes that explode with color each spring. In summer, the air here holds that thick Southern stillness, broken only by birdsong or the occasional laughter from a picnic nearby.

The park is also a favorite for tennis players. Its 13 lighted courts draw casual players and tournament competitors alike. If you’re up for a match, you’ll likely find someone willing. If not, just watching the back-and-forth from the shaded bleachers is its own kind of meditation.

There’s also a playground that stays busy year-round. Slides, swings, and climbing structures are scattered under big shade trees, giving parents a place to relax while kids burn off energy. Nearby, picnic shelters fill up quickly on weekends with birthday parties, cookouts, or family reunions that run deep into the afternoon.

One of the most unique features is the amphitheater, a modest open-air stage that hosts concerts, poetry readings, and city events. It’s not a massive venue, but it’s personal—musicians play close enough for you to see the sweat on their brows and the joy in their hands. When the Florence Symphony or a local jazz band plays here, it feels like the park is breathing with them.

Timrod Park isn’t built for spectacle. There are no zip lines or rental kayaks. But if you want to sit still, hear your own thoughts, and feel time slow down—this is where you go. Bring a book. Bring a sandwich. Bring someone you love.

The park is open daily, sunrise to sunset, and free to the public. If you're heading into the Florence Downtown Historic District later, this is a perfect place to start your morning or wind down your day.

6. Unwinding at the Florence Motor Speedway

📍 Address: 836 E Smith St, Timmonsville, SC 29161 (15 mins from downtown)

Florence Motor Speedway doesn’t need flashing lights or massive billboards to grab your attention. The sound does that. On race nights, you can hear it long before you see it—engines growling, tires screeching, and the crowd rising with every lap. It’s raw, it’s loud, and it’s unmistakably Southern.

The speedway, located just outside town in Timmonsville, has been a local institution since the early 1980s. After a brief closure, it reopened under new management in 2020 and has quickly regained its place as one of South Carolina’s top short tracks. Today, it hosts regular Late Model Stock races, Mini Stocks, and other regional series that draw drivers from across the Southeast.

But here’s the thing: you don’t need to know a single thing about racing to enjoy it. The Florence Motor Speedway is less about the leaderboard and more about the experience. This is where families bring coolers, couples split chili dogs, and old friends swap stories between heat races. It’s where teenagers fall in love with fast cars, and younger kids wear oversized ear protection with pride.

There’s a blue-collar charm to everything here. The stands aren’t fancy, but they’re full. The pit crews are tight-knit and fast-moving. And the announcer? He’s got that deep Carolina drawl that turns each lap into a small drama. You’ll find die-hard fans in sponsor gear sitting next to first-timers asking how many laps are left—and no one minds.

The speedway also runs special events, like fireworks nights, fan appreciation races, and local driver spotlights. There’s even a growing youth racing scene, giving kids a shot behind the wheel in safe, competitive formats. Whether you're into speed, community, or just a night out with something different—this is Florence unplugged.

Races are typically held on Saturday nights from spring through fall. Tickets are affordable—usually around $15 for adults, less for kids—and parking is free. Bring cash for concessions and earplugs if you’re sensitive to noise. And bring curiosity. You might come for the race, but you'll stay for the people.

7. Visiting the Lynches River County Park

📍 Address: 5094 County Park Rd, Coward, SC 29530 (~30 mins from Florence)

Lynches River County Park is about a 25-minute drive from downtown Florence, but it feels much farther away—in the best way possible. Set along the blackwater banks of the Lynches River, this 676-acre park gives you access to one of South Carolina’s most scenic and biologically rich ecosystems.

The river itself is the main character. Dark, slow-moving, and shaded by cypress knees and Spanish moss, it winds through the park like an old storyteller. On clear days, you can rent a canoe or kayak from the Environmental Discovery Center and paddle past turtles sunning on logs, herons stalking the shallows, and—if you’re lucky—a deer drinking just upstream. The current is gentle, making it ideal for beginners or anyone just looking to float and think.

If staying on land is more your speed, the park’s nature trails cut through swamp forest and hardwood uplands, offering short, easy walks with big payoffs. Birdwatchers love it here—warblers, pileated woodpeckers, and barred owls all make appearances. In spring, wildflowers and ferns push up through the underbrush like something out of a nature documentary.

The crown jewel of the park, though, is the Canopy Walk. Suspended high in the trees, this elevated walkway gives visitors a bird’s-eye view of the forest. It’s not a long walk—just a few hundred feet—but it feels like stepping into a different world. During quiet moments, you can hear frogs calling below and the wind threading through the canopy above.

Then there’s the Environmental Discovery Center, a modern but down-to-earth building packed with interactive exhibits. Kids can get hands-on with animal bones, touch tanks, and bug collections, while adults will appreciate the deeper science behind the river’s ecology and conservation efforts. It’s not flashy, but it’s thoughtful—and surprisingly fun.

The park also features picnic shelters, a splash pad (open in summer), and a playground. It’s a go-to spot for field trips, family reunions, or just an unplugged weekend afternoon. There’s no entry fee, and the facilities are clean and well-maintained.

Unlike other parks that feel manicured or curated, Lynches River is wilder, more elemental. You don’t come here to be entertained. You come to listen—to birds, to water, and to your own thoughts. It’s the kind of place that slows your pulse without asking.

8. The Splendor of the Florence Symphony Orchestra

📍 Address: Performances held at Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center (201 S Dargan St, Florence, SC 29506)

The Florence Symphony Orchestra (FSO) doesn’t make a lot of noise outside the concert hall—but inside, it delivers some of the richest sound you’ll hear in the Pee Dee region. Founded in 1949, this orchestra has grown from a small group of local musicians into a full professional ensemble that plays with the kind of precision and emotion you'd expect in a much bigger city.

The FSO performs most of its season at the Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center, a sleek, modern venue in the heart of downtown Florence. The hall’s acoustics are crisp and warm—every note lands clean, from the softest violin whisper to the swell of a full brass section. If you've never been to a live symphony before, this is the perfect place to start.

Led by Maestro Terry Roberts, the orchestra balances classical staples with more contemporary pieces. One month you might hear Beethoven’s Eroica, and the next you’re deep in the soundtrack of Star Wars or The Planets. The programming isn’t designed to intimidate—it’s built to invite. The audience is a mix of long-time subscribers, students, and first-timers just testing the waters.

What sets this orchestra apart isn’t just the music—it’s the sense of community ownership. Many of the musicians are also teachers, mentors, or performers in local churches and schools. Their faces are familiar. Their passion, visible. When they play, it’s not just a performance—it’s a gift back to the town.

The symphony also runs a Young People’s Concert Series and educational outreach programs, bringing classical music into classrooms and making it accessible for kids who might never otherwise hear it live. These aren’t extras—they’re part of the mission: to make music part of the town’s heartbeat.

Tickets to regular performances are reasonably priced, often under $30, and the venue itself is accessible and welcoming. Dress up if you want, but no one’s checking. Just come open. Ready to feel something.

9. Golfing Experiences at Traces Golf Club

📍 Address: 4322 Sborough Rd, Florence, SC 29501

Traces Golf Club isn’t flashy, but that’s exactly what makes it worth your time. Located just west of Florence off Southborough Road, this 27-hole public course delivers solid golf, Southern hospitality, and a peaceful setting without inflated prices or pretense.

Designed by Ron Garl, Traces is divided into three nine-hole courses: Woodlands, Creekside, and Meadowlands. Each one offers a slightly different feel. Woodlands lives up to its name—tighter fairways, more trees, and a premium on accuracy. Creekside has more water hazards, asking for smart shot placement. Meadowlands is more open and forgiving, perfect for beginners or anyone easing back into the game.

The course is well-kept, with Bermuda grass fairways and smooth greens that run true without being punishing. Local players appreciate how walkable it is—especially in the cooler months—and the pace of play is usually solid, even on weekends. You’re more likely to be waved through than rushed.

Beyond the course itself, the practice facilities are a standout. There’s a full driving range, putting green, and short game area—ideal for sharpening up before a round or just getting some solo time in. The pro shop is small but stocked with essentials, and the staff treats everyone like a regular, whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth.

Traces also has a full-service bar and grill, perfect for grabbing a cold drink or hot meal after 18 (or 27) holes. The food’s casual—burgers, sandwiches, breakfast—but consistently good. More importantly, it’s a place where players linger. You’ll hear laughter, post-round breakdowns, and maybe a few tall tales about a chip-in birdie on hole 7.

Local tournaments, charity events, and high school competitions happen regularly, and the club also offers lessons for all skill levels. It’s a favorite among retirees during the week and fills up with younger players on the weekends. But there’s no “scene” here—just people who love golf, played in the rhythms of South Carolina heat and patience.

Tee times are affordable, and booking is easy online or by phone. Rentals and carts are available, and the vibe stays relaxed no matter how crowded the course gets. Traces doesn’t try to be exclusive—it tries to be consistent. And for many golfers in Florence, that’s exactly what keeps them coming back.

10. The Vibrant Farmers Market at Pee Dee State Farmers Market

📍 Address: 2513 W Lucas St, Florence, SC 29501

The Pee Dee State Farmers Market isn’t trendy, and it doesn’t need to be. Located off U.S. Highway 52 on what used to be a real working farm, this 55-acre open-air market has been feeding Florence—literally and culturally—for decades. It’s one of the largest state farmers markets in South Carolina, but it still feels local, rooted, and entirely human.

Open year-round, the market is busiest in spring and summer, when growers roll in with truck beds full of just-picked strawberries, watermelons, corn, okra, and whatever else the season offers. It’s the kind of place where you can shake the hand that pulled the sweet potatoes from the ground that morning.

Farmers here don’t use buzzwords like “farm to table.” They just farm. You’ll meet multi-generation family growers from across the Pee Dee region, selling eggs, heirloom tomatoes, pickled vegetables, and jars of wildflower honey so thick and golden they look like sunlight in glass.

But this market goes beyond produce. Nurseries sell vibrant plants and flowers—hanging baskets, garden starters, and trees that local landscapers swear by. You’ll also find handcrafted soaps, woodwork, candles, and baked goods from small businesses that set up here each weekend. And yes, there’s food to eat while you browse: local food trucks, kettle corn stands, and smoked barbecue drifting from metal drums by the back gate.

One of the most underrated stops is Young’s Pecans, a longtime market staple offering fresh-roasted nuts, pies, and classic Southern snacks. Try the praline pecans—you won’t regret it.

Throughout the year, the market hosts seasonal festivals that draw big crowds: the Spring Plant & Flower Festival, fall harvest celebrations, and Christmas market weekends with wreath vendors, local crafts, and hot cider. These events bring in music, activities for kids, and a festive atmosphere that gives the market an extra layer of charm.

Parking is easy and free, and most vendors accept cards, though cash still goes a long way here. Come early if you want the best pick of produce, especially on Saturdays when the crowd starts rolling in before 10 a.m.

The Pee Dee State Farmers Market isn’t trying to be curated or cool. It’s trying to feed people. And in doing that, it feeds something deeper—a connection to land, labor, and a kind of everyday beauty that doesn’t need to be polished.

11. Strolling Around the Florence Downtown Historic District

📍 Location: Centered around W Evans St & S Dargan St

Downtown Florence doesn’t hit you with grandeur. It unfolds slowly. A few blocks of red brick buildings, weathered signs, wide sidewalks. But if you walk it—not drive past it—you’ll notice something else: this is a place that remembers who it was, while figuring out who it wants to be next.

The Florence Downtown Historic District covers roughly five square blocks, centered around West Evans Street and Dargan Street. Many of the buildings date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, when Florence was growing as a rail and trade town. You can still see faded ghost signs painted on walls, old train depot architecture, and the tight grid of streets designed for walking, not rushing.

But this isn’t just a preserved postcard. It’s alive. Buildings that once housed banks and mercantile shops now hold coffee roasters, yoga studios, bookshops, local galleries, and bars that come alive on Friday nights. The mix of old and new feels intentional—respectful of history without being trapped by it.

Start your walk near the Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center, a sleek, modern venue that feels like a cornerstone of the district’s rebirth. From there, wander down Dargan Street. Pop into Lula’s Coffee Co. for a strong brew or local tea, or browse the aisles of The Artisan Outpost, a space filled with work from regional artists and makers.

If you’re hungry, this area delivers. King Jefe serves up bold tacos and cocktails with a little grit and attitude. A few doors down, Wholly Smokin’ Downtown offers slow-cooked BBQ in a modern space where the smell alone might stop your stroll. There’s also The Dispensary, a laid-back gastropub with a strong local following and live music on select nights.

Don’t miss the Florence County Museum, which anchors downtown with culture and history (see Section 1). It’s within easy walking distance and helps tie together the old town story with deeper context.

Art lives here too—not just in galleries, but on walls. Florence has embraced public murals and installations, many of them created through local arts initiatives. These aren’t just decorations—they tell stories. About growth, about struggle, about people who left and people who stayed.

If you’re in town during Florence After Five, a monthly street festival held April through October, the whole district transforms. Food trucks, live bands, craft vendors, and families fill the streets. It’s not massive, but it’s magnetic. The kind of night where the community shows up and strangers feel like they belong.

Parking is easy, and the area is walkable even in the summer heat—just bring water and take your time. Florence isn’t trying to impress you with scale. It wants to show you how places heal, shift, and grow when people care enough to stay and build.

12. Taste Savoring Southern Delights: The Cuisine of Florence, SC

Food in Florence isn’t just fuel—it’s memory. It’s Sunday after church, it’s grandma’s hands, it’s something fried and golden on a paper plate. But it’s also evolving. New chefs, old recipes, and creative twists have turned this small city into a quietly confident food scene worth slowing down for.

Let’s start where most folks do—barbecue. Florence is in the Pee Dee region, known for its vinegar-pepper style pulled pork. That tangy, spicy kick comes standard at spots like Roger’s Bar-B-Q House, a local institution that’s been filling plates since 1954. Don’t come looking for small portions—Roger’s is buffet-style, with barbecue, fried chicken, mac and cheese, and banana pudding that disappears faster than you’d expect.

If you want a modern spin on Southern smoke, head to Wholly Smokin’ Downtown. This isn’t your uncle’s BBQ joint. Yes, the brisket is tender, and the ribs fall off the bone, but the vibe is urban, the cocktails are strong, and the jalapeño cornbread is a quiet scene-stealer.

Craving something fried and local? Tubb’s Shrimp & Fish Co. is a converted old house that now serves up Lowcountry classics like fried oysters, hush puppies, shrimp and grits, and pimento cheese everything. It feels like Charleston without the crowd—and the wait staff talks to you like you’re family, not a table number.

But Florence doesn’t stop at Southern. The international food scene, while smaller, is legit. For soul-soothing pho and banh mi, check out Pho Zone. Craving Jamaican? JamRock Reggae Jerk & Grill delivers on bold flavor and slow-cooked goat curry. There’s even a small but growing Hispanic scene—try La Bamba for tacos and aguas frescas with zero pretense.

Want to eat where the locals really go? Here’s your short list:

• Red Bone Alley – Local legend. Southern food meets pub fare with quirky, colorful decor and a menu that stretches from Lowcountry classics to Asian-influenced seafood.
• Julia Belle’s – Located inside the Pee Dee Farmers Market, it serves dishes like country-fried steak, fried green tomatoes, and a meatloaf sandwich that’ll stop you mid-sentence.
• Cibo – A bit more upscale, offering wood-fired pizzas, pasta, and wines in a space that feels like a quiet escape from the city pace.

13. Palmetto Peddlers Antiques Mall

📍 Address: 2295 Hoffmeyer Rd, Florence, SC 29501

Step through the doors of Palmetto Peddlers Antiques Mall, and it’s like walking into the attic of a well-traveled Southern home—if that home happened to stretch across 38,000 square feet. Located in a former warehouse just off Second Loop Road, this is not your typical weekend flea market. It’s organized, curated, and deeply addictive if you’ve got a thing for nostalgia.

Inside, more than 100 vendors fill the space with everything from vintage glassware and mid-century furniture to Civil War relics, collectible vinyl, Depression-era quilts, rare books, and the occasional oddity you didn’t know you needed. Each booth has its own personality. Some feel like miniature living rooms frozen in time, others like treasure chests spilled open across wooden shelves.

What makes Palmetto Peddlers work isn’t just the inventory—it’s the way it respects both browsers and serious buyers. Items are clean, clearly labeled, and reasonably priced. You’re not haggling in chaos here. It’s calm. Air-conditioned. There’s space to wander, to think, to hold an old pocket watch or typewriter and wonder where it’s been.

You’ll also find local vendors offering handcrafted soaps, candles, upcycled décor, and vintage-inspired gifts. It’s the kind of place where you come in for a vase and leave with a 1940s camera, a velvet armchair, and a silver spoon engraved with someone else’s family name.

Locals treat Palmetto Peddlers like a rotating museum—you can come back week after week and always find something new. And because vendors regularly refresh their booths, the inventory feels alive, not stale. It’s perfect for collectors, decorators, weekend wanderers, or anyone hunting for a gift that doesn’t come from a chain store.

Open seven days a week, with plenty of parking and staff who are actually helpful (and know their stuff), Palmetto Peddlers is more than an antiques mall—it’s a living archive of Southern memory. And it’s one of the most consistently enjoyable indoor attractions in Florence, rain or shine.

14. Boxwood Distillery, LLC

📍 Address: 5687 US-76, Florence, SC 29501

Boxwood Distillery is easy to miss if you’re speeding past on a Saturday. But slow down, and you’ll find one of the Pee Dee’s most surprising local gems—an award-winning craft distillery turning small-batch spirits into big experiences.

Founded with a deep respect for the South’s long, complicated history with alcohol—legal and otherwise—Boxwood Distillery blends tradition and innovation. Their signature Blackwater White Rum is smooth, slightly sweet, and has quickly developed a loyal following. But the real magic happens in the tasting room.

Open for walk-ins and private tastings, Boxwood doesn’t do gimmicks. No flashy tours or corporate gloss—just honest spirits and the stories behind them. If you’re lucky, you might catch a seasonal release or a specialty cocktail crafted by their in-house mixologist. During events like Cinco de Mayo, they’ve been known to roll out small-batch infusions and party-sized recipes that make you wish you brought a bigger bottle home.

The distillery’s setting also adds to the charm. Nestled in the rural outskirts of Florence, the space feels calm, clean, and purpose-built. Visitors often note how personal the experience feels—staff take their time, answer questions, and treat everyone like a neighbor, not a transaction.

If you’re into cocktail culture, local craftsmanship, or just want a break from typical tourist stops, Boxwood is worth the detour. And yes—you will want to take a bottle home. Or two.

Conclusion

Florence, South Carolina doesn’t try to be the loudest city in the room. It’s not flashing lights or sky-high promises. It’s layers. A Civil War past that still hums under the soil. A railroad town that learned how to move people and stories. A community that knows the weight of history—but also how to cook, create, remember, and rest.

This is a place where you can stand under century-old oaks in Timrod Park in the morning, walk through Civil War echoes by afternoon, and sip small-batch rum at sunset. You can listen to a symphony in a state-of-the-art concert hall one night, then spend the next afternoon digging through antique booths and finding someone else’s story in a dusty leather-bound photo album.

Florence is not about spectacle—it’s about sincerity. About real people doing real work to make something lasting. Whether it’s the farmer hauling crates of tomatoes to the Pee Dee Market, the volunteers maintaining memorials at the Veterans Park, or the artists painting bold stories across old brick walls downtown—this town is full of quiet hands shaping the future.

And that’s the thing: Florence stays with you. Not because it shouts, but because it speaks in ways that feel familiar, grounded, and honest.

So take your time here. Linger. Talk to people. Wander without a plan. Let the place unfold slowly—and you just might realize it’s not a detour. It’s a destination.

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FAQ

1. How far is Florence from Charleston?

Florence SC is about 115 miles north of Charleston, making it approximately a 2-hour drive. It's an easy trip if you're looking to explore more of South Carolina's charming cities.

2. What is the best time to visit Florence?

The best time to visit Florence SC is in the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) when temperatures are mild, making outdoor activities like visiting parks and attending festivals more enjoyable.

3. What is Florence known for?

Florence is known for its Civil War history, agricultural roots, and vibrant arts and music scene. The city is also home to excellent Southern cuisine and has a thriving downtown filled with unique shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions like the Florence Symphony Orchestra.

4. Is Florence worth visiting?

Definitely! Florence offers a great mix of history, culture, and outdoor activities. Visitors can explore fascinating museums, enjoy beautiful parks, and indulge in some of the best Southern food in the region. It’s a perfect stop for anyone exploring South Carolina.

5. What are the top attractions in Florence?

Some of the top attractions in Florence SC include the Florence County Museum, Lynches River County Park, Florence Veterans Park, and Magnolia Mall. The city's Downtown Historic District and Pee Dee State Farmers Market are also must-visits for both history and food lovers.

6. How far is Florence from Myrtle Beach?

Florence SC is approximately 70 miles west of Myrtle Beach, which takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to drive. It’s a great day trip option for those visiting the coast and wanting to explore inland South Carolina.

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