The Carolina Cup and Boykin Spaniel Week are two of many reasons to make the 30-mile trip to Camden for a quick getaway. From iSalud! Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Lounge to the National Steeplechase Museum, Camden offers a little bit of everything — making it a perfect little getaway
for Soda Citizens.
Before you start packing your bags, here’s everything you need to know about the area + our insider recommendations.
Drive time: ~38 minutes from downtown
Est. population: 7,185
Avg. high in July: 84°
🎟️ Things to do
Located in the historic downtown area, Books on Broad is a must-stop location to grab a coffee and browse for used books and more.
Camden Battlefield & Longleaf Pine Preserve
Located just eight miles north of downtown, the Camden Battlefield is over 450 acres and was the site of the Battle of Camden, where British troops defeated the Americans in the Revolutionary War.
Owned by Rusty Davis, father of country singer Patrick Davis who’s written this popular Gamecock-themed song, the guitar shop sells a variety of instruments and is a great spot to stop in and chat about the SC music community.
The Kershaw Fine Arts Center offers camps for kids, pottery classes for adults, and an array of events to keep you in touch culturally. Stay up to date with its event calendar.
If most of what you know about Camden comes from attending the Carolina Cup, an annual horse race attended by over 70,000 people, your venture to town should include a visit of the National Steeplechase Museum to learn more about the area’s connection to the sport.
If you’re looking to do some shopping on your visit, stop by the Pink Stable boutique to see the colorful selection of women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories for your next trip to the Carolina Cup.
🍔 Grub to eat
iSalud! Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Lounge
Located downtown, Salud serves modern Mexican + cocktails with food inspired by the Oaxaca and Jalisco areas of Mexico. Cola folks might be familiar with the flavors, Coa Agaveria y Cocina located in the Aloft Hotel in the Vista is the sibling restaurant of the Camden location.
Sweet Lili’s cupcakes are not just a dessert, they’re works of art. Owner Liliana Carmainas mastered her baking craft both here in Columbia and Mexico City.
Located just outside of Camden in Boykin, Mill Pond Steakhouse has long been a destination for Soda Citizens looking for a serene dining experience just a short country drive from Cola.
Located in a historic (circa 1875) building, Sam Kendall’s has been serving cold drinks and sophisticated food to the Camden area since 2007.
Described as a “quant cafe with delicious food,” The Loopy Lemon Cafe is the perfect lunch spot to grab a bite before you explore the town.
🏨 Overnight accommodations
If you get a wild hair and decide to turn this quick day trip into an overnighter, here are some spots to stay.
Built in the 1860s, Four Oaks Inn captures to the historic feel of Camden and was listed as one of the top 10 romantic inns of 2022.
Camden is located just minutes from Lake Wateree, so if you’re looking for a weekend getaway on the lake, look no further than this home. Here you can enjoy an afternoon on the lake and an evening in the historic downtown area.
Staying on the McCaskill’s farm offers more than just a place to lay your head and enjoy a great meal like the Friday Farm-to-Table Lunch. The farm also offers the opportunity to learn about canning techniques and feed the animals as guests are welcome to roam the farm.
This cottage is located on a pond, so if you’re looking to do a little fishing on your trip this catch-and-release water feature will be perfect for you. It’s also located just minutes north of downtown, so you’re close enough to enjoy all the perks of the area.
