Location: Florence
Top Things to do in Florence
The 10 Best Things to Do in Florence, United States
Florence /ˈflɔːrəns/ is a city in Florence County, South Carolina, United States. It is probably best known for being the intersection of I-95 and I-20, and the eastern terminus of I-20. It is the county seat of Florence County and the primary city within the Florence metropolitan area. The area forms the core of the historical "Pee Dee" region of South Carolina, which includes the eight counties of northeastern South Carolina, along with sections of southeastern North Carolina. As of the 2010 census, the population of Florence was 37,056, and the estimated population in 2015 was 38,228.
Restaurants in Florence
1. Florence Veterans Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 74 reviews
Reviewed By Rod D
This is unexpected gem hidden behind the arena. They've done a great job representing all wars and all branches. It's a nice little are that is kept up well. My only complaint is its location. It would attract more visitors if it were down town.
2. Palmetto Peddlers Antiques Mall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By RichardsGal
This place is made up of different vendor sections. I items from jewelry, antique furniture, repurposed pieces, wreaths, and handbags. Prices vary from all ranges as they are Vendor set. Good place to find a unique accent piece for your home.
3. Florence County Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
The Florence County Museum showcases over 140 works representing 20th-century Southern art, along with works by Florence native, William H. Johnson. Through a range of exhibitions, studios, lectures and family programming, the FCM provides visitors of all ages an educational experience. The Pee Dee History Gallery is home to Native American and Colonial period artifacts as well as Civil War items from the Florence Stockade prison camp and Confederate Naval Yard. Natural sciences exhibits explore regional themes such as the formation of and biodiversity in the Great Pee Dee River. Temporary exhibits also are included.
Reviewed By TX2OBX - Dallas, Tx
Dropped in mid afternoon, very few patrons, so I talked to the receptionist a good bit. Spent most of my time in history section, but the art selection was also impressive. This large collection came from a very generous local doctor,and the selection is rotated regularly.
4. Florence National Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By urbanguy - Richmond, Virginia
We were to spend the night in Florence. In looking at "things to do" in the area, I noticed and read about the Florence National Cemetery. I decided that this was worth a stop before leaving town. I glad we went.
The explanatory signage was excellent. Clearly presented were the horrors (the numbers killed, captured, dying in captivity, etc.) of the American Civil War. With that in mind, we walked up and down a number of rows.......pretty depressing, but definitely interesting. Of particular note, buried here is the non-famous woman who dressed up as a man to be with her husband, a Union soldier.
5. Drs. Bruce & Lee Foundation Library
Overall Ratings
5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By ruralartist - Cheraw, SC
This library is easily accessible, free, and has an excellent and extensive collection of both fiction and non-fiction, including some Southern resource materials. You do need to sign up for a library card if you wish to check out materials. You can do this for a small fee if you are not local. I think local may be free.
6. Thieves Market
Overall Ratings
4 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By RichardsGal
I went here looking for 2 old doors. I found some but there prices were extremely high in my opinion. I did see some antique accent furniture pieces that spiked my interest. You could spends hours looking through all if the "stuff"". Some junk and some goodies as well. The staff was helpful. I did find the place to be unorganized and confusing to really know all they have.
7. Straw Hat Distillery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 8 reviews
Straw Hat Distillery is a locally owned and operated company that produces small batch handcrafted whiskies and flavored moonshines since 2014. Just hearing the term moonshine conjures up the image of an old copper still running in the back woods next to a flowing stream. However, Straw Hat is a modern small time distilling operation with aspirations of making high quality bourbon in the not so distant future. Keeping it local is what it’s all about. Corn and wheat, which make up the majority of the distilled spirits are sourced from local farms right here in the Pee Dee. When it comes to the infused moonshines, nothing tastes as great as 100% natural fruits, coffees and teas. The proof is in the taste of the shine. They offer a variety of moonshines that are of a reasonable alcohol content that most folks will enjoy and we offer higher alcohol content varieties for those who consider themselves a bit of a cocktail mixologist. The distillery is run by Steve Winter and Marc Kremer operated under South Carolina’s Micro Distillery Law where small producers are allowed to make up to 125,000 cases of spirits a year. The great thing about this relatively new law, it is based on educating the public on the traditional ways of producing spirits. You can see and taste the whole experience from beginning to end yourself. Tours, tastings and sales of the spirits produced on-site are available on Saturdays from 9am to 5pm.
Reviewed By cisco289 - Darlington, South Carolina
My wife and I had a 10:00 tasting/tour appointment and lucked out. We were the only people during that time slot, so we had a personal tour. This meant no noisy crowd and a friendly knowledgeable "guide" who would spend as much time with us...MoreThank you so much for coming out to the distillery. We are very happy that you enjoyed our spirits and the experience. Look forward to seeing you again. Steve
8. War Between the States Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By wbullseye - Windermere, Florida
I visited the War Between the States museum while spending a day in Florence. The museum is located in a two-story house in a residential area which makes it an odd place for it to be located. There is a gravel lot adjacent to the museum where you can park. The museum itself is only open two days a week, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 1000-1700. There was a minimal entrance fee of $3 for adults. They also had a small gift shop in the lobby.
The museum has a collection of artifacts found in the area as well as displays about the Confederate ironclad CSS Pee Dee, photographs of various individuals from the state who fought on both sides, a description of the Florence Stockade, and other items located on both floors of the house. There is also a small reference library located in a room on the second floor. For some reason there is also a room made up to look like what I assumed was what one would look like back then. There was no explanation so it was hard to tell what they intended to portray. Overall it was basically a large collection of items that they have obtained and placed in displays that were thoughtfully laid out for the most part.
While the museum is not as robust or as good as others it was still worthwhile visiting for a quick stop. It only took me about 45 minutes to see everything and that was taking my time. While I wouldn’t recommend making the museum the sole reason for visiting Florence it is still a nice stop if you are in the area. If you plan on visiting the Florence Stockade the museum gives a good background and is a good starting point before going there.
9. Seminar Brewing
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Florence's first distribution brewery! With a spacious tasting room and beer garden, Seminar Brewing is an ideal destination to enjoy locally-made craft beers. Also, Seminar Brewing is pleased to have Kanza under its roof. Worldly Flavor with Local Flair, Kanza is a restaurant operated by Alan Cooke of Rebel Pie fame.
Reviewed By William H - Ephrata, Pennsylvania
Tried their brew at local restaurant who recommended the visit. Small craft brews all skillfully done, the staff will come over and talk you through the tasting. they take PRIDE in what they do. Very well done brews- big things are coming from them.Thank you for the review! Be sure to check out our new, expanded location at 551 West Lucas Street in Florence.
10. Columns Plantation
Overall Ratings
4 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By phlegmsalad - Hartsville, South Carolina
We've been three times, once for a wedding reception and twice during the Civil War reenactment. Got to see the inside of the house during the reception only, was sparse, could have had more period furnishings to awe at but maybe they were cleared out for the guests. Nice piece of preserved history here.
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