The Charlotte metro region is still expanding and has more population, larger roadways, and shopping centers. But Fort Mill, which is located 25 minutes south of the Queen City, is still a tranquil haven with nearby eateries, retail stores, and entertainment venues. It’s the ideal location to spend an evening or a whole weekend getting away from the city and experiencing small-town charm.

The town, which was established in 1873, bears the name of a British frontier Fort that guarded the Catawba Indians who lived there and was named after Webb’s Mill, one of the region’s first grist mills. When Samuel Elliot White started Spring Industries, which is still in business today and was one of the first textile businesses in the area, Fort Mill found its way.

Find out what to do in Fort Mill, including outdoor activities, dining, and shopping. But, before that, book the best hotel in Fort Mill for your stay. You can also find a pet-friendly hotel in Fort Mill if you are traveling with your four-legged friend. A hotel near Fort Mill airport would be great if you have an early morning return flight.

Take a look at the Fort Mill History Museum

Visit the Fort Mill History Museum first before exploring the rest of the community. A lovely two-story house with a covered front porch houses the modest museum. Inside, historical antiques, sepia photographs, and informational displays depict Fort Mill’s past.

Location: 107 Cleburne Street, Fort Mill, SC

Try the samples at PuckerButt Pepper Company

Ed Currie received the Guinness World Records title for having the hottest chili in 2013. He gave it the name “Carolina Reaper,” which is the ideal moniker for pepper with 1.64 million Scoville Heat Units.

The PuckerButt Pepper Company, a tiny store that Currie built in downtown Fort Mill, sells a variety of peppers, including the notorious Carolina Reaper. From floor to ceiling, wire metal shelves are loaded with jars of hot sauces, marinades, and salsas. Visitors can try some of the goods—including Currie’s pepper—in a small sampling room before deciding to buy.

Location: Fort Mill, SC, 237 Main Street, Suite 1740

Olive’s Mud Puddle Serves Excellent Coffee

For a long time, Debbie Whitsett searched Fort Mill for the ideal location to launch her clay pottery business. Olive’s Mud Puddle, which bears the name of the owner’s beloved pet duck, is the only location in town where people can take pottery classes, look at local artwork, and have a hot cup of coffee.

In addition to Whitsett’s own ceramics, the gallery showcases locally produced juried art. Periodic exhibit changes give visitors a reason to return time and time again. Of course, another reason to stop by the modest store on Main Street is the lively entertainment provided by neighborhood bands and the cozy tables and chairs.

Location: Fort Mill, SC, 229 Main Street

Visit the Fort Mill Community Playhouse to see a performance

Spring for Sure was the first play that was shown to the public in Fort Mill. It was put on by Robert Reid, Steve McCrae, and many other locals in 1980. The enthusiastic response inspired the group to establish the Fort Mill Community Playhouse as a non-profit organization to stage shows all year.

Over the next thirty years, plays were put on at the local high school, in a temporary circus tent in a park, and in a small building in the downtown area. The Honky Tonk Angels was a production that the non-profit brought to its current location in 2016.

The intimate theater, which is close to Main Street’s local shops and restaurants, hosts a number of plays, concerts, and shows every year.

Location: 220 Main Street, Fort Mill, South Carolina

Enjoy Dining Downtown

The hardest evenings of the week to get parking in downtown Fort Mill are Friday and Saturday. It’s not because of performances in the Community Playhouse’s theater or concerts; rather, the delicious food is to blame. Compared to neighboring Rock Hill, Fort Mill is only a few streets long, but it houses four excellent eateries.

Local Dish was one of the first restaurants to open in the city center. Most of the meals at the family-run restaurant, which serves “elevated southern cuisine,” are made with local products.

Due to its famous outside patio on the outskirts of downtown, Hobo’s is the restaurant that Fort Mill residents are most familiar with. The eatery, which has the greatest view of the railroad tracks in town, is named after individuals who board moving trains for free trips across the country. Tacos, hamburgers, and mixed beverages are all on their delicious and full menu.

The Improper Pig is the best barbecue joint in the area or the place to start if you’ve never eaten real North Carolina BBQ. All the meats are smoked in-house, sauces are made from scratch, and only the best ingredients are presented with each meal at this Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives location, which was featured on an episode of the Food Network show.

Emmet’s Social Table was started in Waxhaw and just moved to Fort Mill. Its goal is to create a place where people can hang out with friends and family. Along with craft beer and beverages, the menu offers more shareable foods than a traditional restaurant menu.

First and foremost, the residents of Towne Tavern want everyone to know that they support the Buffalo Bills. Any sport that is on big screen televisions will be shown, but if the Bills are playing, you will only see that! The food is served in portions fit for giants, and it is intended to be enjoyed for an hour with friendly chatter and less friendly yelling at the referees.

Buy Alcohol at Amor Artis Brewing

Travis and Steve Tolson were both born in Fort Mill, South Carolina, but their lives were very different when they were young. Travis loved making beer in his garage in Upstate New York before he moved to Alaska and then Asheville to work as a brewer and manager. Steve, on the other hand, holds a master’s degree in biology from the Citadel and a degree in chemistry from Davidson College.

In 2018, the brothers decided to start their own business, called Amor Artis Brewing, and move back to where they were born. When visiting Fort Mill, you should stop by the lovely brewery with its exposed brick walls and dark wood tables to sip some regional craft beer. Stick around after dusk for vibrant entertainment at one of the few places in town that turn it up a notch on weekends.

Visit The Peach Stand to Shop

I needed fuel and a bathroom while driving from Charlotte along Interstate 77. The first place I found it was at the Fort Mill exit, just past the fancy new Kingsley Town Center. When I parked up next to a sizable, contemporary, spotless structure under the Exxon carport, I wasn’t sure what to expect.

Within, I discovered a fascinating rest stop that had been forgotten by time. The butcher shop had a long line of residents awaiting their turn. Groceries created in the area were abundantly displayed on shelves. The restaurant and deli were still taking orders, even though the ice cream shop had already closed for the day.

Since 1980, The Peach Stand has served the Fort Mill neighborhood as a grocery shop, fruit stand, and convenience store. It’s the ideal rest break for travelers passing through or Fort Mill tourists.

Location: Fort Mill, SC, 1325 SC Highway 160

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