Rock Hill

Rock Hill is a city of around 75,000 along the Catawba River in the north-central section of the Piedmont of South Carolina about 150 miles (240 km) from the Atlantic Ocean and 75 miles (121 km) from the Blue Ridge Mountains.

History

Succeeding cultures of indigenous peoples lived in the region for thousands of years, including the historic Catawba Indian Nation, whose members live near Rock Hill and form the only tribe in South Carolina that is federally recognized. Rock Hill became a town in the mid-1800s with the arrival of a rail line through the area. According to some accounts, the engineers marked the spot on the map and named it "Rocky Hill". The first passenger train arrived in 1852, and the first Rock Hill Post Office opened a few weeks later. Now that the town had a name, a railroad station, and a post office, it began to draw more settlers to the area. The rail line is still in use for freight transport, but passenger service is not available.
At the beginning of the American Civil War, about half of Rock Hill's inhabitants were slaves, integral to local cotton production. Due to its position on the railroad, Rock Hill became a transfer point for Confederate soldiers and supplies moving to and from the front. When General Lee surrendered at the Appomattox Court House, it was a future Rock Hill resident who was responsible for waving the white flag: Captain Robert Moorman Sims, sent to inform Union troops that the Confederate troops wanted a truce.
The Civil War changed Rock Hill tremendously, like elsewhere in the South. Rock Hill grew as a town, taking in war refugees, widows and their families, and the return of the men who had left to fight the war. Town life began to become more important than rural life. When the town was incorporated in 1870, most of the merchants in Rock Hill were former Confederate soldiers; many were entrepreneurs who were new to town, trying to start over.
In 1961, Rock Hill was the setting for two significant events in the civil rights movement. In February 1961, the "Friendship Nine", a group of nine African-American men, went to jail at the York County prison farm after staging a sit-in at a segregated lunch counter in downtown Rock Hill. To save money for the movement, they refused to pay bail, inspiring other civil rights groups to do the same. Later, Rock Hill was the first stop in the Deep South for a group of 13 Freedom Riders, who boarded buses in Washington, DC, and headed South to test the court ruling outlawing racial segregation in all interstate public facilities. When the civil rights leader John Lewis and another black man stepped off the bus at Rock Hill, they were beaten by a white mob that was uncontrolled by police, drawing national attention.
Rock Hill has experienced steady growth in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, with the city boundary expanding far beyond its original limits.

Climate

Rock Hill has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by humid summers and cool dry winters. Precipitation does not vary greatly between seasons. July is the hottest month, with an average high temperature of and an average low temperature of . The coldest month of the year is January, when the average high temperature is and the average low temperature is . The warmest temperature ever recorded in the city was in 1983 and tied in 2007. The coldest temperature ever recorded in the city was in 1985. In the summer months, afternoon thunderstorms are typical and are sometimes severe containing strong winds and hail. During the winter months, snowfall is fairly light and rare, only occurring on average one to three times.

Visitor information

• Visitors Center

  phone: +1 803-329-5200
  address: 375 South Anderson Rd

By plane

The nearest major airport is Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) in Charlotte. For private flights, Rock Hill also has a general aviation airport, Rock Hill–York County Airport.

By car

• From Charlotte and Columbia: Take I-77 to exit number 79 and follow Dave Lyle Blvd.
• From Greenville and Atlanta: Take I-85 to exit number 109 and follow South Carolina HWY 5.

By bus

The 82x bus operated by Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) offers service from Charlotte to Rock Hill. Geared towards commuters, it goes from Rock Hill to Charlotte in the morning and from Charlotte to Rock Hill in the late afternoon. This schedule makes it usable for going to Rock Hill to spend a night or more, but not for a day trip.

Downtown Rock Hill is easily accessible by foot, but the majority of Rock Hill is best accessed by car or bike. Rock Hill is a bicycle-friendly town with numerous bike routes located in the city – maps and other information are available from the city's website.

Rock Hill is a historic city with a rich history of arts and culture. In its downtown, there are a variety of museums and art galleries. There are also thirty-one parks located throughout the city which offer miles of green, shaded trails and athletic fields.

• Downtown Rock Hill

  address: 154 E Main St
  Twelve historic contiguous buildings built between 1870 and 1931 with a few shops, museums, restaurants, museums, and a park featuring a large fountain and benches.

• Riverwalk Rock Hill

  address: 1 Herrons Ferry Rd
  A mixed-use community consisting of specialty shops, restaurants and hiking trails located along the Catawba River.

• York County Museum

  phone: +1 803-329-2121
  address: 4620 Mt Gallant Rd
  Natural history museum minutes away from downtown Rock Hill.

• Cherry Park

  address: 1466 Cherry Rd
  Vast green spaces with a 1.5-mile trail, picnic areas and numerous athletic fields on 70 acres of land.

• Manchester Meadows

  address: 337 E Mt Gallant Rd
  Soccer complex with large green open space and running trails.

• Ebenezer Park

  address: 4490 Boatshore Rd
  Large lakefront park with boat ramps, picnic areas and a 2-acre beach.

• Glencairn Garden

  phone: +1 803-329-5620
  address: 725 Crest Street
  Famous Rock Hill landmark with numerous fountains, trails and blooming gardens

• Manchester Cinemas

  phone: +1 844-462-7342
  address: 1935 Cinema Dr
  14-screen theatre featuring new-release films, plush seating and concessions located in the Manchester Village area.

There are numerous outdoor activities to do in Rock Hill including hiking, biking, kayaking and zip-lining. Aside from outdoor activities, there are also indoor activities including bowling, movies and an indoor trampoline park. The city also hosts the Come See Me Festival, a spring festival which attracts people from across the state.

• Come See Me Festival

  address: 725 Crest Street
  Rock Hill's annual spring festival, celebrated for over 50 years, with music, food, and lots of activities and events.

• Pinetuck Public Golf Course

  phone: +1 803-327-1141
  address: 2578 Tuckaway Rd
  Public golf course ten minutes from downtown Rock Hill.

• Revolutions Bowling & Bar

  phone: +1 803-526-7070
  address: 2300 Dave Lyle Blvd
  Entertainment complex with an arcade, bowling alley, laser tag and full-service restaurant and bar.

• Canaan Zip-lining

  phone: +1 803-327-6932
  address: 3111 Sand Island Road 29732
  Scenic canopy tours of the Catawba River minutes from downtown Rock Hill.

• Catawba River Expeditions

  phone: +1 803-327-9335
  address: Quality Circle 29730
  Locally-owned tour agency providing scenic views of the Catawba River from Wylie dam to River Park in Rock Hill.

• Rock Hill Tennis Center

  phone: +1 803-326-3841
  address: 897 Maplewood Lane
  Tennis center with eleven full-size tennis courts along Cherry Road.

• Rock Hill Outdoor Center

  phone: +1 803-329-5632
  address: Herrons Ferry Road
  Major outdoor sports complex with hiking and mountain bike trails, soccer fields, open spaces, a world-class velodrome and BMX course, and a planned outdoor rock-climbing course.

Below is a listing of popular shopping areas in Rock Hill. There are also numerous local and chain stores found in Downtown Rock Hill and other locations along popular roads throughout the city.

• Riverwalk Rock Hill

  address: 1 Herrons Ferry Rd

• Rock Hill Galleria

  phone: +1 803-324-1711
  address: 2300 Dave Lyle Blvd
  Small mall with anchors such as Belk, JCPenney and Sears along with small specialty shops.

• Manchester Village

  address: John Ross Pkwy
  Shopping area consisting of major anchors such as Target, Dick's, and Best Buy as well as small specialty stores and restaurants.

• Milwood

  address: 305 Herlong Avenue
  Shopping area along Herlong Ave on the northwest side of town featuring an LA Fitness, Talbot’s, Jos. A. Bank, and many other smaller shops and restaurants.

• Winthrop Commons

  address: 725 Cherry Road
  Shopping center along Cherry Road and across from Winthrop Univeristy with numerous shops, restaurants and an organic grocery store.

Beyond the popular restaurants listed below, dining options include numerous local and national chains along major corridors such as Celanese Road, Dave Lyle Boulevard, Cherry Road and Heckle Boulevard.

Southern

• Flipside

  phone: +1 803-324-3547
  address: 129 Caldwell St
  Relaxed bistro with a cool vibe featuring a Southern-style menu, specialty cocktails and brews on-tap.

• The Pumphouse

  phone: +1 803-329-8888
  address: 575 Herrons Ferry Rd
  Sophisticated, riverfront outpost featuring New American cuisine, craft cocktails and a rooftop bar.

• Five & Dine

  phone: +1 803-328-3463
  address: 135 E Main Street
  Colorful café at the location of the famous “Friendship Nine” sit-in offering southern dishes, sandwiches and known for its Chicken-n-Waffles.

American

• Michael's

  phone: +1 803-985-3663
  address: 1039 Charlotte Ave
  Island-themed eatery with Mediterranean and American dishes

• White Horse

  phone: +1 803-328-2172
  address: 1022 Camden Ave
  Casual tavern for American grill fare & casseroles with seats inside & out.

• Nishie G's

  phone: +1 803-366-4733
  address: Dilwoth Ln
  Classic burger joint featuring American and Greek plates.

• Grumpy Brothers

  phone: +1 803-328-2226
  address: 295 Herlong Ave
  Unpretentious counter serve restaurant/bakery supplying burgers, sandwiches & bottled beers, plus a patio.

• Dixie Pig BBQ

  phone: +1 803-324-3116
  address: 2007 Celanese Rd
  Intimate locale serving familiar barbecue grub such as pulled pork & ribs in low-key surrounds.

• Sonny's Dutch Mill

  phone: +1 803-324-3663
  address: 550 N Anderson Rd
  Casual diner serving home-cut fries and juicy burgers that are proclaimed as being, “best burgers in town.”

• The Little Café

  phone: +1 803-329-1440
  address: 725 Cherry Road #180
  Small quaint cafe featuring home-cooked meals, breakfast and known for its down-to-Earth southern hospitality.

Breakfast

• The Yolk

  phone: +1 803-792-4449
  address: 1912 Mount Gallant Rd
  Sleek, easygoing diner dishing up omelets, pancakes and other breakfast favorites.

• The Patty Wagon

  phone: +1 803-366-0026
  address: 135 S Herlong Avenue
  Upcoming diner featuring quick breakfast bites.

• Famous Toastery

  phone: +1 803-366-8020
  address: 2215 India Hook Rd
  Iconic breakfast spot known for French toast and friendly atmosphere.

• Eggs Up Grill

  phone: +1 803-327-3447
  address: 2732 Celanese Road
  South Carolina chain offering breakfast, burgers and sandwiches in a colorful beach-setting.

Italian

• Empire Pizza & Bar

  phone: +1 803-985-2337
  address: 4810 Old York Rd
  Sporty pizza parlor offering hand-tossed New York-style pies in an upbeat setting.

• Luigi & Son's

  phone: +1 803-328-3449
  address: 2387 Cherry Road
  Sit-down Italian restaurant offering traditional family dishes.

• Ouzo's

  phone: +1 803-366-7800
  address: 4124 Celanese Rd
  Local Italian restaurant offering classic Italian & Greek dishes.

Chinese & Japanese

• Delicacy Chinese Bistro

  phone: +1 803-980-1688
  address: 1435 Riverchase Blvd
  Cozy standby with subtle lighting and traditional Chinese dishes.

• Fuji Japan

  phone: +1 803-327-9940
  address: 2455 Cherry Road
  Upcoming Japanese restaurant featuring hibachi and sushi.

• Sakura Japanese Steakhouse

  phone: +1 803-325-1318
  address: 850 Patriot Pkwy
  Flashy chefs that grill foods tableside with sushi & other Japanese fares.

Thai

• Thi's Place

  phone: +1 803-328-8447
  address: 210 E Main Street
  Locally-owned Thai restaurant with quick bites and healthy options.

• Sila Thai

  phone: +1 803-980-0048
  address: 979 N Anderson Rd
  Fast-service Thai restaurant offering healthy options in a cozy setting.

Mexican

• Taqueria El Manhatten

  phone: +1 803-329-0090
  address: 1917 Cherry Road
  Local Mexican hang-out with small plates, quick bites and plenty of healthy options.

• Tequila Family Mexican

  phone: +1 803-328-9909
  address: 1107 Cherry Road
  Family Mexican restaurant serving classic Mexican fare.

There are quite a few options for coffee, bars and breweries in Rock Hill. Most of the coffee shops are located in the downtown area of Rock Hill while bars and breweries are located throughout the city. There are also chain coffee retailers and bars located along major corridors including Celeaneae Road, Dave Lyle Boulevard, Cherry Road and Heckle Boulevard.

Coffee shops

• Amélie's Bakery & Café

  phone: +1 803-403-9409
  address: 157 E Main Street
  French cafe offering counter-serve coffee and freshly baked goods.

• Grapevine Café

  phone: +1 803-802-9463
  address: 829 Terrace Park
  Cozy café featuring small plates, coffee as well as beer and wine.

• Nova's Bakery & Coffee Shop

  phone: +1 803-366-3343
  address: 1108 Cherry Road
  Hip coffee shop featuring a variety of coffee and baked goods.

• Knowledge Perk Coffee

  phone: +1 803-327-7375
  address: 130 W White Street
  Cozy, casual, fast-service coffee shop with locally brewed coffee and espresso.

Bars & pubs

• Burgers & Barley

  phone: +1 803-328-3926
  address: 111 Cherry Rd
  Trendy brewpub with tasty burgers and Buffalo-style wings.

• McHales Irish Pub

  phone: +1 803-329-8580
  address: 122 E Main St
  Traditional Irish pub for both Irish and traditional American plates and brews.

• Millstone Pizza & Taphouse

  phone: +1 803-980-2337
  address: 121 Caldwell Street
  Low-key venue featuring more than 40 craft beers, plus thin-crust Neapolitan style pizza.

• Time Out Sports Bar

  phone: +1 803-327-3272
  address: 131 S Herlong Avenue
  Low-key bar featuring burgers, chicken tenders and great for groups.

• The Chicken Shak

  phone: +1 803-327-0234
  address: 1415 E Main Street
  American restaurant featuring "best chicken in town" along with happy hour specials.

• Brass Tap

  phone: +1 803-329-9094
  address: 819 Terrace Park
  Festive pub with a patio offering myriad beer options and wine with live music.

Breweries

• Legal Remedy Brewing

  phone: +1 803-324-2337
  address: 129 Oakland Ave
  Industrial-chic haunt for craft beer and classic American food.

• Rock Hill Brewing Company

  phone: +1 803-207-9104
  address: 121 Caldwell Street
  Edgy craft beer spot with local brews.

Below is a listing of popular accommodations in the city. However, there are also many more budget motels located in the Riverwalk/Cherry Road area of Rock Hill.

Manchester Village/Galleria

• Hilton Garden Inn

  phone: +1 803-325-2800
  address: 650 Tinsley Way
  Modern hotel with an outdoor pool, hot tub, and business center.

• Hampton Inn

  phone: +1 803-325-1100
  address: 2111 Tabor Drive
  Contemporary lodging with free hot breakfast and wi-fi with an outdoor pool and fitness center.

• Comfort Suites

  phone: +1 803-326-3300
  address: 1323 Old Springdale Rd
  Traditional all-suite hotel with an indoor pool and gym.

• Holiday Inn

  phone: +1 803-323-1900
  address: 503 Galleria Blvd
  Contemporary hotel featuring a casual restaurant, fitness center and indoor pool.

• Hilton Home2 Suites

  phone: +1 803-980-6000
  address: 1285 Old Springdale Rd
  Bright studio & suites with kitchenettes, a gym, indoor pool and outdoor grills.

Riverwalk/Cherry Road

• Courtyard Marriott

  phone: +1 803 324-1400
  address: 1300 River Run Court
  Straightforward hotel with contemporary rooms, an indoor pool and business center.

Free Wi-Fi

The City of Rock Hill government offers free public wi-fi at various locations around the city. The network will appear under the name, "Rock Hill Rocks" and anyone with a smartphone or computer can access this network at no charge. There is no password needed, just accept the terms and conditions.
There is also free Wi-Fi available at many local restaurants and coffee shops.

• Charlotte – head over the border to North Carolina's largest city, a dynamic, rapidly growing regional powerhouse.
• Columbia – major city and capital of South Carolina is a straight-shot south along I-77.
• Fort Mill – another Charlotte suburb in South Carolina, just north along I-77.