The Old 96 District, made up of five counties in the western part of South Carolina, is home to rural beauty and some of the most colorful stories of the state's past. Here on South Carolina's Freshwater Coast, you can stay in historic inns, working farms and bed and breakfasts on the town square. Here are a few to check out.
Enjoy a Quiet Stay at a Quaint B&B in the Old 96 District
Just a short stroll from The Square in downtown Abbeville, the Veranda on Main features four bedrooms with private baths. Each room has custom bedding, linens and drapes, while the house has 10-foot ceilings, hardwood plank floors cut from the Tennessee mountains and a Swarovski crystal chandelier in the foyer. One of the bathrooms has specially designed red vessel sinks, while another has a Jacuzzi tub. There is a common kitchen for guests.
Belmont Inn, 104 East Pickens St., Abbeville
The Belmont Inn sits on The Square in downtown Abbeville, where it opened in 1903 as the Eureka—a spot for railroad visitors and artists who played the Abbeville Opera House. It fell into decline in the 1950s and closed in 1972 before being purchased, renovated and reopened as the Belmont Inn in 1984. It was renovated again and reopened in 2015. The inn, on the National Register of Historic Places, has 25 guest rooms. The inn's veranda overlooks the square, and a restaurant serves lunch and dinner Wednesday through Saturday, as well as Sunday brunch.
Chateau Amelia, 258 N. Main St., Cross Hill
Located in the Laurens County town of Cross Hill, Chateau Amelia was built in 1894 and features four guest rooms on the second floor, each with a queen bed and a private bath. One room also has a separate double bed, while another has an added daybed. The property also has a gift shop and a restaurant in the back of the house, which is open to the public for lunch and dinner. No pets.
