This month’s Rock Hill Coca-Cola Bottling Company Picnic Trip takes us to Newberry, South Carolina. Load up the cooler with sandwiches and Coca-Cola products and head to the charming little town southwest of Rock Hill.
How to Get There
The trip from Rock Hill to Newberry will take about 1½ hours, no matter which of the three options you choose. Each way begins by heading out of town on SC-72 W towards Chester.
Option 1
Continue through Chester on SC-72 until you get to Whitmire. Then take SC-121S/US-176E into Newberry. This route is the most direct.
Option 2
In Chester take State Road S-20-18 to SC-2155. Then follow SC-34 into Newberry. This route will take you relatively close to Monticello Reservoir and Lake Monticello Park. That spot might make for a good picnic, too.
Option 3
This route splits the difference between options 1 and 2. Split from option 1 at State Road S-20-99, following it into Blair. From there, follow option 2 into Newberry.
What to Do
Once you reach Newberry itself, you will have several choices for activities. You can simply wander the downtown area and take in the local shops. This plan will easily incorporate a few of the following sites.
Newberry Opera House
Even if you are not attending one of the many events or shows there, the Newberry Opera House is still worth a look. Built in 1881, this French Gothic-inspired building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.
Wells Japanese Garden
This small city park features a Temple, Torri Gate, Moon Bridge, and Tea House.
The Newberry Museum
This free museum was originally constructed in 1911 as a post office. Now it houses a collection of regionally significant history as well as rotating exhibits.
Carter and Holmes Orchids
Located a few miles south of town, this orchid greenhouse is a must-see for the flower lover in your picnic party.
Lynch’s Woods Park
Sometimes referred to as Lynches Woods, this 276-acre wooded area is located behind Piedmont Technical College. In addition to the hiking, biking, and horse riding trails, Lynch’s Woods Park also offers picnic tables just perfect for your day. Unpack the cooler and enjoy an ice-cold Coke.