Indigo Blue

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       York is a charming town that is nestled quietly between the noisy transit of I-85 and I-77. Originally inhabited by the Catawba Indians, the first white settlers came to the area on the Great Wagon Road in the early 1750’s. The town was first known as Fergus Crossroads, named for William and John Fergus, owners of a local tavern. The Revolutionary War was pivotal in the area as the Patriot forces scored two huge victories. The Battle of Huck’s Defeat was won by Colonel William Bratton’s battalion, fighting in the shadow of his own home. Historic Brattonsville showcases the estate of William and Martha Bratton. Historic interpreters bring the 18th Century back to life at this beautiful and well preserved site. Fourteen miles northwest of York is Kings Mountain, home to a State Park and National Battlefield. The battle at Kings Mountain was called the “Gettysburg of the Revolution” by President Theodore Roosevelt. After the Revolution newly named Yorkville was chosen as the county seat of York County in 1785. Yorkville was officially incorporated in 1841.

    By the mid 19th century Yorkville had become one of the larger towns in South Carolina’s Upcountry. In 1853 The Yorkville Enquirer was started by Lewis Grist. This publication ran weekly until 2006 when it merged with another local paper. Yorkville was the first town in the Upcountry to have gas lighting and boasted the Rose Hotel, a sophisticated establishment admired across the region for its hospitality. By 1915, the residents of Yorkville decided to shorten the town’s name to York. Today York has about 7,000 residents and has one of South Carolina’s largest historic districts. York also boasts a reputable local community theatre troupe, the Yorkville Players. They have entertained York since 1990 with such acts as Frankenstein, Dracula and I Hate Hamlet. The Yorkville Players perform at the historic McCelvey Center. In October they will feature The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon, a production that will feature all 209 tales in just 90 minutes.

     One of South Carolina’s most popular one day festivals is York’s Summerfest. This festival, held on the fourth Saturday of August attracts as many as 50,000 visitors! This farewell to summer includes a moon light bike ride, arts and crafts sale and a golf competition. Windy Hill Orchard & Cider Mill is a must see in the fall on a visit to York. Apple picking, hay rides and hot apple cider doughnuts are just a few reasons people visit the Gusmer Family. The doughnuts here are legendary, a craft the Gusmers have perfected. Just three miles north in Filbert the Smith Family has run the Peach Tree Orchards since Lyndon B. Johnson was president. Along with fresh peaches they have a full service ice cream parlor that serves up everything from sundaes to coke floats. In October they have a hay bail maze and sell pumpkins in anticipation of Halloween.

    Indigo Blue made a visit to York on June 6, 2009. York was named by Pennsylvania settlers who migrated here in the 18th Century. They named their new home after the PA town of the same name. The town name originates from York, England. The Houses of York and Lancaster were famous for England’s bitter 15th Century War of the Roses. The House of York represented the white rose, while the House of Lancaster represented the red rose. York and Lancaster, SC claim the white and red rose to this day. Maxi and I had been to York once, but the weather didn’t cooperate very well that March day. This return trip couldn’t have been better. The late afternoon sun was warm and made the historic district glisten. We walked the downtown area with little interruption. We snapped pictures of York Presbyterian Church and the Latta House.

   Historic York is a perfect place to take a walk in a quaint small town setting. As you stroll down Congress Street you will feel the heartbeat and spirit of this Olde English District town. There are several restaurants and businesses downtown. The Sylvia Theater is a restored arts venue that hosts movies and live performances. It has received critical acclaim for its recent renovation. The Sylvia is known for its incredible acoustics and great weekly shows. Good food abounds in York. The Coal Yard serves up great food and frequently hosts trivia nights. Live music adds to the fun in this 130 year old building, but text messaging and constant cell phone usage is out of the question. The Cotton Belt Bakery is one of York County’s premier places for those with a sweet tooth. I personally know people who come from Rock Hill and Fort Mill to the Cotton Belt to get fresh baked bread, cakes or their yummy cinnamon rolls. As we concluded our visit to York we made a reservation at one of our favorite restaurants, The Garden Café.   

     The Garden Café is a place that makes you feel cozy and comfortable as soon as you walk through the front door. This soothing destination mixes garden tones with coffee house ambiance and has a menu to please any palette. The décor is very shabby sheik, reminding one of an Upcountry Pawleys Island. The café has a small antique and gift store that Maxi and I loved. There was a Ryan Adams song playing in the background on the sound system that fit this classy, yet laid back atmosphere. When we arrived at our table there was a small place card that read Farnsworth, party of two. It made us feel very special. Let’s be honest, chain restaurants don’t take the time to write your name in calligraphy.

   The staff at The Garden Café goes the extra mile to make you a repeat customer. Our food came out in a timely manner. My sirloin steak and new potatoes came with a honey Tabasco sauce that left me speechless! Maxi loved the pecan encrusted chicken sandwich with pasta salad and sweet tea. Live acoustic music greets guests every Friday night, adding to the incredibly eclectic atmosphere. The Garden Café also hosts beautiful weddings outside at the Garden Gate Pavilion. My Aunt Elizabeth attended a wedding there a few years ago and she raved about the presentation and ambiance. We wanted to spend hours talking aimlessly about life’s simple pleasures but knew it was time to go home. It was a great afternoon spent in one of South Carolina’s historic small towns. As we left York along the rolling hills of Highway 5, a beautiful sunset capped a near perfect day. It was truly a special afternoon, matching the beauty of the white rose.

For more information on York call (803) 684-2590, or visit their web site: www.greateryorkchamber.com.

For more information on The Garden Cafe call (803) 684-7019, or visit their web site: www.thegardencafeyork.com

For photos of our trip to York please visit our photo gallery.