All About Fort Mill, SC
Living in Fort Mill
Just across the state line, Fort Mill, South Carolina, has become a magnet for Charlotteans. What’s the draw? For one, Fort Mill schools are ranked among the best in the state. Using data from the U.S. Department of Education, Niche.com ranked Fort Mill School District as the second best in the state. It also ranks as one of the safest cities in the state.
As more new construction homes become available in Fort Mill, it’s no wonder that more people who work in Charlotte are choosing a little commute over the hustle and bustle of city living. Fort Mill has so much to offer.
Saussy Burbank has a proud history in Fort Mill. We were an original builder in Baxter Village and built over 900 homes in ten years. Currently, we are building new homes in Masons Bend and Nims Village in Fort Mill.
Recreation
One of Fort Mill’s gems is Anne Springs Close Greenway, a 2,100-acre nature preserve that offers kayaking, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking and fishing. Its summer camps immerse kids in nature and outdoor adventure and its summer concert series draws people from all over, including Charlotte.
And if you’re a thrill-seeker, you’ll seek out Carowinds, one of the largest theme parks in the southeast. It straddles the North Carolina/South Carolina state line, making a season pass a great deal for Fort Mill residents. Even if you’re not into the thrill rides, the park is worth the visit for the Carolina Harbor Waterpark and the kids’ and family rides.
Another benefit of living in Fort Mill is proximity to Lake Wylie, which offers endless water adventure opportunities.
Anne Springs Close Greenway, 288 Dairy Barn Lane, Fort Mill, SC
Carowinds, 300 Carowinds Boulevard, Charlotte, NC
Celebrating
Don’t miss the festivals if you live in Fort Mill. Beertopia, “A Festive Utopia of Beer,” takes place every March, and a local church serves up Italian delicacies at St. Philip Neri Italian Festival.
But maybe the sweetest way the Fort Mill community comes together is for the South Carolina Strawberry Festival every spring. Compete in a Strawberry Cake Eating Contest, enjoy the concerts, go on the Ferris Wheel…but make sure to show up to cheer on the competitors in the Pig Races.
South Carolina Strawberry Festival
Dining
You can find any number of restaurants in Charlotte, especially the very nearby Ballantyne area, but there’s plenty to enjoy right in Fort Mill. For Southern hospitality, go to Local Dish, where you might want to indulge in the south staples of Shrimp and Grits, or Chickens ‘n’ Waffles.
The Peach Stand is a spot to get fresh, local produce, but it also boasts a custom butcher shop, restaurant, ice cream parlor and bakery.
Fish Market, in Baxter Village Town Center, boasts fresh seafood and menu items inspired by local produce. It’s a great spot for Sunday brunch.
Fish Market, 990 Market Street, Fort Mill
Local Dish, 217 Main Street, Fort Mill
The Peach Stand, 1325 Highway 160 West, Fort Mill
Getting fueled up
Whether you’re getting ready to face the workday, or enjoying a leisurely start to the weekend, you have several choices of places to enjoy a cup of coffee in Fort Mill.
Olive’s Mud Puddle brews coffee by Pure Intentions, Charlotte’s first USDA Organic and Fair Trade Certified coffee roaster. While you sip your coffee take a look and listen, because the shop also serves as an art studio and even hosts live music.
A second Main Street spot is Southern Sugar, which serves espresso, wine, pastries, and also serves meals in the evenings Monday through Saturday, and for brunch on Sunday.
Olive’s Mud Puddle, 229 Main Street, Fort Mill
Southern Sugar, 100 Main Street, Fort Mill
More about Main Street
While you’re having a coffee or lunch on Main Street, make sure to explore a little bit, because it’s not just got charm, it’s also got spice. Literally. PuckerButt Pepper Company creates and sells Smokin’ Ed’s Carolina Reaper, a pepper that was awarded the Guinness World Record for hottest chilli pepper in the world. Eat at your own risk.
There’s even a craft brewery on Main Street now. Amor Artis is founded by two brothers who returned to their hometown to brew beer and create a gathering spot for friends and neighbors. The brewery hosts live music, food trucks, bike rides and more.
PuckerButt Pepper Company, 235 Main Street, Fort Mill
Amor Artis Brewing, 204 Main Street, Fort Mill
Small Town Living
Living in Fort Mill provides the perfect balance. Enjoy easy proximity to all that Charlotte has to offer, but return to a slower pace in a small, friendly town.
