South Carolina's Pee Dee region is sometimes overlooked in favor of its rolling backcountry and sandy coastline—but the city of Florence offers plenty to do, see, and eat. Over the past decade, Florence has caught up with a walkable downtown core filled with restaurants, cultural attractions, and independent lodging, while the periphery still beckons with longtime local favorites.

9 a.m. Enjoy a cup of coffee at the Bean Bar

Start your morning at one of Florence's independent cafes, just minutes from the city center. Bean Bar offers 100% organic ingredients, including homemade sauces and syrups. Snacks and pastries are made in small batches, so come early before they run out.

11:30 am Pamper yourself in the legendary Venus Restaurant

When it opened in 1977, the 80-seat, 24-hour restaurant was known as the Venus Pancake House. Since then, Venus Restaurant has been a local institution with its wide variety of breakfast classics, sandwiches and dinner options. Order the famous Venus Omelet with ham, bacon, sausage, cheese, tomatoes, peppers and onions. Or try the Southern Pecan Buttermilk Pancake Trio.

Florence County Museum

13.00 Explore downtown Florence

Take a stroll and explore downtown Florence. The Florence County Museum moved to its snazzy new location on Cheves Street in 2014 and is celebrating 10 years of curated history with the Recollect exhibition, which is open through December 2024. Nearby, on Dargan Street, the main branch of the Florence County Library is open every day except Sunday and offers events for children and adults. Stroll down Dargan and West Evans—the city's “main streets”—where you'll find quirky spots for a treat like Top Hat Special-Tea's (Reservation required for tea time), ChocoBella (homemade sweets and ice cream), and Lula’s Coffee Company, Here you can refresh yourself with a soft drink or espresso. Feel like shopping? Try the Barringer General Store, Trendy Twist Boutique and Jack's Books (opening fall 2024).

Andrew Cebulka

4:00 p.m. Enjoy Happy Hour on the roof of the Dispensary

Yes, Florence is a small city, but it still has a modest skyline and the Dispensary is the ideal vantage point. Located above the Town Hall Restaurant, it offers over 3,000 square feet of rooftop space with a menu of amazing cocktails like The Dog Ate My Homework and Summer Crush.

Another idea: Apple Annie's Deli & Pub

For Apple Annie's Deli & Pub is an iconic watering hole that has it all: cheap drinks, friendly patrons, tasty appetizers, and a large patio. You'll have to drive or rideshare from downtown, but you'll get a taste of Florence you won't get anywhere else.

Andrew Cebulka

6:00 p.m. Dinner at the Town Hall

Downstairs in the Dispensary, the Town Hall menu draws foodies from far and wide, serving American dishes with a Southern twist. Main courses like leg of lamb and bone-in pork chops are served with local sides like butter beans and Carolina Gold rice, and a wide selection of craft cocktails, desserts and after-dinner digestifs round out the meal.

Another idea: Starfire Grill

A Florence staple, Starfire Grill is a short drive from downtown and is locally owned and operated. The American and Mediterranean menu is huge and includes salads, pita sandwiches, gyros, house specialties and desserts — as well as prepared meals to take home for later.

Victor's

7:30pm Watch a play at the Florence Little Theatre

In 2023, the Florence Little Theatre celebrated its centenary. First known as the Community Players and then the Pinewood Players, this homegrown hub for actors performed in many venues before settling in its current home on South Dargan Street. Shows run between autumn and spring – the 2024-2025 season begins with the musical classic Cats – so grab a ticket and enjoy the local talent.

Late evening: End the evening at the bar at Victor's

Victor's, an upscale steakhouse in the Hotel Florence, is a real hotspot for night owls. Grab a seat at the circular bar, order a glass of wine or a classic cocktail, and mingle with the friendly locals. If you're hungry, the bar menu features a steak kebab with mashed potatoes and vegetables, a turkey club with cranberry mayonnaise, and chicken wings in flavors like maple lemon pepper or caramelized peach barbecue.

Another idea: Jazz on Dargan

The cozy nightclub Jazz on Dargan offers live jazz music a few nights a week, a wide selection of martinis and cocktails, and a menu of interesting small plates. For night owls, it's also one of the few places open until 2am.

Where to sleep: This boutique hotel on West Palmetto Street puts you in the heart of Flo-Town's action. Managed by Hilton's Tapestry Collection, Hotel Florence offers rooms and suites with city views, complimentary breakfast and coffee, and a fitness center. Book an afternoon at Hotel Florence's spa for facials, massages, pedicures, and body treatments.