Established in the mid-18th century by Scots-Irish and English settlers, the city of Lancaster has arts, culture and history. At first glance, the rustic city may not seem to offer all that much, but simply opening a door or peeking around a corner can offer quite a surprise.
A perfect illustration of this is Bob Doster’s Backstreet Studio. It’s not every building that has plates and coffee cups glued to its exterior, letting you know an artist dwells inside. Doster has been practicing the art of metal sculpting, since he was playing with his father’s blow torch at the age of eight. Now, you can see his art around the world. Being in Lancaster his whole life, Doster has seen the city during its best and worst times. According to him, things are on the upswing once again, thanks to places like The Native American Studies Center.
Chris Judge is an Archaeologist and Assistant Director at the center, who is dedicated to the study of South Carolina’s Native American peoples, their histories, and cultures. The facility is part of the University of South Carolina and holds classes, lectures, and other learning programs. It also hosts the single largest collection of Catawba Indian pottery in the world, practiced by the Catawbas for almost five-thousand years.
On the other side of the racetrack, the Lancaster Motor Speedway is one of the biggest forms of entertainment around. Being one of the oldest dirt tracks in the Carolinas, the welcoming and close-knit community offer a unique experience when combined with the sound of roaring engines and the smell of gasoline…a country wonderland.
After all that excitement, you’ll want to cool off and relax with a beverage and the Benford Brewery Company is the place to do it. Unlike most breweries, you won’t be able just go around the corner for a drink. It’s the only agricultural destination brewery in the state, so get ready for a tiny adventure to go along with your libations. Starting out as a hobby for its owner Bryan O’Neal, the art of fermentation has now become his main profession. The live music and food trucks create an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else.
