Travel Log: Darlington

Darlington has been a rather quiet town in its history, the county having been established primarily by Welsh Baptists. Church establishment played a large role in the growth of this area for several years.

During the Civil War, Darlington was not in any direct pathway of fighting so it was largely unharmed. When South Carolina seceded from the Union in 1860, however, it was a group called the Darlington Guards who were the first men called upon to help defend Charleston. They later returned to Darlington before taking part in several different battle and protection situations for many years.

The years after the war changed the area's income. The cotton industry gave way to tobacco, which still rules the area.

Just more than 6,500 residents make up Darlington, which over time broke into pieces to establish larger areas such as Florence, S.C.

DID YOU KNOW?
Darlington County is the subject of a song entitled Darlington County by Bruce Springsteen on the album, Born in the U.S.A.

WHAT THE CITY OFFERS
Taste of Darlington -- Start race week off right with Taste of Darlington on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Hospitality Village at Darlington Raceway. For $30, visitors can sample foods and spirits prepared by local cooks that give the area its own spice of life.
For more information, click here

Race Fest on the Square -- On Wednesday, Darlington welcomes NASCAR in style with Race Fest on the Square and the hauler parade. A car show, food and souvenirs lead up to the hauler parade at 8:30 p.m. as 25 Nextel Cup transporters carry racecars through downtown Darlington. Fireworks begin after the parade in the Square.
For more information, click here

11th Annual Bluegrass on the Waccamaw -- Take a lawn chair and plop down in historic downtown Riverfront Park in Conway, S.C., and enjoy some good old South Carolina bluegrass. The Sandy Bottom Beach Boys will take the stage for the Friday night showcase inside the Old Peanut Warehouse. Music goes from 12:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. Conway is about 60 miles southeast of Darlington.
For more information, click here

MUST-VISIT RESTAURANT
Raceway Grill -- If it's good enough for NASCAR drivers, it's good enough for NASCAR fans. A local stop just down the road from the racetrack, Raceway Grill's specialty is its hamburger steaks and onions. Stop by on the way to the race.
For more information, click here

WEATHER FORECAST
Highs are expected to be in the mid-80s late in the week with a chance of scattered thunderstorms. Click here for complete forecast.

TRAVEL
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