Thoroughbred Country, a tourism region in western South Carolina, takes pride in its historical and natural attractions. Groups traveling through Thoroughbred Country will especially take note of its equestrian roots.

Here are the four counties in Thoroughbred Country and some of the attractions each offers:

Historic Wilcox Inn in Aiken, Courtesy of SC Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism

Aiken County is known for its champion Thoroughbred horses. The Aiken Racing Hall of Fame Museum in Aiken is the place to start exploring the equestrian background of this town. The museum houses collections of trophies, photographs and silks of famous racing, steeplechase and polo horses and trainers. Located within historicHopelandGardens, the museum occupies renovated carriage houses. Private tours are available. While in Aiken, visit the many specialty shops downtown.

Salkehatchie Arts Center in Allendale SC, Courtesy of Thoroughbred Country Tourism

Allendale County lets travelers unwind after a busy day. You can walk along the historic Main Street in downtown Allendale and peer into the windows of Farmer Drug Store to see a re-created ice cream parlor and barber shop. Also onMain Street is the Salkehatchie Arts Center, a non-profit group that supports and sells a variety of art. Then stop by Miss Arnold’s School House, a one-room school house used around 1875. Also in Allendale County is Chappell Farms in Kline, where you can pick your own peaches from their groves during season.

Bamberg County is a history lover’s heaven. In the town of Ehrhardt, your group can tour the Broxton Bridge Plantation. There you can hike to see old Civil War battlegrounds and where the annual reenactment of the Battle for Broxton Bridge takes place. Another exciting event Bamberg celebrates is the Ehrhardt Schüetzenfest during August. The festival began in 1976 and celebrates German heritage and the town’s history.

Barnwell County provides travelers with a relaxing way to enjoy nature. Canoe and kayak down the Edisto River along the Barnwell County line, not far from downtown Barnwell. Then take your group to the Healing Springs near Blackville to experience a part of local history and Native American legend. To see another historical site, stop by the Barnwell County Courthouse and Vertical Sundial. Thought to be the only one of its kind left in America, the sundial has kept accurate time for over 150 years.

For more information about Thoroughbred Country, log on to tbredcountry.org