We use affiliate links. See our Disclosure Policy for more information. Hi Adventurers! As a South Carolina local, I am thrilled to introduce you to one of my most well-known cities — Rock Hill. And it has grown a lot. Disclaimer: this blog post is sponsored by Visit York County, however, all opinions are my own honest experience! It was once a variety store and lunch counter before becoming the restaurant it is today — known as Kounter. More importantly, this whites-only lunch counter was the site of the sit-in during the Civil Rights Movement.
The Friendship 9, as they became known, were a group of students from the nearby Friendship Junior College. They were arrested and deliberately decided not to post bail — refusing to pay into a clearly corrupt system. Their decision started the Jail, No Bail movement, inspiring others to also refuse to post bail when arrested for demonstrations during the Civil Rights Movement.
Kounter recently opened in , restoring the original lunch counter and paying homage to the Friendship 9. Owner Chef Rob even invited the surviving men to be the first served at the new restaurant, a nod to their initial refusal of service:. Beyond the historical significance, Kounter is an incredible restaurant in Rock Hill for an upscale meal with options for lunch and dinner, plus weekend brunch.
With plenty of choices on the menu, it also makes a great option for vegetarians looking for something unique. We enjoyed their pear spritzer mocktails and a medley of appetizers! The visitors center, located right in the heart of Old Town is the perfect place to start your adventure.
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Want to learn about local craft beer? Curious about history? Grab a pamphlet about the historic places in town. Fountain Park in Rock Hill is a wonderful spot for visitors traveling to the area on a budget. The park features a beautiful fountain surrounded by lush greenery. Food Truck Fridays are held once a month at Fountain Park, with local food trucks offering delicious dishes at affordable prices.
