Darlington Attractions

NATIONAL MOTORSPORTS PRESS ASSOCIATION STOCK CAR HALL OF FAME / JOE WEATHERLY MUSEUM
The museum, located on the doorstep of Darlington Raceway, houses an extensive collection of historical stock cars and stock car memorabilia. A small theater provides footage of some of Darlington's - and NASCAR's most exciting moments. Kiosks provide information about the drivers that made their mark on the track and on the sport. One of the most amazing displays is the 1991 Chevy Lumina (or what's left of it) that Darrel Waltrip crashed and rolled. Hours: Monday - Saturday, 9:00am - 5:00pm; Sunday, 1:00pm - 5:00pm. Admission: $3.  Handicap accessible.

WILLIAMSON PARK
The 64-acre preserve is located on the edge of Darlington’s city limits. The park boasts a picnic area, swamp, cultured garden and a variety of wildlife. Williamson Park is a natural habitat for at least 230 species of plant life and a multitude of wildlife species including raccoons, possums, beavers, and several dozen species of birds. Open all year, dawn to dusk.

JOHANNES KOLB ARCHEOLOGY DIG
Archaeologists believe they have found the site of the 1730's homestead of Johannes Kolb, a German immigrant and the head of the modern Kolb, Kulp, and Culp families.  The scientists return to the dig site, which is located in the Great Pee Dee Heritage Preserve, every year in March.  The first Saturday in March is Public Day. On this day, the artifacts are displayed, archaeologists are on hand to answer questions, and re-enactors provide demonstrations.  Over the past several years, archaeologists have uncovered a variety of artifacts including a 16,000 year old spear tip. Virtually every known prehistoric culture in South Carolina has been documented at this one site.  Admission is free. Call Darlington County Tourism Office for exact dates and times.

BUDDY JOHNSON
Darlington-native Buddy Johnson was a bandleader and musician who toured Europe with the Cotton Club Revue before returning to NY and forming the Buddy Johnson Orchestra. His sister, Ella, soon joined him with her distinctive vocals. At its peak, the Buddy Johnson Orchestra had 17 members and was such a regular at the Savoy Ballroom in NY, that Buddy earned the title, The King of the Savoy Ballroom. Buddy was also a skilled composer whose songs (Since I Fell For You) were covered by a variety of artists. Buddy Johnson was inducted into the SC Music Hall of Fame in 2001. A display of Buddy and Ella Johnson memorabilia and music is available for viewing by appointment at the Cultural Realism Complex. Contact the Darlington County Tourism Office (darcotour@bellsouth.net ) for more information.

GREAT PEE DEE HERITAGE PRESERVE
A 2,275-acre preserve that provides a habitat for four endangered species and many common native species.  Look for river otters, beavers, bobcats, gray foxes, wood ducks, wild turkeys, osprey, hawks and four species of herons.  Seven miles of river snake through the preserve. Open dawn until dusk.

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