We enjoyed a hosted stay at the East Main Guest House, a bed and breakfast in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and a complimentary trip to York County courtesy of Visit York County. All opinions are my own.
When our friends at Visit York County invited us for a weekend getaway, I had one non-negotiable: could we stay at a local bed and breakfast? That’s how we landed at the East Main Guest House, a gem nestled in the heart of Rock Hill’s East Town Historic District. If you’re searching for a cozy, historic bed and breakfast in Rock Hill, SC, with modern comforts and easy access to York County’s top attractions, this is the place.
A Historic Bed and Breakfast
Built in 1915 and spruced up in 2020, this bed and breakfast is the perfect mix of historic charm and modern perks. I love older homes (give me all the creaky floors), and I was smitten with East Main Guest House’s timeless character. The real MVP? The backyard garden—the perfect place to unwind with a glass of wine or lavender lemonade. And you know I’m a sucker for a front porch.
This bed and breakfast offers three queen guest rooms, each with a private bathroom. Two rooms boast cozy fireplaces, and one includes a luxurious jetted tub. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or an extended stay, the East Main Guest House delivers comfort and charm in spades.
Breakfast Worth Waking Up For
Mornings here are the best part. Guests enjoy fresh coffee, juice, and a rotating sweet or savory entrée. What makes it even better? The innkeepers source locally raised meats, veggies, and dairy, plus herbs and produce straight from their garden when it’s in season. It’s a farm-to-table breakfast that fuels your day of exploring Rock Hill and beyond.
We were treated to baked pears, gluten-free blueberry pancakes, eggs, and bacon on our first morning. The second morning included broiled grapefruit and eggs benedict with smoked salmon (so delicious that I had to get the recipe). The breakfast is truly fabulous—I would book a stay just for the food alone.
Exploring Rock Hill and York County
Located just steps from Old Town Rock Hill, this B&B is your launchpad to the area’s best. Here’s the rundown on all we explored:
Friday Night
We kicked off the weekend with dinner at Old Town Kitchen and Cocktails, a restaurant next to the Rock Hill Sports Center. Side note: Did you know Rock Hill is a hub of all things sports? They’re even the headquarters for the American Cornhole League. Anyway, the real MVP of Rock Hill might be the tomato soup and Brussels sprouts at Old Town Kitchen and Cocktails.
Saturday Morning
After breakfast at the B&B, we strolled through Glencairn Garden, an 11-acre oasis of vibrant blooms and winding paths. The camellias were in full bloom, the skies were clear, and the weather was warm, making our walk the perfect start to our day.
More Plants
Continuing the plant theme, we visited Green Space Plant Co., a must-visit for plant enthusiasts. My husband, Asher, runs his own pop-up home and garden boutique (he’s the green thumb—I’m the plant assassin), so we had to visit the local plant shop. We highly recommend a visit to grab a glass of wine and a plant or two.
Old Town Adventures
Next, we poked around Old Town Rock Hill, full of murals, boutiques, and galleries. We made stops at The Mercantile, the Center for the Arts, and the Rock Hill Pottery Center. The Hickory Post and McFadden’s (a one-stop shop for men) were two of our top picks. We also stopped at a personal favorite—Amelie’s French Bakery. When we were dating, Asher and I used to take late-night drives to the Amelie’s in Charlotte to indulge in caramel brownies and macarons. So visiting Amelie’s in Rock Hill was the best blast from the past.
History in Motion
Our afternoon took a meaningful turn at the Freedom Walkway. Walking the path of civil rights heroes was powerful, especially the Jail, No Bail exhibit, which dives into nine men’s impact on York County history. The restaurant, Kounter, played a huge role in the town’s history and the civil rights movement.
Saturday Night
Dinner at Kounter, housed in the historic McCrory’s Five and Dime building, was a highlight. And we couldn’t resist Elsie’s at Kounter, a speakeasy with remarkable cocktails. Check Elsie’s Instagram for the password for how to enter—it’s so much fun!
Sunday Farewell
After checking out, we hiked at Anne Springs Close Greenway in Fort Mill, which turned out to be a huge highlight of our trip and something I wouldn’t miss when visiting the area. After hiking, we grabbed lunch at Poppyseed Kitchen and loved every bite!
Honorable Mentions
We received so many recommendations from locals during our trip. The list includes Elk Ave Tavern, Rock Taco, The Pump House, and The Flipside Restaurant in Rock Hill. Recommendations for Fort Mill included Untamed Waters, The Speckled Pear, Illumination Wines, and Humble Cup Coffee.
Why East Main Guest House is a Must
Innkeepers Heidi and Scott made our stay unforgettable with their warm hospitality and attention to detail. Whether you’re planning a romantic retreat, girls’ trip, or a deep dive into York County’s history and culture, this bed and breakfast in Rock Hill, SC, checks every box.
Ready to book your own getaway? Visit eastmainguesthouse.com for more details and reservations. And don’t forget to let them know we sent you.
A special thank you to everyone at Visit York County for making our stay unforgettable.
Looking for more? Check out all our B&B stays here.
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