The 12-mile Beauty Trail is lined with marked gardens that begin to bloom in late March and early April; azaleas, camellias and roses are some of the flowers that grow along this route that includes historic neighborhoods and Timrod Park . Freedom Florence Recreation Complex , 1515 Freedom Blvd., has a gymnastics center and offers fishing, picnicking and a trail for jogging, walking and biking. The Dr. Eddie Floyd Florence Tennis Center, 1060 N. Cashua Dr., has 24 hard and six clay courts; the facility is free and open daily.
Florence Center , 3300 W. Radio Dr., is a large-scale convention, entertainment and exhibition facility; phone (843) 679-9417. Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center, downtown at 201 S. Dargan St., holds a variety of music and theater events; phone (843) 661-1720.
Visitor Centers
Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau 3290 W. Radio Dr. Florence, SC 29501. Phone:(843)664-0330 or (800)325-9005
Shopping
Magnolia Mall (2701 David H. McLeod Blvd.) offers Belk as an anchor as well as dozens of stores and services. Pee Dee State Farmers Market (2513 W. Lucas St.) offers fresh produce, plants, garden accessories and specialty food items Monday through Saturday. Young Plantations Outlet (2005 Babar Ln.) specializes in flavored pecans and other local food products.