South Carolina

While summer might be the best time for tent camping, fall’s brisker weather makes it the perfect time for no-tent-necessary experiences. Ever tried staying in a treehouse? In a micro cabin on an alpaca farm? Fall’s the time.

Come for the horses, stay for the history. Situated a few hours southwest of Greenville, a cluster of small towns hugs the border of Georgia- Aiken, North Augusta, Allendale and Bamberg and Barnwell Counties. Here, life slows down a bit and horses permeate the landscape and culture. In Aiken, horses not only dominate, but the […]

Picture a town square surrounded by shops and restaurants. Brick-lined streets, historic homes and golden-age era opera house. These are but a few surprises awaiting visitors to Abbeville. Located in the southern section of the Upstate, about an hour south of Greenville between Anderson and Greenwood, the small town of Abbeville was once a center […]

As autumn ushers in, forecasters are already predicting that this year’s fall foliage season will be one of the best we’ve had in years. Vibrant hues of purple, orange and red will drift silently in the wind as trees shed their green coverings.

It all started in 2009 with one quilt square mounted on the Oconee Heritage Center in Walhalla.

Today, the Upstate Heritage Quilt Trail has more than 160 quilt panels mounted on barns, businesses, homes, and public buildings across Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties.

Summer officially began June 21—a mere two weeks ago. With record temperatures already on the books, it’s turning out to be a scorcher of a summer and has all of us looking for ways to cool down.

As the summertime temperatures continue to heat up, shaded tree canopies and cool lakes and streams don’t just sound nice, but they become a necessity. A brisk swim, hiking alongside creeks and waterfalls, and camping under the stars are not only ways to stay cool and experience nature but are also an inexpensive way to […]

The Upstate has no shortage of scenic backdrops available to provide the perfect picturesque setting for pending nuptials. Couples can opt to tie the knot at places like the Fred W. Symmes Chapel at Camp Greenville (aka Pretty Place), near Caesars Head in northern Greenville County. Or they may choose to get hitched at one […]

Meandering pathways and reflective ponds, along with plenty of benches to sit and gaze at the scenery, make the South Carolina Botanical Garden at Clemson University a perfect respite any time of the year.

There’s no doubt that the Upstate is home to an amazing array of outdoor wonderlands. Whether it is mountains, hiking trails, rivers, waterfalls or lakes—there’s a never-ending natural assortment for outdoor enthusiasts to choose from. Even though it’s not quite full-blown “lake season” yet, our area lakes are spectacular no matter the weather. One of […]

Deep in the heart of the Upstate’s equestrian country—where horses outnumber people and parking signs include directions on where to park your horse trailer—sits the small town of Landrum and the Red Horse Inn. A quaint Main Street filled with antique shops and locally owned (and sourced) restaurants are a surprise for first-time visitors to […]

Anderson grew up as a textile town. Several mills in the area provided the groundwork for a rich and vibrant city while still maintaining its rural roots. When Lake Hartwell was created in the 1950s, it brought those seeking boating and fishing along its 962-mile long shoreline. Anderson is also commonly referred to as the […]

With manicured vineyards and long-range views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the luxurious Hotel Domestique is perched atop 29 acres of rolling hills amongst fountains, lush gardens, and courtyards.

Now that the sweltering summer heat has mostly dissipated, it’s time to once again head outdoors. South Carolina has more than 3,000 campsites statewide with a good majority of them in our area- and that’s just in the state parks. Add in private and commercial campgrounds and that makes for a lot of places to […]

Well before the current zip-line explosion erupted, Jeff Greiner, Marketing and Development for Adventure America Zipline Canopy Tours, was already planning to make the high-flying activity the next big thing in Western North Carolina.  He got the idea from years of High Ropes work and after experiencing a zip-line tour during a family vacation in […]

The Upstate is an outdoor lover’s paradise- getting outdoors is what we love to do. And as the mercury rises- the mountains, with their lush foliage, canopied treetops and plentiful waterfalls beckon. Our area is home to more waterfalls than anywhere else in the nation. The trail system in the Upstate is also quite extensive […]

Trains, goats and peacocks might seem like an unusual combination, but they all co-exist in a symbiotic unity at Emerald Farm in Greenwood. This 75-acre working dairy and goat farm is owned by Kathryn and Paul Zahn who were looking for “a comfortably special place to raise a family and to welcome friends.  A place […]

South Carolinians are serious about their barbeque – so serious in fact that the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism (SCPRT) has a website solely dedicated to BBQ in the state. And whether it’s a debate on which sauce is the best, how the meat is cooked, or which BBQ joint does it […]

Opened in 1969 as a platform to watch the construction of Oconee Nuclear Station, Duke Energy’s World of Energy in Seneca remains committed to educating the public about all forms of energy. The interactive museum is free and open to the public six days a week. Touch screens and audio exhibits guide visitors through topics […]

Heritage Green, the urban arts and cultural campus in downtown Greenville, is in the midst of a makeover. New improved pedestrian access, signage, gathering spots and landscaping are all part of the upgrade plan that began in Oct. 2013 and is expected to be completed by the first week of Feb. If you haven’t been […]

While our neighbor to the North (that would be Asheville) may tout itself as being “Beer City, USA”, the Upstate holds its own for local-made, quality-crafted beers and is rapidly gaining popularity as a premier beer destination. Craft breweries are becoming more mainstream and several new breweries in the Upstate were announced last year. Quest […]

Five Star Trails: South Carolina Upstate, is now available! You can purchase online from Amazon and Barnes and Noble and it is available in local Greenville, SC stores such as Barnes and Noble, REI, Mast General Store and Moon Outfitters. This book is a great guide to all of the great trails in the upstate […]

Beyond the run-of-the-mill haunted houses and family-friendly Halloween events lies an underbelly of places in the Upstate where rumors of paranormal activity run rampant. Ghostly tales are passed down from generation to generation and the brave visitors to these places have reported eerie sounds, apparitions and other sightings. According to the website, South Carolina Paranormal […]

As the temperature becomes cooler and the leaves begin to change into vibrant hues of red, purple and orange, fall paves the way in the Upstate and becomes an outdoor paradise. The wet summer has supplied waterfalls with plenty of water to cascade over rocks and rush along streams. And as thick tree canopies begins […]

To really get a feel for how life was like back “in the day”, take a tour and visit one of several Upstate plantation homes. These grand homes and gardens provide glimpses into our past. See how meals were prepared without a cooktop or oven or even a refrigerator, how beds were made out of […]

Greenville is a vibrant, revitalized and award-winning downtown nestled against the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. And while every destination promises something for everyone, few can deliver like Greenville. From fabulous restaurants, incredible museums, unique shops, an award-winning baseball stadium and a plethora of outdoor activities, Greenville is a great getaway. Falls Park and […]

Dubbed as “a flea market on steroids” the Jockey Lot has been an Anderson institution since 1974. Over 1,000 vendors set up shop each weekend selling everything from live rabbits, books, used tires and tombstones. Locals joke that if “you can’t find it at the Jockey Lot then it ain’t to be had anywhere.” Attracting […]

Rated as one of the top ten fine arts shows in the country, Artisphere comes to downtown Greenville for its ninth year on May 10th-May 12th.  This family-friendly festival showcases Greenville’s thriving arts and cultural community and attracts tens of thousands to the area each spring. Artisphere invites both local and national artists and announced […]

Now that the weather is turning nicer and outdoor activities are in full swing, it’s time to start thinking about what to do with the kids during the summer months. Depending on which school district you reside in, there’s only about six weeks until parents begin to hear that familiar phrase- “I’m bored!” Luckily, the […]

When February rolls around, I begin fantasizing about the beach; the sound of rolling waves washing across the sand, the seagulls belting out their never-ending harmonies and the feeling of sand squishing between my toes. I want a beach weekend and I want to be pampered and feel like a Queen (or King). South Carolina’s […]

Goats and trains and the Revolutionary War all come together in this city “where there’s always something blooming.”  Located on the shores of Lake Greenwood, the 11,400 acre lake is obviously a big attraction but there’s more here than just the water. Uptown Greenwood has a revamped downtown area with “the widest main street in […]

Tucked away in a nondescript strip center on the outer edge of downtown Greenville, this family-run business has been serving the local community since 1933. It’s a landmark on Augusta Road, and with a restored soda fountain, personal service from the pharmacy (they will deliver prescriptions to you) and a variety of local items for […]

Looking for a fun place to take the kids?  The Children’s Museum of the Upstate is a great hands-on, learn-about-how-things-work kind of place.  Children can grocery shop and make healthy food choices, complete with grocery store shelves and a checkout counter or learn how to make a movie using a green screen in the animation […]

For the past twenty-two years, Hollywild Animal Park in Wellford, South Carolina has opened up its 100-acre safari from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day for their annual Hollywild Lights Safari.  This unique holiday experience allows visitors to drive through the open range area of the park with stops to feed the animals and motor past […]

The leaves are falling and the temperatures are finally starting to get cooler.  What does that mean?  That it’s almost Halloween in the Upstate.  The Upstate has a ton of great options for Halloween, whether you want a scary woods experience, a haunted house or a family friendly event, the Upstate has something for everyone’s […]

The South Carolina Century Farms Program was created in 1974 to honor families whose farms have been in the same family for one hundred years or more. Since the programs inception, over three hundred properties have been designated Century Farms in South Carolina with more than a third located in the Upstate. Each year, the […]

Fall in the Upstate becomes not only a time when the temperatures start to drop and the leaves turn to vibrant shades of red and gold but also a time when we tend to slow down and reflect.  Performing and visual arts are one way to admire the vast talent that is right in our […]

Columbia, S.C. — As the days grow shorter and temperatures begin to cool, it’s time to start thinking about a road trip to the mountains to enjoy that annual rite of autumn — leaf gazing. For those looking to take it all in from the comfort of their car seats, there’s no prettier drive than […]

Located near the town of Walhalla are two of Oconee County‘s top attractions, Stumphouse Tunnel and Issaqueena Falls. Stumphouse Tunnel maintains a near constant 56 degree temperature and is a welcome respite on a hot summer day.  Nearby at Issaqueena Falls visitors can enjoy the waterfall and have a picnic at the shady retreat. Stumphouse […]

The Dark Corner of South Carolina has been shrouded in mystery for over 175 years.  Loosely defined, it’s the towns of Landrum, Gowensville and Glassy Mountain that make up the Dark Corner.  The area was named not from its reputation for moonshining as most people believe, but because in 1832 it was the only area […]

Independence Day, also known as July 4th, is when we, the citizens of the United States, celebrate our freedom from Great Britain.  It was marked by signing the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and we commemorate the event with parties, parades and fireworks. But did you know that there were more battles and skirmishes fought […]

Grits and Groceries is a contrast of contradictions.  It’s seemingly out in the middle of nowhere yet it’s a busy little place. It has the exterior of a greasy, dive café but you’ll find they serve high-quality, fresh local cuisine. You don’t expect to find seasoned Paris-trained chefs from New Orleans, who worked with Emeril […]

The Cross Keys home is considered one of the oldest and most significant homes in the Upstate of South Carolina. The Georgian Colonial mansions’ claim to fame is that Confederate President Jefferson Davis and his military escort ate lunch here on April 30, 1865 on their way out of Richmond, Virginia.  Mary Ann Bobo Whitmire […]

The battle that took place at Musgrove Mill on August 19, 1780 was a short (about 30 minutes) but very bloody battle. In fact, Isaac Shelby, a Colonel that fought both at Musgrove Mill and Kings Mountain stated in his memoirs that the battle at Musgrove Mill was the fiercest battle in which he ever […]

This sounds like a fun event! CAR EVENT ON KIAWAH ISLAND, SC SHOWCASES CLASSIC, ANTIQUE & COLLECTIBLE AUTOS Kiawah Island Motoring Retreat to Feature 100 Pristine Cars; Kicks Off with Fundraising Gala KIAWAH ISLAND, SC—Are you a car enthusiast, or do you simply enjoy the beauty of automobiles past and present? Admire over 100 pristine […]

Even though the South is steeping with revolutionary history, there are very few places that have the number of acres and buildings in one location that Historic Brattonsville does. With over 775 acres and 30 buildings it’s considered to be one of the most important and heavily visited historical sites in South Carolina. The History […]

Sometimes travel only needs to be as far as within your hometown. From now until November 6th, Peter Pan starring Cathy Rigby will be performing at the Peace Center in Greenville, SC. This spectacular production includes a highly talented cast including Tom Hewitt as Mr. Darby and Captain Hook, Kim Crosby as Mrs. Darling, Mermaid […]

Fall is a great time of the year.  The air begins to cool down and turn crisp.  The leaves begin to change to vibrant shades of rust, orange and red.  But the very best things about this time of year are the fabulous fall festivals going on in our area.  From the quirky Woolly Worm […]

May is an ideal time in the Upstate to get outdoors. Allergy season is winding down, the trees are green, the flowers are blooming and it’s not too hot yet. From a waterfall in our own backyard (almost) to Table Rock Mountain, here are some easy hikes the whole family can enjoy. Also don’t forget […]

Referred to as the heart and soul of the low country, Beaufort, SC is a small town steeped with history. In fact, the entire downtown area has been named a National Historic Landmark District. Southern hospitality abounds and you’ll be greeted everywhere with a smile and a hello. Antebellum and Victorian mansions sit in the […]

Greenwood’s slogan is “There’s Always Something Blooming”, and this just about sums up this quaint community.  Wildflowers are abundant in the spring and it’s the home of the South Carolina Festival of Flowers (held in June each year).  On the shores of Lake Greenwood, there are also a multitude of outdoor and recreational activities. With […]

Deer, Lights, and Marshmallows…oh my! Each year from Thanksgiving to New Years, Hollywild Animal Park in Wellford, South Carolina opens its 100-acre safari to provide a unique holiday experience while raising money to care for their resident animals.  The rest of the year, visitors’ tour by foot and by a safari bus, but during the […]

South Carolina boasts more than 30 waterfalls.Take a short drive north of Greenville, SC and discover Wildcat Falls and savor country charm at Aunt Sue’s. Wildcat Falls is a popular spot with locals. Get there by taking Highway 276 until it turns into Highway 11 and then drive about half a mile to a pullout […]

Walking into Mary’s Restaurant at Falls Cottage feels like going to Grandma’s for lunch.The warmth of the fireplace and the smell of baked desserts greets hungry patrons. Head on over to Mary’s Restaurant at Falls Cottage which is located in downtown Greenville in the West End District at Falls Park. History of Falls Cottage Falls […]

Isle of Palms is arguably one of the best beaches in South Carolina. With it’s white sand, wide beach area, lifeguards and close proximity to Charleston, SC. Just North of Charleston and across the Cooper River Bridge lies Isle of Palms. The island was first home to indigenous Seewee Indians and is believed to be […]

Downtown Greenville While visiting downtown, be sure to visit Falls Park and Liberty Bridge. Falls Park sits on the site of an old sawmill and has a self guided walking tour with historical markers. It also boasts the only waterfall in a city downtown. The Liberty Bridge spans across the Reedy River and is one […]

The leaves on the trees are red and gold. The air is crisp. And on the second weekend in October, downtown Greenville hosts its award winning and highly popular event, the St. Francis Fall for Greenville festival. It’s the Upstate’s largest festival with 4 music stages, food booths from over 43 of Greenville’s finest restaurants […]