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Anderson, SC

Posted on November 29, 2010 by Admin of TBJ

Located across part of Lake Hartwell and off of I-85 south, Anderson, SC is a cute little town that might be worth your stopping by before a trip further south (say, to Atlanta) or a trip further north (say, Spartanburg or Asheville). Anderson’s got a great, authentic Irish pub (McGee’s) which hosts everything from live Irish music to local bands to local art shows for Clemson University and Anderson College students. Also check out The Fox Pub for good food. The re-vamped downtown area of Anderson has several cool spots to eat as well as some boutique shops; you can go all out and get yourself something Palmetto themed, as the state pride in South Carolina is rivaled only by Texas. Anderson’s Farmer’s Market is HUGE and is made up almost entirely of local vendors; go here during peach season and gorge, check out fresh corn and the like as well. If you’re traveling into Anderson via Clemson on Highway 76, check out roadside vendors – there’s a few that even display their fresh veggies and then leave, promoting faith in the honor system of your donations:) Timms Mill and the Old Stone Church are worth a visit for those interested in historical sites, and Broadway Lake and Sadlers Creek State Recreation Area offer great places to go explore outdoor sports, or maybe just for a quick dip in the cool Upstate waters. Of course, Anderson is often noted by Clemson alumni like me as “the place to go to get stuff,” as Anderson has a small mall and big chain stores and restaurants that wee Clemson doesn’t, and it’s also known to have more hotels available if you’re in town to see the Clemson Tigers play. Check out Anderson, SC, next time you’re passing through – you won’t have a bad time, it’s certain.

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Greenville, SC

Posted on October 25, 2010 by Admin of TBJ

The Greenville-Spartanburg area of SC is often seen as a nuisance en route to other, more exciting destinations, like Atlanta or, well, Florida. But Greenville is more than a mess off of I-85; it’s a neat little part of South Carolina’s Upstate, a fairly progressive, pretty area, with history, shopping, and a general laid-back Southern atmosphere that the sophisticated traveler could appreciate (just seeing if you’re paying attention). Greenville has an art museum and a Civil War museum, but it’d be best if you spent the night out in the city’s theater area. The Warehouse, Children’s Theater, and the Greenville Little Theater, and the Greenville Shakespeare Company all host wonderful shows around the downtown area, which is conveniently on the Reedy River; if you’re into nature, check out the park during the day, otherwise, use it as a quiet backdrop to your stroll to the theater. While you’re downtown, peep the various shops and galleries, which have everything from local pottery to upscale kitchen utensils; there’s something for everyone. If you’re game, check out North Main Yoga for the best yoga classes in town, or dip over to the Spa at West End for total body rejuvenation. You could check out the mall areas (Woodruff Rd), or tour the BMW plant, but it’d be worth your time to just meander downtown, grabbing a meal at the chi-chi-steaks spot High Cotton, Maverick Bar and Grill (that’s the full name) or try the Overlook Grill, which grants you an outdoor patio with a view of the falls, or grab some ice cream at Spill the Beans. There are plenty of pub-type places (Brew and Ewe) and also plenty of bars of which to catch the Clemson game – who else would you cheer for? Greenville’s a great little city; consider it next time you might be driving through.

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Issaqueena Falls & the Stumphouse Tunnel, Walhalla, SC

Posted on September 20, 2010 by Admin of TBJ

Not too far away from Clemson and Seneca, SC is a wonderful little natural area that hosts Issaqueena Falls and the Stumphouse Tunnel.  The tunnel isn’t too much to look at, but it’s sort of cool and creepy at the same time – it was originally built prior to the Civil War in hopes that it’d eventually be part of a rail link to Charleston, but the war halted the construction.  Issaqueena Falls itself is quite beautiful, set against the Appalachian foothills and fairly untouched.  You can hike to the falls, but swimming in them is prohibited.  The best use of this little area in SC’s “Golden Corner” is for a leisurely picnic before moving on into the mountains for some outdoor fun.  Dogs are welcome, and mine had quite a good time frolicking with a friendly Weimaraner.  You can hike around the falls, but the trails are fairly short (about an hour, tops) yet offer gorgeous views of the natural area, especially in the fall. Make it a point to stop by and soak in that crisp mountain air next time you’re in the area.

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Clemson, SC

Posted on July 17, 2010 by Admin of TBJ

Clemson, South Carolina is Tiger Country! This small university town has a few great eats, notably Potbelly Deli and Ancheaux’s. Grab some fantastic ice cream (and a Frosty Paws for your dog) at Spill the Beans, but the best ice cream can be found at the Clemson Ice Cream shop in the Hendrix Student Center.  Take off for some free R&R at the Clemson Reservoir (swimming! grills!). Nick’s is a great, nerdy bar off the main drag – just beware driving in Clemson’s general vicinity during football season – traffic gets very rough. The South Carolina Botanical Gardens (off of Perimeter Road) are a must for the nature-lovers, hikers, walkers, cyclists, folks with kids and/or dogs… And, of course, tailgating and Clemson football make for a great visit! GO TIGERS!

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