Are you one of the many Americans who make resolutions for the year ahead? If so, you know how hard it can be to stick with them – in fact, research suggests only 9% of New Year’s resolutions succeed. The most popular resolutions are to exercise more, spend more time with loved ones, and save money.
We want to help you be part of that 9%, so we’ve compiled destinations in Lake Hartwell Country that will help you achieve everything you set your mind to in 2024!
Resolution: Exercise more
Getting more exercise and improving fitness levels is the most popular resolution among Americans, and Lake Hartwell Country is home to one-of-a-kind options to help you get in better shape. Spice up your workout and go beyond the gym with one of our stunning trails!
If you’re just beginning your hiking journey, opt for an easier path. The 1.9-mile-long Lakeside Trail in Table Rock State Park offers gorgeous views and is a great start for novice hikers. Another option is the Old Waterwheel Trail in Oconee State Park, a peaceful wooded trail that leads to the ruins of a historic waterwheel. At only 1.2 miles, the Old Waterwheel Trail gives you a chance to exercise both your body and your mind – you may be inspired to learn more about the history of the area once you’re done hiking!
If you’re a more advanced hiker, consider a moderate or strenuous trail. With so many mountains in Lake Hartwell Country, you know you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views during your trek! The Tamassee Knob Trail is 2 miles one way and takes you to the overlook at Tamassee Knob, with plenty of steep drop-offs and inclines along the way to get your blood pumping. Meanwhile, the Table Rock Trail is even longer and will lead you to the summit of Table Rock Mountain – which is the start of the Foothills Trail across much of the Upstate. Make sure you prepare well for these difficult hikes.
Resolution: Spend more time with loved ones
Lake Hartwell Country is full of family-friendly options that you and your loved ones can enjoy together. Kids (and kids at heart!) will love the Sweet Retreat Fun Center in Walhalla. Here you’ll find a mix of indoor and outdoor activities you can do no matter the weather, including a mini-golf course, go-karting, laser tag, and an arcade. Cap off your adventure with a scoop of tasty ice cream from the in-house parlor.
If you want to encourage some family bonding, try out Exit 4 Escape Rooms in Anderson. With four unique escape rooms that all present their own challenges, everyone must work together to solve puzzles and make it out within an hour! Up to ten players can be in one group, so it’s great for large families or even extended family gatherings. Nothing brings you together like a high-stakes challenge!
Finish up your day together with a sit-down supper at a family-owned restaurant, like Grace’s or The Pompous Pig Barbeque. Lake Hartwell Country is home to a wide variety of quaint, down-home dining establishments, so when you’re ready to eat, make sure you choose a place that will make you feel like your family is their family, too.
Resolution: Save money
Especially after the Christmas season, many folks resolve to save more money in the first few months of the new year. In Lake Hartwell Country, you can find plenty of free adventures that will keep both you and your wallet happy.
Spending time in the great outdoors is often cost-effective, and there are many free parks, sites, and trails you can visit without having to pay a dime. Take a quick hike to the King Creek Falls in Sumter National Forest, or visit the Clemson Experimental Forest to see Waldrop Stone Road Falls. These easy hikes are also family-friendly and easy for kids or pets to tackle, so you can check off a few resolutions at once!
The Anderson County Museum offers free admission and is a fantastic choice for an afternoon activity – especially if it’s chilly outside. The museum features more than 25,000 artifacts that tell the rich history of Anderson County and South Carolina at large. Its exciting and dynamic exhibits often change, so even if you’re a local you’ll be immersed in different experiences each time you visit!
The Oconee History Museum in Walhalla is another educational selection that offers free admission. Here you’ll explore the history of Oconee County, including Native American artifacts, Depression-era relics, and a fun section just for kiddos. These two museums are instrumental in keeping the storied past of Lake Hartwell Country alive in the modern age.
Whatever your resolutions may be, we can help you achieve them through the diverse and exciting attractions found in our area. Ring in the new year right in Lake Hartwell Country!