It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and it’s the perfect time to cozy up and do something magical with your loved one. Between Pickens, Anderson, and Oconee counties, there are plenty of fun activities during the holiday season, and we’ve done the light work for you. Check out a few of our top choices.
Take a winter hike! Yes, hiking is most popular in the wintertime due to the soft soil and cool air, which doesn’t take such a toll on your body. Hiking in the winter is also a great way to get out of your seasonal slump and see some animals and beautiful winter landscapes. If you’re looking for a great trail with lots of wooded scenery and light on your feet, try the Oconee Trail in Oconee State Park. With two miles of moderate elevation, you’ll walk the surrounding countryside and the Appalachian Mountains. You’ll pass one of the park’s lakes, which are stunning under morning mists, and you might even see a beaver or two.
After a winter hike, you may want to stop for a warm meal. Now, this isn’t any meal, this is a date night, so we recommend making reservations at Ruffage in Pendleton, or Sullivan’s Metropolitan Grill in Anderson. Both restaurants are highly awarded and offer a great selection of fine foods and beverages. If you are looking for a more casual setting, try the Gypsy Wine Bar in Pendleton. This wine bar is so much fun for couples and most nights they have games and trivia and select wine tastings paired with delicious appetizers.
Our favorite date night activity is dinner and show, and what would be better after a warm meal than going to see a holiday concert together? This year at Anderson University, The Very Merry Christmas and More Tour will include music by Newsong and Francesca Battistelli, on December 17th at 7:00 pm. If you are in Pendleton, you can catch the production of The Christmas Express at the Clemson Little Theatre. A fun adaptation of a true Christmas classic.
There is a lot to do in Lake Hartwell Country, but we must not forget the most romantic of all, ice skating in the park. Located a few blocks from Sullivan’s, is Holiday Ice at Carolina Wren Park. A dazzling display of lights, music, and a full ice-skating rink. You can rent skates upon arrival or bring your own! It’s a wonderful experience and a great way to end the night.
No matter where you choose to spend your “holi-date”, we hope you enjoy this winter wonderland we call home. From all of us at Lake Hartwell Country, we wish you a very happy holiday and a healthy new year!
All images provided by Facebook