Enjoy Warm-Weather Walkability in Lake Hartwell Country
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Springtime weather here in Lake Hartwell Country can be unpredictable – chilly mornings, blazing afternoons, dry weeks that end in sudden downpours – so it’s important to make the most of the beautiful days we have! When the sun shines bright and a warm breeze blows through the trees, the urge to enjoy the outdoors is almost irresistible. One of our favorite ways to enjoy gorgeous days is walking around some of LHC’s small towns. We are home to a variety of towns and cities that all have their own unique charm and attractions, and many offer quaint, walkable downtowns. Here are a few of our favorite itineraries!
Anderson County
The City of Anderson’s historic downtown has gone through a revival in recent years, and there’s no better time to visit than right now! Main Street is lined with small businesses, an eclectic mix that is sure to meet any need. Grab a coffee or tea at eCity Java or Common House, then venture out into one of the beautiful green spaces such as Carolina Wren Park or North Main Commons. Depending on the weather and date, Carolina Wren Park offers activities such as live music, movie nights, and a splash pad for the kiddos – so you may stumble into a fun community event! And from a shopping perspective, you’re covered from antiques to boutiques. Splurge a little on a new outfit at Cate’s Boutique, become the best entertainer with housewares from The Kitchen Emporium, and then tote all your new purchases with you to dinner at an Anderson favorite like Sullivan’s Metropolitan Grill or Doolittle’s.
The team at Lake Hartwell Country calls Pendleton our home base, and we’re lucky to have such a cute town square full of fun! The Village Green is the center of town, surrounded by shops and restaurants. The Green is home to many events throughout the year, including a summer concert series called Groovin’ on the Green in warmer months and a European-inspired Christmas market during the holidays. Surrounding the Green are shops and restaurants galore, many with outdoor spaces so you can enjoy the weather and the view along with your meal or beverage. Kids and adults alike will love the Pendleton Candy Company, a zany sugar rush of thousands of candy brands and sweet treats. If your sweet tooth still isn’t satisfied, walk just a few steps away to Mama Rae’s Ice Cream Shoppe, a family-run ice cream parlor with countless flavors and toppings. One of our favorite “lazy weekend” activities is to pick up a new read at the Pendleton Bookshop before grabbing a cone and enjoying both outside!
Oconee County
The City of Seneca’s premier spring- and summertime event is Jazz on the Alley, but it’s not the downtown stretch’s only attraction by any means! However, the weekly Thursday evening jam sessions in Seneca’s historic Ram Cat Alley are a great excuse to go enjoy the walkable streets and stores. Let the jazzy sounds wash over you as you browse a variety of stores, including the fashion-forward Dear Rosie Boutique, eclectic and cozy First Chapter Bookshop, and even an artisanal oil and vinegar grocery, Drizzle on the Alley. Keep an eye out for painted cats around the alley, each with their own unique story and painted by a local artist (you can find their backstories on the pavilion at nearby Norton Thompson Park). After you finish your feline scavenger hunt, you can end your evening with a crisp pint or spiked slushie at Keowee Brewing Company, or a margarita and Mexican food at Papa Julio’s. Either way, you’ll be satisfied!
If you prefer your walkable downtowns with a side of scenery, check out the City of Walhalla, nicknamed the “Main Street to the Mountains.” A stroll down Main Street will take you past breweries, restaurants, coffee shops, and stores aplenty – in fact, so many that you’ll have to choose carefully where to eat! It’s a tricky decision, but we’re partial to the Freehouse Brewery’s variety of taps and house-made pizzas. Depending on when you swing by, you may find it’s game night or live music is playing. Additionally, downtown Walhalla is home to several museums, all of which are worth a visit to learn more about the city itself and the history of Lake Hartwell Country. Spend an afternoon at the Oconee Military Museum at Patriots Hall, Oconee History Museum, and Museum of the Cherokee in South Carolina before grabbing dinner at another one of Walhalla’s local restaurants.
Pickens County
Nothing is more walkable than a college town, and the City of Clemson certainly obliges. Home to Clemson University and its nearly 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students, Clemson’s downtown is a student haven – but that doesn’t mean adults, residents, and tourists can’t have fun too! Grab a meal and a drink at one of Clemson’s iconic bars, like Esso Club, and take a minute to peruse the years of collegiate memorabilia lining its walls. Then, take a walk past the school’s soccer and lacrosse fields to visit College Avenue, lined with merchandise shops, restaurants, salons, and hotels aplenty. Be sure to pick up a new jersey or t-shirt before taking a stroll through the beautiful campus itself.
Lastly, Pickens County’s namesake town has plenty to offer, including an opportunity to treat yourself or a loved one to peak relaxation! Brownstone Spa & Boutique in the City of Pickens offers both spa services as well as luxurious products to purchase. Start your morning of exploring off with an invigorating facial or end a long day of walking with a massage or pedicure! (You can’t go wrong either way.) Then, we suggest grabbing a latte from Coyote Coffee and hitting the Doodle Trail for a short stroll before visiting the Pickens County Museum of Art & History. There’s nothing like a well-rounded day of activity!
Whether you live in one of these cities, have visited before, or are looking for a brand-new adventure, we hope you’ll enjoy their walkable layouts as much as we do! From dining and recreation to shopping and education, you can find everything you need within a few blocks. Join us in Lake Hartwell Country this spring or summer and let us know: which walkable city is your favorite?
