Your Lake Hartwell Country Vacation Planning Checklist

Whether you prefer to plan months in advance or approach your vacations with spontaneity, we know there is something in Lake Hartwell Country perfect for you! Next time you take a trip to visit us in Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties, make sure to follow our vacation planning checklist for an unforgettable experience.

Whether it's next year or next week, you'll have a great vacation in Lake Hartwell Country!

Eat

Let locally produced food take the spotlight when you visit LHC. Here in our region of South Carolina, we have tons of farms, orchards, vineyards, and gardens – and many of our restaurants take advantage of all the fresh, homegrown food. Sullivan’s Metropolitan Grill in downtown Anderson gives a fine-dining twist to seasonal food, with rotating apps and entrees accenting a delectable menu. Another option is the farm-to-table bistro Ruffage just outside of Pendleton, which not only offers a dine-in menu but also a variety of specialty dining experiences. If you’re visiting around a holiday, make sure to check their events to see if there is a private feast you can score tickets to! And Evolve Kitchen + Table in the heart of Clemson offers both craft cocktails and scratch-made food for a refined dining experience amidst the hustle and bustle of a college town. 80 percent of their ingredients come from farms within 40 miles of Clemson, so you can rest assured it’s fresh, local, and – most importantly – delicious.

You can't say no to locally made delicacies, like seasonal she-crab soup!

Stay

When it comes to booking accommodations, the towns and cities in Lake Hartwell Country have all the familiar hotels you’re used to that provide a comfortable and relaxing stay. But why not branch out a little bit? If you’re coming in town for a Clemson game, plan ahead – lots of the lodgings will be booked far ahead of time. But if you’re up for an adventure, you can set up camp at Clemson RV Park at the Grove, located close to campus. You can even rent a golf cart to get around and turn your campsite into a tailgating hub. For a more refined getaway, book a room at one of our historic bed and breakfasts – but be aware, these fill up fast! Pendleton is full of lovely B&Bs, though you can find these cozy retreats from Salem to Starr and everywhere in between. Don’t miss out on the hosts’ Southern hospitality!

Kick back and relax in nature with your own private cabin, campsite, or B&B.

Play

Once you’ve settled in here in Lake Hartwell Country, it’s time to make some memories! No matter what time of year your trip takes place, you can enjoy museums, nature, special events, and more. Annual events like the City of Anderson’s Soiree, Pendleton Spring Jubilee, and South Carolina Apple Festival in Westminster draw many guests to the area – and for good reason, as these outdoor bashes bring communities together for tons of fun. If you’re visiting outside of festival season, we recommend the SC Botanical Garden for an immersive walk through exotic blooms. Oconee Station State Historic Site provides an educational flashback to the late 1700s as well as beautiful natural scenery. Lastly, if you’re the type who prefers the waves to the land, we are home to several large, beautiful lakes, including Jocassee, Keowee, and Hartwell. You can rent boats on all three lakes and hit the water – one of our favorite parts of our region.

Seasonal events like the Pendleton Spring Jubilee will put a pep in your step!

Forget Something?

It happens to all of us – you land in your destination and realize you forgot something important! But never fear: no matter if you’re looking for essentials or just that perfect souvenir, you can find it here. Most of our state and county parks, including South Cove, Devils Fork, and Table Rock, have shops on-site so you can walk away with a pin or postcard to commemorate your travels – or bug spray to prep for your hike. If you’re here to fish but need new equipment or a quick repair, you can swing by a marine center like Lake Hartwell Outdoor Center, one of the top bait shops in the whole state. As a bonus, it also has a restaurant and café, so you can fill up your boat and your stomach all in one place.

Small businesses and boutiques are also great places to fill up your luggage with one-of-a-kind finds. The Red Door on Ram Cat Alley in Seneca is great for parents and kids alike, with lake-inspired décor and custom signs as well as a wide selection of popular kids’ toys and books. Under the Carolina Moon in Easley offers Southern-inspired gifts and monogrammed clothing, so you can place a special order to remind you of your time in Lake Hartwell Country! And if you’re in Anderson County, swing by Harbor Oasis for beachy vibes, handmade crafts, and gifts galore.

South Cove County Park has an on-site store for all your lakeside needs.

How do you prefer to plan your trips? Do you keep a schedule of every event, or do you like to see where the wind takes you? No matter your style, we know you’ll find an adventure to remember when you join us in Lake Hartwell Country. From one-of-a-kind lodgings to local culinary creations, from historic sites to game day tailgates, Lake Hartwell Country should be your next destination to visit!