Justin Winter's Carolina Lake and Mountain Blog

Cherokee Name: Skyagunsta

Driving in and around the area of The Cliffs Communities and The Reserve at Lake Keowee, you will note some road names that are from the Cherokee (Keowee being one of them – roughly translated “place of the mulberries”!). One such word brings back history of not only the Cherokee but of Andrew Pickens, for… Read more »

Winter Hikes in the Carolinas

Although the temperatures may be rather chilly, Winter is a prime time to find extra special views!  Whether due to the leaves being off the trees or brilliant skies (not to mention less creepy crawlers!), hikes during this season can easily become a highlight. DuPont State Forest in Cedar Mountain, North Carolina near Brevard, is… Read more »

South Carolina’s Very Special Horse: The Marsh Tacky

One of the rarest horses in the world is not only native to South Carolina but has a cool history link for the entire United States! The breed known as the Marsh Tacky is native to the Palmetto State.  The isolated sea islands of South Carolina and Georgia helped to create a fearless and tough… Read more »

Grandfather Mountain New Year’s Sunrise Hike

Want to welcome the New Year in an unforgettable way?  Consider taking in the first sunrise of 2022 atop Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina! This annual event allows you to rare opportunity to not only visit and hike within the Grandfather Mountain park outside normal hours, but also gives you the breathtaking view of a… Read more »

Ancestry of the Gingerbread Man

“Run Run as fast as you can. You can’t catch me. I’m the Gingerbread Man!” Did you know Gingerbread is an ancient desert? In fact, the first known recipe for gingerbread was dated back to 2400 B.C! The cookies became popular in the 14th century Europe and it is here that the hard cookies started… Read more »

Downtown Greenville Holiday Events

Ready for holiday fun? Downtown Greenville comes ALIVE during the holiday season! So let’s plan our your holiday schedule! The biggest event of the area has to be The Poinsettia Christmas Parade. It’s the grand kick-off for all things Christmas! For over 75 years, this parade has been wonderful spotlight for local talent.  There will… Read more »