Justin Winter's Carolina Lake and Mountain Blog

Travel to a Rainforest!

Many people have a list of places they have or would like to travel to. The vibrant blue waters of the Pacific Ocean; the snowcapped mountains of the Swiss Alps; perhaps a rainforest rich in flora and fauna. Well, thankfully for residents of the upstate in South Carolina, the last request is an easy one!… Read more »

Native Americans of Pickens and Oconee Counties

No one can doubt the influence of the Native Americans as you explore the area surrounding Lake Keowee and Lake Jocassee. Both lake names are Cherokee in origin! Pickens and Oconee counties’ history is full of the brave Cherokee Indians.  Historians believe that over 4,000 years ago the ancestors of the Cherokee migrated away from… Read more »

Old Pickens Presbyterian Church

  The Old Pickens Presbyterian Church was built around 1850 and is in excellent condition.  It serves as a wonderful example of mid-nineteenth century churches that were built in the “meeting-style”. The cemetery that is adjacent to the building has over 200 graves, many which date back to the Revolutionary War! Today, you can see… Read more »

No Panels Needed on Pickens Properties

South Carolina is experiencing a wave of solar energy interests statewide, with Pickens County being the latest to venture into the energy sustainability market. Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative plans to develop a 250,000-kilowatt community solar farm over the next year in tandem with additional co-ops, the School District of Pickens County and others. The market… Read more »