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 »

Tamassee DAR School’s BBQ Cookoff

Looking for a way to get a great meal plus the added bonus of knowing you are helping a great cause?  Then put the Tamassee DAR School’s BBQ Cookoff for November 6th on your calendar!  There will be several BBQ contestants hoping to win the bragging rights of first place for 2021.  Lunch plates will… Read more »

Upcountry History Museum Exhibit: War Dogs

The Upcountry History Museum located in Greenville, South Carolina not only has excellent permanent exhibits but also welcomes a variety of interesting changing exhibits.  Once of which centers around man’s best friend. Beginning October 30th, this local museum will be host to the exhibit “War Dogs: Never Above You, Never Below You, Always Beside You”. … Read more »

2021 Autumn Color

Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina are blessed with many weeks of eye-catching Autumn color, drawing millions of sightseers down the Blue Ridge Parkway to marvel at the diverse hues.   Whether you are trekking along a mountain trail or driving down Scenic Highway 11, during the autumn months every mountain and foothill is… Read more »

The Battle of Kings Mountain

241 years ago, this region was experiencing a very different Autumn from ours today.  In May of 1780, a terrible siege occurred on Charleston which was notably one of the worst American defeats of the Revolutionary Way.  Led by British Commander-in-Chief, Henry Clinton, the British force of almost 13,000 trapped our willfully unequipped force of… Read more »

Lake Keowee Weddings

After the big question has been popped and the ring has been slid onto the finger, the planning is in full force. And nowhere in the Upstate are weddings more popular than on Lake Keowee.  Today we’ll be reviewing our favorite wedding venues that take advantage of the beautiful mountain views and vibrant emerald waters… Read more »

Turtles of Upstate SC

Scenic Highway 11 is a famous route for scenic view enthusiasts and for no small reason. An off-the beaten interstate path, this 120 mile stretch of roadway travels similarly to I-85 crossing the Upstate from just south of Charlotte, NC to the north Georgia border. The route was once known as “Cherokee Path” or “Keowee… Read more »

Helicopter Rides in Upstate South Carolina!

There are countless adventures to take in the Upstate area. From enjoying a nearby lake, hiking through wildflowers, kayaking down Reedy River near Greenville’s downtown, or taking in the sights and sounds (and shopping) of one of our amazing towns.  How about something a little more off the beaten path? How about something memorable and… Read more »