Read more about the article A North & South Carolina Thankgsiving

A North & South Carolina Thankgsiving

Readers might remember that we had an absolutely wonderful Thanksgiving in North Carolina last year. This year, we repeated it, but with a twist. First we had my in-laws with us and we added a quick trip to Greenville, South Carolina to the itinerary.

Thanksgiving morning began with our traditional watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade on TV and brunch. We jumped in the car and drove to Highlands, NC. This time, we walked the 1/4-mile path to Dry Falls. Because the large amounts of rainfall, the falls were anything but dry. Water roared fiercely down the cliff and a rainbow reflected from the water.

We arrived at the Main Street Inn in Highlands for a scrumptious Thanksgiving buffet. Just like last year, we drove over to Cashiers and visited High Hampton Inn. Then on to Greenville. (more…)

Read more about the article Day Trip to South Carolina – Yellow Branch Falls

Day Trip to South Carolina – Yellow Branch Falls

Another weekend arrived and we wanted to take the dogs on a hike. We’ve done a lot in North Georgia and decided to try South Carolina instead. Since we’d gone to Lake Keowee for the Solar Eclipse, we decided to explore the surrounding area. Our travels lead us to Yellow Branch Falls in the Sumter National Forest.

Since we were also trying to get some practice driving for our teenagers, we drove up to Clayton and then on a windy road to Mountain Rest. There, we stopped at a local restaurant called the Rooster’s Call for burgers. Since we had the dogs with us, one of us stayed in the car with the dogs (and AC running) while the others ordered. I had the pimento cheese burger which was hearty.

Just about five miles down the road, we parked at Yellow Branch Falls. The trail is about 1.5 miles to the falls. As we climbed up and down, dodging tree roots along the rugged path, we passed friendly hikers and other dogs.  After 1.5 miles, we came to the falls.

There were several things I particularly liked about these falls. First, you could walk right up to the rocks. There was no dedicated platform where people were squished together. We had fun climbing the rocks and one person was napping on one of the ledges. (more…)

Read more about the article Solar Eclipse Viewing – Lake Keowee, SC

Solar Eclipse Viewing – Lake Keowee, SC

A co-worker of my husband owns a lake house on Lake Keowee near Sunset, SC. What started off as a casual invitation ended up being a department-wide solar eclipse viewing party in the path of totality. Luckily for us, spouses and kids were also included.

Although the company rented a shuttle bus, we took our own car since there were four of us. Our stuff alone filled the trunk – camera, tripod, swimsuits, towels and school textbooks.

Traffic was jammed north of Atlanta so our mapping system took us on scenic country roads near Braselton, GA. Back on I-85, we entered SC where tailgate tents dotted the rest area. “Well it is free parking and free bathrooms,” my husband said. (more…)

Read more about the article Congaree National Park – Hopkins, SC

Congaree National Park – Hopkins, SC

 

IMG_2535Driving along a two lane road in central South Carolina, we didn’t know what to expect at Congaree National Park – especially since we’d never heard of it before. In fact, the park has only been a National Park since 2003. Before that it was the Congaree Swamp National Monument.

According to our guidebook, “National Geographic Guide to the National Parks of the United States – 6thEdition,” it is not a true swamp. It is a floodplain ecosystem which changes when two rivers – the Congaree and the Wateree – pass over about 10 times per year. It is also a forest of bottomland hardwood trees – specifically the bald cypress, water tupelo and loblolly pines. In fact, the largest loblolly pine in the world, climbing more than 160 feet, is located here.

Although the visitor’s center was closed that Sunday, trails maps and brochures with marker descriptions were available. We chose to take the 2.4 mile boardwalk, which was slanted in different angles – mainly because it was built in 8 feet of muck which changes every time it floods. (more…)