Justin Winter's Carolina Lake and Mountain Blog

Stay Informed: South Carolina’s 2023-2024 Executive Budget

Gov. McMaster has released his executive budget proposal, and there are some interesting items included. Highlights include an investment in roads and bridges, workforce development initiatives, and a commitment to increasing teacher pay. Here’s a rundown of what you need to know! “Everywhere you look, South Carolina is growing. Our economy is booming. More and… Read more »

Celebrating National Milk Day with Happy Cow Creamery

January 11th is National Milk Day, and what better way to celebrate than with some of the freshest milk around? We would like to highlight the Happy Cow Creamery in Pelzer, South Carolina. Not only do they produce delicious whole milk, but they also have a wide variety of other local, seasonal products in their… Read more »

Hanover House in Clemson, SC

Clemson, SC may first bring to mind Clemson University but it is also home to a great deal of history. One such historical place is the Hanover House, built over 300 years ago! Now, interesting enough, this structure didn’t call Pickens County “home” until the 1940s. Originally built in 1716 in Berkeley County for French… Read more »

Waterfalls of the Upstate: Bull Sluice Falls & King Creek Falls

The following is courtesy of “Seasons” publication by The Sentinel-Progress.   Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, or just looking for a pretty spot to spend an afternoon, Upstate South Carolina has some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country.  Located mainly in Pickens and Oconee Counties, these waterfalls are sure to impress.  Don’t forget… Read more »

BMW Performance Center

Have you ever wanted to learn how to make those tight turns or drift like a pro? What about just putting the pedal to the metal and flying down a straightway with no thought to speed limit? Just outside Greenville, in Greer on Highway 101, is the BMW Performance Center, a driving school that offers… Read more »

Sunrise Farm Bed & Breakfast!

Our team of Upstate real estate agents love to take in all of what our local areas have to offer. From Lake Keowee and other nearby lakes, to Western North Carolina mountain towns and escapes. We love to share our favorite hot spots, events, and getaways. Down the road in our own town of Salem,… Read more »

Chimney Rock State Park

There is so much to see and do in the mountains of Western North Carolina, from hiking and camping, to exploring a quaint picturesque town.  One of our favorite ways to experience the western NC mountains is visiting Chimney Rock State Park!  Just 25 miles from Asheville, North Carolina, this state park highlights the monolith… Read more »

Birding Clubs of the Area

The greater Upstate region of South Carolina is not only home to many beautiful and diverse plants, but also some fascinating and stunning birds!  With so many beautiful species of birds to study, our area has several “birding” clubs where members learn about area birds together. Here are the top organizations in the greater Greenville… Read more »