Justin Winter's Carolina Lake and Mountain Blog

Chattooga Trails Bed and Barn

We’re exploring amazing retreats and inns across Upstate SC and Western NC, bringing you our favorite small getaways and this week, we have a perfect spot for equestrians – the Chattooga Trails Bed & Barn. Yes! Bed AND Barn! Bring the kids, dogs, and/or horses! Chattooga Trail Bed and Barn is located in the Sumter… Read more »

2022 Independence Day Events

This year’s Independence Day is back in full swing!  Throughout Lake Keowee, Western NC Mountains, and the greater Upstate area, area celebrations are outdoing themselves, giving all of us plenty of options to please the whole family!  Narrowing down the list, we’re featuring our favorite Top 3 2022 July 4th celebrations to attend.  Let’s get… Read more »

The Chautaugua Society Presents the History Comes Alive Festival

We’re continuing our mission of helping long-time residents and new homeowners in our greater Upstate SC area learn & enjoy all our area has to offer with a new Festival this summer. The Chautaugua Society once again brings history to life!  Step back in time and get to know more about the magician Harry Houdini’s… Read more »

Memorial Day Weekend Events in Western North Carolina

Memorial Day is fast approaching and to celebrate the summer season, why not get outdoors and try something new?  Western North Carolina has several beautiful mountain towns, bustling with new arts scenes. Farmer markets, outdoor music, and art popups are starting to start up again in time for Summer, highlighting this region of the Appalachian’s… Read more »

Help the Monarch Butterfly Population!

Were you aware that monarch butterflies are dwindling in population? According to the South Carolina Wildlife Federation (SCWF), the population of brilliant orange-hued butterflies have seen a decline of 97% across the past 2 decades. The drastic drop in population numbers has local Upstate researchers concerned, and looking into ways our area residents can help… Read more »

Now Open – Keowee Outdoors in Seneca

Just in time for Summer, a new shop has opened in Seneca, providing locals with everything you need to enjoy the great outdoors of our beautiful Upstate region. Keowee Outdoors (keoweeoutdoorssc.com) is loaded with fishing clothing and accessories (such as AFTCO clothing and SMITH sunglasses), a wide variety of tackle gear and bait, niche rod… Read more »