Justin Winter's Carolina Lake and Mountain Blog

Fort Hill

Set upon the grounds of Clemson University is a house steeped in history and tradition. Its large white exterior and antebellum charm are reminiscent of times gone by in an ever-changing landscape of architecture and people. Walking on the grounds of Fort Hill, you are immediately transported from a college campus to the historic plantation… Read more »

Hagood Mill

Just down the road from The Cliffs, in Pickens, SC, visitors are encouraged to step back in time on the grounds of Hagood Mill. Greeted by a blacksmith shop, two historical cabins, a cotton gin and moonshine still, guests can witness one of the oldest operating gristmills in South Carolina. The pride of Hagood, this… Read more »

Touring Top-Rated Greenville, South Carolina

Greenville, South Carolina, is a popular place for residents of Lake Keowee to shop, dine and find great music and entertainment. What you may not know about this vibrant and growing city is the history. That is where Greenville History Tours come in! John M. Nolan started this city tour company in 2006 and has grown… Read more »

Devils Fork State Park Has Lots to Offer

Residents of the lake communities of The Cliffs and The Reserve at Lake Keoweee enjoy the many benefits and beauties Keowee has to offer but let’s not forget about Lake Jocassee. This man-made lake was constructed at the same time as Lake Keowee, the early 1970’s by Duke Power in partnership with the state. Known… Read more »

Ready to Visit A Jail? A Look at the Pickens County Museum of Art and History

Are you ready to go to jail? But not just any old jail but a really old jail! The Pickens County Museum of Art and History is housed in the old Pickens County jail. The hand-rolled brick with its turret and copper-colored tin roof is a great example of turn-of-the-century architecture. The 1902 Victorian jail portion of the museum… Read more »

The Poinsett Bridge of Greenville, South Carolina

Joel Roberts Poinsett was a notable figure in South Carolina history. One of the lesser known places that bears his name is Poinsett Bridge in northern Greenville County. This bridge was built in 1820 as part of a road from Columbia to Saluda Mountain. This stone bridge is believed by historians to have been designed by Robert Mills,… Read more »

The 2016 Southern Home & Garden Show

Just in time to prepare for spring is the Southern Home & Garden Show of 2016! Held at the TD Convention Center in Greenville, South Carolina, this show, featuring over 125,000 square feet of exhibits, is a close trip for residents of The Cliffs Communities or The Reserve at Lake Keowee. This is the largest and most… Read more »

Back to the Classics – Live Theatre!

Sometimes it is good to go back to the classics – in this case, live theatre and a literary classic. The Foothills Playhouse of Easley, South Carolina will be presenting “Secret Garden” March 11th through 20th. Just a short trip for the residents of The Reserve at Lake Keowee or any of The Cliffs Communities!… Read more »

The Hanover House: Celebrating 300 Years

Walking along the paths of the SC Botanical Garden in Clemson, SC, one might run across a quaint Colonial style home of white planks and black shutters. Set on a secluded hill within the garden gates, this house has quite the story to tell. Built in 1714 by Paul de St. Julien, a descendant of… Read more »