Justin Winter's Carolina Lake and Mountain Blog

Unforgettable Independence Day Events in the Upstate

Get ready to celebrate Independence Day in full swing! From Lake Keowee, Lake Hartwell, and throughout the greater Upstate area, this year’s festivities are bigger and better than ever, offering something for everyone in the family. We’ve picked our top July 4th events for 2024 that you won’t want to miss. Let’s kick off our… Read more »

Kick Off Memorial Day Weekend at Bespoke – The Wine Shop of Travelers Rest!

Get ready to usher in the summer with a special celebration at Bespoke, the local favorite that’s captured the hearts of wine lovers in Travelers Rest. Join us on Saturday, May 25th, for an afternoon filled with delightful tunes, exquisite wines, and more! Complimentary Wine Tasting From 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, enjoy a curated… Read more »

South Carolina State Parks Water Filling Stations

In a significant move towards environmental conservation and enhancing visitor convenience, twenty-five South Carolina State Parks are being equipped with new water bottle filling stations, funded by a generous grant from the Duke Energy Foundation. This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote sustainability and reduce plastic waste, while ensuring that visitors and… Read more »

The Top 5 Reasons You Need a Real Estate Agent when Buying a Home

You may have heard headlines in the news lately about agents in the real estate industry and discussions about their commissions. And if you’re following along, it can be pretty confusing. But here’s the thing you really need to know – expert advice from a trusted real estate agent is priceless, now more than ever…. Read more »

Newly Built Homes Could Be a Game Changer This Spring

Buying a home this spring? You’re probably navigating today’s affordability challenges and dealing with the limited number of homes for sale. But, what if there was a solution that could help with both? If you’re having a hard time finding a home you love, and mortgage rates are putting pressure on your budget, it may be time to look at… Read more »

projectROCK: A Climbing Haven in Upstate, SC

Nestled in the heart of the Upstate in Easley, South Carolina, projectROCK stands as a beacon for climbing enthusiasts and beginners alike. This state-of-the-art climbing facility is not just a gym but a community hub where individuals and families come together to challenge themselves, learn new skills, and foster a love for the sport of… Read more »

Your Home Is a Powerful Investment

Going into 2023, there was a lot of talk about a possible recession that would cause the housing market to crash. Some in the media were even forecasting home prices would drop by as much as 10-20%—and that might have made you feel a bit unsure about buying a home. But here’s what actually happened: home prices went up more… Read more »

The Benefits of Downsizing When You Retire

If you’re taking a look at your expenses as you retire, saving money where you can has a lot of appeal. One long-standing, popular way to do that is by downsizing to a smaller home. When you think about cutting down on your spending, odds are you think of frequent purchases, like groceries and other goods. But… Read more »

Why You Want an Agent’s Advice for Your Move

No matter how you slice it, buying or selling a home is a big decision. And when you’re going through any change in your life and you need some guidance, what do you do? You get advice from people who know what they’re talking about. Moving is no exception. You need insights from the pros to help you feel… Read more »

Don’t Let the Latest Home Price Headlines Confuse You

Based on what you’re hearing in the news about home prices, you may be worried they’re falling. But here’s the thing. The headlines aren’t giving you the full picture. If you look at the national data for 2023, home prices actually showed positive growth for the year. While this varies by market, and while there were some months with slight… Read more »