Salem

Salem may very well be the best area around Lake Keowee for those wanting to enjoy all the Upstate has to offer. A shorter drive to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains where you can spend a day hiking among waterfalls and sheer minutes to Lake Keowee and Lake Jocassee for boating and fishing, Salem is an outdoor paradise.  

Here are our favorite outdoor spots & activities in the area:

Lake Keowee
Salem runs along the north-eastern banks of Lake Keowee, one of the most prestigious lakes in South Carolina. Known for impeccable luxury communities and mountain views, the Lake is over 26 miles long.  A man-made lake, built by Duke Power, it has over 300 miles of shoreline! From most sections of the lake views of the distant Blue Ridge Mountains are visible, adding to its breathtaking beauty. Lake Keowee is also home to multiple luxury golf communities such as multiple Cliffs communities, Keowee Key, and Reserve at Lake Keowee. Numerous marinas and boat ramps are near the Salem side of the lake, making a day boating on the lake easy for anyone to enjoy.

Lake Jocassee & The Jocassee Gorges
Another lake close to Salem is Lake Jocassee. This lake is a smaller reservoir north of Lake Keowee, created in 1973 also by Duke Power. Jocassee has pristine shorelines with limited homes, keeping the lake more of a destination for fishermen. Visitors can access the lake through Devils Fork State Park. According to Discover South Carolina, the lake and its surrounding 50,000 acres feature some of the “highest concentrations of waterfalls in the eastern part of the United States.” Because the lake was man-made, you can still see some of the remnants of the homes under the water today. Fans of expansive views can hike to Jumping Off Rock and take in the whole of the lake and surrounding rolling hills.

The top dining spots in Salem are found within luxury communities – Keowee Key and Cliffs at Keowee Falls. Outside of the communities, we recommend heading south to Seneca for a taste of southern comfort food or Clemson for more fine dining options. Here are top dining options in or around Salem, SC:

• The Club at Keowee Key is located inside the Keowee Key community. The Club offers lunch and dinner daily with a variety of dining options from casual dining at the Bistro or Sports Bar, to fine dining at The Club. 
• Cliffs at Keowee Falls also has similar options to The Club at Keowee Key. Within this Cliffs community, there are multiple dining options. For those wanting something simple, you can stop by the Cliffs bistro and pick up a quick meal and for those craving upscale southern cuisine, the formal Clubhouse dining certainly delivers. 
• If you want something more traditional southern with a relaxed atmosphere, you can’t get more southern than Black’s Smokehouse. Located in Seneca, Black’s is highly rated online for their slow-cooked ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, bbq chicken, and all the traditional sides – mac and cheese and coleslaw. They’re only open Fridays and Saturdays and tend to sell out so make sure to plan this meal ahead of time and order before arriving.

Like Dining in Salem is more limited to the nearby luxury communities, shopping is similar. Locals can visit small shops within the communities, but most will travel to other nearby cities, like Clemson, for more clothing & decor selections. Here are a few of our favorites in neighboring areas:

• The Elkmont Trading Company in Clemson offers clothing, Clemson merch, and most notably, outdoor clothing and equipment. You can pick up a new outfit or gear for a hiking trip through the numerous trails throughout Cliffs at Keowee Falls.
• Patrick Square Town Centre is in the heart of Clemson and offers a plethora of dining and shopping options. Visit the wine bar or brewery and stop by The Corner Butcher to pick up fresh produce and meats. Wind down with a massage or fitness class.
• Southern Fried Brands is another shop in the Clemson area, which focuses on popular southern styles and clothing. 

Multiple popular home communities are within minutes of Salem, most notably Cliffs at Keowee Falls and Keowee Key.  Cliffs at Keowee Falls is one of the most sought-after luxury communities along Lake Keowee, prized for its custom designer homes, award-winning golf course, community amenities, and expansive outdoor coverage of over 160 acres.  Keowee Key is another community just a few miles south of Salem. With homes and lots ranging from $200,000 to over $1.5 million, this community has a home for everyone wanting to live near the water. The community also features an 18 hole golf course like Cliffs at Keowee Falls and miles of shoreline & lake activities for residents to enjoy.