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 »

Cherokee Name: Skyagunsta

Driving in and around the area of The Cliffs Communities and The Reserve at Lake Keowee, you will note some road names that are from the Cherokee (Keowee being one of them – roughly translated “place of the mulberries”!). One such word brings back history of not only the Cherokee but of Andrew Pickens, for… Read more »

Wildflowers in South Carolina

South Carolina is blessed with an assorted array of natural habitats. From the marshy low country, to the sandy beaches along the Atlantic and the bluish hue and lakes tucked within the Blue Ridge Mountain range of Appalachian Mountains, the Palmetto state is full of varied habitats, flora, and fauna.   Did you know that… Read more »

Soapstone Church’s Fish Fry!

Known as the oldest African-American church in the Upstate of South Carolina, Soapstone Baptist Church in Pickens was established and built in the 1860’s.  Although this church’s location affords a beautiful view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the church is named for the abundance of soapstone found in the area.   Not only is this… Read more »

22nd Annual Blue Ridge Fest

The Blue Ridge Fest is almost here! This charity event will be held Friday, May 3rd at Blue Ridge Electric on West Main Street of Pickens, South Carolina. This Upstate event combines fantastic live entertainment, good food, and a classic car cruise-in for a truly memorable and wonderful experience. This will be the 22nd annual… Read more »

Table Rock Tea Company of Pickens

Pickens County is known for many things – stunning landscapes, Clemson Tigers, but what about tea? Yes, right here in Pickens is the Table Rock Tea Company!The founders, Steve and Jennifer Lorch, are also the founders of Hydromissions International – a Christian nonprofit agency that provides clean water to people around the world. The Lorches… Read more »