While living in or traveling to the Upstate of South Carolina there are numerous things to do and places to go. There are too many to even count to be honest. Places like state parks, cemeteries, rivers, lakes, mountains, and even rocks. While most people who live here have been to most of them, there are always those secret places that some have always wanted to go and some who do not even know that they exist. Some of these places might not seem interesting when you first hear about them, but once you actually get there it is one of the best experiences.
1. Springwood Cemetery
This cemetery is located on Main Street going towards downtown Greenville. Most people ride past this cemetery as they go towards downtown but how many people have actually stopped to adventure it? Probably not many. This cemetery is old, and I mean 1812 old. It was once a family garden but has now turned into a huge cemetery with about 7,700 marked graves and 2,600 unmarked graves. It includes 80 unknown Civil War soldiers and the Furman family. The cemetery has many tombs, and most of the tombs you can look into through the windows. I promise if you take the time to explore it is totally worth it. The cemetery provides a brochure when you walk in (in the mailbox). Even though cemeteries seem creepy, this one has too much history to miss out on.
2. Split Creek Farm
Split Creek Farm is located in Anderson, SC. When you think of farms some people do not like the idea, including myself, but this farm is like no other. This farm includes about 350 goats, and other farm animals. It is known for its award winning cheeses and fudge. And I promise you, this fudge is the best tasting around. The farm shops are open to the public and educational tours can be arranged by appointment.
3. Issaqueena Falls
Issaquenna Falls is located in Mountain Rest, SC, close to Walhalla. The falls are named after a girl named Issaqueena (obviously) who found out that her Native American Tribe was planning a attack on the settlement known as Ninety Six, and once she found out about the attack, she planned on telling the tribe but her town tribe found out and chased her till she got to the waterfall. The tribe assumed the girl had jumped off the falls but she actually walked down and hid under the rocks and water. Assuming that she was dead they called off the search and she was able to make her escape. The park includes a tunnel which was suppose to be made for trains but was never finished. You can walk the tunnel but you will need a flashlight and you may get wet due to the water dripping from the top and sides.
4. Chattooga River Rafting (Wildwater Chattooga Adventures)
Located in Long Creek, SC, the Wildwater Chattooga Ridge Adventure Center is a place you do not want to miss out on. The amount of things to do here is unbelievable. They include but not limited to, canopy tours, low & high ropes course, water rafting, zip lining, kayak tours, paddle boarding, camping, and during the summer, volleyball, horseshoes, and corn hole. This is a great family oriented place with lots of fun things to do!
5. Hatcher Garden
Located in Spartanburg SC, this garden is the perfect place to run, walk, or take pictures. It is small but is very worth it. It is free admission, and they accept volunteers, which is perfect for service learning projects, or college credit for classes. It includes tons of trees and flowers that are perfect for photography lovers. It has many gazebos, and benches so you can stop and enjoy the environment around you. It even includes a wedding area for small weddings, and has a stage for other events.
6. Pretty Place
Located in Greenville, SC, north of Ceasers Head, Pretty Place is the perfect place to watch the sun rise, pray, relax, or get married. It is a breathtaking experience as you look out to the mountains while standing on Stone Mountain. More than 100 couples get married here each year, and offers camp functions since it is located at the YMCA camp.
So, take a trip and visit one of these, or visit all of them, visit all of them in one day. It is totally worth it, even if you are not into goats, or gardens, these places offer more than just that. Plus this is another thing you get to say you did in your lifetime.
