Welcome to Anderson, South Carolina -- Anderson University’s very own college town. Although those of you who are returning students know the area well, both you along with new students need some tips and reminders about this area that we are all now living in, well until May. Being from Williamston, the next town, over I know the area well and decided to share my knowledge about the area. The way I would describe this area is welcoming, moderately small, historic and convenient because it has basically everything you need. Whether you are downtown, or in main Anderson, you will have your pick of restaurants, churches, shops and places to hang out, although on weekends it can get a bit empty. Downtown always seems to have some type event going on, whether it be a play in the park, a block party or an exhibit in the art gallery. Some of these events are CEP credits (freshmen, do not wait until last minute to collect these for the end of the school year comes sooner than you think). Below, is a list of the research I have collected, or come to know, about the town that I am proud to call home.
Local events.
August
Movies in the Park, featuring "Zootopia;" August 19, 8:20 p.m., Carolina Wren Park.
September
Sounds in the Park, with Randall Bramlett; September 6, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Wren Pavilion.
Movies in the Park, featuring "Ant-Man; "September 16 7:40 p.m., Carolina Wren Park.
Some things you can expect weekly.
Mellow Mushroom $1 slice pizza (drinks normal price) on Thursdays after 9 p.m.
The Anderson Farmers’ Market is open Tuesdays, Thursdays,and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Other events that are to follow can be found on downtown Anderson's calendar at https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed src=downtowndiva19%40gmail.com&ctz=America/New_York
Parking in downtown.
Although parking in downtown Anderson is free, in order not to have to re-park in two hours you can park in the West Whitner Parking Garage or the Police Department parking lot. Other places can be found below. For more information about downtown click on the following link: http://downtownandersonsc.com/
Tips and favorites.
You will learn to love the mall in main Anderson, not because there are a lot of places to shop, but because it is air-conditioned and walk around. Anderson has lots of stores from consignment and boutiques to department stores -- just take your pick. The same goes for restaurants from Wendy’s and Longhorn, to some place you have never heard of, if can try the variety of restaurants. My favorite places to get food are J Peters Bar and Grill, Corner Bagel, Davinci’s Italian Restaurant, Papa’s and Beer, Figs Beanery and Creamery, Brusters, Sakura, Mellow Mushroom, Sake Zen, Texas Road House, Wok and Rock and Panera Bread. It should also be noted that the subs at Publix are very good. Publix is also where I go for antibiotics because they get people on a budget and supply 10 days of select antibiotics for free.
It is still wise to get to places before rush hour (especially on game day, if you are not accustomed to the significance Clemson and Carolina football you soon will be).
Pizza.
Local pizza places that deliver to Anderson include Papa Johns, Dominos and Pizza Hut (all have rewards systems -- I suggest signing up for all of them because they do different deals at different times).
The outdoors.
If you are looking for a local spot to get away from the city, but are still close to campus there is Cater Lake -- about two miles from the University. Lake Hartwell is a small drive away and has campsites, tons of trees hang your Eno, spots to go swimming or layout and has places to go fishing (although I would not advise eating the fish). Further away from campus, is my favorite place to go hiking and mountain biking -- Issaqueena Trail near Clemson University. Closer to campus, downtown Anderson is a great way to explore the area and find the wrens hidden throughout the area. It should also be pointed out that downtown is great for PokemonGo players because it is full of pokestops.
Places to hang out.
Anderson doesn't have a lot of places to hangout, but we do have a few places that my friends and I like to go, like the bowling alley, Boulevard Lanes; the skating rink, Skateland USA; and the rocking climbing place, Trailhead Climbing & Outdoor Center LLC.
The bowling alley is almost always busy, but the best time to go, even if you are not big on bowling is on a Tuesday or Friday night during Rock & Bowl. Keep in mind, there are still plenty more places to go and have fun depending on what night of the week it is, just make sure to check out the local deals by going to downtown's website.
