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Sunshine and Family Fun in the Jewel of South Carolina T
HE fishing is hot and the
water is cool on Lake Murray, the Jewel of South Carolina. The password to the 650 miles of shoreline on the largest outdoor playground in the Midlands is family fun— and there’s plenty of it. Lake Murray has been repeatedly recognized as a Top Place to Boat and Live. The vast size of the lake spans into four counties and the majority of the lake touches Lexington County, the second-fastest-growing county in South Carolina. The upper lake offers a more rural feel with neighboring Newberry and Saluda nearby and touching the Saluda River, the forming river to Lake Murray. Weekenders love the easy access to the numerous restaurants offering fine dining or causal dining on the waterfront. Pack up the family and head to Dreher Island State Park with its’ 348 acres and access to 12 miles of shoreline. This island is full of water activities
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and lodging, from fishing cabins and family villas to over 97 full-service camping areas for tents or large motor homes. Vacationers plan for Lake Murray’s numerous special events including the annual July Fireworks Celebration where two shows run simultaneously with patriotic music, a fun night for the entire family. Reggaetronics, one of the larger and popular summer music events, brings hundreds to enjoy a full afternoon of music. Lake Murray is also home to the Purple Martin Phenomenon on Bomb Island. Large waves of birds fill the sky around Bomb Island just prior to sunset. Be sure to wear a hat as you witness close to one million purple martins perform. Plan a visit from June to August to experience this magnificent display of nature! Lake Murray is a world fishing destination and home to a large number of species, but is perhaps best known for four types of fishing, including striped bass, largemouth bass,
bream, and crappie. Numerous fishing clubs, national and regional fishing tournaments are held throughout the year with the most recognized Major League Fishing, FLW, and Bassmaster hosting events. In November of 2021, thirty foreign countries will be competing in the World Bass Championship with the USA bass team playing host. This is the first time this event will be held in the United States, and it’s on Lake Murray. So hook up the boat and travel to Lake Murray Country! With three major interstates, I-77 out of Charlotte, I-20 or I-26 out of Charleston or Greenville/Spartanburg, your vacation is waiting for a visit to the Jewel of South Carolina. Be sure to stop in at the Visitors Center for a complimentary map and travel tips for your stay. To learn more visit LAKEMURRAYCOUNTRY.COM
