Upstate Lake Living - Spring 2020

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SPRING 2020

SPRING 2020 Volume 15 • Issue 1

12

Avid hikers make their case

18

Club focuses on Olympic hopeful

27

Get your Scottish on!

32

Rebuilding a baseball legacy

38

Get schooled in U.S. history

46

Augusta exudes Southern charm

52

Where Augusta plays golf

56

Keeping it clean

60

Fate finds a new home

73

Come for dinner … stay the night

PUBLISHER Jerry Edwards, jerry@edwgroupinc.com 864-882-3272 EDITOR Brett McLaughlin, bmclaughlin@upstatetoday.com GENERAL MANAGER Hal Welch, hal@upstatetoday.com ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Wes Grooms, wgrooms@upstatetoday.com ART DIRECTOR/GRAPHICS Melissa Bradley, mbradley@upstatetoday.com CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS EDITION Bill Bauer • Phillip Gentry Vanessa Infanzon • Dari Mullins Brett McLaughlin COVER PHOTO View of Lake Jocassee

The Journal UPSTATE LAKE LIVING™ is published quarterly by The Journal 210 W. N. 1st Street, Seneca, SC 29678, USA Ph: 864.882.2375, Fax: 864.882.2381 Mail subscription: $40 includes 4 issues Single issue: $4.95, available at The Journal office U.S. Postal Permit #18

83 THEATRE New seasons debut 87 CALENDAR Spring blooms with events

UPSTATE LAKE LIVING™ is a trademark of Edwards Group.

Contents copyrighted.

92 FISHING Bass times two 94 LIFE ON THE LAKE Semper Paratus 96 YOUR FINANCES Be creative with withdrawals 98 WATERFALL Check out Georgia’s tallest 8 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

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DEAR READERS {editor’s note}

I

t’s time to break out of whatever form of winter hibernation we have been in and get back to the business of enjoying what the Upstate and Southeast U.S. have to offer.

The Oconee Bells will soon be sprouting along trails in the Jocassee Gorges. The Azaleas will be bursting into full bloom everywhere, and the Red Buds and Spring Magnolias will be lighting up the landscape before we know it. It’s time to get up and get going!

We aim to help with this issue where you will not only find great places for spring getaways, but some BRETT MCLAUGHLIN encouraging words from a couple of local hikers who Editor are convinced that good times are right out our own back door.

But, if it’s a getaway you want, Bill Bauer has teed up Augusta for you … and he’s not just talking about a spring caravan to The Masters. He’s also put the spotlight on Greenville’s Scottish Heritage Games in May, while, on the other hand, if you think spring is about baseball, we would suggest you consider a day trip to nearby Royston and a visit to the Ty Cobb Museum. Vanessa Infanzon has outlined a trio of military museums where you can not only have fun, but also learn a thing or two about history. Finally, I found a neat little place in the North Georgia Mountains where you can get a great meal and even stay the night if you like.

Of course, there’s another great lake home featured inside, as well as a story by Dari Mullins on efforts to preserve our lakes. And, speaking of good things, be sure to check out the efforts of the Salem Lions Club to help a “blind fit girl” reach the Tokyo Paralympic Games.

Yep, plenty to do and we hope you enjoy checking it out in this edition of Upstate Lake Living.

Brett McLaughlin, editor

135 J Eagles Nest Drive, Seneca, SC 864.973.6000 www.friersoncapital.com Investment adviser representative and registered representative of, and securities and investment advisory services offered through Voya Financial Advisors, Inc. (member SIPC). Frierson Capital Management is not a subsidiary of nor controlled by Voya Financial Advisors.

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I welcome your comments at: bmclaughlin@upstatetoday.com

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story by Brett McLaughlin | photos courtesy of Danny Markus

yle Henry hikes for a living. Danny Markus hikes to have a life.

Both men struggle to understand why more folks, especially people living in the trail-laden Upstate of South Carolina, don’t find a good pair of shoes and a path to follow.

“Anyone can do it,” Markus said, “and there are so many social and physical benefits … spiritual benefits, too, with the sights and sounds you experience when you’re out there.”

As leader of outdoor recreation programs for the Cliffs Community, hiking is part of how Henry has been earning a living the past two years. Based at Keowee Springs, it’s a job he clearly loves.

Markus was a park ranger in Arizona whose background also includes running a nature center and developing hiking trails.

Other than their mutual love of the outdoors and interest in hiking, the two men didn’t have much in common until last fall. That’s when, for reasons he’s doesn’t seem to be fully sure of, 12 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

Markus sent an email to a list of fellow hikers soliciting interest in a non-stop trek of the Foothills Trail.

“I did a rim-to-rim hike of the Grand Canyon, and I guess I was just looking for a new adventure,” Markus said.

“Kyle was the only one who answered the email,” he added, tossing a smile and sideways nod of his head toward his fellow hiker.

Henry responds with a shoulder shrug and a “go figure” smile of his own.

As might be expected from Markus, a marathon man in his late 50s, and Henry, a 20-something who hikes for a living, the two men prepared very differently for their Foothills adventure.

“I did no running,” Henry said matter-of-factly.

“I put in 600 miles and probably 500 of that was running,” Markus said. “Even though I had hiked portions of it before, I used about six outings to cover the whole trail.”

The Foothills Trail was not unfamiliar to Henry either. As part of his job he had divided the trail into six sections for Cliffs members to hike. He had hiked four of the six before he and Markus undertook their journey last October.

FIND A HIKING CLUB Following are several hiking clubs operating in the Upstate. Websites for several can be accessed through meetup.com. (This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list.)

• OCONEE HIKING CLUB is open to all who share an interest in hiking and backpacking. From the novice to the experienced, all are welcome to attend. Now meeting the first Monday of the month at the Unity & Love Worship Center on Broad Street in Walhalla, 6:30 p.m..; for more information visit: www.facebook.com/ groups/88318103588/about/

The 77-mile trek of Foothills Trail began for Danny Markus (left) and Kyle Henry at Oconee State Park on Sept. 25, 2019, at 6:05 a.m.

The hike itself — from Oconee State Park to Table Rock State Park — was meticulously planned. Markus’ wife, Stacey, and Henry’s wife, Bethany, became self-appointed “cocrew captains,” designated to provide food and clothing changes at five access points. The plan was to cover the 77 miles in 30 hours.

“It actually took us 35 1/2 hours with breaks,” Markus said, “We didn’t actually do

much running. The trail is so rooty and rocky.

It was rough.”

“Hiking at night was the most challenging,” Henry added. “I got really tired. At one point I was weaving all over the trail. I may have been walking in my sleep.”

“I think we figured it was a quarter-million steps,” Markus said, “and any one of them could be the last at some points on the trail.”

• GREENVILLE NATURAL HISTORY ASSOCIATION (GNHA) is a non-profit volunteer-run hiking club that welcomes newcomers. www.meetup.com/GNHAHIKING-CLUB/ • HIKE GREENVILLE focuses on activities for beginning and intermediate hikers with a goal of challenging hikers of all experience levels. It is pet- and kid-friendly. www.meetup.com/Hike-Greenville/ • HIKING FOR LADIES +45 is for women 45 and older who enjoy the outdoors.

Group outings will be limited to 15 with a focus on hiking and backpacking. www. meetup.com/Hiking-For-Ladies-45/ • UPSTATE HIKING AND OUTDOOR ADVENTURES is for people who enjoy hiking, camping, backpacking and other outdoor activities (skiing, kayaking, climbing, whitewater rafting, etc.) with other people who enjoy the outdoors. www.meetup.com/ upstate-hiking-and-outdoor-adventures/ • TRAIL DAMES OF SOUTH CAROLINA is a hiking club for women of a curvy nature.

However, all women are welcome. “We hike slowly, enjoying every second, because we know that it is not the destination that is important, but the journey.” www.meetup. com/Trail-Dames-of-South-Carolina/ • THE UPSTATE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S GROUP (UIWG), based in Greenville, offers hikes on the second Tuesday of every month, starting in September; for more information on the organization and its activities, visit: upstateinternational.org/ event/hiking-with-iwc/

Some 12 hours into their trip (6:21 p.m.), with nightfall coming in less than two hours, the hikers found themselves at the Upper Whitewater Falls marker.

SPRING 2020 › 13

With the hike in their rearview mirror, the pair laughingly agrees that it was a “fabulous” experience.

Even though they hiked during peak fall color, they were not surprised to only meet a handful of hikers along the way.

“I just don’t understand why more people don’t hike,” Markus said. “All you need is a good pair of shoes, and maybe a couple of poles. You can even do it year-round.”

“Winter is actually better,” Henry chimed in. “There aren’t any bugs, you don’t sweat and the visibility is so much better because the leaves are off the trees.”

Henry, who also offers kayak tours of Lake Jocassee through his Expedition Carolina (expeditioncarolina.com) business, urges people to discover the 100 miles of hiking trails in the nearby Clemson Experimental Forest. “You can even start with a half-mile flat surface,” he noted.

A few hours later than planned (Sept. 26, 5:37 p.m.), Markus and Henry reached Table Rock State Park on the north end of the Foothills Trail.

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“The Cliffs are known as golfing communities, but there are tons of non-golfers and hiking is a huge draw,” Henry said. “A lot of times I lead hikes with wives whose husbands are playing golf. And, for city folks who have moved here, it’s a great way to get to know the area.”

Markus and his wife moved from the New York City area to a home on Lake Keowee a little over three years ago. They hike at least once each week.

“It has been a fabulous transition, and we have availed ourselves of many hiking and outdoor opportunities in the area,” Stacey said.

Hundreds of waterfalls add to the beauty of Upstate hikes. Markus said there are device applications for finding waterfalls and others for getting details on trails throughout the area. Numerous hiking clubs, he noted, also offer hikes for all ages and abilities.

“I hope we don’t get sued by Nike, but people need to ‘Just Do It’,” he said. n

Hiking the Foothills Trail non-stop was a team effort. Here, hikers Danny Markus and Kyle Henry are pictured with their wives, Stacey and Bethany respectively, as well as their faithful canine companions.

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Virtual reality simulates climb to top of Table Rock Mountain story by Brett McLaughlin | photos courtesy of Danny Markus

I

f hiking is something you only wish you could do, a new virtual reality opportunity at Table Rock State Park in Pickens County may be just the ticket for you to punch.

The park, located on SC Highway 11, now offers virtual reality headsets that give visitors a simulated hike up the mountain.

The headsets, made possible by grants and donations from BMW Manufacturing and the family of Greenville County native Tom Presnell, provide a 360-degree virtual reality experience of iconic spots along the Table Rock Trail.

“This new service helps us provide an exceptional experience for visitors, especially people who cannot climb 3.6 miles to the top of Table Rock,” said Paul McCormack, director of the South Carolina State Park Service.

“You get to see the scenic views, deep forests and natural beauty of a protected mountainside of the Southern Blue Ridge.”

The virtual tour features four iconic stops along the trail — the trailhead at Carrick Creek waterfall, the halfway shelter, Governor’s Rock and the top of Table Rock.

Like other virtual reality experiences, the view changes with the movement of the user. A view of the tree canopy and sky, for example, is provided if the user looks up.

The experience is available free of charge at the Table Rock Visitors Center at 158 E. Ellison Lane.

Table Rock State Park is one of South Carolina’s oldest state parks, 3,000 acres at the 16 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

{above} People who cannot make the 3.6mile climb to the top of Table Rock Mountain at Table Rock State Park can now experience the beauty of the hike thanks to a virtual reality experience available at the park’s Visitors Center. • {left} The virtual tour features four iconic stops along the trail including views from both Governor’s Rock and the top of Table Rock.

foot of a natural landmark off the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway. The park offers miles of trails up the densely forested Table Rock mountain, but also cabins, camping,

interpretive programming and other visitor amenities. n For more information, visit www.

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Lions Support Bid for Paralympic Berth of a

BLIND FIT GIRL Multiple trips by Erica Powell to compete at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Cal., have been made possible, in part, by financial help from the Salem Lions Club.

story by Brett McLaughlin | photos courtesy of Erica Powell 18 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

L

ike most Americans, members of the Salem Lions Club will likely have some interest in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. Sooner or later, it seems, we are all captured by the thrill of competition.

But, the real focus of 32 Salem Lions will be on the 16th Summer Paralympic Games opening in Tokyo a month later. It is then that members of the club hope to be watching an inspiring Upstate woman whose Olympic quest has been nurtured by their club.

Erica Powell was only six months old when doctors found 14 cancerous tumors in her eyes. Now 26, she has been cancer-free for over 22 years, but the radiation it took to combat her disease took a toll in the form of progressive vision loss. Today, she is totally blind in her left eye and can see only large shapes and colors with her right eye. Eventually, she expects she may be totally blind.

Thanks to her parents, who were adamant she be treated “like any other kid,” as well as a supportive community in and around her hometown of Anderson, Erica was raised to focus on all of the things she could do, achieve and be — instead of dwelling on her vision loss.

“As a youngster I was in soccer and loved gymnastics. I was even on the cusp of being an Olympic qualifier at one point,” she recalled.

Clemson University spotted her athleticism and offered her a cheerleading scholarship. From 2011 to 2015 she enjoyed a life of unique opportunities while earning a degree in psychology.

It was while she was a student-athlete with a visual disability that Erica recognized the opportunity to advocate for disability pride and self-advocacy, a realization that would ultimately guide her professional career.

Since graduation, she has opened her own fitness business in downtown Greenville and travels the country as a professional speaker and fitness coach. As she combines those two skills, she “spins” her personal story to teach audiences how to “love yourself and embrace all parts of who you are even if you are embarrassed by some of those parts.”

Despite the rigors of carving out a significant presence in the Greenville fitness market, Erica knew she was not finished competing athletically.

“After graduation I began filling the sports void with running,” she said, noting that her sighted sister served as her guide for marathons and half-marathons.

Along the way, she caught the interest of the USA Paralympic National Team. They, however, wanted her to be a sprinter.

“I really didn’t like marathons,” she laughed, “so it was fine with me. They really helped me fit into track.”

Financing an Olympic quest, however, was an entirely different matter.

“All my personal finances were tied up in the business,” Erica said. “I wouldn’t have been able to pursue this without help, and the Lions have been so generous.”

Erica Powell is an Upstate native, who, in addition to running a Greenville fitness studio and doing motivational speeches across the country, is trying out for the Tokyo Paralympic Games. {inset) Getting in the shape required to make the U.S. Paralympic Team requires no less than six days a week in the gym and three or four days a week on the track.

SPRING 2020 › 19

With financial aid from the Salem Lions she attended her first meet in Arizona last May. “I was a newbie competing against elite level athletes and established Team USA members,” she recalled.

And yet, she finished second in both the 100 and 400 meters and was invited to the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Cal. There — again with financial assistance from the Salem Lions — she had a 100-meter performance that established her as the second fastest in the U.S. and 12th fastest in the world. Team USA promptly agreed to provide training, strength conditioning and meal planning as she continued her Paralympic quest.

Thanks to support from organizations like the Salem Lions and the SC National Federation of the Blind, Erica has been able to travel to international competitions trying to improve her times and gain a coveted invitation to join Team USA. From her home in Greenville she works out in the gym six days and on the track three or four days each week.

As if that and running her own businesses were not enough, she is also planning a wedding just three weeks before the Paralympic trials.

This month she took the first of several trips to the Olympic Training Center in hopes of establishing qualifying marks in the 100, 400 and javelin. If necessary, she will still have an opportunity to make the team by competing in the Paralympic trials at the end of June.

“The Salem Lions are very proud of Erica and pleased to have the opportunity to help support this amazing young lady,” said Lions Club President Ted Brewer. n

Although the World Grand Prix in Phoenix, Az., was her first competition, Powell finished second in both the 100 and 400, earning her an invite to the Olympic Training center in Chula Vista, Cal.

20 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

LIONS FOCUS ON SIGHT AND COMMUNITY NEEDS

Story by Brett McLaughlin | Photos courtesy of Salem Lions Club

The Salem Lions Club’s efforts to assist Erica Powell realize her dream of Olympic competition are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the club’s charitable undertakings.

In keeping with the goals of Lions International, the local club is deeply committed to assisting the sight-impaired. In fiscal year 2018-2019, some 87 Salem Lions Club members are pictured with percent of the nearly $53,000 just a small portion of the litter collected from the club donated went to sight-related along Highway 130 near Salem. The roadside efforts, including $20,997 for eye testing and effort is just one of many community support the purchase of glasses for local residents. projects the club is involved in.

Another $11,457 was donated to the Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of by our club goes toward supporting charitable the Blind, a Sunset-based facility dedicated to activities and programs,” said Club Treasurer serving the needs of the blind population. That Carl Halvorsen. “Our members volunteer money was given in addition to many hours their expertise, effort and untold hours to of painting and repair work volunteered by fundraising and service work … their reward members to the Center. is the satisfaction of knowing they are helping But, the Salem Club’s efforts have always others.” gone beyond their commitment to providing Those members also give of their own better lives for the sight-impaired. Although resources. In 2018-19, the club’s 32 members the Oconee School District’s decision to personally donated nearly $6,500, which was provide all students with Chromebooks over 50 percent of the amount collected in the effectively ended the club’s Computers For Kids club’s annual fund drive.

“We also took up a collection to purchase movie passes so the kids from the Collins Children’s Home could go to the movies a couple of times during the long Christmas break,” Halvorsen said. “We collected $660 and were able to purchase 44 passes so they could get entrance and have money on the card for snacks and drinks from the concession stand.”

Volunteer hours are also crucial to the vision screenings, which were enhanced last year thanks to a $5,000 grant from Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney’s All-In-Team Pictured are members of a painting crew Foundation. at Collins Children’s Home near Seneca.

Similar undertakings are held at the Rocky “We were able to help even more Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of individuals than in previous years,” Halvorsen the Blind in Sunset. Annually, Salem Lions said, going on to say there were six screenings, donate hundreds of volunteer hours to serving 221 individuals. community projects.

As a result, 144 of the 155 people who were offered help received a total of $22,238 Program, for over 15 years club members had in assistance. During those screenings, club refurbished and provided 4,300 computers to members volunteered 123 hours. local schoolchildren.

This year, the club hopes to provide $36,000 Behind the scenes, other member initiatives in assistance to efforts aiding the blind and have been ongoing, including contributions another $9,200 to education and community to Tamassee DAR School, Ripple of One, projects. And, if early indicators hold true, Collins Home, public school groups, diabetes those goals will likely be accomplished as the awareness, the Family Friends Backpack club’s annual fund drive collected $12,104, Program and hurricane relief. In 2018-19 those some 10 percent more than was budgeted and donations totaled nearly $7,100. because the All-In-Team Foundation increased “One hundred percent of all money raised its grant to $7,500.

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MLS 20216577

207 SUNRISE POINTE WAY • $4,199,000

Spectacular 5 bedroom, 6 full and 2 half-bathrooms on an exceptional, 1.53 acre waterfront lot, with gentle slope and 326 ft of prime shoreline. Keith Summerour-designed and built by boutique craftsman, Mike Blackburn. The attention to detail and the quality of craftsmanship will exceed even the most meticulous buyer’s mind. Over $500,000 in mature landscaping, native shrubs, trees and boulder pathways. Extensive use of diverse reclaimed antique wood in beams, floors, trim and some walls, applied and finished with great skill. Unsurpassed quality and attention to detail abound, denoting this as one of the finest homes on Lake Keowee.

864.506.6387 • Justin Winter / justin@justinwinter.com

MLS 20224433

7 POINT NORTH DRIVE • $1,999,000

Captivating waterfront with multi-layer mountain views! While 7 Point North is an impeccably designed, built, and maintained home, the views (some of the best on Lake Keowee, or anywhere else for that matter) immediately captivate. The property provides a gentle slope, level paver driveway, and easy walk to the shoreline and covered dock. The home’s main-level living areas are open and bright, with floor-to-ceiling windows flanking a stone fireplace in the great room. The main-level deck is tiled and has a grilling area. The lower-level stone patio sits above a putting green, complete with synthetic turf.

404.281.0475 • Trip Agerton / trip@justinwinter.com

MLS 20217933

411 EVERGREEN TRAIL • $1,950,000

Welcome to your personal private Cliffs at Keowee Falls estate and family compound! Situated on Keowee Falls most desirable lakefront cove, this 4.08 ac property comprises adjoining home sites (51 & 53) with the custom built 4,800 SF residence constructed on the middle of three properties (52). This spectacular lake residence and it’s adjoining properties are ideal for owners who may have the desire to build additional residences to accommodate family and guests. The house, including outdoor living spaces, speaks of quality and comfort. NOTE: Available without adjoining homesites for $1,595,000.

864.506.6387 • Justin Winter / justin@justinwinter.com

THE FINEST COLLECTION

864-481-4444 | info@justinwinter.com | www.justinwinter.com

©2020 Justin Winter and Associates, LLC. All rights reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC and used with permission. Justin Winter and Associates, LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. Any services or products provided by independently owned and operated franchisees are not provided by, affiliated with or related to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC nor any of its affiliated companies. If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. Sales data based on Western Upstate MLS.

live the extraordinary...

MLS 20222945

144 N. WATERSIDE DRIVE • $1,860,000

Capturing the easy-breezy feelings of a favorite vacation, this home offers a bevy of resort-style amenities: a waterfront setting that’s steps away from Keowee’s shores, a lakeside pool and hot tub, and open, light-filled spaces. With 6 bedrooms spread across 3 levels—made accessible to everyone via an elevator—the residence is the perfect memory-making headquarters for generations of family and friends. The home’s exterior incorporates earth-hued North Carolina river rock that is particularly striking. A pathway leads to the shoreline and double dock with power lifts. Fine craftsmanship and high-end finishings are on display in every direction.

864.506.5453 • Allie Winter / allie@justinwinter.com or 864.207.2100 • Leigh Thomas / leigh@justinwinter.com

MLS 20214328

310 WIND FLOWER DRIVE • $1,749,000

Picture 900’ of big lake and mountain views! Point shoreline stretching into the lake and 1.49 acres. Not a dream, a reality that includes a wonderfully designed 2 story home to match the setting. Expect solitude and privacy with magnificent sunsets, lake and mountains as the back drop set the stage for the perfect evening. A large screened porch and open stone patio allow plenty of outdoor entertaining and the easy walk to the dock adds to your options of places to hang out. Comfort and quality describe the interior of the home. Situated on one of The Vineyard’s finest lake front settings, this is the quintessential “lake home”!

864.506.6387 • Justin Winter / justin@justinwinter.com

MLS 20221822

248 FEATHERSTONE DRIVE • $1,739,000

This still-new home offers over 300 feet of shoreline,180-degree views across Lake Keowee—including spectacular sunsets and glimpses of The Reserve’s golf course—and a flexible, social floor plan that allows for up to seven bedrooms when needed. A breezy jaunt of around 30 steps separates the house from its custom covered dock. The interior opens to a great room that combines foyer, living, dining, and kitchen areas while eliminating walls that might block the view. Lakefront outdoor living areas occupy the home’s rear and side: a broad main-level covered deck wraps to a screened porch with stone fireplace, the ideal spot for toasting sunsets year-round.

864.506.6387 • Justin Winter / justin@justinwinter.com

THE FINEST COLLECTION

864-481-4444 | info@justinwinter.com | www.justinwinter.com

©2020 Justin Winter and Associates, LLC. All rights reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC and used with permission. Justin Winter and Associates, LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. Any services or products provided by independently owned and operated franchisees are not provided by, affiliated with or related to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC nor any of its affiliated companies. If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. Sales data based on Western Upstate MLS.

Custom Residence Collection

MLS 20217587

188 HICKORY SPRINGS WAY • $1,675,000

Set on 1.17 ac of gently sloping waterfront and overlooking a notably wide Lake Keowee cove, this home offers open living spaces and spacious accommodations in a still-brand-new residence. The house is eye-catching with its exterior of masonry siding and natural stone. Inside, the foyer leads to a broad great room with a tall bow window, stone fireplace, and vaulted ceiling. Outdoor living areas span the length of the home: a screened porch with fireplace, open deck, and covered porch. Across the rear of the home, a stone terrace looks out over a firepit, slate pathways, covered dock with lift, and the property’s sweeping shoreline.

864.202.0505 • Melissa Wiles-Sellers / melissa@justinwinter.com

MLS 20222997

126 WATER CREST TRAIL • $1,589,000

Situated at the end of a cul-de-sac on 1.11 acres with 160 ft of waterfront, this Evergreen Construction custom home is the epitome of lake living. At 4,995 SF, with 4 bedrooms plus bunk room, 4-1/2 baths, and a separate guest suite with kitchenette over the garage, this Craftsman style lake home is comfortable, inviting and designed for family fun. The lake views are long and the walk to the covered slip dock is short and easy. Outdoor living areas include lakeside porches (open & screened), a grilling deck, and a lower level terrace. Additional features include a lakeside waterfall and firepit to provide additional enjoyment.

864.506.6387 • Justin Winter / justin@justinwinter.com

MLS 20209916

110 RED BUCKEYE TRAIL • $1,469,000

5 bedrooms, 4 full plus 1 half bathrooms and bright, spacious living areas comprise this 5,400 SF waterfront home with good proximity to the clubhouse and golf course. The double slip covered dock awaits your lake enjoyment. .86 acres of mixed forest and meticulous landscaping surround the low-maintenance exterior of this home. Enhanced floor plan opens to great room, dining area and kitchen with ease of access to screened and open porch. Control 4 home automation system allows lighting, thermostat control, two security cameras, and monitored security system. Audio and video are available in virtually every room of the house.

864.506.6387 • Justin Winter / justin@justinwinter.com

THE FINEST COLLECTION

864-481-4444 | info@justinwinter.com | www.justinwinter.com

©2020 Justin Winter and Associates, LLC. All rights reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC and used with permission. Justin Winter and Associates, LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. Any services or products provided by independently owned and operated franchisees are not provided by, affiliated with or related to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC nor any of its affiliated companies. If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. Sales data based on Western Upstate MLS.

live the extraordinary...

MLS 20220155

400 S. POINT BLVD • $599,900

Located in the midst of The Reserve at Lake Keowee’s nature preserve, 400 S. Point Boulevard blends elegant living with outdoor pursuits. A portion of the community’s conservation easement is across the street and nearby cart paths lead to the many amenities this community has to offer. Inside, both the foyer and light-filled great room have vaulted plank ceilings with aesthetic beam accents. An expansive deck wraps around the home and joins a spacious, breezy screened porch. With multiple doors to the porch and decks, the kitchen, dining, great room, and outdoor areas create an ideal flow for entertaining. Both inside and outside spaces enjoy seasonal mountain and lake views.

248.866.6007 • Lori Parks / lori@justinwinter.com

MLS 20215177

166 RIDGE TOP LANE • $1,350,000

Elevated and long-range Lake Keowee views, 5 generous bedroom suites that make for effortless hosting, and refined mountain/lake styling perfectly unite in the home. This destination is situated on a picturesque ridge that’s tucked just inside a scenic cove of the lake’s northernmost channel. It’s near the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, yet within close proximity to the heart of the amenities. The home opens to a great room with stone fireplace and vaulted ceiling with center beam (architecture found in several additional rooms). Outdoors, a covered terrace overlooks stone pathways leading to a firepit area.

864.202.0505 • Melissa Wiles-Sellers / melissa@justinwinter.com

MLS 20207833

233 LONG COVE COURT • $999,000

Located on an elevated home site over a wide cove is this charming stone front cottage with inspiring views that include Lake Keowee as well as several golf holes. The home exudes a comfortable, cozy atmosphere punctuated by impeccable quality. Porches on both levels ensure the out-ofdoors is always close at hand. A wonderful sense of privacy has been created with a serene drive into the home and lighted stone pillars serving as the entry to the motor court. Yet this home lies within easy walking distance of the clubhouse and golf, making this one of the best locations in all The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards.

404.281.0475 • Trip Agerton / trip@justinwinter.com

THE FINEST COLLECTION

864-481-4444 | info@justinwinter.com | www.justinwinter.com

©2020 Justin Winter and Associates, LLC. All rights reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC and used with permission. Justin Winter and Associates, LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. Any services or products provided by independently owned and operated franchisees are not provided by, affiliated with or related to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC nor any of its affiliated companies. If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. Sales data based on Western Upstate MLS.

Custom Residence Collection

OFFICE EXCLUSIVE LISTING

407 EVERGREEN TRAIL • $1,777,777

Elevated, extraordinary views are the hallmark of this residence. Positioned on a ridge overlooking a far-reaching span of Lake Keowee, the waterfront home celebrates its glorious scenery with multiple outdoor living areas, as well as liberal windows in practically every room. While outdoor vistas are the paramount feature here, wonderful architectural details abound. At the front of the home, a cascading water feature borders an enchanting garden of flowers and ferns. A lower-level terrace adjoins a wide paver path (ideal for a golf cart) that weaves through verdant garden plantings to the deep-water, covered dock.

864.506.6387 • Justin Winter / justin@justinwinter.com

MLS 20224840

109 TRANQUIL COVE • $985,000

This Meritus Signature Homes plan, The Nantahala, boasts all the elements most desired. Light and bright theme of elegance but with a comfortable feel. The master retreat plus 2 more en suites are all on the main level plus a finished bonus with bath for added flexibility. This open concept plan with angled island is convenient for casual dining and entertaining large gatherings. This home is located conveniently to the community docks dedicated to this neighborhood. Perfect for those who want water access without the upkeep of a dock year round.

864.202.0505 • Melissa Wiles-Sellers / melissa@justinwinter.com

OFFICE EXCLUSIVE LISTING

109 WOOD SORRELL WAY • $1,795,000

This most unique offering is a gated estate of over 10 acres, set on a perfectly private point with 1,100’ of deep water shoreline. A mile of customdesigned trails meander through mature mixed woodland. The single-level 3,800 SF residence is brimming with custom designed and crafted attributes, including true gourmet kitchen, magnificent twin flue stone fireplace, stone grotto outdoor shower, expansive, 1,200 SF screened porch and two home offices. The meticulously maintained, low-maintenance residence comprises 4 bedrooms with 4.5 bathrooms. A sanctuary of peace in a natural setting, this home gracefully balances casual indoor and outdoor lake living.

864.506.6387 • Justin Winter / justin@justinwinter.com

THE FINEST COLLECTION

864-481-4444 | info@justinwinter.com | www.justinwinter.com

©2020 Justin Winter and Associates, LLC. All rights reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC and used with permission. Justin Winter and Associates, LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. Any services or products provided by independently owned and operated franchisees are not provided by, affiliated with or related to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC nor any of its affiliated companies. If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. Sales data based on Western Upstate MLS.

Great

Scot!

H E R I TA G E C E L E B R AT E D W I T H C A B E R S & K I LT S story by Bill Bauer | photos courtesy of Greenville Scottish Games

SPRING 2020 › 27

Experience the wild Highlands of Scotland in Greenville

I

The athletic events of the Highland Games are enjoyed by men, women and children, but they are not for the faint of heart.

28 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

magine bending down and clasping the tapered end of a log that weighs a mere 175 pounds and stands a measly 19 feet, 6 inches tall, then standing up and balancing it against your shoulder. Now, if you don’t topple over, try running forward and launching it end-over-end hoping it lands on the thicker top end while falling away from you in a straight line. It’s called the caber toss, the most recognized event in the Scottish Highland Games.

Once a year across the pond, the caber toss is only one of several unique athletic events that combine with bagpipes, drums and kilts, to celebrate centuries-old Scottish and Celtic traditions.

And, while these unique games may have originated in Scotland, they are celebrated throughout the world by kinsmen determined to keep their traditions and culture alive. One such celebration takes place on the gorgeous grounds of Furman University. It is here that Greenville annually hosts Gallabrae — The Greenville Scottish Games — a blend of the best of Scotland and the South.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of a tradition that began in 2006, and one that is routinely ranked among the top games by the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs.

Gallabrae has hosted countless dignitaries, members of the British Royal Family and The Duke of Hamilton from Edinburgh.

This year promises to be the best celebration ever, with festivities beginning on May 22, at 6 p.m., with the Great Scot! Parade on Main Street, from Broad to East North Street. Events carry over to the games on May 23, at Furman, and conclude

when the greatest Scottish Happy Hour and Celtic Jam in the world comes to an end Saturday night.

“Forever Furman,” says Jay Spivey, marketing director for the games and long-time board member. “It was a stroke of luck when four or five local Scots landed the wide open fields at Furman for the games. It is the perfect venue with Greenville and the Upstate having one of the highest population concentrations of Scottish descent in the country.”

Spivey says it has also been a financial boon for Greenville, growing to become the second-largest event of the year generating revenues of $5.8 million and averaging 25,000 visitors throughout the day.

“A recent survey showed we’re second only to Artisphere,” Spivey said.

Gallabrae loosely translated means “party in the hills,” and the organizers have upped the ante for the 15th celebration. The games are usually attended by the Scottish Clan Chiefs, eight Royal Highland Fusiliers as their Honor Guard and a host of dignitaries. This year, to commemorate the RHF Honor Guard’s 10th anniversary, the Honor Guard and 20 members of the Royal Highland Fusiliers Pipes & Drums will make the journey.

The Wee Scotland area for the kids is fun to watch as they participate in a scaled down version of the heavy athletics.

SPRING 2020 › 29

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“It’s simply a lot of fun and is highlighted by our military salute. It’s always held around Memorial Day and is a tribute to our own armed forces and our greatest wartime allies, the Scots,” Spivey said.

Gates open at 8:30 a.m. and ceremonies begin at 9:30 with a huge parade and dignitary speeches declaring the games open. At 11 a.m. the military salute begins. A military flyover featuring Warbird replicas from Florida, a 21-gun salute, and the SC Army National Guard Band’s playing of both countries’ national anthems and TAPS, are followed by a sole piper playing a verse of “Amazing Grace” before being joined by the remainder of the massed pipe and drum bands.

The heavy athletics begin shortly thereafter.

“The participation in the events has grown exponentially over the years,” Spivey said. “We now have a Masters division for men and women and over 100 competitors.”

Young and old toss the caber and throw stones and hammers, and the Wee Scotland area for the kids is really fun to watch as they participate in a scaled down version of the heavy athletics, music, storytelling and a climbing wall.

Memorabilia vendors, re-enactors, and as one might expect, a William Wallace/Braveheart sighting or two, permeate the grounds. Traditional Scottish food such as meat pies and shortbread cookies, and everything you need to get kilted in your clan outfit are available. Another grand event — the Pipe and Drum Competition — runs all day.

“We have 16-20 pipe and drum bands, each with 12-18 players, and they all compete for awards,” Spivey explained. “It is spectacular.”

Attending the Great Scot! Parade on Friday night is the best way to get your kilt on and gear up, literally, for Gallabrae. It starts at 6 p.m. near the Peace Center and marches to East North where it joins in Greenville’s weekly Friday celebration.

“It is clearly the biggest Main Street Friday event of the year,” Spivey said. ‘The Fusiliers Honor Guard will be there and Cleghorn, a Celtic rock group, plays on into the night at Noma Square. n The website, www.gallabrae.com, is the place to go for tickets, times and any information you need for the entire weekend’s events. You can even register your Scottish Clan. This event can also be found on Facebook as The Greenville Scottish Games.

Countertops Backsplash Cabinets • Hardware Flooring

864.882.3936

997 Bypass 123 • Seneca There are pipes aplenty at the Greenville Scottish Games.

30 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

It weighs 175 pounds and stands 19 feet, 6 inches tall. It’s the caber, and all you have to do to win is throw it end-over-end and get it to stay upright when it lands.

GAMES GALORE!

Story by Bill Bauer

North and South Carolina are known for their high concentrations of Scottish descendants. That being said, it is no wonder that cities and towns throughout the two states carry on Scottish traditions by hosting their own version of the Highland Games.

If you like to travel to events, here is a list of Scottish Festivals and Highland Games being held in 2020 throughout the Carolinas. Most have official dates listed, while others are yet to be determined.

March 14: 8th Annual Celtic Festival – Latta Plantation, Huntersville, NC April 2-5: 10th Tartan Day South, Cayce, SC April 17-19: 27th Loch Norman Highland Games, Huntersville, NC April 25: Coastal Highland Games, Myrtle Beach, SC May 22 & 23: 15th Greenville Scottish Games, Greenville, SC June 19-21: Taste of Scotland Festival 2020, Franklin, NC July 9-12: 65th Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, Linville, NC Sept. 26: Swamp Fox Highland Games 2020, Laurinburg, NC Nov. 7: 49th Charleston Scottish Games, Charleston, SC TBA: Tartan Day 2020 Raleigh, NC TBA: Bethabara Highland Games, Florence, SC TBA: Cape Fear Highland Games, Wilmington, NC TBA: 24th Clover Highland Games

SPRING 2020 › 31

B B O Cmuseum seeks to rebuild legacy story by Brett McLaughlin | photos courtesy of Ty Cobb Museum

32 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

Cobb captured a record 12 batting titles, batted over .400 three times and won the 1909 Triple Crown. Here, he is pictured wearing the 1907 batting championship medal he was awarded.

N

o one has ever questioned Ty Cobb’s greatness when it comes to playing baseball. How could they?

At .366, Cobb still holds baseball’s highest career batting average. During his 24-year big league career, Cobb captured a record 12 batting titles, batted over .400 three times and won the 1909 Triple Crown. When he retired he held career records for games played (3,035), at bats (11,434), runs (2,246), hits (4,189), total bases (5,854), and batting average (.366).

Cobb was a fierce competitor and a hell of a baseball player — no doubt about it.

Tyrus Raymond Cobb, the man … well, that’s a different story.

Baseball history is sprinkled with stories portraying “the Georgia Peach” as a spike-slashing demon who, while revered by most in his baseball homes of Detroit and Philadelphia, was detested by many fellow players and had countless run-ins with police in one major league city after another.

According to the museum website: “Ty Cobb Museum was born out of the negative publicity and legacy destruction that Cobb got with the release of the Warner Bros. film Cobb … The movie widened the negative scope of Cobb’s reputation as a mean, drunk, delusional racist who couldn’t even win sympathy from his own family members in his dying years. The film portrayed the overly aggressive and heartless Cobb as the most hated man in the game, and who managed to have everyone connected with the game of baseball to detest the unwanted player.

The film was based off of the second book written by Al Stump ‘Ty Cobb: The Life and Times of the Meanest Man Who Ever Played Baseball’ released initially on Oct. 1, 1994. The first book came out shortly after Cobb’s death in the summer of 1961. Both books set the stage for the movie to be the fatal blow to the destruction of Ty Cobb’s legacy.”

In 1998, the Ty Cobb Museum opened with a stated goal “to reconstitute his reputation to its original state.”

“Our goal has been to teach a story about a hometown boy who did good and then returned home and helped out his community,” said the museum’s former executive director, Wesley Fricks. “We want to scrape off the myths, legends and unverifiable stories with real facts.

“The naysayers will always have their way of telling their story, and we have a way of providing our story.”

The museum contains art and memorabilia, film, video, books and historical archives of Cobb’s legendary career on the diamond.

SPRING 2020 › 33

To that end, visitors to the onestory office building that houses the museum will find memorabilia from the dead-ball era of baseball as well as personal items from the Hall of Famer himself. Prized exhibits include the 1907 batting championship award, a trophy presented to Cobb by Bette Davis after he beat Babe Ruth in a 1941 USO golf benefit, and a loving cup given to Cobb in February 1921 after he took over as manager of the Detroit Tigers.

The museum also has Cobb’s beloved leather uniform baseball shoe that was bronzed, his MLB Lifetime Pass, his diabetic identification card and his 1911 Silver Slugger bat award. Other items include a seat from Briggs Stadium in Detroit and a collection of Coca-Cola bottles featuring Cobb’s name and likeness.

The museum contains art and memorabilia, film, video, books and historical archives of Cobb.

The Cobb Theater features stadium-style seating and plays a video featuring narration by Georgia Bulldogs broadcasting legend Larry Munson, interviews with Atlanta Braves star Chipper Jones and ESPN baseball analyst Peter Gammons, as well as rare footage and still photographs of Cobb.

The museum also devotes a significant amount of space to Ty Cobb the businessman, whose savvy, early investments in General Motors and Coca-Cola enabled him to donate $100,000 to build Cobb Memorial Hospital that opened in Royston in 1950.

{clockwise from top left} Among the museum’s exhibits is Cobb’s beloved leather uniform baseball shoe that was bronzed. Here, it is pictured with one of his gloves, a ball and a stadium chair from Briggs Stadium (later Tiger Stadium) in Detroit, Mich., where Cobb’s legendary career was centered.

• Bette Davis presented this trophy to Cobb after he beat Babe Ruth in a 1941 USO golf benefit. • This is the 1907 batting championship award Cobb received. • This is the uniform Cobb wore while compiling an array of baseball records. At .366, he still holds baseball’s highest career batting average.

34 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

Ty Cobb is pictured with his good friend Dr. Stewart D. Brown at the opening of Ty Cobb Hospital in 1950. At right, correspondence between the two men during the planning phase of the facility.

The hospital went on to become part of the Ty Cobb Healthcare System, which included Cobb Memorial Hospital in Royston, Hart County Hospital in Hartwell, and a number of other services. In 2012, the two hospitals were united into a state-of-the-art facility just off I-85 in Lavonia, which has subsequently become St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital.

Cobb also established the Ty Cobb Educational Foundation, which to-date has awarded more than $18 million in scholarships to Georgia’s youth.

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SPRING 2020 › 35

“BASEBALL WAS ONE-HUNDRED PERCENT OF MY LIFE.” - TY COBB -

Perhaps Boston and Cleveland baseball legend Smoky Joe Wood summed up both Cobb’s playing days and his retirement years best when he said, “He (Cobb) was the best ballplayer I ever saw. I always said if there was a league higher than the majors, Ty Cobb would be the only fellow in it. Just as you’d be thinking about doing something, Ty would be doing it. He was always one step ahead of you.”

In addition to the museum, Cobb’s legacy is stamped throughout the Royston area. His grave is in Rose Hill Cemetery, just down the street from the museum, and the Cobb family crypt is along Burch Street. A statue of Cobb was dedicated in 2019 outside of the Royston Public Library, 634 Franklin Springs St. n

Although plans are on the drawing table for a much larger facility on the site of the original Cobb Memorial Hospital, the Hall of Fame baseball player is currently honored in a museum located in a professional office building at 461 Cook St. in Royston, Ga.

The Museum is located at 461 Cook St. in Royston. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $5 adults; $4 senior citizens; $3 students; free for children ages 4 and under and for active duty military members; for more information visit: tycobb.org/ty-cobb-museum or call 706.245.1825.

Keep Your Future in Your Hands You may not be able to see into the future, but you can make decisions NOW that will give you more control later.

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(864) 859-3367

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CALL ME FOR AMAZING RESULTS BUYING OR SELLING YOUR NEXT HOME.

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GET SCHOOLED IN US MILITARY HISTORY story by Vanessa Infanzon

38 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

The USS Yorktown lies inside the harbor at Patriots Point in Mt. Pleasant, SC. Photo courtesy of Explore Charleston/ ExploreCharleston.com

SPRING 2020 › 39

Y

ears ago, a friend told me her parents planned an educational vacation once a year. They visited places such as Gettysburg, Pa., Jamestown, Va., and Williamsburg, Va. They made family memories while learning about the places they heard about at school or read about in books.

Adding an educational component builds value to a vacation — at any age. New information stimulates the brain, widens your repertoire of topics to discuss with family and friends and (believe it or not) can be fun. Military-themed museums and parks in South Carolina, just a few hours from the Upstate, educate people about artillery, aviation, engineering, history, map reading, storytelling and war strategy.

Discover new interests or share one with a friend, spouse or family member. Plan a weekend or weeklong trip centered around one of these sites:

A militiaman fires his weapon at one of the special events at Cowpens National Battlefield.

Photo courtesy of Richard Crowley for NPS

We “Tick-Off” Bucket Lists!

We love this place.

You will too!

As the wise man once stated, “You can’t should have!”

Time to clear the Bucket List.

EAT. SHOP. GATHER.

And Thru The Links’ US Sr VP Sales, who resides in Keowee Key, can personally assist in doing just that.

Hang Out & Relax!

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Saturday Brunch & Sunday Lunch Furniture & Gift Items

864.916.9601 • 205 South John Street • Walhalla, SC • www.gather205.com OPEN TUESDAY-SUNDAY • PRIVATE VENUE AVAILABLE 40 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

Cowpens National Battlefield On Jan. 17, 1781, the Patriots won The Battle of Cowpens. That, historians say, led to the later, overall victory at Yorktown and, ultimately, to United States independence.

At this National Park, visitors can follow the Battlefield Trail, a partially paved

Bucket Lis t

Play golf in Irelan d & Scotlan d

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1.3-mile walk with wayside exhibits: the 1856 Washington Light Infantry Monument and the historic Green River Road.

Or, you can skip walking and hit the 3.8mile auto loop trail. Travel the perimeter of the battlefield stopping for wayside exhibits, short trails to the Green River Road and the c.1828 Robert Scruggs Log House.

Pro Tip: Watch military historian Ed Bearss discuss the details of the battle on the Cowpens National Battlefield website.

338 New Pleasant Road, Gaffney, SC Admission and parking are free.

864.461.2828 www.nps.gov/cowp Kings Mountain National Military Park In 1780, 1,100 Loyalists fought 900 Patriots in The Battle of Kings Mountain.

The Patriots won what was a significant victory in the Revolutionary War, because it wiped out Crown General Lord Cornwallis’ left flank. Thomas Jefferson later called the battle “The turn of the tide of success.”

At Kings Mountain National Military Park, you can follow the battlefield trail by starting at the Visitor’s Center for a 26-minute history lesson in the form of a

More Revolutionary War battles were fought in South Carolina than any other state. Neighbor often fought against neighbor, as the country was deeply divided about which side was right in America’s revolutionary conflict. Photo courtesy of OldeEnglishDistrict.com

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Visitors can spend a day just touring the aircraft carrier The USS Yorktown, learning stories of survival and heroism. Photo courtesy of Explore Charleston/ ExploreCharleston.com

42 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

video. Then, walk the 1.5-mile paved Battlefield Trail, stopping to read the wayside exhibits or listening to a cellphone audio tour. The trail can be steep in a few places.

Pro Tips: Check the schedule for weekend weapons demonstrations and pack a picnic to enjoy after the one-hour hike.

2625 Park Road, Blacksburg, Va. Admission and parking are free.

864.936.7921 www.nps.gov/kimo Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum The USS Yorktown, known as “Fighting Lady” in World War II, participated in the Pacific offensive that led to the defeat of Japan in 1945. At Patriots Point, the Yorktown commands your attention.

Visitors can spend a day just touring the aircraft carrier and its companion craft, the destroyer USS Laffey. Using either self-guided or audio tours, learn first-hand how sailors spent their days and hear their stories of survival and courage. If you’re claustrophobic, however, you may want to skip going below deck.

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864-723-0629 Cell • Sue.Pulliam@allentate.com Monuments to the soldiers on both sides of the conflict honor those who died during the Battle of Kings Mountain. These monuments and other markers are along the battlefield trail. Photo courtesy of OldeEnglishDistrict.

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Pro Tip: Tickets include The Vietnam Experience Exhibit and Medal of Honor Museum.

40 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant, SC Purchase tickets online, by phone or in person; parking is $5 for the day.

843.884.2727 patriotspoint.org Where to stay Make reservations at Cottages at Charleston Harbor in Mount Pleasant for a vacation home experience in a quiet setting. Each cottage is expertly decorated and includes a porch overlooking the water. It’s a 5-minute walk on a flat paved sidewalk to Patriots Point. The Cottages provides complimentary bicycles and locks for guests.

Hotel Indigo in Mount Pleasant offers a boutique hotel experience with vibrant colors and an artsy theme. Eat breakfast — try the Indigo Skillet — at Eliza’s bar + Kitchen. Enjoy live music Wednesday through Sunday evenings. Local musicians play a variety of music from jazz to light rock.

Rest your weary feet after hiking through Cowpens and Kings Mountain at Magnolia House and Gardens or The Inn of the Patriots. Both are locally owned B&Bs. Or, try the newly built Courtyard by Marriott in Fort Mill with shopping, restaurants and activities in the Kingsley Town Center. n Story sources: Nicholas Fabian, nfabian@patriotspoint.org; https://www. nps.gov/kimo/index.htm; https://www.nps.gov/cowp/index.htm; https://www. patriotspoint.org/tickets-landing-page/

ADD A FESTIVAL TO YOUR EXCURSION

Story by Vanessa Infanzon

Combine your visit to Mount Pleasant with one of these four South Carolina festivals: The Annual Festival of Houses and Gardens is March 11 – April 18. View the gardens behind the gates and porch doors of private residences in Charleston.

Head to the Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival on April 26 for live music, a boat parade and craft activities.

North Charleston Arts Festival is April 29 – May 3 and features more than 100 national, regional and local artists and performers in dance, music, theater, visual arts, crafts, photography, media arts and literature.

If music sets your soul on fire, try The Spoleto Festival USA from May 22 – June 7. Enjoy opera, jazz, theater, orchestral, chamber and contemporary music, along with literary and visual artists.

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Cottages at Charleston Harbor has several cottages, each with a porch overlooking the water. Photo Courtesy of Cottages at Charleston Harbor

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AUGUSTA IS ALL ABOUT AND story by Bill Bauer

46 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

You’re a contestant on Jeopardy and select Famous Southern Cities for $1,000.

The board flips, the word “Augusta” appears, and you respond, “Where is the Masters held?”

Yes, Augusta is home to the sport’s most prestigious golf tournament, and thousands of people flock to Augusta National Golf Club every April. But the home to those hallowed grounds is also Georgia’s second-largest and oldest city and plays host to more than nine million visitors each year. Spared by General Sherman on his March to the Sea, Augusta offers a whole lot more than golf’s most glamorous event.

Located on the banks of the Savannah River, Augusta is rich in history and culture, and is full of shopping and dining opportunities. It is only a few hours from the Upstate, thus qualifying as a day trip or a staycation destination. A personal “been there-done that” outing last year only served to whet my appetite and necessitate a return trip. This time around, my wife and I chose a two night-three day visit that turned out to be an ideal way to relax, soak up a little Southern hospitality, and truly experience this charming city.

Day 1 Heading to the Masters in the past, I’ve traveled to Augusta via I-85, the Elberton Highway and I-20, but this time we chose the back roads, letting GPS do the work. It was a leisurely, scenic drive through the country, taking only 15 minutes longer than the superhighway. We arrived at the historic Partridge Inn at check-in and were greeted by a cordial valet.

{below} Any tour of Augusta, particularly if one wants to enjoy the eclectic nature of the city’s main drag, Broad Street, should begin at Augusta & Co., home to the city’s Convention & Visitors Bureau. {opposite page} This statue of James Brown, the King of Soul, stands at the corner of 13th Street and the boulevard named in his honor. Brown called Augusta home and always rehearsed his tours in the city.

Photos courtesy of Augusta Convention & Visitors Bureau

SPRING 2020 › 47

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Accommodations are abundant in Augusta particularly along busy Washington Avenue and along the riverfront. We selected The Partridge Inn in the historic Summerville area because its history dates to the early 19th century. It was a private residence until Morris Partridge, a New Yorker and one of many early “snowbirds” who chose Augusta as their winter retreat, purchased it in 1900. He added 20 rooms in 1909, and five expansions and 20 years later it had become a remarkable five-story hotel with 129 rooms and a quarter-mile of galleried porches and balconies.

However, that was then and this is now. Having survived a scheduled demolition in the 1980s and undergoing a total renovation in 2014, The Partridge Inn is now a Curio Hotel, part of the upper tier of the Hilton Collection. The original historical exterior remains intact and blends nicely with a more contemporary upscale interior.

After settling into our king suite, a 2-room unit with private bath, we roamed the halls, reliving years of Augusta’s history by virtue of memorabilia adorning the walls.

The P.I. Bar and Grill offers a sophisticated setting with a legacy of culinary excellence. The seasonal menu features contemporary Southern cuisine, complete with appetizers, small plates, entrees and desserts. We started with country ham hush puppies and a bowl of Lowcountry Crab soup. Both provided a perfect segue to the signature Verlasso Salmon served over pumpkin risotto, sherry roasted mushrooms and crispy kale, and the lamb special, featuring four chops delicately placed over sautéed kale and surrounded by roasted pickled pumpkin.

Highly recommended by the waiter were the lobster mac and cheese and the 32-ounce ribeye, both serving two – maybe next time!

Day 2 The day began with a wonderful breakfast featuring a combination of standard buffet items and an omelet station, before hitting the road for a full day of touring. Broad Street is the main drag in Augusta and where you will find the visitor’s center with a friendly staff led by Eleanor Prater, digital marketing manager for the Augusta CVB. A few suggestions from Eleanor and we were off to explore Broad Street, which she said, “… is special due to the many locally owned restaurants and shops, as well as its walkability, public art influence, outdoor eating and pet-friendly atmosphere.”

She was correct as ample parking and wide walkways made browsing the shops and galleries between 13th Street and James Brown Boulevard very easy.

James Brown Boulevard leads straight to The Riverwalk, a twotiered promenade along the banks of the Savannah River. The picturesque walkway described as “Augusta’s Front Porch” offers great views

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48 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

of the city and is home to the Jesse Norman Amphitheater, the scene of yearlong concerts, events and festivals. It is a hub of activity surrounded by museums, pubs, historic sites and restaurants. In an area where cotton was once King we chose to have lunch in the aptly named Boll Weevil Café & Sweetery before heading to the Augusta Canal, which is said to have saved the city.

The dream of local businessmen, the canal was modeled after the famous Lowell Experiment in Massachusetts and provided a source for power, water and transportation as early as 1845. The location of the Confederate Powder Works during the Civil War, the canal went on to become a catalyst for a boom in textile manufacturing. Today, the canal still operates and is a recreational paradise for paddlers and pedestrians.

The former Enterprise Mill building remains as a tribute to a bygone era and home to an interactive museum. It is also where we boarded a replica Petersburg canal boat for a 90-minute, guided history voyage on the waterway – an Augusta must do!

For dinner we settled in at The Whiskey Bar & Kitchen, an Augusta favorite that offers 200 whiskeys along with a full service bar and restaurant. Right across the street is Solé Augusta, a sister eatery to Solé Grill and Sushi Bar in Seneca, and part of Upstate restaurateur T.J.

The Partridge Inn is a remarkable five-story hotel with 129 rooms and a quarter-mile of galleried porches and balconies. Photo courtesy of The Partridge Inn

Grove’s trio of eateries, the third being Solé on the Green in Clemson. Having dined at the Seneca location many times, Solé Augusta was an easy choice for some amazing sushi. For the non-sushi palate, Solé has an extensive menu and offers both indoor and outdoor seating in a beautiful courtyard.

We topped off the night, literally, at the rooftop bar of The Partridge Inn. It was the perfect setting for a nightcap as we took in the bright lights of Augusta’s skyline. It was a wee bit chilly, but propane heaters provided enough warmth to enjoy the evening before heading back to our suite.

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Located on the banks of the Savannah River, Augusta is rich in history and culture, and is full of shopping and dining opportunities.

Day 3 Our final day in Augusta was getaway day, and we decided to check out the museum possibilities, Augusta’s theaters and visit Forest Hills Golf Course (See separate feature.) before trekking back to the Upstate.

The Augusta Museum of History and Morris Museum of Art are both dedicated to preserving the history of Southern culture. Exhibits like a Petersburg boat, 1916 fire pumper and a restored trolley car help depict Augusta’s role from the Revolutionary War through the World War II era. At the Morris Museum, Southern artists are highlighted in over 5,000 paintings and sculptures. Not to be left out is the Boyhood Home of Woodrow Wilson, a National Historical Landmark depicting the life of the 28th President grow-

50 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

ing up during the Civil War and Reconstruction Era. Entertainment has been crucial to downtown Augusta’s resurgence. Two restored theaters — The Imperial and The Miller — play host to an amazing array of performers in every musical genre. First class Broadway shows, plays and musical groups grace the stages of these iconic venues throughout the year. The Imperial, where James Brown rehearsed for his world tours, celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2018, while The Miller, which opened in 1940 and closed in 1984, was salvaged by Augusta philanthropist Peter Know IV in 2008 and is now a state-of-theart entertainment facility and home to the Symphony Orchestra of Augusta.

Alas, all good road trips must come to an

end, but our three day taste of Augusta left us thinking about a return visit to experience more of Augusta’s Southern hospitality, tradition and charm. n For information on lodging, restaurants and performance dates and times at Augusta’s theaters, go online at visitaugusta.com, millertheateraugusta.com, imperialtheater.com, or contact Augusta & Co. at 706.724.4067. For The Partridge Inn visit partridgeinn.com or call 844.442.8746.

Historical tours are available on Petersburg boats that ply the Augusta Canal, showing off such treasures as the Civil War era Confederate Powder Works. Photo courtesy of Augusta Convention & Visitors Bureau

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WHERE AUGUSTA PLAYS GOLF story by Bill Bauer | photos courtesy of Forest Hills Golf Club

52 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

S

everal years ago, Augusta promoters ran an ad campaign centered around the slogan, “I played Augusta!”

It was a play on words, referencing all that one could do and experience in Georgia’s second-oldest city while not actually playing golf on the hallowed grounds of Augusta National Golf Club.

The city is, indeed, more than home to the Masters. In fact, there’s another golf course just a few miles down the road that is open to the public — Augusta University’s Forest Hills Golf Club. It is a much-loved staple in Augusta’s golf community and is, as locals say, “Where Augusta Plays.”

Forest Hills was originally designed by renowned golf course architect Donald Ross and was renovated by the Arnold Palmer Company in 2004. It features traditional southern topography with rolling fairways surrounded by magnificent trees, and has repeatedly been named “Best Public Golf Course” by Augusta Magazine.

{above} This sign outside the clubhouse at Forest Hills Golf Club in Augusta commemorates Bobby Jones first victory in his 1930 Grand Slam. • {below} The 10th hole at Forest Hills Golf Club provides a perfect example of the broad, tree-lined fairways that give way to somewhat undulating and well-guarded greens.

SPRING 2020 › 53

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WHEN APRIL ROLLS AROUND AND IT’S TIME FOR THE MASTERS, FOREST HILLS IS THE PLACE TO TEE IT UP. Established in 1926, the course itself is steeped in history. Bobby Jones earned the first victory of his 1930 Grand Slam in the Southeastern Open at Forest Hills. The course has also hosted college golf events featuring future greats like Phil Mickelson (1989) and Davis Love III (1981, 1982). Forest Hills is home to the men’s and women’s golf teams of Augusta University and became a part of golf history again when the Jaguar men’s team won back-to-back national Division I golf titles in 2010 and 2011.

The course’s wide-open fairways, lined by majestic pines, lead to wellprotected greens. From the blue tees the par 72-course plays at 7,040 yards, but gradually drops over five tee boxes to 5,098 yards, making it playable for any golfer. Undulating greens and sprawling bunkers provide plenty of challenge for big hitters, but forgiving fairways and spacious putting surfaces allow the high handicapper a chance to score as well. Surprising changes in elevation, very noticeable but not drastic, make for a fun round of golf and a pleasurable walk or ride.

A plaque denoting the beginning of Bobby Jones Grand Slam stands outside the clubhouse. Jones called his 13-shot victory in the Southeastern Open, “the best-played tournament I ever turned out in my life.”

Oddly enough, 13 of the original Donald Ross designed holes and the 1926 Golf House remain parts of Forest Hills.

A massive putting green is part of a fantastic practice facility that also includes a multi-targeted driving range. The Pro Shop and Grille are a source for clubs, clothes and equipment, as well as burgers, wraps and salads.

So, when April rolls around and it’s time for the Masters, Forest Hills is the place to tee it up.

“Golf play during Masters week has become a tradition for professional and amateur golfers alike, and here at Forest Hills we are honored to be a proven part of that tradition,” said Dan Elliott, PGA, gen-

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Exquisitely maintained bunkers are used to guard many of the holes at Augusta’s popular public course, Forest Hills Golf Club.

eral manager of Forest Hills. “We are excited to welcome visitors and locals to play where some of golf’s most notable professionals have played, and each year we aim to help guests celebrate the prestigious Masters Tournament by offering special rates that elevate the week from a spectator sport to an immersive week-long golf experience.”

This year, Masters Week Packages are available from April 6-12 and include a buffet lunch, as well as replay and twilight specials. In addition, pro shop merchandise specials are also available during the week.

“The city of Augusta comes alive during the Masters, and that week is an unbeatable time to experience our course and the area while it’s in the international spotlight,” Elliot said. n Forest Hills Golf Club is located just off Magnolia Drive at 1500 Comfort Road, in the heart of Augusta. For directions and your chance to “Play Augusta,” call the Pro Shop at 706.733.0001 or go online at www. theforesthillsgolfcourse.com.

Thru The Links, an Irish overseas golf tour operator, creates custom golf tours in all the wonderful destinations of Ireland, Scotland, England & Wales. The company’s US VP resides in Keowee Key. We work with your group’s timeline, budget, and “MustPlay’’courses to create a custom proposal.

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EFFORTS UNDERWAY TO PRE SERV E QUAL I T Y L AKE WAT ER story by Dari Mullins

56 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

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way. We must be proactive to protect our clean water sources,” said LKSWPT president Scottie Ferguson.

resh, clear, beautiful, clean — all describe the water in lakes Jocassee and Keowee.

However, as more people discover these gems and more development takes place, these adjectives are threatened. To minimize that threat and maintain water quality for generations to come, the non-profit Lake Keowee Source Water Protection Team (LKSWPT) was formed in 2017.

“Water quality on Lake Keowee and Lake Jocassee is excellent, and we want it to stay that

A team effort The Jocassee and Keowee reservoirs were created in the 1970s to provide clean, renewable hydropower to Duke Energy customers. One stipulation of the relicensing agreement Duke signed with the federal government in 2013 was that Duke would create a team and provide funding to protect and ensure good water quality. In

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SPRING 2020 › 57

being: “to undertake activities to protect, maintain and improve water quality in the Lake Keowee/Lake Jocassee Watershed by addressing both existing water quality issues and also problems that could potentially occur as the watershed continues to develop.”

“None of these efforts would be possible without the seed money provided by Duke Energy to initiate the program and continue to work on maintaining the water quality in our region,” Ferguson said.

A common goal Protecting the lake as a drinking water source is a top priority since Greenville Water and Seneca Light & Water both operate withdrawal and treatment facilities on the lake, Ferguson explained, noting that a new Walhalla water withdrawal and treatment facility is also under construction.

However, those using the lakes for recreation also benefit from these same protective efforts.

Toward those ends, the team’s initial focus has been on furthering development of current water quality models; developing a program to find and fix failed septic systems; educational outreach on water quality topics; and developing a comprehensive plan for effective implementation of storm sewer upgrades and controlling nonpoint source pollution.

“The efforts being undertaken by the LKSW-

PT are proactive and voluntary,” Ferguson said.

She added by way of explanation, “The organization will issue recommendations, but those are strictly to provide assistance benefiting area residents and not a mandated program. The objective is to be proactive in identifying any water quality issues before they morph into bigger problems and effect our healthy, clean water.”

Work on several fronts Since the biggest threat to water quality is run-off from sources such as sediment, chemicals, bacterial and other pollutants, several strategies are being used to control source pollution.

They include land use planning, use of Best Management Practices in agriculture and general development, septic system repairs, improved buffers and storm water management.

A recent grant from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control enabled the LKSWPT to contract with Upstate Forever, which is working in association with the Clemson Center of Watershed Excellence to prepare a plan that will include a comprehensive assessment of existing water quality issues and potential solutions.

The plan will be completed this year, Ferguson said, and will be a huge advantage to the entities that have primary responsibility for considering and implementing the policies. Those entities just happen to be the members of the LKSWPT.

“This will be critical as community education of local residents, leaders and officials is key to implementing the recommendations of the Lake Keowee Watershed planning efforts,” she noted.

Future projects include finding and fixing failed septic systems and providing support and/ or assistance for owners to repair and replace those systems. These efforts, Ferguson explained, are focused on the Cane Creek and Little Cane Creek area where many of the older septic systems are located. The team realizes one of the biggest challenges will be identifying and locating these weak and failing systems.

Ferguson herself urged residents to maintain their septic systems and have them repaired as soon as issues arise.

“The team is working on a website to provide educational information, watershed maps, septic areas and possible funding sources to assist residents in those repairs,” she said. “The website — www.lakekeoweewatershed.org — will be operational sometime this spring and will be updated as information becomes available.”

Initial work has also been undertaken with Clemson University’s engineering faculty to develop a hydrological model of Lake Keowee to predict nutritional pollution loads.

“I want to remind all land and homeowners to be aware of any drought conditions, sedimentation or erosion on their property and then prevent and repair it as needed,” Ferguson said. n

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for these ‘halfbacks’ it’s home story by Brett McLaughlin | photos by Savannah Blake

Mike and Mary Fiorini celebrated the closing on their new home with an impromptu dip in Lake Keowee.

60 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

SPRING 2020 › 61

This lower level guest room, with a grand view of the lake, is one of two shared by their sons’ families when they visit.

T

he line between coincidence and fate is extremely fine.

For instance, some might call it coincidence that Mike and Mary Fiorini ended up buying a lake home eight miles from Clemson, where a football phenom — who had attended prep school with their nephew in Connecticut — became a college legend.

I suppose one could also argue that it’s only happenstance that one of the Fiorinis’ sons married the daughter of a couple who were neighbors and good friends of a woman who just happened to have a sister who sold real estate in Salem, SC. Yup, those could be coincidences. But don’t try and tell that to Mike and Mary. Nope, if you ask them, it’s fate … pure and simple.

Of course, they love their new lake home and are convinced this is where they were meant to be a long time ago. Life just kind of got in the way. » CONTINUED ON PG. 64

62 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

“WE LOVE TO SIT HERE AND WATCH THE SUN SET ACROSS THE COVE IN THE SUMMER.

IT FILLS MY SOUL. WE WERE MEANT TO BE HERE.” - MARY FIORINI -

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» CONTINUED FROM PG. 62

But not anymore.

“The lake is breathtaking,” said Mary, settling into one of the Adirondack chairs encircling the crafted stone fire pit they had built halfway down the gentle slope from their home to the lake. “This is home for me.”

For most of their married lives the couple called Western Massachusetts home. Their place in the Berkshires was an interior lot that had a view of a nearby lake. Fifteen years ago they began wintering in Florida, an option available to them because Mike’s job as environmental controller enabled him to work remotely.

However, after their sons married and moved away, and as grandchildren came onto the scene, it became more difficult to get the family together. Selling the northern home and finding a place in Upstate South Carolina seemed the thing to do.

“We just weren’t seeing enough of the children,” Mary said.

Enter fate.

64 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

The lower level “Clemson Room” is testament to the couple’s fandom, which existed long before they moved to Seneca as a result of their nephew going to school with Clemson football legend Christian Wilkins.

“THE LAKE IS BREATHTAKING. THIS IS HOME FOR ME.” - MARY FIORINI -

The kitchen has all the conveniences and a magnificent view of the lake when working between the countertops and this large island.

It seems that her son’s mother-in-law, Susan Hanson, was also planning to move closer to their shared grandchildren. Mary had met Susan when their children married and, at the wedding, she also met Susan’s good friend and neighbor. As the two (grand)mothers discussed relocating, Susan mentioned that her neighbor’s sister, Sandy Peirce, was an agent for Allen Tate in Upstate South Carolina and had found them a lot on which to build. Mike and Mary made the call and the visit.

They were not totally unfamiliar with Clemson. Their nephew had attended Suffield Academy in Connecticut and was friends with one of the school’s star football players. As a result, they had followed the team and the career of Christian Wilkins. That career led to Clemson where Wilkins played four years, was part of two national championship teams and twice earned first-team All-America honors. (Today, he is a defensive standout for the Miami Dolphins.)

“We knew about Clemson,” Mary said, smiling as she walked through a lower level living area with ample orange and purple décor. “This is our Clemson room.”

SPRING 2020 › 65

As comfortable as it seemed to be this close to Clemson, the lake was the couple’s first priority when it came to finding a new home.

“First, we wanted to be on the lake. We looked at Hartwell, but it was …” Mary said, pausing to find the right description. “… just not that pretty. When we saw Keowee, we knew this was the place for us.

The color of the water is unbelievable, and it’s just so peaceful.”

While the home they found would require some personal touches, the location and floor plan were ideal. The entry level features an open area that includes the kitchen, a large dining area and an expansive living area.

“I wanted to be able to look out on the lake when I was in the kitchen. This is perfect, and it’s great for entertaining. We bought the place fully furnished and look at this,” Mary said, moving into the living room and pointing at what appears to be a circular coffee table. “This actually cranks up, so you can use if for eating or for parties. I love it.”

{above} Mike and Mary Fiorini have made extensive improvements to the landscaping around their new lake home, especially the gentle slope down to Lake Keowee. New sod and a fire pit area with Adirondack seating replaced a “forest” of junipers. A plethora of new flowers and shrubs are scheduled to be planted this spring. {below} Mary says watching sunsets across their little portion of Lake Keowee “fills my soul.”

66 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

Also on the entry level are a guest room with full bath and the master suite, complete with a new walk-in, tile shower and expanded double vanity. Crown moldings were also added in most of the rooms on this level.

At the other end of the house is an enclosed porch that features windows and full screens that make it suitable for year-round use. Two glider-rockers facing the lake are where the couple sits and enjoys coffee most mornings.

{above} These two porch chairs were among the first purchases the Fiorinis made and are where they enjoy coffee most mornings. {right} The couple had an old, inset shower removed and this tile shower with glass doors installed in the bath of the master suite.

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This view of the entry-level expanse shows the openness of the floor plan, something the couple was looking for in their new lake home.

The Clemson room on the lower level includes a complete kitchen. When combined with two adjacent bedrooms — one with a glorious lake view — and a full bath, this level can serve as an apartment, something the children enjoy when visiting.

“When our son comes with their three children they can live down here, have breakfast and lunch and then join us for dinner upstairs. They love it, and it’s a homerun for us,” Mary said.

» CONTINUED ON PG. 70

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» CONTINUED FROM PG. 68

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Mary Fiorini had this Under the stairway Mary has created a delightful hideaway playroom for 3-year-old Olivia. built for her 3-year-old While a porch runs the length of the house granddaughter under the on the entry level, the lower level opens onto stairs of their new home. a refurbished and expanded patio. When they purchased the home, shrubs covered the area leading down to the lake, but they are gone now, replaced by sod, the new fire pit area and a paved walk to the dock. Mary is formulating plans for plantings this spring.

“It’s more ours now,” she said, settling in again by the fire pit. “We love to sit here and watch the sun set across the cove in the summer.

“It fills my soul. We were meant to be here.” n

Mary Fiorini enjoys the fire pit area they had built into the hillside between their new home and Lake Keowee.

70 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

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Glen-Ella Springs Inn

s tay

COME FOR DINNER FOR THE EXPERIENCE

story by Brett McLaughlin | photos courtesy of Glen-Ella Springs Inn

SPRING 2020 › 73

THE GRASS IS GREEN ACROSS THE HILL, BUT YELLOW BLOOMS THE DAFFODIL. IT’S SUNSHINE ON A LITTLE STALK, A FRIENDLY FLOWER, I BET THEY TALK ...

Diners have been coming back for years to enjoy Glen-Ella’s pecan crusted, boneless trout fillet. It is served with jasmine rice and carrots sautéed in a toasted walnut butter.

Photo by Chris Gianelli

74 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

S

pring is almost upon us and, as our minds turn to ways to escape the fog of winter, naturesque day trips may be top-of-mind.

If that’s the case, there’s a good place for a great meal after spending a day in the North Georgia Mountains, where the creeks run full and the wildflowers bloom in abundance. In fact, at Glen-Ella Springs, you can come for dinner and stay for the night.

Glen-Ella Springs Inn is a tucked-away haven that guests often return to over and over again, speaking to the experiential excellence guests enjoy with every visit to the inn and/or restaurant.

The Inn itself is steeped in tradition. Built in 1875 as part of the home of Glen and Ella Davidson, the couple expanded the original structure in 1890 and 1905 to take in guests. Many of them were wealthy families from the coast who sought cool mountain summers. Arriving by rail, guests were transported to the Inn by buggy or wagon. During their stay they enjoyed the “healing powers” of fresh mountain springs on the property.

Although the Inn closed in 1920, members of the Davidson family lived on the property until the 1950s when it was sold to the Methodist Church and converted into a shortlived orphanage for boys.

Over the next 20 years the Heart Pine building survived several absentee owners until it was purchased and renovations undertaken by Bobby and Barrie Aycock in 1986. The original walls, floors and ceilings were salvaged and, during the renovations, several stacked stone fireplaces were uncovered. In 1987 the Inn reopened and was soon flourishing as guests learned of Bobby’s efforts to create one of the finest din-

ing experiences in the Southeast.

In 2008, Ed and Luci Kivett, along with their boys Edward and Andrew, became Glen-Ella’s third inn-keeping family. Over the past decade they have not only maintained the high standards of the restaurant, but have added substantially to the Inn’s popularity as a site for weddings, conferences and family gatherings.

The Glen-Ella Springs Inn Restaurant has received numerous formal accolades — Diner’s Choice and Open Table to name two — and continues to be a North Georgia favorite for visitors and locals alike.

“We are a classic restaurant serving classic entrees with a Southern flair,” Luci said. “We have been serving the same cuisine for over 20 years. Everything is made from scratch, and people keep coming back time after time for our trout and lamb.”

The rack of New Zealand lamb is a hugely popular entrée. The herb-crusted lamb is served with a demi-glace, maple and brown sugar sweet potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

Photo by Haigwood Photography

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SPRING 2020 › 75

The limited menu of award-winning dishes includes signature dishes such as sautéed jumbo shrimp, served with peppers and Andouille sausage alongside a fried parmesan grit cake; or the herbcrusted New Zealand rack of lamb, which is accompanied by jalapeño mint sauce, maple brown sugar sweet potatoes, and fresh green beans.

Fresh trout, beef tenderloin and chicken with Dijon cranberry sauce are other classic items. Frequent specials are determined by what is seasonally available to the chef.

Nightly specials are typically seafood-inspired, again, as determined by the market.

To see the complete menu, visit: glenella.com/our-restaurant/ “We work with local farmers to provide a variety of fresh sides to serve with all of our classic entrees,” Luci explained. “We’re a historic Inn. We’re not trendy, but we do offer a lot of dining specials.” » CONTINUED ON PG. 78

The gardens at Glen-Ella Springs Inn & Restaurant are tended by a full-time horticulturalist whose results are breathtaking. Areas have been carved out specifically for weddings, leisurely strolls or simply quiet areas to get away and relax.

We are a small home based breeder of mini, medium and standard sized MultiGenerational Australian Labradoodles located in Seneca, SC. We have carefully chosen our breeding dogs from line containing over four generations of pure, multi-gen dogs over months of research so that we would have gentle, intuitive, healthy, non shedding allergy friendly puppies.

Based on this research, we decided to be dual registered with the ALAA and WALA organizations due to their strict regulations concerning testing and pedigree.

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» CONTINUED FROM PG. 76

The Inn’s host also noted that all the food is cooked using water from on-site artisan wells.

“It goes into all of our broths, stocks and sauces,” she said, “and I believe it really enhances the quality of our food.”

Glen-Ella’s wine offerings are not vast, but they are well chosen, including some selections from North Georgia Mountain wineries.

Dining is available from 5:30 to 9 p.m. in two historic indoor rooms as well as on a terrace overlooking the Inn’s majestic gardens. The area can be enclosed on cool evenings and open on warm spring and summer nights.

Dinner is served Wednesday thru Saturday in March and Tuesday thru Saturday beginning in April. The restaurant actually closes during some conferences and weddings so reservations are essential. They can be made by calling 706.754.7295 or by visiting OpenTable.com. n Glen-Ella Springs Inn & Restaurant is located at 1789 Bear Gap Road outside of Clarkesville, Ga. While it is only 10 minutes from Tallulah Gorge State Park, it bears mentioning that the paved portion of the road ends about one mile before reaching the Inn. Don’t be deterred; it’s worth the trip!

78 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

{at top} Warm spring and summer evenings are the perfect time to dine on the veranda overlooking the gardens at GlenElla Springs Inn & Restaurant. • {above} Ed and Luci Kivett, with their sons Edward and Andrew, became the third family to operate the historic Glen-Ella Springs Inn when they purchased it in 2008. • {below} Two rustic dining rooms in the main lodge will accommodate 32 people for dinner.

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INN OFFERS RUSTIC ELEGANCE If dinner at Glen-Ella Springs Restaurant lingers late or you just can’t get enough of the North Georgia Mountains, you can simply stay at the rustic inn.

There are 16 rooms of varying sizes, many of which overlook the Inn’s glorious gardens and spacious meadow. Four rooms — 2 ground floor king rooms and 2 second floor suites — welcome families.

Queen rooms are located on both the main and the second floor of the Inn and feature a queen size bed. Each opens onto a covered porch, which overlooks the meadow, pool and gardens.

King rooms are located on both the main and the second floor on the front side of the Inn with a porch view. Two 3-room suites each consist of a bedroom, bathroom with dressing area and a sitting room. Each has a king size bed in the sleeping area, and chairs for relaxing in front of the stacked stone fireplace in the sitting room.

The baths are equipped with whirlpool-jetted tubs. The largest and most spacious rooms, two penthouse suites, are located on the third floor.

Each is beautifully and individually decorated.

High ceilings create a sense of openness while the floors are natural wood. From the lavish linens to the overstuffed reading chairs, the penthouse suites are luxurious. Each has a gas log fireplace and private bath boasting a corner whirlpool tub.

Included with your stay is a freshly prepared full breakfast for two. Start with a cup of gourmet coffee, then enjoy homemade baked goods, a bowl of fresh-cut fruit, low-fat yogurt, and homemade granola, followed with a hot entrée special such as Glen-Ella’s blueberry pancakes or the popular twocheese strata.

A stay at the Inn offers an additional array of amenities from the pool deck with lounge chairs and tables, to the “Garden House” stocked with complimentary, freshly baked sweets, snacks, coffee, and cold beverages and is open 24 hours.

There is also a rope swing for the young and young at heart, access to a natural mountain stream with lounge chairs for taking in the tranquility, and a communal fire pit on the lawn.

Among other in-room amenities are two rocking chairs (per accommodation) on the porch, sound/white noise machine, comfortable bathrobes, reading materials, eco-friendly soap and toiletries, coffee machines and fireplaces in some rooms.

There is Wi-Fi, but rooms do not have televisions. The Garden House is open 24/7 and has cable television.

As with the restaurant, reservations are strongly recommended as conference groups and wedding parties frequently book all facilities.

Like all rooms at the Inn, including this 3-bedroom suite, guests enjoy a host of amenities, including porch rockers overlooking the gardens and a spacious meadow beyond.

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7812 Rochester Highway, Seneca, SC 29672 864.873.4600 duke energy.com/worldofenergy

Located at Oconee Nuclear Station in Seneca, S.C., the center opened in July 1969, when Oconee Nuclear Station was under construction.

The World of Energy is the longest continually operating nuclear visitors center on the planet.

Whether you are looking to fill an hour or spend an entire afternoon, the World of Energy engages you with informative exhibits and displays. Begin with a tour of our new educational exhibits inside and outside. Pack a picnic and enjoy nature on the grounds.

The Story of Energy offers fun and interactive ways to learn about electricity.

School District of Oconee County

Visitors of all ages will discover how energy is made from water and uranium, as well as March 23-April 16, 2020 wind and solar. The The World of Energy is proud to host the self-guided tour lets 2020 School District of Oconee County Student Art Show you explore at your beginning March 23 through April 16. The show will feature own pace, but plan art from all Oconee County public schools, grades K-12. to spend at least 30 minutes viewing World of Energy our exhibits. We are open from 9 a.m.

Saturday, April 4 • 10 AM - Noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Balloon art, face painting, petting zoo

Student Art Show

Spring Celebration and egg hunts for all ages!

See you at the spring celebration at the World of Energy!

An Evening of Great Music & Vintage Cars!

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FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2020 5:30 pm -10 pm at Blue Ridge Electric Co-op, 734 W. Main St., Pickens, SC A 23rd nnual

Largest Cruise-In in the Upstate

Proceeds benefit Upstate charitable organizations.

For ticket information, call 800-240-3400 or visit online at blueridgefest.com.

upstate theatre CENTRE STAGE 501 RIVER ST., GREENVILLE, SC INSIDE THE SMITH-BARNEY BUILDING 864.233.6733 OR TOLL FREE 877.377.1339 TUES.-SAT., 8 P.M.; SAT. MATINEES 2 P.M.; SUN. MATINEES, 3 P.M.

MARCH 19 – APRIL 5 9 TO 5

Based on the beloved movie of the same name, the musical follows Judy, Doralee and Violet, three downtrodden working women at the mercy of manipulative, misogynist boss Franklin Hart Jr., who is better at sexually harassing his secretary than running a business. Seeking revenge, they concoct a plan to kidnap him and hold him hostage, uniting them and discovering the beauty of friendship.

MARCH 24-25 & 31; APRIL 1, 7-8 NIGHT MOTHER

Jessie’s father is dead, her divorce is final, her son is a petty thief and her last job didn’t go as expected. If that wasn’t enough, she has moved back in with her mother. Her bucket list is almost finished as she begins to plan her end.

Her mother refuses to believe these steps are desperate measures and that she just needs to go on with life like everybody else does. Does the moment happen?

MAY 21 – JUNE 7 AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS

Stampeding elephants! Raging typhoons!

Runaway trains! Join Phileas Fogg and his faithful manservant, Passepartout, as they race to circle the globe in 80 days risking their lives and his fortune. But his every step is dogged by a detective who thinks he’s a robber on the run. Danger, romance and comic surprises abound in this whirlwind of a show as five actors portraying 39 characters traverse seven continents in one of the great adventures of all time.

GREENVILLE THEATRE 444 COLLEGE ST., GREENVILLE, SC 864.233.6238 OR WWW.GREENVILLELITTLETHEATRE.ORG ALL SHOWS 8 P.M., EXCEPT SUNDAYS AT 3 P.M.

MARCH 6-22 GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER When Monty Navarro, the black sheep of the D’Ysquith family, finds out he is ninth in line to inherit a dukedom, he decides to eliminate the eight heirs standing in his way. Can he knock off his unsuspecting relatives without being caught and become the ninth Earl of

Highhurst? With 10 Tony nominations and four wins, this original comedy is filled with unforgettable music and non-stop laughs.

APRIL 10-26 THE DIXIE SWIM CLUB Five Southern women, whose friendships began on their college swim team, meet every August at the same beach cottage on North Carolina’s Outer Banks to catch up, laugh and meddle in each other’s lives. As the years pass, these women increasingly rely on one another to get through the challenges that life throws at them, including some hilarious and unexpected twists and turns.

ELECTRIC CITY PLAYHOUSE 514 NORTH MURRAY AVE., ANDERSON, SC 864.224.4248 • ECPLAYHOUSE.COM

FEB. 21 – MARCH 1 THE TIN WOMAN Instead of relishing life after her heart transplant, Joy enters a downward spiral, unsure whether she truly deserves a second chance. Meanwhile, Alice and Hank mourn the loss of their son, Jack, whose heart was used to save Joy. At a friend’s urging, Joy tracks down Jack’s family to find closure. But are Alice, Hank, and their daughter Sammy ready to accept Jack’s death? Based on a true story, The Tin Woman uses humor and pathos to explore loss, family and what it means to be given new life.

MAY 1-17 HELLO, DOLLY! A meddlesome matchmaker brings together the young clerk of a wealthy Yonkers merchant and his assistant with a widowed milliner and her assistant, while making sure she herself gets to marry the merchant. Jerry Herman and Michael Stewart’s musical adaptation of Thornton Wilder’s The Matchmaker is an onstage classic not to be missed.

PEACE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 300 SOUTH MAIN ST., GREENVILLE, SC 864.476.3000 OR 800.888.7768

MARCH 3-8 LES MISERABLES Set against the backdrop of 19th Century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling

story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption — a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. With its glorious new staging and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, this breathtaking new production has left both audiences and critics awestruck, cheering, “Les Miz is born again!”

APRIL 7-12 ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE Welcome to Margaritaville, where people come to get away from it all — and stay to find something they never expected. Escape To Margaritaville is the musical comedy featuring both original songs and your mostloved Jimmy Buffett classics, including “Fins,” “Volcano,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and many more.

MAY 19-24 SUMMER: THE DONNA SUMMER MUSICAL She was a girl from Boston with a voice from heaven, who shot through the stars from gospel choir to dance floor diva. But what the world didn’t know was how Donna Summer risked it all to break through barriers, becoming the icon of an era and the inspiration for every music diva who followed.

With a score featuring more than 20 of Summer’s classic hits including “Love to Love You Baby,” “Bad Girls” and “Hot Stuff,” this electric experience is a moving tribute to the voice of a generation.

FOOTHILLS PLAYHOUSE 201 SOUTH 5TH ST., EASLEY, SC 864.855.1817 OR WWW.FHPLAYHOUSE.COM FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS, 8 P.M.; SUNDAYS, 3 P.M.

MARCH 13-29 ANNE OF GREEN GABLES Long considered a classic children’s novel, Anne of Green Gables is set in the late 19th Century and recounts the adventures of Anne Shirley, an 11-year-old orphan girl, who is mistakenly sent to two middle-aged siblings, SPRING 2020 › 83

upstate theatre Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, who had originally intended to adopt a boy to help them on their farm in the fictional town of Avonlea on Prince Edward Island. The novel recounts how Anne makes her way through life with the Cuthberts, in school and within the town.

APRIL 24 – MAY 10 THE ODD COUPLE (FEMALE VERSION) Neil Simon’s revision of his hugely successful play sees the lead characters transformed into Olive Madison and Florence Unger. Olive and her girlfriends are enjoying their weekly Trivial Pursuit night in Olive’s messy and illequipped apartment. As the game continues, Florence arrives, fresh from being dumped by her husband. Fearful that the neurotic Florence might attempt suicide, Olive invites her to move in as her roommate. However, Olive and Florence have very different personalities. Olive’s easy-going outlook on life soon clashes with Florence’s highly-strung neurotic tendencies, testing their friendship to

the limit. When Olive organizes a double date with the Costazuela brothers, their differences come to a head and sparks fly.

BROOKS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 141 JERSEY LANE, CLEMSON, SC 864.656.7787 TUES.-SAT., 7:30 P.M.; SUNDAY MATINEES, 3 P.M

MARCH 30 AN AMERICAN IN PARIS This Tony Awardwinning musical is about an American soldier, a mysterious French girl and an indomitable European city, each yearning for a new beginning. Inspired by the Academy Awardwinning 1951 film, it features music and lyrics by George and Ira Gershwin.

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APRIL 13-19 (BELLAMY THEATRE) SHE KILLS MONSTERS Agnes Evans is a young woman grieving for her deceased sister, Tilly. When Agnes discovers her sister was a popular Dungeons & Dragons player, she begins a journey of actionpacked adventure in the imaginary world that was Tilly’s safe haven.

upstate theatre CLEMSON LITTLE THEATRE 214 S. MECHANIC ST., PENDLETON, SC 864.646.8100 FRI.-SAT., 8 P.M. (7:30 FOR CAYT); SUNDAY MATINEES, 3 P.M.

MARCH 6-8, 13-15 HANSEL & GRETEL The author has given a poetic beauty to this Grimm Brothers’ story, bringing new value to a young audience. Her treatment of the stepmother does not accent the cruelty, and the evil witch is portrayed as a comedic character; and so the story’s lessons are taught through comedy rather than fear. In the end, Hansel and Gretel’s safe return to their father and mother gives a young audience a sense of security.

MAY 1-3, 8-10 AND THEN THERE WERE NONE Agatha Christie’s famous tale of 10 strangers summoned to a remote island for a special weekend. All that the guests have in common is a wicked past they’re unwilling to reveal — a secret that will seal their fates. For each has been marked for murder. As the weather turns foul and the group is cut off from the mainland, the bloodbath begins and one by one they are brutally murdered, in accordance with the lines of a sinister nursery rhyme: “Ten Little Soldiers …

OCONEE COMMUNITY THEATRE 8001 UTICA ST., SENECA, SC RESERVATIONS: 864.882.7700, 10 A.M. – NOON AND 2 P.M. – 4 P.M. EVENINGS 8 P.M., SUNDAY MATINEES 2:30 P.M.

APRIL 3-5, 10-12 GEORGE ORWELL’S 1984 This authorized stage adaptation is true to the novel in which Orwell depicts with great power the horrors of man’s fate in a society where Big Brother is always watching — where everything that is not prohibited is compulsory. As the cast presents the play, you will be participating in a theatrical event that is both powerful and disturbingly provocative.

Orwell himself once said, “I do not believe that the kind of society I describe necessarily will arrive, but I believe that something resembling it could arrive.

The moral to be drawn from the dangerous nightmare situation is a simple one: Don’t let it happen. It depends on you.”

Walhalla Performing Arts Center BAD CREEK BAND WITH THE BINGE Friday, March 6 @ 7:30 pm You will get a little blues/southern rock style with a small fusion of country. They began in 1985 in Walhalla, SC by brothers Howard & John Frady in their parents’ basement.

DAILEY & VINCENT Saturday, March 7@ 7:30 pm Sunday, March 8 @3:00 pm Elite entertainers and now Grand Ole Opry members! Award-winning Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent backed by one of today’s best bands encompasse an eclectic mix of country, folk, gospel, and bluegrass music and comedy mix in.

JONNY LANG Friday, March 13 @ 7:30 pm Lang is a new and innovating generation of blues artists - with shades of R&B, soul, gospel, rock, funk, & more. A hybrid sound that is both traditional and fresh at the same time.

THE CARPENTER EXPERIENCE Saturday, March 14 @ 7:30 pm The show with Richard Carpenter’s blessing.

Join Helen Welch and her amazing group of musicians as they celebrate the songs of the famous brother sister duo.

BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY: PRINCE’S PURPLE RAIN Thursday, March 19 & Friday, March 20 @ 7:30 pm BJS will present a performance of Prince’s “Purple Rain”. Come out and party like it’s 1999! Remember putting on an album and listening for start to finish? Relive that moment with a live concert experience unlike any other.

THE SWINGIN’ MEDALLIONS Saturday, March 21 @ 7:30 PM The Party Band of the South! This high-energy party band performs beach, frat rock, R&B and Shaggin’ style music. Their horn section will have you dancin’ in the seat.

CLEVERLYS Friday, March 27 @ 7:30 pm The Cleverlys are a one-of-a-kind comedy/music blend coming from the remote part of the Ozark Mountains, they put their unique bluegrass spin on cover songs from any genre.

HAWLEY MAGIC Saturday, March 28 @ 7:30 pm

Master illusionists, Hawley Magic are here and ready to amaze you!

Featuring expert sleight of hand and one of a kind grand illusions.

Tickets & Information WalhallaPAC.com | 864-638-5277 SPRING 2020 › 85

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calendar of events MARCH 3

Brooks Center for the Performing Arts at Clemson University presents dance company MOMIX; 7:30 p.m.; for tickets, visit: www. clemson.edu/centers-institutes/brooks

MARCH 6

Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, presents Bad Creek Band with special guests The Binge; 7:30 p.m.; Bad Creek Band was begun in 1985 in Walhalla, SC, by brothers Howard & John Frady in their parents’ basement.

MARCH 7

Annual St. John’s Lucy Klaren Jubilee, 7-10 p.m., at the Durham House on Main Street, Wallhala; Tickets are $15 and include wine, beer, lemonade, food, live music plus participation in a silent auction. Proceeds to benefit the Lucy Klaren scholarship fund at Walhalla HS. Call 864.638.6363 to purchase advance tickets.

MARCH 7

Seneca Women’s Club Spring Gala Drop-In; Historic Ballenger House, 212 East South 3rd St., Seneca; 7-9 p.m.; food, drink and silent auction items. To register, visit: www. ballengerhouse.org.

MARCH 7 (7:30 P.M.) & MARCH 8 (7 P.M.)

Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, presents Dailey & Vincent, two of the reputable and elite entertainers in American music; bluegrass, traditional country and gospel music; Saturday show features exclusive dinner service from 5:30-7 p.m. courtesy of Meat’n in the Middle Catering; for information or tickets, visit: www. walhallapac.com.

MARCH 9

Brooks Center for the Performing Arts at Clemson University presents the CU Symphonic Band and music inspired by the moon; 7:30 p.m.; for tickets, visit: www. clemson.edu/centersinstitutes/brooks

MARCH 13

MOMIX

Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, presents Jonny Lang, one of the best live performers and guitarists of his generation; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac. com.

MARCH 14

Join Friends of Lake Jocassee at Devils Fork State Park for BellFest 2020, a festival showcasing the rare native Oconee Bell flower; exhibitors, vendors, music, food, cloggers, silent auction, guided hikes and more; for information: www.friendsofjocassee.org/bellfest Seneca half-marathon and 5K race; 5K starts at 8 a.m. with half-marathon starting at 8:15, both from Shaver Recreation Complex; cash prizes, medals and post-race party; dress in your St. Patrick’s Day best; information and registration at www.seneca.sc.us or register on active.com Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, presents Helen Welch & her amazing group of musicians celebrating the songs of the famous brother/ sister duo The Carpenters; 7:30 p.m.; show features exclusive dinner service from 5:307 p.m. courtesy of the Meat’n in the Middle Catering; for information or tickets, visit: www. walhallapac.com.

MARCH 15

Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, presents the U.S. Air Force American Clarinet Quartet, a 4-piece clarinet ensemble and part of the U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band; 3 p.m.; event is free, but tickets are limited to six per reservation; visit: www.walhallapac.com.

MARCH 18

Kick Off for OLLI Oconee, 3 p.m. on the back lawn of the Lunney Musuem, Seneca. OLLI Oconee will be partnering with the Lunney Museum to offer classes at the museum.

MARCH 19 & 20

Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, presents The Black Jacket Symphony performing Prince’s Purple Rain; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com.

MARCH 20 THRU APRIL 23

Artists from across the nation exhibit at the 4th Annual National Juried Photography Exhibition presented by the Blue Ridge Arts Center, 111 E. South Second St., Seneca; opening reception and awards will be March 20, 5:30-7:30 p.m.; visit www. blueridgeartscenter.com/2020photoshow/ for gallery hours.

MARCH 21

Tri-County Furry Friends 4-H Club and Hagood Mill present KidsFest and 4-H Spring Fling; Hagood Mill, 138 Hagood Mill Road, Pickens; rabbit show begins at 9 a.m.; entertainment by Young Appalachian Musicians; free admission; $5 parking; for information contact Hagood Mill at 864.898.2936 Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, presents The Swingin’ Medallions, known by many as the “Party Band of the South.” The Medallions’ music includes beach music, frat rock, R&B and shaggin’ music; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com.

MARCH 21 & 22

The 8th Annual Asheville Marathon & Half, held on and run entirely on the grounds of the Biltmore Estate; runners will wind through paved and packed dirt roads to see hardwood forest, meadows, gardens and extraordinary views of the Biltmore House and Estate; 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. To enhance the running experience the full and half marathon are boutique style with a limited number of participants each day. For more information or to register, visit: ashevillemarathon.com/ SPRING 2020 › 87

calendar of events MARCH 23

Brooks Center for the Performing Arts at Clemson University presents a musical performance by Sonia de los Santos; 7 p.m.; for tickets, visit: www.clemson.edu/centersinstitutes/brooks

MARCH 23 – APRIL 16

School District of Oconee County Student Art Show at Duke’s World of Energy, 7812 Rochester Highway, Seneca; tour the exhibit during regular business hours.

MARCH 26

Brooks Center for the Performing Arts at Clemson University presents a musical performance by the Miró String Quartet; 7 p.m.; for tickets, visit: www.clemson.edu/ centers-institutes/brooks

MARCH 27

Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, presents The Cleverlys, a one-of-a-kind comedy/music blend coming from the remote part of the Ozark Mountains near Cane Spur, Arkansas; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www. walhallapac.com.

MARCH 28

Sip ’n Stroll art festival and wine tasting on Ram Cat Alley in Seneca; 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; live entertainment.

Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, presents Hawley Magic, a husband & wife duo who have traveled the world with a fresh, slick new approach to magic and illusion that is extremely high energy and action packed; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www. walhallapac.com

APRIL 2

Brooks Center for the Performing Arts at Clemson University presents the CU Symphony Orchestra; 7:30 p.m.; for tickets, visit: www.clemson.edu/centers-institutes/ brooks

Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, presents “great American romantic” Edwin McCain; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www. walhallapac.com Brooks Center for the Performing Arts at Clemson University presents the spring performance of Tigeroar/TakeNote; 7:30 p.m.; for tickets, visit: www.clemson.edu/centersinstitutes/brooks.

APRIL 4-5 Pendleton Spring Jubilee on the town square features 100 juried artisans; local and regional entertainment and food vendors; call 864.646.3782 for more information or visit www.crownofthecarolinas.org.

APRIL 5 Bring a picnic to Patrick Square and enjoy a variety of Clemson University ensembles performing at the 21st annual “POPS” concert to benefit music department scholarships; 5 p.m.

APRIL 7 Brooks Center for the Performing Arts at Clemson University presents the CU Men’s and Women’s Choirs; 7:30 p.m.; for tickets, visit: www.clemson.edu/centers-institutes/brooks.

APRIL 14 Brooks Center for the Performing Arts at Clemson University presents the CU Symphonic and Concert Bands; 7:30 p.m.; for tickets, visit: www.clemson.edu/centersinstitutes/brooks.

APRIL 16 Brooks Center for the Performing Arts at Clemson University presents the CU Singers and Cantorei; 7:30 p.m.; for tickets, visit: www. clemson.edu/centers-institutes/brooks.

APRIL 17

APRIL 4

Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, presents Sail On – The Sounds of The Beach Boys; 7:30 p.m.; show features exclusive dinner service from 5:30-7 p.m. courtesy of the Meat’n in the Middle Catering; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com.

Get Out and Play Day at Hagood Mill, 138 Hagood Mill Road, Pickens; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; free admission; $5 parking; for information contact Hagood Mill at 864.898.2936

Old Time Jam Weekend at Hagood Mill, 138 Hagood Mill Road, Pickens; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; free admission; $5 parking; for information contact Hagood Mill at 864.898.2936

World of Energy Spring Celebration at Duke’s World of Energy, 7812 Rochester Highway, Seneca; egg hunts, face painting, balloon twisting, magic and more; 10 a.m. – noon.

88 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

APRIL 17-18

APRIL 18

Issaqueena’s Last Ride is a challenging ride through the Blue Ridge foothills. Riders depart from St. John Lutheran Church, Walhalla; for times and registration fees, visit: www.ilrsc.com or Ride Coordinator Don George at cycle.ILR@gmail.com

APRIL 19

Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, presents one of the most masterful voices in country music history, Gene Watson; 5 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com.

APRIL 21

Brooks Center for the Performing Arts at Clemson University presents the CU Jazz Ensemble; 7:30 p.m.; for tickets, visit: www. clemson.edu/centers-institutes/brooks.

APRIL 24

Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, presents the Malpass Brothers; count on classic, real country and on new Malpass tunes, a couple of old-time traditional gospels, some big, high man-hair and maybe an Elvis twitch; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac. com.

Brooks Center for the Performing Arts at Clemson University presents the CU Percussion Ensemble and Steel Band; 7:30 p.m.; for tickets, visit: www.clemson.edu/centers-institutes/brooks.

APRIL 25

Enjoy a tribute show that will keep your toes tapping and keep you singing along as the Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, presents Elton & Cher: Two Divas & A Piano; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac. com.

Oconee’s first half-triathlon will be held beginning at 8 a.m. at South Cove Park near Seneca; a sprint distance triathlon will be included; for more information, visit: www. trisignup.com/Race/SC/Seneca/OconeeMan

APRIL 26

Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, presents 3 Redneck tenors, an “America’s Got Talent” finalist, musical comedy trio featuring classically trained artists Matthew Lord, Blake Davidson and Jonathan Fruge; 7 p.m.; show features exclusive dinner service from 5:30-7 p.m. courtesy of the Meat’n in the Middle Catering; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com

calendar of events APRIL 28

Greater Clemson Music Festival presents the legendary, Grammy award-winning American rock band The Box Tops at Brooks Center for the Performing Arts at Clemson University; 7:30 p.m.; for tickets, visit: www.clemson.edu/ centers-institutes/brooks.

MAY 1

Blue Ridge Fest sponsored by Blue Ridge Electric features top entertainment and great beach music; gates open at 2 p.m. for classic car show participants with music starting at 5 p.m.; food available onsite; proceeds go to Upstate charities; visit www.blueridge.coop/ blueridgefest/ or call 800.240.3400 for more information and music schedule.

Producers, a new wave and power pop band formed in the ’80s from Atlanta, Ga.; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com.

MAY 1-3

Greenville Theatre hosts the Fleetwood Mac tribute band Rumours; 8 p.m. Fri. & Sat., 3 p.m. Sunday; for tickets: www.greenvilletheatre. org/concerts

MAY 2

The city of Walhalla and Walhalla merchants host the first Vintage and Artisan Market, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., in downtown Walhalla; vintage collectors and a variety of artisans or craftsmen will have items for sale; food onsite.

2020-2021 Brooks Center for the Performing Arts Season Reveal Party; 7:30 p.m. Be the very first to see what’s coming up next and enjoy food, fun, and an exclusive peek at next season of events.

Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, presents the Annie Moses Band, a talented ensemble of songwriters, singers, musicians and siblings; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com

Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, SC, presents The

The 9th annual Rally in the Valley at Lake Jemiki near Walhalla; festival style bicycle

event offering distances of 34 and 60 miles through the scenic foothills of the Blue Ridge; after the ride, enjoy craft brews, slow cooked barbecue, live music amid craft vendors and conservation displays; proceeds to the Oconee County Conservation Bank; email: rallyinthevalleysc@gmail.com or on Facebook at RallyInTheValley2020 Angel Pets Expo 2020, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., WNC AG Center, 765 Boylston Hwy., Fletcher, N.C. View resources, services and products which support and honor pets, focusing on being also inclusive of all stages of pet life including: senior pet care, end-oflife care, caregiver support and pet loss grief support; vendors, food, door prizes; admission.

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calendar of events AIRCRAFT FOR ANIMALS FLY-IN

MAY 5 Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, presents The Allman Betts Band. The sons of Gregg Allman (Devon Allman) & Dickey Betts (Duane Betts) have joined forces to form The Allman Betts Band; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com

The 18th Aircraft for Animals Fly-In will take place May 9, at the Oconee County Regional Airport, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The event brings together pilots and car enthusiasts from across the Upstate to spend time sharing their interests with the community while raising funds for homeless pets at the Oconee Humane Society.

Event organizer Randy Van Surdam said the public could expect up to 30 vintage and new aircraft to be on display, joined by classic and hot rod cars. Those

MAY 9 Oconee Humane Society’s Aircraft for Animals Fly-In at the Oconee Regional Airport; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; take a flight in any of several aircraft, including a vintage WWII Stearman open cockpit biplane; classic and new cars and planes on display; food vendors and children’s activities; free.

MAY 16 Celebrate everything American at Military History Appreciation Day at Hagood Mill, 138 Hagood Mill Road, Pickens; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; free admission; $5 parking; for information contact Hagood Mill at 864.898.2936.

attending can purchase rides in several aircraft, including a WWII Stearman bi-plane.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to show people the fantastic views over Oconee County,” said Van Surdam.

“And since the pilots donate their time and aircrafts, all the proceeds go to support the pets in the OHS shelter.”

A highlight of the day is a golf ball drop from a helicopter. People can purchase a ball for a $20 donation, and the closest to the target will win up to $1,000. Second- and third-closest also get cash prizes. Golf balls can be purchased via the Oconee Humane Society website (www. oconeehumane.org), or volunteers will be offering golf balls and aircraft flights the day of the event.

Adoptable dogs will greet visitors, and the entire event is pet friendly. Admission is free, and everyone is encouraged to come out and support the cats and dogs.

This vintage WWII Stearman bi-plane will be among those in which Fly-in attendees can purchase rides over Oconee County.

Photo courtesy of Oconee Humane Society

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calendar of events MAY 22-23 Seneca Fest is moving back to downtown Seneca, featuring great local talent, fabulous food vendors and great breweries; visit www.seneca.sc.us for a complete schedule of events.

MAY 23-24 Garden Jubilee is the largest gardening festival in the region, held in downtown Hendersonville, NC, from Sixth Avenue-Caswell Street, over Memorial Day Weekend; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. both days. Vendors will be selling plants, arts & crafts, lawn/garden accessories and food, plus experts will be on-hand to answer questions. Presentations will be held hourly from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on the stage at the Visitors Center; www. visithendersonvillenc.org/event/garden-jubilee.

MAY 23-25 Long Creek Music Festival, 1010 Blaylock Place, Long Creek; hosted

by Chattooga River Resort and Campground; for more information, including musical lineup, call 864.873.7310 or visit: www.longcreekfest. com.

ONGOING Seneca’s Jazz on the Alley features America’s touring musicians, every Thursday, April thru October, 6:30 p.m. on Ram Cat Alley; bring lawn chair; restaurants and vendors available.

First Saturday of every Month, April thru October, Cruzin’ on Main at Norton-Thompson Park in Seneca.

First Friday, April thru August, Music on Main in Westminster features some of the region’s top performers; free in downtown Westminster.

The ARTS Center of Clemson, 212 Butler St., Clemson, offers adult and youth classes and workshops in ceramics, painting, printmaking, mixed media, fiber, photography and metals and jewelry; information at: explorearts.org.

The Lunney House Museum, 211 W. South 1st St., Seneca, is open Thursday through Sunday, 1-5 p.m.; admission by donation.

The Bertha Lee Strickland Cultural Museum, 208 W. South 2nd St., Seneca, is open Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; admission by donation.

Historic Ballenger House tours and rentals; Seneca Woman’s Club preserves this historic home, 212 E. South 3rd St. Call Debbie, 864.324.8417. Visit www.ballengerhouse.org

The Greater Clemson Music Festival Presents:

A Month of Music at Clemson University Emeritus College thurs Acoustic Event april AND 2 2020 FREE EVENT | 511 Westinghouse Road • Pendleton • 864-656-3990 | 5-7 PM

WANDA JOHNSON

fri april 3 2020

sat april 4 2020

AUSTIN BRASHIER

J-E-T

PENDLETON TOWN g SQUARE @ 5:30PM featurin

JOE JONES ERIC WEILER TEZ SHERARD

SIX MILE ISSAQUEENA FESTIVAL

5K & 9:30AM-4PM Fun EVENT Run FREE ON MAIN STREET

In case of rain, visit www.greaterclemsonmusicfest.org

WANDA JOHNSON BAND JAGUAR 4 and ERIC SCOTT BAND

PLUS ...

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MEALS ON WHEELS FUNDRAISER featuring

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187 Arabian Lane, Central (across from MST Concrete)

DEAN PRATT

sun WOODBURN featuring april PLANTATION 5 2020 JAZZ BRUNCH

in Pendleton 11AM - 3PM Tickets: $40 864-646-7249

thurs Clemson University Emeritus College PRESENTS 10-11:30 AM april PERFORMING ARTS STUDENT LECTURE RECITAL 6 2020 511 Westinghouse Rd., Pendleton • DETAILS 864-656-3990 FREE EVENT! PUBLIC INVITED!

TOUR OF SLAVE STREET

thurs $5 PER PERSON april — RSVP — @ Woodburn Plantation in Pendleton • 11AM 9 864-650-0585 2020 Birthplace of Jane Edna Hunter, Founder of Phyllis Wheatley Centers sat april + YESTERDAZE RECORD STORE MUSIC EVENT CONTACT THE STORE FOR BAND 7-9:30 PM • SENECA 11 INFORMATION 864-873-9332 318 W NORTH 1ST STREET 2020 sat april 18 2020 sun april 19 2020 fri april 24 2020

CLEMSON SERTOMA FUNDRAISER featuring

DIAMOND RIVER BAND

7 PM ‘TIL 9:30

$30/PERSON • $50/COUPLE FOR TICKETS, CALL 864-650-0585 Palmetto Event Center // Pendleton // 1410 Cherry Street Ext.

2-5PM

GYPSY SALLIES HUNTER HOLMES NEW TRICKS TRIO

MUSIC AT

CATBUS AUDITORIUM 200 West Lane • Clemson

featuring

FREE! DONATIONS ENCOURAGED

PRESENTS CLEMSON ARTS CENTER

7 PM S E N JO Y K C THE LU BLUES BAND ARTS CENTER 864-633-5051

Admission: $15 pp 212 Butler Street Clemson

Enjoy a free concert at 12:30 p.m. on the first Monday of each month, beginning in February, at the Scott Concert Hall at the Porter Center on the campus of Brevard College. Free and open to the public, no tickets required.

sat april 25 2020

Enjoy a free chamber music concert on the first Tuesday of each month, beginning in March. Chamber Music Tuesdays are held at 12:30 p.m. at the Scott Concert Hall at the First United Methodist Church in Hendersonville. Free and open to the public, no tickets required.

Tues april 28 2020 Performing Their Hits

Silver Dollar Music Hall in Westminster, SC, features open mic each Friday at 7 p.m. with regular pickers performing at 8 p.m.

For Complete Concert Schedule: www.clemsonmusicfest.org

CENTRAL RAILROAD MUSIC FESTIVAL featuring FREE DIEDRA RUFF PRO BAND ADMISSION MICHAEL JACOBS & THE GYPSY SALLIES 12:00 PM

THE BOX TOPS From The 1960S

Clemson University Brooks Center For The Performing Arts

TICKETS ê $35/Person Brooks Center Box Office 864-656-7787

SPRING 2020 › 91

Keowee: A Lake of Two Bass

BY PHILLIP GENTRY

L

ake Keowee … the name brings joy to the hearts of some anglers and tears to the eyes of others. For bass fishermen, it can be both on the same day, maybe even within a few hours, or even just a few casts apart.

The reason that Lake Keowee is so perplexing to a number of bass anglers is because the lake is extremely deep, extremely clear and, for the most part, devoid of traditional bass fishing cover that people think of and seek out when bass fishing.

Another factor is that Keowee was once a burgeoning largemouth bass fishery, at least as much as a deep, clear infertile lake can “burgeon.” But then, the spotted bass took over.

Today, largemouth are making something of a comeback in Keowee. The pattern on tournament day is to still try getting a decent limit of spots, and then go looking for that largemouth kicker to move your total weight from 12 to 15 pounds and get you a check.

In the words of FLW (Fishing League Worldwide) pro Brian Latimer of Anderson, Lake Keowee fishes like two different lakes, depending on whether you are targeting largemouth bass or the more predominant spotted bass.

Keowee was once a burgeoning largemouth bass fishery ... But then, the spotted bass took over.

“If I wanted to catch largemouth this time of year, I’d probably run to the backs of pockets and throw jigs around docks, swim baits, things like that,” said Latimer. “Even Alabama rigs are a really good way to target largemouth at Keowee, especially if you’ve got cloudy, rainy weather in the spring.”

In spring, the pro said he’s not really going to fish for spotted bass any differently than he has since the first of the year, as Keowee’s spots are so prone to roam the 92 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

large expansive open waters of the lake. He said it’s not until the urge to spawn literally pushes spotted bass into the shallows that he will change his approach.

“I’ll usually just stay in that mid-range depth, nothing over 15 feet, which means I still beat the bank,” he said. “By April, I can almost guarantee they’re going to be spawning, and it’s not unusual for a spot to make a bed in 10 feet of water.”

Latimer said traditional bed fishing for spotted bass is not the same as it is for largemouth. Because of the deeper water they bed in, rather than seeing actual fish, he’s on the lookout for dark colored patches on the lake floor. He doesn’t worry about putting the bait on the nose of the fish, because the more aggressive spotted bass will come off the area to hit a bait that has invaded its territory.

“You can catch them just casting to dark spots on the main lake points and islands,” said Latimer. “If you see a little dark spot way off, you can just cast to it and the spots will come and get it.”

Lake Keowee has become a well-known fishery for spotted bass, but also is home to a rebounding number of largemouth bass.

Photo by Phillip Gentry

Latimer’s Keowee bait choices are fairly standard for a clear water bass lake. He’s going to target surface or sub-surface feeding fish while low light conditions persist, and then he will concentrate on fish holding closer to structure and closer to the bottom.

“I’ll start off with like a hard or soft jerk bait, maybe a Zoom super fluke or something like that, first thing in the morning,” he said. “As the day progresses, the sun gets over the trees, it just really becomes simple. I’d have a Green Pumpkin jig head on, probably a Wacky rig and some type of stick bait or single style bait.”

Phillip Gentry is the host of “Upstate Outdoors,” broadcast from noon to 2 p.m. Saturdays on 106.3 WORD FM, 101.5 in Anderson, or online at 1063WORD.radio.com.

AN EPIC SUMMER

Summer Day Camp 2020 Foothills Area YMCA

Camp Dates Week 1: June 8th - 12th Week 2: June 15th - 19th Week 3: June 22nd - 26th Week 4: June 29th - July 3rd Week 5: July 6th - July 10th Week 6: July 13th - July 17th Week 7: July 20th - July 24th Week 8: July 27th - 31st Themes for each week will be posted on March 1st!

ONLINE REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 1ST! WWW.FAYMCA.ORG

Camp Costs Registration Rates

Early Bird Registration - $0 March 1st - March 31st

Pre-Registration - $25 Non-Refundable Pre-Registration fee April 1st -Â 30th

Registration - $50 Non-Refundable Registration Fee May 1st - End of the Summer

Weekly Rates

$125 for non-members per week $100 for members per week

A $25 per week non-refundable deposit is due at the time of registration. All remaining fees must be paid by automatic draft.

Semper Paratus (Always Ready)

I

encountered the Coast Guard Auxiliary for the first time when I stopped for a boat safety check. Even though I had been boating in North Carolina for over 30 years, I wanted to ensure we were in compliance with South Carolina laws. The gentlemen were kind and thorough. The only correction was to relocate life jackets so they were within reach.

I assumed the Coast Guard Auxiliary was composed of former or retired military, but my next experience changed that assumption.

They were operating a booth at an event we were attending, and I wanted to learn more. I discovered the Coast Guard Auxiliary is the civilian volunteer arm of the United States Coast Guard. They provide several important duties and can be pulled up for service if the United States experiences a water emergency.

Founded by Congress in 1939, they currently have over 30,000 members in 825 local units.

Those members contribute 3.8 million hours annually in support of the Coast Guard.

These hours are spent in classrooms, at ramps and piers and operating 1,800 vessels, 160 aircraft and 1,400 radio facilities.

The organization is open to any US citizen who is 17 years or older. Membership is predicated on successful completion of the Auxiliary Enrollment Application, which includes passage of a new member exam and receipt of a favorable personnel security investigation. The organization is divided into four levels — the local Flotilla, divisions,

AUXILIARY OPERATIONS • Safety and Security Patrols • Search and Rescue • Mass Casualty or Disasters • Homeland Security • Recreational Boating Safety • Commercial Fishing and Vessel Exams • Platforms for Boarding Parties • Recruit for all service in the Coast Guard 94 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

districts/regions and national — with elected and appointed leaders at each level.

Once members are attending regular monthly meetings they become involved in training programs ranging from vessel safety checks, instruction, communications, navigation systems and operations to specialty courses.

Locally, Lake Hartwell Flotilla 25 is a part of Division 2 of the Seventh Coast Guard Auxiliary District and is active on lakes Hartwell and Keowee. Regular flotilla meetings are held on the fourth Saturday of each month at Nami restaurant, at Portman Marina.

Local Flotilla Commander Steve Siske can provide all necessary information to become involved with the CGA. A great time to do so would be during National Safe Boating Week, May 16-22.

Several events that will be happening are outlined at: http://wow.uscgaux. info/content.php?unit=070-02-05.

After learning more about the CGA, I have decided to join and work towards instructor certification and then getting a captain license. I am very excited about this new adventure and hope some of you will join me and find an area of interest where you can serve our lake community.

There are many ways to support the CGA by volunteering in a variety of capacities.

Even if you choose not to join, Commander Siske encourages everyone to take a boater safety course, participate in free vessel checks and always wear a life jacket.

BY DARI MULLINS

A member of the local Coast Guard Auxiliary conducts a vehicle safety inspection on Lake Hartwell.

Photo by Larry Cole

If you would like more information on classes or want to learn more about the Auxiliary, visit: www.cgaux.org; or contact: Flotilla Commander Joseph Steven Siske at siskejs@bellsouth.net, C: 828.230.5248 or W: 828.230.5248; or Larry Odell Cole at larrycole5@gmail.com, C: 706.714.7049 or W: 706.769.4566.

Dari Mullins is marketing coordinator and office manager at the Seneca location of Watersports Central where she enjoys sharing her love of the water, boating and sports with people of all ages.

PLAY ON OUR LAKES AND STAY SAFE…

Boating Safety Before You Leave

Check the weather.

Let someone know where you are going.

Gather all lifesaving devices and ensure sure they are in good condition.

Check the fuel and the battery charge.

Make sure lights are in good working condition on the boat and trailer.

Is the fire extinguisher readily accessible and in good serviceable condition?

Put the plug in.

Connect trailer safety chains to tow vehicle.

On the Water

Know the aids to navigation and buoy system in your areas.

Don’t operate the boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

When operating sailboats, be aware of overhead power lines and wires.

If someone falls overboard, throw something that will float (Personal Floating Device (PFD), raft or cooler).

All boats approaching from the right have the right of way.

Always anchor from the bow of the boat and pull the anchor before leaving.

If the boat capsizes, stay with the boat.

If caught in a storm, head into the wind, put on PFD’s and keep passengers low in the boat.

STAY SAFE and HAVE FUN!

Be creative with retirement withdrawals

L

ike many people, you may have spent decades putting money into your IRA and your 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored retirement plans. Some of you may still be doing so.

But eventually that money has to come out, and, done right, that process requires some creativity.

How can you make the best use of these funds?

To begin with, here’s some background: When you turn 70 ½, you need to start withdrawals — called required minimum distributions, or RMDs — from your traditional IRA and your 401(k) or similar employersponsored retirement plan, such as a 457(b) or 403(b). (A Roth IRA is not subject to these rules; you can essentially keep your account intact for as long as you like.) You can take more than the RMD, but if you don’t take at least the minimum, which is based on your account balance and your life expectancy, you’ll generally be taxed at 50 percent of the amount you should have taken. So, don’t forget these withdrawals.

Here, then, is the question: What should you do with the RMDs? If you need the entire amount to help support your lifestyle, there’s no issue … you take the money and use it. But what if you don’t need it all? Keeping in mind that the withdrawals are generally fully taxable at your personal income tax rate, are there some particularly smart ways in which you can use the money to help your family or, possibly, a charitable organization?

Here are a few suggestions: • Help your grown children with their retirement accounts. Grown children may not always be able to afford to “max out” on their IRAs. You might want to help them with any excess funds from your own retirement accounts. You can give $15,000

96 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

per year, per recipient, without incurring any gift taxes — an amount far higher than the current annual IRA contribution limit of $6,000 (or $7,000 for individuals 50 or older).

• Help your grandchildren pay for college. You might want to contribute to an investment specifically designed to build assets for college. A financial professional can help you choose which investments might be most appropriate. Of course, if your grandchildren are already in college, you are free to simply write a check to the school to help cover tuition and other expenses.

• Help support a charitable organization.

Due to recent changes in tax laws, many individuals now claim a standard deduction, rather than itemizing. As a result, there’s less of an incentive, from a tax standpoint, for people to contribute to charitable organizations.

But if you’d still like to support a charitable group and gain potential tax

benefits, you might want to consider moving some, or all, of your required distributions from your IRA to a charity. You can transfer up to $100,000 from your IRA in this type of qualified charitable distribution, thus meeting your RMD requirements without adding to your taxable income. Furthermore, this move might keep you in a lower tax bracket. Before making this transfer, though, you will need to consult with your tax advisor.

Your RMDs can contribute greatly to your retirement income, but, as we’ve seen, they can do even more than that; so, use them wisely.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by David Adrian Jr., a Seneca financial advisor with the Fortune 500 Company that serves more than 7 million customers and has over $1 trillion assets under management. Reach Adrian at 864.882.5763 or www.edwardjones. com/david-adrian.

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Amicalola Falls

A

micalola Falls is Georgia’s tallest waterfall, dropping over 730 feet and cascading in multiple tiers of misty water from a towering cliff in Georgia’s Chattahoochee National Forest.

If you choose to visit the North Georgia Mountains this spring, a visit to Amicalola Falls inside the state park of the same name is a must.

Visitors have choices on how best to view the tumbling waters, ranging from an accessible pathway to a challenging trail with staircases.

You can actually park a few hundred yards from the top of the falls and walk over on paved paths. The park also offers hiking paths of different lengths and steepness, one of which is the 2.1-mile Amicalola Falls Loop Trail. This is a scenic and not very stressful way to catch the most scenic views at the park.

The hike begins under a stone arch commemorating the Appalachian Trail, climbs to a ridge with incredible views and then winds down a series of stairs flanking the immense, tumbling waterfall.

Also, there are a number of other trails around the park, most of which offer views of the falls, including an 8-mile hike to Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.

As this is one of Georgia’s most popular state parks, visitors should expect some company on the trails, especially on fair weather weekends.

The park is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day; all cars require a $5 Georgia State Park Pass.

DIRECTIONS Take US-123 S, GA-365 S and State Rte. 52 through Toccoa and on to Dahlonega; then follow GA52 west to Amicalola Falls State Park Road in Dawson County. The address of the park is 418 Amicalola Falls Road, Dawsonville, GA. GPS coordinates for the falls are: 34°34 3 N 84°14 40 W. 98 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

CREATING COMMUNITY THROUGH PEOPLE, PARKS AND PROGRAMS Play In Our Parks!

We offer over 200 campsites in our three beautiful county parks. Electricity and water at each site, friendly staff, clean restrooms, hiking trails, playgrounds, Lake Keowee and Chauga River access, tent only areas as well as large RV sites!

HIGH FALLS COUNTY PARK SOUTH COVE COUNTY PARK

86 Camping Sites 1 Shelter 1 Recreational Building Boat Ramps 3 Tennis Courts/4 Pickleball Courts 2 Playgrounds Fishing Pier Lake Keowee All Areas Open Year-Round

100 Camping Sites 2 Shelters 1 Recreational Building Boat Ramp Fishing Pier Miniature Golf Playground Softball Field, Volleyball, Basketball & Tennis Lake Keowee Day Use & Lake Access Open Year-Round Camping closed Nov. 11 thru first weekend in March

CHAU RAM COUNTY PARK 28 Camping Sites Primitive Camping Areas 4 Shelters 1 Recreational Building Waterfalls Hiking Trails Chauga River Access Closed Nov. 11 thru first weekend in March

Oconee County, South Carolina’s Freshwater Coast www.ExperienceOconee.com

O T N A I CTION G N I SW The Best Time to Sell, Buy or Rent a Property!

Avoid those sand traps and make a hole in one when you choose Bob Hill Realty to represent you!

Whether on the golf course, lake or in mountains our agents will help you drive it home!

The Spring Market Starts Now!

Michael Hill, BIC 864-723-0866

Bob Hill 864-903-3427

Linda Moore 770-530-3068

Michelle Beatty 864-882-0855

Mary Lee Bolen 864-888-7933

Donna Absher 864-247-0213

Travis Farmer 864-710-5088

Gretchen Griffin 864-710-6858

Simon ElBayadi 864-247-4458

Jimmy Powell 864-247-6839

Antwan “Leon” Scott 864-986-7931

Bob Hill Realty www.BobHillRealty.com

Celebrating 24 years of ser vice in the Upstate Seneca Office: (864) 882-0855 | 528-D ByPass 123 | Seneca, SC 29678 Keowee Town Office: (864) 944-0405 | 1231 Stamp Creek Road | Salem, SC 29676