Celebrate

Annual Events in Oconee County

■ APRIL

Cruzin’ on Main

Downtown Seneca

Just like yester-year, cruzin’ Main Street on a Saturday Night starts the first Saturday of April for the season and continues till October. Visit www.seneca.sc.us for details.

Jazz on the Alley

Ram Cat Alley, Seneca

Enjoy music, dancing and food in downtown Seneca, SC Ram Cat Alley. Every Thursday April through October 6:30-9:00pm. seneca.sc.us/Events/JazzontheAlley.aspx

Music on Main

Downtown Westminster

A night of music on the first Friday of each month in conjunction with Westminster Depot Cruise-in. The event starts in April and runs through August.

Pendleton Spring Jubilee Downtown Pendleton, SC

April 2-3, 2021. Join us in Pendleton’s historic town square for the Pendleton Spring Jubilee. Over 300 artisans vie for the coveted 100 spaces. Local and regional entertainers fill the air with music. Call (864) 646-3782 or visit www. crownofthecarolinas.org

Issaqueena’s Last Ride

St. Johns Lutheran Church, Walhalla

Cancelled for 2021. April 2022, date to be determined. A challenging, mountain ride through the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains

and Foothills of South Carolina.

The two longer rides are highlighted by the climb to Wigington Overlook where one is rewarded with expansive views of Lake Jocassee and the surrounding Carolina Piedmont. All routes feature scenic rural roads with little traffic. Visit www.ilrsc.com for details.

■ MAY

Blue Ridge Fest

734 W. Main Street, Pickens, SC

April 30, 2021. The Annual Blue Ridge Fest is popular throughout the region. Past entertainment has included Charlie Thomas’ Drifters, Johnny Mason and the Clovers, Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs and the Party Prophets Band. Gates open at 2 p.m. for cars. Come in a classic car and get a carload of four in for $30. For more information visit www.blueridge.coop/blueridgefest/ or call 800-2403400

■ JUNE

Fun In The Sun Festival

West Union, SC

June 12, 2021. This annual festival is popular throughout the region. Enjoy family events and live music in downtown West Union. The day will include food vendors, games and exhibits for children of all ages including a marshmallow-eating contest. Visit www.scwestunion.com for more information.

SC 3rd Annual Sunflower Festival

June 26-27 and July 3-4, 2021. Celebrate the 2nd Annual South Carolina Sunflower Festival in Walhalla. Your paid Admission Ticket will give you entry and acctess to a variety of activities including free parking, access to all of the courtyard games and picking a sunflower. The Cow Cafe will be open and available for food, snack, and drink purchases.

■ JULY

Independence Eve in Walhalla

July 3 from 7-10pm. Activities for kids, music, fireworks and fun for all! Food to purchase provided by area churches and civic clubs. Fireworks will begin shortly after 9pm. Walhalla soccer field

Seneca’s 4th of July Celebration

Gignilliat Field, Seneca July 4. Enjoy live music starting at 6pm and Fireworks start at 9:30pm. Visit www.seneca. sc.us for more details.

60th Annual Hillbilly Days

120 Verner Mill Road in Mountain Rest

July 4, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Observe the holiday during this annual family event featuring Blue Grass music, clogging contests, fiddle and banjo competition, BBQ, chicken food plates, greased pig chase, and greased pole climb. Free event. Please bring your own chairs for seating! For more information visit www.mountainrestcommunityclub.com.

July 4th Celebration

Salem

July 4. Entertainment and festivities starting at 7pm. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

■ SEPTEMBER

Labor Day Brew & Que

Annually on the Sunday of Labor Day Weekend. Brought to you by The Journal and the City of Seneca. Craft Beer tasting, Barbecue cook-off and live music. Watch upstatetoday.com for details.

South Carolina 59th Annual Apple Festival

Downtown Westminster 864.647.7223

Sept 7-11 The South Carolina Apple Festival celebrates the beginning of the apple harvest in Oconee County. The annual festival has drawn thousands of visitors to Westminster, since its first appearance in 1961. For more information visit www.scapplefestival.com or call 864.647.7223

SC Foothills Heritage Fair

Hwy. 123 Between Seneca and Westminster

September 21-25. The S.C. Foothills Heritage Fair is held at 2063 Sandifer Blvd Seneca. Rides by Midway Rides Unlimited. Will have Twiggy the Water skiing Squirrel. Events consist of the Back Hoe Rodeo, a SC High School Rodeo, Youth Livestock and Horse Shows, Equestrian Trail Competitions, and a Chainsaw artist along with fair food and local craftsmen and artist. farmoconee.org

■ OCTOBER

Farm to Table Dinner and Tour

Chattooga Belle Farm, Long Creek

October 3. Chattooga Belle Farm will host a Farm to Table Dinner and Tour October4 from 5pm until 8pm at $85 per person. Enjoy beautiful scenery and fresh, local food at an Appalachian working farm. To purchase tickets, visit www. chattoogabellefarm.com or call (864) 647-9768. 454 Damascus Church Road, Long Creek, SC

Oktoberfest,

Main Street and Sertoma Field, Walhalla, SC

October 15-16. This weekend-long event is now in its 40th year. Walhalla celebrates its German heritage with festivities on Main Street and Sertoma Field, including food, carnival rides, arts and crafts, shopping and, of course, authentic German music and dancing. For more information visit www.walhallaoktoberfest.com or call (864) 638-2727.

Oktober in Walhalla

Downtown Walhalla will be hosting a variety of events all month long, including historic tours, craft beer festival, art/craft festival, Walhalloween, and our annual Oktoberfest festival. Visit www.mainstreetwalhalla.com for an up to date list of events.

South Carolina Bigfoot Festival

Westminster

October 23. Believe in the Sasquatch? Even if not, come out for Westminster’s second annual Big Foot festival!! Live music by Tugalo Holler, Those Guys, Diamonds and Whiskey and The Eric Scott Band. Find more details at scbigfootfestival.com

Boo on Main

Downtown Westminster

October 31. Dress your kids and family in their spookiest costumes and bring them out to Boo-On-Main. This is a safe alternative to trick-or-treating. Local businesses, schools and civic organizations will be on Main giving out goodies to the kids. The Westminster Baptist Church provides hot dogs plates and bouncy houses for children to enjoy. Visit westminstersc.com for details and time.

Halloween On The Green

Downtown Seneca

Halloween On The Green will be held October 31 in downtown Seneca. Enjoy free hotdogs, candy give-a-way, games and don’t forget to wear your Halloween costume for a change at best dressed! Starting at 5pm. Visit www.seneca.sc.us for additional details.

of the region in the early twentieth of the region in the early twentieth century. Jared Ketterman and century. Jared Ketterman and Alisaun Crenshaw are just two Alisaun Crenshaw are just two examples of local investors who examples of local investors who see the potential in the downtown see the potential in the downtown area. They have put their hearts and area. They have put their hearts and souls into revitalization projects on souls into revitalization projects on Main Street. Built in 1891, the Main Street. Built in 1891, the building Ketterman has lovingly building Ketterman has lovingly restored now hosts Twenty8 West restored now hosts Twenty8 West Outdoor Co, West & Co Tap Room, Outdoor Co, West & Co Tap Room, and The Lofts Over Main short and The Lofts Over Main short term rentals. Crenshaw’s property term rentals. Crenshaw’s property at 300 E Main was once home to at 300 E Main was once home to the post office and general store. the post office and general store. Her renovation of the circa 1889 Her renovation of the circa 1889

space into three businesses below space into three businesses below (including her own Sunni Ann (including her own Sunni Ann Rustic Shop) and The Residences, Rustic Shop) and The Residences, short-term rentals, above is short-term rentals, above is centered around her appreciation centered around her appreciation for the building's historical integrifor the building's historical integri- ty and the history of Walhalla itself. ty and the history of Walhalla itself.

Sarah E Photography Take a stroll down Main Street and Take a stroll down Main Street and the adjoining side streets and you the adjoining side streets and you will feel the excitement as Walhalla will feel the excitement as Walhalla blooms with new restaurants and blooms with new restaurants and retail businesses that compliment retail businesses that compliment long time favorites such as the long time favorites such as the Walhalla Steakhouse and the For those searching for the ideal Walhalla Steakhouse and the For those searching for the ideal historic Walhalla Shoe Shop, one small-town getaway, make sure to historic Walhalla Shoe Shop, one small-town getaway, make sure to of the last remaining cobbler shops add Walhalla, SC to your bucket of the last remaining cobbler shops add Walhalla, SC to your bucket in the area. On a Saturday in the list. With its unique German & in the area. On a Saturday in the list. With its unique German & summer, you will more than likely Cherokee heritage, kind and summer, you will more than likely Cherokee heritage, kind and stumble upon a farmer’s market, passionate business owners, and stumble upon a farmer’s market, passionate business owners, and auction, concert or other unique interesting up and coming im- auction, concert or other unique interesting up and coming im- event. Grab a coffee, a glass of provements, Walhalla is a town you event. Grab a coffee, a glass of provements, Walhalla is a town you wine, or ice cream, check out the will definitely want to stop in on wine, or ice cream, check out the will definitely want to stop in on local park frequently visited by your way to the mountains. For local park frequently visited by your way to the mountains. For blue heron, and stop in one of the map, information on local blue heron, and stop in one of the map, information on local city’s three museums. While businesses, and events, visit city’s three museums. While businesses, and events, visit visiting the retail shops, you will www.mainstreetwalhalla.com. visiting the retail shops, you will www.mainstreetwalhalla.com. notice the pride and love for small notice the pride and love for small town businesses that each shop town businesses that each shop owner has, which is evident when owner has, which is evident when asking them for directions or asking them for directions or historical background of the area. historical background of the area.

Westminster

Upstate Heritage Quilt Trail

Railroad Crossing Westminster Depot

135 E. Main Street

Flowers Among Friends Moon’s Drugs

132 Main Street

Crazy Quilt Fair Oak Elementary 1964 Oakway Road

School House Rosenwald School

150 Pleasant Hill Circle

Citizen’s Project The Depot

135 E.Main Street

Caesar’s Crown Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative 2328 Sandifer Boulevard

Double Wedding Rings Heritage Center Annex 126 E. Main Street

Cactus Blossom Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative 2328 Sandifer Boulevard

Card Trick Westminster Library

112 W. North Avenue

Carolina Mystery Pattern Dads & Lads Store

224 E. Main Street

Friendship Garden Westminster City Hall

100 E. Windsor Street

Flower Basket Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative

2328 Sandifer Boulevard

Blue Bird of Happiness Hopewell United Methodist Church Methodist Drive & Jenkins Bridge Road

Orchard of Learning Orchard Park Elementary

600 Toccoa Highway

Thai Memories of Saffron & Silk Moon’s Medical

132 Main Street

Lone Star Sandifer Funeral Home 512 E. Main Street

HISTORY

 Oconee County Pronunciation Guide 1. Oconee (Oh-cone-ee) 2. Keowee (Key-oh-wee) 3. Jocassee (Jo-cass-ee) 4. Chattooga (Chah-too-gah) 5. Chauga (Chaw-gah) 6. Issaqueena (Izz-ah-kween-ah) 7. Walhalla (Wall-hall-uh) 8. Seneca (Sen-uh-cuh) 9. Cheohee (Choy) 10. Tamassee (Tah-mah-see)

 MUSEUMS

Bertha Lee Strickland Cultural Museum

(Map - POI 15) 208 West South 2nd Street, Seneca Currently closed, offering virtual tours. Seneca’s premier cultural exhibit museum. The museum rotates over 80% of its exhibit space 2-3 times each year. Exhibits will take a look into the history, culture, and contributions of the local African American community and their impact on Society.

Lunney Museum (Map - POI 14) Currently closed, offering virtual tours 211 West South First St., Seneca, SC 29678 864.882.4811 http://www.lunneyhousemuseum.org/ Currently closed, offering virtual tours. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this American Queen Ann style bungalow was built in 1909 by Dr. and Mrs. W.J. Lunney. Its distinctive arts and crafts architecture extends to include a two-story carriage house and a “two-seater” outhouse.

The Museum of the Cherokee in

South Carolina (Map – POI 26) 70 Short St., Walhalla, SC 29691 www.cherokeemuseumsc.org Thursday - Saturday, 11am - 4pm

The story of the Cherokee is told as it could only be told, in a place the Cherokee called home. One of Oconee’s newest museums is an intimate setting with many priceless artifacts. Oconee History Museum (Map - POI 17) 123 Brown’s Square Dr., Walhalla, SC 29691 864.638.2224 www.oconeehistorymuseum.org Tuesday - Saturday, 11am - 5pm

Housed in the historic tobacco warehouse in downtown Walhalla, Oconee History Museum tells the story of Oconee County and its people. Explore the history of Native Americans, immigration, railroads, New Deal programs, textile mills, agriculture and much more. Popular exhibits include 2 fully-preserved dugout canoes, a Depression-era tenant farmer’s house, the Oconee Ancestor’s Gallery, and the Louise Russell Alexander Children’s Corner.

General Store Museum

126 E. Main St., Westminster, SC 29693 864-638-2224 (Map - POI 27) www.oconeehistorymuseum.org Thursday - Saturday, 11am - 4pm

The General Store Museum displays a vast collection of original artifacts from the historic England’s General Merchandise Store of Westminster, SC. Take a step back in time to when the general store had everything you might ever need or want. The General Store Museum also features exhibits specific to the history of the greater Westminster, SC, area.

Oconee Military Museum at Patriots Hall

(Map - POI 28) 13 Short St., Walhalla, SC 29691 http://oconeeveteransmuseum.org/ Thursday - Saturday, 11am - 4pm Patriots Hall offers an opportunity for Oconee citizens, their families and visitors, to see how veterans have contributed and often sacrificed for our country, the world and our freedom. There is no charge to visit the museum.

 Historical Sites

Bethel Presbyterian Church (Map - POI 3) 580 Bethel Church Rd., Walhalla 864.638.0810

Founded in 1805 by General Andrew Pickens, Bethel Presbyterian is the oldest church in continuous use in Oconee County. Outside is a cemetery that dates to the founding of the church. Blue Ridge Field (Map - POI 5) Holland Ave., Seneca 864.885.2700

Once the site of the segregated AfricanAmerican Blue Ridge High School football field, Blue Ridge Field today memorializes the rich history of African-American education in Oconee County from the 1800s to 1969. The football field is now the site of a heritage park that, upon completion, will include history kiosks, a walking track, community gardens, picnic shelters and a recreational field. Chattooga Town (Map - POI 7)

The Chattooga River was named after the historic Cherokee town of Chattooga, which was situated in bottomlands along the river from the late 16th to the early 18th centuries. Chattooga Town is protected by the Forest Service as a significant historic site. Located on Hwy 28 northwest of Walhalla.

Historic Ballenger House (Map - POI 11) 212 East South Third St., Seneca 864.882.7162, www.ballengerhouse.org

A community landmark, the Ballenger House (circa 1925) is in the heart of Historic Downtown Seneca. The home was deeded to the Seneca Woman’s Club. The house is an event venue ideal for weddings and parties. The facility was recently updated with IT and offers a modern corporate meeting space upstairs. Historic Westminster Depot (Map - POI 12) Main Street, Westminster, SC 29693 864.647.5316

Recently restored, this train depot is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Historic Whetstone Place ca. 1835

198 Earls Ford Road, Mountain Rest 864.710.3779 whetstoneplace.wixsite.com/whetstone-place

Just minutes from the wild and scenic Chattooga River, Whetstone Place is part of multi-generation family farm now serving as an event venue and offering overnight accommodations.

Old Pickens Presbyterian Church

(Map - POI 18) SC Route 183, Salem, SC 29671 864.944.1303, www.oldpickens.org

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this church/meeting house is the only building still standing on the site where the town of Pickens Courthouse was established in 1828. The adjacent cemetery has over 200 graves dating back to 1790.

Oconee Station State Historic Site

(Map - Parks 12) 500 Oconee Station Rd., Walhalla, SC 29691 864.638.0079

Built around 1792 during tensions between white settlers and Creek Indians, the Oconee Station itself was once one in a string of small frontier posts garrisoned by state militia. It was the last of its kind when it was decommissioned in 1799. Its impressive 20-inch stone walls are still standing today. The site features picnicking, fishing, and trail access to Station Cove Falls in the Sumter National Forest.

Old St Johns Meeting House

200 South Catherine St., Walhalla www.walhalladepot.com/

Built in 1889, this Carpenter’s Gothic style building is the ideal venue for weddings or meetings. The fully heated and cooled Meeting House can be rented by it self or with the Walhalla Depot offering an ideal location for a beautiful wedding. The comfortable seating capacity is approximately 60-65.

Oscar Wigington Scenic Overlook

(Map - POI 19)

Named for a former mayor of Salem and located approximately 25 miles north of Wal-

halla, the Oscar Wigington Scenic Overlook offers a spectacular view of northeastern Oconee and northwestern Pickens counties. Located on Hwy 413 north of Walhalla.

Retreat Rosenwald School (Map - POI 30) 150 Pleasant Hill Circle Westminster, SC 29793 Contact: Helen Rosemond-Saunders, 864.903.0547

The Retreat Rosenwald School, located just outside the city of Westminster, is a tworoom schoolhouse that served rural AfricanAmerican children from 1924 until 1950. It was partially funded by the national Rosenwald School Building program. It was one of 10 Rosenwald schools in Oconee County. In September 2011, the school was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Russell Farmstead (Map - POI 8)

The Russell farmstead was a busy Appalachian farm, stagecoach stop, and Inn in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The farm is located on the former stagecoach route between Walhalla and Highlands. From Walhalla follow Hwy 28 north to the left fork. The farmstead is on the left before the bridge.

St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

www.stjohnswalhalla.org

St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, located on Main Street in Walhalla, was originally established in 1853 by German Lutherans. Construction of the building began in 1859 and completed in 1861, just at the beginning of the Civil War.

Stumphouse Tunnel and Issaqueena Falls

(Map - Parks 14) Walhalla, SC 29691, 864.638.4343

The 1,600-foot-long Stumphouse Tunnel was started in 1852, but the Civil War and a lack of funds brought construction to a halt. Not far from this “tunnel to nowhere” is Issaqueena Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state.

Tamassee DAR School

Tamassee, SC 29686 864.944.1390

The school, founded in 1919 by the South Carolina Daughters of the American Revolution, was organized to provide a place to learn and a chance to develop the ideals of patriotism, citizenship and spiritual growth for children living in the isolation of northwestern South Carolina. It was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places Open daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Appointment preferred.

Walhalla State Fish Hatchery

198 Fish Hatchery Road, Mountain Rest 864.638.2866

Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this is the only trout hatchery in South Carolina.

World of Energy (Map - POI 25) 7812 Rochester Highway, Seneca 800.777.1004 www.duke-energy.com/visitor-centers/ world-of-energy.asp

Located on Lake Keowee beside the Oconee Nuclear Station, Duke Energy’s World of Energy is an education center with self-guided exhibits that teach visitors of all ages how electricity is made. Guests also enjoy interactive games, a short nature trail, a butterfly garden and a picnic area with a beautiful view of Lake Keowee. Admission to the facility is free and is open Monday thru Saturday.

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303 E. North Avenue • Westminster, SC 29693 864-647-0791 • www.dicksontractorsc.com

Oconee Pickens

Anderson

Explore and Discover Heritage, Artistry and Craftmanship of Quiltmaking

Follow the Quilt Trail into the Rich Heritage of Oconee County, SC

Ballenger House • Seneca

Museum of the Cherokee in SC • Walhalla

You are Guided

Through countryside of rare natural beauty to a variety of unique historical sites with museums, parks, shops and galleries

Fascinating Sites are Revealed

The Oconee Heritage Center, Wildwater, the Chattooga Belle Farm, Ram Cat Alley, End of the Road Studio... just to name a few

The Upstate Heritage Quilt Trail Shows

Over 100 painted quilt panels located on various buildings throughout Oconee County offer a rich tapestry of life expressed through the artistry and craftsmanship of quilt making Stories of each quilt and the quilters are available on our web site, along with an interactive map to guide you

For guided group tour information or general inquiries, Contact Us: PO Box 333, Walhalla, SC 29691 or call 1.864.723.6603 email: info@uhqt.org Website and interactive map: ww.uhqt.org Facebook: Upstate Heritage Quilt Trail

Devils Fork State Park • Salem