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WINTER 2019
WINTER 2019 › 1
AN EXQUISITE COMMUNITY ALONG THE PRISTINE SHORELINE OF LAKE KEOWEE
WithEach
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THERE’S A SEASON FOR EVERYTHING AT THE RESERVE. WE INVITE YOU TO DISCOVER THE EXTRAORDINARY. Whether at home, out on the lake, in the clubhouse, at the tennis courts, or on the fairway, every season is filled with adventure. A warm invitation for you to join in is found everywhere here. So come home. We’ve been expecting you.
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CARLTON MOTORCARS www.CarltonMB.com (864) 213-8000 2446 Laurens Road, Greenville, SC 29607 Black2020 GLE350 SUV shown in Iridium Silver metallic paint, 2019 A220 Sedan shown in Jupiter Red paint, and 2020 GLC300 SUV shown in Iridium Silver metallic paint. Optional equipment shown. *Monthly lease payment is available only to qualified customers through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services at participating dealers through January 2, 2020. Not everyone will qualify. Advertised 36 months lease payment based on MSRP of $43,995 less the suggested dealer contribution of $1,899 resulting in a total gross capitalized cost of $42,096. Dealer contribution may vary and could affect your actual lease payment. Includes Destination Charge and Premium 1 Package. Excludes title, taxes, registration, license fees, insurance, dealer prep and additional options. Total monthly payments equal $15,804. Cash due at signing includes $3,299 capitalized cost reduction, $795 acquisition fee and first month’s lease payment of $439. Your acquisition fee may vary by dealership. The acquisition fee charged by the dealer may affect the total cash due at signing. No security deposit required. Total payments equal $19,898. At lease end, lessee pays for any amounts due under the lease, any official fees and taxes related to the scheduled termination, excess wear and use plus $$0.25/mile over 30,000 miles, and $595 vehicle turn-in fee. Purchase option at lease end for $25,517 plus taxes (and any other fees and charges due under the applicable lease agreement) in example shown. Subject to credit approval. For more information, call 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES, or visit MBUSA.com.
thankful everyday BLESSED beyond measure
The best moments happen at h me.
I’d like to express my gratitude to those who shared, contributed and lead to my success through this and every year. Thank you!
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WINTER 2019
8 | Enjoy a Bavarian Christmas
30 | ‘Loon-atics’ converge on Jocassee
14 | Cozy places to beat the blahs
34 | Triangle offers a links education
20 | Cool spots for a cup of joe
44 | Home at last!
26 | Beat the blues with water
54 | Keowee Brewery is Upstate hit 62 | Discover Italian Italian
Holiday treasures abound.............................. 68 calendar: Holiday fun at every turn.............................. 72 your finances: Adjusting to the new year.................... 76 life on the lake: Watch that wake!.............................. 78 fishing: Fishing docks in winter....................................... 80 waterfalls: This Silver is pure gold.............................. 82
EDITOR Brett McLaughlin, bmclaughlin@upstatetoday.com GENERAL MANAGER Hal Welch, hal@upstatetoday.com ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Wes Grooms, wgrooms@upstatetoday.com
CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS EDITION Bill Bauer • Phillip Gentry Vanessa Infanzon • Dari Mullins Brett McLaughlin COVER PHOTO Larry Druffel, Winter Comes to Keowee
The Journal
DEAR READERS
6 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING
PUBLISHER Jerry Edwards, jerry@edwgroupinc.com 864-882-3272
ART DIRECTOR/GRAPHICS Melissa Bradley, mbradley@upstatetoday.com
theatre:
Well, here we are again. The leaves are off the trees; the lakes, while still beautiful, are turning cold; there are only a few weeks of football left on the calendar; and all those holiday chores have closed in right around us. But, winter in the Upstate still beats winter just about anywhere else. Don’t you agree? And, in this issue, we’ve tried to do our part to help get you through the next couple of months. First off, how about a short holiday trip? Bill Bauer suggests Helen, GA, where Christmas abounds during December. Vanessa Infanzon found some cozy places to get away to in Banner Elk, NC; Sevierville, TN, and Greenwood, SC. I’ve tried to do my part by compiling a list of interesting local coffee shops where good “joe” and great pastries are second only to friendliness. But, if coffee isn’t your cup of tea, Bill has also been to the new Keowee Brewing Company in Seneca and brings us a rave review. If sitting home by the fire is more to your liking, you might want to just enjoy a story
WINTER 2019 Volume 14 • Issue 4
about some hardy souls who are studying loons on Lake Jocassee. It’s a great undertaking, focused on one of America’s favorite birds wintering on one of America’s most beautiful lakes. If you read Dari Mullins’ story on the “blue effect,” you might just discover some winter ways to beat the blahs. It’s a fascinating little bit of human psychology that she hopes you enjoy. As always, we’ve got another beautiful lake home for you to tour, and a restaurant that will not only get you out of the house, but may also introduce you to Italian cuisine unlike any you have ever had. The calendar is full of events, and local stages are alive with great performances for the holidays and beyond. Enjoy winter in the Upstate and Happy Holidays! Brett McLaughlin, editor I welcome your comments at: bmclaughlin@upstatetoday.com
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 UPSTATE LAKE LIVING™ is a trademark of Edwards Group. Contents copyrighted. SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE Upstate Lake Living, upon receipt of a new or renewal subscription, will strive to provide first-copy delivery of Upstate Lake Living to the Postal Service for the next issue (March, June, September and December). Renewals must be received at least two weeks prior to expiration to assure continued service. Address subscription inquiries to: UPSTATE LAKE LIVING, P.O. Box 547, Seneca, SC 29679; phone 864.882.2375; fax 864.882.2381. Two weeks advance notice is required for address changes; please send old and new address.
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CHRISTMAS IN HELEN ...
n a i r a v a B t y le S story by Bill Bauer
8 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING
T
he Appalachian Mountains may not be the Alps, but the northeast Georgia town of Helen does remind one of a typical village in southeast Germany’s Black Forest region. It was 1969 when Helen’s transformation into an Alpine wonderland began, and 50 years later locals are quick to proclaim that it “has the charm of Bavaria, in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.” Helen is home to some 500 people, covers just over two square miles and has a Main Street that might be two miles long. But, the tiny Alpine-like village hosts over two million visitors a year. “We are the third-biggest tourist destination in Georgia,” claimed Renee Green, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce. “We have events all year long, and from Oktoberfest thru Fasching — a German Mardis Gras Festival in February — Helen is very busy.”
{above} Christmas decorations can be found throughout Helen during the town’s month-long celebration of the holiday. Photo by Tom McCool • {below} Over a half-million lights set downtown Helen aglow during the holidays.
WINTER 2019 › 9
THE HOLIDAYS IN HELEN
Story by Bill Bauer
CHRISTMAS IN THE MOUNTAINS December 7: White County’s celebration in nearby Cleveland includes food, fun and festivities on the Cleveland Courthouse Square. http://www.whitecountychamber. org CHRISTKINDLMARKT December 7-8 & 14-15: Shop the traditional German Christmas market where handmade crafts are on sale along with German beers and warm drinks to be enjoyed while listening to musical performances. www.helenchamber.com VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS AT THE HARDMAN FARM December 6-7, 13-14 & 20-21: An authentic 18th century home and dairy farm (complete with an American Indian burial mound) is a newly designated state historic site that recreates a typical Victorian Christmas complete with hayrides and s’mores. Beautifully decorated Christmas trees highlight each room and a cast of period-dressed characters will greet you from 4-7 p.m. www.gastateparks.org HELEN CHRISTMAS PARADE December 14, 2 p.m.: Costumed characters, floats and Santa lead the parade through town and finish at the Festhalle where more festivities begin. www.helen.org CHRISTMAS LOVE LETTER VIEWING December 21, 6 p.m.: Unique this year, this event will be a celebration of a movie filmed in Helen and other locations in White County last spring in which over 200 locals served as extras. Christmas Love Letter, a Sunshine film will be aired on Lifetime Television. www.helen.org NEW YEAR’S EVE EDELWEISS DROP December 31: It may not be Times Square, but it’s also not as crowded or cold when Helen rings in the New Year. Celebrate Bavarian style and watch the Edelweiss flower drop at midnight. www.helenchamber.com
10 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING
{abpve} Docents in period costumes lead tours through historic Hardman Farms during the holiday season. {below} Hardman Farm is an authentic 18th century home and dairy farm where visitors can enjoy a true Victorian Christmas. Photos courtesy of Hardman Farm
Helen’s Main Strasse and side streets bear names like Edelweissstrasse and Munichstrasses. They are lined with 200 specialty and import shops and restaurants; all having a Bavarian décor per the request of an artist who was asked to redesign the town’s image in an attempt to revitalize what had been a shrinking sawmill town. John Kollock’s drawings illustrated the Bavarian chalet motif he experienced while serving in the U.S. Army in Germany. Slowly, business owners and carpenters bought into the plan and began to create what today is Alpine Helen. The town’s German influence has made Helen the site of the longest Oktoberfest in America, but it is after the beer and brats are gone and the Thanksgiving turkey has disappeared, that the town throws itself into the holiday season. In December, Helen comes alive with lightings and parades, and its version of another German tradition, the Christmas Market, or as it is called in Helen, Christ-
kindlmarkts. A plethora of holiday events fills the December calendar, culminating with the dropping of the Edelweiss on New Year’s Eve. First up is the village lighting the Friday after Thanksgiving. That’s when Ross Hewell, who has been in charge of the operation for 26 years, calls on a local youngster to pull the gold-plated switch that illuminates Main Street. “We have somewhere between a heap and a bunch,” quipped Hewell, who went on to explain that there are actually three trees, 110 fixtures and over 40 displays containing some 500,000 lights. “We used to turn off the lights right after New Year’s, but now we keep them glowing all the way to Fasching in February,” added Helen’s current mayor, Cinnamon Spurlock.
Dedication. Knowledge. Experience.
“We like them and visitors continue to come and see them.” Cinnamon is a “lifer” of sorts, having been born in Helen and returning to her hometown after a 30-year military career. She operates Cimmi’s Restaurant, where locals and visitors can enjoy breakfast until 2 p.m.
Hayrides are just one of the fun events all members of the family can enjoy at Hardman Farm just outside Helen, GA. Photo courtesy of Hardman Farm
YOUR “MUST DO” LIST WHILE IN HELEN
Compiled by Bill Bauer
The Helen holiday season is filled with something for everyone and the perfect place to get into the Christmas spirit. Whether you visit for a day or spend a night, you will not be disappointed. Be sure to … • Head to Yonah Mountain Vineyards for a wine tasting, and take a tour of owner Bob Miller’s underground private wine caves. If you’re lucky, you might get him to tickle the ivories on his grand piano. • Spend a night at The Valhalla Resort Hotel. High on a hill a few blocks from the center of town, this little piece of heaven overlooks the valley surrounding Helen. The Valhalla hosts a full service spa, workout facility, restaurant and Sky Bar.
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• Enjoy a meal at Mully’s Nacoochee Grill where you will probably get a table visit from owner Mully Ash, while listening to live dinner music from guitarist and pianist Kurt Johnson. • Stop by the Nora Mill Granary, an operational gristmill along the Chattahoochee River that dates back to 1876. You’ll find freshly ground grits and country store items. • Dine on a variety of Schnitzels and other authentic German food at Bodensee Restaurant where Chef Aurel Prodan and his wife Doina bring “Old World Germany” to Helen. Enjoy a pint or two of German beer and top off your dinner with a taste of Killepitsch, a premium Krauter Liqueur. • Shop and have a bite to eat at Hofer’s Bavarian Bakery & Cafe. European cakes, pastries and “Old World” breads complement breakfast and lunch, usually accompanied with music. • Sip wine from one of Georgia’s oldest wineries, Habersham Winery & Vineyards, just a half-mile south of Helen. Be sure to visit the gift shop that carries gourmet foods and wine specialty items from around the world. • Dive into a bowl of bison chili with a side of smoked Gouda pimento cheese and pork belly at Cowboys & Angels Restaurant and Bar, where “A Taste of Southern Class” meets Bavaria on the Chattahoochee River.
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WINTER 2019 › 11
For the entire month of December events take place in Helen’s Christkindlmarkts and throughout the area. Photo by Tom McCool
“I remember when my grandmother was part of the group that began turning Helen into what it is today,” she said proudly. Cinnamon was also part of the team that fostered a Georgia-to-Germany link with Fussen, Helen’s sister city. It is a relationship that has spanned two decades. A stone celebrating that friendship is proudly displayed in the Helen Marketplatz where a mighty tree becomes a brightly lit Tannenbaum. “Today we are listed by Southern Living as one of the top 10 holiday destinations in America!” boasts the mayor. It is truly “a season” in the mountains, where the daytime temperatures hover in the 50s and the low dips into the 30s. However, a fine authentic German meal, a mug of warm cider and a hot pretzel await at Helen’s eateries. And, after dinner, be sure to leave time to visit the wineries and attractions in the area surrounding Helen. n
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Cozy up
The Perry House is just one of the fine bed and breakfast opportunities in Banner Elk. Many accommodations feature birthday, anniversary and choose & cut Christmas tree packages. Photo by Todd Bush
to one of these
winter getaways story by Vanessa Infanzon
14 ‚ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING
I
magine winter nights spent in front of a roaring fire after a full day of exploring a small town. Banner Elk, NC; Greenwood, SC; and Sevierville, TN — all within a few hours of Upstate South Carolina — have made an art of knowing how to provide warm welcomes to visitors during cold winter months. Visitors can indulge in a getaway for romance, or plan a weekend away with friends. Adrenaline junkies can find plenty of adventure in these small towns as well. Which of these three will become your winter wonderland?
Banner Elk, NC Outdoor activities and holiday merriment Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains between two ski resorts, the size of this town is deceiving as it is packed with restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques and comfy accommodations. Jumpstart the holidays with Banner Elk’s weekend-long festival, “A Small Town Christmas.” From December 6-8, celebrate with the town’s tree lighting ceremony, a holiday play, cookie decorating, train rides, light show and a polar plunge. The Parade of Lights begins at Lees-McRae College at 6 p.m. on Dec. 7. Expect marching bands, cars, floats and possibly a dog or two decorated in lights.
{at top} You will always find Banner Elk’s namesake adorned for Christmas. • {above} Chef’s Table is one of several excellent dining options in Banner Elk. Photos by Todd Bush
WINTER 2019 › 15
Artist Laura Bachinski opened Main & Maxwell in 2016. The gallery specializes in art, pottery, jewelry and gifts made by local and regional artists. Photo courtesy of www. sctravelold96.com
16 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING
Snow bunnies can hop on the slopes at Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain resorts. Both offer packages for ski and equipment rental and lessons for first-timers. Snow tube or zipline at Hawksnest Snow Tubing in nearby Seven Devils, NC. Grandfather Mountain in nearby Linville features the Mile High Swinging Bridge. It’s 228-feet across at more than a onemile elevation. Hike one of 11 trails with varying degrees of difficulty. Check out the Nature Museum exhibits and films. If “relaxing” is on your to-do list, grab a table at Mountain Grounds for coffee, tea and pastries. Book an appointment for a spa day filled with a massage, facial treatments and a mani/pedi at Eseeola Lodge. Make time for a wine tasting at Banner Elk Winery or Grandfather Vineyard with views of crisp skies and grape vines. Stay at the Perry House Bed & Breakfast, Banner Elk Mountain Cabins or The Inn at Elk River. Many accommodations feature birthday, anniversary and choose & cut Christmas tree packages. Make your reservations for dinner at Sorrento’s Italian Bistro, The Chef’s Table, Stonewalls Restaurant or Louisiana Purchase Food & Spirits. Drive time: three hours Website: www.bannerelk.com Plan ahead: Woolly Worm Festival, fall Greenwood, SC Art, history, shopping and pampering Bring your sweetie or a gaggle of girlfriends to enjoy this small town’s variety of activities. Uptown Greenwood’s Inn on the Square offers a selection of room styles. Each includes a complimentary full breakfast in its Carriage House Restaurant.
Shop at Thayers Furniture and Fine Gifts or Main & Maxwell for locally crafted artisan pottery, paintings and furniture. Find the latest for Lilly Pulitzer and women’s clothing at the Sugar Boutique. Or prep for winter with a massage, manicure and pedicure at The Spa on Maxwell or Wade’s on Waller. History and art enthusiasts will enjoy The Arts Center of Greenwood, Greenwood Railroad Historical Center and Benjamin Mays Historic Site. The Museum shares and celebrates Greenwood’s history with hands-on exhibits about history, natural history and science. Get tickets to one of Greenwood Community Theatre’s winter productions: The Marvelous Wonderettes or Raisin in the Sun. Drink and dine at one of Greenwood’s restaurants. Buenavista Latin Café’s menu features Cuban sandwiches, chorizo Cuban burgers and empanadas. Order a specialty pizza and craft beer at The Mill House Brick Oven Pizza and Good Times Brewing. Grab a homemade breakfast or lunch from family-owned West End Café. Drive time: two hours Website: www.visitgreenwoodsc.com Plan ahead: South Carolina Festival of Flowers, spring
The Inn on the Square hotel was formed when two buildings were joined together. The area in front of the checkin was once a pass-through street. Photo courtesy of www.sctravelold96.com
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Bring the kids as they will delight in Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland in Sevierville. • {inset} Few things are more beautiful than a morning in a Sevierville resort after snow has fallen on the Great Smoky Mountains. Photos courtesy of Sevierville CVB
Sevierville, TN: Winter festivals, resorts and cider This mountain town promises to make the winter magical with Sevierville’s Smoky Mountain Winterfest Celebration from Nov. 22 through Feb. 17. Visit Santa’s Village and drive through Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland with light displays and synchronized music. Watch Sevierville’s 57th Annual Christmas Parade on Dec. 7 at 11 a.m. Check dates for specific Winterfest programs, each runs varying lengths. Take the grandkids ice-skating at Wilderness at the Smokies Hotel and Waterpark Resort’s outdoor rink. Race your own kids down the 55-foot water tunnel at the resort’s 66,000-square foot Wild Waterdome Indoor Waterpark. Beat them to the Firefly Bar & Grill,
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a family friendly restaurant with full bar, desserts and a kid’s menu. On Feb. 22, listen to Therese Anne Fowler, author of “A Well-Behaved Woman” and “A Good Neighborhood” at the Rose Glen Literary Festival. Authors such as Walter Ziffer, Dr. Bill Bass, Michael Knight and S.J. Dalhman present programs and offer book signings. Snuggle by the fireplace in a luxury cabin with a hot tub. Hidden Mountain’s cozy log cabins and cottages and villas are perfect for couples, groups and the whole family. Oak Haven Resort’s onsite spa features couple’s packages for massages, facials and pedicures. Sevierville visitors enjoy Five Oaks Farm Kitchen for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The dinner menu includes prime rib, smoked chicken and pork ribs. Wine and dine at the Apple Barn Winery where the traditional tasting is free. Apple Barn Farmhouse Restaurant and the Applewood Grill are right next door. Pick up treats like jellies, jams, apple butter and honey at the Apple Barn Cider Mill & General Store for a cozy indoor picnic. Impress the locals with the correct pronunciation: “severe-vul.” Drive time: three hours Website: visitsevierville.com Plan ahead: Smoky Mountain Harvest Fest, fall n
All the comforts of home and a little bit more is what visitors will find with a stay at Sevierville’s Hidden Mountain Resort. Photo by Bill Foster
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WINTER 2019 › 19
Great places for a cup of joe!
313 is a great spot to start your day with an excellent cup of coffee.
20 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING
m I imaging things or does coffee really taste better on a cool — maybe even cold — winter morning? I think not. And, if you didn’t happen to notice, coffee is very much in vogue these days. Coffee shops are popping up all over the place, serving lattes this and cappuccinos that. Why, they even have all manners of teas, and some will even blend you a smoothie. They’ve got display cases full of great muffins and scones. Some even offer breakfast, lunch and/or dinner. So, leave your Keurig back in the corner of the countertop this morning, find a friend and try one of these unique, local shops. Each one has a little different vibe, but they all have great brews … even if you simply like it black. 313 Café: 807 By Pass 123, Seneca Okay, so I’m from Michigan. All that means is that I’ve started this list with a place owned by a Detroiter whose goal here, according to his website, is to blend Upstate hospitality, authenticity and love for good food with the Motor City’s love for music, work ethic and good times! From what I can tell he’s off to a great start. The aromas of locally roasted coffee, just baked breads and freshly squeezed juices greet morning visitors. The menu includes traditional coffees, handcrafted espresso beverages, teas, juices and an assortment of baked goods. But, 313 is much more than coffee. It also serves smoothies, juices, craft beers, and unique lunch and dinner plates. The café is a comfortable place to relax, and a growing clientele is choosing to just hang out or make new friends while sipping a drink or using the free internet. It’s not unusual when morning coffee leads to lunch, an afternoon Vernors or Faygo soda pop (a couple of Michigan favorites) takes you up to dinner, or a draft after work lands you squarely in the middle of Friday or Saturday night’s musical entertainment. {clockwise from top} 313 owner Jason C. brought a little bit of his Michigan roots south. Here, he uses a juicer to create a morning blend that isn’t quite coffee. • The Farmhouse Coffee Exchange offers a variety of specialty gifts. • The Farmhouse Coffee Exchange owner Sarah Moberg (left), pictured here with her mother, Allison, are quickly converting a familiar Seneca retail spot into the go-to place for good coffee, flavored with friendship.
WINTER 2019 › 21
In the style of a European café, 313 is constantly changing, particularly when it leads to special events. Friday evening’s “Pints and pies” in the parking lot is already a hit, and plans are in the works this month to feature Wild Pines, a group that leads interactive caroling. There will also be a wreath/centerpiece workshop. For more dates, times and cost, visit: 313cafe.com, where you will also find the café’s current menu. Hours: Monday–Thursday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, 7 a.m. to midnight; Saturday, 8 a.m. to midnight; closed Sunday. The Farmhouse Coffee Exchange 277 Market St., Seneca Down the road apiece a familiar storefront in Seneca’s Dogwood Plaza has been converted into a laid back spot to chill with a hot cup of espresso and a tasty seasonal pastry. The Farmhouse Coffee Exchange began as an idea about community and connecting with home, however you define it, according to owner Sarah Moberg. “We really try to provide a comfortable atmosphere where people can spend time with a co-worker or neighbor and simply enjoy just
The Young Thieves are shown providing some of the entertainment that’s attracting folks to Brews on the Alley.
being together with friends. We think it keeps us grounded, and we love sharing that with others.” In addition to the current array of specialty coffees and delicious pastries provided, the new venue is building a calendar of events that includes live music, movie screenings, community gatherings and game nights. For details visit: facebook.com/thefarmhousecoffee/ “We are so excited to be reaching more groups in the community and meeting more
wonderful people,” Moberg said. “From our experience Seneca is a melting pot of locals, out-of-towners, old families and new neighbors. Yet it still feels like a small hometown where people care about one another and their community. Being in the middle of that is what really makes us feel blessed and eager to encourage new and different connections in our little corner of the foothills.” Additional fun food ideas are in the works for the holiday times, with soup offerings at the top of the list, as well as snack items for people to share while they visit. Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed Sunday. Brews on the Alley 109 Ram Cat Alley, Seneca Don’t let the name throw ya. This place, located in the heart of historic Ram Cat Alley,
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has plenty of brews to offer, but they’re not all alcoholic … necessarily. Matt Herriott is the owner of Seneca’s only craft beer and coffee bar experience, and no matter which side of that formula you come down on, you can get it to go. The coffee bar includes handcrafted espresso drinks, lattes, frappes, teas and real fruit smoothies. They come in three sizes —12, 16 and 20 ounces — and Matt’s folks would be happy to add a gourmet flavoring. There is also a wide variety of milk options for you “skim” and “two percent” folks. Oh, and did I mention you can enjoy any coffee bar beverage with an assortment of great tasting pastries or a slice of key lime pie? Meanwhile, the Brews on the Alley beer program includes 20 draft choices and a host of bottles and cans, featuring some of the most outstanding and unique brews on the southern market.
{inset} Vintage jewelry is among the offerings at Gather 205. {above} While enjoying your coffee you can shop for refurbished furniture or a host of quality gift items at Gather 205 in Walhalla.
Our Roots Run Deep Our foundation is strong. Clemson Downs opened its doors in 1980 to provide professional and compassionate care for its residents. We are celebrating our 40th anniversary as the only continuing care retirement community in the local area offering multiple-care options and enriching programs for physical and mental well-being. Call or visit us for a tour. We feature independent living apartments, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing care.
Call today to visit and learn more about our continuing care retirement community. (864) 654-1155 • ClemsonDowns.com WINTER 2019 › 23
Each coffee house has a little different vibe, but they all have great brews. Brews is quickly becoming a familiar place to converge for great conversation, to take in a Ram Cat Alley event or to simply enjoy some local entertainment. Check out the Brews web page at: brewsonthealley@gmail.com or peruse a current list of available craft beers at untappd.com/v/brewson-the-alley/4043984 Hours: Monday–Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to midnight; closed Sunday. Gather 205 205 South John St., Walhalla This relatively new establishment is quickly living up to its name. Owner Greg Harris is putting together a combination of offerings ranging from steaming espresso to a cool list of craft beers, and from scrumptious breakfast pastries to great plates of food for reasonable lunchtime dining. And, that doesn’t even count being able to shop for repurposed and reclaimed vintage furniture, along with a wide range of home décor, accessories and gift items. Gather 205 boasts Walhalla’s only Italian made espresso machine and offers just about any coffee drink you can imagine. Located in an historic building that was part of the city’s textile history, you can settle into a comfortable corner on a cold morning or enjoy a brew while seated on a newly-constructed deck overlooking the lawn. Either place is perfect for unwinding. Harris is already hosting special events, and plans are in the works for plenty of other reasons to stop by this new addition to Walhalla’s growing retail sector. For details of offerings and events, visit: gather205.com. A growing clientele will attest that Gather 205 can be an oasis from the daily grind. Harris’ goal is to provide each visitor with a friendly and relaxing environment whether they choose to spend a few minutes or hang out all day. Hours: Tuesday & Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursday & Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All In Coffee Shop: 106 Earle St., Clemson As you might expect since this coffee shop takes its name from Clemson Coach Dabo Sweeney’s “all-in” credo, philanthropy is an important cornerstone upon which this business has been built. Each month All In donates two percent of its gross sales directly towards meet24 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING
ing humanitarian needs around the world, with a special focus on water projects, orphan care and human trafficking. Similarly, in an effort to ensure fair prices for international coffee farmers, All In’s local roaster works towards ensuring purchases from coffee brokers utilizing direct trade practices. “Dabo Swinney brought the phrase to Clemson when he took over the football program and used it as a means of motivating his players to give football their full passion and best effort. We’ve interpreted the name as a means of turning the coffee shop into a salad bowl of different cultures. We envision a blend of ethnic groups coming together through friendship and mutual respect …” the shop’s website states. All In’s house coffee is a delicious blend of South American coffees, but there are plenty of other options. Daily specials feature coffees from around the world, ranging from Tanzanian Peaberry, to Sumatra, to Columbian, African Safari and more. Other favorites include iced coffee, espresso shots, traditional macchiatos, lattes, cappuccinos, steamers and hot tea. Smoothies come in a variety of fresh fruit flavors. All In desserts are made onsite from scratch. The goal at All In Coffee Shop is to assure you there will always be a friendly face behind the front counter. There is a lot of indoor and outdoor seating along with free Wi-Fi and plenty of outlets to recharge electronic devices.
Gather 205 boasts Walhalla’s only Italian made espresso machine and offers just about any coffee drink you can imagine.
To learn more or see the full menu, visit: facebook.com/allincoffee Hours: Monday–Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; closed Sunday. Coyote Coffee 104 E. Main St., Pickens (Locations also in Powdersville and Easley) Sit, sip and be cozy is the motto Coyote Coffee wants its customers to live by while enjoying any of their locations, whether that visit it to have delicious coffee, tasty food, a fresh fruit smoothie, or, if they’re feeling strong, a delicious and nutritious protein shake. Coyote Coffee is known for its specialty combo coffees served hot, frozen or iced! There are special blends for every season — check out the winter menu at coyotecoffeecafe.com — and a long list of regular combos ranging from the White Coyote (white chocolate, vanilla and caramel), to the Tumbling Tiramisu (tiramisu and white chocolate), to the Chuckawalla (white chocolate, shortbread, vanilla bean and cinnamon sprinkles). There’s a lot in between as well, and, while enjoying one of Coyote Coffee’s custom blends, you can also get a breakfast sandwich, lunch combo or even a delicious dinner. Hours: Monday–Thursday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. n
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WINTER 2019 › 25
your mind on water How living on or near the water makes a difference story by Dari Mullins
26 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING
H
umans gravitate towards the water — from lakes and rivers to oceans and streams. Historically it was a necessity, as fresh water was needed for survival. Now, in developed countries worldwide, we have running water readily available to us. Yet, millions of dollars are spent annually to take vacations and be near the water. Why? Artists, authors and other creative types often go to waterfronts for solitude and inspiration. Numerous paintings involve water scenes, and many literary works center around the water. Why? Real estate with a water view — be it beach, river or lake — is 20-40 percent more expensive than property just off the water. People will spend a lot of money for second homes on the water that they only visit a few months per year. Why? Often just crossing a bridge or being near a stream, we feel the muscles in our body relax, our minds experience overwhelming peace and our breathing slows
as we take in the beauty of the water, even if for just a brief moment. Why? Recognizing the healing and calming effects of water is nothing new. The Romans touted the natural healing effects of water and built public bathhouses to allow citizens access to these qualities. In 1750, Dr. Richard Russell did his dissertation on the healing qualities of the ocean, which resulted in more interest in the visiting of seaside spas. As our society became increasingly mobile, more and more second homes, resorts and villages were built on coastlines near oceans, lakes and rivers. The idea of getting to water for relaxation, rejuvenation and reenergizing may be an old phenomenon, but the science and study of what this does for our minds and bodies psychologically and physiologically is fairly recent. Wallace Nichols coined the phrase “blue mind,” and while it has no scientific definition, it has become a phrase that encompasses a broad awareness of the effects and connections water has on the brain. These connections affect all areas of our lives, including the physical, social, financial, artistic, creative and spiritual.
In his book, “Blue Mind,” Nichols explores these aspects in detail and cites numerous studies and research to reveal how important water is to our well being. It is an insightful, enjoyable read full of stories and examples demonstrating the positive effects of all things associated with being near, in, on or under the water. The opposite of blue mind is “red mind,” a phrase coined by neuroscientist Catherine Franssen, PhD, to describe the “edgy high, characterized by stress, anxiety, fear and maybe even a little bit of anger and despair.” The red mind state, however, does not always have to be a negative thing. Utilized correctly, this mental state can result in better evaluation of stressors and a heightened awareness of dealing with those stressors. However, staying in a constant “red mind” state leads to higher incidents of health problems, relationship issues and overall frustration in life. Nichols says that the results of red mind are distraction, irritability, anxiety and stress, all of which can lead to depression and then that leads to self-medication in ways that are not positive and can lead to addiction.”
Evenings can be ever so peaceful by taking in a sunset. Photo courtesy of Reah Smith/ Destination Keowee
WINTER 2019 › 27
{above left} Even if you don’t live on the water, finding a quiet place to sit and enjoy the serenity of the water can have positive impacts on one’s well being. • {above} Individual sports, such as kayaking, paddleboarding or simply swimming, are great ways to tap into the “blue water” effect. Photos by Dari Mullins
Our current fast paced, always-connected society bombards us with “red mind” stimuli. The best antidote to a constant “red mind” state is making time for “blue mind” escapes. So what exactly do these “blue mind” escapes do for us? Some of the main benefits of blue mind are intuitive and have been acknowledged for generations. Others are backed by recent development of technology and science. Some of these benefits include: • Water relaxes, restores and helps us reconnect with ourselves and nature and disconnect from the technology and pressures of modern life; • When around, on or in water, the “feel good” hormones — dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin — increase, and the stress hormone — cortisol — decreases; • Being around water helps our minds take a break and increases “attentional functioning” allowing us to clear mental blocks, unlocking our creativity and curiosity; • Simply viewing water, either of scenery or aquariums, has been shown to help hospital patients feel better and recover faster. Ten minutes of observation results in lower blood pressure, slower heart rate and increased mood; • Water and water sports can help those struggling with addiction, PTSD and physical limitations. Many groups such as Heroes on the Water, Rivers of Recovery and FleaHab have used the water to help people recover and deal with such challenges naturally. Living in the Upstate, we are surrounded by beautiful bodies of water that give us ample opportunities to tap into our “blue mind.” If you are fortunate enough to live 28 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING
on a lake, it is easy to take in beautiful views. But, even if you don’t live directly on the water or have a second home on a lake, there are things you can do to increase your blue mind state. For instance, drink water. The human body is 60-78 percent water, and the brain itself is almost 80 percent water by volume. So, consuming water is paramount for healthy brain function.
Or, simply sit by or near water, even if it is the fountain in the mall. Getting away from our overly connected digital world to observe a water setting gives our brains a break from over stimulating activity. You can even just take a bath or shower. Immersion in water reduces stress by balancing the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Better yet, get on the water or go swimming. Being in a boat, canoe or kayak, or on a paddleboard provides a fresh perspective and renewed sense of self. In fact, 72 percent of people feel healthier after spending time on the water. Being in the water calms our overactive minds and helps us access the “flow” state, which can restore the ability to focus and perform cognitive and creative tasks more easily. You could also learn to surf, whitewater kayak or sail. These higher intensity watersports provide a natural high and satisfy the brain’s desire for stimulation and excitement. Last but not least, you could buy a fountain, wave machine or fishbowl. Bringing the sound and/or presence of water into your home or office environment causes a meditative effect on the brain and can help reduce the body’s reaction to stress. As the winter months bring cooler weather and force us to remain inside more, make the effort and take the time to be around and on the water as much as possible. Put the phone, computer and other technology away and spend some time accessing your “blue mind” as often as you can. The benefits are numerous. n It’s not just lakes that can arouse the “blue water” effect in our bodies. Streams and the ample waterfalls of the Upstate are also good sources. Photo by Dari Mullins
YO U C A N B ECO M E A
‘LOON-ATIC’ TO O !
THE SIX TH LAKE Deep within the wooded thick of a coniferous forest’s vascular limbs, A chorus of loons cry in mosaic croons which echo from where they swim. They swim in a lake, the sixth of eight; a link in a mountain chain, Forged by the damming of rivers filled by the gathering of rain. As the birds’ words wash across the polish of water sitting still, Moonlight melts in speculum upon this lake of swallowed ichorous swills. B R EN DA N J . SI M O NS
30 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING
JOCASSEE LOONS ARE FOCUS OF IMMERSIVE STUDY story by Brett McLaughlin photos courtesy of Jocassee Lake Tours
{below} The limited surface area and shoreline of Lake Jocassee make it a perfect “small lab” for loon research. {above right} This participant was able to get up close and personal with one of North America’s most beloved birds.
ountless poems have been written, songs sung and movies made … all about the loon. The bird’s rich yodeling and moaning calls, heard by day or night, are considered by many to be emblematic of the wilderness. Although typically associated with the northern woods, (Thank you, “On Golden Pond.”) smaller and more subtly marked loons have long wintered in coastal waters and large southern lakes, including the fresh waters of Lake Jocassee. Brooks Wade is a self-proclaimed “loon-atic.” He firmly believes that the loon is “the most beloved bird in the world.” “People are cuckoo about them,” he said. As a young man working as a commercial fisherman in the northern Gulf of Mexico, Wade came under “the spell of the loon.” Since he and his wife, Kay, moved to the Upstate a few years ago, he has been a keen and constant observer of Jocassee loons. In fact, it was his persistent interest in, and passion for, loons that ultimately drew the attention of loon scientists and Earthwatch — a leading international, conservation research organization. The past three winters Earthwatch has underwritten an immersive loon research project on Lake Jocassee. This year, a dozen people will gather in February and 12 more in March, to spend several days and nights engaged in intensive field research of Jocassee’s loons. This year, however, the project is being sponsored by Jocassee Wild Outdoor Education, a non-profit Wade and Kay established and dedicated to outdoor education within the Jocassee Gorges; and by Wade’s Jocassee Lake Tours business. Nearly 99 percent of northern loons migrate to the northern Gulf Coast or the coastlines of Florida and South Carolina. The presence of
some 150 loons on the fresh water of Lake Jocassee is a relatively new phenomenon, according to Wade. “Jocassee is a relatively small lake, and you need a small lab for a good study,” he said. “This lake affords us perfect control. “The approachability of the loons on Lake Jocassee is always a surprise to new volunteers and researchers,” he continued. “It is not unusual for loons to be calmly going about their daily business within a boat-length or two of observers.”
Most all the research is conducted from boats. During their stay, participants should witness molting, preening and bathing behaviors; group foraging, including the ‘herding’ of schools of small forage fish; and departure behaviors as the birds prepare for and begin to leave the lake in early March. Photography and videography are used to record individual and group loon behaviors and to quantify the molting sequence and pattern. Nighttime capture and banding of loons will be attempted at least once each week. Meals are served onsite, and researchers can
WINTER 2019 › 31
{left} All banded and tagged ready to be released, this loon will be tracked as he, hopefully, migrates back to Lake Jocassee year after year. {above} Getting an opportunity to capture and tag a loon at night is not a given, but it is a great part of the research event if one is so lucky.
either commute daily or stay in cabins at Devil’s Fork State Park. After a first-day orientation daily fieldwork begins. After dinner, Dr. Jay Mager, professor of biological and allied health sciences at Ohio Northern University, will conduct an informal discussion and there will be time to relax. Kevin Rice, an Audubon Group member
who resides on Fripp Island, attended the loon survey two years ago. Other than it being “chilly” on Lake Jocassee in February, he said he found it to be “an absolutely pleasant experience.” “We recorded activity at three different locations on the lake,” he recalled. “We found one loon in plumage change, and we were
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able to follow him and two others during our time there. We also went out one night to see if we could capture one to tag, but didn’t have any luck.” It’s not unusual, Wade noted, to see the same birds on the same part of the lake each year. It’s also fairly common to name one. “That’s Bob,” he laughed, as if pointing to a bird on the lake. “It’s a beautiful time of the year on Jocassee because you can see all the waterfalls,” Rice added. “It’s a whole different way to experience the lake.” National Geographic has listed the Jocassee Gorges as one of the world’s last great wild places, and listening to the haunting call of loons from the waters of Lake Jocassee could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. n To learn more or to reserve a spot in either of this year’s survey experiences, or call, 864.280.5501. Sessions will be Feb. 23-29 and March 1-7. The fee for those desiring meals and lodging is $1,400 or $2,600 for two; for those who live close and commute the fee will be $875 for one and $1,600 for two.
Fun facts about loons • LOONS ARE GOOD DIVERS. In pursuit of fish, a common loon can plunge over 200 feet below the water’s surface. This is due to the bird’s skeleton: Most avians have hollow, lightweight bones, but a loon’s are solid. This makes the diving birds a good deal less buoyant than ducks. Once submerged, loons can hold their breath for as long as eight minutes. • ON LAND, LOONS ARE KIND OF KLUTZY. Over millions of years, loon legs were pushed towards the rear of their bodies. This helped the birds become more graceful swimmers, but because they more or less jut out behind the animal’s body, their legs are not that great for walking. On land, loons stumble around and push themselves along on their bellies — so they try to avoid walking whenever possible. • THEY NEED A LONG RUNWAY. Despite being fairly heavyset birds, loons are strong fliers: They can reach speeds of 70 miles per hour. But getting airborne is no easy task. Due to their size and leg anatomy, four of the five loon species physically cannot take off on dry land, but must run over the surface of some lake, ocean or waterway, flapping their wings all the while. • COMMON LOONS HAVE FOUR CALLS. Each sound is suited to a different situation. The wail, a long, haunting bellow that sounds like the howl of a wolf, signals their whereabouts to faraway mates or rivals. An undulating, repetitive shriek called the yodel, means, “stay out of my territory,” and is only made by males. The tremolo is a cackle that loons let loose when they either feel threatened or territorial, and the hoot is used by members of the same family (mates, parents and chicks, etc.) to keep in touch over short distances. • THEIR EYE COLOR CHANGES. In colder months, the birds’ eyes are a dull gray. But in the spring and summer, they turn a vibrant shade of crimson. • THEY SWALLOW ROCKS. Like all birds, loons lack teeth. This forces them to either swallow their meals whole or in sizable chunks. To ease the digestion process, loons devour small pebbles. Once inside their stomachs, the tiny stones mash up newly eaten food, which can then be processed more efficiently. • BABIES LIKE TO RIDE ON THEIR PARENTS’ BACKS. After mating, male ducks generally don’t stick around to help the females incubate eggs or raise chicks. However, a pair of loons will take turns sitting on their clutch. When these eggs hatch, mom and dad both tend to the babies. A newborn loon will spend about 65 percent of its first week riding around on a parent’s back, keeping warm and avoiding predators.
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WINTER 2019 › 33
THIS IS ONE
‘Triangle’ YOU WILL LOVE BEING LOST IN story by Bill Bauer
34 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING
G
olfers from the North Carolina cities of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill refer to their playground as The Bermuda Triangle. Of course, it is an obvious reference to the region known as the Research Triangle, but, in this case, it also refers to the Bermuda turf that makes up a majority of the tees, fairways and greens on their courses. Within this geometric region there are over 40
public, private and semi-private golf courses. There are also three major universities — Duke, The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and North Carolina State — with outstanding golf courses, open to the public. Playing the “University Triangle” — UNC Finley, Duke University Golf Club and Lonnie Poole Golf Course — is like teeing it up on the trifecta of golf. Designed by the likes of Tom Fazio, Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Arnold Palmer respectively, each course provides an exceptional and challenging round in a unique and spectacular setting.
The Duke course offers generous tee shot landing areas, but becomes challenging into fast and firm greens that are well guarded by strategically placed bunkers. Photo courtesy of Duke University Golf Club
WINTER 2019 › 35
This is the 18th green and 15th fairway at Lonnie Poole, the NC State University course. Although a standard par-72, the course is made extra interesting with five par-5s and five par-3s, creating more eagle opportunities and more chances for elusive holes-inone. Photo courtesy of Lonnie Poole Golf Course
The urban location of Lonnie Poole within the Beltway at NC State lies in stark contrast to the quiet, residence free Duke University Club. The UNC Finley course, meanwhile, offers an Augusta-like atmosphere on the perimeter campus. All three provide golfers with the ambience and hospitality one would expect at private country clubs, as well as impeccably maintained, championship golf courses. Combined with a stay at the prestigious and historic Washington Duke Inn, the courses make for a tremendous golf excursion. Local golfer and lifelong friend, “Papa” Lou
Mamo, resides in the area and plays them as often as he can. “Where else can you find three courses each built by a world class designer, with the support of its own university and home to their respective golf teams? They are a showcase for the schools and a source of pride for fans and visitors,” he said. I ventured to the area for the first time in August to golf the Triangle and was rewarded with three fantastic rounds under ideal conditions. Plans for a return trip are already in the works!
Lonnie Poole When I asked what makes Lonnie Poole special, Director of Golf Nick Dillman said, “It’s the only collegiate golf course that was designed by Arnold Palmer Management.” Palmer, a Wake Forest alum, put his signature on the 7,400-yard layout in 2009, and fired the first tee shot on what has been rated NC Golf Panel’s #1 Public Golf Course. PGA Golf Professional Scott Slagg, as well as Dillman, are both products of the University’s PGA Management School and are glad to be at their alma mater. “I couldn’t work anywhere where I couldn’t enjoy playing the course every day,” said Slagg. Lead designer, Brandon Johnson, kept the par at the standard 72, but made it interesting with five par-5s and five par-3s, creating more eagle opportunities and more chances for elusive holes-in-one. Six sets of Bermuda tees and large fairways, generous landing areas and ample bent grass greens make the course playable for every skill level. » CONTINUED ON PG. 38
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864.512.2255 AnMedHealth.org/HeartCare WINTER 2019 › 37
» CONTINUED FROM PG. 36
The late Arnold Palmer is pictured on the Lonnie Poole Golf Course at his alma mater, North Carolina State. It was the only collegiate golf course designed by Arnold Palmer Management. Photo courtesy of Lonnie Poole Golf Course
Slagg calls it, “friendly, forgiving and fantastic.” Lonnie Poole is a certified Audubon International Silver Golf Sanctuary, one of only two university courses. It has also become a haven for monarch butterflies. Partnering with BASF, over 750 milkweed plants and wildflowers were strategically placed to attract and assist the migrating butterflies. “On our 225-acre plot we have 90 acres of managed turf and 50 acres of naturalized areas, and just received the sustainability award from the NC Golf Course Owners Association,” said Dillman. As you arrive on the tee box for the 11th hole, the breathtaking
Raleigh skyline looms large in the distance, letting you know how special the golf course design really is. After completing the signature hole, you return to nature to complete the round. Back at the clubhouse, a full service pro shop, restaurant and highly rated club-fitting school are surrounded by Wolfpack memorabilia. For information and tee times at Lonnie Poole call the golf shop at 919.833.3338 or visit online at lonniepoolegolfcourse.com UNC Finley If there is anything you want to know about UNC Finley, Mike Wilkinson is the go-to guy. Wilkinson began playing on the original George Cobb layout that was redesigned by Tom Fazio, in his teens. “I worked and played here when I was in high school, graduated from the University and have worked here ever since,” he explained, adding that he has seen it all, from the original nine holes in the ’40s, to Cobb’s additional nine in the ’50s, to Fazio’s redesign in 1998. » CONTINUED ON PG. 40
Bunkers typically line the fairway landing areas of the UNC Finley course, which was designed by Tom Fazio. Photo courtesy of UNC Finley
38 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING
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» CONTINUED FROM PG. 38
“The course is walkable, playable, refreshing and designed for all players,” Wilkinson said. “We host the university golf team, all the Tar Heels and the general public.” Named after its co-founder and co-funder Albert E. Finley, the course is spread over 150 acres adjacent to the 800-acre Mason farm. Wilkinson recalls Tom Fazio’s lead designer, Tom Marzolf, walking the course and saying that he wanted it to have an “Augusta feel” explaining that like at the home of the Masters, the layout allows for great views of several holes at a time. “You’re in a forest but not confined, and can observe other tees, fairways and greens through the tall trees or across the natural rough,” he said. Views from the zoysia tees, Bermuda fairways and bent grass greens make for an enjoyable walk or ride. Seven combinations of tees provide length to fit anyone’s game. The 15th, a par-4 bearing the signature hole label, can play from 490 to 346 yards. The view from the back tee is both spectacular and daunting. A beautiful lake borders the left side from tee to green and, typical of Fazio designs, bunkers line the right side of the fairway landing area. From there, a wellprotected tiered green awaits. Wilkinson said course knowledge is important, and this hole
Like most holes on the Duke University course, the 12th hole features old school design where the adages “Keep it in the short grass” and “Stay below the hole” are best followed. Photo courtesy of Duke University Golf Club
proves his point. The fairway slopes to the water and the bunkers bordering the green come into play. His advice is stay to the right on both your tee shot and your approach. That course knowledge, as well as other information can be found at.www.uncfinley.com/ For tee times, call 919.962.2349. Duke University Golf Club The Duke Club is located on Duke’s west campus, only a five-minute walk from the fa-
mous basketball mecca, Cameron Indoor Stadium, and is adjacent to the historic Washington Duke Inn. The golf course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., opened in 1957 and was renovated by his son, Rees, in 1993 when it was selected to host the 2001 men’s NCAA golf championship. The current version, as course Superintendent Brendon McNulty said, “Retained the original classic layout, is walker friendly and offers spectacular golf.” The view from the Inn’s veranda is panoramic,
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looking out over the start and finish of each nine. Boasting ultradwarf Bermuda greens, zoysia tees and 419 Hybrid Bermuda fairways and rough, the course has no surprises. “What you see is what you get,” said McNulty. “The course offers generous tee shot landing areas but becomes extremely challenging into fast and firm greens that are well guarded by strategically placed bunkers.” Without a doubt, this is a course management old school design where the adages “Keep it in the short grass” and “Stay below the hole” are best followed. The Duke University course ranges from 5,300 to 7,200 yards and is playable by all skill levels. The greens are on the small side, averaging 3,000-square feet, and offer a wide variety of subtle slopes that rarely offer a dead straight putt. You can count on the greens to roll fast and true on a daily basis. The speed of the greens makes knowledge of the hole location important if you want a chance to score and don’t want to be putting downhill. To that end, the course offers GPS in every cart. The par-3 fourth hole is a short birdie opportunity if you clear Sandy Creek that fronts the hole and avoid the large bunkers and mounds that protect the two-tiered green. The 7th, a par5, once again is fronted by a creek, creating a layup for most golfers as they approach a large green
The highly acclaimed Fairview Dining Room in the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club is a great place to unwind and dine after a round of golf. Photo courtesy of Duke University Golf Club
that slopes back-to-front. Lateral hazards and trees line the fairway on number 13, a short par4, so a right-down-the-middle tee shot leaves you with a good approach to a diagonal green surrounded by a pond and bunkers. Hit the hollow middle of the green, and you’ll be putting uphill in all directions. The Golf Shop, located on the main lobby level of Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club, (See accompanying article.) has been recognized by the Carolinas PGA Section as one of the finest in the
Carolinas and offers a bird’s eye view of the course as well as easy access to the locker rooms and the fitness center. The Club’s state-of-the-art practice facility includes a three-sided driving range, six putting and chipping greens, seven sand bunkers and eight target greens. n Tee times can be made by anyone up to 30 days in advance by calling 919.681.2288. Information on golf, as well as the Inn and all its amenities can be found at www.washingtondukeinn.com
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Duke Inn & Golf Club is a step-out-and-play place story by Bill Bauer
G
olfers heading to the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill area for a stay-and-play golf outing will find no shortage of hotels and motels. Likewise, the number of dining choices is virtually limitless. However, the traffic in the Triangle can be a nightmare, so finding a spot that is centrally located to all three university golf courses can make or break your stay. That place is Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club, where you can step out the back door and play one round and are minutes away from the other two. Nestled on 300 acres at the edge of Duke Forest, this historic inn stands proudly among majestic Carolina pines and is reminiscent of the stately southern mansions of the past. Known for its luxury accommodations, fine dining and superb service, Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club has held the AAA Four Diamond rating for 17 consecutive years. Southern hospitality abounds. There are 271 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, featuring everything from Keurig coffee makers to plush bathrobes. Valet park your car, unload your luggage and get ready to play golf. You can start your day at the Vista Restaurant, where a bountiful buffet or made-to-order breakfast is on tap. Complete your round with lunch or dinner served at the highly acclaimed Fairview Dining Room or the Bull Durham Bar that also makes for a splendid 19th hole. An indoor pool and hot tub, along with a first-class fitness center, are perfect for working out the kinks or relaxing after golf. Check out all that Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club has to offer and make reservations online at www.washingtondukeinn.com, or call direct at 919.490.0999 or toll free 800.443.3853.
42 ‚ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING
The Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club allows you to step out the back door and play one round with two other courses just minutes away. The inset photo shows a typical king guest room. Photos courtesy of Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club
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HOME at last 44 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING
The lake view of the Bynum home is most impressive. The great room enters on to the upper porch (center), while the porch off the master suite (right) provides a year-round view of the lake. The wall of the infinity pool gives way to an ample yard and dock below.
UPSTATE NATIVE LOVES HER ‘FOREVER’ HOME story by Brett McLaughlin | photos by Savannah Blake
WINTER 2019 › 45
Susan Bynum is an Upstate girl. That’s all there is to it. Raised in the home of Central’s United Methodist minister, she loved her home and family dearly, and loved where she lived almost as much. After high school she went to … where else … Clemson University. “I remember swimming at the ‘Y’ camp,” she said, a smile lighting up her face. “It was wonderful.” Although her husband, Al, also graduated from Clemson, the couple actually met and fell in love in North Carolina. Life took them to Columbia, SC, where they spent 30 years working, raising two daughters and enjoying life. However, one needn’t chat with Susan very long to realize that life in a capital city, where Gamecocks, not Tigers, roam the streets was OK. But, it was never home … at least not for this Upstate girl. » CONTINUED ON PG. 48
46 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING
{at top} One of the most stunning features of the home is this custom chandelier, which was made to fit in the ceiling dome of the great room. It was inspired by a ballroom on a cruise ship. {left} This small plaque captures the essence of the home.
122 Transactions and over $54,000,000 SOLD since January 1, 2018
We are thankful and grateful ... Greg was an outstanding agent who took the time to really understand our families needs. He knew the market extremely well, especially the Lake Keowee area and the many “watch outs” to be aware of when buying a lake property. He guided us through the entire process from beginning to end in a very professional manner. I would highly recommend Greg for any of your real estate needs in the Clemson, Seneca, Lake Keowee area!
“My family and I wish you the happiest of holidays and look forward to all that 2020 has to bring!”
Ken & Sharon Shaw/Buyers A good friend of mine recommended Greg Coutu as a real estate agent to help us purchase property on Lake Keowee. As soon as I contacted Greg, he was willing to help us and started immediately working to find the property that matched our requirements. Greg is extremely knowledgeable about Lake Keowee real estate and the Seneca SC area. Greg helped secure the dock, shore stabilization and septic permits. Greg was always responsive and was very hands on and knowledgeable throughout the whole process. I highly recommend Greg Coutu to help you find real estate in the Lake Keowee, Seneca area. Doug & Barbara Napodano/Buyers Greg was incredible. I loved that he knew so much about the area and was very patient with us. He is trustworthy. We have a large family and they were all in on our house hunting. Greg got to know all of us and made house hunting a pleasure. He is easy going and I never felt pressured into a decision. Even now if I need anything he is right there willing to help. If I could give him ten stars I would.
Greg is extremely knowledgeable in every aspect of the Lake Keowee Real Estate Market. His expertise helped guide me through each step necessary to reach that ultimate successful closing. He always made himself available to answer any questions I had and returned my calls promptly. Throughout the entire process he was exceptionally courteous and professional. I would highly recommend Greg and his services to anyone buying or selling real estate in the Upstate. Alan & Lisa Lund/Sellers Greg was excellent! He made sure everything was handled efficiently before there were any surprises - he had expert insight on issues that needed to be resolved before we went to market. He was responsive and professional with all aspects of our sales transaction once we got an offer. When issues arose during the due diligence period in our contract, he was eager and knowledgeable in finding the solutions. We recommend him highly and will use him again with any future transactions in the area.
Brad & Frances Kummer/Buyers
GREG COUTU
Associate Broker/Realtor, 864.230.5911 coutulakekeowee@gmail.com Waterfront Office | 816 Bypass 123 | Seneca, SC
Pete & Maria Ebersole/Sellers
Building Lasting Relationships Through Genuine Concern, Objective Advice and Enthusiasm for Lake Keowee
“I kept telling Al, ‘I want to go home’,” she said. Well, guess what? She’s home, living in a spanking new lake house and loving every minute of it! The Bynums bought an interior lot on Lake Keowee in 2010, passing up their present location because of its cost. But, four years later the lot was still on the market and the price was more to their liking. While still living in Columbia, they engaged Tim Hance — a “Clemson boy,” according to Susan — to design the house and were led to hometown Seneca builder Scott Baumgarner (Baumgarner Builders) to build it. “Not everyone loves the building process,” Susan said, “but I thoroughly loved watching all of the pieces come together. I told Scott
» CONTINUED FROM PG. 46
{above} Susan Bynum wanted to be able to wash the dishes and look at the lake. Her home’s open floor plan makes that possible. • {right} The home is tastefully decorated with items collected from six continents.
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that he wasn’t building just another house; he was building my home.” Make no mistake about it; this is Susan’s home. She jokingly notes that she carved out a few special places for Al, but any amount of conversation at all leads one to wonder whether she might not be kidding. “The girls didn’t come here at all during the build. When they did see it, I think they may have thought it was a little over the top,” Susan said, her Southern charm manifesting itself in another smile. “I just told them, ‘We spent all your inheritance.’ “We lived modestly while raising the kids,” she added quickly. “This is what we saved for.” And “this” is beautiful, from its unique ceilings in the great room and master suite, to the lake views offered up in every room but one, to the shimmering infinity pool that seemingly empties into Lake Keowee. While the floor-to-ceiling windows and double, glass doors that form the lakeside wall of the great
Despite being the only room in the home without a lake view, the formal dining room is stunning.
WINTER 2019 › 49
room immediately draw one’s attention to the lake, it is hard, upon entering the front door, to ignore the room’s domed ceiling with its magnificent custom chandelier. Built-in bookcases and cabinets flank a lovely stone fireplace; it is here, in the great room, that one gets a first glimpse of the gorgeous hickory flooring that runs throughout the house. Immediately left of the entry is a largely enclosed formal dining room. It is the only room in the house without a view of the lake, but two large windows provide ample light and add a natural mid-day sparkle to another stunning chandelier. The great room itself opens into the kitchen and an informal dining area with a nearby built-in desk. “We don’t cook a lot, but I wanted to be able to wash the dishes and see the lake,” Susan said. Marble, granite and quartz countertops have been used throughout the kitchen, providing a panorama of textured looks. “And, this is the pantry,” she added, throwing open a door to a largerthan-average storage area that, believe it or not, has a window with a view of the lake.
Another custom chandelier hangs from the unique vaulted ceiling in the master suite.
On down a short hall are the laundry room, the entrance to the garage and, moving past a niche in the hall that contains a coat tree inherited from Al’s grandmother, the entrance to a guest room, the main feature of which is a 200-year-old trundle bed. The other end of the main level is devoted to the master suite, an expanse given added grandeur by a vaulted ceiling rising some 25-30 feet above the floor. It features horizontally applied shiplap paneling, rising in an inverted quadrangular design to the uppermost point of the ceiling from which hangs another custommade chandelier. It is awesomely unique. “When we raised the kids, we had a big master bedroom and lived in there,” Susan said. “Sometimes we even ate dinner in there. So, I wanted a big bedroom.” Not only is there plenty of room to move about, but also there is an equally large and impressive bath with double vanity, tub with a view of the lake, and a walk-in, tile shower. “This is our ‘forever’ house,” Susan said. “We put in large hallways, an elevator shaft and you could actually roll a wheelchair into this shower.” » CONTINUED ON PG. 52
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» CONTINUED FROM PG. 50
The master also has doors that open to both the large open deck off the great room, and a separate entry to an enclosed porch with windows and screens. With its more-than-180-degree view of the lake, the room is a year-round spot for reading, drinking morning coffee or simply getting away. The lower level opens into an area that Susan proudly proclaims to be one of Al’s getaways. Pointing to a pair of pinball machines and a jukebox, she notes, “He doesn’t collect cars or play golf. This is his mid-life crisis.” A door here leads to a covered patio with the infinity pool just beyond. The terrain falls away toward the lake, creating the fascinating merger of the pool and Lake Keowee. In reality, there is plenty of green grass between the home and the family’s lakeside dock. Al’s office and a private bath, complete with a walk-in shower, are also on this level, as are two lake view guest rooms that share a bath. The couple’s youngest daughter, a sophomore at Clemson University, uses one of these rooms during her visits home. At the other end is a guest room Susan refers to as the “pool suite.” Originally a storage area, the couple converted it into a bedroom for guests with access to the patio, a bath with shower for those coming in from the pool or lake and a changing room. When their daughters were younger, the family traveled to six different continents. Susan has used items purchased during those trips 52 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING
to create the home’s tastefully limited interior décor. A certified master gardener, who worked several years at Millcreek Greenhouses in Columbia, the Upstate native is also responsible for much of the exterior landscaping, including a living staircase alongside the end of the house, leading from the drive to the pool/patio area. “We are so pleased to be living in such a beautiful dream home and are eager to share it with others,” she said. “It’s great to be able to share a little southern hospitality and fellowship.” n
{above} The master bath is large and luxurious, featuring unique lighting and ample views of the lake. {below} From the correct angle it is virtually impossible to know where the pool ends and Lake Keowee begins.
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cheers! story by Bill Bauer
photos courtesy of Keowee Brewing Company
Typically, seven to eight different beers, along with a few ciders, are on tap
54 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING
Keowee Brewing Company is an Upstate hit
{right} Fittingly, outlines of Lake Keowee are part of the décor inside the Keowee Brewing Company in Seneca. • {below} It hasn’t taken long for Keowee Brewing Company to catch on as a go-to place in downtown Seneca.
T
he jury is out on whether Benjamin Franklin actually once said, “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” Misquoted or not, the saying has merit and the verdict is in when it comes to the Keowee Brewing Company … guilty as charged! The new microbrewery in downtown Seneca has rapidly become the go-to place to grab a beer and relax, thanks largely to Alex and Allison Butterbaugh, owners of the new establishment at Walnut and Main streets. For nearly six months, locals and visitors have been sauntering into Keowee Brewing, which is housed in a building that dates to 1889 and is located just two blocks from historic Ram Cat Alley. “We know it was a post office in 1911 and a car dealership and florist shop,” said Alex when discussing the renovation that began in January 2018. “We purchased the building and planned to open sooner, but ran into our first obstacle when we discovered the second floor (street level) was barely supported and could not handle the weight of our brewing operation.” The brewery opened in June, 18 months after the couple, having returned to their southern roots from Wisconsin, took ownership of the building.
WINTER 2019 › 55
Prior to that, Clemson graduate Allison had held a job in the dairy industry in the Badger State, while Alex worked in the brewing business at 3 Sheeps Brewing Company. “I learned from the bottom up, eventually becoming the head brewer,” said Alex. “It was the perfect training program.” The Butterbaughs had always planned to raise their family around their relatives, and after nine years felt the time was right for a homecoming. Little did they know that three days after closing on the building, they would learn their first child was on the way. Alex’s beer brewing beginnings go a little deeper than Wisconsin, as he and his dad got into the home brewing scene while he was in college. They had talked about owning a brewery someday, and on June 29 that dream was realized when taps flowed at Keowee Brewing Company. “We’ve done really well and have to thank the folks in Seneca for supporting our efforts. We feel like part of the community,” said Alex. Typically, there are seven to eight different beers on tap along with a few ciders. For Clemson fans, “My Blood Runs Orange” is number one on the list. The New England Style IPA is brewed with blood oranges creating a fresh citrus flavor, earning an ABV (alcohol by volume) of 6.3 percent. In keeping with the Clemson theme, the “All In” is smooth amber with a 5.6 ABV. » CONTINUED ON PG. 58
Tables with umbrellas, shade by the fence, soft grass and outdoor games all add to the enjoyment of a late afternoon at the Keowee Brewing Company in downtown Seneca.
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» CONTINUED FROM PG. 56
“We try to have a good variety for all our customers and friends,” said Alex. A smooth and crisp Kolsch at 5.2 ABV, “Good Friends” is named after just that … a good friend with the initials GF who helped enormously with the demo on the building. With huge notes of dark chocolate and coffee, “A Year Around The Son” commemorates the first birthday of the Butterbaughs’ new arrival, Liam. With so many choices, sipping samples are possible as are beer flights with up to four different brews in smaller portions. An excellent staff is well schooled in describing the nuances of each brew and treats customers like family. » CONTINUED ON PG. 60
Alex Butterbaugh is the master brewer at Keowee Brewing Company, a downtown Seneca hot spot he and his wife, Allison, opened in June.
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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
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» CONTINUED FROM PG. 58
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The interior of the brewery is inviting, open and full of light. A combination of high and low tables with matching stools and chairs is perfectly arranged, promoting a Cheers style of friendliness. Add the outdoor, fenced-in, dog-friendly beer garden with tables and umbrellas, and there is plenty of space for beer lovers to roam. Flat screen televisions and indoor and outdoor games like giant Jenga and corn hole add to the social atmosphere. When weather permits, the windowed walls can be opened for a more airy feeling. “We love it here,” said regulars Robert and Brenda Seay. “The beer speaks for itself. If Alex can’t brew it, it can’t be brewed.” A cooler holds 32-ounce growlers to go and soft drinks for non-imbibers. There are “lunchables” for kids who might accompany their parents. The Blue Marble Deli and City Market, operating from a downstairs kitchen, provides a varied menu of reasonably priced snacks, sandwiches and salads. Local food trucks like Your Pie and The Iron Pig, as well as the Maine Lobster Truck appear periodically and add to the food choices. Proudly pointing to the massive brewery operation behind the bar,
In addition to snacks and sandwiches prepared onsite, food trucks like Your Pie and The Iron Pig, as well as Cousin’s Maine Lobster, appear periodically and add to the food choices.
Alex said, “We have our tanks and process in full display. We want our guests to see what we do. There is no second guessing where we brew.” The Butterbaughs feel they have chosen the perfect location for the brewery, whose label depicts the Carolina moon reflecting down on Lake Keowee. “It has become a gathering place,” said Wisconsin native, friend and smiling hostess Jessica Warren. “Alex and Allison have reached out to every sector of the community: the locals, the college and even their dogs!” The addition of “Unplugged from the Alley,” an acoustical music event that follows Seneca’s Jazz on the Alley, will continue to provide Thursday night entertainment. For information on food trucks and performers, check the brewery’s social media sites on Facebook and Instagram. n The Keowee Brewing Company is open Monday through Thursday from 4-9 p.m., Friday 3-9 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., and Sunday 1-6 p.m.
60 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING
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Where italian means italian! story by Brett McLaughlin | photos courtesy of Jianna Among the most popular entrees and starters at Jianna are (clockwise from top left) char-grilled octopus with potato, guanciale, pistachio and sherry-lemon vinaigrette; chilled market oysters; spaghetti TBG with garlic, roasted tomatoes, basil and grana padano; prosciutto san Daniele; and yellowfin tuna crudo.
62 ‚ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING
Literally cases of East and West Coast oysters are served daily at Jianna, always with the house sauce.
icture, if you will, a bustling production space where artisans move quickly but seamlessly from one task to another, creating a finished product that, as a consumer, you can’t wait to call your own. Imagine jewelry being handcrafted for your personal collection or, perhaps, an auto being assembled to your personal specifications. The excitement builds as you envision yourself dressing for a special occasion or getting behind the wheel for that first luxurious ride. Now, take that imagery … all that activity, that creativity … the shimmering crystal of perfectly cut glass and the smell of new leather … take it all … … but, think food. Welcome to Jianna.
This chocolate torte is just one of the savory desserts guests can enjoy at Jianna.
WINTER 2019 › 63
On the second floor at 600 S. Main in Greenville, Chef Michael Kramer is overseeing perhaps the most unique culinary experience to be found in a city where dining opportunities are endless and everyone expects the best when it comes to food. Here, Kramer oversees a bustling staff of culinary artisans whose finished products smell exquisite, are a delight to behold and taste magnificently unique. Shimmering crystal hanging above the bar and a tower mosaic of Italian wines reflect sunlight pouring in from Falls Park across the street. After Kramer reviews the evening’s menu, the staff fans out. At one end of the bar fresh oysters are being shucked while, at the other end, a staff member labors over the prosciutto slicer. The whole kitchen is open, bringing it into the dining room. Customers can watch as extruded pastas are made with only flour and water and then forced through a die, cut and dried. Jianna features what Kramer calls an “Italian Italian” menu, the inspiration for which is found in classic Italian cuisine, each dish prepared with a creative twist — such as smoked bacon in the potato gnocchi. “We have less traditional Italian fare,” he said, “no veal scaloppini or lasagna and not a lot of red sauce.” The menu changes frequently depending on the season and the availability of fresh ingredients. “We’re not a steakhouse,” Kramer said, noting that almost all of the » CONTINUED ON PG. 66 dishes he serves can be tailored to the customer’s individual taste.
{left} Chef Michael Kramer is shown creating some of the extruded pasta made fresh daily at Jianna. {below} The potato gnocchi is among Jianna’s most popular starters. It is served with smoked bacon, tomato, chive and Parmesan brood.
Green Springs 114 Ram Cat Alley, Seneca
864-888-4327 American Made & Fair Trade Gifts! S h o p G r e e n S p r i n g s . c o m We specialize in handmade meaningful gifts. Come see our pottery, baskets, luxurious soaps, candles, totes, jewelry, steel drum art & more! For each American made soy Milkhouse Candle sold, we donate $1 to the Education Foundation of Oconee County’s BackPack Program! A gift that gives back! Our American made brie bakers make for easy entertaining! Add a wheel of brie, top with chutney, bake for 10 minutes! Serve with crackers! 64 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING
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» CONTINUED FROM PG. 64
Fusillial Nero features shrimp served on one of the many extruded pastas created daily at Jianna.
Some dishes, however, are constant, such as the main course offerings of spaghetti TBG (no red sauce, just a fresh blend of cherry tomatoes, basil and garlic), and the gnocchi sardi featuring rock shrimp, Calabrian chili, squash and breadcrumbs. Likewise, the “starter” offerings of ricotta crostini served with truffle honey and sea salt on grilled ciabatta, and the char-grilled octopus served
with potato, guanciale, pistachio and sherrylemon vinaigrette are menu mainstays. Our meal began with the octopus, and we were not disappointed. Undaunted by the suggestion that the rotini was dyed with “the ink of the squid” (nero de sepia), we ordered rotini al nero de sepia as our main course. As our knowledgeable server explained, the dish featured an ample portion of lump crab and
was flavored by piquillo pepper, Fresno chilies and ample amounts of garlic. It was delicious. With the meal we enjoyed a very nice glass of Italian chardonnay, one of the many selections on a wine list composed of 98 percent Italian wines. Even of those wines not from Italy, most come, according to Kramer, from vintners with Italian roots.
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“We have an extensive collection, and we serve a lot of bubbles,” he said, referring to a “sparkling” list that includes several Prosecco offerings, Monzio Compagnoni Franciacorta and NV Cantinae Clara ‘C’ Rose. Wine is offered by the bottle or glass. Our meal was completed with a serving of cannoli dusted with powdered sugar and filled with banana filling, along with a steaming cup of rich coffee. Whether you come for a complete meal or to simply enjoy the restaurant’s extraordinary signature bar and dine on fresh East or West coast oysters or a serving of Prosciutto di Parma, Kramer and his Jianna staff will roll out the red carpet for your visit. n Jianna is located on the second floor at 600 South Main St. There is an elevator entrance on Falls Park Drive and valet parking is available from The Lazy Goat, 170 Riverplace. To see the complete menu visit: info@ jiannagreenville.com; or to make a reservation, call: 864.720.2200. Lunch is served Sat. & Sun. from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner, Tues. thru Thurs, 5-10 p.m., Fri. & Sat., 5-11 p.m., and Sun., 5-9 p.m. A Piccolo menu is served Sat. & Sun., 3-5 p.m.
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ALICIA KEYS 864-324-1668
aliciakeyswh@gmail.com WINTER 2019 › 67
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.
and many more. Join the featured live band and talented cast of Centre Stage favorites as they journey through this electrifying time in American music.
DEC. 5-21 A HOLLY, JOLLY CHRISTMAS
Grace, an astronomer, has lost her young daughter Abby nearly a year ago. Her life spins out of control when Abby appears and starts making predictions about the stars and the cosmos. Is this real and proof that there’s more to the universe, or is this a sign that Grace’s sanity is in question?
“Have a cup of cheer” and celebrate the holiday season with a hilarious and heartwarming Christmas variety show perfect for the entire family! Featuring your favorite Upstate comedic and vocal talent, A Holly Jolly Christmas brings you the best in holiday sketch comedy, classic Christmas songs and feel good, family entertainment packed into one dazzling show!
JAN. 23 – FEB. 16 I FEEL GOOD: A TRIP TO MOTOWN
Put on your dancing shoes and kick off the new year with Centre Stage’s hit rock show I Feel Good: A Trip to Motown! Celebrating the music and success of Berry Gordy and his iconic Motown record label, this concert-style show features hits from Diana Ross, James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson
JAN. 28-29 & FEB. 4-5 STARBRIGHT (FRINGE SERIES)
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.
DEC. 12-22 A CHRISTMAS CAROL
In this magical, musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic story, miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is forced to face his selfish ways on Christmas Eve when three ghosts lead
him through his past, present and future. A celebration of kindness and generosity, this show will fill your heart with the spirit of the season as Scrooge goes from “Bah! Humbug!” to “Happy Christmas.”
ELECTRIC CITY PLAYHOUSE 514 NORTH MURRAY AVE., ANDERSON, SC 864.224.4248 • ECPLAYHOUSE.COM
DEC. 13-15 THE SANTALAND DIARIES
When a down-on-his luck wannabe actor arrives in New York City at the end of the year, the only employment he can find is at Macy’s department store working in Santaland for the holiday season.
FEB. 21 – MARCH 1 THE TIN WOMAN
This is the story of a woman who receives a heart transplant and her eventual meeting with the family of the donor. Instead of relishing life after her heart transplant, Joy enters a downward spiral, unsure whether she truly deserves a second chance.
W E H AV E P UPPIES! THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT AVAILABLE TO GO HOME JAN. 2020
We are a small home based breeder of mini, medium and standard sized Multi-Generational 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 (864) due to their strict regulations concerning testing and pedigree.
650-7310
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upstate theatre PEACE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 300 SOUTH MAIN ST., GREENVILLE, SC 864.476.3000 OR 800.888.7768
DEC. 31 – JAN. 5 BEAUTIFUL – THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL
This is the inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history. Along the way, she made more than beautiful music: She wrote the soundtrack to a generation.
JAN. 28 – FEB. 2 MY FAIR LADY
My Fair Lady tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a linguistics professor who is determined to transform her into his idea of a “proper lady.” But who is really being transformed? Director Bartlett Sher’s glowing production is “thrilling, glorious and better than it ever was” (The New York Times).
FEB. 12-23 DISNEY’S ALADDIN
Discover a whole new world at Disney’s Aladdin, the hit Broadway musical. From the producer of The Lion King comes the timeless story of Aladdin, a thrilling new production filled with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle. It’s an extraordinary theatrical event where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite.
FOOTHILLS PLAYHOUSE 201 SOUTH 5TH ST., EASLEY, SC 864.855.1817 OR WWW.FHPLAYHOUSE.COM FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS, 8 P.M.; SUNDAYS, 3 P.M.
THRU DEC. MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET
In this Christmas classic, an old man going by the name of Kris Kringle fills in for an intoxicated Santa in Macy’s annual Thanksgiving Day parade. However, when Kringle surprises customers and employees alike by claiming that he really is Santa Claus, it leads to a court case to determine his mental health and, more importantly, his authenticity.
JAN. 17 – FEB. 2 HAIRSPRAY JR. (FOR AGES 11-18)
Walhalla Performing Arts Center
2019/2020 SEASON ANNOUNCEMENTS! JIMMY FORTUNE Dinner CHRISTMAS COUNTRY STYLE Package Sunday, December 8 @ 7:00 pm Available Former tenor of the Statler Brothers, Jimmy will bring his Country Style to light with the holiday classics and hymns. WYNONNA & THE BIG NOISE ROCKIN’ ROOTS CHRISTMAS Friday, December 20 @ 7:30 pm This country music legend will bring you to your feet with her old hits, new hits and songs from The Judd’s. Truly, a night to remember. THE FLASHBACKS ROCKIN’ IN THE NEW YEAR! Tuesday, December 31 @ 8 – 11:00 pm A true show band and variety of music Dinner including Motown, Shaggin’, R&B and Package Available more! Ring in the New Year dancin’ in your seat! EDGAR LOUDERMILK BAND WITH JEFF AUTRY LITTLE ROY & LIZZY Friday, January 10 @ 7:30 pm Contemporary bluegrass, swing, gospel, and Americana genres featuring guitar, banjo and fiddle. A family tradition. GEMINI: COMEDIAN, VENTRILOQUIST & MAGICIAN Saturday, January 11 @ 6:00 pm This one-man wonder will blow your mind. He combines illusion, comedy, dance, ventriloquism, audience participation and fun into one astonishing show! THE MARSHALL TUCKER BAND Friday January 17 and Saturday, January 18 @ 7:30 pm A Southern rock band, MTB incorporate blues, country and jazz into it’s eclectic sound.
It’s 1962, and spunky plus-size teen Tracy Turnblad has one big dream — to dance on the popular Corny Collins Show. When she finally gets her shot, she’s transformed from social outcast to sudden star. In balancing her newfound power with her desire for justice, Tracy fights to dethrone the reigning Miss Teen Hairspray, Amber von Tussle, and integrate a TV network in the process.
TRAVIS TRITT Friday, January 24 and Saturday, January 25 @ 7:30 pm Enjoy a special evening with CMA and Grammy award-winning country artist, Travis Tritt who will leave you with a truly memorable experience.
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
KELLER & THE KEELS Friday, January 31 @ 7:30 pm Award winning flat picker Larry Keel & his rock solid, in the pocket bass playing wife, Jenny Keel, make up two thirds of this super fun trio with Keller Williams.
FEB. 20-23 BRIGHT STAR
Steve Martin and Edie Brickell wrote the book and bluegrass music for
SO LD OU T!
Tickets & Information WalhallaPAC.com | 864-638-5277 WINTER 2019 › 69
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upstate theatre this story set in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Alice Murphy, a young girl deeply in love with the mayor’s son, Jimmy Ray, discovers that their infant son is taken away by their ambitious parents. Alice eventually becomes a successful editor in Asheville and meets a promising young writer named Billy from her hometown. She finds a handmade sweater she knitted for her baby in his personal belongings and realizes she has been reunited with her child.
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Based on E.B. White’s loving story of the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte, this treasured tale features madcap and endearing farm animals, explores bravery, selfless love and the true meaning of friendship.
CLEMSON LITTLE THEATRE 214 S. MECHANIC ST., PENDLETON, S C • 864.646.8100 FRI.-SAT., 8 P.M. (7:30 FOR CAYT); SUNDAY MATINEES, 3 P.M.
DEC. 6-8 & 13-15 IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
George Bailey from the small town of Bedford Falls dreams eternally of escape and adventure … dreams squashed by family obligation and civic duty. One Christmas Eve, in a time of great trial, George’s guardian angel descends to save him from despair and to remind him … by showing what the world would have been like had he never been born … that he really has had a wonderful life.
JAN. 24-26 & JAN. 31 – FEB. 2 STEEL MAGNOLIAS
Based on the author’s experience with his sister’s death, this comedydrama reveals the bond among a group of Southern women in northwest Louisiana and revels in their strength and inner beauty — women who are as delicate as magnolias, but as tough as steel.
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.
DEC. 6-8 &13-15 THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER
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In this hilarious Christmas classic, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids — probably the most inventively awful kids in history. You won’t believe the mayhem, and the fun, when the Herdmans collide with the Christmas story head on. This delightful comedy is a holiday staple for groups across the United States. Features plenty of children and adults, a few favorite Christmas carols for the audience to join in, and a lot of laughs.
FEB. 7-9 & 14-16 (DINNER/THEATER OPTION) CONTEMPT OF COURT
Contempt of Court is a new, non-mystery interactive comedy from the inventor of the interactive dinner theater. It’s a typical night at Judge Judy’s Peoples Night Court where audience members become plaintiffs, defendants, witnesses and jury in some of the most outlandishly funny lawsuits ever to double cross the bench. This hilarious comedy spoofing of all those TV court shows proves that some people really have a Contempt of Court.
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calendar of events THRU DEC. 12
Blue Ridge Arts Center, 111 E. South 2nd St., Seneca, presents Earth, Wind & Fire, which explores and reflects on the mighty elements of the universe and makes them come alive through the unique vision of artists across many mediums. Gallery Hours are Wed. – Fri., 1-4 p.m. and Sat., 10 a.m.– 1 p.m.; for information, visit: blueridgeartcenter.com Upstate Holiday Light Show at the Greenville/Pickens Speedway; synchronized light show of 32 million lights; cars, SUVs, trucks, and minivans are $20; Santaland and petting zoo included in admission; bring cash for concessions.
THRU JAN. 3
World of Energy, 7812 Rochester Highway, Seneca, celebrates the holiday season with its 7th annual Festival of Trees display in the lobby. More than 20 decorated trees are available for viewing during normal business hours.
DEC. 1
Seneca Woman’s Club Christmas Season Open House, 2-4 p.m. at Historic Ballenger House, 212 E. South Third St., Seneca; enjoy tea and tour this historic circa 1925 house; free; www. ballengerhouse.org for more details. Seneca’s lighting of the Park will take place at Norton-Thompson Park at 5 p.m., followed by the Seneca Christmas Parade, 6 p.m.
DEC. 3-5
16th Oconee Memorial Hospital Foundation Hospice Christmas Tree Festival; Best Western Plus University Inn & Conference Center, 1310 Tiger Blvd., Clemson; enter a winter wonderland of original Christmas trees, wreaths and centerpieces, and browse through a holiday market overflowing with handmade crafts and gifts and fresh baked goods; for information, call 864.885.7912 or visit: ChristmasTreeFestival.net.
DEC. 5
Westminster Christmas Parade, 6 p.m.
DEC. 6
Brooks Center for the Performing Arts at Clemson University presents Midtown Men: Holiday Hits; 7:30 p.m.; for tickets, visit: www.clemson.edu/centers-institutes/brooks
DEC. 7
Hendersonville Christmas Parade, Main Street/Five Points-Caswell Street; after the parade join the Apple Valley Railroad Club for a special Polar Express Story Party at the Historic Hendersonville Depot; information at: downtownhendersonville.org/calendar-ofevents/ Santa Claus visits the World of Energy, 7812 Rochester Highway, Seneca; 10-11:30 a.m.
DEC. 8
Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, SC, presents Jimmy Fortune: Christmas Country Style; pre-show dinner available; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com Salem Christmas Parade, 4 p.m. Brooks Center for the Performing Arts at Clemson University presents Clemson Choirs: Sounds of the Season; 3 p.m.; for tickets, visit: www.clemson.edu/centers-institutes/brooks Santa on the Chimney in Chimney Rock, NC; 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.; watch Santa Claus climb Chimney Rock. He will also be available after each climb to greet guests and take photos.
DEC. 8 & 15
Science with Santa at Roper Mountain Science Center; ticket options are 1-3 p.m. or 2-4 p.m.; have fun with winter science projects like snowstorm in a jar, gumdrop engineering and 3D printing an ornament. Cost is $40 non-members, includes 2 adults and 1 child. Additional children are $20 for nonmembers.
DEC. 12
Seneca celebrates Winter Nights with dinner, music and drinks on the back lawn of the city museums, 208 and 211 W.S. 2nd Street; $10 registration; call 864.885.1954.
DEC. 14 & 15 Foothills Dance Conservatory presents “The Nutcracker” in its entirety. This beloved holiday ballet, with music by Tchaikovsky, tells the story of Clara and her magical Nutcracker Prince as they journey to the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets; Saturday 7 p.m., Sunday 3 p.m.; for tickets, visit: www.clemson.edu/centers-institutes/brooks
DEC. 18 Christmas with the Chorale; 7:30 p.m. at McAlister Auditorium at Furman University; Greenville Chorale performing Handel’s Messiah.
DEC. 20 Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, SC, presents Wynonna & The Big Noise Rockin’ Roots Christmas; pre-show dinner available; for more information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com
DEC. 21 Enjoy a candlelight tour of the Lunney House in Seneca; 5 and 7 p.m. tours; for reservations call 864.723.7453 or visit, lunneymuseum.org Celtic Memories at Hagood Mill, 138 Hagood Mill Road; Get your kilts on and join us as we celebrate the heritage of the region with lots of Celtic music and activities; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; free admission; $5 parking fee; for information contact Hagood Mill at 864.898.2936
DEC. 21-23
DEC. 13
Main Street Holiday Hayrides in downtown Hendersonville; 6-9 p.m.; free; board the tractor-drawn wagon ride at the Visitor Center, located at 201 South Main St.
DEC. 14
Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, SC, presents The Flashbacks – Rockin’ In The New Year; preshow dinner available; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com
Veteran’s Christmas Drop-in at Oconee Veteran’s Office 223C Kenneth St., Walhalla; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; veterans and their spouses are invited to enjoy warm cider, cookies and conversation. Fair Play Christmas Parade, 1 p.m.
Walhalla Christmas Parade, 5 p.m.
West Union Christmas Parade, 5 p.m.
Greenville Christmas Parade, 6 p.m.
Breakfast with Santa at Durham Hall on
72 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING
Main Street in Walhalla; 8-10 a.m., followed by the downtown merchants’ open house until 6 p.m.
DEC. 31
Noon Year’s Eve at The Children’s Museum of the Upstate; Greenville; 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.; wear pajamas and ring in the Noon Year; free with admission.
calendar of events JAN. 10
Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, SC, presents Edgar Loudermilk Band & The Little Roy & Lizzy Show; pre-show dinner available; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com
parking fee; for information, contact Hagood Mill at 864.898.2936
JAN. 23
JAN. 11
Brooks Center for the Performing Arts at Clemson University presents jazz pianist and organist Matthew Whitaker; 7:30 p.m.; for tickets, visit: www.clemson.edu/centers-institutes/brooks
JAN. 17 & 18
Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, SC, presents An Evening with Travis Tritt; pre-show dinner available on Saturday; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com
JAN. 18
Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, SC, presents bluegrass musician Larry Keel; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com
Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, SC, presents Gemini – Comedian, Ventriloquist & Magician; for information or tickets, visit: www. walhallapac.com Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, SC, presents The Marshall Tucker Band; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com Ringing in the New Year at Hagood Mill, 138 Hagood Mill Road; Welcome back the Roaring Twenties by helping celebrate another round of the Roaring 20s! Zoot suits and flappers welcome; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. free; $5
JAN. 24 & 25
JAN. 31
FEB. 1
Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, SC, presents The
Bellamy Brothers; pre-show dinner available; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com
FEB. 4
Brooks Center for the Performing Arts at Clemson University presents TAO, whose modern, high-energy performances showcasing the ancient art of Japanese drumming have transfixed audiences worldwide; 7:30 p.m.; for tickets, visit: www.clemson.edu/centers-institutes/brooks
FEB. 6
Brooks Center for the Performing Arts at Clemson University presents Septura, which features London’s leading players, who redefine brass chamber music through their uniquely expressive sound; 7:30 p.m.; for tickets, visit: www.clemson.edu/centers-institutes/ brooks
FEB. 8
Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, SC, presents Mac Powell & The Family Reunion; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com
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SIPC MemberMember SIPC
501 Rochester HwyA2 Suite A2 501 Rochester Hwy Suite Seneca, SC 29672 Seneca, SC 29672 864-882-5763 864-882-5763
WINTER 2019 › 73
calendar of events FEB. 9
Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, SC, presents Crystal Gayle; pre-show dinner available; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, SC, presents An Evening of Valentines with Emile Pandolfi & Dana Russell; pre-show dinner available; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com
FEB. 15
Your Local Home Project Design Center
Winter Time Blues at Hagood Mill, 138 Hagood Mill Road; history, music and vendors throughout the day; free; $5 parking fee; for information, contact Hagood Mill at 864.898.2936 Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, SC, presents The Next Move with special guests The Wailin’ Thorns; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com
FEB. 16
Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, SC, presents Arlo Guthrie; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com
FEB. 20
Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, SC, presents BJ Thomas; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com
FEB. 23
Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, SC, presents Mutts Gone Nuts Comedy Dog Thrill Show; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com
FEB. 28
Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, SC, presents KICK – The INXS Experience; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com
FEB. 29
Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, SC, presents Balsam Range; for information or tickets, visit: www. walhallapac.com
ONGOING
Countertops Backsplash Cabinets • Hardware Flooring
864.882.3936
997 Bypass 123 • Seneca 74 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING
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 Silver Dollar Music Hall in Westminster, SC, features open mic each Friday at 7 p.m. with regular pickers performing at 8 p.m.
Defy Mediocrity. Deliver Extraordinary Experiences.
124 RIVERBEND CENTRAL, SC 29630 • $1,150,000 Wonderful Lake Hartwell Estate located just 3 miles from Clemson University. Stunning lake views from every room!. The first floor of this home has everything you would want for main floor living. The gourmet kitchen is perfect for entertaining. The living room is spacious with an oversized woodburning fireplace, built- in bookcases and large windows and sliding doors to take in the magnificent views. Advanced notice for showings is required. MLS 20222460
3315 GETTYSBURG DRIVE SENECA, SC 29672 $344,900 Bayshore subdivision is ideally located on the shores of Lake Hartwell, 15 minutes to Clemson University and 10 minutes from downtown Seneca. Boasting 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms and one half bathroom, sitting on a large 0.68 acre corner lot. Generous amount of windows allow the outside to literally fill the home and natural lighting from the strategically placed skylights warms the mood. Beautifully remodeled kitchen that features granite countertops, a large island, wall-mounted microwave. The large lot features numerous planters and flower gardens that bloom in various arrays year round. Must see to appreciate. Call for your private tour. MLS 20222994
Hometown Realtors 864-482-7653 § www.century21hometownrealtors.com © 2018 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. All rights reserved. CENTURY 21®, the CENTURY 21 Logo and C21® are registered service marks owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC. Century 21 Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated.
Year-end financial moves
W
your age, account balance and other factors), you face a penalty of 50 percent of what you should have taken out — a potential loss of thousands of dollars. So, take your RMDs before December 31. The financial services provider that administers your IRA or 401(k) can help you determine the amount you must withdraw.
e’ve still got a month until 2019 draws to a close, but it’s not too early to make some end-of-the-year financial moves. In fact, it may be a good idea to take some of these steps sooner rather than later. Here are a few suggestions: BOOST YOUR 401(K) CONTRIBUTIONS Like many people, you might not usually contribute the maximum amount to your 401(k), which, in 2019 is $19,000, or $25,000 if you’re 50 or older. Ask your employer if you can increase your 401(k) contributions in 2019, and if you receive a bonus before the year ends, you may be able to use that toward your 401(k), too. ADD TO YOUR IRA You have until April 15, 2020, to contribute to your IRA for the 2019 tax year, but the more you can put in now and over the next few months, the less you’ll have to come up with in a hurry at the filing deadline. For 2019, you can put up to $6,000 in your IRA, or $7,000 if you’re 50 or older.
you find yourself worrying excessively about short-term price swings? These are the types of factors that might lead you to make some changes, possibly with the help of a financial professional.
REVIEW YOUR PORTFOLIO It’s always a good idea to review your investment portfolio at least once a year, and now is as good a time as any. Don’t make any judgments based solely on your results over the past 11 months. Instead, look carefully at how your portfolio is constructed. Is it still properly diversified, or has it become overweight in some areas? Does it still fit your risk tolerance, or do
DON’T FORGET ABOUT YOUR RMDs Once you turn 70 ½, you generally need to start taking withdrawals — the technical term is “required minimum distributions,” or RMDs — from your traditional IRA and your 401(k) or similar plan. After the first year in which you take these RMDs, you must take them by the end of each year thereafter. If you don’t withdraw at least the minimum amount (calculated based on
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THINK ABOUT NEXT YEAR’S OPPORTUNITIES It happens to almost all of us: A year has passed, and we haven’t taken the actions we had planned. So, start thinking now about what you want to do in 2020 from a financial standpoint. Can you afford to ratchet up your investments in your retirement plans? If you have children or grandchildren, have you started saving for college? Have you considered ways to protect your financial independence if you ever need some type of long-term care, such as an extended nursing home stay? If these or other items are on your financial to-do list, start planning now to get them done next year. Time goes quickly — so don’t get left behind without having taken the steps to keep moving toward your financial goals.
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.
Home Is Where Your Bank Is. Wherever you choose to call home,
a banking partner is always someone you want close by. In a place where it’s convenient to make a deposit, cash a check or get solid financial advice. Banking close to home is something that matters to most everybody. Just like friendly, professional service, local decision making and bankers who are consistently willing to go the extra mile. So even if a change in direction at your current bank has left you feeling like you no longer matter to them, you can still bank close to home—in a place that knows what matters to you. Come home to Community First.
We know what matters.
C1 stbank.com
Member
FDIC
SERVING THE CAROLINAS SINCE 1990
Watch that wake!
BY DARI MULLINS
T
he temperature is dropping, the water is getting cooler and most boats are in hibernation for the winter. In just a few short months, however, the lake will be buzzing with boats again, and one issue sure to reoccur is the increasing number of boats and the wakes they create. Wake size is a concern to everyone involved — property owners worry about damage, and water sports enthusiasts want to enjoy their sports. As watersports evolve and new ways of enjoying the water are invented, wakes are getting larger, creating potential for greater damage to property or even injury to other boaters. But, it is not always wake boats that cause the problem. Any vessel can throw a damaging wake if going too fast or coming too close to docks or other vessels. As an avid watersports person, I realize how important it is to respect the property of others and try my best to minimize the impact of my boat’s wake. Sometimes it can be difficult. One time I misjudged the space I had to make a turn and, although I tightened my turn, I still came very close to a dock. Oddly, I was still within the boating laws of South Carolina. South Carolina law states: “You may not operate a boat or PWC (Personal Watercraft) in excess of ‘idle speed’ within 50 feet of: a moored or anchored boat; a wharf, pier or dock or; a person in the water.” If you take a tape measure and mark off 50 feet, you will quickly see this is not a huge distance, especially when towing a skier, surfer or tuber. In fact, the WSIA (Water Sports Industry Association) recommends and encourages boaters to stay at least 200 feet away from the shoreline, docks or other structures. Here at Watersports Central, this distance is the minimum we recommend to our customers, and we encourage them to stay in open water whenever possible. Boaters are responsible for any damage
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WAKE RESPONSIBILITY • Stay at least 200 feet from the shoreline, docks or other structures. • Keep sound at reasonable levels. Music travels well over water. If you can hear it at 80 feet, homeowners can likely hear it as well. • Avoid repetitive passes. Once you have run the same area for a while, move on to another area of the lake.
caused by their wake. This can be difficult to prove, but if there is a vessel that seems to be repeatedly coming too close to structures, then it may be necessary to report it. The best way to prove damage is to get them on video in the act of causing damage. Once you have that information, call the SCDNR Reporting Line at 803.955.4000 or 800.922.5431 and notify them of the issue. Law enforcement personnel will walk you through the necessary steps and dispatch an officer to the location of the incident. You can
also contact the TIP Hotline via text message by texting to 847411: “SCDNR (your message).” Do be aware that damage caused must be estimated to be over $2,000 before you can seek legal action. The lake offers a variety of opportunities to relax and refresh. Some may fish while others may kayak or just sit by the water. Others, however, like a little more excitement and prefer the thrill of watersports, riding a PWC, or other faster paced activities. Living on the lake is a privilege that not many people have, but it does require a certain degree of patience with other boaters. Whether it is ignorance or misjudgment, sometimes boaters will get too close to structures and other boaters. Try to remember they want to enjoy the water, too, and may do it in different ways than you. Patience and respect on the water are key to everyone enjoying all that lake life has to offer. 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.
Know Your Winter Weather Terms Knowing winter weather terms help you know when to put your personal preparedness plan into action. WHEN YOU HEAR/SEE
WINTER STORM WATCH Typically issued 12 to 48 hours before the possibility of winter weather
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY
THAT MEANS
YOU SHOULD
Significant winter weather (snow, sleet, freezing rain, or a combination of these events) is possible, but not imminent.
› Make sure you have emergency supplies at home and in your vehicle › Pay close attention to forecasts and the specific weather that is likely
Winter weather is imminent and may cause inconveniences
› Put your winter weather safety plan into action › Monitor local media for expected impacts › Avoid unnecessary travel
A significant winter storm is imminent and is a dangerous threat to life and property.
› Put your winter weather safety plan into action › Monitor local media for expected impacts › Avoid unnecessary travel
Typically issued up to 36 hours before a weather event with 80 percent or greater chance of winter precipitation
WINTER STORM WARNING Typically issued up to 36 hours before a weather event with 80 percent or greater chance of significant winter precipitation
Brought To You By
YOUR Oconee County Government
Fishing winter boat docks
I
n the spring and summer, boat docks provide structure, cover, food and a variety of water depths, all of which are helpful to fish seeking comfortable water temperatures. Pro angler Kent Driscoll said the same applies to fishing docks during the winter months. In the wintertime, Driscoll forgoes docks that span shallow water and looks for versions that cover more surface area and span deeper water. “Winter docks are definitely deep docks depending on where you are and what lake you are fishing,” said Driscoll. “When I say deep, we’re talking 30, 40, 50-feet deep. The deeper docks are honestly a little bit easier to fish than shallow docks. The fish aren’t as spooky. I usually see the fish spend winter in deeper water.” Finding the right dock to fish in the winter is no longer a game of checking every dock with multiple casts until you find the fish. Driscoll fires up his sonar unit and spends the first part of the day scanning boat docks. With today’s side imaging and forward scanning technology, half the battle is won simply by locating fish. “The key with today’s electronics is just scanning these docks,” he said. “We’ve gotten to the point now we can ride by a dock, look under the dock and tell if it holds fish or not. I’ll see exactly where those fish are, where they’re positioned, how deep they are. Are they relating to the poles or the beams? Is there a boatlift? Is there structure underneath the dock? You can see it all.” Once the angler locates fish, getting bait to them with an appealing presentation is not as easy as it sounds. Most boat docks are considered fair game, free to fish from a boat, but definitely trespassing if you step onto or even touch the dock. That’s where pinpoint casting skill comes into play.
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BY PHILLIP GENTRY
Boat docks are just as attractive to fish during the winter months as they are in the summer, provided there is enough water depth under the dock. Photo by Phillip Gentry
“Everybody knows the most productive docks are usually the hardest ones to get to,” Driscoll said. “It’s kind of like bow hunting. Fishing boat docks is all about being very precise and placing bait in the right spot, getting it in the strike zone and keeping it there for the fish.” Having identified the dock he wants to fish, Driscoll’s next concern is boat positioning. Unlike spring or summer fishing, fishing docks in the winter means the fish are probably going to be deep as well as tucked underneath. “Boat control is going to be really important, too. You’ve got to be able to hold your
boat pretty still while that bait sinks,” he said. “That’s kind of the benefit of the deep docks. You fish a little bit deeper, and you don’t spook them as much. You’ve got to get into that sweet spot, and usually that spot is against the walkway in between the dock and the actual boat itself. That’s usually going to be your darkest spot.” Driscoll is well known for using a lot of heavy power tactics to catch fish, but he suggests that anglers lighten up on their line size during the winter, especially when fishing docks. “Lighter line makes the bait look more natural; even when the fish takes the bait, using lighter line won’t provide the normal resistance that often causes a fish to spit the bait,” he said. Driscoll said most anglers use 10- to 15-pound test when fishing during the spring and summer, but his suggestion is to drop down to no more than 8-pound test and even 6-pound when dock fishing in the winter. Because of lethargic fish and light bites, Driscoll said much of his winter dock fishing is about line watching. “When that line stops, more than likely the fish has sucked it in,” he said. “In the winter, we all know the fish aren’t nearly as active, so your strike is a lot more subtle, making it crucial you watch the line.”
Phillip Gentry is the host of “Upstate Outdoors,” broadcast from noon to 2 p.m. Saturdays on 106.3 WORD FM or online at 1063word.radio.com.
Located at Oconee Nuclear Station in Seneca, S.C., the World of Energy education center opened in July 1969, when the nuclear plant was under construction. The World of Energy has proudly served the community for 50 years. 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 self-guided tour of the World of Energy’s educational exhibits. Pack a picnic and enjoy nature on the grounds. The World of Energy is open 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The facility’s exhibits and all events are free and open to the public. Upcoming Events Festival of Trees Nov. 21, 2019 through Jan. 3, 2020: Join the World of Energy in celebrating the holiday season with its 7th annual Festival of Trees display in the World of Energy lobby. This beautiful array of more than 20 decorated trees is open to the public during normal business hours. Visitors can vote on their favorite tree. Winning trees will receive a Duke Energy grant for the nonprofit organization of their choice. The Festival of Trees will be open for voting Nov. 21, 2019 through Jan. 3, 2020. The World of Energy will be closed Nov. 2829, Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1, in observance of the holidays. Photos with Santa Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019: Santa Claus will be at the World of Energy from 10 until 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 7. Bring your camera and snap a photo while admiring the Festival of Trees display. The event is free and open to the public.
7812 Rochester Highway, Seneca, SC 29672 864.873.4600 duke-energy.com/worldofenergy
Silver Run Falls
Y
ou may not think of winter as a particularly good time to visit a waterfall, let alone one located north of Upstate South Carolina. But, (Isn’t there always one of those?) Silver Run Falls is not only easily accessible, it’s located in one of the Southeast’s most beautiful — even in the winter — national treasures. Inside the Nantahala National Forest, Silver Run is just four miles south of Cashiers, NC, in Jackson County. It’s a 25-foot cascade into a tranquil pool with a small beach area. If you put this off until next summer, it will make for an equally outstanding outing. There’s a forest service sign along the 82 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING
road to mark the small roadside parking area for 4-5 cars. It’s a short walk (about a quarter-mile) on a mostly level trail and across a bridge over the headwater of the Whitewater River. There are a few observation points along the shore to soak in views of Silver Run Falls, which may even glimmer a little with winter’s added ice. There are many rocks where you can step across to get a different angle, but be careful! Additionally, if you do choose to wait until spring, there is a second secret falls located above Silver Run. Unless you are truly adventuresome, this isn’t recommended in the winter, but, on the left side of the cliff face Silver Run,
just inside the woods, there is a slope of granite with many roots for handholds leading to the top of the falls. Follow the trail up top until you hear the second falls on your right. DIRECTIONS Take Highway 107 north, past the Fish Hatchery and across the NC/ SC state line. Just a few miles further you will begin driving parallel to the Whitewater River. At this point, look for the sign and parking area on the right. It’s four more miles to Cashiers in case you miss it. 35°04’00.9”N 83°04’01.1”W, Cashiers, NC 28717
The Season’s “Must Have” Items Make sure you’ve got everything you need to weather a winter storm.
At home
In your vehicle
ψ A three-day supply of food and water
ψ Food and water
ψ Flashlight and extra batteries
ψ Blankets
ψ Emergency charger for mobile devices
ψ Portable mobile phone charger
ψ Battery-powered radio
ψ Ice scraper
ψ First aid kit
ψ Flashlight and batteries
ψ Prescription medicines, infant formula, pet food and other items for family members with specific needs ψ Extra blankets, warm winter coats and/or an alternative heating source in case of power outages
ψ First aid kit ψ Jumper cables ψ Sand or cat litter (for traction)
Brought To You By
YOUR
Oconee County Government
Wishing you
Happy Holidays and a Prosperous New Year At Justin Winter Sotheby’s International Realty, our tradition of success has continued throughout 2019.
•We’re Lake Keowee’s leading selling team for the period 2009-2019.
•Our sales since 2009 total almost $500 million. •Our average sale is currently almost double that of our closest competitor’s.
•We hold records for the highest sales price for
both The Reserve at Lake Keowee and The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards.
We look forward to the new year with our ongoing commitment to unmatched service, professionalism, and results. Should 2020 find you buying or selling real estate, give us a call or visit us online.
864.481.4444 justinwinter.com
© 2019 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 and rankings based on Western Upstate MLS. If this is a "Market Update," properties shown may or may not have been listed or sold by Justin Winter Sotheby's International Realty.