Whether you’re an avid Tiger fan or more excited about the tailgating revelry, there’s no place better to enjoy game day than Clemson University. Cliffs Living has you covered for all of your game day needs, from custom charcuterie boards to Clemson craft beer. And with Death Valley stadium a short drive from The Cliffs communities, a Clemson tailgate is the perfect way to spend a Saturday in the fall.
PADDLE & BOARD
106 N. CLEMSON AVE., CLEMSON | 864.624.2264
WWW.PADDLEANDBOARD.COM
Jennifer Sanders turned her pandemic hobby of making charcuterie boards for friends and family into a thriving — and delectable — business. Since Sanders opened Paddle & Board last October, she’s found a crowd particularly hungry for her charcuterie: tailgaters.
Sanders’ customizable offerings range from “snack box size” to “huge grazing tables constructed on-site.” Her boards include salami and prosciutto, artisan cheeses, locally sourced honey, seasonal fruit, crudités, crackers and bread, nuts, and pickled items. Sanders says tailgaters also love the Bloody Mary board, which comes loaded with shrimp, bacon, pickled items, veggies, cheeses, hot sauce, seasonings and toast points.
Another football season best seller is the Clemson Spirit Board, which includes a custom-designed tiger paw cutout, crafted by Jolly Wingo, a local woodworker.
Sanders says to make sure to order your tailgating boards at least 48 hours before the game either on the website or by calling the store.
DETAILS: If you’re tailgating with children in tow, check out Paddle & Board’s kids’ grazer boards with sandwiches, goldfish, fruit, and veggies.
KITE HILL BREWING CO.
150 THOMAS GREEN BLVD., CLEMSON | 864.659.3181
WWW.KITEHILLBREWING.COM
“We don’t think anyone at a Clemson tailgate should have to drink the same beer that a Gamecock would, when they can be drinking beer made in Clemson by Tigers,” jokes Byron Leggett, owner of Kite Hill Brewing Co.
In July 2021, Clemson alumni Leggett and Bobby Congdon ensured fellow Tigers could always access locally brewed craft beer by opening Kite Hill in Clemson’s Patrick Square. For last football season, the duo created and canned what they call “the perfect tailgating beer”: TigerTown Lager. The beer was such a hit, Leggett says they’ll offer it in cans for every football season.
Kite Hill’s canned craft brews are available at some retail locations, but Leggett says it’s easy to swing through the brewery — even on game day — to stock up on tailgating needs. If your beer of choice isn’t canned, bring a crowler and choose from any of the 16 brews on tap. Popular offerings include Frequency Modulated, a West Coast IPA; Something In These Hills, a pilsner; and Widely Considered, a blood orange gose.
DETAILS: Kite Hill can be a great pre- or post-game hangout. Check online for details on their food menu, live music and trivia.
ALL INSPIRED BOUTIQUE is now TRUE ORANGE BOUTIQUE
362 COLLEGE AVE., CLEMSON | 864.650.2370
WWW.TRUEORANGEBOUTIQUE.COM
Clemson’s All Inspired Boutique is a one-stop shop for women’s game-day apparel and accessories. “We have all the orange — from tops to dresses,” says owner Melissa Cherry.
There are rompers and sleeveless dresses for warmer weather, and when the fall air turns cool, Cherry will have plenty of denim jackets, cardigans and sweaters. Of course, the predominant clothing color is Clemson orange, but you’ll find tiger prints and other patterns, too. Cherry describes the clothing as “on-trend, while staying classic.”
The boutique also carries women’s accessories like tiger paw earrings and necklaces, and of course, the necessary clear plastic game-day bags.
DETAILS: All Inspired Boutique also carries tailgating items from bottle openers to glassware to blankets, which can be found online or at one of its three locations.
JUDGE KELLER’S STORE
367 COLLEGE AVE., CLEMSON | 864.654.6446
Judge Keller’s store has been a staple in downtown Clemson for more than a century. The store, which began as a tailor’s shop, has sold everything from men’s shoes to hardware and paint over the years. Now the store is widely known for its vast collection of Clemson gear.
Judge Keller’s offers something for everyone to get game day ready. For men and women, there are tables and racks of Clemson T-shirts and sweatshirts, some of which are vintage. There’s also a large selection of children’s clothing – including the quintessential cheerleading uniform.
Along with Clemson clothing, the store sells cups, flags, stickers, footballs and more.
DETAILS: When Isaac “Ike” L. Keller opened the store in 1899, Clemson was a military school. The school’s cadets began calling Ike “Judge” because he “judged” the tailoring of their uniforms. The nickname stuck.
This story was featured in Cliffs Living Magazine. To read more stories like this one and learn more about The Cliffs, subscribe here.
