Discover Lake & Mountain Living in Clemson, SC
Lake and mountain living is a slower-paced way of life. It makes it possible to enjoy the outdoors and all of the beauty that surrounds you. One of the most well-known mountain towns in Upstate South Carolina is the quaint town of Clemson. Let’s discover everything that makes this small town such a special place to live.
The Town of Clemson
Clemson, South Carolina is a vibrant college town located in the northwestern part of the state. Although small, it has a lot to offer visitors and residents alike. The downtown area is filled with blocks of retail shops, restaurants and historic homes, making a wonderful place for people of all ages.
Arts
Clemson has a rich art scene, and is full of local artists and galleries. The Lee Gallery hosts art exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing the work of regional, national, and international artists. In addition, the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts on the Clemson University campus hosts world-class professional theater, dance, and musical performances.
If you’re interested in taking art classes yourself, The Arts Center of Clemson offers jewelry, clay, drawing, painting, and photography classes and workshops. These classes are great for adults and children of all skill levels.
Dining
Dining in Clemson has something for everyone. Grab quick Italian bites from Brioso Fresh Pasta, a burger from Calhoun Corners, or barbecue from The Smokin’ Pig, located just outside of Clemson. If you’re looking for a fine dining experience, visit Rick Erwin’s Clemson for a variety of Southern specialties such as Baby Back Ribs, Southern Fried Chicken, and Crab Cakes. No matter your palate, Clemson’s foodie scene has a little something to satisfy even the most selective taste buds!
The University
Founded in 1889, Clemson University consists of 10 colleges attracting students from across the nation. Athletics are inundated within the culture at Clemson, with fans coming from near and far to support their Clemson Tigers. Football, basketball and baseball games are often played with lively students and alumni filling every seat.
However, these aren’t the only sports to gain attention from Clemson fans. The Clemson Invitational golf tournament is held at the premier golf course, The Cliffs at Keowee Falls. Here, collegiate golfers participate in a competitive tournament while spectators enjoy the beautiful course designed by legend, Jack Nicklaus.
South Carolina’s Botanical Gardens
Right on the edge of Clemson University is the South Carolina Botanical Gardens. This 295-acre sanctuary is dedicated to educating visitors on plants, animals, minerals, and the culture of the area. The gardens are open to the public throughout the year, free of charge, making it an entertaining activity for the whole family.
Lake & Mountain Living
This small town offers the best of both worlds. With a moderate climate and endless outdoor activities, Clemson, South Carolina brings you closer to the simple pleasures of lake and mountain living while still providing the comfort and Southern hospitality of a charming mountain town.
Climate
Located in the northwestern part of South Carolina, the climate in Clemson is temperate, making it a lovely place to call home. This mild climate makes it possible to enjoy all of the outdoor mountain activities in the area throughout the year. The most pleasant months of the year are May, September, and October where temperatures are in the mid-70’s most days. During the winter, the temperatures are mild, rarely ever dropping below freezing.
Clemson has four distinct seasons, so you will be able to appreciate the bright colors of the foliage in fall and possibly a light dusting of snow in the winter. In the spring and summer, the plants and flowers thrive with the moderate rain showers of the seasons.
Hiking
One of the best parts about mountain living is the proximity to the outdoors. With miles of hiking trails to discover in the area, Clemson is a great homebase for exploring them all. The best hiking trails guide you to breathtaking views of rushing waterfalls. Big Bend Falls is a 3.4 mile hike along the Chattanooga river. Once at the falls, you will see why the view of the 30-foot drop off was worth the two-hour trek into the forest.
Another hiking trail in the area takes you to Bee Cove Falls. This two to three hour hike leads you deep into the woods, making it easy to get back in touch with nature. Once at the base of the falls, you can enjoy the view of the 40-foot cascading waterfall. Along the way, you will also get to see four smaller waterfalls.
Lake Keowee
In Clemson, SC you get to experience both mountain living and lake living, right from your own backyard. With the beautiful Lake Keowee and mild climate of the region, it’s easy to enjoy life on the water. This large 18,500-acre lake has roughly 300 miles of shoreline where you can discover quaint coves around every corner.
There are also a number of water sports to participate in on the lake such as swimming, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, wakeboarding, and jet skiing. Whether you just want to be out on your boat for the sunset, or want the adrenaline rush of jet skiing, you will never have a dull moment on Lake Keowee.
Where the Tall Mountains Meet Shimmering Lakes
At The Cliffs, we have built an entire region on the shores of Lake Keowee: The Lake Region. Here, we bring you even closer to the water with homesites and homes offering private docks and easy access to our marina.
Located just a short drive from downtown Clemson, our three lake communities at The Cliffs make it easy to balance lake and mountain living with city life. The Cliffs at Keowee Falls has 20 miles of private shores and beaches exclusively for Club Members. Explore the private hiking trails through dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and wildflower fields without ever leaving the gates.
Our most family-friendly community, The Cliffs at Keowee Springs, has easy access to The Beach Club where kids can enjoy the water slides while you catch up with other members of the community. On the other hand, wine enthusiasts will love The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards, offering views of the native muscadine grapes that wind through the community. Contact us to learn more about each of our seven communities and find your perfect home at The Cliffs.
