BY: Betty Stack
Nothing quite like touching your feet to the sand in early May or June before the southern span of heat hits the fan. But which sand do you choose? Or which one chooses you first? I guess it depends on where you are located, if you are up for a trip to the South Carolina coast or decide to pack a cooler and head to the shores of the local favorite- Hartwell. Of course, there is also Keowee which is beautiful. Yet most folks gravitate to Hartwell to catch a ride across the water’s glass towards the Clemson football stadium. It is there that you just may find a little bit of personal heaven.
There are lots of uphill lots, and homes dotting the shoreline from campers to trailers to cottages to those well- large, gorgeous homes owned by perhaps some former Tiger players or current coaches. Afterall, who can afford four million for a lake getaway these days- but it is nice to dream, isn’t it? Stock that cooler with some good Sammies, even some Bojangles deep friend chicken, or even a box from the local Dodge’s gas station off Highway 153 running through the heart of Easley. Heck, you may decide to grab some Smokin’ Pig to go if it is a Thursday through Saturday. Those folks have mastered the art of smoking chicken and pork so well that three days is just enough. Throw in plenty of water bottles, some cokes or it would not be SC, and maybe even Busch Light or shall we say Bud Light or Michelob Ultra. And don’t forget the ice. Find yourself a spot to anchor and you may want to head out early on a weekend, as the “best” spots get taken- hit the beachy area, set out the chairs, and make sure not to drop one in near the deep water- as I did our first summer here. Do not forget the sunscreen and you are ready for some Hartwell tail-gatin’ at its finest, at least for the day- and the memories.
Now if the local lake is not enough- head about four hours south towards the coastline and take your pick of the world-famous Mrytle Beach, complete with folks of all varieties and teens packing the walls, to the upscale perimeters of Hilton Head Island. Let your hair feel the wind, roll the windows down, pass through the small towns which sometimes look a bit deserted and hit the destination.
If you are looking to rent a hotel room, a condo, or even a big house, do it early as folks from all over the country come to our coastline in the summers- and even in the winters- don’t tell but they are the only ones to hit the ocean in February. It is cold folks, and I mean cold and icy then. You can even be adventurous and head on to the Charleston area, Folly Beach is fun too. You can take in the sights of the famous Battery and show the kids some ships. Whichever beach you hit go for the local’s favorite seafood spots, if in Mrytle Beach, hit Calabash there is restaurant row, and Drunken Jacks. If you hit Hilton Head go to the Crazy Crab and feast- sit at the bar, have a cocktail and people watch awhile. Now Charleston offers lots of good foodies as well, maybe try Hymans downtown, but get there early or wait in line for an hour. Or if price does not matter try Henry’s. Wow- South Carolina offers a lot- from shore to shore, no wonder everyone is moving here. Happy Summer!