BY: Betty Stack
January came in with a roar, some days of pavement hot teasers mimicking the hot summer that lies ahead. Then there have been those moments of constant raindrops, or should I say drenching times, especially when having to walk between college buildings on one of the favorite local campuses. Snow even made an appearance by dusting its print across trees and lawns with enough of a tease to tempt quick snowmen and ice on our glorious “back” roads. Yes, in case you are one of the hundreds of folks recently located to our area, “welcome to the upstate”. Grab a Clemson blanket or Carolina Gamecock, if you dare (not at my house), and your favorite beverage. The most famous one of choice in these parts is relatively simple- sweet tea, the nectar of the land, always available at restaurants, and all natives know that the best hostesses offer this drink to anyone who dares to visit. Along with a y ‘all come back now.
Now, the beverage changes almost like the seasons, day to day, but if you are caught watching a replay from one of those Clemson Tiger football highlights, or perhaps Dawn Staley’s heralded Gamecock lady basketball teams, it changes to Bud Light. The almost bitter but thirst-quenching syrup for most male viewers tops the list and the grocery store checkout counter year-round, whether it be a sporting event or the annual Memorial Day spent at the lake, a case is needed. After all folks in the South like to share even y ’all want one of our Bud Lights.
Share is just what most locals do with the transplants, like myself, who lived here over thirty years ago, but circled back to the land of sweet tea and y ‘all with a lot of satisfaction. I have learned what used to be on Highway 81 before it went from two to four lanes, and of course, the original T.L. Hanna High School football field, which was home to the famous movie based on the “real” football fan, Radio.
I have also learned to not do a double-take when seeing a deceased deer riding in the back of a local pickup truck, where my husband and I have pulled over in front of the local “Skins” to get another landmark- a hot dog. I feel so bad for the deer, and no amount of pleading or begging will get me to join in on eating any Bambi, but I do get that deer hunting is another sport in this piece of hometown America. Take a drive south on 85 to exit 10 and get off and see another part of the fabric of the community, with the older African-American man who sits comfortably by the side of the ramp, sometimes covered from the elements by an umbrella, always smiling, and often eating something that someone has stopped to share. Drive on across the bridge and there is Portman Marina, a place that not only houses lots of important leisure toys from boats to yachts to houseboats. If you get lucky and it is Tuesday through Saturday night, you may be able to snag a spot at The Galley Restaurant’s bar- don’t expect to get a table. Folks around these parts know how tough that is and they book those reservations way out. Take time to get out and look at the scenery, the sailboats, and the water and you will quickly understand why this is one of the most beautiful spots on Hartwell.
I could write pages and pages more on this beautiful area, but for now, I hope I have “wet your appetite” for a few of the anchors (no pun intended) that help to make this area just what it is- the home of sweet tea and y ’all, and of course the proverbial Bud Light. And as for spring 2025- well folks, it will be coming around the foothills before you know it. Hold tight and enjoy and y ‘all come back now.