Recognizing that we are big planners by nature, Andy (Andrew to most everyone except perhaps me and his late paternal grandmother) and I made a decision before the launch of our nomadic life to do our best to PLAN AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE. We wanted to loosen up the constraints we sometimes put on ourselves and be sure to push ourselves to spontaneous or new-found adventures and fun. But there was one place, or in particular, one family we wanted to visit. So off to the Upcountry Region of South Carolina we went in October 2020 for a two-and-a-half week stay.
Little did we know just how awesome this area is! The Upcountry Region of South Carolina (and a bit of NC as well) is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is made up of six counties in the northwest corner of the state. If you like waterfalls (more than 120 of them!), hiking, golfing, truly great urban centers, lakes, watersports, and hidden roadside natural gems, then this is an area to put on your travel bucket list.
We arrived in Pickens to visit our friend and his family. Steve was the best man in our wedding. He has been my husband’s brother-from-another-mother for decades. Months can go between calls or texts, but these two fellas have remained friends because of what I think is a kinship and likeness (both their appearance and their personalities). Quiet, smart and unceasingly polite and thoughtful, Steve made sure we didn’t have to do any heavy lifting when it came to planning our stay in the area.
The guys went golfing, the girls went to a cookie decorating class, we took long scenic drives, stopped at roadside rock formations, hiked to some gorgeous waterfalls, ate at some local restaurants (open air, outdoor and/or masks on), and even camped together at my new favorite campsite (see this post all about it https://timetravelsandtribulations.com/this-is-the-best-campsite-of-my-camping-life/ ). Steve provided daily suggestions for sightseeing and fun – whether it be just the two of us, or visiting as a group. They were the consummate hosts – helping us tour the sights, visit their home, meet their friends and feed us well all along the way! No planning needed – only fun to be had!
Below are some photographic highlights from our visit. If you would like to read more about the region, take a look at this site (https://upcountrysc.com/) and PLAN to have a great visit! Very special thanks to our friends Steve, Kenda and Katie. We will be back – not just because the area is wonderful, but because we love to visit our friends in the Palmetto State!
Safe travels – especially when visiting your far-flung friends!