Downtown Anderson, SC.

For those of you headed to Anderson, S.C. for Rev3 on Oct. 13 , know that the TriWives will be there with you in spirit.  If this is your first trip to the area, there should be plenty to do and see to occupy your time, when not getting ready for the race.  The town is located on Lake Hartwell, which will be the location of the swim for Rev3.  Anderson has been known as both the “City of Hospitality” and as the “Electric City” and boasts the oldest cotton mill in operation in the state.   It was also recognized as an All-American City in 2000.


We assume you already have your place to stay and travel plans made, so we’ve narrowed down some things you can do and places to eat (coming later this week) to make it a bit easier.  We’ve provided many links so you can check ahead and make sure of hours and make any reservations if needed.  Especially for first time racers, be sure to check out our tips in, The Sport of Spectating – What To Pack For Race Day.

THINGS TO DO:

  • Balloons Over Anderson festival Oct. 11-13 at the Anderson Civic Center.  Highlights of this event include a kickoff party on Friday night with live bands and you can even book a flight on a balloon during the festival, if so inclined.  On Saturday night, there is the balloon glow – a must see – where all the balloons inflate at dusk to light up the night sky.  This year, Rev3 will hold their 5K and 1Mile Glow Run at the same time.

Balloons Over Anderson
  • Split Creek Farm – This is an award winning goat farm where you can shop for all related products and take a tour of the farm – need to schedule this in advance.
  • Palmetto Moonshine – What would a trip to South Carolina be without a visit to an actual moonshine micro-distillery!!!  You can take tours and partake in LEGAL moonshine, even bringing some home……
  • Clemson University – Clemson is located about 20 minutes north of Anderson.  There is a home football game on Oct. 12 against Boston College for those who need a football fix and can score tickets.
  • South Carolina Botanical Gardens – This is a 295 acre treasure located in Clemson that suffered severe flood damage in July.  While many trails are closed, there is still plenty to do.  On Friday, Oct. 11, from 3:30 – 5:30 pm, attend the Fall Fairy Houses, Gnome, Homes & Animal Abodes.  You will create miniature dwellings and go on a hunt to gather the building materials.  Sounds like a great kid event! Also on Friday from 7-9 pm, they have a free outdoor concert as part of their Fall Concert Series.  Note that the museum and discover center will be closed on Saturday because of the football game.
  • Take a 16-block walking tour of the Historic District in downtown Anderson and visit the Anderson County Museum – we think it’s always a good idea to get in some local culture and what better way than to visit the local museum; the Anderson City Fire Department Museum to see it’s collection of fire trucks; the P&N Railroad Depot; and see the Confederate Monument and the Old Reformer cannon from 1764.
  • Downtown – Anderson has undergone a downtown revitalization project that has made the town a great shopping and eating hot spot.  Head to East Main St. in the center of town and the surrounding area.  Here you will find a row of classic antique shops and unique boutiques.  Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a nice way to give back to the community. 100% of the proceeds goes back into building houses.  Dining coming soon.
  • Kid-Venture – A playground at the Anderson Sports and Entertainment Center that was created using ideas from local children.  Among the features are  swings, slides, and a castle to roam around in. Some say it’s become run down, so just letting you know…..

OUTSIDE ANDERSON/DAY TRIPS:

  • Tour towns of historic significance such as Pendleton and Belton, both under 1/2 hour away. Pendleton is on the National Registrar of Historic Places and is one of the most visited small towns in America.  It has stately trees, cemetaries, and plantation houses.  It also has Barrett’s Place Playground, which is a large children’s activity playground for kids of all ages.  Belton has a castle-like tower that rises above the town.  It’s also home to Grits and Groceries – see under Places To Eat.
  • The Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlotte, NC, and Atlanta are all about 2 hours away – take your pick.
  • Cherokee Foothills Scenic Drive – Located in the NW corner of the state, this is thought by many to be one of the best scenic drives in the country.
  • Waterfalls – The area NW of Clemson is filled with your pick of waterfalls.  One of note is Issaqueena Falls that is 100 ft. spectaular.  Nearby is Stumphouse Tunnel, an unfinished railroad tunnel – bring your flashlight!

    Issaqueena Falls

  • Helen, GA – about 1 1/2 hrs from Anderson.  One of the most visited towns in Georgia, it is made to look like a German Alpine village.  Oktoberfest will be running while you’re there – always fun….
  • Cleveland, GA – also about 1 1/2 hrs from Anderson.  If you or your kids love Cabbage Patch Dolls, this is the place for you.  It’s the birthplace!!!!  You can visit where the dolls are born and the staff dressed appropriately…..
  • For all you baseball fans, Greenville has the Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum.  The town of Greenville may also warrant a side trip of it’s own.  It was listed as one of America’s Ten Best by Forbes.  It is also having The Fall for Greenville Festival, Oct. 11-13, featuring music, food, and fun.

We hope this gives you enough to keep busy while you’re in town.  We will be sure to update if we hear of anything else.  In the meantime, be sure and watch for our PLACES TO EAT coming out later this week. Safe travels…..

 – THE TRIWIVES

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September 29, 2013
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