My Top 5 Favorite South Carolina Places in 2015

Like most people do this time of year, I too reflected on the many locations i've traveled too and the wonderful experiences had in 2015. I'm so lucky to have the opportunity to live in a state that is rich in exciting places to see, things to do, and foods to try. While i've visited plenty of neat locations this year, 5 of these places stand out as must-see spots to share with friends and family. I can never get enough of these locations and often find my spirit yearning to return time and again.

#5. Rainbow Falls
Located in Jones Gap State Park in the upstate of South Carolina, this strenuous 2.2 mile hike is totally worth it! Pack a lunch and take your time as you climb to this stunning, free-falling waterfall. For more information, click here or here.

*Based on this picture, can you guess where it's name came from? 

#4. Sheldon Ruins
Surrounded by moss draped oak trees, the ruins of Prince William's Parish Church transports visitors back to the 1700s. Located in Yemassee, South Carolina, this beautiful and peaceful must-see spot, is perfect for picnics, pictures, and encouraging one's imagination, and appreciation for our American past. For more information  click here or here.

#3. The Saluda River
Ever since my boyfriend purchased his kayak, it seems like we spend most of our free time on the Saluda River. But why not? It's a great place to stay cool in the hot summer heat and it's a must-see place to bring our friends and family. The beautiful surroundings and peaceful atmosphere provides a welcome retreat to the hustle and bustle of suburban life!

#2. Botany Bay
Words can not describe the incredible, undisturbed, natural beauty of Botany Bay! In my opinion, Botany Bay is the closest I will ever get to experiencing what it must have been like for explorers setting foot for the first time in the New World. Considered a virgin beach, Botany Bay is located on Edisto Island and is covered with shells, sea turtle nests, and beautifully sun-bleached trees. Dogs are not allowed on the beach and its forbidden to remove any seashells, but the memories you will take away from this trip makes Botany Bay, in my opinion, a must-see in SC! For more information, click here or here or here.

#1. Folly Beach
Considered my home away from home, Folly Beach is my favorite place in South Carolina! This laid-back island town outside of Charleston is full of adventure and things to do. From sun-soaked days on the beach, to surfing in the waves, or kayaking and paddle boarding in the Folly River, you are guaranteed to make memories here! For more information, click here or here!

What are some of your favorite places in South Carolina to visit? Let me know! I'd love to add them to my list!

Saluda Shoals Park

Prior to the beginning of winter break, I had all these great ideas of places I wanted to visit and blog about. However, the weather and my body had other plans for me. My body preferred to lay around the house all day and with so much rain and gloomy clouds, I allowed myself to just be lazy. When we finally did get a break in the weather, we jumped in the truck and headed down the road to Saluda Shoals Park!

*Finn was so happy to finally be outside!

Saluda Shoals offers a variety of activities including hiking, biking, kayaking, and geocaching. There is even a dog park and splash pad for the little ones! One of the reasons I enjoy visiting this park, is that it offers park goers the opportunity to walk alongside the Saluda River. Visitors can enjoy all the sights and sounds the river habitat has to offers, such as turtles, strip bass, and blue heron. If you're lucky, you may even find some flying fish!

With all this rain, the river levels were higher than normal with the flow being around 15,000 cfs (cubic feet per second). As a result, much of the path alongside the river was under water. We still had fun though hiking in the woods, along the road, and over the boardwalk.

* In the distance you can see the Saluda River. The water in the forefront of the picture is where the path should be.

*All the water didn't stop Hank from exploring!

One of the coolest things about Saluda Shoals is that it offers tons of different opportunities to learn about nature, including field trips! If I was a grade level teacher, I would definitely want to bring my students here! For more information about the variety of programs Saluda Shoals' offers, click here.

* Can you imagine all the fun and exploration that takes places here?

Each holiday season, Saluda Shoals offers a driving lights tour. They were just beginning to turn on the lights as we were leaving!

Until next time, Happy New Year! Is anyone going on a First Day Hike January 1st? Many parks offer free admissions! Fingers crossed that it doesn't rain here. For more information on First Day hikes, click here.

Lower Saluda River

Last weekend, with temperatures in the high 70s, we decided to head out to one of our favorite spots in South Carolina! Not far from our house, the Saluda River, is a great place to kayak, canoe, fish, and swim. The Saluda River begins in the upstate, not far from Greenville, SC, but travels throughout the state, until it merges with the Broad River in Columbia, SC to form the Congaree River.

Over favorite part of the river is just below the Lake Murray Dam. You can easily access this location from Saluda Shoals Park or Hope Ferry Landing. Water in this part of the river comes from the bottom of Lake Murray. As a result, the water temperature stay very cool throughout the year. Since we live in an area known for being "famously hot" in the summer, the cold water temperatures act as a natural air conditioner and are a refreshing way to stay cool on a hot summer day.

Last weekend was the first time since the end of the summer i've been on the Saluda. I was shocked at how much the scenery had changed since the major flood that came through the area in October. Islands and trees that once defined the area, were completely gone or had toppled over. The flood waters also moved hundreds of rocks completely blocking access to parts of the river where we so often stopped to picnic and fish.

Here are a few before and after pictures of the Saluda.

* Where I was sitting in the kayak, is now covered in rocks!

Fun Facts:
1. The Saluda River is home to many different species of fish including carp, trout, jackfish, and bass.
2. It's considered to be one of the only local places where during the summer, your feet are in the water turning purple, while your head is sweating, and you're catching trout!
3. If you're lucky, you might spot a bald eagle.
4. Some believe that the cold water in the Saluda has healing powers!

For more information about river conditions, check out Lower Saluda SCE&G.

Hope you all had a great weekend and found time to explore and live adventurously!

Dreher Island State Park

This weekend, Mark, our dog Finnegan, and I jumped in the truck for a Sunday picnic and hike with our friends on Dreher Island. Located in Prosperity, South Carolina, Dreher Island State Park consists of the 3 largest islands on Lake Murray and provides water enthusiasts with 12 miles of shoreline to explore, fish, swim, launch boats, and enjoy a beautiful and peaceful lunch with friends.

Fun Facts:
1. The island is named for Billy Dreher who owned and lived on the land.
2. He lived there until 1938 and what's left of his house can still be found there today.
3. Dreher Island is a popular site for fishing tournaments.
4. For wildlife lovers, Dreher Island is home to the famous Piebald Calico Deer.

For more information or questions about camping, check out Dreher Island State Park

Hope you all had a great weekend and spent time livin' adventurously!