Every Step You Take: Why Hiking Is One of the Best Ways to Clear Your Head
Hiking has a funny way of quieting your mind. When every step requires your attention, there is not much room left to worry about everything else.
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The Hidden Trout Pond at Jones Gap State Park: A Piece of South Carolina History
Hidden beside the Middle Saluda River at Jones Gap State Park is a forgotten piece of South Carolina history. The historic trout pond, built in 1931 as part of the Cleveland Fish Hatchery, helped stock mountain streams across the Upstate for more than three decades. Today, visitors can explore the beautifully preserved stone pond, learn about the trout raised here, and discover how this quiet corner of the park played a major role in conserving South Carolina’s trout fisheries.
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Phil Vassar Steps In to Headline Easley’s 2026 Fourth of July Celebration
Thousands gathered in downtown Easley for the 2026 Fourth of July celebration, where Phil Vassar stepped in as the headlining performer after Easton Corbin’s cancellation. The evening featured live music, food trucks, carnival rides, patriotic displays, and a spectacular fireworks show that lit up the Upstate sky.
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Pickens Celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary with Music, History, and Fireworks
The City of Pickens kicked off Independence Day weekend in spectacular fashion on Friday, July 3, hosting the Pickens Independence Day Celebration – America 250. The once-in-a-generation event commemorated the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, bringing thousands of residents and visitors downtown for an afternoon and evening filled with history,…
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Fourth of July Safety Tips for the Upstate: Celebrate Smart This Independence Day
Celebrate Independence Day safely with these Fourth of July tips for the Upstate. From fireworks and boating safety to driving, hiking, and beating the summer heat, here’s how to make the most of your holiday weekend.
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Why Honey Bees Can’t Resist Pear Tree Blossoms Each Spring
When pear trees burst into bloom each spring, they become one of the busiest destinations for honey bees. Discover why these brilliant white blossoms play such an important role in supporting pollinators across the Upstate.
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The Butterfly That Signals Summer Has Arrived in Upstate South Carolina
A monarch butterfly is more than a beautiful summer visitor. Discover why these incredible pollinators depend on milkweed, why they love pentas flowers, and how you can help protect one of North America’s most famous butterflies.
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How to Keep Gnats Away While Hiking: 15 Tips That Actually Work
Don’t let gnats ruin your next adventure. These 15 proven tips—from choosing the right bug spray to finding the best place to take a break—will help you spend less time swatting and more time enjoying the trail.
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New South Carolina Bicycle Law Allows Cyclists to Roll Through Stop Signs
South Carolina has adopted a new Bicycle Safety Stop law that allows cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs when it is safe to do so. Here’s what the new law means for riders, drivers, and communities across the Upstate.
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The Highway 25 Peach Trail: A Summer Tradition in the Upstate
Every summer, Highway 25 north of Travelers Rest becomes an unofficial peach trail. Discover why many Upstate residents believe the sweetest peaches in South Carolina are grown closest to the Blue Ridge Mountains.
