Fun Facts and Local Tips
Fun Facts:
Lake Hartwell is the largest lake in the southeast United States, with over 50,000 acres of water and a maximum depth of 185 feet.
The ESSO Club, one of Clemson University’s most famous game-day restaurants used to be a gas station.
Clemson University began as an all-male military school called Clemson College.
There were 27 Cherokee villages in what is known today as Oconee County. “Aequonee” in Cherokee means "besides the water." Centuries ago, before there were lakes, “besides the water” referred to the rivers and numerous creeks in the area.
Sadlers Creek State Recreation Area is popular for fishing, boating, and camping.
The Civic Center in Anderson is utilized for community events, performances as well as craft shows. The Anderson County arts center features exhibits by local and national artists.
A popular legend says that Six Mile was named by the Indian maiden, Issaqueena, who rode her horse on a journey of 96 miles to warn her lover, an English trader named Francis Allen, of a coming Cherokee attack on the fort where he was staying called star fort.
In the tri-county area, over the course of the year, the temperatures typically vary from 35 degrees to 90 degrees and is rarely below 23 degrees or above 97 degrees.
Every time Clemson University gets a road win against one of the top-ranked 25 teams they add a tombstone to the “graveyard” in front of the indoor football practice facility.
The official name of Clemson’s football stadium is Memorial Stadium but is more commonly referred to as Death Valley.
Lake Hartwell and dam are actually one of a set of three lakes and dams created by the Savannah River project.
The town of Andersonville was once a bustling textile and trading community but was plagued by frequent flooding from the Savannah River. The city was later abandoned and ruins of the town of Andersonville remain under lake Hartwell today.
Lake Hartwell has never hosted an All-American Championship, but it has hosted numerous major FLW bass-fishing tournaments over the years, including four FLW tour events, two YETI FLW college fishing tournaments, and 44 BFL qualifying events.
The city of Seneca presents an event called Jazz on the Alley featuring America’s touring musicians at the Ram Cat Alley every Thursday night at 6:30 p.m.
Lake Hartwell and Lake Keowee host an annual firework show on the Fourth of July at dusk.
Locals' Tips:
"Denver Downs Farm: We love going here on the weekends. Lots of good family activities. There corn maze, pumpkin patch, and farm animals are always a big hit!" – Tonya B.
"Elkmont Trading Company: I love adventure. I was so glad to find Elkmont in Clemson just 10 minutes from Lake Hartwell. Here you can find great outdoor gear and staff with a wealth of local Intel about the best places to enjoy the outdoors either around the lakes or on nature trails." – James T.
"Brooks Center for the Performing Arts at Clemson University: We love the talent that visits the Brooks Center! The facility is always well kept, and there are attendants placed strategically to help guide you to your seat." – Cameron M.
"Harris Flooring America: Wonderful staff and also very knowledgeable. Usually, those two together are far and few. I would highly recommend shopping for your flooring options and solutions here. They have a way of making you feel comfortable." – Shauna A.
"Tipsy Taco: The best tacos anywhere. Great service, unique tacos, and drinks. This place is always packed out, but great service and food will do that!" – Grant C.
"Raines on Main: This has become our favorite bar and grill restaurant in Anderson! Everyone is so friendly, and the food is always delicious. It’s great for date night." – Katie H.
"Phil Jewelers: This shop is fantastic! I have bought many gifts here for my mother, sister, and girlfriend, and they all love them. Jewelry is unique." – Alex C.
"NYC Bagel and Sandwich Shop: Went here for breakfast this weekend. Excellent egg bagel sandwiches. Loved the orange and purple bagels – was a big hit at our tailgate. Would highly recommend it!" – Nichole K.
"Issaqueena Trail: In an attempt to depart from electronics, with much protest, I rented bikes for myself and a 9-year-old grandson. It was a new adventure for us both. The child who was 'forced' to do this ended out the trip with his approval, who exclaimed it was the 'best day ever.'" – Laila S.
"South Carolina Botanical Gardens: There is so much to see here. It is quiet and peaceful. Love this place. The geology museum was very interesting. The kids really enjoyed this. Lots of history in the Hanover house wished the Hunt cabin had been open." – Kathy B.
"Hubbard Young Pharmacy: This pharmacy is an absolute treasure. I've lived all over and never experienced a place like this. It's unique. It takes you back to a simpler time where you knew your neighbors, and people looked out for each other. The staff there remembers you. They help you. They give you advice. They are friendly. It's really nice to have a place like that in Clemson." – Bill M.
"Clemson Marina: The staff at the marina is very helpful and courteous. We rented an eight-person motor boat one day, and the next day we rented a pontoon boat for tubing during our vacation on Lake Hartwell. Both boats were clean and in excellent condition. We would highly recommend using Clemson Marina for your boat rental needs." – Jessica Y.
"Emily’s 'Especially for you': Don’t miss out on this clothing store in Seneca. You could literally go in there with your eyes closed and pick out the perfect piece. Love the staff." – Susan F.