Waterfalls are legend here, and many are easily accessible. Issaqueena Falls is an easy five-minute hike to the base of the falls. Named for an Indian maiden who warned her English lover of an impending Indian attack, the falls are just five miles north of Walhalla, on Hwy 28. The falls are located within Stump House Tunnel Park. Visit the tunnel and enjoy a great 2½ mile trail in the park – lots to do there.

Yellow Branch Falls offers 60-foot cascades over rock ledges. It’s also about five miles north of Walhalla on Hwy 28. Check out Lower Whitewater Falls – the highest in Eastern America. This amazing spectacle is reached from Hwy 130, ten miles north of Salem. There are 26 waterfalls described in the Mountain Lakes Visitors Guide, many with photos that are so beautiful, you may be compelled to pull out your hiking shoes and hit the trail.

The Sumter National Forest provides another wilderness experience in land which was home to the Cherokee Indians. Camping is allowed there, and day visitors will enjoy the trails and perhaps a picnic along the way. A number of state and county parks offer still more ways to enjoy being outdoors and there are hiking trails to satisfy the most intrepid wanderer.

Like your views from the car? Not a problem. Oconee County can be enjoyed through leisurely drives, where these rural roads will take you to charming towns filled with shops, galleries and restaurants. (Be sure to visit Ram Cat Alley in Seneca for a wonderful collection of shops, restaurants and taverns that will delight and offer treasures to take home.) Seneca’s historic district is lovely and lots of fun to explore.

Walhalla is the county seat and was named the “Garden of the Gods,” by the German settlers who founded it in 1850. Today, there are historical buildings and markers, homes that have been lovingly restored, antique shops, cafes, and a civic auditorium which presents regional and local events. Their annual Oktoberfest honors the town’s founders and provides great fun for all ages.

Westminster is at the edge of apple country. This small community has its own sense of history, with shops and restaurants. The South Carolina Apple Festival, held beginning the week following Labor Day, celebrates this, the largest apple-producing area in the state and has been doing so for 50 years. Apple cider is a wonderful treat, as are all the different varieties of apples to be sampled.

There are historic sites throughout the region, arts and culture in abundance, and agricultural tourism, offering farm visits including Lucky Acres Farm, where alpacas and other small animals are raised.

Golfers can leave the shopping to others as they enjoy challenging courses that are scenic and rewarding. Disc golfers have four courses to choose from and a thriving disc golf culture.

George and Judy Blanchard were born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. They were transferred to Michigan while working for GM, and retired early in 1992. The goals? Escape Northern winters, live fairly close to an airport, and live near a university. “As we were searching, we were invited for a three-day visit to Keowee Key by the developer, Dick Ford,” Mr. Blanchard explained. “When we approached the property from the north, we knew we’d found the area we were seeking. A few visits later, we selected our homesite and builder, and moved into our home in 1995.”

What made it a standout? “The beauty of our lake is amazing, and we enjoy having four seasons that are almost always temperate,” he said, adding, “I’m at our Fitness Center nearly every day, enjoy golf upon occasion, swim regularly and boat as frequently as possible on our beautiful Lake Keowee.” He also gives back to his community, having served on County Council and maintaining active membership in the Salem Lions Club.

Mrs. Blanchard is an artist who is inspired by the natural beauty and number of artists and artist groups in the area through Clemson University and Seneca. “I’ve found so many friends in the arts and beyond,” she said, noting that there’s an active newcomers club and Keowee Key has programs designed to help folks meet and mingle.

And there’s always the outdoors. No matter what your personal recreational preference, the picturesque lakes simply must be a part of your experience. Remember, this is known as the “land beside the water.” Once you visit, you’ll never forget.

George Blanchard laughed. “Our family loves that we found the Upstate Mountain Lakes region and Keowee Key. Our grandchildren consider our home a vacation resort."