BellFest 2026 at Devils Fork State Park
March 21, 2026 | 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM | Lake Jocassee, Oconee County, SC

Spring in Oconee County brings one of our most meaningful annual traditions. BellFest returns to Devils Fork State Park on March 21, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Set along the shores of beautiful Lake Jocassee, this event celebrates the rare and native Oconee Bell, a delicate wildflower that blooms only in select mountain regions, including the Jocassee Gorges area. This is not just a festival. It is a reminder of what makes the Upstate special.

What Is the Oconee Bell?

The Oconee Bell is a protected native wildflower found in very few places worldwide. It thrives in cool,...

Lunch, Rodeo, and a Southern Cuban – Two Horse Distillery in Seneca

Part of living in the Golden Corner is discovering places that reflect both flavor and local culture. Yesterday we had lunch at Two Horse Distillery 1750 Blue Ridge Boulevard, Seneca, SC 29672 864 776 7776

The setting is relaxed and welcoming, a natural fit for meeting friends or stopping in after time on Lake Keowee. Kathryn enjoyed the mushroom-smothered burger, rich and savory with perfectly sautéed mushrooms.

The Southern Cuban stood out. Made with mojo pork, sliced ham, pimento cheese, sliced pickles, and barbecue sauce, it was pressed to a crisp golden finish. The combination of smoky pork and creamy pimento ...

STEM Learning Opportunity at Salem Library

A Great Resource for Families in Oconee County
Families living in and around Salem have a wonderful educational opportunity coming up.

The Salem Library is hosting self-directed STEM classes on Monday, March 9, at 10:00 AM for students ages 6 to 11. This program is especially helpful for home-schooled students, but it is open to other children who want hands-on learning in a supportive setting.

What STEM Means for Young Learners

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. These subjects build problem-solving skills, curiosity, and confidence. At this age, learning through experimentation and exploration makes a lasting i...

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center at Brooks Theatre in Clemson, SC

March 5th 2026

Windfest, Wind Quintet, chamber music, 5 distinct instruments to entertain you. This is a free concert.  

Here is the link to the free tickets https://brookscenter.vbotickets.com/event/chamber_music_society_of_lincoln_center/157057

We always enjoy our time at the Brooks Center and look forward to seeing you there for this concert.

A Peaceful Walk Along the Chauga River at Blackwell’s Bridge ????????
If you’re looking for a simple, refreshing way to enjoy the outdoors in Mountain Rest, South Carolina, a walk along the Chauga River at Blackwell’s Bridge is a beautiful choice. Just off Whetstone Road, this area offers easy access, making it ideal for both quick visits and longer weekend getaways. Whether you’re a local or exploring Oconee County for the first time, this spot gives you a taste of the natural beauty that makes our “Golden Corner” so special.

Riverside Stroll with a View
The path near the bridge follows the Chauga River, a clear, cool mountain stream that flows through a forest of tall hardwoods and everg...

Picturesque Location: Nestled on the shores of Lake Keowee, South Cove County Park offers stunning views and serene surroundings.

Boating and Fishing: Enjoy boating with easy access to the lake for fishing or leisurely rides on the water.
Camping Options: Explore camping facilities with options for tents and RVs, perfect for a weekend getaway.

Hiking Trails: Discover scenic trails suitable for all skill levels, offering opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the area.

Swimming and Picnicking: Relax on the sandy beach or swim in the clear waters of Lake Keowee. Picnic areas are available for families and groups.
Park Amenities: Amenities include clean restroom facilities, ...

Friday night at The Garage was our first time there, even though they have been open for several months. The place was very active at 5 p.m. when we got there and very busy when we left. The food was excellent—Philly Po Boy and Super Bird Flat Bread with chicken, bacon, and ranch. We started with the southern favorite, Hot Rod Pimento dip. Henry had his usual Larger on tap, and Sandy got one of the many ciders.

We saw lots of friends and enjoyed great food. The price was right for what we got. 864-986-4714. For trivia on Thursday and singing Bartenders on Friday, go to Garage on Main's Facebook page to see what is happening each day and what their specials are. 

This one deser...

If you’re looking for a fun, lively way to spend your Thursday evening, look no further than Jazz on the Alley, a beloved weekly event in downtown Seneca, SC. Every Thursday from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM, April through October, historic Ram Cat Alley comes alive with live jazz music, delicious food, and good company. This free, family-friendly event has become a must-attend tradition for locals and visitors alike.

What to Expect at Jazz on the Alley
Jazz on the Alley celebrates music, community, and local culture. Every week, a new lineup of national and regional jazz bands takes the stage, ensuring there’s always something fresh and exciting for music lovers. While jazz is the main feature, ...

Seoul Food: A Flavorful First Visit – Definitely Not the Last!

We recently visited Seoul Food for the first time, and it certainly won’t be our last! From the moment we arrived, we were impressed by the welcoming vibe and unique menu, full of authentic Korean dishes. Our server, Rhayne, was fantastic—helpful, friendly, and super knowledgeable. She took the time to explain the different flavors and dishes, which made navigating the menu much easier.

We started our meal with the Korean corn cheese, and it was the perfect first course. Warm, creamy, and delightfully cheesy, it was pure comfort in every bite. The sweet corn paired perfectly with the gooey, melted cheese—a simple dish th...

https://www.audubon.org/community-science/great-backyard-bird-count

How to Attract More Birds to Your Feeder: A Simple Guide for Birdwatchers

If you’re a birdwatcher or simply enjoy the beauty of birds visiting your backyard, there are a few ways to make your feeder a welcoming spot for a variety of species. Whether you're seeing finches flit around, doves cleaning up fallen seeds, or even the occasional cardinal, knowing how to attract different birds can make your backyard feel like a mini aviary. Plus, with the Audubon Society’s annual Bird Count coming up on February 15th, now is a great time to prepare for this exciting event and contribute to citizen science.

Understanding Bird B...

Henry and I went to the Orchid Show at the World of Energy today.  This is the first time we have been since covid 19.  The crowd was good; there were many flowers and questions about treating an orchid.  I have had 2. I killed the first one by over-watering and constantly picking at it.  The 2nd one, I try to water it once every couple of weeks and in the summer I hand it in a maple tree and ignore it.  This is my 5 year with it and my 3rd one without any blooms.

Connie has one in the office that has had flowers for the past 9 months and new buds are popping out on another stem as we look at it.  Her orchid seems to be very happy in the front office and I enjoy seeing it bloom.

  ...