As you travel throughout Lake Hartwell Country, an incredibly scenic corner of South Carolina that includes Pickens, Oconee, and Anderson Counties, you’ll find natural beauty at every turn. From the Upstate mountains to rolling hills to tranquil lakefronts, a glance in any direction is a visual treat.
Along the way, you’ll pass through the towns that are the lifeblood of this area. They embody the Lake Hartwell Country culture, personality, and soul. You can’t help but love the people, too. While you’re in this neck of the woods enjoying all the abundant natural resources, take some time to stop and savor a little charming, small-town atmosphere…and enjoy some uniquely local shopping in these three featured municipalities.
The town of Pickens, where highways 183 and 178 meet, was named for Revolutionary War General Andrew Pickens. Known as “The Gem of the Foothills,” it’s home to several shops that are all worth your time. Start with the newly renovated Bee Well Honey and Natural Market, providing local foodies with home-grown honey, natural foods, skin care products and delicious Bees Beans Coffee. Then, treat yourself to some sensational delight at Brownstone Spa & Boutique with a relaxing massage therapy session, expert nail and hair services, and lovely clothing selections.
While in Pickens, stop by Oh Joy! – a bright and cheerful eclectic boutique with an assortment of fun-filled clothing and merchandise selections reminiscent of a general store. Brock’s Department Store is a must-see destination for a wide variety of boots, overalls, jeans, hunting gear, and just about anything supporting the Blue Flame high school team. And cap off your visit at Burgess & Taylor General Store, with everything from old-fashioned candy and soda to country-style home goods, local products, and a genuine Trading Post, where the old-time art of bartering is alive and well.
Another great location to shop in Lake Hartwell Country is Seneca, a railroad town the Cherokee originally called Isunigu…which was later mispronounced by British colonists. In Seneca, Ram Cat Alley is the home of several wonderful, artsy shops and galleries. Green Springs is a quirky, independent gift boutique with soaps, candles, baskets, pottery and much more. Made in the USA and Fair Trade are their focus. Also on the alley, you’ll find The Red Door, a refreshing arts and crafts store with paintings, hanging sculptures, rustic knick-knacks, and lovely home décor items.
Just a few steps away, you’ll find The Healthy Olive, where you can enhance the tasteful experience of your favorite foods with flavored oils and vinegars to add some extra to the ordinary. Loblolly Arts is part art gallery, part gift shop carrying breathtaking, original fine art and high-quality, decorative accents. And Arts off the Alley lives up to its name with working art studios just off Ram Cat Alley. There are beautiful local works for sale, and workshops provide the opportunity for people to express their creativity.
Next, we move on to Anderson, the largest “town” in Lake Hartwell Country. Its name comes from General Robert Anderson, a Revolutionary War hero who moved to South Carolina to help his friend Andrew Pickens survey land in the area. Anderson is home to many fine restaurants, tourist activities, lakefront adventures, and, of course, lots of shopping! The Apple Dumplin’ Antique Mall on North Main Street is a 14,000 square foot venue that features vintage furniture and décor from a variety of dealer specialists, as well as replica and new artwork. It’s the perfect place to shop for just the right rustic touch in any room.
Main Street is also the home to The Kitchen Emporium and Gifts, which offers delightful gourmet foods and wines, a fantastic selection of gifts, and an abundance of kitchen tools. There’s also live entertainment on Friday nights. Remnants Antiques Gifts & Consignment is an unusual venue in the historic SH Kress store that supports Shalom House Ministries for women in addiction recovery. You can find clothing, furniture, gifts, new crafts, and all kinds of holiday-themed decorations…and it’s all for a good cause. And you can visit Ladies on Main, Anderson’s downtown upscale consignment boutique. They have stylish clothing, purses, jewelry, and footwear, as well as lovely home décor selections—all on consignment.
There are unique, local shopping experiences in Pickens, Seneca, Anderson, and in all the other towns throughout Lake Hartwell Country. We invite you to experience the great outdoor adventures this region has to offer, and to patronize the businesses in these fine towns as part of your journey. You can find links to these featured stores and many more on our website at LakeHartwellCountry.com. Download the Visitor’s Guide app to start planning a trip. Or stop by the Visitor’s Center in the historic Iron Oak Barn located in downtown Pendleton, SC. Enjoy the beauty of nature—and the shopping—throughout Lake Hartwell Country!
All photos courtesy of Lake Hartwell Country
