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Many K-12 schools here in Lake Hartwell Country began the 2024-25 school year on August 1. For kids, it can feel awfully early to head back to class! But just because school has started doesn’t mean that the summer adventures must end. Ease back into the routine of the academic year with these last-minute family activities, perfect for a weekend trip or after-school outing. 

Road Trip! 

Lake Hartwell Country is home to beautiful scenery and hundreds of miles of winding roads that provide incredible views of their own. Half-day or even whole-day road trips are a fun way to encourage family bonding while also allowing for plenty of stops along the way to stretch your legs, take pictures, and grab a bite to eat. 

One route you can travel is Highway 178, nicknamed “The Mountain Highway.” You’ll quickly see why once you get into Pickens County – the road twists and turns through the foothills and offers the chance to see all kinds of natural sights, from waterfalls and lakes to Jocassee Gorges. As the highway nears the North Carolina border, you can take a side trip to Sassafras Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina. At the top of the mountain, there’s a great photo op: the state line runs straight through the Sassafras Mountain Observation Tower! Once your trip to the summit is done, drive south to Pickens to refresh with Coyote Coffee or grab a sit-down meal at the Burning Brick Tavern. Then, cap off your Highway 178 adventure with a visit to the Pickens County Museum of Art and History – after all, kids can still learn a thing or two on a Saturday! 

We also love taking a leisurely drive along Highway 11, known as the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway. Dotted with small towns and communities, you’ll have plenty of time to soak in both the rolling farmland and wooded hills. When you’re ready for a break, veer off the highway into Walhalla for a meal or even some entertainment. Stroll down Main Street or see who’s playing at the Walhalla Performing Arts Center, which frequently hosts musical shows. Continuing north on Highway 11, you’ll find the Oconee Station State Historic Site, which boasts historically significant buildings and a 1.5-mile interpretive trail, perfect for warding off those car-ride cramps. Lastly, end your Scenic Highway drive at Table Rock State Park. Bring along a picnic dinner (or your favorite road trip junk food!) and watch a stunning Lake Hartwell Country sunset. 

After-School Excitement 

Before the homework piles up or daily sports practices turn into two-a-days, pick the kids up from school and enjoy an afternoon together. These outings are great for making memories and breaking up those back-to-school blues. 

Oconee County kids will love The Oasis Ranch, a jaw-dropping mini golf course unlike any you’ve seen before. This lush property offers a full 18 holes nestled amid a lovely botanical garden, complete with fruit trees, waterfalls, and koi and turtle ponds. There’s even a golf simulator for Dad or older siblings who want to try playing one of more than 50 courses from around the world – without ever leaving Seneca. 

A one-of-a-kind adventure for older students in Pickens County is The Twisted Axe, an indoor axe-throwing range for ages 10 and up. Their ten throwing lanes are surrounded by a rustic environment featuring outdoor games like cornhole, TVs, and live music. Instructors can give pointers and safety tips to help everyone have a fun (and most importantly, safe) time at the range. Open only on Fridays and Saturdays, a trip to The Twisted Axe is a wild way to head into the weekend!

Lastly, students in Anderson County will love a trip to the Rocky River Nature Park. Challenge your kids to keep an eye out for local flora and fauna, especially wetland critters hiding around the boardwalk-style trails. With easy walking paths throughout the park, it’s a great outdoor activity for the whole family. Its proximity to Downtown Anderson means that it’s convenient to grab a family dinner and recharge after your hike, too. 

Thanks to schedule changes, extracurriculars, and homework, back-to-school season can be tricky for parents and kids alike. Make the most of your free time with your family here in Lake Hartwell Country. The memories you build today will last a lifetime!