I was headed to Oconee County, SC, for the Southern Travelers Explore conference. It was a good time for a road trip. It is one of the two content creator conferences I will attend this year. Seven hours isn’t long, except when you must drive through Atlanta at rush hour. So, it was more like nine hours. Traffic aside, it wasn’t a horrible drive once I left the Atlanta traffic. I had no idea that South Carolina had so many lakes. Oconee County, specifically Seneca, was a surprise, offering a diverse mix of natural beauty, various eateries, and a few distilleries.
Seneca, SC
Our hotel was the Fairfield Inn, and several college sports teams were attending a nearby tournament. We all got along because we left early and returned well after dark.
Friday morning and early afternoon, I had time to explore the area before we got into the conference action. Walhalla is a small town about twenty minutes from Seneca. It has charming shops and numerous restaurants lining the downtown corridor, which is known as “Main Street to the Mountains.” We drove through on our way to one of the State Parks, where conference activities were held that afternoon.
Two Horse Distillery opened its doors in early March, making it a treat to enjoy its spirits and explore the menu. On a Friday afternoon, the lunchtime crowd was buzzing. It’s a great place to visit and enjoy conversation and a good meal.
We kicked off the conference lakeside at South Cove County Park. What a beautiful place to enjoy. Seneca has plenty of lake views.
Friday evening, we had a lovely start to the conference at Off the Alley at Nimmon’s Hall. The large venue is well suited for large gatherings, and the food and conversation made the evening fly by.
On Saturday morning, our group drove to Chattooga Belle Farm for another charming mountain-and-vineyard visit. After our learning session concluded, we boarded buses to find some waterfalls. There were several, and we enjoyed a walk in the woods. The waterfalls were impressive.
Paesano’s Italian Restaurant served us a hearty meal on Saturday night. The food was fresh, tasty, and plentiful. The packed parking lot told us it was a popular spot among locals.
Saturday night, we were treated to a party at McLadke Orchards—another excellent venue for parties.
Sunday morning, we were up early for the final day and met at the Water treatment plant. That might sound off-putting, but this was a new facility located on Mahaffey Lake. The view doesn’t get much better.
Clemson, SC
Clemson University is located about fifteen minutes from Seneca. As a Crimson Tide fan, I enjoy visiting other universities that have battled the Tide. Clemson’s campus is extensive, with beautiful rolling hills. I visited the Bob Campbell Geology Museum. It is a small museum, but it boasts an extensive collection of fossils, rocks, and minerals from the area and throughout the state.
Charlotte, NC
I left Seneca at lunchtime on Saturday for a three-hour drive to Charlotte. I visited the Sullenberger Aviation Museum. This used to be the Carolina Aviation Museum, but it changed its name in 2011 to honor Sully Sullenberger for his heroic actions to save Flight 1549, better known as the “Miracle on the Hudson.” This well-curated museum tells the story of Flight 1549 viscerally, accompanied by a stunning video. The collection also features many stories about other aircraft, airmen, and women. The volunteers are knowledgeable and friendly. New displays will be featured in a newly opened hangar, set to open in the summer. A must for all aviation enthusiasts.
I had my engine ready for the NASCAR Hall of Fame on Sunday morning. Having attended a NASCAR race in Talladega, Alabama, I knew to be prepared for the sounds!
This is an enormous place. Four floors of displays and history surround you. My guide, David, taught me more about the sport of racing than I could ever know. I suggest taking one of the guided tours that are offered. You will not regret it!
However, here, you can delve deeper into the sport, from its origins as a means to outrun the law in the days of moonshine to today’s high-tech racing world. Here, you can also experience the thrill of driving one of the fantastic race cars on the track or learn how fast the pit crew changes tires and fuels the cars.
You will want plenty of time to explore. There is ample parking nearby and a small café on-site.
The Hendricks Motorsport Museum is a short drive from the Hall of Fame in Concord and a preeminent NASCAR force. I stopped by for a quick visit to their museum and found more impressive vehicles. Here is a quick look inside.
I even passed the Charlotte Raceway on my way toward Raleigh.
Raliegh, NC
I visited the North Carolina Capitol and the Raleigh City Museum. I met some lovely volunteers inside the capital who were happy to share their knowledge and suggestions of what to see in their city. My time was short, so I decided to see what I could do downtown. I stopped at Pizza Times for a quick slice before hitting the road.
Fayetteville, NC
About an hour south of Raleigh, on the road to Fayetteville, I saw signs for Biscuitville. It seemed like a good spot for a quick lunch, so I will look for the store in the future. I am always on the hunt for a good biscuit. Found one.
The U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum is just outside Fort Bragg. I met Sterling, a retired Army serviceman who volunteers at the museum, and Julie, who ensured I saw all the important stories there. We often forget the sacrifices our military personnel make for us every day. This museum tells the story of the members, their successes, and their failures.
Sterling suggested a visit to the transportation and history museum. This free museum is an excellent way to learn about the area’s history.
Columbia, SC
The Capital of South Carolina is in the heart of downtown, and again, I was there at the height of rush hour. I found a parking spot across the street and got some photographs of the capital. When I’m in the area next time, I will add a tour to my list. It’s an impressive building.
Augusta, GA
Woodrow Wilson is not the first thing you think of when you think of Augusta, Georgia, but the Masters Golf Tournament aside, it is the Boyhood Home of Woodrow Wilson. Wilson was our 28th President. Keith Watkins gave me an in-depth tour of the house. The house is just across the street from the Presbyterian church where Wilson’s father was the minister. Here, you will learn about Wilson’s formative years. The house has been well-maintained, and several pieces are original to the family.
The Wilson Boyhood Home is a must see on a presidential history itinerary. Check out my posts here if you’d like to learn more about presidential history.
I look forward to finding out where the next STE conference will be. The organizers always find delightful locations for the attendees to explore.
I finally took time to read and watch the great video’s. Who needs to travel when we have your blog posts to take us there? Very interesting, especially the Woodrow Wilson house. I love old houses!
Thank you for the kind words and thank you for reading the blog!
It’s Fayetteville North Carolina, there is no Fayetteville SC.
Thanks for catching the typo, it has been correted.