Clemson, South Carolina, has been my home for almost three years now. It’s a small town, nestled right near the Appalachian Mountains, and a university students are a big part of the population. But don’t let the small town charm fool you! There’s always plenty to do, especially on when school or work are over. So if you UCT students ever decide to join us on the other side of the world, here’s a student-approved list of things to keep you busy on the weekends!
Option 1: Head Downtown
Clemson has a great downtown, and it’s right near campus! If you’re out for a drink, head to Tiger Town Tavern, where you can get a t-shirt as a memento, or Sauced, where you can get pitchers for $6. If you’re hungry, there’s plenty of cheap places to eat: Your Pie for made-to-order pizza, 356 for sushi, or Jimmy John’s for sandwiches. And dessert is a must because we have two amazing locally-owned places where everything is made fresh, Spill The Beans and All In Coffee Shop. And all of this and more is just a short walk from the university.
Option 2: Visit Nearby Greenville, SC
Greenville is a nearby city with a small town feel. There’s beautiful Falls Park, a great outdoor area perfect for picnics and outdoor games; tons of art shows and plays going on at the Peace Center or Bon Secours Arena; plus tons and tons of great food! If you’re looking for something outdoors, head over to Greenville Zoo or bike down the gorgeous Swamp Rabbit Trail. Learn about history at one of the museums or the Roper Mountain Science Center, or reconnect with nature in one of the national parks right outside the city. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll definitely find it here!
Option 3: Have a Night In
Definitely the easiest and most laid-back option out of all of these, but still just as rewarding. There are plenty of places in Clemson and nearby that deliver takeout, so the only other things you’d need are a good movie, comfy pjs, and maybe some friends to keep you company! Feel free to try a face mask or take a long, hot bath with some essential oils. Or if you’re feeling more productive, get a head start on your homework and working through your to-do list. Whatever you pick, you’ll be glad you took some time for yourself.
Option 4: Go Outside
The great thing about South Carolina is that the sun comes out and stays out all day, so the weather is usually pretty great (although the storms are pretty awful). And the great thing about Clemson is that we’re close to a lot of wonderful national parks and nature trails! If you’re up for a drive, you can even go down a zipline at The Gorge or rappel down a waterfall with Green River Adventures, both in Saluda, North Carolina! And if you’re not up for any of those, spend a relaxing day by Lake Hartwell at one of the several local beaches or rent a boat and head out on the water.
Option 5: Visit Atlanta, Georgia or Charlotte, North Carolina
If you’re looking for a day trip, we’ve got two big cities, both just two hours away. Head south to Atlanta to see one of the biggest cities in the United States! This is one city where you really can find whatever you’re looking for: beautiful art and history museums; amazing food; exciting nightlife; and so much more. Learn about the world-famous Coca Cola brand or see the Georgia Aquarium with the world’s largest tank! Or head north to Charlotte, with countless museums, shopping centers, and parks. You can even go to the U.S. National Whitewater Center, which I highly recommend, where the national whitewater rafting team trains!