Pendleton and a portion of surrounding Pickens County, located 135 mi/215 km northwest of Columbia, make up one of the largest national historic districts in the U.S. It features a restored town square, many beautiful old homes and the Agricultural Museum of South Carolina. You can walk or drive to tour the historic buildings. Have lunch at the Farmers Society Hall, where southern specialties attract food fans from all over.
The Ashtabula and Woodburn plantations are two of the most exquisitely restored plantation homes in the area. Call first before visiting, as one or both may be open on different days of the week according to time of year.
Just 2 mi/3 km northwest of Pendleton is Clemson, home to the university of the same name and to the official state Botanical Garden, which has beautiful azalea and camellia trails. On Clemson's campus, visit the Federal-style home of John C. Calhoun, the South Carolina statesman.
From Clemson, you can drive on to Lake Keowee, a popular recreation area. Farther north, in Walhalla, is Issaqueena Falls, a 200-ft/61-m cascade.
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