our Intro — Route 11: Blue Ridge to Lake Hartwell Scenic Drive Welcome to your Cherokee Foothills Scenic Drive, a peaceful journey across the beautiful landscapes of Upstate South Carolina. Today, we’ll be taking the long way — the scenic way — along Route 11. It’s one of the most picturesque roads in the Southeast, winding from the Blue Ridge Mountains all the way to the shores of Lake Hartwell. This drive takes about four hours without stops, so we recommend starting early, taking your time, and planning for breaks along the way. The focus of this tour is nature — mountains, forests, lakes, and a whole lot of fresh air. We’ll share interesting history, geography, and cultural stories as we go, but much of the time, we’ll keep things quiet so you can simply enjoy the scenery, the sound of the road, and the peaceful views out your window. There will be a few planned highlights you won’t want to miss: A short detour up the mountains to the incredible overlook at Caesars Head State Park, where the views stretch for miles across the Blue Ridge A scenic loop through Table Rock State Park, with dramatic cliffs and shimmering mountain lakes And plenty of wide-open stretches through some of the most beautiful and untouched landscapes in the region We’ll pass historic towns, ancient Cherokee homelands, and rolling foothills that slowly give way to lake country. You’ll see why this route has earned a reputation as one of the best scenic drives in the nation. Safety first — the road can get curvy in spots, and mountain driving can be full of surprises. Always follow the rules of the road, keep your eyes on the curves, and feel free to pause anywhere it’s safe to pull over. So settle in, relax, and enjoy the quiet beauty of South Carolina’s natural side. Adventure is ahead — let’s get rolling.
Welcome to Greenville, South Carolina — a city that surprises just about everyone who visits. I’m thrilled you’re joining us for this drive, because Greenville isn’t just a stop on the map — it’s a destination filled with stories, creativity, and one very cool waterfall right in the middle of downtown. But we’ll get to that later! Greenville has reinvented itself over the past few decades from a textile-industry powerhouse into one of the South’s most vibrant, walkable, and scenic cities. It’s the kind of place where historic mills have become trendy restaurants, where art spills out onto sidewalks, and where locals take their parks and outdoor adventures very, very seriously. You’re going to see why this city keeps landing on “Best Places to Live” lists. Along the way, we’ll check out beautiful neighborhoods, public art, iconic trails, and some surprising bits of history. We’ll cross the Reedy River — a few times, actually — and learn how this little river powered Greenville’s past and now shapes its present. We’ll pass museums, green spaces, sports landmarks, and a few places you’ll definitely want to return to after the tour. What makes Greenville especially fun is that everything feels close, connected, and full of energy. Whether you’re into food, nature, sports, or culture, you’ll find a little bit of everything here — often just steps apart. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. I’ll handle the directions, point out the highlights, and sprinkle in some fun facts as we discover Greenville together. And when we’re done, I’ll make sure you know exactly where to park so you can get the perfect view of the waterfalls at Falls Park on the Reedy. Ready to explore? Let’s roll — and welcome to Greenville!