The Upstate area is a hop and a skip away from some of the South's most vibrant and fun cities. There is an abundance of options of day trips to surrounding cities and areas.
Asheville is a city in western North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, about 1.5 hours from Clemson and only one hour from Greenville. It’s known for a vibrant arts scene and historic architecture, in addition to the Biltmore Estate. Hendersonville, which is south of Asheville, is also a charming small mountain town.
Athens is a hip college town, the home of University of Georgia and a thriving music scene. Many of the live music venues are in the historic downtown, which also has art galleries, restaurants, and breweries.
Atlanta is a giant southern city filled with diverse attractions. Check out the Beltline, a multi-use trail, or any of the world-class museums or restaurants. Atlanta is only about two hours from Clemson (depending on traffic, of course).
Columbia is the capital and second-largest city in South Carolina.
Charlotte, the biggest city in North Carolina, is about 2.5 hours from Clemson. While you’re there, consider a visit to the National Whitewater Center, a giant recreation center with rafting, kayaking and climbing.
Knoxville is a small, hip city with a cool downtown. It is home to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Charleston is South Carolina’s famous port city and is located about four hours from Clemson. The downtown area has cobblestone streets and historic architecture, in addition to contemporary shopping and restaurants. The beaches are a short drive away: check out Folly Beach and Sullivan’s Island.
The Upstate is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which are part of the Appalachian mountains. Check out the endless mountain hikes, beautiful waterfalls, and cool streams. There are also a variety of sweet mountain towns in North Carolina and South Carolina, including Highlands and Cashiers.
Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are two cute mountain towns that serve as the gateways to the Smoky Mountain area. The Great Smoky Mountains are on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina and are a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains.