Page 13 - Clemson NCG 2026

Holiday Parade, the Clemson Farmers Market, eateries. Visitors can enjoy
Camp Clemson, On the Ave outdoor concerts thoughtfully prepared baked goods, Town of Central
and seasonal festivals. University-sponsored steak, coffee, hand-rolled sushi and
events add to the calendar with the First more. Stop in for rum tastings
Friday Parade in August, Military Appreciation at Swamp Fox Distilling, cool treats
Day during football season and Homecoming at Mama Rae’s Ice Cream Shoppe
traditions such as floats on Bowman Field
and Tigerama. or a relaxed evening at The Gypsy
Wine Bar.
Pendleton
Pendleton was laid out in 1790 and
Located at the northeast tip of Lake Hartwell, named for Judge Henry Pendleton, a
Pendleton is an Upcountry town entirely listed Virginian who fought in the American
on the National Register of Historic Places. Revolution and later settled in South Carolina.
More than 50 preserved buildings date back The town was initially populated by Scots-
to the 18th and 19th centuries, giving the Irish veterans and soon became a retreat
town a timeless sense of place and for Lowcountry plantation owners seeking
architectural significance.
relief from coastal heat and humidity. Over
Surrounding the village green is a vibrant mix time, Pendleton grew to be associated with
of antique shops, boutiques and locally owned refinement and elegance.

Town of Pendleton
The town’s history is also deeply rooted in the the past several decades, the Town of Central
lives and legacies of African Americans, both has experienced steady revitalization with
enslaved and free, who played a vital role in the arrival of new industries, a public library,
shaping Pendleton. Their contributions include recreational facilities, student housing and
the establishment of schools, churches, new residential neighborhoods.
neighborhoods and businesses that remain
foundational to the community today. Outdoor recreation is a key part of life in
Central. Local parks and a nearby nature
Pendleton hosts the annual Spring Jubilee, preserve offer miles of hiking and biking trails,
a juried arts-and-crafts festival recognized along with camping opportunities and open
throughout the Southeast. For more than 50 green spaces. Central is home to the Grand
years, the event has drawn visitors to explore Central Station Disc Golf Course and serves as
October brings another signature tradition the village green, local shops, cafes and a residential hub for many students attending
with the Pendleton Scarecrow Contest. antique stores. Southern Wesleyan University and Tri-County
Technical College.
Creative, whimsical and anything but
ordinary, these scarecrows transform Central Central is known for its close-knit, welcoming
the town into a playful fall destination that Visitors to Downtown Central, a Main Street atmosphere and a strong calendar of annual
surprises visitors at every turn. community, will find a welcoming mix of local events. Community favorites include Trunk
shops, boutiques, restaurants and cafes. Over or Treat in the fall, the Christmas Parade and

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Communities