Anderson / Lake Hartwell KOA Holiday Events

In a lot of cities, the last thing you want to see is a mouse. This isn't the case in Greenville, where nine bronze mice have taken up permanent residence along our celebrated Main Street. For a fun, kid-friendly activity, see if you can find all nine of the small bronze mice hidden along the five blocks of Main Street in downtown Greenville.  If you want more information, go to Mice-On-Main or download the scavenger hunt clues here.

...that Main Street in Anderson is aflutter with dozens of Carolina Wrens roosting in some unusual spots. Stroll through our downtown and see if you can find them. A scavenger hunt with 27 bronze wrens perched on historic locations are just waiting to be found. Modeled after South Carolina's state bird, the wrens are spread throughout the downtown area, but a focal point statue is at the corner of River and Main streets. Families love looking for these little bronze statues but so do adults, especially if you take a break and eat at one of the terrific downtown restaurants!

(The Carolina Wren is the state bird of South Carolina. You are more likely to hear a Carolina Wren than see them. They are loud, with a "tea-kettle, tea-kettle, tea-kettle" warble. They are common in urban areas.)

Get your clues here!

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Explore the downtown Anderson area by walking. There are three routes that will get you out and moving. Take the "Healthy" Route (3 miles), the "Civic" Route (1 mile), or the "Cultural" Route (2 miles) .

The three-mile Healthy Route is the longest route and links to several health and fitness facilities. 
The Civic Route is named such for the many governmental agencies along this one-mile route. 
The Cultural Route is two miles; you will find many museums, art, and theatre destinations here. No matter which route you choose, there is much to see and admire along the way; our beautiful historic buildings, courtyards, fountains, and many public art installations. Have fun on your way; count how many fish or wrens you see. You can also gain wisdom by reading our Wise Walks that are etched in our sidewalks.

Brochures with the routes are available in the KOA office or at the Anderson Visitors and Convention Bureau.

One of South Carolina's most unique and earliest wildflowers, the Oconee Bell, can be found blooming from mid-March to early April. Colonies of the Oconee Bells blooming in their entire splendor can be seen along the Oconee Bell Trail at Devils Fork State Park, a gateway to the Jocassee Gorges. The Oconee Bell is a rare flower found only in a few locations near the southern Appalachians. You can recognize the Oconee Bell by its white and yellow blossom with red stems and red-tinged leaves.

To catch a glimpse of this delicate and unique wildflower, make a trip to Devils Fork State Park during its blooming season and walk the Oconee Bell Nature Trail. Wear comfortable walking shoes. The walk is designed for ages ten and older. The Oconee Bell Nature Trail is an easy 1-mile loop trail that received its name for the rare wildflower that can be found along the footpath.

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Anderson Christmas Lights, sponsored by the Anderson Lights of Hope,  is celebrated at the Anderson Sports and Recreation Center. It is a 7/10 mile drive with over one million colored lights through both animated and stationary displays. The Lights of Hope is open nightly from Thanksgiving to Christmas Day. Admission is charged, and proceeds are given to local charities. Admission is charged.

The Celebration of Lights is celebrated at the Upper SC State Fairgrounds near Easley, with over one million lights that can be driven through. The Celebration of Lights is open nightly from Thanksgiving through Christmas Day. Admission is charged.

The Magic of Christmas is celebrated every year starting in mid-November and going to the end of December.  It's nostalgic with a modern twist. Romantic and family friendly at the same time. It's FREE FUN that everybody can enjoy!Route yourself through historic downtown Seneca to experience the streets aglow with a million lights that “dance” to holiday music. Tune your radio and cruise along, or leave your car and walk around. You'll find lots of spots for pictures and kids love running through the festive setting. Visit with Santa on selected nights, come watch the parade, cook s'mores and sip on hot chocolate and ride the Spirit of Seneca or Pride of Seneca trains.