Somewhat off the beaten path in the mountains of South Carolina, Seneca has two designated historic districts, one focused on commercial building erected in the 1880s to the 1930s, and the other located in a neighborhood of private homes constructed in architectural styles popular during the same time period.
If time permits walking only one of the districts, my advice is to concentrate on the residential area. The early 1900s Lunney Museum, with some of the features found in California-style bungalows, is a logical starting point. Not only will the displays add background to the neighborhood you are going to explore, but personnel can direct you to certain sites so that you make efficient use of time.
Some of the most interesting features to seek out are the multiple gables and Roman Doric columns of the Gignilliat-Glasier House on South First Street, the striking four-column portico of the Seneca Baptist Church on South Fairplay Street and the Livingstone-Stribling House's fancy porch scroll work on South Townsend Street. And after all of these grand architectural flourishes, it's nice to behold the simple lines of the Episcopal Church of the Ascension on North Second Street.
864-882-2097, www.seneca.sc.us
NO-CAR WEEKENDS
- GREENVILLE
864-223-0461, greatergreenville.com - Eat: North Hampton Wine Cafe serves dinner in the old Greenville train station; Mary Beth's for lunch
- Stay: Pettigru Place B&B
- See: Giraffes at the Greenville Zoo; get a massage at Urban Nirvana
- SPARTANBURG
864-594-5050, visitspartanburg.com - Eat: Burgers at Morgan's Square; casual dinner at Justin's Steakhouse; sandwiches at Groucho's
- Stay: Inn on Main
- See: Live music downtown on Thursdays and Fridays; Spartanburg Art Museum; working artists' in residences at Hub Bub
- SIMPSONVILLE
864-963-3781, simpsonvillechamber.com - Eat: Lunch at Downtown Sweets & Eats for sandwiches and desserts; dinner at Justin's Steakhouse
- Stay: Garden House B&B
- See: Shop Pride & True for unique furniture; picnics, tennis, batting cages at Simpsonville City Park
KEY TRAVEL INFO
- State travel information. 800-346-3634, discoversouthcarolina.com
- State Parks. 800-424-4400, 803-734-0156, discoversouthcarolina.com/parks/
- State B&B association. 888-599-1234, southcarolinabedandbreakfast.com
- Cowpens National Battlefield, Chesnee. 864-461-2828, nps.gov/cowp
- Discover Upcountry Carolina. 800-849-4766, 864-233-2690,theupcountry.com
- Sumter National Forest (Andrew Pickens Ranger District). 803-561-4000, fs.fed.us
- Kings Mountain National Military Park, Blacksburg. 864-936-7921, nps.gov/kimo
- Mountain weather. 864-848-3859
