Pickens, S.C.
Friday: History Lesson. Start the day at the Hagood-Mauldin House and Irma Morris Museum of Fine Arts, built in 1856 by James Hagood, an attorney in the old town of Pickens, then dismantled and moved to its downtown site in 1868. Inside are portraits, furniture and other items from the 17th and 18th centuries. Nearby, the Pickens County Museum presents numerous exhibits. “Anyone coming to visit can get a really good feel for our regional history,” says executive director Allen Coleman. “We have a wonderful collection of art and history displays.” For lunch or dinner, dine at Michael’s Restaurant, where you’ll find down-home items such as fried pork chops and collard greens, as well as sandwiches and salads.
Saturday. Spend your Sunday antiquing and shopping in downtown Pickens. Shops include Stockade ‘N Stuff antiques shop; Brock’s clothing store; Pace Jewelers; and Nestfeathers, an art gallery and gift shop with selections such as pottery, glass, furniture and soaps. Later, head to the Victoria Valley Vineyards for a wine tasting, tour of the winery and delectable sandwiches from the deli.
Sunday. Nature beckons at Table Rock State Park, where activities include fishing or boating in one of the two lakes, swimming, picnicking and hiking. Choose from moderate to strenuous trails – a trailhead for 80-mile Foothills Trail is here – that lead to scenic views, streams, waterfalls and the top of Table Rock and Pinnacle mountains.
Cost Roundup: Hagood-Mauldin House and Irma Morris Museum of Fine Arts ($3, adults; $1, students); Pickens County Museum (free admission, donations welcome); Michael’s Restaurant ($3-$7); Victoria Valley Vineyards ($5 per person wine tasting; $4-$7 deli); Table Rock State Park ($2, age 16+, $1.25, SC seniors; free, age 15 and younger).
Before You Go
Pickens Chamber of Commerce
864-878-3258
Hagood-Mauldin House and Irma Morris Museum of Fine Arts
864-898-5963
Pickens County Museum
864-898-5963
co.pickens.sc.uc/culturalcommission
Michael’s Restaurant
864-878-6462
Victoria Valley Vineyards
864-878-5307
Laurel Mountain Inn
A resort motel; each room offers views of Table Rock. $75-$95 per night.
864-878-8500
A Nice Little Motel
Located a little more than a mile from Table Rock State Park. Call for rates.
864-878-9949
The Inn at Table Rock
Formerly the Schell Haus Bed and Breakfast; six deluxe guest rooms. $99-$189 per night.
864-878-0078
Civil War Stop: Greenville‘s Museum and Library of Confederate History
Sponsored by the 16th South Carolina Volunteers, Camp 36 and Sons of Confederate Veterans, the Museum and Library of Confederate History honors those who served in the War Between the States. According to the museum’s website, its mission is to “provide a true and accurate historical perspective of the War period in an educational manner and to preserve the cultural heritage and artifacts of the South.”
The museum displays artifacts of soldiers and sailors, Morse Carbine weapons (which were manufactured in Greenville during the War for Southern Independence), uniforms, medical instruments and Confederate currency. Its library holds an extensive collection of regimental histories and a copy of the Official Records of the War.
Several museum-affiliated events for 2010 include the Confederate Memorial Day Service at Springwood Cemetery on May 2 and Christmas in Dixie at the museum on Dec. 3, 10, 17 and 31.
For more information, call 864-421-9039.
