Lake Greenwood State Park
We just got back from staying at Lake Greenwood State Park in Ninety Six, SC. We left on Thursday morning, June 14. It took us about 4 hours (with stops) and came back on Sunday, June 17. The State Park is 914 acres and sits on Lake Greenwood, a 11,400-acre reservoir lake. The drive down was fun.
Kathy and Michael listened to a 60's station and sang along to tunes like This Diamond Ring (Gary and the Playboys), I Love You More Today Than Yesterday (The Spiral Staircase), Leader Of The Pack (The Shangri Las), Standing In The Shadows of Love (The Four Tops), Bang Bang(Cher), Sitting on the Dock of the Bay (Otis Redding), California Dreamin' (The Mamas and the Papas). It was amazing that they remember so many lyrics after all these years. Kathy told me later that there used to be some great music shows she watched as a teenager. Shows like Hullabaloo and Shindig weren't on long but they left a lasting impression she said. Anyway the trip down was fun and went quickly.
Once we got to camp Mike got the Hi Ho level and setup while Kathy made house inside. It doesn't matter that there are things in the Trailer there is always loads of stuff to bring (and then take home and clean). Our campsite had 50 amps and a sewer connection. Unfortunately we didn't have access to a Satellite for the dish hopper to work or, like most State Parks, Wi-Fi Access but we managed. The park was full and if you want to get a spot on the lake you need to reserve about a year ahead. Lots of families camping, boating and fishing here.
That evening we just hung out and ate Baked Spaghetti Kathy had brought. Kathy got to try out here new Hi Ho Cork Pops Martini cocktail glasses too. Did you notice they match the Hi Ho?
Friday morning we got up and drove to Greenwood, SC. which was about 10 miles away. We had breakfast at the West End Café which is known for having the best breakfast in town (our omelets were delish). After breakfast we started to look around. "Uptown" Greenwood is cool and was having their Festival of Flowers (month of June). This was the Festivals 51st year. Greenwood’s first Festival of Flowers was held in the summer of 1968 to coincide with the 100th anniversary celebration of George W. Park Seed Company. Greenwood recognized Park Seed Company hosted “grower days” each year and that hundreds of professional flower growers came to Greenwood to meander through Park Seed’s famous trial gardens and Greenwood thought it would be a great idea to capitalize on having those visitors see other venues in Greenwood and spend their money doing so. In 2008 Greenwood launched their topiary project. They went to Disney World and learned how from the best. Greenwood started with 4 topiaries and have grown to 44 this year. The largest being a 14 foot Giraffe . These topiaries are only on display during June and they are stored in hug greenhouses the rest of the year and are planted a little different each year. Kathy read that Creeping Fig is used as a primary cover in many of the topiaries. Silver Falls Dichondra was used to create the mermaid's long sweeping hair. Frosty Curl sedge grass created the mane and tail for the horse and lion. Begonias, Coleus and Polka Dot plants and a variety of succulents are seen in many of the creations. Palm fiber was used to create the giraffes and tiger which are painted to create more realistic looking animals.
After touring all the topiaries we went back to the Hi Ho and relaxed a bit before cooking steaks and baked potatoes for dinner. We had hoped we would be able to go to Park Seed. However, Park Seed has closed their visitors center. This was one of the things Kathy was looking forward to seeing, especially since they were celebrating their 150th anniversary this year. Park Seed's website said this under their FAQ page: Q: Can I tour your gardens? Park Seed maintains 9 acres filled with flower and vegetable gardens, containing several thousand varieties, including classic favorites, the newest hybrids, and the prestigious All-America Selections. From our early-blooming Southern daffodils in mid-February to our repeat and ever-blooming daylilies in early August, there is always something to see in our gardens. For public enjoyment, our grounds are always open for viewing and self-guided tours; though we suggest visiting when most of our gardens are in full-bloom, between mid-May and late July. If you plan to be in the area, we invite you to stop by to tour our gardens. We are located on Highway 254 in Greenwood, South Carolina.
So, on Friday after looking at the Topiaries they tried to find Park Seed. When they couldn't with the GPS Kathy called them and they said they no longer had the gardens for tours or any kind of visitors. Kathy was pretty disappointed. You may remember that on our last trip when we were in Vidalia, SC she was told to go to Wal-Mart to buy some Vidalia onions now she is in Greenwood where Park Seed is having their 150th Anniversary and you can no longer view their gardens. Now, I may only be a kitty kat but I think this is another way the internet has affected business. Why have an actual 9 acre garden for tourist when folks buy everything now on line. Like I said, Kathy was disappointed because she grew up looking at Park Seed Catalogs. (Click Here To View Their Current Online Catalog). Anywho...Michael gave Kathy a hard time about Parks not being open because he had wanted to go to the Lizardman Festival in Bishopville, SC.
But she had wanted to go to the Flower Festival and go to Park Seed. And, Park Seed won and he had missed out on the first ever Lizardman Festival. He was upset because even if we go next year and the year after that and the years after that we can never say we have been to ALL the Lizarman Festivals. Oh Well!
So, on Saturday morning we went back to Greenwood and went by their Farmer's Market and looked at more flowers and Topiaries. The farmer's market wasn't very big but Kathy got some yellow "golden" zucchini.
"Uptown" Greenwood is very pretty. There are lots of boutique type stores and restaurants. And, flowers every where.
After our time in Greenwood we drove back to Ninety Six, SC and went to the Ninety Six National Historic Site. It seems the town got her name from early traders in the 1700's who believed it was the number of miles to the Cherokee village of Keowee in the foothills of South Carolina. During her early days, there was trouble with local Cherokee Indians who in 1760, twice attacked Fort Ninety Six. Ninety Six also figured prominently in the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution. The first land battle south of New England was fought in Ninety Six in 1775. Then, in 1780, the British fortified the town. Then, from May 22 - June 18, 1781; Major General Nathanael Greene with 1,000 patriot troops staged the longest (yet very unsuccessful) siege of the Revolutionary War against 550 loyalists who were defending Ninety Six.
The historic park covers 989.14 acres. (Virtual Tour).
After the tour we went back to the RV and took a Vespa Ride around the camping area of the State Park.
After the scooter ride we rested a bit and then decided to go back to Greenwood and eat Pizza at the Mill House. It was DELISH.
The next thing we know it's Sunday morning and time to break camp and head home. So, until next time... (Flat Rock, NC) Hi Ho Silver Away...
