Anderson is a beautiful city located in Northern South Carolina.
Also known as the “Electric City,” Anderson has a population of just 29,284 as of the 2021 census.
That makes it a city perfect for vacationers looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of metropolitans.
There is so much to do and experience in Anderson that you will require at least a few weeks to take in what this city offers.
Unlike Los Angeles and New York, Anderson prides itself on providing tourists with a relaxing experience.
Interested to know more about this place?
Here are the 20 best things to do if you find yourself in Anderson, South Carolina:
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Anderson University and its surrounding area have cheerful youth and aspiring students.
Moreover, there are some fantastic restaurants and pubs in the area.
If you want to check out the youth culture of Anderson, Anderson University is the place for you.
It also has a historical value as it was established in 1911.
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Soon, it became one of the most popular universities in South Carolina.
It’s a private university that offers a variety of courses.
You can visit the campus if you’re in the area to check out its magnificent building and student culture.
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Carolina Wren Park on East Whitner Street is downtown Anderson’s placebo to catch significant city events.
This park hosts Anderson’s signature annual arts festival, Soirée, which began in 1985.
Traditionally held toward end-April, this two-day event focuses on culinary, visual, and performing arts.
Carolina Wren Park is also home to the Countybank Holiday Ice, which opens in December.
In the summer months, the park draws evening crowds for its Saturday movie nights and the live performances of Shakespeare in the Park.
With the Rocky River Nature Park in the city’s heart, you don’t have to venture too far out in Anderson to enjoy nature’s serenity.
Located on Old Williamston Road, this park spreads over 128 acres next to its namesake river and the Anderson University campus.
The Rocky River Nature Park provides an active and passive recreational venue for locals and visitors.
It features meandering trails traversing its woodlands, where birdwatchers have spotted 149 bird species.
The Rocky River Nature Park is also a nesting site for turtles from mid-April to mid-July.
Visiting the Ballyhoo Petting Zoo is a delightful experience, especially for kids wondering what a zonkey is.
This petting zoo on Norris Road keeps exotic animals like a zonkey—a cross between a zebra and a donkey.
The Ballyhoo Petting Zoo has over 150 animals, including horses, cows, donkeys, goats, and pigs.
Besides its two zonkeys, this petting zoo is also home to three Cavies, rabbit-like rodents native to Argentina.
A bearded dragon reptile, an iguana, and three prairie dogs are also among the animal curiosities at the Ballyhoo Petting Zoo.
Visiting Darwin Wright Park on Anderson Beach Road makes you feel you’re on an island.
Its location on a tear-shaped peninsula on the north side of Lake Atwell gives this island-like feel.
Locals also call this park Anderson Beach, for it has an artificial beach with a large area designated for swimming.
Fishing is another popular activity in Darwin Wright Park, which has a fishing pier aside from the many fishing spots on the shore of Lake Atwell.
The other recreational facilities in this park include a nine-hole disc golf course, a kids’ playground, picnic tables and grills, and rentable shelters.
Golfers visiting Anderson have a superb choice of links at the Pine Lake Golf Club on Carpenter Road.
Opened in 1962, this course is open to the public and became a local favorite for its wonderful layout on the thick pine forest around Broadway Lake.
The 18-hole course of Pine Lake Golf Club plays par 70 over 6,366 yards from the longest tees.
The course spreads over 150 acres and accommodates players of skill levels in five different tee markers.
A lakefront restaurant in the clubhouse gives golfers and guests a choice on indoor or outdoor dining.
If you’re a history buff who enjoys relics of the past, then the Anderson County Museum should be on the top of your list.
It has a collection of over twenty thousand artifacts.
This museum’s volumes and historical photos are open for public view.
Be sure to check out every nook and cranny of this fantastic museum.
It’s a place where the history of Anderson comes alive.
You can even find a gift shop in this museum to purchase souvenirs to gift to your loved ones.
Moreover, there are plenty of eateries around, so you won’t have to walk around hungry while looking at the history of Anderson.
The Anderson county museum is at 202 East Greenville St, Anderson, SC 29621.
If you’re in the mood for drinks and dancing, you should head to the Carolina Bauerhaus to get your glasses on.
At the Carolina Bauernhaus, you’ll find some delicious locally-brewed ales.
The owners of Carolina Bauernhaus were inspired by the drinking culture of Belgium.
You’ll find all the traditional flavors of Belgium available at this place.
Their menu also varies according to season; therefore, you’ll always find something new when you visit the Carolina Bauernhaus.
If you’re lucky, you might even chance upon events held at the Carolina Bauernhaus.
These events include open mics, music festivals, and whatnot.
It’s a fantastic place to meet new people and relax from your busy vacation schedule.
The CocoBon Chocolatier, located at 111 North Main Street, is for everyone with a bad case of a sweet tooth.
It’s a place where you’ll find a lot of tasty handmade chocolates.
The variety at the CocoBon Chocolatier is just mind-blowing.
If you find yourself at this place, taste their old-fashioned chocolates.
Once you visit the CocoBon Chocolatier, you’ll find yourself coming back for more again and again.
All the ingredients that the CocoBon Chocolatier uses to make their famous handmade chocolates are purchased locally.
Be sure to check out their caramel popcorn and cotton candy.
It’s a beautiful place to bring your family, and your kids will not want to leave once they get their hands on CocoBon’s chocolates.
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There’s nothing in this world as refreshing as the fresh morning air on a farm.
The Denver Downs Farm in Anderson is quite famous among the locals.
The Garrison family owns it and has been its owner since 1869.
This farm is also on the National Register of Historic Places list.
If you genuinely want to experience the local culture of Anderson, then this is the place you must visit at once.
It’s a 400-acre farm, and you’ll find a lot of serene backgrounds that call for a photo session.
However, the farm is only open during the summer.
The Split Creek Farm is at 3806 Centerville Road, Anderson, SC, 29625.
The farm usually closes at 6 PM and opens at 10 AM.
You’ll find the warm embrace of nature at this farm, and you’ll not want to return to the chaotic city life.
It’s the perfect place to spend a sunny day with your loved ones.
This farm also offers a fantastic view of the Blue Ridge mountains.
You can even set out to explore the mountains from this farm.
Of course, it is recommended that you take a local guide along with you.
This 395-acre park at a Lake Hartwell peninsula is a fantastic getaway in Anderson.
There are a lot of activities that you can engage in around this park.
From water sports to camping, you won’t run out of activities in this park.
It’s the perfect place to visit with your kids.
There are even picnic shelters available at this park that offer a breathtaking lakeside view.
It’s a place where you’ll be as relaxed as you can while your kids will have the time of their life.
You can even hike or bike at this park, which offers two trails.
The incredible thing about this place is that visitors can swim in the lake.
So, if the day gets too hot to bear, you can always dip in the water for a quick dip.
The Palmetto Distillery is located on Murray Avenue.
This distillery was opened by two brothers – Trey and Bryan Boggs.
Their passion for drinks and decent business sense made this distillery one of the most famous places in Anderson.
They offer Moonshine and Palmetto Whiskey.
The latter is one of the most popular whiskeys in South Carolina.
It has also won several awards.
The Palmetto Distillery offers visitors tour and tasting opportunities.
If you visit this distillery, get a taste of its fantastic margarita.
Locals also recommend the apple pie and 105 proof.
Growler Haus is another famous microbrewery in Anderson.
This microbrewery has a very modern and hip atmosphere.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of craft bee and take a look at the craft of brewing.
This place has held several brewing competitions as they believe in bringing to the spotlight the best local brewers of the area.
Breweries and Anderson have a historical connection, and the people of Anderson love their beers.
The Growler Haus is at 313 N Main Street, Anderson, SC, 29621.
If you are an avid enjoyer of skating, then there is one place you have to visit.
Skateland U.S.A. is located at 4142 Clemson Boulevard, Anderson, SC 29621.
You can visit this place with your family to enjoy skating sessions.
Skateland U.S.A. is perfect for kids and adolescents.
It only opens in the evening, and you can even grab some snacks once you’ve had your share of skating.
The Civic Center of Anderson is one of the themost famous building structures in the whole of Anderson.
It is known for its sheer size.
You’ll find tennis courts, baseball fields, an amphitheater, a playground for kids, and even a soccer field here.
The Anderson Civic Center,r and its various parts are also known as the Anderson Sports and Entertainment Center.
It was established in 199,1, and ever since then, it has been one of the most popular hang-out spots in the city.
Churches are perhaps not that popular among tourists these days.
However, if you want to take in the aesthetics of architecture, the churches will have to visit.
The NewSpring Church in Anderson bags a weekly attendance of around 25000 people.
It also organizes programs and events that can be fun for kids and adults.
Make time, and visit the NewSpring Church to please your spiritual self if you’re ever in Anderson.
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If you’ve decided to visit the Sadlers Creek State Park, then you should definitely try some boating at Lake Hartwell.
It only makes sense to check out this lake at the park.
A boat ride on Lake Hartwell can be a romantic getaway.
It makes for a perfect date.
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Bring a guitar and some snacks on the boat, and you’ll have the time of your life with your girl or man.
Another essential thing to remember is to bring a camera on this boat ride.
The photos you can click in the lake’s middle are mesmerizing.
The city of Anderson is easily a shoo-in when planning an itinerary for a trip to northern South Carolina.
The city’s rich history and natural wonders have spawned many points of interest, creating plenty of fun things to do in Anderson.
Thus, it is no surprise that many of the city’s visitors have given five-star ratings to Anderson destinations.
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