In the shadow of neighboring Greenville, South Carolina, which is only 38 miles away, the much smaller bedroom community of Salem is a hidden gem of the Upstate. It's located a stone's throw from the pristine beauty found at Lake Jocassee and only a short drive from Lake Keowee. On top of that, Salem is the gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains; a place in the middle of some of the best outdoor destinations in South Carolina; a place you'll want to visit.
Welcome to Salem, where passing through just might be the best experience you'll have — and we mean that in the nicest way possible.
Firstly, lets talk about the food.
Pat's Cash & Carry is found in Salem. This little carryout is found in the crossroads of "Get the best hotdog in the state" and "Let's head over to Lake Keowee to eat it."
The legenday Pat's Cash and Carry can supply any outdoor adventure with drinks and food aplenty. Learn more here.
Of course, there's always Sisters Restaurant where you can settle in, order up some delicious American fare - and even borrow a book to read from the many on their bookshelves while you devour your meal.
If seafood is your thing, then head down to Seneca to dine outside on the patio at Beyond the Bull.
Some of the best lobster rolls in the state are found at Beyond the Bull, along with some other wonderful American fare, too.
With the food out of the way, and hopefully a full and satisfied belly to boot, we can move on to some of the fantastic outdoor attractions and activities that are accessible around Salem.
How about a waterfall hike? There are several waterfalls nearby, including the magnificent Spoonauger Falls.
This short, 0.6-mile hike is rated as easy and will leave plenty of time to explore other waterfalls in the area.
You can learn all about this short hike here.
While you're here, head to Oconee Station State Historic Site in Walhalla.
Explore the old structures and learn about the history of this site before taking a hike over to Station Cove Falls. Learn more here.
And no visit to Salem would be complete without heading into Devils Fork State Park to enjoy a day in (or ON) the water!
Lake Jocassee is the most pristine lake in all of South Carolina with crystal-clear water and ringed by mountains. Learn more about Devils Fork State Park, particularly the awesome campground, right here.
You can even book a tour of the lake on a pontoon (or by way of kayaks) with Jocassee Lake Tours.
Learn more about Jocassee Lake Tours, here.
Salem's biggest outdoor attraction is, by far, Devils Fork State Park and Lake Jocassee.
The town may be tiny, but the options for getting outside to play are huge.
When was the last time you passed through Salem en route to your next adventure? Ever explored any of the above-mentioned activities? Let us know your favorite outdoor destinations in South Carolina!
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