SCOVG20 digital edition-1 - Flipbook - Page 26
CLEMSON AND ORANGE
ARE SYNONYMS, RIGHT?
BRIAN GOMSAK
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains,
the town of Clemson is dotted with orange year-round
and 100 percent awash in the unmissable color during
football season. Tailgating—one fan describes it as a
family reunion—is as much a part of the university
experience as watching the team arrive, rub Howard’s
Rock and run down The Hill into Death Valley while
the band plays Tiger Rag. It’s a display of pageantry
sportscaster Brent Musburger called the “most exciting
25 seconds in college football.” Fans wrap up their
experience with a meet-up on the field—at the Paw—to
catch up with friends and snag autographs. Being a
Clemson fan is a tie that binds. “If you’re a Clemson
fan, well, you’re family,” says one graduate.
WHILE IN CLEMSON
A stroll across campus includes
photo ops at Library Bridge
and the bell tower, and a
double scoop of ice cream at
student-managed 55 Exchange.
Quench your pre- or post-game
thirst at the landmark Esso
Club. Try the fried pickles!
Add a day to hike the trails at
Oconee Station State Historic
Site, only 45 minutes away.
Bring your clubs to play
The Walker Course.
Stay at James F. Martin Inn for
great views of Lake Hartwell.
Williams Brice Stadium, Columbia
A CAPITAL PLACE
TO HANG OUT
The Walker Course, Clemson
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South Carolina’s capital city
teems with spectator sports
year-round. But fanfare and
excitement peak during the USC
Gamecock football season when
all the action centers around
Williams Brice Stadium. The
USC campus sprawls throughout
the downtown Columbia area.
Residents and visitors alike
enjoy the vibe of several distinct
commercial districts: Five
Points (a bit bohemian and
boutique), the Vista (think young
professionals and renovated
warehouses) and Main Street
(all business by day, nightlife
after dark).
WHILE IN COLUMBIA
Find great people-watching,
street food and homegrown
delights at Soda City Market.
Hunter-Gatherer Brewery’s
location on Main Street is
Columbia’s oldest brewpub,
founded well before craft beer
became cool.
Join a tasty food tour with Two
Gals and a Fork to discover
why this Southern hotspot has
culinary cred.
Best bets for air-conditioned
culture: South Carolina State
Museum, Columbia Museum of
Art and Nickelodeon Theater.
Stay at The Graduate and walk
or ride-share to restaurants and
entertainment in Five Points,
The Vista and Main Street.
DiscoverSouthCarolina.com
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