Greenville SC News | The Southern Charm of Greenville at the Holidays

Published on November 25, 2015

BEST PLACE TO LIVE IN SOUTH CAROLINA

With the smell of turkey in the air, Christmas decorations abounding everywhere, and the burning embers of logs placed on the fire, the holidays are definitely here. It’s a time to celebrate family and share the good tidings the season brings. Beyond the gifts of the holidays, it’s the perfect time to relish the blessings of sharing time with loved ones. There is no better place to enjoy the holidays than the picturesque and majestic backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains found in Greenville, South Carolina.

Greenville South Carolina, centrally located between Atlanta, GA and Charlotte, NC, is one of the fastest growing cities in the country due to its spectacular environment, thriving economy and low cost of living. Boomers and their families are discovering that living in Greenville is a “little piece of paradise” with access to the many outdoor activities surrounding the Blue Ridge Mountains and waterfront living on the 18,500-acre azure-colored freshwater Lake Keowee which provides the perfect place to live for active Baby Boomers and their families. With boating, fishing, hiking and biking, staying active is a pleasure. Attracting visitors from around the world, Greenville’s downtown offers unique shops, galleries, over 80 restaurants and almost 200 event days a year to keep both residents and visitors entertained annually. Greenville attracts 8.5 million visitors each year and is one of the most best places to live in the south.

In addition to its rich cultural appeal, there are several major corporations that call Greenville home, Michelin, BMW, Fluor and Hubbell Lighting to name a few. With a cost of living that is consistently lower than the national average, and a moderate year round temperature, golfers flock to the region with over 50 public and private courses located in and around Greenville. Along with the attraction of a thriving economy comes a wide array of housing options from downtown condos to admirable waterfront estates at The Cliffs which is one of the best places to live in Greenville, SC, this city definitely has it all.

When planning a new holiday adventure this season, Greenville, SC should be on the list of places to visit, especially when searching for that perfect place to retire. Here are some of the events planned for this holiday season:

Roper Mountain Holiday Lights - Thursday, November 26 through Wednesday, December 30

Roper Mountain Science Center (420 Roper Mountain Rd.) Take a drive through the tunnel of lights at this scenic light display which features a 45 foot star and fantastic holiday themed lights. Even a visit to Santa is available.

Dickens of a Christmas - Tuesday, December 01, 2015 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

This Victorian extravaganza takes place in downtown Spartanburg where carolers dressed in Victorian garb perform live Christmas music, live window displays, horse-drawn carriage rides, ice skating on Morgan Square and the annual lighting of the Christmas tree at Denny’s Plaza.

United Community Bank Ice on Main – November 20 thru January 18, 2016

Located in the heart of downtown Greenville is an open-air ice skating rink and the only one of its kind in Upstate South Carolina. Located at the Village Green in front of the Courtyard Marriott recurs daily. Admission fee is Adults $10 and Children $8 which includes skate rental.

St. Francis Festival of Trees – Thursday, December 1 thru Sunday, January 1

Hyatt Regency Hotel – Annually for the past 20 years, St. Francis Foundation celebrates the season through the St. Francis Festival of Trees with locally sponsored trees on display downtown.

The Nutcracker: Once Upon a Time in Greenville – Sunday, December 4 thru Tuesday, December 6 – PEACE CENTER – Carolina Ballet Theatre reinvents this holiday classic with a Greenville inspired ballet with a backdrop of the Liberty Bridge and the Greenville skyline. Join Clara and her Nutcracker as they dance their way to defeat the evil Mouse King.
Poinsettia Christmas Parade – Wednesday, December 5 – This 20 year tradition signals the start of the Christmas season with about 90 holiday floats and activities that starts on Main Street and circumvents through downtown Greenville. The parade starts at 6pm and continues to 7:30pm. Great way to kick off the season with the family!
A Christmas Carol – December 11 & 12/December 17-19 at 8pm; Weds. December 13 and 20 at 3pm – Greenville Little Theatre, Downtown Greenville – Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they try to encourage Scrooge to view life through their eyes. Impressed by his mistakes, Scrooge realizes his life is meant to be shared by others. Join Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchet and Scrooge in this Adrian Hall adaption of this classic tale.
Holiday at Peace – Greenville Symphony Orchestra - Friday, December 18 through Sunday December 20 – Join Edvard Tchivzhel, conductor Gary Mauer, vocalist Beth Southard celebrating music and popular pops concert featuring husband and wife Broadway stars, Gary and Beth. Merriment abound as the GSO performs with the International Ballet Company in this holiday extravaganza. Great celebration for the entire family.

Folks who live in Greenville or are visiting family during the holidays in this pristine region will find exciting activities to embellish the joy of this festive season. Sprawling just beyond the city, Lake Keowee communities at The Cliffs reflect southern hospitality and charm, not only during the holiday season but year round. If you want to see beautiful homes decorated for the holidays, The Cliffs is where you should start.

Baby Boomers searching for Lake Keowee properties and the finest South Carolina golf communities will want to tour to the Cliffs properties located in this magical region. Imagine living in a community surrounded by cascading waterfalls (coined the Land of the Waterfalls by the Cherokees), the immaculate Lake Keowee all within the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. That’s what folks will discover at the Cliffs communities. The Cliffs is a collection of seven of the most exquisite private club communities in the United States. The development began in the 1990’s and spans 20,000 acres of some of the most beautiful landscapes in South Carolina.

The Cliffs offer a wide array of first class amenities that include seven championship golf courses, 5 wellness centers, 2 marinas, a spectacular lakefront beach club, equestrian center, 21 restaurants, an organic farm, culinary classes, and an active social calendar with nearly 200 events annually. As a Cliff’s private club member, residents have access to the amenities at all 7 gated communities offering hundreds of millions of dollars in restaurants, golf, sports and wellness offerings. The Cliffs at Keowee Springs, Keowee Vineyards and Keowee Falls are stunning lakefront gated communities on Lake Keowee in Western South Carolina. The Cliffs at Glassy, Walnut Cove, Valley and Mountain Park are gated mountain communities in both North and South Carolina.

THE CLIFFS HOME CHOICES

Whether you’re searching for a low maintenance townhome or spacious lakefront or golf estate, here’s an overview of what’s available at The Cliffs:

The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards

The first Cliffs' community built on Lake Keowee, The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards, is home to the only Tom Fazio golf course on the lake. Golf Digest rated The Vineyards golf course as the seventh Best Private Golf Course in the Nation. Also found at The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards is the Equestrian Center which is a full service boarding facility. Table Rock State Park is located about 15 miles east of the community’s entrance. Approximately 247 homes have been built to date at the 2,400 acre Lake Keowee real estate development. Architectural styles at The Cliffs properties reflect American Craftsman. Single family homes for sale begin in the high $400k's. If you'd prefer to build your dream home, lots can be found starting in the mid $100k's.

The Cliffs at Glassy

The Cliffs at Glassy offers breathtaking views 12 months a year, not to mention superb lifestyle amenities that merges rustic mountain living into a country club existence. The Cliffs at Glassy spreads across 3,500 acres with more than 700 acres protected as green space. Elevations reach 3,200 feet providing refreshing cool summers. Since 1991, approximately 400 homes have been built to date of the 1,000 planned. Architectural styles reflect English and French Country. Homes for sale at The Cliffs at Glassy begin in the mid $500k range and home sites are available in $100k's. Single family homes begin in the mid $500k range.

The Cliffs at Keowee Falls

Imagine the serene backdrop of the Falls Creek Waterfall, the largest waterfall on the 18,500 acre pristine Lake Keowee. As one of the area's best South Carolina golf communities, The Cliffs at Keowee Falls not only features 2,500 acres of beautiful forest, but the Lake Keowee real estate development has 20 miles of scenic, private shoreline. Sunset views from the hilltop elegant clubhouse of the Blue Ridge Mountains are a perfect finish after a day of golf on the Jack Nicklaus Signature Designed golf course. In 2008, Golf Magazine named it on the list of Top 10 Best New Private Courses. Now under new sole ownership, The Cliffs communities are more stable than ever before Single family homes begin the $700-$800k range. Home sites can be found in the $100k’s. Approximately 600 Lake Keowee homes are planned.

The Cliffs at Keowee Springs

If boating and golf are favorite past times, then The Cliffs at Keowee Springs is a great location offering both. Whether it’s a lakefront home with a dock or a hilltop estate with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountain and the blue-green Lake Keowee, The Cliffs at Keowee Springs is truly an outstanding property. The Lake Keowee real estate development spreads across 1,600 acres set in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Approximately 75 homes have been built to date of the 300 planned. Architectural styles reflect English and French Country, Post & Beam and Mountain Rustic. Homes for sale at The Cliffs at Keowee Springs begin in the mid $800k range and home sites are available around $100k.

The Cliffs at Mountain Park

Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains and amidst 1,300 acres of protected parks, The Cliffs at Mountain Park is one of the newest Greenville SC golf communities in the area, with rolling hills, mountain peaks, and flowing streams this community combines true country living with urban flair and some unmatched amenities to keep residents busy, active and fulfilled. The Cliffs at Mountain Park spreads across 3,000 acres with elevations that range from 1,500 feet in the valley to over 3,000 feet on the ridgeline. Since 2008, approximately 70 Carolina mountain homes have been built to date of the 600 planned. Architectural styles reflect English Country and Modern Mountain. Choices include golf course view homes or homes up on the ridgeline facing The Blue Ridge Mountains. Homes for sale at The Cliffs at Mountain Park begin in the mid $800k's and home sites are available starting in the mid $100k's.

The Cliffs Valley

For fitness enthusiasts, The Cliffs Valley Health & Wellness Center is a superb 15,000 square foot wellness center. In addition to the wellness center, the hiking, biking, and walking trails which cover protected parks, national forests and waterfalls provide the perfect backdrop for staying fit. Some of the trails cross over streams while others rise to the mountain tops making The Cliffs Valley one of the best private golf communities. Panther Gap Sky Climb is the most strenuous trail in the neighborhood leading to Panther Mountain Park, a 200-acre private park with paved fitness trails and groomed hiking trails. The Cliffs Valley spreads across 3,000 acres and is located in two states: North Carolina and South Carolina. Elevations range from 1,500 feet in the valley to over 3,000 feet on the ridgeline. Since 1994, approximately 390 homes have been built to date of the 850 planned. Architectural styles reflect English Country and Modern Mountain. Carolina mountain homes at The Cliffs Valley begin under $500k and home sites are available in the $100k'.

The Cliffs at Walnut Cove

The last property found in The Cliffs at Walnut Cove is in Asheville, North Carolina and is located in the picturesque valley of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The 1,500 acre community has amazing views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a signature golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, an 18,000 square foot Walnut Cove Wellness Center and a 19,700 golf clubhouse honored by Golf Inc. magazine as Best New Clubhouse in 2006. Approximately 200 homes have been built to date at the Asheville real estate development. Architectural styles reflect French and English country manors. Single family homes for sale begin in the high $900k's. Village Townhomes are priced in the $800k's.

When looking for a great place to enjoy the holidays, Greenville, SC is the perfect destination for the upcoming season. With a world class cultural community, spectacular restaurants and pubs on Main Street downtown (named one of the “10 Great Streets in America” by American Planning Association), festivals year round and a thriving economy, Greenville is also the ideal place to search for a home. Folks searching Lake Keowee communities should definitely make a visit to The Cliffs properties a priority as it is one of the best places to live in Greenville, South Carolina. For golf lovers, The Cliffs seven courses represent the best of South Carolina golf communities. There is nothing better than a round of golf or a family hike after a delicious holiday meal in the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains found here. With so much to do and a thriving economy, country charm and a sophisticated urban lifestyle, Greenville is an excellent choice for retirement living.

To schedule a tour of The Cliffs, call directly at 866.411.5773.