Seneca (and Oconee County)

Whether you’re looking for craft beer, strong coffee, a fancy restaurant or a place to meet up with friends or family, Seneca has a spot for you. Voted the Best Bar and Burger in the Upstate area, The Spot on the Alley hosts special events, live music and other nightly entertainment that you’ll want to mark your calendars for. Looking for a sandwich? Sink your teeth into a sandwich that’s sure to please from Mayberry’s, Blue Marble, or Presst. Not in the mood to eat? BREWS on the Alley is proudly Seneca’s first craft beer and coffee experience, offering more than 20 draft beers in addition to canned and bottled beverages. Keowee Brewing Co and Birds of a Feather Cocktail Bar add to the amazing Seneca craft beer and specialty drink scene. As a top lake town, Seneca is home to The Lighthouse on Lake Keowee. Whether you choose to arrive by boat or car, The Lighthouse ensures a premier dining and leisure experience. Dimas Bros. Cafe, Hogs and Hops BBQ , Vangeli’s Bistro, G’s Pizza House, Sole Grill and Sushi Bar, and Paesano’s are other local favorites that showcase the diversity of cuisines offered in Seneca.

The arts and culture scene in Seneca and Oconee County is bolstered by the renowned Ram Cat Alley. Located in downtown Seneca, Ram Cat Alley is known for its locally owned businesses that give the downtown area a vibrant atmosphere worth visiting. Ram Cat Alley also hosts events open to community members and visitors alike. The annual Sip ‘N Stroll is an Art Festival and Wine Tasting event, featuring hand-crafted products and live entertainment. Ram Cat Alley also features live music with “Jazz on the Alley” every Thursday in April through October. You can plan your day in downtown Seneca here.

Other cultural attractions include:

• Bertha Lee Strickland Cultural Museum
• General Store Museum
• Lunney Museum
• Oconee County Public Library
• Oconee Heritage Center

Known as the “Golden Corner” of the South Carolina, Oconee County has the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and a wonderful climate for outdoor activities. In fact, the Jocassee Gorges region of Oconee County was recognized as a “Destination of a Lifetime” by National Geographic.

With close access to a trio of popular lakes — Lake Keowee, Lake Jocassee and Lake Hartwell — Seneca is a nationally-recognized lake town and ranks on Thrillist’s list of America’s 23 Greatest Summertime Lake Towns. One of the purest lakes in South Carolina, Lake Keowee is nearly 29 square miles and has over 300 miles of shoreline. The clear water lends itself to outdoor activities like water skiing, tubing, swimming and more. Also located in Oconee County are High Falls and South Cove County Parks that each offer lake-focused activities, including camping, boating and fishing.

Apart from the area’s lake scene, Chau Ram County Park was named Oconee’s “best kept secret,” for its river activities, hiking, waterfalls, camping and picnic areas. The Oconee State Park is perfect for avid and beginner campers alike, with 139 standard campsites with electrical service and 15 designated rustic tent sites on 1,165 acres of land.

Known as the “Golden Corner” of the South Carolina, Oconee County has the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and a wonderful climate for outdoor activities. In fact, the Jocassee Gorges region of Oconee County was recognized as a “Destination of a Lifetime” by National Geographic.

With close access to a trio of popular lakes—Lake Keowee, Lake Jocassee and Lake Hartwell—Seneca is a nationally recognized lake town and ranks on Thrillist’s list of America’s 23 Greatest Summertime Lake Towns. One of the purest lakes in South Carolina, Lake Keowee is nearly 29 square miles and has over 300 miles of shoreline. The clear water lends itself to outdoor activities like water skiing, tubing, swimming and more. Also located in Oconee County are High Falls and South Cove County Parks that each offer lake-focused activities, including camping, boating and fishing.

Apart from the area’s lake scene, Chau Ram County Park was named Oconee’s “best kept secret,” for its river activities, hiking, waterfalls, camping and picnic areas. The Oconee State Park is perfect for avid and beginner campers alike, with 139 standard campsites with electrical service and 15 designated rustic tent sites on 1,165 acres of land.

• BASF
• Blue Ridge Electric Co-op
• BorgWarner
• Duke Energy
• Greenfield Industries
• Itron
• JTEKT/Koyo Bearings
• Lift Technologies
• Prisma Oconee Memorial Hospital
• Ulbrich
• U.S. Engine Valve Corporation

Oconee County is home to robust higher education and K-12 schooling options. The Oconee County School District is home to more than 15 public K-12 institutions. Seven private schools provide even more options for parents.

Oconee County’s higher education ecosystem includes Tri-County Technical College, which serves Anderson County, Oconee County and Pickens County, and was ranked No. 1 in the South Carolina Technical College System. At Oconee Industry & Technology Park, the Workforce Development Campus is an innovative center for technical education located within the Oconee Industry and Technology Park. Home to a Tri-County Technical College campus, as well as the Hamilton Career Center, it makes co-ops and internships easily accessible to companies located within the park. The only campus of its kind in the Southeast makes it a standout leader in workforce development.

In addition, just up the road is the home of the Tiger faithful, Clemson University. Ranked No. 52 on the nation’s “Most Innovative Schools” from U.S. News, Clemson University’s proximity to Oconee County puts higher education at the fingertips of the area’s residents and students.