Recreation

Fun-centered, family-centered, even flavor-centered: Laurens County’s rich variety in recreation means more ways to play for all ages and tastes in a region where natural resources are beautifully abundant and intelligent preservation and development make an active lifestyle a pleasure every day.

Although it was built to provide water service to Laurens, the 540-acre Lake Rabon does delightful double duty as a haven for boating, picnicking and pier fishing, while the massive 11,000-acre Lake Greenwood, nestled at the edge of Laurens County, is a regional recreational jewel, the go-to destination for boating, large-mouth bass and crappie fishing and over 200 miles of shoreline for camping, hiking, residential opportunities and more.

Dive deep into history: Another kind of invitingly immersive experience awaits at Musgrove Mill State Historic Site, where in August of 1780 an outnumbered but intrepid Patriot militia routed Loyalist forces. Musgrove Mill is truly a “you are there” experience: While the British Camp Trail and the Battlefield Trail take visitors into the thick of moment, replica uniforms from both armies are available to try on, and visitors can even hold display muskets for photos. A must for history lovers, the site is also a treat for fun lovers of all kinds, the perfect spot for picnicking, geocaching, boating, and fishing on the Enoree River. Another historical gem, the Old 96 District, stretches across four counties including Laurens, merging recreation, heritage, arts and culture and more in a wealth of family-friendly sites and experiences.

In fact, fun is always around the corner in Laurens thanks to well-designed parks and green spaces, and three YMCAs where excellent facilities and recreational league sports keep residents at the top of their game. The Little River Park, located on Laurens’ Main Street, offers putt-putt, playground equipment and picnicking facilities. The Park also marks the start of the Little River Trail, a one-mile scenic walking trail that winds around the Little River and Reedy Fork Creek.

Laurens County means low stress and high energy: Children and young people enjoy a year-round sports calendar, including baseball, football, basketball, soccer and cheerleading; the Laurens City Park and Lauren’s sleek multi-purpose facility, The Ridge, set the scene for high quality competition indoors and out. And now ready for groundbreaking is Clinton’s first sports recreation complex, offering a spacious and welcoming recreational environment that includes not only ballfields but also a pond and an amphitheater.

A Laurens County life is a life to savor: Six different varieties of muscadine grapes go into the making of fine red and white wines at the Abiding Vine Vineyard and Winery. The variety of visitor experiences is just as splendid, thanks to tastings and a beautiful setting that make Abiding Vine an enticing choice for getaways and social events. Meanwhile, thanks to more than 800 local farms, including family operations, ordinary food shopping can be transformed into a truly farm-fresh and refreshing treat.

Great taste is also hallmark at the popular seasonal farmer’s markets sponsored by Main Street Laurens and Main Street Clinton. The coveted Main Street designation is another hallmark of quality: these community organizations add real flavor and quality to life with a year-round calendar of events. In Laurens, delighted crowds flock to Finally Fridays, Squealin’ on the Square and the Downtown Farmer’s Market during the summer, while Clinton’s popular events include Scots and Brats and Rhythm on the Rails.

Laurens County’s pace is always perfect. For some that means the revved-up excitement at the Laurens Speedway or at the nearby NASCAR playgrounds of Charlotte and Darlington. For others it may mean a relaxing round of superb golf at private courses in the area—at the Musgrove Mill course designed by Arnold Palmer and lauded by Golf Week magazine as one of the top courses in the U.S, or at Lakeside Country Club where the recreational amenities also include tennis and new swimming facilities.

And remember, Laurens County’s fun-centered, family-centered location puts residents in the ideal position for blissful beach weekends at Charleston, Hilton Head or Myrtle Beach. Or for those who set their sights higher, mountain getaways in the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains are also just a few hours away.