Nicole's Favorites: The Golden Corner Guide
I have lived and worked in the Golden Corner of Upstate South Carolina for years and one of the things I love most about this community is how much incredible local talent, food, and beauty exists right here. When clients ask me what it is like to live in Clemson, Seneca, Easley, or the surrounding area, I never have to think very hard.
This page is my honest, personal list of favorites. The businesses I actually use, the restaurants I genuinely love, and the places I take my own family. Whether you are new to the area, thinking about relocating, or just looking for something new to try, consider this your insider's guide to the Golden Corner.
I will keep updating it as I discover more. And if you are thinking about buying a home here, reach out. I would love to help you find your place in this community too.
Real Estate Attorneys
Finding the right closing attorney in South Carolina is one of the most important decisions in your home purchase. South Carolina is an attorney state, which means an attorney must be present at every closing. I have worked with a lot of attorneys over my 21 years in this business and these are the two I trust most.
Bradley K. Richardson (bradrichardsonlaw.com)
With offices across the Upstate, Brad is one of the most knowledgeable and client-focused real estate attorneys I have worked with. He is thorough, communicative, and genuinely cares about making the closing experience smooth for buyers and sellers alike.
Newton Law Firm (newtonlawclemson.com)
Based in Clemson and practicing since 1977, Newton Law Firm is one of the most trusted names in real estate closings across Pickens, Oconee, and Anderson Counties. Professional, efficient, and easy to work with from contract to closing day.
Insurance
Gene Dukes, State Farm (genedukes.com)
Gene is my personal insurance agent and one of the nicest humans I have ever met. I trust him with my own home and I refer my clients to him without hesitation. He takes the time to actually explain your coverage options and make sure you are protected, not just checking a box to satisfy a lender. If you are buying a home in Clemson, Seneca, or anywhere across Pickens or Oconee County, call Gene first.
Craig Carlson, BarnCat Insurance (barncatinsurance.com)
Craig is my go-to for health and life insurance in the Upstate SC area. As an independent broker, Craig specializes in Medicare, ACA Marketplace, small group employee benefits, life insurance, and annuities. He is not a property and casualty agent, but when it comes to health coverage for individuals, families, and small business owners, he is the person I trust and refer without hesitation. He shops across carriers to find the right fit for your situation and he genuinely cares about the people he works with.
Lawn Care and Landscaping
Evergreen Landscaping (evergreendesignsc.com)
When you buy a home in Upstate SC, keeping up with the outdoor space quickly becomes one of your top priorities, especially if you are near the lake or in a wooded area. Evergreen Landscaping is my go-to recommendation for buyers who want a reliable, quality lawn care and landscaping team in the Clemson and Seneca area.
Photography
Sarah Amick Photography (sarahamickphotography.com)
Whether you need family portraits, senior photos, headshots, or event photography, Sarah Amick is the name I give every time someone asks. Based in Clemson and serving the entire Golden Corner, her work is beautiful, she is easy and fun to work with, and she captures this corner of South Carolina in a way that makes you fall in love with it all over again.
Roofing
Dolly's Roofing (dollysroofing.com)
A good roof is one of the most important things a homeowner can invest in and Dolly's Roofing is the name I trust for buyers and homeowners across Upstate SC, Western NC, and Northeast Georgia. Whether you are dealing with storm damage, an aging roof, or just need a professional inspection, they are reliable, honest, and do excellent work. A Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite for multiple years running.
Pet Grooming
The Better Bark (thebetterbarkdog.com)
If you have a dog, you know how hard it is to find a groomer you actually trust. The Better Bark is the only grooming salon that can handle our dog Watson and if you have ever met Watson, you understand what a significant endorsement that is. Patient, professional, and genuinely great with dogs of all personalities.
Nail Salon
Dazzling Nails (https://www.facebook.com/dazzlingnailsandspaclemson/)
My go-to nail salon in the area. Consistent, clean, and they do great work every time. A reliable spot when you want to feel put together without having to drive to Greenville.
Hair Salon
Tiger Lilly Salon: Ask for Becca (tigerlillybeautyco.com)
Tiger Lilly is one of the best salons in the Clemson area. Ask specifically for Becca. She is talented, fun to talk to, and will not steer you wrong. Trust me on this one.
Coffee
Jitters Brewing Company, Central SC (https://www.facebook.com/JittersBrewingCompany/)
My favorite coffee stop in Central. Jitters is a local gem with great espresso, cold brew, and the kind of relaxed vibe that makes you want to linger. Exactly the kind of place that makes small-town Upstate SC special.
Chestnut Coffee, Patrick Square, Clemson (https://www.chestnutcoffeehouse.com/)
Chestnut Coffee has become one of the most beloved coffee shops in the area and their Patrick Square location in Clemson does not disappoint. Great coffee, a beautiful space, and perfectly located in one of the most charming corners of Clemson.
Brews on the Square, Pendleton SC (https://www.brewssc.com/)
If you have never been to downtown Pendleton, Brews on the Square is a great reason to go. Excellent coffee in a genuinely beautiful historic setting. Pendleton is one of those Upstate SC towns that feels like a well-kept secret.
Day Drinkers, Seneca SC (https://daydrinkers.co/)
Day Drinkers in Seneca is one of my favorites. The name alone should tell you the vibe is right. Great coffee, great atmosphere, and exactly the kind of local spot that makes Seneca feel like home.
Mexican Food: A Personal Passion
I will be fully transparent: Mexican food is my love language. Here are my honest, hard-earned favorites across the Golden Corner.
Taco Riendo, Six Mile SC (https://www.facebook.com/p/Taco-Riendo-Sixmile-61564841993053/)
Order the Chili Colorado and a margarita. You can thank me later. This is my top pick when I want a proper sit-down Mexican meal in the area.
Fiesta, Central SC (https://fiestagrillmex.com/)
The Burrito Loco is exactly what it sounds like and I mean that as the highest compliment. A Central staple.
El Jimador Viego II, Central SC (https://www.facebook.com/eljimadorviejoII/)
My daughter Ashlyn calls this one "the townhouse" because of its three-story layout and I think that is the perfect description. The vibe here is unlike anywhere else in the area. Fun, lively, and the food never disappoints.
Los Amigos, Seneca SC (https://www.losamigosofseneca.com/)
My Seneca go-to. Order the Texas Margarita and the fajitas and you will not need anything else. One of my favorite casual dinner spots in the area.
Nicer Dinners
Rick Erwin's, Clemson SC (http://rickerwins.com/clemson)
When you want a proper dinner out in Clemson, Rick Erwin's is the answer. Excellent steaks, fresh seafood, an extensive wine list, and a polished dining room that feels appropriate for any occasion, whether it is an anniversary, a celebration, or just a night you want to feel like you treated yourself.
Paesano's Italian Restaurant, Seneca SC (paesanositalian.com)
Paesano's has been a Seneca institution since 1992 and for good reason. Family owned and operated by Frank and Kathleen Messana, everything is made from scratch daily. The kind of Italian restaurant where you feel like a regular by the time you finish your first meal. Ranked the number one restaurant in Seneca on TripAdvisor and it earns it every time.
Pizza
Joe's New York Pizza, Patrick Square, Clemson (https://joesnypizzaupstate.com/)
Best pizza in the Clemson area. Joe's is the real deal: New York style, done right. Located in Patrick Square, it is the kind of place locals know about and visitors are always glad someone told them about.
Ice Cream
Handle's, Clemson SC (https://handelsicecream.com/)
Handle's is the answer to every ice cream question in Clemson. Massive portions, incredible flavors, and the kind of place that becomes a post-game, post-closing, post-anything tradition. If you are new to the area, this is your first stop after you get your keys.
Local Breweries
Kite Hill Brewing, Patrick Square, Clemson (https://kitehillbrewing.com/)
Kite Hill is one of my favorite spots in Clemson for good reason. The turkey pesto sandwich is genuinely one of the best things I have eaten in this area. They have a fantastic outdoor space where kids can run around, live local music on weekends, and a rotating selection of exceptional fresh brews alongside plenty of options for people who do not love beer. A perfect afternoon spot for families and adults alike.
Keowee Brewing, Seneca SC (https://keoweebrewing.com/)
Keowee Brewing is my Seneca brewery of choice. The chicken sandwich is outstanding, the outdoor space is great, and the atmosphere is exactly what you want from a lake-town brewery. Fresh, locally crafted beers plus a full selection for non-beer drinkers. A must-visit if you are spending a day near Lake Keowee.
Hidden Gems: What Makes the Golden Corner Special
People who move to Clemson, Seneca, and the surrounding area almost always say the same thing within the first few months: they had no idea it was this beautiful or this good.
Here are a few of my favorite things about living in this corner of South Carolina that you might or might not find on a tourist map.
Lake Keowee
One of South Carolina's largest and most beautiful lakes, with over 300 miles of shoreline. We love spending time at The Cabana at The Lighthouse on Keowee, a perfect spot on the water for food, drinks, and views that remind you why people move here.
The Waterfall on Lake Keowee
A hidden gem that locals love. Worth seeking out for a swim or just to see it.
Clemson Marina on Lake Hartwell
A great outdoor space on the water with plenty of room for kids to play while you have lunch on the lake. One of our family favorites.
Salute Wine Shoppe, Seneca SC (salutewineshoppe.com)
Salute is a small enoteca tucked along Clemson Blvd in Seneca that feels like a genuine discovery every time you walk in. Whether you are picking up a bottle to take home or settling in to explore a flight, the atmosphere is warm, the selection is curated, and the whole experience slows you down in the best possible way. Exactly the kind of local gem that makes Seneca feel special.
The Painted Line Studio, Seneca SC (paintedlinestudio.com)
Right next door to Salute, The Painted Line is a pottery painting studio that is genuinely fun for all ages. Perfect for date nights, birthday parties, family afternoons, rainy days with kids, or just a creative outlet when you need one. No experience required and no judgment served. Ashlyn loves this place and honestly, so do I.
Stumphouse Tunnel
A fascinating piece of Civil War-era history tucked into the mountains of Oconee County. Cool, literally and figuratively, on a hot summer day.
Waterfalls of Northern Oconee County
The northern part of the county is home to dozens of waterfalls worth exploring. From Issaqueena Falls to Oconee Station Falls, this area rivals anything you will find in the Blue Ridge.
Chau Ram County Park, Westminster SC
One of Oconee County's best kept secrets. A beautiful park along the Chauga River with trails, a waterfall, and a campground. A perfect day trip.
City of Clemson Events
The City of Clemson puts on free events throughout the year that are genuinely wonderful. Outdoor concerts, festivals, holiday celebrations. It is one of those things that makes you realize small-town life in South Carolina is not a compromise, it is a lifestyle upgrade.
Clemson University Athletic Events
Many Clemson University sporting events beyond football are free or very low cost and genuinely excellent. Women's soccer, baseball, track. The facilities are world class and the atmosphere is hard to beat.
Downtown Seneca Christmas Lights
Every year, downtown Seneca puts on a Christmas lights display that is a must-see. If you are new to the area and wondering if this community has that small-town magic, this is it.
Real Estate Agents
Finding the right real estate agent is just as personal as finding the right mortgage lender. Every buyer and seller has different needs, communication styles, and goals, and the best agent for your situation is the one who fits your story, not just the transaction.
I work with some truly exceptional agents across Clemson, Seneca, Easley, and the Golden Corner every day. If you are looking for a recommendation, reach out and tell me a little about what you are looking for. I would love to help connect you with someone who is the right fit for you specifically.
This list will keep growing as the Golden Corner keeps surprising me. If you have a favorite I missed, send it my way. I am always looking for the next great local find.
And if you are thinking about buying a home in Clemson, Seneca, Easley, or anywhere across Pickens, Oconee, or Anderson County, I would love to be part of your story too. Learn more about home loans in Upstate SC or reach out directly. Let's get you home.
Nicole Reeves | Sr. Mortgage Banker | Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group
NMLS #1402066 | (864) 533-0548 | NicoleReeves@AtlanticBay.com