Celebrating the 4^th of July is always an exciting time. Relaxing, spending time with family, eating delicious, but probably unhealthy food and watching fireworks truly make for a memorable holiday. For those lucky enough to have lakefront property, holidays are typically celebrated a little differently. So if you’re looking to make the most out of the holiday on your Lake Keowee property, be sure to check out some of these activities this year!

Morning Fourth Festivities

We must say that squeezing in a few extra hours of sleep on holidays is a magical thing, but we understand not everyone loves to do it. Even though sleeping in has its perks, getting an early and productive start is always a plus. So we thought it would be nice to include some morning activities to help get your blood flowing.

Local Races

If you’re feeling up to a morning jog, there are a few local 5Ks taking place on the Fourth. The Red White and Blue Shoes 5K takes place in nearby Greenville, South Carolina at 8 a.m. and admission is $30. This 5K boasts a newly updated race course that spans through some scenic views of Swan Lake. Be sure to stick around after the race for some free kid-friendly activities!

Even closer in Easley, South Carolina is the 32nd Annual Easley Firecracker Frolic 5K. Whether there be rain or shine, the race will promptly start at 7:30 a.m. Register before June 27^th to be eligible to receive a race t-shirt. Registration is $20 with an online surcharge fee of $2.50.

Another nearby Fourth of July 5K event takes place in Anderson, South Carolina. The Freedom Dream Walk/Run is $25 per entry with proceeds going towards the Outdoor Dream Foundation. The race starts at 7:30 a.m., but after that, you won’t have to worry about the clock because the race will not be timed. You’re welcome and encouraged to finish the race at your own pace!

An honorable mention on our list, only because of distance is a Columbia, South Carolina race. The Born in the USA Four Miler, like its name suggests, is a four-mile run that intentionally starts at 7:04 a.m. sharp, rain or shine. Entry fees are $30 with a t-shirt and $25 without one. Refreshments will be provided, with water stops throughout the race and proceeds from the race going towards the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society.

20 Amazing Health Benefits From Running a 5K | Train for a 5K

10 Reasons the 5K is Freaking Awesome | Runner’s World

Hiking

Waking up and getting the body moving is a great way to begin the morning. Did you know that not only has hiking been found to increase problem-solving skills & boosts attention spans, but the high altitude associated with hiking has also been proven to aid with weight loss! Those are some major perks to an amenity that you already have in your own backyard.

Lake Keowee and Lake Jocassee offer some of the best trails and hiking experiences that America has. Actually, Lake Jocassee or Jocassee Gorges was even dubbed National Geographic Magazine’s “50 of the World’s Last Great Places.”

The first stop on our list for hiking adventures is none other than Jumping Off Rock nestled in the Jocassee Gorges. Chances are you’ve probably visited this overlook once or twice. This spot offers one of the most undeniably sweeping scenic views of Lake Jocassee.   As you’re making your way up, be sure to take in your surroundings, including the waterfalls and other overlooks along the way. It’s like they say, it’s not about the destination, but the journey.

Another option for our adventurous folks is Keowee-Toxaway State Park. Depending on how you’re feeling, the two trails in this park offer similar difficulty levels but differ when it comes to distance. The Natural Bridge Nature Trail is only 1.3 miles, whereas Raven Rock Trail is a 4.4-mile loop. Feel free to hike around the trails or take a bike and enjoy some off-road terrain.

6 Must-Do Hikes in the South Carolina Upcountry | Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine

Jumping Off Rock Offers Breathtaking Views of Lake Jocassee | Discover South Carolina

Fishing

Fishing is always welcome on Lake Keowee with the lake offering some of the most popular fish in America. Typical Lake Keowee fish include the favorite Bass, with four species of black bass available. You can also find catfish, bluegill & crappie on the lake. If you’re looking to get a good bite, fishing on Lake Keowee is best during those morning hours before the water temperature skyrockets.

Local experts state that fishing on nearby Lake Jocassee can be a slightly better experience. Regional experts also mention that fishing during the morning is optimal and you can expect to get a lot of bites from a mix of brown and rainbow trout. You may be lucky to find the occasional bass on Lake Jocassee as well.

For those looking for some fishing hot spots, locals and natives have put together some of their favorite fishing spots that also offer a good bite. Buster Green has been fishing on the lake for more than 30 years and because of this, he has a few favorite areas, including the Jocassee Dam and the SC 11 Bridge. If you’re looking for more fishing spots on Lake Keowee, The Lake Keowee Website has a list of prime locations.

Lake Fishing Tips | Fishing Tips Depot

Best Times to Fish | Take Me Fishing

Parades

Parades are a great way to bring a whole community or city together and this year The Reserve at Lake Keowee is having a Parade in the Village which includes a golf cart parade! The Golf Cart Parade this year starts at 11 a.m.

Afternoon Activities

Boating

Not only is boating a family-friendly activity, but it is also a recreational activity that you can enjoy with friends. Whether you own a boat or not, it’s a great bonding activity. If by chance you are in need of a boat, there are two spots around Lake Keowee that off boat rentals. North of the lake, you’ll find Ship Shape Rental or head a little further south and rent from Lake Keowee Marina.

If you have some neighbors you’re interested in getting to know, invite them out to an afternoon of boating fun on the lake. It will be a great way to spend some face-to-face time and get to know each other. If your neighbors or friends also have their own boat, then challenge them to a friendly boating race.

While you’re on the lake, be sure to bring some fun lake gear like tubes, water skis, and wakeboards. Part of the experience of boating and owning Lake Keowee property is being able to interact with and have easy access to the water. If you’re tubing or riding water skis, startup a competition by timing each participant’s uptime and see who can stay on the longest!

Now you don’t have to partake in a water sport to enjoy boating. If you’d rather relax and take in the scenery then be sure to bring along some reading material, snacks, and sunscreen!

While I’m sure most people are interested in watching the fireworks, there are some that may be interested in stargazing. Another great way to enjoy the holiday is by staying out on the boat the whole day. Not only will you catch a beautiful sunset, but you may also catch a glimpse of the constellation Pegasus!

6 Boating Activities for Every Age | LMC Marine Center

Top Ten Reasons to Go Boating: Recreational Boating Activities | Discover Boating

Stargazing on Lake Keowee & What to Look For | Lake Keowee Real Estate Expert

Golfing

For those athletic individuals looking to start their morning on the green, The Reserve at Lake Keowee is only having a golf cart parade, but a Golf Cart Decorating Contest as well. This might not take a lot of physical effort, but a bit of creativity is welcomed! You may not be required to swing a “four,” but this can be a great family-friendly event.

If decorating isn’t your thing, feel free to spend the morning hours hitting the green with a few friends for a round or two of golf.

Evening Activities

Fireworks

The 4^th of July isn’t complete without a proper fireworks show! Being on the lake during a fireworks show is truly something spectacular. Not only is a show displayed across the sky, but the images reflected in the water offer an experience that you cannot get in the big city.

On Tuesday, July 3^rd there will be an Independence Eve Celebration at Walhalla Soccer Field from 6-10 p.m. This event will be free and fun for the whole family. Food vendors will also be on site offering some delicious grub. Be sure to bring a lawn chair or two, sit back and relax to some music and watch the kids enjoy a free bouncy house!

Locally, you’ll have your pick of where you’d like to go for fireworks. The Town of Salem will be having a Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration at Eagle Ridge Charter School Ball Field, starting at 6 p.m.  Food will be provided by local churches. All you need to bring are blankets and chairs. Not only will there be a car/tractor show but there will be free games as well. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. and parking is free!

The city of Seneca will also be partaking in the festivities with their own 4^th of July Celebration. The National Anthem will be performed by the Seneca High School Honors Chorale with live music provided by Funk Factory 5 and Stone Echo. The event takes place at Gignilliat Field at 6 p.m. and is free to the public.

There will also be a fireworks show at The Reserve at Lake Keowee this year starting at 9:15 p.m. on the Driving Range. We’ve already listed a few other events taking place at The Reserve at Lake Keowee, so feel free to make it an all-day event! If you need more convincing there will also be a cookout, slip and slide, burlap sack race and more.

As far as what would be considered the best fireworks show in South Carolina, we may have to let you be the judge of that!

Other Activities

Just because you have the day off doesn’t mean that you have to spend it at home alone or only with family, if you’re feeling up to it, you can host a block party! This is a great way to meet your neighbors and enjoy the holiday. Ask your neighbors to bring games, beverages, and even some potluck sides. Everyone can part ways towards the start of the evening or extend the party, enjoy each other’s company and have some fun with some sparklers!

The 59th annual Hillbilly Day will also be taking place again this year from 9-3 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. There will be food vendors on location as well as music provided by Bluegrass bands. Stick around and enjoy arts and crafts, a costume contest, quilt raffle, kid-friendly games and even horse-drawn wagon rides!

If you’re looking for a fun and interesting activity to ring in the fourth, then it might be interesting to check out the 2018 ClemsonFest. The 25^th Annual ClemsonFest takes place at 1569 Eighteen Mile Road. The festival starts at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 3rd with fireworks starting at 9:30 p.m. Music will be provided by a Carolina shag music band, Carolina Coast Band. The first 1,000 people there will get a free small American flag, so show up early! Admission is $5 per person or $10 per carload.

No matter what you end up doing this year for the holiday, just remember to enjoy your Lake Keowee property. Living on the lake has its perks so it’s imperative to get out and enjoy what’s in your own backyard!