Anderson resident Tim Todd has spent the past 30 years inviting people to discover the Upstate region of South Carolina. And while the coronavirus pandemic has slowed tourism in many parts of the country, it has spurred a rediscovery of South Carolina’s upcountry.
“It’s not just people from the outside the area, but people who live here and may have lived here for a long time are discovering that they’ve got a state park or a county park, or these great waterfalls or lakes like Jocassee, Keowee or Hartwell basically in their backyard,” Todd said. “Of all the bad things that have come out of (COVID), I think there have been some good things like people who now realize how many things are available to them just within a short drive.”
A native of Walhalla in nearby Oconee County, Todd graduated from Clemson University and has spent the past three decades with Upcountry SC. Established in 1978, the regional tourism development and promotion agency serves Anderson, Cherokee, Greenville, Oconee, Pickens and Spartanburg counties, working closely with local tourism organizations like Visit Anderson to drive visitors to local attractions and events.
A region known for its numerous outdoor and nature-based activities like waterfalls, rivers, lakes, hiking trails, state parks and national forests, the Upstate is the perfect spot for those looking for places where they can socially distance and be in the great outdoors, Todd said.
“I’ve been fortunate to be able to encourage visitors to come to this area and enjoy the many wonderful resources that are available in the Upcountry region,” Todd said. “I live in Anderson now, and the growth and development that is happening there is making it a destination for visitors and improving the quality of life for Anderson County residents.”
One of the Anderson area’s best-known assets, Todd says, is Lake Hartwell which welcomes millions of visitors each year. Facilities such as Green Pond Landing & Event Center on Lake Hartwell have enhanced the county’s ability to bring world-class fishing events to the area and added to the recreational offerings for area residents.
Another asset is the area’s climate with four distinct seasons, Todd says, and this time of year is also about welcoming leaf peepers.
“This time of year, it’s very beautiful,” Todd said. “You can go horseback riding, whitewater rafting or out on a lake, hike or just drive to see all the beautiful fall colors we have in late October and early November.”
For more information on things to see and do in the Anderson area, go to VisitAnderson.com. For information on discovering and exploring the Upstate, visit UpcountrySC.com.
