"Make your heart like a lake, with a calm, still surface, and great depths of kindness."-Lao Tzu
Our family has had two lake trips in the past year and I have to say, we are hooked. Many of our readers know that we love to travel with our immediate and even our extended family which can be quite a large group. This can make planning a family trip a challenge. Where do you all go? What do you all do? And most importantly, where do you all stay???
Lake Jocassee and Lake Keowee have become a staple vacation spot for The Adventurous Alfords for many reasons but the most alluring reason would have to be the crystal blue water with hills and mountains as a backdrop. That pretty much sums up the answer on "where do you all go?". With countless activities from kayaking to boating, there is something for every person in your group. There are also many boat rental places nearby so definitely be sure to find a place to stay with a private dock. And that is a sum up on "what do you all do?".
Which brings me to "where do you all stay?". I have so many Airbnb's of interest saved on my personal account. Places that I would love to visit, places best suited for Garrett, I, and the kids and places suited for a much larger group. With my mother in law's birthday around the corner, I knew a weekend away (preferably less than 5 hours drive) with our large immediate family, would be a memorable way to celebrate. Which brings me to this incredible Airbnb. I have to start with the house itself... WOW. So clean, updated, beautiful... You feel at home the moment you arrive. This house is owned by an amazing couple, Ryan and Racheal, who are available via messaging, for any questions you may have about the property. The house itself comes with a private dock that includes paddle boards and kayaks! Our weather was super cold but that did not stop our crew from bundling up and taking the kayaks out for a spin.
This house sleeps up to 16 guests, three rooms on the main floor: two holding king beds and one holding a queen. Then, three rooms on the lower level: two holding queen beds and one room with two sets of twin bunks. One of the queen rooms on the lower level also shares a space with an additional twin bunk. So. Much. Space. The cost is completely affordable once divided amongst the multiple families that can stay here together. Enjoy your meals at the large dining table inside or on the spacious screened in porch outside on the main level while overlooking the property grounds and beautiful lake views. You truly are on lake time when staying at this Seneca, SC home. And if all of that were not enough, the kiddos in your crew will have an absolute blast on a rainy day playing ping pong, foosball, and dozens of board games that are available in the house. There are also a couple of fishing rods with a tackle box, a fire pit, Disney+, and a full kitchen with all of the tools to prepare a fantastic meal. My husband grew up with his family always staying at the same beach house every summer in Hilton Head SC his entire childhood. There is something so comforting and full of tradition when you have a place that becomes your second home year after year. This home in Seneca SC on Lake Keowee is sure to be one of our newest traditions and yearly vacation spots from here on out. When you're here, you're home.
So what to do besides all of the listed above? Isaqueena Falls is a short drive away and offers walking trails that boasts views of the gorgeous falls and the Stumphouse tunnel. According to DiscoverSouthCarolina.com, the Stumphouse tunnel is the remnants of an 1850s endeavor to connect the port of Charleston to the Midwest cities. It is most definitely a site to see. To enjoy this park to it's fullest, bring a picnic lunch and enjoy it with the falls peaceful roaring in the background.
As you can see, even in the dead of winter, this place is an enchanted oasis nestled on the crystal blue waters of Lake Keowee. But my intentions are definitely set on returning during warmer temps to take full advantage of all of the outdoor living this place offers. And as for booking your stay... you might want to pull your calendars out now and reserve this Airbnb asap. It really is a gem that will not be available for last minute planning for long. Once the word gets out about this outstanding rental, any more than it already has, it will be a vacation home that stays booked constantly, trust me. I want each of you to pack up the family or group of friends and reserve your piece of summer on the magical Lake Keowee!
Cheers!
The Adventurous Alfords