Things to Do in Clemson

From fly-fishing to kayaking to whitewater rafting, Endless River Adventures keeps aquatic adrenaline junkies fixed with daily river tours, boating equipment rentals, and regularly scheduled international trips. The local staff of multi-talented water buffs coordinate full- and half-day tours down the Nantahala, Ocoee, and Cheoah rivers, allowing clients to opt for guided or unguided expeditions depending on their level of experience and fluency in turtle. Mindful of the growing scarcity of natural splendor, Endless River Adventures participates in a number of eco-friendly efforts that support Nantahala Gorge and endangered waterways overseas.

A heavy mist settles over the rolling hills of High Point Farm each morning and slowly dissipates as the sun rises to reveal the arenas where Cindy Thaxton and her staff train horses and riders. The farm, which was established in 1993, spans 35 acres and includes several facilities. In its world-class competitive arenas, Cindy helps develop harmony between her students and the horses while sharing her own passion for dressage, equitation, hunters, and jumpers. A USDF silver and bronze medalist in her own right, Cindy has led six students to silver-medal status. She practices a multidimensional teaching approach, instructing competitive students as well as those with little interest in racing against their horses.

Georgia Aquatic Center keeps amphibious folks well hydrated with four pools specifically designed for fun and fitness. Catering to the young, the young at heart, and recently switched Freaky Friday victims, the outdoor beach and slide pools boast easy-access ramped entry, three tube slides, an ever-sprinkling sprayer, and a splashy manmade waterfall. Indoors, the competitive and aerobics pools are tailored to lap swimmers and lesson takers, maintaining a constantly balmy temperature of 82–85 degrees. These temperature-controlled oases can also be rented out for birthday parties regardless of the season, and provide a training ground for swim teams, stroke-and-turn clinics, and lifeguard training.

As matriarch of the equestrian-loving McCarty family, Dixie McCarty invites visitors to Heart of Dixie Farms to share the fun of horseback riding through lessons and trail rides. When not teaching at the farm, she teaches agriculture at the middle-school level, and lends each of her lessons a considerate yet authoritative tone. Instruction covers riding disciplines ranging from Western and English pleasure to the basics of timed events, which might include barrel racing. Students can take their newly acquired skills from the 220'x90' sand arena to the farm’s network of shaded trails or nearby Watson Mill Bridge State Park.