Culinary Offerings Top Seneca’s Hidden Gems

If you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys discovering local haunts and out-of-the-ordinary attractions, you’ll find plenty to get excited about in Seneca. Here are a few places to add to your itinerary:

N the Midst Ice Cream – This is not your standard ice cream shop. Here’s how it works: Choose ice cream, yogurt, almond milk or cashew milk as your base, then choose from two dozen flavors and more than 35 mixes and watch as liquid nitrogen is used to flash freeze your delicious handmade dessert.

Tiki Hut – Whether you arrive by boat or car, fun times await at this island-inspired bar and grill on Lake Keowee. Stop by for lunch, dinner or cocktails and take in the beautiful views of the scenic lake. Enjoy tropical drinks, craft beer, seven flat-screen TVs, live music on weekends, and weekly events like karaoke and Wednesday Wing Night.

Appellation Wine – With a variety of comfortable seating areas and a friendly staff, this neighborhood wine bar and wine shop is a favorite gathering spot to enjoy a glass of wine, craft beer and a charcuterie board or sweet. The ever-changing wine list explores wine regions from around the world.

Alexander-Hill House – Originally located on a plantation at the edge of Old Pickens, this two-story clapboard house was built in 1831 using mortise-and-tenon joints typical of upcountry pioneer architecture. In 1972, it was moved to High Falls County Park where it serves as an office and gift shop.

Time Drive In – Serving Seneca since 1959, this diner throwback specializes in cheeseburgers, chicken fingers, onion rings, french fries and the best homemade brown gravy in town.

The Whimsy Cookie Company – A sugar cookie like no other, these sweet treats are whimsically decorated to create a culinary work of art almost too good to eat. The menu also includes cookie bites, gooey butter cookies, chocolate dipped Oreos and a variety of specialty cookies.

Keowee Brewing Company – Founded by two Clemson University graduates, this friendly beer garden, beer bar and brewery features a variety of great beer brewed on-site, along with other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and a small menu of appetizers, sandwiches, flatbreads and farm-to-table salads.