Hickory Knob State Park
Hi Frank,
I wish you’d have been available to take this trip with me. It was as if it were designed for a frog’s pleasure. Along the way, on the 3-4 hour drive to Hickory Knob State Park (located on Strom Thurmond Lake, northwesterly from Charleston, very close to the Georgia/South Carolina border) there were lush, verdant areas filled with every possible shade of grass and ferns lining the ponds and rivers that crossed under the highways as I made my way up the back roads. I’ve always loved driving through the little towns and admiring the peaceful countryside.
The trip took only 3.5 hours of listening to a few podcasts and Audrey Assad’s CD entitled “Inheritance” to get me there. Want to listen?
Recently, I told my friend, Tom, of a game I like to play on these road trips, guessing the denomination of each church I see up ahead. The subtleties of architectural style give them away. Once I get to the sign on a church, I’m thrilled to see (lots of times 😉 that I’ve guessed correctly! Here’s a nice one:
Historic First Presbyterian Church, Barnwell, South Carolina
After passing through many small towns, seeing the usual gas stations and Family Dollar store, making my way through the main square lined with courthouse, shops and churches, I found myself crossing over the lovely Savannah River, getting closer to the destination.
Down the final 2-lane highway outside of McCormick, SC, I made the turn into Hickory Knob State Park Resort and saw that I was in for what would be an especially great experience.
The roads leading into the park are beautifully lined with the tallest of trees and the 18-hole golf course demanded that you stop to admire the view.
Immediately catching the eye are the impeccably-kept grounds. The rolling hills and valleys of the fairway are like velvet. The forests of trees and spectacular open views of the lake will simply take your breath away.
As I wound my way through the park, small signs directed the way to the campsites, the cabins, the lodge, golf clubhouse, tackle shop, archery and skeet shooting areas.
A few miles in, I parked in the circular drive of the main lodge to check in, noting that behind the lodge were tennis courts and a sparkling blue swimming pool. Once I received my door key, I paused to checked out the lodge’s common area, equipped with large sitting areas, pool tables and even a grand piano. I sat down for a minute to play my old favorite, Moon River ☺, then checked out the rest of the lodge.
Back in the car, I easily made my way around a super looking large playground area and down to the parking spot right in front of my door, #319, overlooking the lake.
319 was spacious with two queen beds, a tv, mini refrigerator, microwave and coffeemaker. Also provided were toiletries, iron and ironing board, extra blankets — all the things you’d expect of a good hotel room, but not the things I thought a state park would provide. What a pleasant surprise. All this for an amazingly economical $80/night.
The balcony had two chairs and a table for early morning coffee or an evening refreshment, with a gorgeous view of the lake. I saw great fishing spots down below with a walkway leading to the water. They’ve thought of everything.
Photo: Michael Edwards
After checking my email (WiFi is provided) I snuggled into bed to read and fell asleep to the sound of raindrops. Next day, I put on swimsuit and coverup and made my way up the short hill to the pool, stopping to take a look in the lodge once again, this time to check out the restaurant. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner menu items as well as a buffet.
The gift shop was full of colorful and fun things. I was impressed by the quality clothing and books, so much so that I brought some home, of course!
After some time in the sun, I went on an outing with map in hand, to snap some photos of the rest of this cool place.
First, to the boat ramp. The view was calling me. I noted for future trips that there are kayaks and canoes to rent. I watched as a guy in a pretty red truck backed his matching red boat down into the water and I chatted with him a moment. Later, he’d dock his boat there at the tackle house and marina to clean his fish at what I saw was a pretty nifty place equipped with stainless steel cleaning table. His boat can dock there at the marina throughout his stay.
Photo courtesy of Michael Edwards
Passing by the Archery Range (maybe next time I’ll bring Uncle David’s bow and arrows!) and Skeet Shooting area, I made my way down the way to the Golf Clubhouse. Take a look at this …
(This photo courtesy of Brian Lacy)
Doesn’t it make you want to play? Inside the Clubhouse, of course the decorator in me noticed the comfy plaid and leather chairs, and the fun navy carpet adorned with a golf club pattern. There were well-appointed locker rooms and a lushly landscaped patio area overlooking the lake and the driving range. Plus, there’s a Grill with a complete menu!
I was hesitant to even enter the pro shop, thinking the prices would be beyond what I’d want to spend. What a pleasant surprise to see that Hickory Knob’s prices were slashed by two-thirds the regular retail price and were not sale prices – they’re year-round. Cute skirt/skort, huh, and it’s a well-known golfer brand.
Back for an early lunch at the lodge restaurant, I decided on the salad bar which had lots of good veggies, seeds and cheeses to add to my salad bowl, in addition to pickled okra, grated hard boiled egg, olives and croutons. While the staff made ready for the lunch crowd I took a look at the buffet — crispy fried chicken and fluffy mashed potatoes along with a variety of vegetables. The restaurant is a happy surprise — with great food.
After checking out this super vacation spot, I wound my way out of the park, saying goodbye to a special place with especially nice staff. Since storm warnings were coming through the weather channel AND through messages from my children, I thought it would be best to avoid the flooding and get myself back home.
It was a great discovery – Hickory Knob State Park Resort – just an hour or so north of Augusta. Come go with me next time. Just send me a message and I’ll start packing! You’re going to love it.
