There are multiple exciting get-involved events for students each week and several practical dining services on campus. However, exploring outside the Presbyterian College campus also offers a refreshing experience and fosters meaningful memories. 

Below is a list of things to do and hidden gems in Clinton, South Carolina, from a local like me who has resided here for nine years. 

Dining and Desserts

• Wilson’s Curb 

A Clinton classic since 1958, Wilson’s Curb Market is a family-owned business known for its excellent service and delicious signature American foods. Owner Paul Wilson has strengthened a welcoming atmosphere where Presbyterian College students and locals gather to enjoy authentic American dishes like the famous Southern bird dog sandwich and pimento bacon cheeseburger.

In addition to that, the locals often gather in Wilson’s Curb because it has promoted a community hub, where friendships are created and memories developed.

According to the Visit Laurens County SC webpage, “Paul’s wife, Robin, Wilson’s Curb Market offers a true taste of Southern hospitality in Laurens County.” 

Wilson’s Curb is in downtown Clinton, at 210 W Main Street. 

• Senior Garcia 

Acknowledged by many PC students, Senior Garcia is known for its variety of Mexican food and convenient service. PC’s student organizations and Greek life often gather to enjoy appetizing meals in the restaurant. 

Furthermore, Senior Garcia features a beautiful interior design inside the restaurant. The warm lighting and the Spanish-style architecture complete the comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. 

My personal favorite is Caldo de Pollo because this soup from Latin America includes chicken and vegetables that can warm your belly during the cold weather. 

• Dempsey’s Pizza 

Located at 910 Broad Street, Clinton, Dempsey’s Pizza provides a fantastic ambiance for families and friends to gather and enjoy delicious pizza. Dempsey’s Pizza is popular in Clinton because of its famous pizza buffet. 

Moreover, this family-owned restaurant received 2,000 plus five-star reviews on Google. The most admired dishes from the menu are their house specials: Tony’s Pimento Cheese, Bert’s Pizza, and the chocolate chip pizza-style slices. 

• Crave Clinton 

Crave Clinton is a smoothie and juice bar that offers a selection of healthy shakes and energizing drinks. One of the best things about Crave Clinton is their creative names for their tea. For example, Razzle Dazzle is a combination of red and blue raspberry. Another one includes Feelin’ Fruity with a mixture of pomegranate, dragonfruit, and peach. 

Last but not least, their menu also includes a tea called Blue Hose! This tea mixes blue punch and blue raspberry! Crave Clinton is located in downtown Clinton right at 104 North Broad Street, beside the hair salon The Bohemian Color Lounge. 

• Lickin’ Good Donuts 

Popular for its taste, Lickin’ Good Donuts serves the community with sweet passion. This local business bakes multiple flavors of donuts that satisfy one’s sweet tooth. 

From my personal experience, the level of sweetness on their donuts is in the just-right category because it is often fresh right out of the oven. One essential piece of advice from a local such as myself is that the early bird gets the donut (literally). 

Lickin’ Good Donuts is located at 801 South Broad Street in Clinton. 

Honorable mentions: Steamers, The Pastures, Japan Diner, Blue Ocean Restaurant, and Trotters Restaurant. 

Outdoor Activities 

• Musgrove Mill

The Battle of Musgrove Mill is a historic site that highlights the American Revolutionary War on August 19, 1780. 

According to the official website of South Carolina Parks, “This battle between 200 Patriot militia and a joint force of 200 Loyalist militia and 300 British Provincial troops was a surprising Patriot victory and a major turning point during the Revolutionary War.” 

The historical park includes a battlefield trail and the scenic Horseshoe Falls, which has a unique story and an overlook accessible by a paved trail. The admission fee costs $3.00 for adults, $1.50 for SC seniors, $1.00 for children ages 6-15, and free for ages 5 and younger. Lastly, pets are allowed in most outdoor areas with a leash. 

For more information, visit Battle of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site, SC

• Millers Fork 

Managed by Clinton Canopy, a non-profit organization, Millers Fork is a natural surface trail that follows the course of the Millers Fork stream. This green space offers free admission and exquisite wildflowers. 

From the official website of Clinton Canopy, Millers Fork is found if you turn at the QT on Highway 72 onto West Corporate Center Drive. In a quarter mile, turn right into a gravel entrance and down the hill to parking. 

To learn more about Millers Fork, visit Clinton Canopy: Millers Fork

• Lake Rabon Park 

Located in Laurens, the neighboring town of Clinton, Lake Rabon is maintained by Laurens County Water and Sewer (LCWSC). This public lake park is popular for its paved trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and fishing pier. The admission is free and the picnic shelters are required for reservations. 

Lake Rabon is an ideal place to relax because of its calming scenery. This place is also compatible with birthday parties because of the picnic pavilions. I often find myself here as a local because it radiates a simple and quiet atmosphere. 

To discover more details about Lake Rabon, visit SC Trails: Lake Rabon Park

Honorable mentions: Little River Park, Laurens City Parks and Recreation Baseball Fields, and Lake Greenwood State Park.