Oconee Magazine September 2010 : Page 10
Riding The CAT
Clemson Area Transit is the largest zero-fare bus line in terms of ridership in the United States. That means residents and visitors alike can enjoy free transportation from the heart of Clemson University to surrounding areas in Oconee, Pickens, and Anderson. Want to day trip? Pack a picnic, load your bikes and climb aboard one of the purple and orange buses and spend a day - or two - enjoying the sites along CAT’s seven routes. Here’s a few points of interest to get you started<br /> <br /> <b>Downtown Central</b><br /> <br /> The Town of Central received its name from its geographic location, being the halfway or central point between Atlanta and Charlotte along the former Atlanta and Richmond Air-Line Railway line. Railroad and history buffs will enjoy the Central History Museum, the Red Caboose, and Collins Ole Towne. Souther Wesleyan University, a small liberal arts college, offers cultural and arts, and the revitalized downtown retains its Victorian architecture while burgeoning with new shops and restaurants.<br /> <br /> <b>Pendleton Square</b><br /> <br /> The town of Pendleton was founded in 1790 and is one of the largest historic area in the entire United States. The town boasts lovely historic homes and plantations, a town square around a village green, and a host of antique and specialty shops. Enjoy classic small-town America!<br /> <br /> <b>Clemson University</b><br /> <br /> Clemson University — South Carolina’s land-grant and highest-ranked institution — is home to the Clemson Tigers and offers visitors a wealth of historic, cultural, and sporting sites to tour. Spend the day visiting historic Fort Hill, the home of statesman John C. Calhoun and later Thomas Green Clemson, the University’s founder, exploring Clemson’s rich military heritage, or visiting Death Valley, home to Clemson Tigers football. For a complete listing of campus venues, visitors should contact the Clemson University Visitors Center at 864.656.4789.<br /> <br /> <b>South Carolina Botanical Gardens</b><br /> <br /> The South Carolina Botanical Garden is a diverse 295 acres of natural landscapes, display gardens, and miles of streams and nature trails. Together with distinguished education and outreach programs, a nationally recognized nature-based sculpture collection, and the Bob Campbell Geology Museum, the SCBG is a premier site for experiencing nature and culture.<br /> <br /> <b>Ram Cat Alley in Seneca</b><br /> <br /> Located in the historic district of downtown Seneca, Ram Cat Alley is home to one-of-a-kind shops, restaurants and festivals. Named because of the throngs of cats lured by the flatbed carts carrying fish and meat from the nearby railroad depot, Ram Cat Alley is both charmingly historic and elegantly sophisticated. This pedestrian-friendly block of locally owned stores and restaurants is a great place for friends and family to meet for good food, unique shopping and fun events.<br /> <br /> <b>55 Exchange</b><br /> <br /> Clemson Ice Cream & Blue Cheese Thanks to Clemson University’s Class of ‘55, the ‘55 Exchange is a favorite for Clemson’s famous ice cream and blue cheese. A student run retail operation, ‘55 Exchange has become known as “The Sweet Spot” of the CAT route. Stop in for some homemade goodness on your tour of the area.
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