Nothing but Pride - Living in Clemson, South Carolina

Prior to moving to Clemson, South Carolina, I frequently visited the area to see friends and take small vacations from the busy tourist streets of Charleston. I loved the quaint downtown which being as small as it is, still bustled with large numbers of college students and local families. I loved the 360° views of the lakes, the trees, and the mountains (things you tend to appreciate much more once you live in the city). However, I was worried that in moving to Clemson, there was one thing I would grow tired of and become annoyed with very quickly --- the color ORANGE.

Orange is everywhere you go! The stores downtown are all decorated in bright orange and Tiger paws. I've never seen so many people drive orange cars or wear orange clothes on a daily basis. Even the usually red Bilo sign...is orange. Never being a huge fan of sports, this town and its locals enveloped a pride I just couldn't grasp. I worried that in the end it would only drive me insane.

Soon after moving, however, my feelings changed. That bright orange is what ties this area together. People cannot get enough celebrating of their Clemson teams and how they make this small area of South Carolina stand out on the map. Sitting around the restaurants and sports bars in town on game days, you can't help but participate in the excited shouting and cheering even hours before the game is scheduled to start. Supposedly, even the tailgating events are larger than those of Pro-games. That pride even continues on throughout all of South Carolina with school alumni and long-time fans.

So, yes I love the old downtown, the country breeze, and the distant mountains and lakes, but I also love that Orange Pride that I now accidentally find myself a part of. I haven't been driven insane...I've only felt more at home. You can even catch me on game days --- proudly sporting my own bright orange jersey and Tiger paw earrings!!

Kristina Deaton, Sales Agent
Weichert Realtors, The WaterLinks Group
Contact at (731) 612 - 7587
Email - kristina@wrwaterlinks.com

www.WRWaterLinks.com