Pendleton, South Carolina, is a charming town with a rich history and friendly faces. While it’s known for its historical significance, there’s much more to enjoy beyond its past. If you’re visiting Pendleton and want to explore activities that aren’t all about history, then here are some great options for your trip!

Tucked in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and just minutes from Clemson, Pendleton is a town where rich history, growth, and charm come together. Dating back to 1790, it was named after Judge Henry Pendleton, a Revolutionary War veteran from Virginia, and it quickly became significant in the Upstate of South Carolina.

Located at the heart of South Carolina, Clemson offers a mix of outdoor adventures and places to visit that are sure to captivate visitors. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a sports fan, or just looking for the next great spot, Clemson has something to offer everyone. Let’s dive into some of the top things to do and places to see in this vibrant city.

Whether delving into Earth’s ancient secrets, basking in the serenity of lakeside retreats, or unleashing your competitive spirit, Clemson invites you to immerse yourself fully. So come, embrace the spirit of tradition, the warmth of hospitality, and the beauty of nature in this enchanting city.

Discover how you can Prepare for Empire’s New Home Releases, and Try Culinary Delights in Clemson, SC. 

Explore our Sunrise community in Pendleton, South Carolina, just minutes from Clemson.

Everly Estates has much to offer discerning homebuyers — a location less than 15 miles east from downtown and near several military bases, beautiful homes and half-acre homesites. But perhaps this list of bonuses should begin with the fact it’s in San Antonio, a city much loved for its laid-back lifestyle, welcoming residents and diverse culture.

Named by Travel + Leisure as one of the best places to travel in 2025, San Antonio welcomes about 40 million people each year to stroll the Riverwalk, see The Alamo and enjoy the excitement of Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Imagine if all of this was in your backyard every day, along with cheering on Victor Wembanyama at a Spurs game, going on “safari” at the San Antonio Zoo in its newly expanded giraffe habitat, catching the sales at The Shops at La Cantera, trying one of the buzzy new restaurants at Pullman Market and indulging in fajitas and margaritas on the patio of La Fonda on Main any time you want.

San Antonio is the perfect place to settle, and if you want a home with room to roam, look no further than Everly Estates. With half-acre lots, Everly Estates allows you to build a spacious home surrounded by space for outdoor living. Install a pool for summer fun with family and friends. Devote a patch of yard for your own personal firepit for roasting marshmallows on chilly evenings. Let Junior call friends over for games of volleyball followed by burgers on the grill. You’ll have the space to do it all!

You’ll also have plenty of room to host friends and family inside your home. We offer eight floor plans in Everly Estates, including four spacious single-story homes that offer 2,700 to 3,391 square feet. Imagine four bedrooms, a home office and a game room all on the same floor. Three of the home designs can even be built with an upstairs bonus room for buyers who want a little more space.

Those seeking a lot more space can explore our two-story designs. These sizable floor plans range from 3,957 to 4,728 square feet, with four and five bedrooms as standard. All the two-story designs offer an upstairs game room and media room and most have downstairs flex space.

Reach downtown Austin for work, dining or a show in about 30 minutes. Drive just 15 miles to hop a flight at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Commute less than 20 minutes to the Tesla factory. The new X headquarters in Bastrop is even closer — just 12 miles away.

With so much so close, you might think you’d have to live in a neighborhood where homes are tucked close together and small yards are the norm.

Enter Double Eagle Ranch.

Located in scenic Cedar Creek, this community features homes on 1+ acre lots that are big enough for a pool — and a play yard. In fact, with that amount of space, almost anything is possible. Ever thought about planting a vegetable or flower garden? You can at Double Eagle Ranch. Want to install a putting green or have a dedicated zone where the badminton net is always up and ready? Do both! Extend your covered patio or build a second patio away from the house for a firepit.

Empire offers single-story floor plans range from 2,067 to 3,191 square feet and offer three to four bedrooms as standard. Of the two-story designs, one has all bedrooms down and only a game room upstairs. The Brackenridge, is a sprawling 3,952-square-foot home, has two bedrooms downstairs with two secondary bedrooms, a game room and media room upstairs.

Many of the floor plans offer significant customizations, including the addition of a hobby room, home office or extended patio. Bedrooms and bathrooms also can be added to most of the designs.

Homebuyers can further customize their homes at our design center, where you’ll work with a professional who will help you create a home that not only reflects your style but could be straight from the pages of a design magazine. Don’t have the time to build from the ground up? Quick move-in homes are also available.

Another bonus to Double Eagle Ranch is its proximity to outdoor fun. A 47-acre greenbelt along the Colorado River is minutes away. Year-round fun can be found nearby at McKinney Roughs Nature Park, Bastrop State Park, and Lake Bastrop.

Within easy reach of Austin, beautiful homes on acreage lots and the chance for outdoor adventures in the Texas Hill Country — Double Eagle Ranch really does have it all!

Article by: Community Impact

A new chapter is unfolding in Bastrop, Texas, with the launch of Adelton, a mixed-use, master-planned community that promises to blend verdant landscapes, thoughtful amenities and a keen sense of community. A short 20-minute drive east of Austin, Adelton aims to capture the small-town spirit of Bastrop, nestled between lost pines, winding rivers and wide-open spaces where residents can grow together as “neighbors by nature.”

“Our vision for Adelton is to create a vibrant community where families can thrive, surrounded by nature and a strong sense of belonging,” Benchmark Austin President Myra Goepp said. “It’s not just about creating housing; it’s about fostering meaningful connections among neighbors. We’re achieving this by offering convenient access to neighborhood services and retail within walking distance, designing homes with inviting front porches and alley-loaded driveways, and creating generous sidewalks and setbacks that provide intentional spaces for neighbors to come together.”

The residential offerings in Adelton will vary in type and size, ensuring a diverse range of options to serve residents at all stages of life.

“One size does not fit all here; we’re designing spaces that cater to young families, seniors, and everyone in between,” Goepp said.

The community will feature single- and multi-family homes in three distinct architectural styles—Modern Farmhouse, Hill Country Modern, and Craftsman—crafted by reputable builders David Weekley Homes and Empire Communities, both known for their quality construction and attention to detail.

In addition to the elementary school, future amenities will include a community pool, a center for gatherings and outdoor spaces designed for leisure and connection.

Strategically located with direct access to Hwy. 71, Adelton will position residents close to major employers such as Tesla, SpaceX and the Bastrop film studios, making it an attractive destination for both work and leisure.

“Living here means you’re never far from what you need, whether it’s employment opportunities or a quick trip to Downtown Bastrop,” Goepp said.

The community’s success is built on strong partnerships with local organizations. Roscoe Bank’s Bastrop branch, celebrating its 20th anniversary, has played a crucial role in supporting local initiatives and economic development.

“Their investment in the community reflects our shared commitment to growth and sustainability,” Goepp said.

Furthermore, McAllister and Associates, with over 30 years of experience in real estate, have ensured the vision of Adelton is brought to life seamlessly. Broker Spence Collins has been instrumental in facilitating these efforts, ensuring a collaborative approach to development.

“Adelton is a place where convenience meets nature, where neighbors become friends, and where families can grow and thrive,” Goepp said. “With the relationships we’ve cultivated with Roscoe Bank, David Weekley Homes, Empire Communities and McAllister and Associates, we’re not just building housing; we’re planting roots that will nourish the Adelton and Bastrop community for generations to come.”

As construction progresses and plans unfold, Goepp invites prospective residents and visitors alike to come and explore what Adelton has to offer.

“We’re excited about the future of this community and the opportunity it provides for a thriving, active and connected lifestyle in Bastrop, no matter where you are in life,” she said.

For more information about Adelton, visit www.adeltontx.com, watch the community video, or contact Tazeen Noor-Mclaughlin at tazeen@benchmarktx.net.

Bastrop offers the perfect blend of nature, community, and opportunity — discover three reasons why it’s an ideal place to grow something special.

We’ve had a blast welcoming new Empire Communities homeowners to Parmer Ranch in Georgetown. Everything about this community is outstanding, but there’ve been a few new developments we think current and future homeowners will love.

In September, H-E-B broke ground on a new store next to Parmer Ranch at the Parmer Ranch Marketplace shopping center. The 112,000-square-foot store is slated to open next year. It will include expanded product selection, car wash, fuel center and pharmacy. This is H-E-B’s third Georgetown location.

On the horizon is Parmer Ranch’s new amenity center. Scheduled to open next spring, the facility will offer residents multiple covered patios, outdoor televisions with plenty of comfy seating, a covered pavilion, playground, adult resort-style pool, kiddie wading pool with bubblers and spray jets, fully equipped fitness center and meeting spaces. The great room will feature fireplaces, televisions and the capacity for more than 80 guests. That’s not all, though. There will be an expansive lawn play area, a basketball court and two pickleball courts. We’re looking forward to seeing residents gather for resident-only activities hosted by the community.

Discover how our new model home at Parmer Ranch captures the essence of modern living in the picturesque Texas Hill Country.

Located at the southern fork of the Welland Canal, a timeless collection of detached homes and townhomes has been growing at Empire Canals. Many homeowners are already settled in, enjoying life in the Niagara Region with all of life’s necessities nearby. But in 2018, the bridge at Forks Road was closed down, removing some of the convenience residents of the area had come to rely on.

A testament to the commitment to infrastructure and efficiency of Niagara Region, Welland Mayor Frank Campion and the community’s Regional Councillor, Bonnie Fokkens, set themselves to the task of having the Forks Bridge rebuilt. Funded in a joint venture by government programs and the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program: Rural & Northern Stream alongside Empire Communities, this $13.6 million project commenced in late 2022.

On August 16th, 2024, the new Forks Road Bridge finally connected our community across the canal once more. But what does this mean for Empire Canals?

Located right down the street from our neighbourhood, the Forks Road Bridge makes getting around so much easier, and gives residents new freedom. With two lanes, two bike lanes, and a pedestrian walkway, it allows residents of Welland the ability to explore beyond their community without relying on a vehicle.

Prior to the completion of the new bridge, the next closest crossing was Townline Tunnel Road, an ambitious 40 minute walk from Canals. Forks Road Bridge is only 12 minutes on foot, meaning a stroll around the neighbourhood can include a beautiful walk across the water, admiring the incredible scenery all around.

Not only that, but with the ability to cross the canal without heading north, residents commuting into Port Colborne, stopping by Mud Lake or Wainfleet Conservation Areas, or travelling to one of the dozens of golf courses in the area is more convenient than ever.

But the most important improvement that the new Forks Road Bridge brings to Empire Canals is simple — safety and longevity. The original bridge was closed due to structural failure, and Welland acted fast to avoid disaster. This investment into local infrastructure ensures that residents of Welland are safe and protected in their day-to-day lives, with new and improved engineering guaranteed to exceed modern building codes and remain stable for years to come.

We’re planting the seeds for a bouquet of new homes in Flora, a new residential community coming to Hutto by our sister company, Empire Continental.

Flora will be 835 acres of exceptional living, with a location at the crossroads of county roads 394 and 133 just three miles from the heart of northeast Hutto. Austin and popular employment centers — including the new Samsung Austin Semiconductor plant — are a short drive away.

But you won’t have to leave the community looking for entertainment — you’ll find plenty right there.

With so much to offer in Flora, it’s fitting that we’re introducing two new series of floor plans to the Austin area. Our first, will be homes designed for 40-foot lots and priced from the low $300,000s. These homes will range from 1,527 to 2,649 square feet, offering three to four bedrooms and two to three bathrooms.

Larger floor plans for 50-foot homesites will range from 1,911 to 3,249 square feet an offering three to four bedrooms and two to 3.5 bathrooms.

Construction on two model homes will start soon in Empire Flora and expected to open in December.

Stay tuned for the announcement of pricing and the start of sales — we can’t wait to share these beautiful homes with you!

It’s shocking, in the very best of ways, and it’s all happening by 2027.

The massive investment by Honda/Asahi Kasei, with support from the Federal and Provincial governments, is the kind of news that will empower the economy in Niagara for generations to come. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ontario Premier Doug Ford recently joined company executives in announcing the largest local investment in over 100 years.