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!

Pendleton is a charming Southern town known for its rich history, picturesque views, and friendly community. Though small in size, it offers an array of delicious dining options—from cozy cafés to classic Southern eateries. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, here are some of the best places to eat in Pendleton, South Carolina.

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.

Indulge in a culinary adventure in Clemson, SC, where a multitude of dining options await. From cutting-edge creations to timeless favorites, every restaurant promises a distinctive journey infused with warmth and flavor.

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.

Purchasing a new home is an exciting experience, filled with significant milestones and financial considerations. Before embarking on this venture, it’s essential to understand the nuances of deposits, down payments, and closing costs to make informed and confident decisions about your new home. To help, we break down these three terms below to make homebuying easier than ever.

When you purchase a home with Empire, your journey begins with a deposit, specifically the earnest money deposit. This initial deposit is required to secure the contract and is calculated as a percentage of the lot premium, base price of the house, and structural items. If you’re customizing your home from the ground up, additional deposit funds — a percentage of your Design Studio selections — is required after completing the design phase.

Our sales consultants can provide you with an estimated breakdown of the deposit and outline when they’re due. It’s important to note that 100% of the deposit provided at the contract and design stages is credited to you at closing, effectively reducing your down payment for the mortgage.

The mortgage down payment is a significant financial aspect of the homebuying process, representing your commitment to the investment. Typically based on the loan program, the down payment is paid at the time of closing. It can range from as low as 3% to as high as 20%, providing you with instant equity in your new home.

The deposit funds you’ve given to us are factored into the down payment calculation. The more you contribute upfront, the less you need to finance, resulting in lower monthly mortgage payments.

Closing costs are the final piece of the puzzle, involving a lump sum of money paid by the buyer at the scheduled closing date. This sum comprises the down payment plus the closing costs, minus any deposit or design funds given to us, and may also include closing cost incentives we offer.

To estimate your closing costs, plan for approximately 2% to 2.5% of the final purchase price of the home. Empire’s preferred lenders can provide accurate estimates for all mortgage-related costs, ensuring you’re well-prepared for this crucial step.

Example: You’re purchasing an Empire home with a final price of $500,000. Planning to make a 10% ($50,000) down payment, you’ve already paid a $23,000 deposit during the contract and design phases. Closing costs amount to $12,500, with Empire providing a $3,000* seller credit to help cover some of these costs.

In this scenario, your total amount due at closing would be roughly $36,500, calculated as follows: $50,000 (down payment) + $12,500 (closing costs) – $23,000 (deposit/design money) – $3,000 (Empire’s closing cost incentive).

*Amount varies by community.

Next, learn how to prepare for Empire’s new home releases, and discover why new homes are still the smarter long-term choice.

Aspiring homeowners, are you eagerly awaiting our next home release? Well, it might be time to start preparing. With the level of demand there is for our build-to-order homes, we’ve implemented steps to help manage the process of purchasing a home. In this guide, we’ll explain the essential steps to take before a new sales release to help secure that dream home.

Next, discover why new homes are still the smarter long-term choice and everything you need to know before buying a home in the Carolinas.

Welcome to Camellia Gardens, where the charm of Harrisburg, NC, meets the epitome of modern living. Nestled in this serene neighborhood are two exceptional model homes — the Redwood and the Madison. Discover the inspiration, design process, and distinctive features that make each home stand out.

Inspiration Behind the Design:

The driving force behind the design of these model homes was to create a distinct look for each. The Madison exudes a masculine and modern vibe, while the Redwood embraces a more feminine and transitional design. From the start of the design process through to the end, the goal of Unscripted Interior Design’s team has been clear — to create distinct identities for each home, ensuring that homeowners find a space that resonates with their unique tastes and preferences.

Design Process:

Crafting two distinct homes requires careful consideration. Instead of adhering to a single design, the Unscripted Interior Design team took a bold approach, opting for a modern and industrial concept for the Madison and a fresh, light, and bright aesthetic for the Redwood.

Unique Features of Each Room:

The Redwood:

• Kitchen & Breakfast Area: A built-in breakfast banquette provides additional sitting space and a casual dining area.
• Dining Room: A grand statement is made with ceiling details and slipcovered dining chairs which add softness.
• Family Room: The mix of materials creates a dynamic space, offering plenty of room for the whole family.
• Rec Room: A multi-use space with a modular sofa for various activities, from watching TV to hosting game nights.
• Premier Suite: Tonal trim details on the headboard wall bring a sense of calm.
• Covered Porch: Extra dining and seating areas for outdoor enjoyment.

To recreate the Redwood’s look, focus on natural materials, stained furniture, and soft upholstered items.

The Madison:

• Kitchen: Show-stopping countertops with natural movement in quartzite.
• Dining Room: Defined dining space with an area rug anchoring the table and chairs.
• Family Room: Modern and masculine aesthetic with dynamic lighting and clean lines.
• Loft: Playful paint details perfect for a kids’ space.
• Premier Suite: Sophisticated trim details incorporating art into the headboard wall.
• Flex Room: Ample storage and natural light create a space ideal for those who work from home.
• Covered Porch: Perfectly sized for a family lounge set.

To recreate the look, opt for clean lines, a mix of light and dark materials, and black-and-white photos or artwork.

What Stands Out:

The standout feature of both floorplans is their size and open-concept design. The Redwood’s soaring ceilings add a sense of grandeur upon entering, while the second floor in both models allows for versatile usage tailored to homeowners’ needs.

Materials, Textures, and Colors:

In the Redwood, a transitional coastal Americana style prevails with subtle red, white, and blue tones, complemented by natural materials like stained woods and natural fibers. The Madison embraces a modern design with a high-contrast palette, incorporating hints of yellow and abstract artwork.

Interested in seeing how we’ve designed some of our other model homes? Check out this modern farmhouse look in Gastonia and discover how we put a moody twist on contemporary.

From rate buydowns to design appointments and everything in between, we’ve compiled some of our most helpful homebuyer resources to make your experience of purchasing a new home seamless. Get ready to expand your knowledge and embark on one of the most exciting journeys of your life.

Looking for more resources to make the most of your homebuying experience? Check out our tips to prepare your finances when looking for a new home and learn what it means to buy a new home vs. resale in Charlotte.

Nestled in the heart of Upstate South Carolina, Simpsonville is a charming town that’s often overlooked. Located just a short drive away from our brand new Empire Holcombe community, locals know this small town is actually a treasure trove of cultural attractions, dining experiences, and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, nature enthusiast, or lover of all things art, this downtown area is sure to pique your interest.

For those who live in the area or are considering making the move, make sure to carve out some time to explore downtown Simpsonville. Here’s our guide of what to see and do while visiting Simpsonville, SC.

Does life near Simpsonville sound right for you? Learn more about our Holcombe community near Greenville, SC.

Next, discover the best outdoor adventures in the Carolinas, and the top wineries to visit on your stop to the Charlotte area.

Images courtesy of: Compass Real Estate (Downtown Simpsonville); CCNB Amphitheatre (Clock Tower); All Events (Simpsonville Arts Center); Pinterest (Stella’s Southern Bistro); Only in Your State (Heritage Park Railway); City of Simpsonville (CCNB Amphitheatre); Crexi (Downtown Simpsonville).