Fall 2022 Travelers
Janet McHugh ’78 traveled to Egypt, visiting historic sites like the Great Sphinx and Great Pyramid of Giza.
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When in Greenville
My name is Josh Johnson — I graduated in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and in 2019 with an MBA in entrepreneurship and innovation. After graduation, I decided to put my roots down in Greenville, South Carolina, a thriving scene for new businesses. After a short stint in mergers and acquisitions, I put my MBA to use by starting my own Greenville-based company. This city speaks for itself, but let me show you a few of my favorite spots:
1 | Falls Park
Located in the heart of downtown, Falls Park boasts scenic views of Reedy River Falls, even more so from the Liberty Bridge, Greenville’s iconic pedestrian suspension bridge. And this area is surrounded by incredible restaurants and local artist shops, and it’s great for a jog, bike ride or stroll along the riverbank.
PRO TIP:
Book a stay in the Grand Bohemian Lodge, Greenville’s brand-new luxury hotel and spa overlooking Falls Park.
2 | Swamp Rabbit Trail and Unity Park
Looking for a unique place to exercise? Look no further than the Swamp Rabbit Trail, spanning roughly 23 miles from Greenville to Travelers Rest. Locals tend to take breaks along the trail and grab treats from the likes of Methodical Coffee, Community Tap, and the Swamp Rabbit Café and Grocery. Unity Park, the newest development along the trail, is a kid’s wonderland, complete with a splash pad, playgrounds, picnic tables and recreational grounds.
3 | Saturday Market
The TD Saturday Market is a decades-old downtown tradition. Every Saturday in May through October, over 75 vendors — selling everything from fresh produce and street food to local arts and crafts — line several blocks of Main Street from 8 a.m. to noon. Hit the market before an evening Clemson Football game for some tailgating snacks.
4 | Experience Clemson
Located within the ONE Main Street plaza building, which also houses Clemson’s MBA program, Experience Clemson provides a glimpse of campus life in Greenville. Stock up on Clemson gear and learn more about the University, especially if you are a future Tiger.
PRO TIP:
A replica of Howard’s Rock welcomes visitors and offers a classic Clemson photo-op!
5 | BMW Ultimate Driving Experience
Not exactly downtown, but close enough — this exhilarating course is situated directly behind the Spartanburg BMW plant, which employs over 11,000 associates in a 7 million-square-foot campus, which is responsible for producing all X model vehicles. BMW offers several different driving experiences for all levels, giving visitors the chance to test their skills in the “Ultimate Driving Machine.”
Interested in sharing the best eats and secret spots of your own city with fellow Tigers? Email shutto@clemson.edu for more information.
Summer 2022 Travelers
Ireland: Jim Lynch ’94 and his daughter, Alyssa Lynch ’23, traveled to Ireland “to visit the land of our ancestors, Galway.” They hiked in Connemara National Park with their Tiger Rag in tow.
When in Florence, Italy
Hi, I am Foy Renfro, owner of Journey To and Fro Travel in Atlanta and professional travel adviser. After graduating from Clemson in parks, recreation and tourism management in 1992, I have had the opportunity to visit several countries over the years, enjoying the wonderlust of travel!
Florence, Italy, is one of my favorite cities to visit, and I have been fortunate to find myself there a few times for both work and play. Located in Tuscany, Florence has the largest population in the region. Let me show you around:
Duomo di Firenze
Il Duomo di Firenze (Florence Cathedral), the Baptistery and Giotto’s Campanile (bell tower) are in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Florence’s historic district. Work on the cathedral began in 1296 and was completed when the iconic dome, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, was finished in 1436.
PRO TIP:
Purchase a 72-hour Duomo ticket that includes entry to the museum, the Baptistery and Giotto’s Campanile.
Ponte Vecchio and The Accademia
The Ponte Vecchio or “Old Bridge” is a medieval bridge that spans the Arno River — Florence’s only bridge to survive WWII. Located in the historic district, it connects the Pitti Palace to the Ufizzi Museum via a private corridor. Since 1593, the pedestrian bridge’s shops have only been occupied by jewelers, goldsmiths and silversmiths. The Accademia is also located nearby, which is home to Michealangelo’s David.
PRO TIP:
If you want to get a bird’s-eye view of Florence, make your way to Piazzale Michelangelo for a spectacular panorama of the city. It’s even better at sunset.
The Mercato Centrale
This expansive food hall, located behind the Basilica of St. Lorenzo, features many different culinary artisans of Tuscany. There is no need for reservations unless you want to eat in the restaurant, Tosca, or enroll in a cooking lesson. The stands offer pizza, pasta, fried fish, buffalo mozzarella and more — all fresh.
PRO TIP:
Taste the city’s signature Florentine Beefsteak or, if you have a sweet tooth, save room for gelato from Gelateria La Carraia or a sweet treat from Migone Confetti Firenze.
Santa Maria Novella Apothecary
Visit the Santa Maria Novella Apothecary on via della Scala, which operates in the historic area of the monastery built in 1221 by Dominican Friars, who created luxuriant perfumes, soaps, elixirs and more. Recipes are still used that date back to hundreds of years.
Day Trips
Florence is easily accessible by train, which makes it a good place to stay and take day trips from as well. Many, for example, visit nearby Chianti for lunch and wine tastings. The Castello di Verrazzano and Antinori nel Chianti Classico wineries are great for experiencing contrasting architecture styles.
Interested in sharing the best eats and secret spots of your own city with fellow Tigers? Email shutto@clemson.edu for more information.
Egypt: Janet McHugh '78
Janet McHugh ’78 traveled to Egypt, visiting historic sites like the Great Sphinx and Great Pyramid of Giza.
When in Fort Collins
Hello! I’m Hannah Halusker ’17, M ’20, a two-time Clemson alumna who now works in science communications at Colorado State University.
Last year, I traded the Appalachians for the Rockies and moved west to Fort Collins, Colorado. Boasting 300 days of sunshine per year and situated in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Fort Collins is the “Choice City” that many outdoor enthusiasts, like me, call home. Welcome to FoCo!
1 | Poudre Canyon
Starting high up in Rocky Mountain National Park and emerging just north of Fort Collins, the Cache la Poudre River drops 7,000 feet in elevation as it winds through Poudre Canyon. My first Colorado hikes took place on the canyon trails shared with campers, fly fishermen, rafters and kayakers alike.
2 | Bike Paths
When I moved to Fort Collins, a co-worker told me that there are two requirements for living here: owning a bike and owning a dog. I’m still working on the latter, though the bike paths in town are enough to stay occupied. Fort Collins is one of five platinum-rated bike-friendly communities in the U.S., with over 200 miles of dedicated bike lanes and 50 miles of marked or signed bike routes to explore.
3 | Horsetooth Reservoir
Named after the mountain that forms its western edge, the reservoir is surrounded by 1,900 acres of public lands — a go-to for boating, swimming, biking and rock climbing.
FUN FACT: Much of the water provided to eastern Colorado is diverted from the Western Slope under the Continental Divide and through a system of dams and canals. Water rights and conservation are hot topics as water becomes a more precious resource.
4 | Old Town
Put on the map when the railroad came to town in 1877, present-day Old Town was the business district of historic Fort Collins. Today, it’s the place to go for a night out, with more than 80 restaurants to choose from.
PRO TIP: Get an ice cream cone from Churn, a shop designed after an antique ice cream churn bucket, and stop into Sense of Place for a gift to take home.
5 | Breweries
The Napa Valley of Beer, the Brewmuda Triangle, the Craft Beer Capital of Colorado — there’s something about that Rocky Mountain water that attracts breweries to Fort Collins. The city ranks fourth in the nation for number of microbreweries per capita, with some of the big names including New Belgium Brewing, Anheuser-Busch and Odell Brewing Company.
Interested in sharing the best eats and secret spots of your own city with fellow Tigers? Email shutto@clemson.edu for more information.
When in Little Rock
Welcome to Little Rock! My name is Ray Owens, Class of 2002, and I work for the state of Arkansas, where I oversee the state’s Federal Tobacco Compliance Program.
In Arkansas, you will find acres and acres of parks and forests and endless miles of hiking and biking trails. There is also lots to see and do in the city, including great places to eat and landmarks to explore, and it all comes with Southern hospitality! I am proud to say I am a Little Rock local. Here are my top five recommendations for things to do in the capital:
1 | The Arkansas River Trail
If you like to be outdoors, the 88-mile River Trail is perfect. There is a 15-mile loop that runs through the city and along the banks of the Arkansas River. Also, there are several smaller loops and gardens to enjoy.
Pro Tip: There are three bridges — the Clinton Presidential Bridge, Junction Bridge and Broadway Bridge — that pedestrians can use to cross over the Arkansas River into North Little Rock.
2 | Museums
The Old State House Museum, the oldest surviving capitol building west of the Mississippi River, is my personal favorite. It has been the site of many important events in Arkansas history. Other museums in Little Rock include the Historic Arkansas Museum, Arkansas Arts Center, MacArthur Museum of Military History, Esse Purse Museum, Mosaic Templars Cultural Center and the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum, to name a few.
3 | The River Market
In the River Market District, the William J. Clinton Presidential Library is a must-see. Put political affiliations aside, if you must, and visit this amazing collection of artifacts, replicas and digital media dedicated to our 42nd president. The district also hosts the Museum of Discovery and Kilwins, both perfect outings for families. Live music is frequent because of the River Market Pavilions as well as the First Security Amphitheater.
Pro Tip: Park for free in the Clinton Presidential Library lot!
4 | Dining
Little Rock was recently named one of “Five Secret Foodie Cities” by Forbes Travel Guide. Little Rock’s craft brewery scene offers premier establishments, such as Flyway, Diamond Bear, Lost Forty and Stone’s Throw. Our family’s favorite restaurant is Iriana’s Pizza, located in the River Market District. If pizza is not your thing, try a delicious farm-to-table dinner at the Root Café or grab a steak at Samantha’s Taproom.
5 | Rock Region Metro Trolley
The trolley line is only 2.5 miles in length, but it goes through the historic downtown area and the River Market District and crosses the Arkansas River into North Little Rock. From the line, you can also easily walk to Dickey-Stephens Park and see a minor league baseball game. The trolley operators are city historians and will point out many interesting things along the route.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for surprise announcements of reduced or free trolley rates.
Interested in sharing the best eats and secret spots of your own city with fellow Tigers? Email shutto@clemson.edu for more information.
Fall 2021 Travelers
Hawaii: Chris Hollar ’84 took a trip to Volcanos National Park on the Big Island and saw the summit crater of Kīlauea, an active shield volcano.
Summer 2021 Travelers
Idaho: Darby Webb ’93 and her husband, Douglas Smith, went rafting in their custom-built Clemson raft down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River.
When in St. Croix
My name is Julie Abbott Hayne, class of ’94, and I am the owner and innkeeper of Coral’s Edge, a boutique, adults-only bed and breakfast on the Northshore of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. My husband is our on-site chef, and I have fun pairing everything with wine and cocktails. I left corporate America behind to open our small business and love sharing island life with folks who arrive as guests and depart as treasured friends who love St. Croix as much as we do!
1 | Cane Bay Beach
Only a half-mile bike ride from Coral’s Edge, Cane Bay Beach is perfect for lounging in the Caribbean sunshine, snorkeling or scuba diving St. Croix’s famous “Wall” just offshore.
Pro Tip: Enjoy a cocktail at the beach bar with live music by local musicians.
2 | Buck Island
Buck Island is a national monument off the East End of the island that you can only enjoy by boat. Take a catamaran or hitch a ride on a powerboat to amazing snorkeling.
3 | West End Beaches & Sandy Point National Refuge
There is no better place to treasure a gorgeous sunset than the westernmost point of the island, where you can also enjoy snorkeling with sea turtles, a sunset cruise on a catamaran, the Frederiksted Pier and some amazing restaurants!
Pro Tip: Islanders love to be greeted, and in the evenings, the authentic greeting is “Goodnight!”
4 | Point Udall on the East End
Point Udall is the easternmost point of any U.S. territory. Hike to Isaac’s Bay and Jack’s Bay to experience gorgeous views, stunning cliffs and warm waters.
Pro Tip: St. Croix is home to one of the world’s rare bioluminescent bays. Be sure to schedule a nighttime kayak tour.
Interested in sharing the best eats and secret spots of your own city with fellow Tigers? Email shutto@clemson.edu for more information.