ONE-TANK TRIP: Anderson, S.C.: Electric City has powerful attraction

Formerly part of Cherokee territory, the city of Anderson, S.C. was founded in 1826 and named for a Revolutionary War hero, Gen. Robert Anderson. Mostly Scots-Irish farmers settled the region, producing crops that included cotton.

Anderson’s role as a manufacturing center was assured in the late 1800s when a local engineer, William Whitner, developed a network of wires to conduct electricity from its hydroelectric source. Anderson’s numerous textile mills could operate 24 hours a day all year long, and the first electric-powered cotton gin was put into service.

Because Anderson was the first city in the United States to have a continuous supply of electric power, it’s known as the Electric City.

Don’t Miss:

> SPLIT CREEK FARM & GOAT DAIRY. Commune with goats, chickens and other livestock, then stock up on artisan goat cheese at the working farm. The farm teems with baby goats during “kidding” season, which begins in late February and lasts to early June. An open house is held twice a year —- the next one is May 2. Come see Border Collies and Great Pyrenees demonstrate their herding and guarding skills. A shop is open year-round selling cheese, fudge, raw milk, milk soap products and eggs, as well as co-owner Patricia Bell’s folk art. 3806 Centerville Road. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 2-5 p.m. Sun.; admission free, tours $5 per person, 10-person minimum, call to schedule. 864-287-3921; www.splitcreek.com.

> Anderson County Museum. Notable displays include one on America’s wars from the Revolution to Afghanistan and Iraq, with memorabilia, uniforms and photos of service members from the local area. Another exhibit traces cotton’s path from the field to bales to manufacturing to finished products. Children will enjoy the half-sized one-room schoolhouse and miniature replica of a local mansion. 202 E. Greenville St. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tues., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wed.-Sat.; free admission; 864-260-4737; www.andersoncountysc.org.

> Anderson City Fire Department Museum. Explore antique fire trucks, uniforms, hose hand-carts and other firefighting equipment. Don’t miss the old fire alarm box. Tours of the modern fire station and the Safety House, where simulated smoke lets children experience what a real fire would be like, are available by pre-arrangement. 400 S. McDuffie St. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; 864-231-2256; www.cityofandersonsc.com

> Anderson Arts Center. Permanent and rotating exhibitions are on view in a renovated 100-year-old building. 110 Federal St. 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; free admission; 864-231-2200; www.andersonarts.org.

Where to stay

Evergreen Day Spa and B&B. Located in an antebellum mansion, the B&B has five guest rooms with private baths. Spa services include massage, hair care, mani-pedis and more. Rates are $108-$135. 1103 S. Main St. 864-375-9064, www.spa-it.com.

Where to eat

The Victoria Tea Room. Owners Trevor and Tracy Furlong have created a bit of England in the heart of the South, serving 69 tea varieties in the historic 1888 Chiquola building. A delightful place for breakfast, lunch, a quick cup or high tea on a chilly afternoon. 104 W. Whitner St. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues.-Sat., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun. lunch $5.50-$7.50 set tea $2.75-$11.50. 864-222-8832, www.thevictoriatearoom.com.

More information

Downtown Anderson Visitor’s Center. 110 Federal St. in the Arts Center Warehouse. 864-231-2200, www.downtownanderson.com.

Anderson Convention & Visitor’s Center. www.visitanderson.com

How To Get There

From Atlanta, take I-85 north about 2 hours. Exit at 19A and follow US-76 East/US-178 South about 6 miles to the center of Anderson.