Little cash, lots of fun

Photo by Ken Ruinard

Photo by Ken Ruinard

These days, we can’t be too tight in holding onto our wallets and pocketbooks. Disposable income is fleeting while bills and the need to save for a “rainy day” are major priorities in getting through some tough economic times.

But such penny-pinching doesn’t have to come at the expense of a good time. In fact, there are all kinds of activities, events and organizations that provide fun for free — or relatively free. Some ideas you will have to come up with yourself. Others can be had by simply looking through an issue or two of Upstate Be. Whatever your technique, a little creativity and some planning is all it takes to save money and still have a great time with friends and family.

FIRE, FIRE BURNING BRIGHT

With the rain the Upstate has been getting lately, it should be completely safe to enjoy the benefits of an outdoor fire in the comfort of your own back yard or using a fire pit on your very own patio.

Like anything fire related, make sure it is legal to have a recreational fire where you live, and make sure you have created a safe place or own a safe vessel to keep the fire contained. Also, keep a fire extinguisher or hose handy in case something unforeseen happens and you need to put the fire out quickly.

Now that those disclaimers are out of the way, October and November in South Carolina are perfect times to enjoy a comfortable fire in the out of doors. Though there are plenty of store-bought fire pits available on the market, making your own fire pit is usually the easiest thing to do. A few large rocks set in a circle in a debris-free area, some chairs and a little firewood is all it takes to build a fire.

Invite a few friends over and offer them any leftover beer, wine or liquor and a few hot dogs and S’mores and you’ve got an instant party.

In all, this gathering will cost anywhere from nothing to about $20 for a little firewood and a pack of hot dogs. Plus, you stay close to home.

THE CULTURE OF ART

The idea of arts, culture and history can get easily lost in day-to-day life. In between going to work, cleaning the house, going back to work and taking care of ourselves and our family, the idea that we deserve a break for some intellectual stimulation can seem absurd.

But we need those kinds of breaks. Getting out and learning a bit about the history of Anderson County or seeing what local artists have created are important outlets to a more well-rounded existence.

In Anderson County alone, there are two organizations that provide quality and free entertainment for anyone willing to take the time to do it.

The Anderson County Museum rests at 202 E. Greenville St. in Anderson, but don’t suggest the folks inside are resting. At any given time there are at least a half-dozen exhibits on display, from a military history of Anderson County to a soap-box derby car display. Starting this month, the Museum will put up a history of commerce exhibit called “Trade Street,” and on Oct. 27, their Monster Mash for the whole family will take place from 4:30 to 7 p.m.

Admission is always free at the Anderson County Museum and they are around from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. For more information, call 864.260.4737.

Just down the street, the Anderson County Arts Center and Warehouse houses some of the best local and regional art in the area. Located between Main Street and Murray Avenue at 110 Federal St., the Arts Center hosts a wide array of free gallery receptions and art exhibits all year long.

Their next opening reception is through the Anderson Artist’s Guild on Friday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. That will open the Annual Juried Membership Show that goes on throughout the rest of the month. And stay tuned for Nov. 14 when the Arts Center Annual Arts Auction takes place at the Warehouse. Granted, the Arts Auction has an admission cost, but the ongoing show afterward will be open to all.

For more information on upcoming events, call 864.222.2787 or go online to www.andersonarts.org.

MIX AND RIDE

We’ve written ad nauseam about seeing the sites of the region whether it’s driving the scenic byways in search of amazing fall foliage or just relaxing the day away with apple orchards and gem mining. But what about all those tiny stop-offs that pepper the highways and byways of our American roads? What do they have to offer?

Make yourself a driving mix CD using the wonder of iTunes or whatever other (legal) music downloading service you like and hit the road. Head out toward Walhalla along S.C. 11 or visit the mountains of North Carolina via I-26 and U.S. 40. Search your atlas for some out of the way road that takes you right through the middle of a national forest or glide along the hilltops of Anderson back roads.

Match the music with the scenery and jam out for a full day. Bring a lunch with you and stop whenever the mood strikes. All it will cost is a tank of gas and the price of a sandwich. And all it will get you is some tranquility.

THREE WEEKS LEFT

There are three weeks left to enjoy the free music that emanates from downtown Anderson on Thursday nights and it is going to be a rockin’ three weeks.

Stool Pigeon, The Eric Scott Band and Blue Tuesday round out the first-ever Anderson Downtown Block Party concert series starting tonight and running through the end of October. Admission to the party is free and drinks and food will cost just a little depending on what you crave.

Take to the streets for the next few weeks and party alongside some of the best local bands the Electric City has to offer.

Be sure to check out the entire print and online calendar of events published every Thursday in Upstate Be (pages18-19) and running each day on page 2 in the Independent Mail. Look online at www.independentmail.com for an online version.