Catawba, South Carolina

I’m online this afternoon Googling Catawba, South Carolina for our upcoming trip.  My father and step-mother have just moved to this area, and while I know it is relatively close to Charlotte, North Carolina…..and they have a new home to explore….that is about all I know about it.  I have never spent much time in South Carolina…..generally driving through it to go somewhere else….so this will be a new experience for me.

I have discovered the Catawba Indian Nation is in Catawba.  Isn’t that convenient since their names are the same!   🙂   It is home to a group of Native American potters…..in fact one that has supposedly survived for over 4,500 years ~ that’s some old pottery!  But the fact that they still make pottery in that location has me quite excited…..I have a weakness for handmade pottery. 

The reservation also has some nature and hiking trails you can enjoy on the Catawba River…..yes, a river is in the area too!  Rivers mean river rocks which I also adore.  There is also Landsford Canal State Park within what I perceive to be a short driving distance from their new home.  Check out these amazing flowers ~ which unfortunately will not be in bloom when we visit.

This park also offers nature and hiking trails as well as the ability to paddle down the river.  Landsford also has a trail that ends at a bluff overlooking the river and the possibility of seeing nesting eagles during your walk.  If the eagles nest like the Bald Eagles  in the Norfolk Botannical Gardens, the young ones may be gone from the nest …..(4/17/09 from Eagle Cam)

……but perhaps there are some adults hanging around.  I foresee many photo opportunities during this trip!  🙂 

Of course, we will be close to Charlotte…… and as much as I hate to admit it, I believe we will have to go shopping.  I’m not such a big shopper but did I mention I have two teenaged daughters?  I did notice there were several Vintage Antique malls in Charlotte…..I may have to check out one or two of those. 

All in all, I think it will be a fun trip…….one I am really looking forward to.  My youngest daughter did pose what she deemed to be the most important fact we needed to know for this trip…this was something that counted above all the other information I have been gathering ~ do they get cell phone service at their new house?  Yup, everyone has their priorities don’t they!  😉