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Savannah Lakes Village & Lake Area Guide
We’re so glad you’re here. Whether you’re visiting friends, exploring as a potential homebuyer, or soaking in lake life for a few days, Savannah Lakes Village (SLV) and McCormick, South Carolina offer a peaceful, connected lifestyle full of outdoor adventure.
Savannah Lakes Village & McCormick Visitor’s Guide
Your insider’s guide to staying, dining, playing, and exploring life around Lake Thurmond.
Whether you are visiting friends, exploring the area as a potential homebuyer, or simply soaking in lake life for a few days, Savannah Lakes Village (SLV) and McCormick, South Carolina offer a peaceful, connected lifestyle full of outdoor adventure.
“I’ve lived and played on Lake Thurmond for more than 25 years. My goal is to make your visit as easy and enjoyable as possible – from where to stay, to where to eat, to how to experience the community like a local.”
— Tom Greene, Broker/Owner – Greene Advantage Real Estate
🏡 Where to Stay: Lake Thurmond Lodging
Tom and Karen Greene own and operate two comfortable 2-bedroom units that make an ideal basecamp while you explore Savannah Lakes Village and the surrounding area. Each unit includes a fully stocked kitchen, queen beds, and easy access to the community, boat launches, parks, and walking areas.
Guests enjoy complimentary passes to SLV amenities (including golf, tennis, pickleball, fitness center, and pools), as well as local recommendations on what to do, where to eat, and how to experience the area like you already live here.
Tip: If you are seriously considering a move, let Tom know so he can coordinate your stay with community tours and showings.
📝 Plan Your Visit in 3 Simple Steps
- Book your stay at Lake Thurmond Lodging so you are close to the lake and amenities.
- Save this guide and our interactive map on your phone for easy exploring.
- Schedule a community tour with Greene Advantage if you would like to see homes while you are here.
🍴 Where to Eat
The local food scene is friendly, flavorful, and full of surprises. Explore by area below.
Savannah Lakes Village
The River Grille ⭐ Favorite
Upscale casual inside the Tara Clubhouse – salads, sandwiches, entrées, and Sunday brunch.
Monti’s Bar & Grille ⭐ Favorite
Sports-bar vibes at the Monticello Clubhouse – great burgers and TVs inside and out.
Village Café ⭐ Favorite
Fresh bakery, breakfast items, sandwiches, and flatbreads – casual and convenient.
McCormick, South Carolina
Michelle’s Pizza & Grill ⭐ Favorite
Authentic New York-style pizza, salad bar, wings, and hearty grill plates.
Little Italy Pizzeria
Cozy spot for pasta, pizza, salads, and steak sandwiches.
El Sombrero Mexican Grill ⭐ Favorite
Classic Mexican plates with daily specials and friendly service.
Coffee HQ ⭐ Favorite
Local coffee shop for espresso, bakery, breakfast, and lunch.
Hickory Knob Resort Restaurant
Full-service dining overlooking the lake inside the state park lodge.
Definitely Delicious
Southern bar and grill with seafood and BBQ – check socials for hours and live music.
McCormick Drive-Inn
Classic drive-in burgers, fried chicken, and fresh-made sides.
Quick Bites
Hardee’s • Subway • Burger King – convenient options when you are on the go.
Lincolnton, Georgia
Soap Creek Social at Soap Creek Marina
Waterfront dining and live music with a sunset view – arrive by land or by boat.
El Sombrero Mexican Restaurant ⭐ Favorite
Local favorite with outdoor seating and friendly service.
Papa’s Pizza To Go
Casual pizza, subs, salads, and pastas – dine in or takeout.
The Chicken House
Fried chicken, wings, and burgers in the heart of Lincolnton.
Worth the Drive
The Old Edgefield Grille
Victorian ambiance and Southern classics – famous Shrimp and Grits.
The Mill House • Greenwood ⭐ Favorite
Brick-oven pizza, craft beer, and a lively downtown scene.
🏌️♀️ Things to Do
Golf
As a visitor, you can play both of Savannah Lakes Village’s 18-hole championship courses with a Visitor Passport, plus nearby public courses.
Tara Golf Club
Rolling fairways and lake views inside Savannah Lakes Village.
Monticello Golf Club
Longer layout with challenging greens and scenic routing.
Hickory Knob State Resort Park
Public 18-hole Tom Jackson design just minutes away.
McCormick Country Club
Casual 9-hole course with flatter fairways – easygoing fun.
Call Tom for a visitor golf passport or help booking tee times.
Recreation & Fitness
Your Visitor Passport also gives access to the Savannah Lakes Recreation Center – indoor and outdoor pools, pickleball and tennis courts, a four-lane bowling alley, cardio and strength rooms, and a variety of group fitness classes including yoga, water aerobics, and dance.
Hiking & Biking Trails
- Savannah Valley Railroad Trail – over 10 miles of scenic rail-trail between McCormick and Willington, running right through SLV.
- Hickory Knob Trails – Turkey Ridge 1.7 mi • Lakeview Loop 7.2 mi • Beaver Run 2.5 mi.
On the Water
With 70,000 acres of water and 1,200 miles of shoreline, Lake Thurmond is the centerpiece of life here. Rent kayaks, paddleboards, or boats, or hire a local guide for striper fishing.
Palmetto Pines Outfitters
Kayak, paddleboard, and bike rentals on Hwy 378.
Savannah Lakes Rec Center
Kayaks available for residents and guests.
Savannah Lakes Marina
Pontoon and boat rentals, fuel dock, and convenience store.
Soap Creek Marina
Boat rentals, fuel dock, and lakeside restaurant in Lincolnton GA.
Guided Fishing
Palmetto Angler (McCormick) • Mason’s Striper Guide Service (Lincolnton).
🛍️ Shopping & Essentials
- Downtown McCormick – Groceries, pharmacy, MACK arts, antiques, and hardware.
- Lincolnton – Grocery, butcher, pet supplies, farm and seed stores.
- Greenwood (about 35 minutes) – Larger retailers: Lowe’s, Publix, Kohl’s, Hobby Lobby, Aldi, and more.
- Evans & Augusta (about 45 minutes) – Major shopping, restaurants, and entertainment.
🏕️ Parks & Camping
Baker Creek State Park
Lakefront campsites, sandy beach, picnic shelters, and bike trails.
Elijah Clark State Park
Across the bridge in Georgia – camping, mini-golf, and bluegrass festivals.
Hawe Creek Campground
Quiet wooded waterfront sites – great for RVs.
Hickory Knob State Resort Park
Golf, skeet range, cabins, restaurant, and lodge rooms.
🎭 Arts, Culture & Entertainment
- McCormick Arts Council (MACK) – exhibits and workshops downtown.
- Abbeville Opera House – historic theater with live plays and concerts.
- Greenwood Arts Center & Festivals – galleries, food, and music.
- Augusta & Greenville – larger regional venues like the Peace Center and Miller Theater.
⛪ Places of Worship
- Lutheran Church by the Lake – Sunday services at 8:15 and 10:15 plus summer lakeside worship at Elijah Clark Park.
- Good Shepherd Catholic Church – weekend Mass and weekday services.
- McCormick United Methodist & First Baptist Church – active congregations downtown.
- Many more – we are happy to help you find a nearby option.
🎓 Education & Lifelong Learning
- Piedmont Technical College – McCormick campus and regional programs.
- Lander University – Greenwood, SC.
- Erskine College – Due West, SC.
- Augusta University – Augusta, GA.
- USC Aiken – Aiken, SC.
- University of Georgia – Athens, GA.
🏥 Good to Know
Medical & Urgent Care
- Savannah Lakes Medical Center – family practice and specialty care • 207 Holiday Rd, McCormick.
- AFC Urgent Care – Greenwood (about 42 minutes).
- Doctors Care – Greenwood (about 43 minutes).
- Evans Urgent Care – Evans, GA (about 45 minutes).
Hospitals
- Abbeville Area Medical Center (about 26 minutes).
- Self-Regional Hospital – Greenwood (about 27 minutes).
- University Hospital – Augusta (about 52 minutes).
- Doctor’s Hospital – Augusta (about 51 minutes).
- Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center – Augusta (about 55 minutes).
Veterinary Care
- Lincolnton Animal Hospital – Elm St, Lincolnton.
- Lincoln County Veterinary Service – Elm St, Lincolnton.
🗺️ Explore with Our Map
Use our interactive Google Map to find restaurants, parks, marinas, and trails.
More Local Guides
🌇 Ready to See More?
We hope this guide helps you enjoy every moment of your visit. If you find yourself dreaming about staying a little longer, let’s talk. We would love to help you find your perfect lake home.
Tom Greene, Broker/Owner – Greene Advantage Real Estate
📞 (706) 318-9495 • 🌐 greenadvantage.com
Lodging: lakethurmondlodging.com
“Rooted in trust. Driven by experience. Focused on you.”