My husband grew up hiking and camping often. Let’s just say it’s grown on me. These days, we’re casual day hikers, spending anywhere from a couple of hours to a full day hiking trails and mountains with varying levels of difficulty.

Lately I’ve found myself wanting to spend more time on the trail and connecting with nature. Previously only having hiked in inadequate footwear — and struggling on trails because of it — I realized how important it is to have a proper, well-fitting hiking shoe. As I have no plans to go backpacking for days on end in extreme weather conditions, I didn’t need anything too serious, but needed something lightweight, waterproof, durable, with excellent grip and traction. And of course having a shoe that looks just as good as it performs is a plus!

Living in Charleston, there’s a plethora of things to do — from exploring historic downtown, to soaking up the sun at one of the many surrounding beaches — but we’d been craving mountain scenery, challenging hikes, and an escape into nature. We decided to research scenic hiking trails in South Carolina, and were surprised to learn that only half a days drive away is the highest waterfall east of the Rockies. Soon after that we were on the road for a weekend camping trip, where we took a short and sweet hike to the Upper Whitewater Falls at Lake Jocassee.

Yellow Branch Falls is a stunning natural wonder nestled within the picturesque landscapes of North and South Carolina. Located in the remote and serene area of the Sumter National Forest, this hidden gem is waiting to be explored. Standing at an impressive height of 50 feet, Yellow Branch Falls captivates visitors with its sheer beauty and tranquil atmosphere. The journey to this breathtaking waterfall is only a short distance from the border of both North and South Carolina. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or simply looking for a refreshing and awe-inspiring outdoor adventure, a visit to Yellow Branch Falls is a must…

We’re both avid supporters and long-time customers of Nisolo. One of our favorite sustainable footwear brands, this B Corp and Climate Neutral certified brand meets the highest standards for social and environmental responsibility.

A testament to their philosophy, Nisolo shoes don’t only look good, but are functional and convenient for all occasions.

Designing versatile, timeless pieces in an environmentally and socially conscious way, The Simple Folk’s womenswear collection was created out of reverence for the female body.

Every piece has been thoughtfully designed to embrace change, and with longevity and versatility in mind. Features like adjustable straps, ties, or elasticized waists create the ultimate comfort, while pairing the curated styles and colors with classic wardrobe stapes —- and air of effortless minimalism. Small-batch, heirloom-quality pieces that can be worn for years, each article is luxuriously soft, practical, and pattern-free, and made with non-toxic fabrics and dyes, to seamlessly integrate into your capsule wardrobe.