My BF and I are heading to Columbia on 6/28, and then hopefully to a spot in western SC that contains all of the above: 1) mountains, surrounding a 2) lake, overlooked by a 3) porch, on which sits 4) two comfy chairs. Unfortunately, I have yet to find said mountains, lake, porch, and chairs. Any suggestions? I looked at state park cabins, but unfortunately, they are only available by the week. Also, I really want to avoid any cute towns with great shopping, museums, shows, or any activities whatsoever, as then I will want to go see everything and will annoy the BF. We're aiming for relaxing semi-isolation. If anyone has any recommendations for lodges, cabins, B&Bs, or other fortunately situated accomodations, I would be very grateful.

Is there a lake at Table Rock Park? That's a pretty area, in the mountains. Or look at something north of Greenville along US 25.

There's a beautiful lake at Greenwood SC. Check a map and you'll see it. Not much shopping around there just a lot of nice lakefront.

Lake Greenwood has no hotels or cottages that you can rent for a weekend. Try looking at VRBO in the Devils Fork, Salem, Table Rock areas. Some rent by the weekend. Clemson University has a neat lodge off campus that is on Lake Hartwell.It is called the Maddrean Center. (Sorry for the spelling.) You could putter around Pendleton and Walhala.

My favorite small town between Columbia and the mountains is Newberry. Get off the interstate on exit 76 and go into the town square. It has the feeling of a German village. Eat at Jezebels, get dessert at Cathy's Cakery. Steven W's is where the locals go to celebrate.

Thanks, y'all. Now, what's a VRBO?

Lake Keowee would probably work as it is off Scenic Hwy 11 and much of it is very quiet/isolated. VRBO is vacation rental by owner (vrbo.com). Newberry isn't far from Columbia but doesn't have mountains and ... is there a lake nearby?