Upcountry west of I-26 near Lake Thurmond would be my first stop. Beautiful area, nice area for boating if you are into boating. Lots of golf. Very rich in History. There are several nice size small cities in the area (Greenwood, Saluda, Augusta, GA) and then there is Greenville and Columbia a little further away. It will be HOT in the Summer and fairly cool in winter (though don’t expect a lot of snow). Start around the town of McCormick. A Charming little place. The road net is quite good.
If across the lake will work, Lincolnton, Ga would even be better, but, I am slightly biased as I am from Georgia and have family that is from Lincolnton. We use to spend summers up that way and would visit Greenwood and McCormick.
Aiken, SC is a nice small town too.