One of my favorite things to do in small town South Carolina is check out the local museums. One of the best is the Pickens County Museum of Art and History.

Located in the old county jail built around the turn of the 20th century, the museum showcases the work of Pickens and Upstate artists in its main gallery and features the work of other artists in rotating exhibits.

Beginning Dec. 1, the museum will feature “Philip Gott: Explorations in Color,” “Crossing the Line: Thirty-One Drawings by Thirty-One Artists” and Writing: Putting Pen to Paper.”

The exhibits will kick off with a meet-the-artist reception with Gott from 6 to 8 p.m., Dec. 1. The exhibits run through Feb. 7. An architect and artist, Gott says painting has been influenced by Pop Art and the lithographs of Bernard Cathelin.

The museum, located in the old county jail, opens at 9 a.m. Tuesday-Saturday and closes at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday and 7:30 p.m. on Thursday. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. It's at 307 Johnson St. (864) 898-5963.

Upstate bonus:
If you’re making a weekend of it in Pickens, check out these two B&Bs off the Cherokee Scenic Highway:

Laurel Mountain Inn has king-size beds or rooms with two full beds. Despite its off-the-beaten-path charm, the inn has all the modern amenities, including microwaves and wireless Internet access at about $100 a night. 129 Hiawatha Trail, (864) 878-8500.

The Inn at Table Rock Bed & Breakfast sits on four wooded acres and faces Table Rock. There’s a wraparound porch with a swing and rocking chairs and wonderful breakfast options. Rates range from $120 to $180 a night. 117 Hiawatha Trail, (864) 878-0078.