Lee and Betty Caudill purchased Lake Vue Landing in May 1994.
Her late husband was raised in Kentucky, she said, with a military background. She grew up in Ohio.
"We were retiring from our main jobs and wanted to move to a warmer climate," Betty Caudill explained, "but still wanted to be in a climate where the seasons changed. South Carolina was our choice."
After putting their ice cream and sandwich shop on the market, they started researching other businesses, and during that time, visited relatives in Manning.
They saw Lake Vue Landing was for sale – the scenic beach really caught their eyes – and the rest is history.
"Lake Vue Landing has a wonderful beach and we knew a campground would be something families could enjoy," Betty said. "Then our snack bar kept growing into a restaurant and we needed more space so we built a full size restaurant on the end of the building, which has room for entertaining as well. We have the best steak and seafood and we also have a lounge."
Customers can enjoy karaoke on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with free wings on Tuesday – as long as they last. There's also an "anytime menu" consisting of tasty burgers, hot dogs and chicken tenders.
Owning a business requires a lot of hard work and long hours, she said.
"I think for anyone who owns a business, you have to be on call – if not there – 24 hours a day. It's not an eight-hour-a-day job," she said. "It is a constant battle to get supplies you need when you are off the main highway. However, the end result is worth all the effort."
Boaters can gas up at the docks and RV enthusiasts will find plenty of hook-ups and space to kick back and take in the view.
In her spare time, Betty likes to watch all the waterfowl around the lake. She also likes being out in her yard.
"I like flowers," she said.
Lake Vue Landing is located at 1543 Camp Shelor Drive. The restaurant is open from 4 to 10 p.m. on Thursday and Friday; On Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to noon and 4 to 10 p.m. Contact: (803) 478-2133.
