Perched at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains in northern Greenville County, Travelers Rest comes by its name literally. The tiny hamlet, established in 1808, had its beginnings as a stopover for weary travelers journeying between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the South Carolina Lowcountry. Today, TR, as it’s known to locals, has been reborn with a landscaped Main Street that buzzes day and night with visitors who come to enjoy the town’s diverse attractions.
The Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail runs right through downtown, bringing plenty of runners, walkers, cyclists, rollerbladers and strolling families. Indeed, this rails-to-trails greenway led the way to a revitalized Travelers Rest, which now boasts a bevy of trailside places to eat, drink, shop and play.
Held on Saturday mornings from May to September, the popular Travelers Rest Farmers Market fills Trailblazer Park with a host of farmers, growers and artisans, along with live music, activities for children, food trucks and special events.
Eat and Drink
Try Farmhouse Tacos for handhelds with locally sourced ingredients.
Get a cup of coffee roasted on-site at Leopard Forest, or stop by TRee House Café & Studio, where you can sip a latte while the kids get creative at the art bar.
Restaurant 17, outside downtown in the Hotel Domestique, features seasonal, chef-driven cuisine and stellar mountain views.
Local chain Sidewall Pizza is acclaimed for handcrafted pies and homemade ice cream.
Sushi Yama is where the culinary cognoscenti go for omakase.
Stop at Swamp Rabbit Brewery & Taproom for a refreshing craft brew just off the Swamp Rabbit Trail.
Tandem Creperie serves a tantalizing menu of crepes, both savory and sweet.
The Tasting Room wine bar and shop focuses on small-production vineyards and offers an extensive selection by the glass.
Listed in the new Michelin Guide American South, Topsoil Kitchen & Market highlights chef Adam Cooke’s seasonal menu sourced from area growers — including the restaurant’s own farm.
Locals seek out Upcountry Provisions for craveable, made-to-order sandwiches on fresh-baked breads.
Shop
Local art abounds at Wild Hare Gallery, White Rabbit Fine Art Gallery and TR Makers Co., where you can shop for local and regional artisan-crafted goods, then stay and play at the art bar.
The Carolina Honey Bee Co. buzzes with local honey and beekeeping supplies.
Venerable Sunrift Adventures has been South Carolina’s preferred outdoor outfitter since 1980.
Find that chic statement piece on Main Street at Silver Lily and Three Little Birds boutiques.
Vintage clothing and timeless treasures fill Retro Marketplace and Charlie’s Southern Rustiques.
