THE 14 BEST THINGS TO DO IN TRAVELERS REST, SOUTH CAROLINA

A weekend getaway to South Carolina’s beloved Greenville is a cherished trip for many, but just north of Greenville is the smaller and perhaps more underrated town of Travelers Rest. Known as TR by locals, this town has a rich history rooted in its strategic location along historic trade routes. Travelers Rest earned its name as a resting spot for weary travelers journeying along the Old Buncombe Road (which linked North Carolina to Georgia). First came the Cherokee Native Americans, followed by livestock drovers, and then families seeking relief from the summer heat in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

With ancient mountain ranges and historic trails, Travelers Rest truly gets more beautiful with age. Today, Travelers Rest still lives up to its name, serving as a haven for nature lovers, food enthusiasts, and those seeking adventure. Wherever you go in town, scenic views and good stories are never far. Here are 14 ways to make the most of your visit to TR.

What To Do In Travelers Rest, South Carolina

Bike the Swamp Rabbit Trail

Travelers Rest is all about embracing life at a slower pace, so you might as well take the scenic route. Winding along Main Street, the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail is a 22-mile greenway (it actually connects all the way to Greenville) following the former Greenville and Northern railroad line. Perfect for biking, walking, or running, this trail allows you to enjoy the beautiful views and peaceful surroundings as you soak in the town’s charm. 

greenvillesc.gov; 103 McDaniel Ave, Greenville, SC 29601

Attend Live Events At Trailblazer Park

If panoramic mountain views and outdoor live music are your thing, spend a few hours at Trailblazer Park. This park is a vibrant cultural hub of Travelers Rest and is recognized as one of the best outdoor music venues in the state. With a giant open-air amphitheater, a covered pavilion that hosts the local farmers market, and plenty of open green spaces to relax, Trailblazer Park is an excellent way to enjoy the town from a local’s perspective.  

travelersrestsc.com; 235 Trailblazer Dr, Travelers Rest, SC 29690; 864-834-8740

Dive Into Traveler Rest’s Past

The History Museum of Travelers Rest, operated by the Travelers Rest Historical Society, will give you a look into the town’s rich history as a resting spot for travelers. Here, you’ll learn about the influential men and women who’ve lived or passed through Travelers Rest over the years and observe a collection of local artifacts. You’ll want to plan your visit ahead of time, as the History Museum is only open on the weekends.

travelersresthistoricalsociety.org; 3 Edwards St, Travelers Rest, SC 29690; 864-835-7907

Visit The Poinsett Bridge

Stretching just 130 feet over Little Gap Creek, the Poinsett Bridge is believed to be the oldest surviving bridge in South Carolina. This 14-foot Gothic arch stone structure was named after Joel Poinsett, an American diplomat and prominent Greenville resident. Tourists who stop by are often pleasantly surprised to learn this bridge is part of the Poinsett Bridge Heritage Preserve, a park and protected area with nature trails well suited for hiking.

visitgreenvillesc.com; 580 Callahan Mountain Rd, Landrum, SC 29356; 864-288-6470

Shop For Local Goods At The Farmers Market

There’s no better souvenir than the things grown and crafted by local artisans. The Travelers Rest Farmers Market, open every Saturday from May to September in the Trailblazer Park pavilion, features over 70 vendors, live music, food trucks, and more. The market is located right off the Swamp Rabbit Trail, so it’s the perfect excuse to stop for a treat after a long walk or bike ride.

travelersrestfarmersmarket.com; 235 Trailblazer Dr, Travelers Rest, SC 29690; 864-610-0965

Enjoy Fresh Air At Beechwood Farms

If you can’t make the farmers market (or if you just love sunflowers), head to  Beechwood Farms. At Beechwood, you can get a glimpse into large-scale farming, visit the farm animals, and shop the roadside market for local produce. If you visit between August and September, you will get to see Sunflower Hill in full bloom. You can even capture the moment by booking a sunflower photography session through the Beechwood Farms website.

mybeechwoodfarms.com; 204 Bates Bridge Rd, Marietta, SC 29661; 864-836-6075

Unleash Your Inner Artist at TRee House Cafe & Studio

Small towns often have some of the best coffee shops, and this one has a fun and artistic twist. This hip and colorful art cafe is a great spot to grab lunch and get creative. Just pick one of their paintable items and place your order at the register alongside your food. The café serves breakfast and lunch all day and features a full-service coffee bar. When you're finished, you'll leave with a unique, personalized memento of your visit to Travelers Rest.

sites.google.com/view/treehousecafeandstudio; 27 S Main St, Travelers Rest, SC 29690; 864-610-2266

Pick Fruit At MacGregor Orchards

Picking season in Travelers Rest is not to be missed. Open daily except Mondays during the season, MacGregor Orchards lets you roll up your sleeves and fill up your basket with peaches, apples, plums, nectarines, figs, and more. While you’re there, savor the fresh apple cider, applesauce, apple butter, and a variety of fruit preserves made by the welcoming orchard owners.

macgregororchard.com; 2400 SC-11, Travelers Rest, SC 29690; 864-320-2778

Where To Eat & Drink In Travelers Rest, South Carolina

Fuel Up For The Day At Tandem Creperie and Coffeehouse.

Start your day with a hearty, wholesome meal at Tandem Creperie and Coffeehouse. This brunch hotspot serves sweet and savory crepes, made from simple, fresh ingredients, along with a generous selection of coffee and tea. Its motto is “Together is Best," so this cozy, welcoming restaurant and its large crepes are meant to be shared. If crepes aren’t your thing, you can’t go wrong with their whole-wheat waffles or maple pecan granola.

tandemcc.com; 2 S Main St, Travelers Rest, SC 29690; 864-610-2245

Wine And Dine At Restaurant 17

If you've ever dreamed of an Italian getaway, Restaurant 17 offers the perfect little European escape. Specializing in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, this swanky dinner spot is celebrated for its old-world charm and hospitality. Enjoy farm fresh cuisine and seasonal dishes, including the figs and prosciutto and the popular Duroc Pork Chop. Be sure to sit on the patio to enjoy the soothing sounds of an in-ground water fountain display and the majestic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which are graced by colorful sunsets in the evening.  

restaurant17.com; 10 Rd of Vines, Travelers Rest, SC 29690; 864-635-2948

Enjoy Fresh Tex-Mex At Farmhouse Tacos

If you’re looking for something casual yet filling, head downtown to Farmhouse Tacos. This charming rustic-modern restaurant specializes in farm-to-table Tex-Mex, serving hand-crafted tacos, quesadillas, burrito bowls, and a variety of specialty plates. True to its motto, "Made with love in Travelers Rest," the restaurant takes pride in using locally sourced ingredients, ensuring all dishes are fresh and flavorful. It’s also a great spot to unwind with specialty drinks and craft beers from Carolina-based brewers.

farmhousetacos.com; 164 South Main Street, Travelers Rest, SC 29690; 864-610-0586

Have A Beer At Swamp Rabbit Brewery And Taproom

Best known as Travelers Rest’s first craft brewery, this spot is a local favorite popular for its world-class selection of beers, with everything from pale ales to porters. With pet-friendly outdoor seating, a rotating lineup of food trucks, and a vibrant atmosphere featuring live music and trivia nights, even non-beer enthusiasts will find plenty to do. It's located just off the Swamp Rabbit Trail, so you’re likely to see a wave of cyclists stopping by after their rides. Just look for the giant rabbit mural on the side of the building, and you’ll know you’ve arrived.

theswamprabbitbrewery.com; 26 South Main Street, Travelers Rest, SC 29690; 864-610-2424

Where To Stay in Travelers Rest, South Carolina

Book A Weekend At Hotel Domestique

Hotel Domestique, sitting in the countryside of Upstate South Carolina, redefines the boutique hotel experience. This peaceful retreat houses 13 elegantly-decorated rooms complimented by exposed stone walls and rustic hardwoods. Owned by world-renowned cyclist George Hincapie, the hotel also caters to cycling enthusiasts with guided rides, e-bikes, and an on-site mechanic. If you’re strictly in relaxation mode, you can always take a plunge in the saltwater pool or decompress inside the infrared sauna. Hotel Domestique is also the home of Restaurant 17, bringing the European countryside experience right to your backyard.

hoteldomestique.com; 10 Rd of Vines, Travelers Rest, SC 29690; 864-635-4268

Lodge In Luxury At The Station 

The natural beauty of Travelers Rest deserves to be experienced up close. To stay in the heart of Travelers Rest, consider opting for luxury lodging along The Swamp Rabbit Trail. The Station by Compo Hotels is an eco-friendly collection of modern vacation cottages equipped with everything you need for a staycation: a washer/dryer, kitchen, portable stove, and more. Enjoy your morning cup of coffee on the private patio as you watch locals and fellow travelers pass by on the trail.

compohotels.com; 745 Old Buncombe Rd, Travelers Rest, SC 29690; 864-768-3359

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