Travelers Rest is a small town in Greenville County, South Carolina with a population of around 5,000 residents. Despite its small size, Travelers Rest has developed a reputation over the years for several unique attractions and qualities.
History
Travelers Rest gets its name from its founding in the late 1700s as a rest stop for travelers on their journey south through the Appalachian Mountains. At the time, it was one of the last stops travelers could make before entering the mountainous and rugged terrain of northern Georgia. The town provided a place for travelers to rest and refresh themselves and their horses before continuing their arduous journey.
This history as a traveler’s oasis has shaped the identity of Travelers Rest over the years. The town is proud of its hospitality and welcoming atmosphere that harkens back to its original purpose.
Swamp Rabbit Trail
One of the most well-known current features of Travelers Rest is the Swamp Rabbit Trail. This 17-mile multi-use trail runs through Travelers Rest on its way from Greenville to nearby communities like Greer and Furman. The paved greenway trail is open to walkers, joggers, cyclists, and other non-motorized uses.
The Swamp Rabbit Trail takes its name from the indigenous swamp rabbits that live along the Reedy River where much of the trail follows. The recreational trail provides opportunities for walking, running, cycling, and experiencing nature right in town. On a nice day, you’re likely to see scores of locals and visitors making use of this unique community asset.
Sunrift Adventures
The Swamp Rabbit Trail connects right into Sunrift Adventures, an outfitter for outdoor adventures and rentals located right in the heart of Travelers Rest. Sunrift offers kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals for use on the nearby lakes and rivers. They also provide bicycle rentals specifically designed for riding the Swamp Rabbit Trail and have a rock climbing wall on-site.
For visitors and locals alike, Sunrift Adventures is a great way to get out and experience the ample outdoor recreation opportunities in and around Travelers Rest. The knowledgeable staff can help you plan anything from an hour kayak rental to a full day outdoors trip.
Upcountry History Museum
Travelers Rest is home to the Upcountry History Museum, part of the Greenville County Museum System. This museum provides insights into the history, culture, and daily life of the Upstate South Carolina region from early Native American settlements up to the present day.
Some of the museum’s highlights include textile mill exhibits that dive into the area’s strong history with the textile industry, displays on local agriculture and life in rural Southern communities, and a replica general store from the past.
Restaurants and Breweries
Travelers Rest has developed a reputation as an up-and-coming foodie destination in recent years. You’ll find an eclectic array of chef-driven restaurants focused on farm-to-table cuisine and craft beer breweries anchoring the town’s downtown Main Street area.
Popular spots like Farmhouse Tacos, Sidewall Pizza, and Tandem Creperie offer innovative takes on popular fare. Meanwhile, breweries like Birds Fly South Ale Project and Sidetracked Brewing Company provide unique craft beer options. The restaurants regularly source ingredients from the Upstate region’s many farms.
The mix of eateries and breweries makes Travelers Rest a destination for great food and drink you won’t easily find elsewhere.
| Restaurant | Cuisine Type |
|---|---|
| Farmhouse Tacos | Mexican |
| Sidewall Pizza | Pizza |
| Tandem Creperie | Crepes |
Annual Events
Throughout the year, several popular annual events draw visitors to experience Travelers Rest’s hospitality and small-town charm.
The Swamp Rabbit Trail Festival each May includes live music, food, and celebrations right on the trail itself. Runners and cyclists can take part in races like the Swamp Rabbit 5K Run and 14-Mile Ride. Other events include a chili cookoff, dog parade, and kids’ zone.
Travelers Rest also hosts a weekly Farmers Market from May to October where local farmers and artisans sell fresh produce, meats, baked goods, arts and crafts, and more. The market features live music performances from local bands as well.
Each December brings the annual Travelers Rest Christmas Parade downtown. Floats, bands, dance groups, and of course Santa Claus proceed down Main Street in this decades-old tradition.
| Annual Event | Date | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Swamp Rabbit Trail Festival | May | Races, chili cookoff, live music, dog parade, kid’s activities |
| Weekly Farmers Market | May to October | Fresh produce, meats, baked goods, arts/crafts, live music |
| Christmas Parade | December | Floats, bands, dance groups, Santa Claus |
Small Town Charm
More than any one specific attraction, many visitors come to Travelers Rest to experience its idyllic small-town charm. The walkable and bikeable downtown district along Main Street looks like something straight out of a movie with its old fashioned lamp posts, benches, and flower baskets.
Friendly local shop owners know many regulars by name. There’s a real sense of community and connection within the town. The family-owned restaurants and businesses add to the character and hospitality.
While Travelers Rest has grown over the years, it maintains its historic identity as a rest stop for weary travelers. The welcoming, down-home vibe makes it easy to slow down and unwind on a visit to town.
Location and Accessibility
A major advantage Travelers Rest provides is its convenient location right near major population centers while maintaining its small-town feel. The town sits just north of Greenville, the largest city in the Upstate region. It also sits right on Highway 25, making it easily accessible to nearby cities like Greenville and Greer.
The location means it’s a short drive from Greenville to access the slow pace and natural beauty of Travelers Rest. Many locals even commute from Travelers Rest into Greenville for work to get the best of both worlds.
For visitors without a car, Travelers Rest can be reached from Greenville via the new Swamp Rabbit Transit bus system. The bus line specifically caters to trail users and has stops along the Swamp Rabbit Trail as well as around town and downtown Greenville.
Outdoor Recreation
In addition to the iconic Swamp Rabbit Trail, the Travelers Rest area provides a wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities to enjoy. The trail allows walkers, runners, and cyclists to experience nature right in town. But you can also easily venture just beyond town for even more natural adventures.
The 17-mile trail connects to Clemson’s Experimental Forest. Here you’ll find fishing spots, hiking trails through the woods, and opportunities to spot local wildlife. Parks like Gateway Park and Mountains to Main Street Park have playgrounds, sports fields, and open green spaces.
Nearby lakes like Lake Keowee, Lake Hartwell, and Lake Jocassee offer popular boating, swimming, kayaking, and fishing opportunities. The lakes are surrounded by state parks and forest land. For outdoor lovers, Travelers Rest provides an ideal home base to experience nature in many forms.
Furman University
Travelers Rest also benefits from its proximity to Furman University, one of the nation’s top liberal arts colleges. The university’s campus provides additional opportunities for entertainment, athletics, performing arts, and more.
Travelers Rest residents and visitors can take advantage of the university’s sporting events, theater productions, concerts, lectures, and other public events. The campus’ lush greenery and Swan Lake are also popular spots for walks or runs from town.
Furman’s presence contributes to the thriving college town atmosphere. Students and faculty help keep the town active and inject additional cultural offerings.
Conclusion
At just around 5,000 residents, Travelers Rest has an impressive range of assets and qualities that make it a destination for visitors across the Southeast and beyond. Outdoor recreation like the Swamp Rabbit Trail mixes with cultural attractions, chef-driven dining, and craft beer.
Throughout its growth and evolution, Travelers Rest has maintained its identity as a hospitable small town. The walkable downtown and community spirit harken back to its early days as a rest stop for road-weary travelers. Its location provides easy access from nearby cities while maintaining its own unique charm.
Whether you’re a visitor looking for great food and recreation or a business owner considering expansion, Travelers Rest warrants a close look. The town has struck a perfect balance between convenience, hospitality, and attractions to keep travelers returning time and again.