Ten miles north of Greenville, at the northernmost point of Greenville County in South Carolina, you’ll find Travelers Rest. This charming Southern town is a welcoming destination for vacationers and lovers of the outdoors seeking some rest and respite from the busy city.
Travelers Rest, known affectionately as TR, is also fast becoming a residential choice for people who love a laidback lifestyle and yearn to be surrounded by nature. With its great weather, warm and friendly Southern hospitality, and amazing real estate options, TR is a wonderful community that you can proudly call home.
Ready to explore TR and see what it has to offer? Read on to learn more about the community and some of the most fun and memorable things to do in Travelers Rest, SC.
The History of Travelers Rest
- Travelers Rest got its name from its role as a stopover for travelers and livestock herders in the 1800s.
- It was originally home to several Native American tribes, including the Creek, Cherokee, and Catawba. Many of these tribes traveled along the rivers and foot trails in the area and established hunting grounds and trading posts.
- In the 1800s, The South Carolina General Assembly constructed a wagon road from Greenville and into the Blue Ridge Mountains, passing through Asheville in North Carolina and ending in the Tennessee Valley.
- The road was completed in 1850 and was bustling with wagon traffic, livestock, and carriages carrying wealthy families. Travelers Rest was an ideal last rest stop for travelers and livestock drovers from the low country of Charleston and Augusta before they crossed the mountains and headed into North Carolina.
- In the late 1800s, the railroads came to Greenville County. The Northern Railroad, (also called the Swamp Rabbit Railroad) was built through Travelers Rest, bringing with it tourists, supplies for businesses, and a new mode of transportation for locals in the area.
- As Travelers Rest flourished and got busier, the town was officially incorporated in 1891. A church and schoolhouse were built, and more businesses opened to cater to locals and tourists passing through the area.
- In the 1900s, the highway was built as automobiles became a popular mode of transportation. Roads through Travelers Rest connected Georgia to South Carolina and stretched on to North Carolina and beyond.
- With the railroad no longer in use, the Swamp Rabbit Railroad was converted in the 2000s to the Swamp Rabbit Trail for biking, walking, and running, sparking an economic resurgence.
- Today, the Swamp Rabbit Trail, along with exciting homegrown shops and restaurants, continues to attract visitors and potential residents from around the country, making Travelers Rest an ideal place to live and visit.
20 Fun Activities in Travelers Rest
If you are visiting this idyllic Southern town or considering making Travelers Rest your home, you won’t be disappointed with the numerous fun activities you can try.
Here are 20 of the best things to do in Travelers Rest, SC.
- Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail
The Swamp Rabbit Trail, formerly the railroad line which made Travelers Rest famous, is a 22-mile long trail that runs along Main Street and connects Travelers Rest to nearby Greenfield.
It’s a favorite trail for many tourists and locals who love walking, running, and biking while enjoying the scenery and parks along the way. This trail is popular among cyclists who visit TR specifically to ride on the trail.
For other outdoor enthusiasts, the trail is a leisurely outdoor destination that can be enjoyed with friends and family. People often bring food and stop along the way to enjoy a nice picnic or a short break while enjoying the fresh air.
- History Museum of Travelers Rest
One of the fun and educational things to do in Travelers Rest, SC is to visit the quaint Travelers Rest History Museum. The museum offers a look back at the rich history and development of the town, including the notable men and women who have lived or stayed in Travelers Rest over the years.
Operated by the Travelers Rest Historical Society, the museum showcases artifacts highlighting the town’s history as a resting spot for travelers journeying to the coast and the mountains.
The museum is at 3 Edwards Street and is open to the public every weekend, Saturdays from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm and Sundays from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm or by special appointment.
- Trailblazer Park
If you love being outside but running and biking aren’t your speed, you can enjoy the fresh breeze and beautiful green spaces at Trailblazer Park.
The park is located at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and near Furnam University and downtown Travelers Rest. You can go there directly or access it through the Swamp Rabbit Trail spur.
Trailblazer Park is the perfect venue to have fun with the family, have a picnic, throw a frisbee, walk the dog, or play with the kids. It’s also the venue for many events and activities in TR, including cultural celebrations and traditions.
Many park guests come for the free events or to simply relax and enjoy the stunning mountain views.
- The Tasting Room
If you love wine and craft beer, you should stop at The Tasting Room and sample their current and seasonal offerings.
The Tasting Room focuses on unique products from small-production vineyards and breweries worldwide. They have several by-the-glass wines you can try and sometimes even wine-tasting events to enjoy with other wine lovers.
It’s the perfect place to visit to support local businesses and to enjoy high-quality wines and beers that aren’t usually found in stores.
- Farmer’s Market
If wine or beer isn’t your cup of tea, you might prefer to visit the Farmer’s Market to enjoy a unique local shopping experience.
The Travelers Rest Farmers Market runs from May to September and offers a wide range of products like seasonal farm fresh produce, baked goods, local honey, pottery, woodwork items, fashion finds, and much more.
Several events are also staged here on any given weekend, including craft workshops with local artists, cooking demos, and educational and fun activities for kids.
You can check the Farmer’s Market website for upcoming events and announcements.
- Bunched Arrow Heritage Preserve
This heritage preserve should be on top of your list when planning your itinerary of things to do in Travelers Rest, SC. While Travelers Rest has grown and modernized over the years, there are still many places that give visitors a glimpse into life before the modern era, and the Bunched Arrow Heritage Preserve is one of these.
This 179-acre land area is a designated preserve, protecting several endangered plant species. Its name comes from the beautiful bunched arrowhead plant that can only be found in one other county in the United States. The preserve is home to over 750 of these protected bunched arrowhead plants.
If you want to see the plants in their blooming beauty, the best time to visit is late spring when the foot-high delicate white flowers are in bloom. But you’ll still find plenty to enjoy even in other seasons.
The preserve is also home to several forest animal and bird species, making it an excellent spot for bird and wildlife watching.
- Beechwood Farms
A great place to visit with kids is beautiful Beechwood Farms, which is a major supplier of several national and local groceries and markets. You can see how large-scale farming production works and even get a glimpse of the massive 18-wheelers coming in to pick up large supplies of goods. You can also visit the farm animals or shop by their roadside market for produce and goodies to take home.
Between August and September, you can enjoy their regular sunflower photography sessions on Sunflower Hill. These beautiful blooms can grow to huge sizes and look amazing in your pictures and social media posts.
- Movie Nights at the Park
In August, a fun activity to enjoy in Travelers Rest is Movie Nights at Trailblazer Park. These outdoor movie events are free every Saturday night at the park, usually at around 8:00 pm.
If you enjoy movies and being outside, this is the perfect event for you. With the fantastic TR weather, you can bring picnic chairs or blankets and spread them out to enjoy a film with friends and family. You can also bring your favorite snacks or enjoy the offerings of various food truck vendors in the area.
- Cherokee Valley Golf Course and Club
Whether you like golf or just want to visit and relax at the country club, The Cherokee Valley Golf Club is a great recreational destination. In addition to 18 hole, Pete Dye designed championship course, the club also features a resort-style outdoor pool, a restaurant, and other amenities that you can enjoy. Special events and activities for members are also held throughout the year.
Cherokee Valley is a private club but non-members can also enjoy its facilities through stay and play packages.
- Fall Bluegrass and Harvest Market
Another fun seasonal event you shouldn’t miss is the Fall Bluegrass and Harvest Market, which happens every Thursday in October. This event showcases the authentic feel of the local community and offers a great opportunity for locals and visitors to get together and enjoy dining, shopping, and music.
Harvest market booths are set up under a nearby pavilion with local vendors selling a myriad of handmade artisan products, baked goods, local produce, and much more. Visitors can feast on local cuisine provided by an excellent lineup of food trucks, and shop for unique finds while enjoying live Bluegrass music.
- Wellborn Winery
Wine lovers must not miss Wellborn Winery. This small-batch winemaker celebrates their Italian heritage by creating wines using traditional Italian methods.
The winery uses fresh vine-to-wine grapes from the South Vineyard, the Terrace Vineyard, and the Carriage House Vineyard, and also sources fresh peaches and berries from nearby growers to enhance their products’ flavors.
If you want to know more about their products and wine-making process, the friendly winery owners love sharing interesting information, tips, and tricks with their guests.
- Charlie’s Southern Rustiques
If you love antiques and shopping for unique souvenirs of your travels, make sure to stop by Charlie’s Southern Rustiques. Just look for the unmistakable and photogenic vintage Sinclair gas station, and you’re there.
The shop sells refurbished antiques, vintage collectibles, farmhouse decor, candles, and accessories. Sometimes they also have unique items like old paintings and classic signs that make great additions to your collection or as gifts for friends and family.
- JMG Ranch
Horse lovers should definitely visit the JMG Ranch. Founded in 1994 with just three horses, JMG has since grown into a full-fledged working horse ranch with over twenty horses of various breeds.
Visitors can join a group trail and explore the surrounding areas on horseback as South Carolina travelers did in the past. These group trails are often two or three-day-long camping and riding trips through equestrian-friendly state parks and the Blue Ridge mountains.
The ranch also offers horseback riding lessons for beginners, intermediate, and advanced riders.
- Upcountry Provisions
Enjoy delicious sandwiches and baked goods at Upcountry Provisions, which you can find on State Park Road right off Swamp Rabbit Trail.
This delightful bakery and store is a wonderful place to stop for a good meal and freshly baked bread, scones, and muffins. Be sure not to miss their famous signature peanut butter cookie too!
They also serve delicious gluten-free and hormone-free food options. You can enjoy your treats at the shop, but you’ll also want to bring some home.
- Kayaks and Canoes
If you love being in the water, you can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and even white water rafting in upstate South Carolina. There are several nearby providers for quiet canoe and kayak trips as well as white water rafting adventures for those looking for something more exciting.
- Carolina Honeybee Company
Locally produced fresh honey and honey-based products are available at the Carolina Honeybee Company. The company is one of the most popular and trusted sellers of honey in the entire state, and you’ll love browsing their products and learning more about beekeeping and the honeymaking process.
The owners have kept bees for years and leverage this vast knowledge and experience to create the best honey and honey products for their partners and customers.
You can buy their delicious premium honey, honey-infused skincare products, gifts, beekeeping supplies, and even bees at their shop.
- White Rabbit Fine Arts Gallery
Art lovers will enjoy a trip to White Rabbit Fine Arts Gallery on South Main Street, a quaint, charming gallery that showcases the art and creativity of local artists. You’ll find artworks in various media, including acrylic, watercolor, and mixed media. They also often hold events and special exhibitions for local artists.
The gallery features Signature Art Classes for patrons and visitors wanting to learn art techniques and express their creativity.
- TReehouse Cafe and Studio
Enjoy delicious cafe fare and creativity at the TReehouse Cafe and Studio located along South Main Street.
It’s an excellent place for families with kids who will enjoy art sessions and learning while munching on sandwiches. The studio also offers painting sessions for adults, with servings of delicious paninis, coffee, and tea on the side. You can even decorate a mug to take home as a souvenir.
- Gateway Park
If you like sports, Gateway Park is where you can find sporting facilities to enjoy with your family and other park goers. The park became a recreational area in the 1990s, equipped with basketball and tennis courts and even a baseball field. It also features trails that you can explore if you don’t feel like playing sports.
- Scenic Drives and Day Trips
For a quick trip outside the town, head to historic sites nearby such as Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC and Hagood Mill in Pickens, SC. Take the scenic roads that beautifully highlight the area’s vibrant traditions and Native American heritage. The Blueridge Parkway showcases Cherokee life and Southern Appalachian crafts and music, while the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway will take you through the stunning mountains, peach orchards, and villages.
Explore fun activities and beautiful homes in Travelers Rest with Ink Properties, LLC
There are always many fun things to do in Travelers Rest, SC. The town has something for everyone and is a fantastic destination to recharge and get close to nature.
Are you considering making this idyllic Southern town your home? Learn more about activities, real estate options, and things to do in Travelers Rest, SC, with Ink Properties.
Founded by Attorney and Broker in Charge Brandon C. Hall, Ink Properties is a team of local experts who are highly passionate and knowledgeable about real estate in Greenville and the Upstate of South Carolina. They’re your best guide to finding the perfect home in Travelers Rest and the rest of the area.
Call Ink Properties today at 864.565.0000 / 864.777.9533, or leave a message here to get started.