Corporate law attorney in Travelers Rest, SC.

TRAVELERS REST, S.C. (WSPA) – An Upstate city wants to encourage people to be their healthiest with a new addition to an outdoor park. A plot of land toward the entrance of Gateway Park in Travelers Rest is slated for the site of a new fitness center, which city leaders said will have more than a dozen pieces of exercise equipment.

Travelers Rest City Administrator Shannon Herman told 7NEWS the fitness center inside Gateway Park will feature resistance-training stations where people will be able to ride a bike, do bench presses, pull-ups and other exercises. Herman said visitors will be able to access the equipment for free at any time.

“More and more studies are coming out now that tell us that resistance training, muscle development are probably the secret to success for longevity of health and quality of health while we’re here on this earth,” said Herman. “So, this is an opportunity for folks to come up, either by car or by bike or by foot. And to really kind of have access to this…these high-quality materials that we know improve health.”

Herman explained it’s made possible through a nearly $250,000 grant Travelers Rest received from the nonprofit Healthy Greenville Too in November. Herman added that the amenity is part of an effort to increase foot traffic to Gateway Park, which they newly acquired from Greenville County leaders.

Herman’s hope is that people of all ages, both near and far, will take advantage of the new exercise haven, running right along the Swamp Rabbit Trail.

“This will be the only thing like this all the way up to the North Carolina border,” Herman also said. “So, we welcome our friends who sit to the north of us to come down, spend a day in town, get a workout in, you know, and then head back home as well. So we’re super, super excited about this new challenge.”

Herman went on to say the fitness park will be well-lit and include water-bottle filling stations. City leaders anticipate that construction will start in the summertime.

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

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.

103 McDaniel Ave, Greenville, SC 29601

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

27 S Main St, Travelers Rest, SC 29690; 864-610-2266

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TRAVELERS REST, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - A new section of the Swamp Rabbit Trail network officially opened Friday, connecting the main stretch of the trail system.

The Gold Line, previously known as the TR Greenway is a two-mile paved path with its trailhead near the entrance to Travelers Rest High School. It extends through a couple of residential neighborhoods to the Travelers Rest YMCA.

The Upstate Greenways and Trails Alliance (UGATA) started working on the project several years ago.

“This has been a labor of love from a lot of people in the community,” said Matt Hudson-Flege, UGATA executive director. “We’re thrilled to open.”

Planning and construction

UGATA first worked to gain support from local residents and leaders for the trail vision.

Four property owners donated easements to allow public access to the trail.

The organization then raised funds for initial design and permitting before securing construction partners.

Work crews broke ground in May 2024, but Hurricane Helene later delayed construction.

“We had a great contractor, Foothills Contracting, who made this trail happen,” Hudson-Flege said. “And it’s a really high-quality trail that I think people are going to love.”

Future expansion plans

UGATA plans to extend the Gold Line beyond its current length. The organization hopes to connect it to the Saluda Confluence Recreation Area, a hiking and mountain biking area on the Saluda River several miles west of Travelers Rest.

Eventually, UGATA wants to connect the trail to Pickens County and the Doodle Trail.

“We’re really excited to connect more neighborhoods and amenities to the trail network,” Hudson-Flege said.

Benefits of trail network

Hudson-Flege said Greenville County Schools continue to work with UGATA to provide more property for future trail projects.

Next month, construction is expected to begin on a trail in Fountain Inn that will connect Bryson Elementary and Fountain Inn High School to the Swamp Rabbit Trail network.

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After three months of explosive ordnance and heavy equipment training by the U.S. Army, 18-year-old Roger Thompson arrived for duty in Vietnam in March of 1968. During his service, he witnessed firsthand the terrors of war, which inspired his lifetime mission of helping fellow veterans who struggle with both the physical and mental effects of combat.

In 2021, Thompson and his friend, Kym Klapperich, both of Travelers Rest, sat down to discuss his experience with StoryCorps, a national initiative to record and collect stories of everyday people. This excerpt was selected and produced by Linda Nunez.

TRANSCRIPT:

Thompson: When I arrived there, one of the first duties I had, they asked for volunteers to help load a military plane, a C-130 transport that was going back to the United States. Me and several other guys volunteered to load this airplane. And the cargo that we loaded that day was all in black plastic bags. And they were fairly heavy, but they weren't bad. So, we figured it was soldier supplies and equipment that was being sent home. And we loaded about 150 of those bags. And then this sergeant showed up, walked up to the ramp, went inside, and looked at the tags on the bag. I had not paid any attention to the tags. Each one of the tags had a man's name on it. These were not their possessions that were going home. These were the men themselves, and these were body bags. And that was my introduction to that country.

Narrator: Two weeks before one of Thompson’s missions, locals were urged to evacuate. Their village was first targeted by air, then entered on foot by Thompson and his fellow soldiers. To their horror, they discovered not all villagers had evacuated. Their ambush mission became a rescue mission, relocating one child to a nearby convent. Afterward, Thompson began volunteering at the convent to help with repairs.

Thompson: Once I got to the village, I met this little boy named Winto who was five years old. And Winto became my best friend. Because every time I showed up, he would grab hold of my leg and hold on to me and would not leave me alone all the time I was there. And he would cry when I left in the evenings. So, after many visits to the convent over the next three months, I had filed adoption papers and had adopted Winto. We called him “Winter.” I had adopted Winto. And I went down to the convent to take the adoption papers that had been filled out to the sisters. And the night before, we'd had some penetrations into the compound and around the convent. So, we had to go out and disarm all the weapons and all the bombs and everything. And when I walked into that convent that morning, up the path to the convent, Win saw me, and he…he came running across the field….and stepped on one of the landmines that I’d missed. And I lost my boy.

Klapperich: I'm sorry.

Thompson: And, so that was…that's still hard today. It always will be.

Klapperich: I'm so sorry. I know you've been able to tell us, or tell me and others that we're friends with, a lot about him over the years.

Thompson: Well, the outcome of that, I came home, I started teaching Sunday school. And these kids, every time I see them, I have...I have my boy back. Because I have someone I can talk to, and someone that hugs me, and someone that…that cares.