Criminal Defense Attorney inTravelers Rest, SC

Inside: Find information on how to get there, biking options, and other park activities.

Have you visited Gateway Park in Travelers Rest, SC? This park along the Swamp Rabbit Trail is full of outdoor things to do, including an impressive bike park where you can practice jumps, ride the pump track, and older bikers can conquer the skills down two different jump lines. Here’s all the information you need to take advantage of Gateway Park on your next visit to TR.

About Gateway Park in Travelers Rest

Gateway Park is located along the Swamp Rabbit Trail in Downtown Travelers Rest, right behind Sunrift Adventures.

Biking is a big draw to Gateway Park, but there are also other things to do. There is a small playground in the shade, plus tennis courts, a football field, and a basketball court. Restrooms are centrally located in the middle of the park. And, there are a number of picnic tables and even charcoal grills located throughout the park.

Getting to Gateway Park

There are two entrances to Gateway Park, but if you’re not looking for them, you might miss them. The first entrance, and the one that GPS will probably take you to, is right behind Sunrift Adventures. You will actually turn into the Sunrift parking lot and then veer to the right into the Gateway Park parking lot. At this end of the park you’ll find the basketball court and field.

If you continue driving through the park, you’ll pass the restrooms on the left, the playground on the right, and then you’ll arrive at the bike skills park.

There is another entrance/exit here at the bike park onto Henderson Drive. Turning left here will bring you back up towards Main Street, Travelers Rest.

There’s something for every level of biker at Gateway Park. While my older kids and husband spend most of their time at the park on the skills in the jump lines, the park also offers a pump track, several platforms at varying heights for drop jumps, and 2 1/2 miles of mountain biking trails through the woods and around the park.

Bikers using the jump lines start at the platform in the corner of the bike park. Skills in the jump lines include gap jumps, steep table tops, and a variety of berms. Here you’ll find a helpful map of the trails and maybe a friendly biker or two to give you some pointers. If you’ve never tried these types of jumps, a good way to start is by rolling over the jumps on the trail slowly, rather than jumping. It’s always a good idea to take new trails slowly, anyway.

Across the road from the jump lines, you’ll see the small pump track and the drop jumps. The pump track would be a cool place for younger riders to try some skills. There are no jumps on this track only bumps and turns.

Beside the pump track is an area for bikers to practice drop jumps off of platforms. There is a variety of heights to choose from; entry and exit of these jumps is a grassy field- no trails. When bikers are present, you’ll want to keep an eye on the kiddos here.

In addition to the skills portion of the bike park, there is also a trail through the woods and around the park. There are about 2 1/2 miles of mountain bike trail.

When we arrived at the park most recently, my husband pulled his bike out of the van, only to realize the tire was flat and he didn’t have the adaptor he needed to pump it up. He brought the bike over to Sunrift Adventures, located right beside the park, and they pumped it up for free. He was also able to buy the missing adaptor so he’d have it for next time for just $1. Sunrift is a great resource in the area for biking and all kinds of outdoor adventures.

More to Love at Gateway Park

This park used to be the site of Travelers Rest High School. So, if you are not in the mood for biking, grab a football and play on the football field that has been used to train athletes for decades. You can also enjoy the basketball court or baseball diamond.

If you are 5 or 95, you will find something at this park to get your heart pumping while soaking in some vitamin D. Bring some friends, and get out to Gateway Park.

Visit Gateway Park in TR

115 Henderson Drive, Travelers RestVisit the Gateway Park website for more information.

Would your family enjoy a day visiting Gateway Park in Travelers Rest?

I've often traveled through Greenville, South Carolina, on the drive from Atlanta to Asheville, North Carolina, to visit my parents. I can't count the number of times that I've purchased superior South Carolina peaches from the roadside stand next to the Spinx gas station in nearby Travelers Rest because I was wondering what to eat, but was drawing a blank. I won't have that problem after this eating expedition because I have found that Greenville's culinary offerings make it a place worth savoring.

As a restaurant critic and a mom, I have two essential criteria for a Southern road trip: There must be good dining options and lots of activities. Greenville has both, including plenty of museums with exciting exhibits and established restaurants in every category, whether it's barbecue or fresh regional cuisine. There are imports from other Southern cities and towns, but Greenville has a distinct personality all its own. Here are the things to do and places to eat in Greenville.

What To Do

Pulled Brisket Sandwich at The Cook’s Station. Credit: Peter Frank Edwards

The Cook's Station presents a hyper-Southern array of products showcased next to top-of-the-line BlueStar ovens for those who have food and cooking on the brain. Its newest location on Buncombe Street in downtown Greenville sells kitchen gadgets and goodies that you never even knew you needed. Want to shop for a while? Grab a glass of Champagne from the wine bar or a sandwich at the cafe.

thecooksstation.com, 515 Buncombe St., Greenville, SC 29601

Falls Park on the Reedy is a park located right downtown featuring a uniquely curved, single-sided support suspension bridge overlooking a waterfall. It's a beautiful park to enjoy a walk or bike ride and work up an appetite for the restaurants nearby. If you're looking for more exercise, the Swamp Rabbit Trail is a 28-mile paved multi-use path that travels along the Reedy River and an old railroad corridor, eventually connecting to the nearby city of Travelers Rest. Check the website before you head out on the trail, as cleanup is still underway from Hurricane Helene damage.

greenvillesc.gov, 206 S. Main St., Greenville, SC 29601 greenvillerec.com/swamprabbit

Downtown is a central hub for activities in Greenville most Thursdays and Fridays. NOMA Square hosts outdoor concerts and events throughout the year. Traveling in late spring? Artisphere is a celebration of visual, performing, and culinary arts in May, while Jazz Fest takes place along Main Street during the summer. The lineup features swing, funk, smooth jazz, Latin jazz, and more.

Artisphere, Greenville's #1 art festival, is happening May 8-10, 2026.

nomasquare.com, 220 N. Main St., Greenville, SC 29601 artisphere.org, 101 B Augusta St., Greenville, SC 29601 visitgreenvillesc.com

Greenville is home to many performing arts spaces that provide plenty of opportunities to enjoy live theater, a performance by the symphony orchestra, or a ballet. The Peace Center is a 6-acre downtown destination for catching outdoor concerts or a Broadway show. Visit the Greenville County Museum of Art to see a nationally acclaimed collection of American art from Federal portraits to modern masters. Highlights include an extensive collection of watercolors by Andrew Wyeth and works by South Carolina artists.

peacecenter.org, 300 S. Main St., Greenville, SC 29601 gcma.org, 420 College St., Greenville, SC 29601

Near the art museum in Greenville's Heritage Area, the Upcountry History Museum captures the history and cultures of the upper part of the state in a series of eye-catching exhibits. This museum also brings in traveling exhibits from the Smithsonian and other museums that will satisfy history buffs and entertain children.

upcountryhistory.org, 540 Buncombe St., Greenville, SC 29601

Baseball fans can tour the final home of Shoeless Joe Jackson across from Fluor Field, the minor league home of the Greenville Drive. The Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum and Baseball Library displays artifacts and photos to preserve the legacy of the "greatest natural hitter to ever play the game." You can also stop by his grave at Woodlawn Memorial Park, where fans often leave baseballs and other memorabilia.

shoelessjoejackson.org, 356 Field St., Greenville, SC 29601 milb.com/greenville, 945 S. Main St., Greenville, SC 29601

In the West End of downtown, close to Fluor Field, you'll find Gather GVL, an outdoor food court of multicolored shipping containers. It's home to 13 businesses serving everything from giant artisan doughnuts at HenDough to Maine-style lobster rolls at The Lob Father. As you walk down Augusta Street, you'll see cute boutiques like Augusta Twenty selling brands like The Great and Rag and Bone, plus locally made jewelry.

gathergreenville.com, 126 Augusta St., Greenville, SC 29601 augustatwenty.com, 26 Augusta St., Greenville, SC 29601

Where To Eat

Credit: Peter Frank Edwards Jianna chef Michael Kramer. Credit: Peter Frank Edwards

After a day of shopping, lunch at Jianna is a wonderful way to recharge. Fresh pasta is the first thing you notice as you climb the pastel green stairs to the Italian eatery, which looks out onto Falls Park on the Reedy. If the weather permits, take a seat on the patio. Order the tender and light chicken piccata or any of the homemade pasta dishes. Each is sauced with a deft hand and is even better complemented by wine—you are on vacation, after all.

jiannagreenville.com, 600 S. Main St., 2nd Floor, Greenville, SC 29601

Mix and match shareable plates from the "Graze and Nibble" menu at The Lazy Goat. Don't want to share? Try an entree like Confit Duck Leg & Purple Potato Gnocchi or Tunisian Pork Tenderloin instead. This Mediterranean fusion restaurant also boasts a great view of the city from its open-air patio.

thelazygoat.com, 170 River Place, Greenville, SC 29601

In recent years, the city's food scene has expanded its borders, both geographically and culturally. There's everything from Aryana Afghan Cuisine, which serves home-cooked traditional meals with local ingredients, to tacos at Califas, a strip mall spot that started as a pop-up serving trendy birria (a slow-cooked meat filling). Califas' owner, Erika Dila, hails from Culver City, California, hence menu items with names like Sunset Boulevard and Palm Springs. The classic Heavenly Delicious Birria Tacos is a perfect benchmark for how this dish should taste, and the crispy tortilla shell and gooey strings of melted white cheese make it way too fun to eat. Dip it into the accompanying consommé (cooking liquid) for a saucy treat.

aryanagreenville.com, 210 E. Coffee St., Greenville, SC 29601 eatcalifas.com, 30 Orchard Park Drive, Greenville, SC 29615

Credit: Peter Frank Edwards Swordfish from The Anchorage. Credit: Peter Frank Edwards

Neighborhood favorite The Anchorage was a James Beard Award semifinalist in 2018. Enter through Taxi House Wines, which sells a fun assortment of the bottles served at this bi-level eatery. Although the cocktails with whimsical names like Kermit the Fizz are delightful, wines match the incredible menu best. Delicious options might include a handcrafted cheese plate with silky smooth bourbon-liver mousse or a thick slab of North Carolina swordfish with fresh greens and fried garlic.

theanchoragerestaurant.com, 586 Perry Ave., Greenville, SC 29611

Head to The Pharmacy for an upscale take on classic pub fare with plenty of Southern hospitality. The restaurant is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, with offerings like chicken and waffles, a smash wagyu burger, and braised short rib nachos.

pharmacyeats.com, 15 Conestee Ave., Greenville, SC 29605

Credit: Peter Frank Edwards Trio of Spreads and Chicken Liver Pâté at Topsoil Restaurant. Credit: Peter Frank Edwards

It would be hard to discuss the culinary scene in Greenville without mentioning the town of Travelers Rest, which is about 9 miles away and growing into a powerhouse with strong ties to the land. There you'll find Topsoil Kitchen and Market. As soon as you see the door handles, which are cast from metal to look like curled carrots (with tops intact), you'll know this is a place that takes the earth seriously. Committed to farm-to-table cuisine, chef Adam Cooke was a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef Southeast in 2020.

Baguettes are for sale near the hosting stand, but save yourself for the jaw-dropping ways this kitchen spins ingredients, such as a plate of za'atar-roasted carrots and beets served with chard hummus and cilantro pesto. If you're lucky, you might catch the homemade raspberry doughnuts; they're slightly sweet, a little tart, and pure love in each warm bite.

travelersrestsc.comtopsoilrestaurant.com, 13 S. Main St., Travelers Rest, SC 29690

Topsoil Restaurant’s fresh bread. Credit: Peter Frank Edwards Brunch at Topsoil Restaurant. Credit: Peter Frank Edwards

Where To Stay

For a luxury experience, stay in the Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville, one of Marriott's Autograph Collection hotels. The moody green decor and lodge-like lobby fit right in on the Reedy River, a view you can take in from your oversized windows or private balcony. Enjoy top-notch dining and a full-service spa at the hotel.

marriott.com, 44 E. Camperdown Way, Greenville, SC 29601

Wondering where to stay? The Westin Poinsett is a stalwart on Main Street, located just one block from the Peace Center. The AAA Four Diamond hotel is steps from shopping and food. With luxury linens and bath, you won't want to leave the comfort of your room. Head downstairs for a meal, or order room service.

marriott.com, 120 S. Main St., Greenville, SC 29601

If you like something more contemporary, the AC Hotel Greenville has a rooftop area ideal for special events. The hotel emphasizes the area's history and features art from local artists. End the day at the patio of the tapas bar for cocktails and Spanish-Mediterranean bites.

marriott.com, 315 S. Main St., Greenville, SC 29601

Are you looking for restaurants in Travelers Rest, SC? TR, as the locals call it, has many delicious places to enjoy a meal. You’ll find everything from a super kid-friendly coffee shop to a smokehouse, fine dining, and amazing crepes in Travelers Rest. Check out our list and don’t miss our guide to Travelers Rest.

Tandem Creperie: Delicious crepes and coffee. Read more about them in our review of the best places to get breakfast in the Upstate.

TREEhouse Cafe: Breakfast sandwiches, pastries, paninis and lots of coffee options

Upcountry Provisions: Breakfast options like breakfast sandwiches, frittatas, eggs, pastries, avocado toast, kids plates are available

Lunch in Travelers Rest

Sidewall Pizza: Traditional and unique pizzas, homemade ice cream, great breadsticks

TREEhouse Cafe: Lots of delicious sandwich and panini options, and coffee, in a kid-friendly art bar setting with lots of crafts and art you can make for a small fee.

Whistle Stop: train themed cafe

Upcountry Provisions: Unique sandwiches, salads, soups, sides and kids meals are on the menu.

Dinner in Travelers Rest

Sidewall Pizza: Traditional and unique pizzas, homemade ice cream, great breadsticks, indoor and outdoor dining

Farmhouse Tacos: Super unique tacos with locally sourced ingredients. Try the fried chicken taco, you won’t be disappointed.

Topsoil Kitchen and Market: Farm-to-table restaurant and market with sandwiches, soups, salads, and several entrees to choose from. The menu varies based on what is fresh and available at local farms

Restaurant 17: Italian and Mediterranean-inspired menu with locally sourced ingredients, located at Hotel Domestique with a beautiful mountain view

Chicora Alley Firehouse Bar & Grill: wings, nachos, street tacos and quesadillas

Shortfields: Sandwiches, salads, burgers and entrees include steak, grilled salmon, pork chops, shrimp and grits, and lots more. This menu is very large with many options.

Dessert in Travelers Rest

Pink Mama’s Ice Cream: Cute ice cream shop with lots of options. There are even a few dairy-free options available. Enjoy your ice cream and frozen treats at tables outside along the Swamp Rabbit Trail.

Romantic Restaurants in TR

Restaurant 17: Italian and Mediterranean-inspired menu with locally sourced ingredients, located at Hotel Domestique with a beautiful mountain view

Best Restaurants For Young Kids in Travelers Rest

TREEhouse Cafe: Enjoy your coffee while your kids paint and make a mess somewhere that isn’t YOUR kitchen. Need we say more?

Whistle Stop: This restaurant is train-themed and offers kids’ meals.

Best for Business

Need a restaurant for a business meal or a social gathering of co-workers? Try these restaurants in Travelers Rest!

Shortfields: If you’re looking for a menu with lots of options and good variety, Shortfields is what you want in TR.

Farmhouse Taco: It’s a little loud, so this wouldn’t be the place if you needed to hammer out that business deal, but Farmhouse Taco has flexible seating and can accommodate a larger group (definitely recommend reservations), plus their a la carte menu style means everyone should be able to find something they’d like to eat.

Budget-Friendly Places to Eat in TR

Sidewall Pizza: Traditional and unique pizzas, homemade ice cream, great breadsticks, indoor and outdoor dining. Their birthday club coupons and other promotions that benefit the community can make a meal at Sidewall very economical.

Take Out Restaurants in TR

While most restaurants offer their menus for take-out, some restaurants offer specials or other take-out friendly advantages.

What’s your favorite restaurant in Travelers Rest?

TRAVELERS REST, S.C. (WSPA) – It’s fall in Travelers Rest and that means scarecrows are popping up all over Main Street in a creative community tradition.

It’s getting spooky downtown Travelers Rest.

“It’s scary, you know, I hope I don’t have any bad dreams tonight,” local Pete Ginocchio joked.

This October, 21 scarecrows line Main Street and the Swamp Rabbit Trail for the 5th annual Scarecrows on Main competition.

“Community, residents and businesses, they make the scarecrows based on the theme. This year’s theme was ‘sporty,'” Beth Sicignano with the City of Travelers Rest said.

Many are embracing the athletic theme, with everything from 80’s work-out attire to unicyclists and soccer stars.

“There’s one behind me. I think he has a soccer jersey on. I think that one is the cutest thing,” resident Abby Farr said. “Travelers Rest is such a beautiful town in and of itself. But with the scarecrows, especially with fall the season, I think it’s really good just for people to be able to express themselves through scarecrows.”

It is also a friendly competition, as you stroll through town you have a chance to cast your vote for your favorite straw stuffed athletes.

“Every shop that is participating is going to have a big pumpkin in it that says vote here. So they can go inside and cast that ballot right there,” Sicignano said. “It gives families a reason to come downtown and a fun adventure to enjoy, so they can just look at the different scarecrows and have some debate about what their favorite (is).”

For locals, it’s a great way to enjoy the spooky season.

“The people that live here expect this every year,” Ginocchio said. “This creates a really great spirit, and Travelers Rest and elsewhere, people come from everywhere to see these scary creations.”

There will be winners in three categories “Fan picks,” “Facebook favorites,” and “Best in theme.” Voting ends on October 25th with winners announced shortly after. Winners will receive 50-dollar gift cards to use at shops and restaurants in town.

You can vote for your favorites on the city’s Facebook page here.

Known for its lovely weather, sandy beaches, and refreshing natural activities, South Carolina is an amazing state filled with particular towns featuring amazing historical, cultural, and natural sights. Aisles of delightful pastel-colored houses, mesmerizing waterfront views, and the delectable classic Southern supper shape the soul of these welcoming communities. The "Palmetto State" has settlements of all shapes and sizes, from harbor towns to mountain hamlets to modern villages. If you seek a relaxing stroll through a green natural park, like Trailblazer Park in Travelers Rest, an adrenaline-rich paddleboarding adventure on Prestwood Lake near Hartsville, or a limitless Oktoberfest celebration in Walhalla, these unique South Carolina villages got you covered. So, take a moment to behold this all-American land laden with green natural scenery and festivals — South Carolina is waiting for you!

McClellanville

McClellanville, with its back turned to the Atlantic, is a town where fishing, oystering, and shrimping are more than just industries—they're a way of life. Surrounded by the dense Francis Marion National Forest, it offers a misty landscape that feels like it belongs in a fairy tale. Historically, the town has depended mainly on the Atlantic Ocean and coastal marshes for seafood, which remain central to its economy. The first store opened shortly after the Civil War. Today, many buildings still stand behind the ship masts. For those eager to enjoy fresh catch, T W Graham & Co offers a variety of seafood, from muscles and fried shrimp to scallops served with French fries.

Travelers Rest

Travelers Rest sits in the southern foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in South Carolina's stunning Upcountry region. This cozy getaway once served as a hiding spot for Lowcountry travelers crossing the highlands during hot summer days. These travelers didn't use highways but instead walked along iconic trails like the unique Bunched Arrowhead Heritage Preserve loop. Surrounded by lush forest, this trail still feels like a step back in time, walking where those travelers once tread, and it remains popular with many visitors. Tourists in Travelers Rest can enjoy quality time at Trailblazer Park, where the green space features attractions like a live music stage, food gazebos, car shows, and occasional outdoor movie nights.

Landrum

Nestled among rolling hills and pastureland near the North Carolina border, Landrum features stunning natural scenery. The town offers a welcoming atmosphere that enhances your visit. Nearby, the Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve offers numerous hiking trails, charming waterfalls, and breathtaking views reminiscent of storybooks. The celebrated Campbell's Covered Bridge, with its red wooden structure, spans Beaverdam Creek and is particularly picturesque amid fall foliage. Hikers will enjoy the Palmetto Trail at the 575-acre Blue Wall Preserve, which offers scenic paths along Lanny's Falls and past twin ponds. In town, downtown Landrum boasts many artsy shops, boutiques, inviting restaurants, and antique stores like Landrum Eclectics, a beautifully curated shop filled with antique and vintage pieces that warmly welcomes every visitor.

York

York blends urban charm and small-town peace, where the nearby James Ross Wildlife Reservation forest quietly merges with the town. The city maintains a deep respect for its history, which is displayed through its well-preserved historic district. Visitors can admire the uniquely beautiful 19th-century buildings downtown or explore one of the many museums. For example, the Museum of York County is a heritage museum that offers a naturalist center with hands-on programs and shares the story of York County. Additionally, York features a collection of historic landmarks that highlight its role in American history. Among these is the McCelvey Center, a respected site listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The nearby Kings Mountain State Park offers the ideal setting for activities such as camping, hiking, or simply enjoying the natural beauty around you.

Walhalla

Walhalla overlooks the shores of Lake Keowee near the Georgia border. With a population of 4,072, this community is celebrated for its stunning natural scenery and German heritage. German immigrants fleeing the revolutions of the mid-1800s settled here, naming the town after "Valhalla" from Norse mythology. The town's strong German cultural influence is also evident in its large annual Oktoberfest, which attracts thousands of beer enthusiasts.

Aside from the town's German history, there is much more to explore at places like the Museum of Cherokee. This museum highlights South Carolina's Cherokee Native American heritage with artifacts, pottery, and texts. One of the most popular attractions is Issaqueena Falls, a stunning rocky waterfall. The view of this incredible cascade can only be seen by its namesake trail, making it one of the most unique sites to visit in the state! Visiting Walhalla will feel like stepping into Nordic heaven.

Georgetown

Georgetown is the third oldest city in the state of South Carolina and the second-largest seaport. Part of what makes Georgetown unique is its beautiful historic homes, adorned with gracious porches, shaded, live-oak canopies, and sparkling waterways. Georgetown is easy on the eyes and provides distinct natural beauty. Georgetown has over 50 antebellum mansions in and around its downtown district, with some rumored to be haunted by ghosts, demons, and other entities. If you are into spooky tours, feel free to join the unique Ghosts of Georgetown lantern tour for a shivering experience through town.

For nature lovers, the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center Heritage Center grants visitors an eye-watering 24,000 acres of pristine nature and hosts hundreds of animals, including American alligators and loggerhead sea turtles. Strolling along the town's scenic Harborwalk, one might find some of Georgetown's fine eateries. For example, Soco Grille delights customers with its juicy brisket and wide selection of seafood offerings.

Hartsville

Prestwood Lake bounds the small town of Hartsville, creating a fantastic ambiance. Hartsville combines a collection of cultural attractions and a wide range of natural wonders. When it comes to nature, Hartsville houses many gorgeous gardens and parks filled with scenic views, such as the Kalmia Gardens, which displays 30 acres of floral biodiversity and is a great place to start your Hartsville journey. Another must-see attraction is the Hartsville Museum, an old 1930s post office that has been repurposed into a home for history and art. This museum also boasts historical movie exhibits, a sculpture garden, and a mural featuring the town's first commercial studio. For outdoor lovers, the nearby Prestwood Lake grants 280 acres of water sports fun, a perfect setting for swimming, kayaking, or even paddleboarding. For a more relaxing experience, the Hartsville Memorial Library is a great place to relax and wind down. This library was established in 1920 and has hundreds of books on display, as well as magazines and even historic newspaper prints.

South Carolina is a stronghold of that distinctive old-school American charm, and its small towns demonstrate that combining natural beauty with historical legacy creates a perfect match. From the small fishing town of McClellanville with its always-busy port to the beautifully restored 19th-century buildings in downtown York or the expansive Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center Heritage Center with its free wildlife near Georgetown, South Carolina's communities are eager to showcase their uniqueness and charm to travelers of all backgrounds. Each of these towns acts as a sanctuary of curiosities and offers a peaceful atmosphere in its own special way.