Divorce Attorney in Travelers Rest SC

TRAVELERS REST, S.C. —

A brand new luxury hotel is facing more pushback. On Thursday, plans for "Inn at Altamont" went before the Travelers Rest Planning Commission for a public hearing.

A passionate crowd packed Travelers Rest City Hall on Thursday, all for the public hearing of the Inn at Altamont. Developers are requesting to annex an environmentally sensitive district on Paris Mountain into Travelers Rest and rezone to accommodate the hotel.

Head developer Krut Patel, with Devine Group, says the proposed luxury hotel would include 150 rooms and feature a rooftop bar, a pool, and a spa. He said the property would also feature protected natural land for hikers and wildlife.

Patel presented to the public and highlighted traffic studies and environmental surveys, claiming the hotel would have a negligible impact.

"We were very thoughtful in making sure that the project we bring is something that could conform to the surrounding environment, and be good stewards to our space," Patel said.

One common complaint was that the hotel would increase fire risk for the surrounding area.

"The park, once it catches on fire, is gone. You're not going to stop. You can have another table rock. You've got lots of houses up there and everything just kind of burned to the ground. Period. You can't let it burn out that table rock. You've got to stop it," said Tim Edge, who lives along Paris Mountain.

Traffic was also on the minds of many public speakers.

"Imagine the impact of hundreds of vehicles pouring in and out of the whole hotel property as valets. Who needs three to five minutes to park each car, struggle to keep up, which will mean spill over onto Altamont Road, a windy road with blind corners and no shoulder," said Calvin Armording.

Other speakers say this project could be a long-term benefit for the Travelers Rest community.

"I'm tired of seeing these opportunities that will make our quality of life go away. Well, unless we expand the footprint of T.R., opening doors to development. These other opportunities will be very limited," said Greenville County resident Tara Rolland.

The Planning Commission ultimately voted to request denial of annexation and rezoning for the project. Their denial will be sent to the Travelers Rest City Council. Patel said that meeting will happen on May 18.

At the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains lies a charming hidden gem, gleaming with small-town warmth and extraordinary outdoor grandeur. While it doesn't steal the spotlight like many other bigger mountain towns in the Blue Ridge, it is, without a doubt, a beautiful, underrated town that thrives under the radar.

Apart from the most awesome things to do in South Carolina, the Palmetto State also boasts the most beautiful and must-visit towns—all are beacons of resiliency, rich history, and cultural heritage. There are so many reasons to fall in love with South Carolina, including, of course, its "best" town, Greenville, which is also one of the best places to live in America.

While Greenville is a showstopper, this small charming town embodies the laid-back atmosphere of Upstate South Carolina—where life seems to slow down, making it an underrated yet perfect destination for adventurers and discerning travelers. Here's why it warrants a visit!

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Travelers Rest Is An Underrated Blue Ridge Mountains Town

Upstate South Carolina impresses travelers with its natural beauty, progressive urban appeal, and Southern charm, but what makes it even more desirable is its chains of towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where fun and unique things to do are a surefire.

One of the most underrated Blue Ridge towns is Travelers Rest, South Carolina's coolest small town. Home to only a little over 7,000 people, Travelers Rest often escapes the spotlight, but its vibe gives a beautiful mélange of small-town charm and nature's allure, given its location at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Travelers Rest lives up to its name. Here, travelers can definitely rest—whether you're up for some delicious sips of your favorite coffee or snuggling in your comfortable bed after a day of playing outside.

It's located just ten miles north of Greenville, with many spectacular things to do await—a remarkable South Carolina adventure. But you don't need to grapple with Greenville's crowd, especially if you're seeking a slower pace but still filled with unforgettable adventures.

Travelers Rest was known as Bates Township in the 19th and early 20th centuries, but its name was changed during its incorporation in the 1800s. It was a major pitstop for travelers to re-supply on their journey through the Blue Ridge Mountains, hence the name Travelers Rest.

Today, Travelers Rest is no longer a mere stopover. It's a destination—a stop on the map. Of course, the great outdoors is yours if you fancy outdoor excursions or you're simply a wandering soul exploring the greatness of Upstate South Carolina.

Plus, this underrated Blue Ridge Mountains town is also a foodie destination. With an abundance of award-winning dining options, you'll probably gain a pound or two in no time. Just kidding!

Furman University, a private liberal arts university, is also located along the border of Travelers Rest. North Greenville University is only ten miles away.

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Travelers Rest Is A Blend Of Outdoor Grandeur With A Laid-back Charm

Also known as the "Gateway to the Foothills," Travelers Rest is a nature lover's paradise in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where you can also find small towns for a weekend retreat.

But whether you're visiting for a weekend or some days, or whenever you want to, Travelers Rest fits the bill for both outdoor lovers and those who fancy a vacation in a relaxed atmosphere.

If you're into hiking, Travelers Rest has plenty of beautiful hiking trails to experience the greatness of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Well, you'll be on the front porch of the Blue Ridge, and that's simply amazing.

If you fancy an easy hike, the Swamp Rabbit Trail is an easy 15-mile point-to-point hike through Greenville. It's paved, which makes it a breeze if you're seeking a relaxed hike. You'll be rewarded by the scenic countryside views, including gorgeous waterfalls, forests, and parks.

However, if you eat adventures for breakfast, you'll be thrilled to traverse the Rainbow Falls Trail, a three-mile point-to-point trail in nearby Jones Gap State Park, which has many of the scenic mountain hikes in the Carolinas.

It's a strenuous hike with a large amount of elevation gain, but you'll be treated to the immaculate views of the Rainbow Falls and the surrounding area!

The Swamp Rabbit Trail is a multi-use trail, so you might encounter other people hiking, running, or biking.

The historic Poinsett Bridge is located just off U.S. Highway 25 north of Travelers Rest and has an enduring story of being haunted. Constructed in 1820, it remains intact with a 14-foot Gothic arch and extends 130 feet, crossing Little Gap Creek.

Local legends say that Poinsett Bridge is haunted, with ghost sightings and eerie sounds, particularly at night. There's a short nature trail nearby that you can walk. It's a perfect spot to visit if you're up for some eerie adventures!

Poinsett Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.

Main Street is not to be missed when visiting Travelers Rest. It's lively yet remains laid-back and offers excellent shopping, dining, and a vibrant arts and cultural scene. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring murals in the downtown area, including Where Travelers Come to Rest, A Town as Charming as Its Name, and the Do What You Love! Murals, among others.

You can also taste local flavors at many dining options in Downtown Travelers Rest, as well as some of the wine and craft beer spots.

And, of course, before heading back home, you'll want to pick up some beautiful souvenirs and unique finds from many locally-owned shops, such as handcrafted products, artwork, and vintage and upcycled decor.

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Getting To Travelers Rest

Travelers Rest, located at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, isn't a difficult travel. The nearest airport to fly out to is the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport in Greer, which is only 20 miles away.

But if you're driving, particularly from Asheville, Greenville, or even the North Carolina mountain towns, you will be treated to the magnificent beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains along the way. Asheville, North Carolina's artsy mountain town with spectacular things to do, is only a 1.5-hour drive.

Expect gorgeous sights of forested areas, rolling hills, farms, and a laid-back countryside atmosphere. These scenic landscapes and the underrated vibe of Travelers Rest are among the reasons South Carolina should be your next travel destination!

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Travelers Rest might be a small town in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, but its grandeur, nature, and culture are big! From its underrated charm, the great outdoors, the rich cultural heritage, and the relaxed atmosphere, Travelers Rest proves that big surprises come in small packages.

South Carolina is full of sleepy little towns that boom with activity in the summer months. Whether your idea of a good vacation is long days slumbering on the beaches of the State Lower Coastal Plain, strolling down historic main streets in search of antiques and local histories, or racing through the rough-rolling bike paths of the Blue Ridge Mountains, there’s an option for you in this southeastern state. These are ten small towns in South Carolina that bustle with life in the summer seasons.

Must-Visit South Carolina DestinationsDiscover incredible vacation spots in South Carolina for your next getaway.

Travelers Rest

The small and aptly named Travelers Rest explodes with activity every summer as vacationers flock to the mountainside town of about 8,750 people. The biggest draw for the little town’s visitors is the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 28-mile network of bike paths connecting Travellers Rest, Fountain Inn, and Greenville, all of which rest in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Escarpment. According to the Greenville Parks and Recreation Department, almost 2 million people use the trail each year. This favorite of American travelers is a hiker and biker’s paradise, with the popular Table Rock and Jones Gap state parks each about 16 miles away. Travelers Rest. Need a few supplies before hitting the trail? Sunrift Adventures is South Carolina’s oldest outdoor store, built in a repurposed cotton gin in the town’s downtown core. For a sample of local crafts and produce, visitors have plenty of options at the town’s Saturday Farmer’s Market, which hosts more than 70 vendors each week.

Beaufort

Almost 13,500 people call the beautiful Beaufort their home, but many more fill its parks and streets in the summer. Beaufort is on Port Royal Island off the Atlantic Coast of South Carolina. Nearby Hunting Island State Park, with its soft sandy shores and blue lagoons, attracts over 1 million visitors each year, but those looking for a peaceful spot to go fishing may try Land's End Beach on the shores of St. Helena Island. While there, it is worth a stroll down The Avenue of Oaks, also on St. Helena. The lush, canopied trail is a favorite of local nature lovers and ends at the historic Coffin Point Plantation. The natural saltwater marshes that surround Beaufort make for excellent kayaking routes. Beaufort Kayak Tours runs year-round tours of the swamps and surrounding waterways.

Sullivan’s Island

Another seaside getaway, only about 2000 people live in little Sullivan’s Island, just 9 miles east of downtown Charleston. But every summer, the sleepy little town turns into a beehive of activity as millions of vacationers flock to the island and the wider Charleston area to soak up the sun. This incredible vacation spot tucked into the Charleston harbor has 2.5 miles of sandy beaches to serve swimmers, surfers, and beach bums alike. History buffs, on the other hand, maybe more drawn to the town’s rich heritage. The island was founded in the 17th century by Captain Florence O'Sullivan, and its own Fort Moultrie served as a key stronghold in the defense of nearby Charleston during the American Revolution. The island paradise is also home to excellent cuisine, including the Baja-inspired fanfare at Mex 1 and the fresh-caught seafood of The Longboard.

Georgetown

Follow Highway 17 North from Charleston for about 60 miles, and you’ll find the small beachside city of Georgetown. Though it’s home to just about 8,700 people, its historic charm and natural beauty make it a hot vacation spot. As the third oldest city in South Carolina, Georgetown is a treasure trove of old architecture, boasting more than 250 historic homes, 60 of which are registered national historic sites. Stop by the uniquely historical Rice Museum on Front Street to learn about the town’s history of plantation slavery. Front Street, with rows of oak trees on either side, is a destination in its own right, having previously been named “America’s Best Coastal Small Town” by USA Today. Nautical enthusiasts should hit up the South Carolina Maritime Museum in October to see the annual wooden boat show, which features more than 100 displays of classic wooden boats, a youth regatta, children’s ship modeling workshops and more. A romantic sunset walk along the harbor is a great way to end your day in Georgetown.

Edisto Beach

Tiny Edisto Beach is one of the best spots for cottagers and beaches in all of South Carolina. Home to less than 1,000 locals, it is one of the state Lowcountry’s best-kept secrets. The beach town is at the end of the Edisto River, which empties into the Atlantic Coast. Visitors to the beach cottage town are drawn in by the town’s slow pace and quiet atmosphere. It is home to one of the state’s few undeveloped beaches at Edisto Beach State Park. The park is also great for bikers and hikers, with over four miles of trail available for their exploration. The local creeks and waterways are also excellent for kayakers, and visitors may choose to book a tour of them with one of the township’s various guides. Though there are no hotels in the little community, the state park offers lots of accommodations for RVs and campers, and many of the beachside cottages are available for short-term stays.

Daufuskie Island

Less than 700 people live on Daufuskie Island, South Carolina, but many more go for a visit when the summers get hot. The only way to the island is by ferry, making it a perfect secluded getaway for people who like a slower vacation. The island is home to three miles of unspoiled, soft sandy beaches. The Bloody Point Lighthouse and Museum, at the island’s southern tip, is worth a stop for history lovers who’d like to learn a little more about the island’s history. Foodies will be delighted by The Old Daufuskie Crab Company Restaurant, a culinary treasure serving up seafood staples like fried shrimp, oysters, and the restaurant’s signature deviled crab.

Bluffton

A little on the larger side as far as vacation towns go, Bluffton is a little further inland than Daufuskie Island and is home to about 35,000 souls. In the heart of Lowcountry, the holiday hub is rich with history. It was a hotbed of secessionist rhetoric leading up to the Civil War. In fact, nearly two-thirds of the town was destroyed during the war, but it experienced an economic resurgence in the early 1900s due to the local Oyster harvesting industry. At more than 150 years old, the Church Of The Cross is one of the town’s oldest surviving witnesses of that storied history. Bluffton sits on the May River Waterway and is a great place to go kayaking, sailing, or Dolphin watching. Vacationers may be interested in staying at one of the town’s acclaimed resorts, like the Montage Palmetto Bluff, which has a gorgeous view of the town's waterfront.

Seneca

Seneca is home to less than 9,000 people year-round, but many more call it a home away from home in the summertime. On the southern shore of Lake Keowee, Seneca is a natural choice for anglers, fishers, swimmers, and paddlers. The lake has 300 miles of shoreline to explore and provides almost endless recreational space for cottagers. Visitors also have quick, easy access to Lake Hartwell State Park, 16 miles to the South, near the Georgian border. Though both are excellent fishing spots, Lake Hartwell is especially so and is regularly used to stage professional fishing tournaments. At about 25 miles North, Devil’s Fork State Park is a little further away, but those who make the trip will be treated to breathtaking views of Lake Jocassee and its waterfalls. After spending the hottest part of the day hiking and swimming, visitors may journey into Seneca’s historic Ram Cat Alley, a downtown hub of shops, restaurants, and local businesses.

Walhalla

Resting in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the 4,000 residents of Walhalla have access to some of the best biking and hiking trails in the state. Walhalla, Norse for “Garden of the Gods,” has lots to offer adventurers, with an abundance of local parks to choose from. Follow Highway 28 southwest for about 5.5 miles, and you’ll find Stumphouse Mountain Park and the historic Stumphouse Tunnel. Construction on the tunnel began in the 1830s and was designed to connect railways from Charleston to as far away as Knoxville, Tennessee. The project was abandoned during the Civil War after the State economy tanked. The tunnel and nearby Issaqueena Falls are essential sites for day-trippers. Though summer is perhaps the best time for mountain bikers to visit, the town also holds an annual Oktoberfest, making fall trips a viable option as well.

Bennettsville

At the edge of Marlboro County on the southern shore of Lake Paul A. Wallace, Bennettsville is a cute little home away from home for summer vacationers. With less than 7000 people to call it home, Bennettsville is also one of the best small towns for visitors in South Carolina. Vacationers have plenty to do at the nearby lake, including swimming, sailing, water skiing, and fishing. The local Marlboro Country Club is also a great spot for golfers looking to squeeze in a few swings on vacation. Bennettsville is home to the Marlboro County Museum, where people can learn about the town and the surrounding county’s history as an agricultural powerhouse. Your inner historian will feel right at home walking down Main Street, where Union Major General Frank Blair and General William Tecumseh Sherman used the town courthouse as an operations center during the Civil War.

Embracing South Carolina's Summer Towns

South Carolina is awash with cute little towns, which many travelers and vacations are already calling their home-away-from-home. The lush sandy shores of Edisto Beach and Sullivan’s Island bring in visitors just as well as the historic architecture of quaint Travellers Rest and Georgetown’s Front Street. These little towns are the perfect retreat from the everyday, offering the excitement of crashing Atlantic waves and rolling mountains, as well as the slow, sleepy pace of old-world architecture and sunset walks. Though tiny on the outside, these ten towns have big hearts and tons to offer the avid traveler.

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GREENVILLE — During the first public gathering for a luxury hotel planned for the foot of Paris Mountain, citizens encircled the developer for two hours, questioning him as private armed security guards stood nearby.

More than 400 people visited the Greenville Shrine Club and Event Center on Feb. 27 creating the first major physical representation of the passionate public reaction to the hotel since The Divine Group first proposed it a month ago.

Most attendees wore red shirts in opposition to the hotel, some emblazoned with “Save Paris Mountain.” At one point someone began chanting “no hotel." The crowd joined in for about a minute.

Developer Krut Patel said he still plans to submit a request for annexation and rezoning to Travelers Rest in March. He said his group will take the feedback from the meeting and revisit parts of the project.

The hotel would be built on a property about half a mile up Altamont Road at the northwest edge of Paris Mountain, bringing with it 150 guest rooms, event spaces with a combined 2,000-person capacity, a rooftop bar, a restaurant and resort-style amenities.

The proposal has attracted opposition from an array of groups, including Altamont residents, lovers of Paris Mountain, heavyweight environmental groups and conservative county council members. An online petition has more than 12,000 signatures.

City council would eventually decide if it should allow a hotel there, which isn’t permitted under the property’s current zoning as set by Greenville County.

Most of the eastern side of the mountain remains protected by the 1,700-acre Paris Mountain State Park, but much of the western side remains privately owned. Altamont Road is dotted with high-end single-family homes and subdivisions with gleaming gates.

At the information session, a crowd of people — mostly in red shirts — gathered outside the event center well before the scheduled start time. Once the doors opened, it took about half an hour for most people to enter. They wrote their names down on sign-in sheets that will be submitted to Travelers Rest with the annexation request.

The wide room, which typically hosts events like quinceañeras and weddings, held easels with architectural renderings, topographical drawings and site plans of the hotel project. People clustered around the images, studying them, pointing and discussing amongst themselves. Others stood in groups around the room, talking.

A large crowd gathered in one corner of the room around Patel, who stood in front of a screen showing an image of a new proposal to build a separate bike path through the property for cyclists to avoid conflicting with hotel traffic along Altamont Road. One person recorded video of the interactions on their phone for most of the meeting, holding it close to Patel’s face at times.

Some attendees were disappointed with the meeting’s format. One woman asked a representative of the development team why they were “hiding in the corner.”

They were hoping for a town hall-style event where residents would walk up to a microphone and express their feelings on the project to the developer — along with the other people in the room.

Patel said after the meeting that the format was designed to create more one-on-one conversations so he could better receive feedback from people.

They initially planned to host a public meeting at Furman University Feb. 10, but that was rescheduled, Patel said, because of capacity constraints.

They’re still hoping to submit their annexation application in the next one-to-two weeks.

“We don't have a hard, fast date,” Patel said. “There's a lot of things that we might take back to the drawing board and re-look at, and so if that means we might need a little bit more time, we're not going to rush it. We want to make sure we do it the right way.”

Ben Alier, who lives across the street from the proposed hotel site, said he would support less-intense development on the property, such as single-family homes or a few apartments. But he doesn’t support a hotel.

“It’s nature,” Alier said. “We have deer that walk through my yard. There’s barred owls. There’s bears.”

Alier said he appreciates the proposal to donate half the property to Travelers Rest to be used as a public park. But he is worried about the site’s large trees being torn down and replaced with a parking lot.

Nearby residents bashed the project for the additional traffic it would generate and the changes it would bring to a ridge at the base of the mountain. Environmental groups raised alarm over the effects the development could have on the wildlife and waterways on the property, which is close to the headwaters of the Reedy River.

The annexation, however, has drawn the most-heated discussion, with one County Council member describing the request as a “hostile takeover.”

Patel has said he wants Travelers Rest to annex the 40-acre property to boost the city’s revenue and place a less harmful building on the site compared to the hundreds of apartments allowed under the existing zoning. He has maintained that, if he isn’t able to build the hotel, he would consider building hundreds of apartments on the site.

Opponents say the annexation represents an evasion of the county’s environmentally sensitive zoning that currently covers one of the two parcels.

Follow Spencer Donovan on Twitter @sdonovan5.