Divorce Attorney in Travelers Rest, SC

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.

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?