Probate Lawyer in Travelers Rest, SC

TRAVELERS REST, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - The Greenville Sheriff’s Office released a critical incident report determining whether or not deputies were justified in using deadly force in a shooting that took place in Travelers Rest on March 25.

The sheriff’s office said dispatch received a 911 call from a woman claiming her husband, 75-year-old Jesse William Wright, was threatening her and was armed with a shotgun.

“My husband has locked me in, [he] refuses to let me out and I’m scared to go into the house because he’s threatened to beat me,” the 911 caller said.

According to bodycam footage, a deputy arrived to the home on Coster Road and tried to negotiate with Wright who was standing on the front porch.

In the video, you can hear Wright say, “You all want to die? I don’t care,” and, “I’m 75 years old. I’ve done lived my [profanity] life.”

Officials said a backup deputy arrived on scene. When Wright pointed his gun at the deputy, both officials fired at Wright. Deputies began first aid care on Wright but he passed away at the scene.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) was requested to conduct an investigation and both Greenville County deputies were placed on administrative leave.

On May 9, the sheriff’s office said an internal review determined that the deputies’ deadly force was justified.

SLED is still investigating.

To watch the critical incident report in full, click here.

MORE NEWS: Dispatch: Deputies responding to shooting in Greenville Co.

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GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. —

A monthslong debate about the future of Paris Mountain was decided.

On Monday, Travelers Rest City Council rejected an annexation request that would've put a 4-star luxury hotel along Altamont Road. Monday night was the first time the full city council was in the room to discuss the plans after pushback from people living along Paris Mountain.

"This establishes the first and only North Greenville County inn lodge, with lodging rooms and indoor and outdoor space for business retreats, events, meetings, celebrations, all including the ballroom, dining, and spa availability. It makes TR a destination for business meetings, events, and business retreats," said Councilman Grant Bumgarner

The discussion lasted over an hour, with developer Krut Patel fielding questions from the council.

"The question number two to me is, does it fit the surrounding land use? I'm having a hard time with that," said Councilman Brantly Vest.

Councilwoman Shaniece Criss addressed the room, stating, " This isn't about stopping growth. It is about smart growth development that honors the land and meets the real needs of people who call this area home."

After the vote to reject the project, Divine Group sent WYFF a statement that read in part -

"We’re disappointed by tonight’s outcome—but proud of the vision that was put forward.

This project followed the harder path—pursuing annexation and public engagement—because we believed it represented the highest and best use of our property: one that would preserve green space, protect viewsheds, create jobs, and deliver lasting value to the community.

That path has now closed. But our work continues.

We remain fully committed to developing our property and look forward to detailing our next steps soon."

TRAVELERS REST — The proposal to build a luxury hotel on a ridge at Paris Mountain appears to have unraveled after losing a crucial committee vote.

The city's Planning and Development Committee voted 4-1 against advancing The Divine Group's annexation and rezoning request and accompanying development agreement for a 40-acre property on Altamont Road to the full City Council.

Committee members cited concerns, among others, that the Inn at Altamont would change the character of the lush mountain, which sits just between Greenville and Travelers Rest.

The Divine Group said in a statement after the May 5 meeting it was disappointed with the committee's decision, but it doubled down on a commitment to build on the site.

CEO Krut Patel previously said the group would consider building apartments — which is allowed under the existing zoning — if the hotel proposal were to be rejected.

"We remain fully committed to developing our property and look forward to detailing our next steps soon," the statement said.

The committee's decision came after months of fierce backlash to the project, with conservatives against growth, environmental advocates and Altamont Road residents blasting the project.

Opponents have expressed fears that annexation would set a precedent that would allow future developers to evade the county’s environmentally sensitive zoning designation that covers properties along Altamont Road.

For more than an hour, committee members and the other council members — who are all present for the committee meetings, even if they’re not voting — asked Patel and the city administrator questions about the proposal and offered their perspectives.

The Divine Group sought to build a 150-room hotel, restaurant, rooftop bar, ballroom, event lawn and spa to be built on Altamont Road. Half of the 40-acre property would be donated to the city as a public park, and trails, restrooms, a driveway and parking would be built there, all funded by the hotel guests.

Under the existing zoning for the site, a hotel isn’t allowed on that property.

The Divine Group requested the property be annexed and rezoned as a flexible review district in Travelers Rest, which city administration said allows for more control over development on the property. A design review board of architectural experts would have weighed in on the appearance and materials of the hotel, according to the development proposal.

Patel pitched the project as an economic development opportunity that would boost the tax revenue for Travelers Rest. Opponents have raised concerns over the feasibility of sewer and water access, fire risk, and traffic safety on Altamont Road.

During the committee meeting, some council members gave qualified perspectives of the project, saying they supported certain aspects of it and what they saw as the developer’s willingness to make changes, but maintaining that they had serious concerns in other areas.

“This decision is not simple,” City Council member Shaniece Criss said. “It involves tradeoffs, long-term impact and our vision for the future,"

The committee members who voted against advancing the measure were Kelly Byers, Criss, Sherry Marrah and Brantly Vest. Grant Bumgarner voted in favor.

Vest praised the development proposal that had been brought to council. But he said he struggled to see how the proposal matched the current uses of the surrounding land, which is a hilly, forested ridge that leads up to the “Furman Face” of Paris Mountain.

Byers said she believed there were compelling pieces to the project.

“We are all on the same team,” Byers said. “We all want a safe, vibrant community to live in and to call home.”

But she said the community had valid concerns with the condition of Altamont Road, which is a narrow and windy two-lane street. She urged the opponents of the project who were present to talk with their state and county representatives to address those concerns.

“I hope you all continue talking to your neighbors and engaging with one another, and that you all get home and put your land in conservation easements,” Byers said.

Bumgarner, who was the sole vote in favor of the measure, said the existing environmentally sensitive zoning that covers half the site doesn’t address the ecosystem — it simply caps residential density along Altamont Road, he said.

“Annexation does nothing to increase the salary of any council person or boost the mayor’s wage,” Bumgarner said. “Annexation is a way for a city to grow its tax base.”

Those benefits were also referenced by Criss, who said the hotel would generate economic activity, create jobs, and attract more visitors to the city.

While she said she supports a hotel of similar scale coming to Travelers Rest, she did not support building the hotel at the mountain.

She referenced the repeated concerns over traffic safety, stormwater runoff, potential for erosion, and light and noise pollution that “could change the mountain’s character.”

She urged people to ask bigger questions.

“Should we stop building on Paris Mountain altogether, including residential?” Criss said, later asking, “Could our neighbors, nonprofits and public partners come together to purchase more land on Paris Mountain for permanent green space and public use?”

The committee’s decision came less than two weeks after the city’s Planning Commission voted 5-1 against recommending the annexation and rezoning be approved by City Council.

During the commission meeting, Patel said they had worked on the site for two years and first considered building apartments.

A market study, however, revealed that such a development wouldn’t be the most profitable and efficient use for the site and could strain emergency responder capabilities, he said. A hotel, on the other hand, would have a positive economic impact and have little effect on first responders.

After the committee meeting, The Divine Group said in a statement that it was proud of the vision it had put forward.

“This project followed the harder path — pursuing annexation and public engagement — because we believed it represented the highest and best use of our property: one that would preserve green space, protect viewsheds, create jobs, and deliver lasting value to the community,” the statement said. “That path has now closed. But our work continues.”

There’s a place tucked away in the foothills of Travelers Rest that will transport you far from the daily grind of everyday life in the Upstate. Hotel Domestique’s Restaurant 17 is the place where you can pour yourself into a seat on the patio, and just breathe in the surrounding beauty. The menu is carefully curated, utilizing ingredients supplied by local farmers, cheese artisans, beekeepers, and more.

A meal at Restaurant 17 is more than just nourishment, it’s an experience. Paired with a weekend getaway stay at Hotel Domestique, you’ll forget you’re less than an hour from home.

Restaurant 17 in Travelers Rest, SC

Owner’s Name: Rich Hincapie

Do you have a kids menu? Yes What are your contactless delivery options? Curbside pickup

Do you offer outdoor dining? Outdoor dining – covered, open & heated What makes your spot unique?Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Restaurant 17’s beautiful setting is the clear root for the restaurant’s modern, place-driven perspective. It all adds up to an experience that brings people together over tables of authentic, thoughtful food and drink. Where old-world hospitality meets familiar European views, the cuisine reveals an elevated twist on classic Italian and Mediterranean favorites. Chef Haydn Shaak marries classical training with his dedication to local farms and ingredients to craft a truly unique menu inspired by the seasonality of the Upstate.

What dish is the most popular? Southern Fried Chicken Padano

What dish are you the proudest of? Chef Haydn’s Southern Vegetable plate features local and seasonal vegetables from our local farmers, and we are proud to showcase the produce of our region in a unique, fresh way.

It’s my first time at your restaurant, what do you suggest we order? The Cheese & Charcuterie Board and House Made Ricotta Dip are must-haves for snacks to start. For Small Plates, the Purple Gnocchi and Grilled Octopus are house favorites. Finally, for entrees, the Duck Breast and Shrimp Puttanesca are fan favorites!

Where do you love to eat when not at work?Jianna

Gifting Options: Gift cards

Learn More About Restaurant 17

Restaurant 1710 Road of Vines, Travelers Rest | 864.635.2872

GREENVILLE — Tipsy Taco, a Greenville original that has grown into a formidable franchise, is on the cusp of change as it expands its reach both in geography and dining concepts.

The restaurant last weekend served its last Don Mignon taco at its Conestee Avenue location in Greenville's Augusta Road community — though that’s not the end of the story. The company intends to fill the space with a new concept called The Pharmacy, which will open in May.

And, there is more.

While the company closed its lowest-performing location, it's gearing up to open a new Tipsy Taco location in Travelers Rest, also in May.

The new Travelers Rest location will take the place of what was S.B.H. Barbecue at 21 S. Main Street. S.B.H. took the place of Monkey Wrench Smokehouse after that barbecue restaurant closed in August 2024.

The changes come as Tipsy Taco enters its ninth year in business.

The Greenville restaurant group was started by two industry veterans, Trish Balentine and Roger Carlton, who opened the first one on Pelham Road in 2016.

In early 2020, Carlton and Balentine sold the Tipsy Taco company to TBL Tipsy Taco, LLC, owned by Shelton, Lazaro Montoto and Tony King. The new owners have since grown Tipsy Taco through new corporate-owned stores and franchises.

The company just opened a location in Hendersonville, N.C., last month, and the new location in Travelers Rest will bring the total number of restaurants to nine.

“We’re always kicking tires and we’re always looking at spots and we’re very strategic with what we do,” Shelton said.

The partners had been looking for growth opportunities in Travelers Rest for about five years, Shelton said, and they loved the building with its sizeable backyard space and location just steps from the Swamp Rabbit Trail.

Plans call for leaning into the outdoor area with renovations that add new seating, lighting and turf grass, yard games and a new access way direct to the trail.

Inside, the building will transform by way of new tables and booths and new paint.

A new neighborhood bar and grill

The building on Conestee Avenue will also undergo some renovations to bring it to life as The Pharmacy. The new restaurant name comes from the building’s past life as Campbell’s Pharmacy, which was a beloved spot of grilled cheese sandwiches decades ago, Shelton said.

The history also helps inform the concept as a neighborhood hub.

While Tipsy did OK, Shelton said, the location just off Augusta Road had stagnated some recently, and in seeking feedback from patrons there was a resounding similarity to what they had to say.

“We talked to a lot of our customer base there, and the common theme was the place really needed a neighborhood bar and grill type place,” Shelton said. “So, the thought process is we want to give that community exactly what they’re asking for, which is a neighborhood bar and grill with an elevated food menu. It’s going to be fresh and chef-driven. All products will be made in-house.”

In 2017, The Common Cure opened in the restaurant space paying similar homage to the building’s past pharmacy and soda fountain history. After the restaurant closed, Tipsy Taco opened in the space in 2018.

The Pharmacy is honoring the ask of the neighborhood with a recast space, with renovated outdoor patios, new furniture, flooring, paint, décor and a new menu that will not feature tacos, but instead feature fare such as grilled cheese sandwiches.

In addition, the menu will be rooted in what Shelton described as an "elevated but not upscale” atmosphere, and a menu with familiar dishes that are enhanced by a few unexpected twists, scratch preparations and fresh ingredients.

Entrees will run the gamut from roasted Alaskan salmon to a Berkshire pork chop. Apps will include wings with a twist, calamari and poutine, along with fired zucchini chips.

The restaurant will serve lunch and dinner during the week and brunch and dinner on Saturdays and Sundays. It will also feature a full bar and happy hour.

The goal is to offer a little something for everyone, from families to people who need a quick lunch to friends looking for a spot to meet for a drink or dinner.

“We are going to try to cater to a lot of different (people),” Shelton said. “It will be a fun, local neighborhood bar and grill for the 05ers to be able to call their own.”

While there are no set plans at the moment to grow The Pharmacy concept beyond the one location, the team of partners is open to the idea, Shelton said.