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.
Population: | 7,788 |
Area: | 4,051 acres |
Year Incorporated: | 1891 (didn't become official until 1959) |
Location: | Greenville County, South Carolina |
Coordinates: | 34°58′12″N 82°26′16″W |
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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!
Hiking Trails | Distance | Duration | Difficulty |
Swamp Rabbit Trail | 15.6 miles | 5 hours | Easy |
Palmetto Trail | 3.04 miles | 1 hour | Moderate |
Rainbow Falls Trail | 4.4 miles | 2.5 hours | Hard |
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.
Year Built: | 1820 |
Length: | 130 feet |
Coordinates: | 35°07′44″N 82°23′02″W |
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.