It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Simpsonville Clock Tower gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Simpsonville, SC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Working for Always Best Care was a blast! The schedule coordinator is only a phone”
“Always Best Care (ABC) is the best health care place to work at! It was”
“I was looking for 24 hr home care for my mother who was living alone”
“Always best care is a great company to work with! Holly is great at getting”
“Excellent company and employees. They always go above and beyond to make sure clients and”
“The company is amazing, in my whole heartedly honest opinion. I've been working there for”
“Always Best Care really lives up to its name! Bruce and Holly were incredible and”
“When my father fell and broke his arm, we needed help quickly as my mother”
“So I have known Bruce Meyer for quite some time now. He came at a”
“I’ve work for this company for about a month now. We are a family with”
“My wife is a recent former client of Always Best Care. The only reason we”
“I was recently in a motor vehicle accident and found myself needing 24 hour care.”
“Always Best Care has always been close to home, so to speak, and this was”
“Caring, compassionate and thorough. Professional and they listen to best meet your needs.”
“Wonderful caring people who go out of their way to ensure your loved ones are”
“What a journey we experienced with Always Best Care! They were with us every step”
“Bruce and his team at Always Best Care have been a tremendous help to many”
“I have been a client of Always Best Care (ABC) in Greenville, SC for nearly”
“Staff is well screened and trained. Company is very professional and caring, they will find”
“When our mother needed in home care we researched other options before selecting Always Best”
“Bruce and his special team were with us every step of the way. A very”
“excellent owner and management staff. great caregivers. responsible, dedicated, trustworthy, dependable.”
“Always Best Care are the absolute BEST home care agency I have EVER worked for”
“We have been with ABC for about six months and could not be more pleased.”
“I have only been working for Always Best Care for about two months. And it”
“Working for Always Best Care was a blast! The schedule coordinator is only a phone call day or night. The learning environment is wonderful I never felt stupid asking questions. This is the best care company anyone could work for! It’s great to know that the company has your back. 10/10 recommend!”
“Always Best Care (ABC) is the best health care place to work at! It was never just a job for me, it was so much more than that! You become so close to each other like family! The employees work as a team which makes it so much enjoyable! Thank you for all you’ve done for me ABC!!!”
“I was looking for 24 hr home care for my mother who was living alone after my Dad's passing. My mother also had Dementia. ABC was recommended by her PCP. I was immediately impressed with my 1st meeting with their Senior Program Coordinator. She took detailed notes about the daily routine. My mind was set at ease when she explained their COVID protocols which included wiping down surfaces, mask requirements and unannounced periodic supervisor check-ins on caregivers. Daily each caregiver maintained meticulous documentation on my mother's daily routines - when she got up - what she ate. They also handled mail sorting and other sensitive confidential information. I was particularly impressed with the professional and caring demeanor of the caregivers. Shift changes overlapped allowing caregivers time to share pertinent information and there was often training from senior caregivers to junior team members about handling transfers and safety. ABC is a first class well run home care providing company.”
“Always best care is a great company to work with! Holly is great at getting back to you and changing hours for the caregivers as needed, Bruce constantly is checking in to make sure the family has a support they need, and the caregivers go over and beyond!”
“Excellent company and employees. They always go above and beyond to make sure clients and coworkers needs are met.I have worked for this company for 23 years and I recommend this company for anyone looking for extra help for their loved ones.”
“The company is amazing, in my whole heartedly honest opinion. I've been working there for over a year and the office has always been there when I needed them. Bruce Meyer and Holly Jones are top notch in the office and work to help us caregivers/CNA's as well as our clients.”
“Always Best Care really lives up to its name! Bruce and Holly were incredible and gave consistent and professional care for our family member and went above and beyond on many occasions. I would recommend them heartily!!”
“When my father fell and broke his arm, we needed help quickly as my mother has Alzheimers. We meet with Bruce on Monday and by Wednesday, we had caregivers in the home 7/24. I've been a recruiter for 22 years and I know that finding good people is hard work. ABC has some fantastic employees and they have been a welcome addition to the home during this transition to Assisted Living. Bruce and his team answered our call day and night and responded quickly and professionally. There are always bumps when you are starting a new project, but it's how you handle them that is important. I have the utmost respect for Bruce and his team and I recommend them if you need care for a family member.”
“So I have known Bruce Meyer for quite some time now. He came at a time where I was struggling to find a job. God sure does work in amazing ways. He was the reason I said yes to the job. It wasn’t just another interview where they just hired anybody. It was a place where I could feel comfortable and not nervous and leave the “interview” knowing I had found a wonderful place to work for. I’ll never forget that day when I agreed to take it because of the words he spoke to me. He said “God is calling you to walk through the doors. “ That alone will tell you how wonderful he is and the care that he gives to those he believes is a good fit for the job. I have been working for Always Best Care since September of 2020. Ever since I started I knew I was in the right hands with the best company I could have ever asked for. They go above and beyond to give exceptional care/ support to the clients, families, and staff.I have heard nothing but positive feedback from anyone I come In contact to that receive their services. I am truly blessed to call this not only my job but my family.”
“I’ve work for this company for about a month now. We are a family with our client’s as our main priority!! The name doesn’t lie we Always give the Best Care, you won’t regret your decision with ABC.”
“My wife is a recent former client of Always Best Care. The only reason we are no longer using their services is she was approved for Medicaid. Bruce was great during his initial visit to find out my wife's needs. They were able to provide an aide very quickly. Cortney, the supervisor nurse, is awesome and went above and beyond. When an aide couldn't make it, they had someone else ready. All of the aides have been fantastic and will be missed.”
“I was recently in a motor vehicle accident and found myself needing 24 hour care. Always best care provided services for me for about 2 months. I feel like all the caretakers we’re capable and caring they certainly were a great help to me from cooking, to light cleaning, walking my dog, and helping with various needs I had. I would definitely recommend ABC for caretaking services!”
“Always Best Care has always been close to home, so to speak, and this was no different! Bruce & the team helped us out so much! They cared for my loved one just as if she was their own. And they even help with the transitions in life for when the need may arise. They are like family. If you ever have concerns, voice them, because they are willing to go the extra mile for you! ????”
“Caring, compassionate and thorough. Professional and they listen to best meet your needs.”
“Wonderful caring people who go out of their way to ensure your loved ones are treated right and cared for - would highly recommend!!”
“What a journey we experienced with Always Best Care! They were with us every step of the way. Professional, loving, and truly part of the family! We are forever grateful to their special team!”
“Bruce and his team at Always Best Care have been a tremendous help to many of my clients over the years. They provide services to seniors with the utmost in care and professionalism. I highly recommend Always Best Care!”
“I have been a client of Always Best Care (ABC) in Greenville, SC for nearly 5 months. The responsiveness and value added provided by their service has been outstanding, always going the extra mile in terms of advice on how to deal with the complexities of medicare, and health insurance for the elderly, and in particular the difficulties of handling dementia in the case of a loved one. The ownership and staff provide great individualized attention to the specific needs of every single client. They will search for the right caregiver to provide the required level of care for you and your loved ones. I wholeheartedly endorse them. I would rate my experience with them a perfect 10.”
“Staff is well screened and trained. Company is very professional and caring, they will find the right fit to meet your needs.”
“When our mother needed in home care we researched other options before selecting Always Best Care. Bruce Meyer and his team of caregivers gave us the level of care and attention we were looking for. The ladies who attended to our mom were always on time and were always extremely loving and gentle. Our mom looked forward to the daily visits. We choose a non-fri schd of 8am - 12pm. When she later moved to more 24 hr nursing home requirements, her caregivers continued to stay in touch and became part of our extended family. Always Best Care will Always be our first option! Thanks again to this wonderful team.”
“Bruce and his special team were with us every step of the way. A very difficult journey and they carried us through it!”
“excellent owner and management staff. great caregivers. responsible, dedicated, trustworthy, dependable.”
“Always Best Care are the absolute BEST home care agency I have EVER worked for ! They truly appreciate and care about there caregivers and clients ! Bruce , Ashley and Jessica are truly one of a kind and I couldn’t have asked for a better home care agency to work for ! I 100% recommend them to care for your loved ones !”
“We have been with ABC for about six months and could not be more pleased. Ashley and Jessica make every effort to be sure our needs are meet. Bruce and Helen have been invaluable in helping with our long term care insurance. Our caregiver , Cat Sellers , has been a godsend. She has become a member of our family. She has a unique ablity to be both personal and professional. We look forward to her cheerful spirit each day. Thank you , ABC. Rev. and Mrs. Todd Walter.”
“I have only been working for Always Best Care for about two months. And it has been such a great experience. I been in healthcare for ten years. Have worked in nursing homes, assisted living, and home health. But this is by far the best company yet. They are truly some loving, gentle, and caring people to work for. Bruce, Jessica, and Ashley are awesome. I love that they don't mind getting in there and getting their hands dirty. But most of all, if I had a loved one that needed care, I would most definatley use Always Best Care. Why? Because I know they would be well taken care of. They show love for their workers. We are family at Always Best Care.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Heritage Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Stella's Southern Bistro or visit Simpsonville Baptist Church, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Simpsonville, SC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Simpsonville, SC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Simpsonville, SC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Mumford & Sons’ upcoming Railroad Revival Tour includes a stop in Simpsonville at CCNB Amphitheatre with special guest Darius Rucker on Aug. 4.The tour was originally scheduled that day at Spartanburg’s Piedmont Interstate Fair. On July 14, the group announced the venue c...
Mumford & Sons’ upcoming Railroad Revival Tour includes a stop in Simpsonville at CCNB Amphitheatre with special guest Darius Rucker on Aug. 4.
The tour was originally scheduled that day at Spartanburg’s Piedmont Interstate Fair. On July 14, the group announced the venue change.
“The CCNB Amphitheatre proved to be a better fit for Mumford & Sons & Friends concert,” OneSpartanburg Director of Communications Zach Fox said. “We hope fans from across Spartanburg County will support the performance coming to the Upstate on August 4.”
The Railroad Revival Tour also includes stops at Champions Square on Aug. 3 in New Orleans with special guest Lainey Wilson; Allianz Amphitheater in Richmond, Va., on Aug. 5; and Champlain Valley Expo in Burlington, Vt., on Aug. 7. Special guests for the shows in Richmond and Burlington will be announced at a later date.
The four-date tour features Mumford & Sons alongside an all-star traveling house band on all stops. In 2011, Mumford & Sons held their first Railroad Revival Tour featuring the Magnetic Zeros and Old Crow Medicine Show, making six stops.
That tour was chronicled in the documentary film “Big Easy Express,” which won Best Long Form Music Video at the 55th annual Grammy Awards.
Mumford & Sons, a British folk rock band, formed in 2007.
The group has released five studio albums, with the latest, “Rushmere,” released in March. The album bears the name of the pond in London where band members Ben Lovett, Ted Dwane and Marcus Mumford spent time together.
Marcus Mumford, the band's lead singer, told The Post and Courier he’s excited to bring the tour to South Carolina. The interview was conducted before the band announced its venue change.
“Our experiences on the first Railroad Revival Tour a few years back were great with Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros and Old Crow Medicine Show meant a lot,” Mumford said. “Old Crow Medicine Show showed us how you could play acoustic instruments like rock and roll instruments. Old Crow was one of the biggest inspirations of my life. They are one of my favorite bands.”
Mumford said what he enjoys most is performing in smaller towns that encapsulate American life. One of his all-time favorite shows was performed years ago in Troy, Ohio.
“I just love going deep into places across the country,” Mumford said. “I am really stoked to come to South Carolina and bring a great collaboration of songwriters with us on the train.”
The Railroad Revival Tour allows the band to travel by train to each tour stop. Mumford said it’s going to be a unique experience. The train parked at the station will allow anyone to board and participate in an open mic event before and after the main show.
Mumford said the four-tour stop will have a different set list each night, with music from all of the band’s five albums.
He said he’s thankful to be back on tour after a long hiatus.
“I think we are in this period of our life as a band where we just feel this depth of gratitude for getting to do what we do,” Mumford said. “In the craziness of it all, you can forget to be present, and what a privilege it is just to play music for an audience. We are bursting with new songs and look forward to touring again.”
It's been years since Fountain Inn unveiled its mile-long section of the Swamp Rabbit Trail, and in that time the strip of asphalt has served more than anything as a promise of what's to come.The stretch from Mt. Zion Drive to Hellams Street is isolated from the broader Swamp Rabbit network, which with close to 30 miles of multiuse trail has sparked massive economic investment along its path in Greenville County.Now, a coalition says it is dedicated to q...
It's been years since Fountain Inn unveiled its mile-long section of the Swamp Rabbit Trail, and in that time the strip of asphalt has served more than anything as a promise of what's to come.
The stretch from Mt. Zion Drive to Hellams Street is isolated from the broader Swamp Rabbit network, which with close to 30 miles of multiuse trail has sparked massive economic investment along its path in Greenville County.
Now, a coalition says it is dedicated to quadrupling the length of the spur to get closer to the ultimate dream: connecting to the larger network that would create a contiguous stretch all the way to the foothills of Travelers Rest.
That group plans to break ground later this year on a 3.5-mile expansion that would connect the Fountain Inn spur to Simpsonville's Heritage Park, which has a 15,000-seat outdoor music venue in the CCNB Amphitheatre
The new section would mark the first new trail connection between two cities since it joined Greenville and Travelers Rest in 2009.
"The biggest thing we hear from our citizens is, 'Hey, we love the Swamp Rabbit Trail in Fountain Inn, but we wish it was longer, we wish it would actually be able to get us somewhere,'" Fountain Inn City Administrator Shawn Bell said. "And I think that's the biggest benefit of this 3.5-mile section is it's not just going to be just for recreational purposes, it can actually be a mode of transportation."
The spur as it is now is a common destination for bikers and runners, and connects to Fountain Inn High School, which opened in 2021.
Along the way, the new section would also create a pedestrian connection to Bryson Elementary, as well as multiple established and coming neighborhoods in the booming pocket of the Golden Strip.
Matt Flege — whose organization, the Upstate Greenways and Trails Alliance, was instrumental in securing easements and moving the project forward — said his experience driving in bumper-to-bumper traffic on Bryson Drive during school pickup three years ago crystallized the need for the trail segment.
"There's hundreds of rooftops that will now be directly connected to schools," he said.
The roughly $4 million project is being funded through a number of sources, Flege said, including a federal transportation grant, state allocations and private money, with local firm SeamonWhiteside providing design and permitting services.
Bell said the city is pitching in $1.8 million over the next two years, a mix of hospitality tax revenue and COVID-era American Rescue Plan stimulus dollars.
National developer DRB Homes, which is building a subdivision along the planned route, is also contributing about $250,000 and will host the groundbreaking later this year at its coming residential project.
"Obviously there's a strong upside for them to be able to tout that their neighborhood is directly connected to the trail, but still, it's a huge investment that they're making," Flege said.
As the extension from the high school to Heritage Park moves forward, Bell said the city is making significant progress securing easements for an additional expansion that would bring the trail into the heart of Fountain Inn's downtown.
Meanwhile, Simpsonville is working on its own Heritage Park-SRT connection, one that would bring a similar spur in its downtown to the major outdoor amenity within its city limits.
Flege said the resulting seven-mile track connecting the two growing downtowns would be a momentous step toward creating a contiguous trail from the northern county to its southern reaches. Interstate 385, which divides the county in half running between the Greenville city line and Mauldin, long posed a major barrier to that goal.
But in 2023, Mauldin opened a pedestrian bridge — coupled with the $150 million Bridgeway Station mixed-use development — that connects to a trail segment running near Mauldin High School. The next step would be to bring the main body of the SRT from its current terminus near Verdae Boulevard to the bridge over the interstate.
Did you know you can watch free movies outdoors near Greenville, SC? Are you wondering, “Where are all the free outdoor movies near me?” You are in luck because there are several parks and towns that offer free outdoor movies throughout summer and fall, including Greer, Spartanburg, Travelers Rest, and Downtown Greenville. Here’s your full schedule of free outdoor movies in Upstate, SC as well as what titles will be available.Remember that these events are subject to weather, so check the Facebook pa...
Did you know you can watch free movies outdoors near Greenville, SC? Are you wondering, “Where are all the free outdoor movies near me?” You are in luck because there are several parks and towns that offer free outdoor movies throughout summer and fall, including Greer, Spartanburg, Travelers Rest, and Downtown Greenville. Here’s your full schedule of free outdoor movies in Upstate, SC as well as what titles will be available.
Remember that these events are subject to weather, so check the Facebook page of the venue close to the movie date. Also, especially for extremely popular choices, you will want to be sure to arrive early.
The City of Greer Moonlight Movies return! Preshow fun and crafts will be available for free at 6 pm on select Thursday nights throughout the summer at Greer City Park. Movies will start at 7 pm at the Greer City Park Amphitheater. For 2025, they will have an LED screen, so the movie will be visible at the 7 pm start time, perfect for families with young children. Children 16 and under must be with an adult while at the event. This event is free with concessions available for purchase. You’ll get to enjoy a movie under the stars with your family, what could be better?
2025 Movie Lineup
Events will be held every Thursday in September and October. The 2025 movie schedule will be released closer to September. The outdoor movie series is pretty popular, so get there early to grab good seats.
Outdoor Movies at Falls Park start at approximately 7:30-8:00 (sundown) on the big screen. These movies are typically classics that would appeal to families. BYOB alcohol is allowed with a $1 wristband. Food trucks are also at the events. If you attend, you are welcome to bring a lawn chair and food, but please leave your pets at home. Smoking is also not allowed.
Join the Mauldin Cultural Center for a movie every Friday in October. (weather permitting). Previous movies included Encanto, Barbie, and Hocus Pocus. We will update the list with 2025 information closer to October.
In the past, the Town of Duncan has shown family movie nights for free starting in June at the Duncan Event Center, 119 South Spencer Street. Snow cones will be for sale and leashed dogs are welcome. The 2025 schedule has not been released, but we will update once we have more information.
The City of Pickens is excited to announce a brand-new family event series coming to Doodle Park. Doodle Park after Dark movie nights. Third Fridays in July through October. Bring your chairs, blankets, and the whole family for an evening of food, fun, and movies under the stars!
You’re probably also going to want to check out the many places to hear free music this summer near Greenville, SC!
Love some family-friendly outdoor music and free concerts? Greenville, SC sure does! Especially in the summer, Greenville and the surrounding areas host a number of free outdoor (and sometimes indoor) concerts. These concerts provide a great way to enjoy time as a family or couple while keeping expenses down. This list includes a wide variety of concerts. While most of these events are intended to be suitable for families, some concerts may target an adult audience in content and atmosphere. Please check the original sources ...
Love some family-friendly outdoor music and free concerts? Greenville, SC sure does! Especially in the summer, Greenville and the surrounding areas host a number of free outdoor (and sometimes indoor) concerts. These concerts provide a great way to enjoy time as a family or couple while keeping expenses down. This list includes a wide variety of concerts.
While most of these events are intended to be suitable for families, some concerts may target an adult audience in content and atmosphere. Please check the original sources if you have questions about whether alcohol will be served or event parking.
Music in the Woods at Paris Mountain State ParkThis Fall Season music series is on Saturdays from 2-4 pm at Paris Mountain State Park’s amphitheater from September through October. The shows are free with admission to the park and feature some local favorites!
Piedmont Natural Gas Downtown AliveThursday night features performances from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm at NOMA Square in Downtown Greenville. The event runs weekly from March through the end of August.
Live & Local on the PorchGet ready for summer sounds starting Thursday, July 10! Every Thursday evening in July, from 6 to 8 PM, local talent from the Greenville area will take the stage for a series of free outdoor concerts. Catch the live music along the Swamp Rabbit Trail side of 157 Welborn Street at The Commons beside Unity Park.The July musical lineup includes:July 10 – Raybandz SaxJuly 17 – Second Hand NewsJuly 24 – Taylor Corum & Rhys HesterJuly 31 – Doug Jones
Simpsonville Summer Music Series The CCNB Amphitheater at Heritage Park features a different live band and food trucks every Thursday beginning in May. Band Lineup for 2025:
June 5th, 2025- Away Team GreenvilleJune 12th, 2025 – The SonicShiftersJune 19th, 2025 – The Pickens Creek BandJune 26th, 2025 – Upstate of Mind
Amp’d Up Fridays Friday night performances starting at 6:30 pm and going to 9:30 pm. Featuring different genres of music each week and a line up of local food trucks. Located at the Mauldin Cultural Centers outdoor amphitheater. This even runs through May 23rd to July 25th
Tunes in the ParkStarting May 17th, 2025, head to Greer City Park one Saturday of each month through September for Tunes in the Park.
Sounds of SummerHear live music every Friday night from May 23rd – August 8th, 2025 at Commerce Park.
Music in the Park at Trailblazer ParkTravelers Rest’s Trailblazer Park hosts concerts at 7 pm every Saturday in May, June, and September. Food trucks at 6 pm. Don’t forget your blanket or chair.
Music on MainEnjoy live music on Main Street every Thursday in April – July from 5:30-8:30 pm at Morgan Square in downtown Spartanburg.
DRAY: Bar + Grill Enjoy live music, a mini-market, and food at Dray: Bar + Grill in Drayton Mills. Check their Facebook page for event details.
Did we miss an outdoor concert series that you know of? Let us know in the comments!
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