🎓 Furman’s Front Porch: Why Travelers Rest, SC Is the Perfect Place to Stay, Dine & Shop Near Furman University
Welcome to the Furman University experience—where traditions begin, memories are made, and Travelers Rest becomes more than just a nearby town. Whether you're a proud Paladin parent, incoming student, or alumni returning for Homecoming, Travelers Rest, SC (lovingly known as “TR”) is your first stop for local lodging, dining, shopping, and entertainment.
Just five minutes from Furman’s campus, Travelers Rest offers everything you need to feel connected, comfortable, and right at home.
Stay in Travelers Rest
Close to campus with everything you need for a great stay.
🏨 Lodging Near Furman University: Hotels in Travelers Rest
Looking for lodging near Furman University for Homecoming, Parents Weekend, or Move-In Day? Stay somewhere just a few minutes up the road that feels like a true extension of the Furman community.
In Travelers Rest, you’ll find:
Dependable, clean, chain hotels - The Hampton Inn, Best Western
Boutique hotels and locally owned inns - Hotel Domestique, The Station, Swamp Rabbit Inn TR
Vacation rentals perfect for families, near the Swamp Rabbit Trail
✨ Bonus for Furman Families: Many local lodging providers offer special rates during major campus events like Commencement and Homecoming.
So Many Great Choices
Ditch the crowds and head to Travelers Rest for a diverse selection of quality dining options and lots of free parking
🍽️ Where to Eat in Travelers Rest: Restaurants Near Furman University
After a long day of moving, tailgating, or cheering from the stands, you’ll want a great meal just minutes from campus. Fortunately, Travelers Rest restaurants are packed with flavor, atmosphere, and Furman-friendly hospitality.
Here are a few local favorites:
🌮 Farmhouse Tacos – Elevated Southern-Mexican fusion
☕ Tandem Creperie – A cozy café and brunch hotspot
🍻 The Whistle Stop Cafe – Southern favorites with friendly, welcoming vibe
📲 Want a visual taste? Check out our Complete Travelers Rest Dining Guide here
Local Shops
Looking for a gift, an outfit, gear and more? Shop the Main Street boutiques and shops
🛍️ Where to Shop Near Furman: Local Boutiques & Unique Finds
Whether you're looking for Furman-themed gifts, student dorm essentials, or a little retail therapy, Travelers Rest is filled with charming boutiques and gift shops. Get our shopping guide here.
🛍 What you’ll find:
Handmade goods from local makers
Outdoor gear and equipment
Thoughtful gifts and souvenirs
💡 Parent Tip: Treat yourself after Move-In Weekend with a relaxing stroll and a Main Street shopping break!
Swan Lake at Furman University
📅 2025–2026 Furman University Events Calendar
Planning your visit around a major Furman event? Here are the top weekends to stay in Travelers Rest and why booking early matters:
📆 Furman Events 📍 2025 - 2026
Move-In Weekend August 21–24, 2025
Furman Paladin Football vs. William and Mary Tribe Football, August 30, 2025
Furman Paladins Football vs. Presbyterian Blue Hose Football, September 6, 2025
Family Weekend October 3-5, 2025, Furman Paladins Football vs. East Tennessee
Homecoming October 24-26, 2025, Furman Paladins Football vs. The Citadel
Furman Paladins Football vs. Mercer, November 1, 2025
Furman Paladins Football vs. VMI, November 15, 2025
Holiday Events December weekends
Move-Out Weekend Undergrad May 5, 2026
Commencement May 9, 2026
TR Tasting Room
💜 Why Furman Families Choose Travelers Rest Again and Again
At Travelers Rest, we pride ourselves on being more than just a neighbor—we’re part of the Furman family experience. From warm welcomes and walkable streets to home-cooked meals and handcrafted goods, this is where traditions take root.
✅ Make Travelers Rest your go-to destination for:
Affordable lodging near campus
Student and alumni-friendly dining
Personalized shopping and entertainment
A quiet, safe, and welcoming place to recharge
Stay in Travelers Rest, SC when visiting Furman University
🎒 Why Travelers Rest Is the Best Place to Stay Near Furman University
5 minutes from campus
Locally owned hotels, restaurants, and shops
Furman-friendly discounts and vibes
Ideal for parents, students, alumni & staff
Great for game day weekends, graduations, and quick visits
Make Travelers Rest your tradition. We’ll be here for every weekend, every milestone, and every memory
🙋♀️ FAQ’s: Visiting Furman University & Travelers Rest, SC
❓What is Travelers Rest and how close is it to Furman University?
Travelers Rest, SC is a charming small town located just 5 minutes from Furman University and connected via the Swamp Rabbit Trail. It’s a favorite spot for students, parents, alumni, and staff to stay, eat, and explore thanks to its walkable downtown, local shops, and great restaurants.
❓Where should I stay near Furman University for Homecoming or Move-In Weekend?
The best place to stay near Furman is in Travelers Rest, which offers:
Locally owned inns and boutique hotels
Vacation rentals ideal for families
Peaceful, close-to-campus lodging (without Greenville hotel prices)
👉 Check out our Where to Stay Guide
❓What are the top restaurants near Furman University?
Some local favorites in downtown Travelers Rest include:
🔝 Top-Rated Restaurants in Travelers Rest (2025)
🍣 Sushiyama
⭐ 4.9 (Google)
Hidden gem for sushi lovers. Known for its omakase experience, clean presentation, and attentive service.
✨ Perfect for: Dinner with alumni, special parent-student meals
🥂 Topsoil Kitchen & Market
⭐ 4.8 (Google, 500+ reviews)
Locally acclaimed for its farm-to-table approach, Topsoil offers seasonal menus, a la carte and tasting dinners, and weekend brunch in a cozy Main Street location.
✨ Perfect for: Parents’ weekend dinner, chef-curated date night, or pre-game brunch with the crew. Jazz Thursdays and Bluegrass Brunch Saturdays. Five course Chef’s Tasting Experience Sundays 6pm.
🍕 Coastal Crust Wood-Fired Pizza
⭐ 4.7 (Google)
Wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pizza with a stylish indoor-outdoor atmosphere. Known for its charred crust, cocktails, and family-friendly vibes.
✨ Perfect for: Family pizza night, outdoor dining, group meetups
🌄 Restaurant 17 (at Hotel Domestique)
⭐ 4.6 (Google)
Chef-driven cuisine with a focus on local ingredients and a stellar wine selection—all paired with sweeping mountain views.
✨ Perfect for: Celebratory dinners, romantic alumni reunions, or graduation weekend
🥗 Sidewall Pizza
⭐ 4.6 (Google)
A community favorite serving up crispy thin-crust pizza, hearty salads, gluten-free options, and house-made ice cream.
✨ Perfect for: Takeout after move-in, casual family dinner, or post-hike treat
🔥 Chicora Alley Firehouse
⭐ 4.5 (Google)
Located in a renovated firehouse, Chicora Alley serves up bold Southern-Caribbean fusion dishes and local brews in a fun, casual space.
✨ Perfect for: Group dinners, laid-back lunches
☕ Best Coffee Shops & Lunch Spots
☕ Leopard Forest Coffee Company
⭐ 4.8 (Google)
TR’s hometown roaster with bold brews, a relaxed setting, and plenty of character.
✨ Perfect for: Morning coffee before campus events, meeting up with your student
☕ Bridge City Coffee (Travelers Rest location)
⭐ 4.9 (Google)
Polished, modern café known for ethically sourced coffee and friendly service.
✨ Perfect for: Quick caffeine fix, remote work, or study sessions
🥪 Treehouse Café & Studio
⭐ 4.7 (Google)
Bright, artsy lunch spot offering sandwiches, smoothies, and healthy bowls. Vegan-friendly and full of charm.
✨ Perfect for: Light lunch with your student, post-yoga bite
🥪 Upcountry Provisions
⭐ 4.7 (Google)
🥪 A local bakery and sandwich shop with outdoor seating and charm. A hidden gem for breakfast or lunch.
✨ Perfect for: Grab-and-go meals, quiet coffee chats with students
🍻 Local Breweries, Taprooms & Tasting Rooms
🍷 TR Tasting Room
⭐ 4.9 (Google)
Wine bar and bottle shop with curated flights, events, and small plates.
✨ Perfect for: Wine lovers, Homecoming night out
🍺 The Community Tap TR
⭐ 4.8 (Google)
Craft beer & wine bar with rotating taps, small plates, and a relaxed vibe.
✨ Perfect for: Parents’ night out, alumni meetups
🍻 Swamp Rabbit Brewery & Taproom
⭐ 4.7 (Google)
A TR staple. Cozy indoor seating and a dog-friendly beer garden. Great place to refuel after the Swamp Rabbit Trail.
✨ Perfect for: Afternoon brews, casual gatherings
❓What events should I plan for when visiting Furman?
Major Furman University events you don’t want to miss:
🏫 Move-In Weekend – August
👨👩👧 Family Weekend – September
🎓 Homecoming – October
🎄 Holiday Concerts – December
🎓 Commencement and Move-out – May
❓Is Travelers Rest walkable?
Yes! Downtown Travelers Rest is small, safe, and walkable with access to:
Dining and cafes
Local shopping
The Swamp Rabbit Trail (great for walking or biking to Furman, about 2.5 miles)
Free parking on the street or in City sponsored lots
Make TR Part of Your Furman Tradition
Travelers Rest is more than just nearby—it’s Furman’s front porch. Whether you’re visiting for a big weekend or just stopping in to see your student, these spots make every visit memorable.
