Southern Living Names Travelers Rest One of South Carolina’s Best-Kept Secrets
When Southern Living calls your town a best-kept secret, you know something special is happening. In a recent feature titled “This Historical Town Just North of Greenville Is South Carolina’s Best-Kept Secret,” the beloved publication shines a spotlight on Travelers Rest — celebrating its deep roots, scenic beauty, and vibrant small-town charm.
And honestly? We couldn’t agree more.
Nestled at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains just minutes from Greenville, Travelers Rest has always been a place where travelers pause, recharge, and fall in love with the journey — a tradition that goes back centuries.
A Town Built for Travelers
Long before it became the charming destination we know today, Travelers Rest served as a natural stopping point along the historic Old Buncombe Road, a key trade route linking North Carolina to Georgia. Cherokee Native Americans first traveled these paths, followed by livestock drovers and families escaping the summer heat of the lowcountry.
Today, that same spirit of rest and renewal lives on — whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or planning to stay awhile.
Why Southern Living Loves Travelers Rest
In their feature, Southern Living highlights exactly what makes TR so special: the perfect mix of outdoor adventure, local culture, and small-town hospitality.
Here are just a few of the must-do experiences they spotlight — and why visitors keep coming back.
🚴♀️ Ride the Swamp Rabbit Trail
The Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail runs right through downtown Travelers Rest, offering 22 miles of scenic greenway perfect for biking, walking, or running. Following a former railroad line, it connects TR to Greenville and invites you to slow down and enjoy the view.
🎶 Catch Live Music at Trailblazer Park
With sweeping mountain views and a vibrant calendar of concerts, farmers markets, and festivals, Trailblazer Park is the cultural heartbeat of Travelers Rest. Locals know it as one of the best outdoor music venues in the Upstate — and visitors quickly see why.
🏛 Step Into Local History
At the History Museum of Travelers Rest, you’ll discover stories of the people who shaped this town — from early settlers to modern-day trailblazers. It’s a reminder that every street and storefront here has a story to tell.
🌉 Visit the Legendary Poinsett Bridge
Just a short drive from town, the Poinsett Bridge stands as the oldest surviving bridge in South Carolina. This striking Gothic stone arch feels like stepping into another century — and makes for an unforgettable photo stop.
Savor the Flavor of Travelers Rest
Southern Living also gives a nod to what locals already know: TR punches well above its weight when it comes to food and drink.
From cozy cafés to destination dining, you’ll find something for every appetite:
Tandem Creperie & Coffeehouse — beloved for sweet and savory crepes and its welcoming, community-first vibe.
Restaurant 17 — an elegant European-inspired escape tucked into the countryside with unforgettable mountain views.
Farmhouse Tacos — farm-to-table Tex-Mex done right in the heart of downtown.
Swamp Rabbit Brewery & Taproom — Travelers Rest’s first craft brewery, known for great beer, live music, and trail-side energy.
Topsoil Restaurant — Travelers Rest’s first and only Michelin Recommended Restaurant.
Where to Stay in TR
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a cycling retreat, or a family adventure, Travelers Rest offers lodging that feels just as special as the town itself.
Hotel Domestique — a boutique countryside retreat owned by cycling legend George Hincapie, blending luxury, wellness, and European charm.
The Station by Compo Hotels — eco-friendly cottages located right along the Swamp Rabbit Trail, perfect for travelers who want to stay in the heart of the action.
Not Just a Visit — A Feeling
Southern Living sums it up perfectly: Travelers Rest is the kind of place that gets more beautiful with age. Here, ancient mountains meet modern creativity. Historic trails lead to new adventures. And every visit feels less like a trip — and more like coming home.
So whether you’re discovering TR for the first time or rediscovering it all over again, now you know what we’ve always believed:
Travelers Rest isn’t just a stop along the way — it’s the destination.
