Sparkling and Shiny Cities to the East - Day Trip Destinations from Greenville

Downtown Greenville is an award-winning charmer.  It’s bright and bustling yet cozy, hip and modern yet classic and colonial, with great entertainments of all kinds.  But let’s say you’ve got more time to explore and need a big hit of BIG CITY.  I feel another day trip coming on!  As we’ve mentioned previously, Greenville is conveniently situated two hours from two BIG southeastern hubs:  Atlanta GA and… Charlotte NC!  This blogpost we head east toward the rising sun to stroll in the shadow of skyscrapers and follow in historic footsteps with a couple of regional highlights along the way.

Spartanburg

“Sparkleburg”!  That’s what we call it in these parts, less than 40 minutes up the road on hwy 85, practically  Greenville’s fraternal twin.  Perhaps you’ve noticed we share an airport.  It was named for the local Spartan Regiment after the Revolutionary War which participated in the decisive Battle of Cowpens.  Another half hour up the 221 through Cherokee Springs and you can tour the Cowpens National Battlefield or attend the Revolutionary War Weekend held there in October.  Like Greenville, Spartanburg was a hub of textile mills, and converging rail lines gave it another nickname, “Hub City”.  The historic Magnolia Street Station is home to the Hub City Railroad Museum and Caboose, and the Hub City Farmer’s Market.

For cyclists Spartanburg is famed as the start line for The Assaults on Mt Mitchell and Mt Marion, Mt Mitchell being the highest peak in the East.  Every May a thousand cyclists gather to test themselves on these ascents.  If you plan to join in, act lively because those spots sell out fast!

Nearby Walnut Grove Plantation has an intriguing Revolutionary War history and is rumored to be haunted… for good reason!  Built in 1765 on a land grant from King George III, tours are available most of the week in the warmer months with reduced hours in the winter.

Located just east of town, The Cottonwood Trail is a walking/cycling/running trail situated along the Lawson’s Fork area of the Edwin M. Griffin Nature Preserve that features a raised path over an extensive wetlands area and access to sporadic sandbars. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound.

Sparkleburg is also a college town being home to historic (1854) Wofford College (where the Carolina Panthers hold training camp) and the University of South Carolina Upstate.  Signature festivals include Dickens of a Christmas, a Victorian holiday extravaganza, and the Hub City Hog Fest competition that draws over 40 barbecue teams.  Lots of ways to be entertained for a day in and around Spartanburg!

Calling all climbers!  Heading up interstate 85 from Spartanburg you will come to Crowders Mountain. The towering sheer cliffs at Crowders Mountain State Park, will keep busy and offer stunning views to those who 'make the grade'.

Heading east from Crowders you will come to Lake Wylie.  Straddling the North Carolina/South Carolina border, Lake Wylie is a manmade lake formed by the Catawba Dam in 1904 and has six public boat access areas and water recreation options aplenty.  The Catawba River below the lake offers interesting kayaking opportunities.   

Rock Hill

The Catawba Indian Nation, the only federally recognized tribe in South Carolina, inhabited the area known today as Rock Hill when European settlers arrived.  Rock Hill is distinguished in modern history by pivotal events of the Civil Rights Movement which took place here in the early 60s.  In 1961 the Friendship Nine staged a sit in at the segrated Mc Crory’s Five and Dime lunch counter.  Later that same year Rock Hill was the first stop in the Deep South for a group of 13 Freedom Riders, who boarded buses in Washington, DC, and headed south to test the 1960 ruling by the US Supreme Court outlawing racial segregation in all interstate public facilities.

Cyclists know Rock Hill as the home of the Giordana Velodrome.  Many track cycling events are hosted here throughout the year. The city also boasts many famous NFL players in residence there.  Glencairn Garden is a delight for the senses.  Begun as a backyard garden in 1928, it now covers 11 acres with a paradise of landscaped beauty.

Charlotte

Nicknamed the "Queen City" for Charlotte, wife of King George III, Charlotte NC is the second largest banking center in the US after New York City.  It is home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the Carolina Panthers NFL team, and the Charlotte Hornets of the NBA.    It's a great big city with skyscrapers, lots of big malls like South Park Mall to shop in, and diverse and distinctive neighborhoods full of character and charm.  

Charlotte is also BIG on the ARTS!  The city offers theaters, museums and public art galore.  If that doesn't float your boat, perhaps a roller coaster ride will.  Carowinds Amusement Park boasts the Fury 325, the fifth tallest coaster in the world.  For a more pastoral respite Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens is a 380-acre wonderland.  Look over your options carefully as there is so much to see and do, dull moments are virtually impossible to come by.

These little rambles from the Swamp Rabbit Inn are proving to provide a few surprises here and there, no?  Stay hydrated out there, pack the sunscreen and remember to hashtag us now and then.  Happy trails!  

--Percy

The A's have it! Day Trip from Greenville - Destinations South

Greenville is known for it's idyllic city center, it's charming yet bustling downtown.  But let's say you have a hankerin' to experience that gracious Southern style, a lazy day meandering down a country road.  If you travel south down Highway 25 you'll find just that - Some history, some horses, lots of nature, and blissful stretches of nuthin' but fields and daydreams.  On this day trip from Greenville, you'll want to stop off at that fruit stand, browse aimlessly in the curio shop and take a selfie with that beautiful horse by the fence.

Greenwood

First stop on the 25 is Greenwood, a good hub to go to interests both east and west from the home of little Lander University.  Greenwood boasts the South Carolina Festival of Flowers featuring elaborate topiaries on display every June.

Ninety Six

Go east from Greenwood and you come to the town of Ninety Six (not even kidding).  There is a running debate as to how the place was named but the popular explanation is that it was 96 miles to the nearest Cherokee settlement of Keowee.  Established in July of 1769, Ninety Six has featured prominently in American history.  At one time it was known as "Jews Land" because some prominent Sephardic Jewish families from London bought extensive property there and helped other Sephardic families relocate from Europe to the "New World".   It was a pivotal site in the Anglo Cherokee War (1758-1761) but is best known as the site of  the first land battle of the American Revolutionary War south of New England, fought there in 1775.  Ninety Six has four sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places including Star Fort.

Abbeville

A few miles west of Greenwood sits Abbeville.  Another history maker, on November 22, 1860, a meeting was held at Abbeville, at a site since dubbed "Secession Hill", to launch South Carolina's secession from the Union. One month later, the state of South Carolina became the first state to secede.  A quaint downtown as quaint can be is currently known for its Opera House, designated the Official Rural Drama State Theatre of South Carolina, and Spring Festival held in early May.

Augusta

I don't even have to say it, do I?  You read "Augusta" and the first thought in your head was "golf", right?  One can't deny so let's start there!  A little further south on hwy 25 and and you will come to Augusta Georgia, known the world over for hosting The Masters Tournament every year.  It is also the historic boyhood home of President Woodrow Wilson.  Other celebrity natives include: opera singer Jesse Norman, soul singer/songwriter James Brown, baseball legend Ty Cobb, and currently, actor Laurence Fishburn.  Home also to Augusta University and Paine College this is also solidly a 'college town' with all the energy of academia adding to the mix.  Known as the Garden City and located on the banks of the Savannah River, there are endless outdoor activities in which to indulge.  Phinizy Swamp Nature Park has woodlands and wetlands to romp (hike, bike, learn) in all day long.  With a beautiful downtown and many historic districts to explore, sophisticated cultural diversions and a thriving nightlife that favors jazz, Augusta will satisfy all the senses and everyone in your group.

Aiken

Your 'kingdom for a horse', you say!?  You'll find plenty in Aiken, it's an equestrian wonderland. With steeplechase and other competitive events throughout the year and every amenity the horsey set might require it's hard not to saddle up.  While Augusta dips just below the GA state line, if you turn east on on hwy 78  and blink a couple times you'll be in Aiken SC!  Aiken is an oasis of misty mornings and golden afternoons, the sound of hooves on soft earth - an invitation to set a spell and just exhale.  Check out the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame, or the Canopy of Oaks on South Boundary, or hit one of the many festivals and you will know you're living Southern style!  Plenty of nice places to eat in town, too, when it's time for the feed bag.

Columbia

Turn north from Aiken on hwy 1 to hwy 20 and you will come to our state capital and the largest city in South Carolina.  It's where we make our laws and such.  You may remember a flap about a flag recently... history-making is a nonstop sort of thing here!  It lies at the confluence of the Saluda River and the Broad River which merge at Columbia to form the Congaree River.  Hootie and the Blowfish hail from Columbia, as does actress Andie MacDowell.  Delve into Columbia's rich Civil War history with a tour of Fort Jackson, the First Baptist Church, and the State House.  Historic districts near the University of South Carolina campus will provide a lively and pleasant stroll.  The Five Points is newly revitalized and throws down a legendary St Patrick's Day fest while Congaree Vista, on the banks of the river, is known for Artista Vista  SC's oldest gallery crawl.  Columbia is also home to the largest and longest-running Pride event in South Carolina: Famously Hot SC Pride, so come down in September and let your rainbow flag fly!

Sumter National Forest

Just want to be in nature all day, you say?  I have just the place!  Now, you may notice, I'm taking you in a big circle back to Greenville...  From Columbia head north on hwy 26 and you will pass (or stop off at for all water related activities) Lake Murray, and in about an hour ( 45 minutes from Greenville) you will come to Sumter National Forest.  Steeped in Cherokee heritage, Sumter is large, 370,442 acres, and activities accommodated here include: hiking, backpacking, canoeing, horse back riding, mountain biking, motorcycle and ATV riding, target shooting, camping and fishing.  From boating on the "Wild and Scenic" Chattooga River to simply viewing wildlife from its many trails it is guaranteed to be a revitalizing experience.

So, go on, get lost!  And then come back, to the cozy Swamp Rabbit Inn... so you can plan your next day trip from Greenville!  Have a beautiful time!

--Percy

What's Upstate and the Down Lowcountry in South Carolina?

Welcome to the Palmetto State!  That's South Carolina!  Soon after you arrive you will hear locals referring to us in Greenville as the "Upstate" and the region of the beaches and Charleston as the "Low Country".  Each region (with the Midlands in between) has distinct characteristics.  This post intends to provide a brief overview to get y'all acquainted with the differences, bearing in mind that for the most part, anywhere in South Carolina can be reached from anywhere else in South Carolina within four hours.  So, once here, you may want to go galavanting around a bit.

The Upstate is comprised of ten counties in the northwest corner of South Carolina often referred to as Ten at the Top and is also part of the Appalachian Council of Governments.

As a gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Upstate is lake and waterfall country.

All manner of boating, paddling, swimming, mountain bike and hiking tendencies are heartily indulged! Most of our visitors seek out the Upstate primarily to get outside!

Snuggled in between the major metro hubs of Charlotte, NC and Atlanta, GA, the Upstate has a reputation for business, big business.  Greenville - Spartanburg - Anderson MSA has been ranked Seventh in the nation for economic development.  Many corporations such as Adidas, Bausch & Lomb, Microsoft and Ernst & Young have corporate or regional headquarters here.

From new industry to old industry, to even older industry the Upstate has always been busy.  It's also known as the Mill Region for very good reason.  Textile mills built in the early 20th century dotted the landscape until the 1970s when many were torn down, repurposed into modern housing or converted into historic sites.  Greenville sits at the convergence of five rail lines which made transportation of goods efficient.  Woodside Mill in Greenville, built in 1902, at 300 yards and five storeys, was the largest mill under one roof in the world.  A mill village was an all inclusive compound for workers, usually complete with a church, community center, store and other services.  The modest family houses were then built around all the common buildings.  Many of the Upstate's attractive new housing developments and cultural projects involve refurbishing these mill villages.

Of course when you think of the historic South you think of plantations and the Upstate has those too! With more cotton, corn and cattle raised in the northwest of the state and, rice and indigo in the southeast we have rich historic sites to spend a day steeped in history.

Brattonsville Plantation and Rose Hill Plantation, among others, offer tours and activities for all ages.

No, we didn't forget the food!  You won't last an hour in the Upstate without hearing the words "Pimento Cheese", "Sweet Tea", "She Crab Soup" or, of course, the region's food religion: "Barbecue".  Also Bacon and Bourbon are near to our hearts, and  shrimp and grits?  Can't get through a week without it.  I'll attempt to outline subtle differences with Lowcountry cuisine in the next segment.

Heading down, down south to the Lowcountry things start to look a little different and feel a little different.  The Sandhills, geological remnants of the ancient coastline, physically mark the beginning of this region which encompasses coastal communities from the Savannah River at the Georgia state line to Pawleys Island on the northeast end.  This includes renown resort islands like Hilton Head and Kiawah.

Architecture reflects this as all that brick of the Upstate gives way to timber and pilings with many structures having a raised floor to accommodate swampy areas, the high water table, and stormy high tides.  Large, covered "wraparound" porches invite one to "set a spell".

The port of Charleston has been a natural draw since the 17th century and sometimes the cultural identity seems to revolve around cuisine based on the abundance of local seafood.  Notables to seek out and stop in your tracks for include: afore mentioned She Crab Soup, a creamy affair with a touch of sherry, Cooter (turtle) Soup, Frogmore Stew, Crab Cakes, Charleston Red Rice, Chicken Perlau, Shrimp and Grits (so many varieties to choose from!) and Hoppin' John (Black-eyed peas, rice and pork) .

The area is heavy on historic Civil War sites, and grand plantations, many focused more on rice and indigo production than cotton.  Exploring any of these can fill the better part of a day.

The Lowcountry is also home to a vibrant Gullah community.  You can visit St Helena Island, and other areas, where tours, events and activities can be found to experience the culture of the Gullah/Geechee Nation.

We can't leave out the Midlands or the Pee Dee regions!  The Midlands are home to the state capital of Columbia.

A nod to pastoral and picturesque Aiken, also in the Midlands.  Aiken is HORSE Country (and home to University of South Carolina at Aiken) a perfect compliment to nearby Augusta GA, which is golf country.  If these pursuits are your pleasure or you have students in your family you may be stopping off in the Midlands.

The Pee Dee, named after the Native American Pee Dee tribe  is home to Florence, Myrtle Beach, and the Grand Strand.  In addition to recreating on the water, a fair amount of forestry goes on there.

Lest we forget to mention... The Dark Corner, a small patch of the Upstate in Greenville County near the NC state line was once said to be crawling with hillbilly moonshiners and other dark doings.  The Dark Corner Distillery can get you started with that page of history...

We hope you have our geography a little better straightened out!  Pack your bike, your hiking shoes, fishing rod, swim suit, AND your appetite because I just heard someone shout ROAD TRIP!!!  Have fun y'all, 'n' try not to get arrested.

--Percy

What's Going On Greenville- a Weekend Guide to the Upstate

It's a big weekend here in the Upstate. The leaves are in their prime and have really shown some spectacular color. Anything activity to do outdoors simply must be done- it's quite nearly sacrilegious to stay inside when the cool mornings and evenings are sandwiching bright, warm afternoons. So whether it's enjoying a picnic and a hike at Paris Mountain State Park or drinking a cold seasonal brew on the deck at The Community Tap, we encourage everyone to seek something beautiful in the greater outdoors. Here's what we're doing this weekend:

Greenville boasts some of the most incredible cycling conditions in the entire country. Undulating hills, epic Tour-De-France style mountain climbs, and peaceful family friendly trails. This weekend, Greenville and the surround Upstate plays host to the 2015 Hincapie Gran Fondo. Styled like a European mass start bicycle ride, Greenville and more specifically Travelers Rest is the literal stomping ground for over 2000 cyclists for the Saturday ride. And what's even better? Hincapie Sportswear's Warehouse Sale, starting at 9 am on Friday morning.

Maybe riding bikes isn't your style. May we suggest Furman University's Homecoming Football game? Situated just outside the city limits, Furman is one of the most beautiful liberal arts schools in the country. Walk along the path by the lake, take in the breathtaking rose garden, or enjoy lunch made with local meats and produce, open to all.

And finally, join us at the Inn Sunday from 4-7 pm for our First Annual Hoptoberfest. Live music, local makers, farm fresh produce, food trucks, and more. We're also giving away a weeknight's stay for the BEST child and pet costume so don't forget to bring the kids and the dogs.

Review of "Cycling Greenville SC" Guidebook by Biking in the Upstate Blogger

Thank you to blogger Tanya DeOliveira of Biking In The Upstate for this review of "Cycling Greenville SC" guidebook: Click here to read full review …

Here is a snippet of the review ... Monday, February 23, 2015

Book Review: Cycling Greenville South Carolina I'm ready for spring! What about you? No better way to shake off the cold winter by dreaming and preparing for the spring riding season. And there's a book out about cycling - road, mountain and recreational - that you will want to put on your must read list!

As I mentioned in a recent post, I had the opportunity to read the book Cycling Greenville South Carolina. Wendy Lynam, local cyclist, owner of the Swamp Rabbit Inn and Greenville entrepreneur, wrote this book because the Greenville area lacked a bicycle-riding tour book. Book available locally and online.

This book is an easy to read and navigate paperback that will have you planning the next group and solo rides in Greenville County and the surrounding area. I consider myself a dreamer when it comes to long distance rides, and this book has me inspired to take on new, longer and challenging routes.

Read the full review here.