Swamp Rabbit Music Fest is This Weekend At Our New Inn In Travelers Rest, SC

The second annual Swamp Rabbit Music Festival is quickly approaching this weekend and we have a lot of promotion going on to build excitement.  Check out this appearance on WYFF this past weekend with Myra Ruiz where we cover everything from Kringle to Feed and Seed and biking on the Swamp Rabbit Trail.

So many reasons to visit Greenville, SC and Travelers Rest and we look forward to welcoming everyone into our new inn in Travelers Rest for our first event at the new location.

Bring your blankets and chairs and kick back for some great music, food and beverages under the stars at the Swamp Rabbit Inn TR!  Get your tickets here.

[Tweet "Get your tickets for Swamp Rabbit Music Fest this Saturday in TR to benefit Feed and Seed Greenville #gvlmusic #local food"] Your Carolina

Local Green and Swamp Rabbit Inn and Properties are joining forces to throw a music festival combining area musicians and original songs at the new Swamp Rabbit Inn TR, located in downtown Travelers Rest at 426 S. Main Street, Travelers Rest, SC 29690.  The music festival will be held on September 9 from 5pm - 10pm and will feature local songwriters performing their original work throughout the day.  There will be food trucks, craft beer and wine and local vendors and makers.  Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door and $5 for students.  Free parking is available on site and attendees are encouraged to bike up to the event on the Swamp Rabbit Trail.  Proceeds from the event will benefit  the Local Green musicians and Feed & Seed a non-profit organized to facilitate the local food movement.

Local Green is a homegrown organization bringing together upstate musicians, songwriters, artisans, culinary adventurers, and visual artists. The collective was founded by musicians based in Greenville, SC and Asheville, NC. Now entering its third year, Local Green strives to support earnest and unique artists from the upstate, Asheville, and Charleston areas.  From singer-songwriters playing their own, original material to large-ensemble dance parties, from local festivals to an ongoing podcast series, Local Green aims to highlight some of the musical talent active in the region. This largely informal network helps to assist and support its member artists as they develop their musical and personal selves.

Swamp Rabbit Inn and Properties started with the flagship six bedroom inn at 1 Logan Street in downtown Greenville, SC and has expanded opening the Swamp Rabbit Inn TR in March of 2017 and six other properties along the Swamp Rabbit Trail offering short term lodging options and a local experience.  Owner, Wendy Lynam, shares a love of live music and and has collaborated with several Local Green musicians at the Truck Inn Tuesday events offered at the Swamp Rabbit Inn.  The Swamp Rabbit Inn TR is a great location for individual room rentals and larger groups as it offers plenty of parking and a pool.  Our new location is perfect for Furman families and travelers wanting a hip mountain town stay close to the best cycling and hiking in the Upstate.  “We like to showcase our other properties by inviting the public into our space with fun events like the Swamp Rabbit Music Fest” Lynam explains.

Music starts at 5:00 PM and will feature short, but energetic sets by these local musicians:

5:00-5:30 - Doug Jones / Simple Syrup 5:35-6:05 - Lesley Diane 6:10-6:40 - Hillary Keane 6:50-7:20 - LOZ 7:30-8 - Jillian Sprague 8:10-8:40 - Mark Dye 8:50-9:20 - Rush 9:30-10 - Lindsay Holler

This is a family friendly, pet friendly event and will go on rain or shine!  Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and set up on the front lawn to hang out and listen to some great local musicians all day and into the night.  Parking at United Bank, street parking and at Trailblazer Park.

In The Know Upstate Interview

For more information and advance tickets visit http://www.swamprabbitinn.com or call 864-517-4617 or email swamprabbitinn@gmail.com

Inns: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/2r3rwi4umpwv5nk/AAAEDM8xFcUJy1_QdALvlIqZa?dl=0

Music Fest: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/gu8zwy55fmpxy2l/AABda2QAQFZ2DbZ4FGXcQk2Ia?dl=0

Video shot recently at the inn:  https://youtu.be/Zt9oTPzRkVI   and   https://youtu.be/Zt9oTPzRkVI

#SRMF17 New location, same great spirit.  Hope to see you there!!

Get Your Tickets for Swamp Rabbit Music Fest 2017

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Swamp Rabbit Inn in Downtown Greenville SC Featured by SC Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism

Thanks to @Discover_SC for their visit to the Swamp Rabbit Inn in downtown Greenville, SC and for the great feature article on their website www.discoversouthcarolina.com. We have some beautiful parks, trails, beaches and destinations in our beautiful state of South Carolina and we are so honored to be featured on their site! Check out the article here and come visit Greenville and book your stay at one of our properties today! #bikeinnbikeout

Cool, Comfortable and Convenient, the Swamp Rabbit Inn Makes It Easy to Hop on the Swamp Rabbit Trail

Find must-see attractions and long-distance travel resources, including visa information, regional overviews and tour operator credentials.

Call 864-517-4617 or visit our website at www.swamprabbitinn.com to book your stay with us!

Truck Inn Tuesdays at the Swamp Rabbit Inn in Downtown Greenville, SC

This is how we do Truck Inn Tuesdays at the Swamp Rabbit Inn in downtown Greenville, SC.  Everyone is invited to our local block party in the West End of downtown Greenville the second Tuesday of the month (May-October from 6-9pm) for a live band, Automatic Taco food truck, local craft beer, wine and Frose' and local artisans. Bring your friends and make new friends at Truck Inn Tuesdays!

Top 10 Reasons To Come to Truck Inn Tuesday at the Swamp Rabbit Inn

1. Frose'
2. Automatic Taco
3. Pet Friendly and Kid Friendly
4. Best Bartender (Marie)
5. Great Live Music
6. Tour the inn
7. Local Makers
8. Local Craft Beer
9. Free parking
10. Meet great people

Free parking at the end of Logan Street in the big church parking lot (Thank you Refuge Temple!!).  Hope to see you there!

Swamp Rabbit Inn Q&A With Bill Clevlen Author of "100 Things to Do in America Before You Die"

It's that time of year to search out a great Summer read and plan some cool trips with the family!  Check out this new book from Bill Clevlen "100 Things to Do in America Before You Die".  Greenville, SC is mentioned in his book and specifically our beautiful Falls Park.  Yes, Greenville has a waterfall with a suspension bridge, The Liberty Bridge, in the middle of our lively, cosmopolitan downtown! During his book launch he visited downtown Greenville, SC and we had the pleasure of hosting him at the Swamp Rabbit Inn.  Bill and I met on Twitter (@ontheroadwithbc) and I had invited him to come check out the inn the next time he was coming through Greenville.  I have met some of the coolest people on Twitter and then in real life.  It's pretty amazing!!  I digress ...

Anyway, here is the Q&A between Bill and I during his trip to downtown Greenville, SC.  Hope you enjoy and check out his book and book a room at the Swamp Rabbit Inn if you want to get started knocking off that list this Summer! Rent a bike at the Bike Shed at the Swamp Rabbit Inn and hop on the Swamp Rabbit Trail and ride right past the waterfall and bridge at Falls Park.  We even have bike baskets if you want to pack a picnic!  #bikeinnbikeout

Q&A x10 - Greenville's Swamp Rabit Inn

Greenville, South Carolina is one of my favorite cities! When the opportunity came up to make a return visit, of course, I jumped at the chance! The people of Greenville are super friendly, there must be 200 places to wine and dine downtown and of course - the stunning Falls Park is worth the visit on its own.

Book Now! Follow us on social media and subscribe to our weekly email with fun videos and blog posts about what's going on around the inn and Greenville, SC!

Bicycle Basket Flower Boxes Project at the Bike Shed - Swamp Rabbit Inn Weekly Video

This week we got creative and made some bicycle basket flower boxes.  Watch the video below to learn how.

The Bike Shed at the Swamp Rabbit Inn officially opened for the season this weekend and we have been busy, between bike rentals, sprucing up the place. There were these rickety, metal baskets on our red cruiser bikes and Wendy removed them and almost threw them away, then had an idea! Watch the video below to see how the bicycle baskets were put to use in a new way.

We love doing (Pinterest worthy) projects at the Swamp Rabbit Inn and repurposing found objects in unusual ways.  If you like the video please share it and Pin It!

Subscribe to our newsletter to get our videos delivered weekly to your inbox. Next week watch our upcoming video on a new use for old beer kegs. Hint, hint ... it may have something to do with our upcoming Third Anniversary Party and Truck Inn Tuesday on June 13, 2017 from 6 - 9 pm. You're all invited.

The Bike Shed at the Swamp Rabbit Inn rents bikes to ride the Swamp Rabbit Trail just out our front door. Call 864-517-4617 to rent a bike in downtown Greenville, SC.

Chefs Cycle Dinner For No Kid Hungry at the Swamp Rabbit Inn TR With Chef Kramer of Jianna Restaurant in Downtown Greenville, SC

Have you heard of Jianna Restaurant that opened this Spring in lovely, downtown Greenville, SC?  Chef Michael Kramer has done some amazing pop up dinners at the Swamp Rabbit Inn & Properties and we are a BIG fan of his culinary talents.  Not only is this man talented as a chef and cyclist but also a big supporter of Chefs Cycle for No Kid Hungry feeding kids in America.  Please watch this video from our dinner at the new Swamp Rabbit Inn TR and learn more about Chefs Cycle for No Kid Hungry.

Donate today to Chefs Cycle for No Kid Hungry!  Please share this video!

Honored to Be Mentioned as "The Most Unique Hotel In South Carolina" by Only In Your State

We absolutely LOVE it when our guests are delighted with their experience at our properties!  We were honored to have the Swamp Rabbit Inn in downtown Greenville mentioned as the "Most Unique Hotel in South Carolina".  Thanks for helping us spread the word and sharing your reviews and photos out there!  Here is the article from Only in Your State:

This Is The Most Unique Hotel In South Carolina And You'll Definitely Want To Visit

South Carolina is home to some amazing places to take a mini-staycation like these summer cottages on the Charleston Harbor and this luxury treehouse in Walhalla. Here's another one to add to the list.

  [Tweet "Stay at the "Most Unique Hotel in South Carolina""] Book your stay today at the Swamp Rabbit Inn & Properties!  #bikeinnbikeout

Swamp Rabbit Inn Weekly Video - Take a Tour of Our New Property In Travelers Rest, SC

In March of 2017, we opened the Swamp Rabbit Inn TR on Main Street in downtown Travelers Rest, SC.  For years this property operated as the Magnolia Inn Bed and Breakfast.   We do things a little differently and offer vacation rentals and self serve options right across the street from the Swamp Rabbit Trail.  Here is a video tour of the different lodging options we offer at the Swamp Rabbit Inn TR.  Rent a room or the whole house at the Swamp Rabbit Inn TR.  Click the big red "Book Now" button to check our availability and rates.

The Main House at the Swamp Rabbit Inn TR (4 bedrooms, 4 baths, full kitchen)

The Cottage at the Swamp Rabbit Inn TR (2 bedrooms, 2 baths, full kitchen)

The Studio at the Swamp Rabbit Inn TR (queen bed, sofa bed, full bath, kitchenette)

The Coach House at the Swamp Rabbit Inn TR (king bed, sofa bed, full bed, kitchenette)

Book your stay at the Swamp Rabbit Inn & Properties and explore all that Greenville, SC and Travelers Rest, SC has to offer!  

Cycle the Swamp Rabbit Trail right outside our front door to some of the best riding in the Upstate of South Carolina.  Get our guidebook "Cycling Greenville, SC" with 20 great rides to help plan your visit to Greenville, SC.

Walk to restaurants, a Saturday morning Farmers Market, a craft brewery, coffee shops, local boutiques, art galleries and concerts at Trailblazer Park

Click the buttons below and share this post on your favorite social channel.  #bikeinnbikeout

Swamp Rabbit Inn Weekly Video - Cycling Greenville and Travelers Rest, SC

It's no secret that the Upstate of South Carolina has great cycling!  If you are a rails to trails fan the Swamp Rabbit Trail is 22 miles of paved bike trail from Greenville, SC to Travelers Rest, SC, both wonderful destination rides just 10 miles apart.  This is a very doable ride for all levels of cyclists. ​​ Looking for something more challenging?  Mountain bikers and road cyclists alike can pick from varying degrees of difficulty as you move into the foothills of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains..

Check out 20 great rides in the area in Cycling Greenville guidebook written by Innkeeper, Wendy Lynam.

We've got both ends of the trail covered with the original Swamp Rabbit Inn in cosmopolitan, downtown Greenville, SC and now the Swamp Rabbit Inn TR in the hipster, mountain town of Travelers Rest, just 10 miles up the Swamp Rabbit Trail near Furman University.

Check out this week's video and please share : )

Swamp Rabbit Inn in Downtown Greenville, SC Announces 2017 Truck Inn Tuesday Line Up

Truck Inn Tuesdays 2017 Schedule at the Swamp Rabbit Inn in downtown Greenville, SC is announced!

Everyone is invited to our local block party in the West End in the parking lot of the Swamp Rabbit Inn!  We have live music, a food truck, local makers and lots of fun!

Music: May 9, 2017 Local Green Family Band

Food Truck: Automatic Taco

This event is family friendly and pet friendly! Parking is available at the end of Logan Street in the large church parking lot.  Please check our Facebook page and Instagram @swamprabbitinnsc if weather is iffy.  We will post by 5:00 if cancelled.

Beer and wine is available for purchase with proof of age required.  Admission is free.

Call 864-517-4617 or email swamprabbitinn@gmail.com with questions. Bring your friends or make some new ones!  #bikeinnbikeout

Swamp Rabbit Inn Weekly Video - May 1, 2017

Welcome to our very first weekly video post.  We'll take you a behind the scenes to look at what's going on at the Swamp Rabbit Inn & Properties and in Greenville and Travelers arest, SC.

Take a look at the Swamp Rabbit Inn, hotel alternative and coolest B and B in downtown Greenville, SC and Travelers Rest, SC at both ends of the Swamp Rabbit Trail.  #bikeinnbikeout

Upcoming Events

Blessing of the Bikes

May 6, 10am, M Judson Booksellers, ride to follow

First Truck Inn Tuesday of the Season

May 9, 6-9pm, Automatic Taco & Local Green Family Band, 1 Logan Street, Greenville, SC (Swamp Rabbit Inn parking lot) Free, open to the Public, family friendly & pet friendly

Chefs Cycle Dinner with Michael Kramer

May 22,  6:30 pm, Swamp Rabbit Inn TR, 426 S. Main Street, Travelers Rest, SC seating limited to 12 guests, dinner prepared by Jianna Chef, Michael Kramer to benefit Chefs Cycle No Kid Hungry

Call 864-517-4617 to reserve your seat

Mark your calendar for the 2nd Annual Swamp Rabbit Music Festival September 9, 2017.

Hope to see you soon!

The Second Annual Blessing of the Bikes at M Judson Booksellers May 6, 2017

The Blessing of the Bikes in Greenville, SC May 6, 2017, Greenville, SC M Judson Booksellers and the Swamp Rabbit Inn present the second annual Blessing of the Bikes will take place at 10am on the front steps of M Judson Booksellers at 130 S Main Street in Greenville, SC 29601 at 10am.  Father Duncan of St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Greenville will give the blessing and City Council member Amy Ryberg Doyle will speak about National Bike Month and bike safety.  Similar ceremonies have been held in New York City, Boston and Los Angeles.

A group ride will follow the blessing on the Swamp Rabbit Trail to the Swamp Rabbit Cafe and back to M Judson Booksellers for those who wish to participate. This is a family friendly, casual ride to raise awareness for bike safety, remember those who have lost their lives on a bicycle and celebrate our vibrant bike culture in the Upstate of South Carolina.

Please bring your bikes and gather in front of M Judson starting at 9:45.  The blessing will begin at 10:00am and the ride will follow.  This is a family friendly event and helmets are required. Parking is available at Poinsett Garage located at 25 W. McBee Avenue.

Please call or email Debi Horton with M Judson Booksellers at 864-602-2412  debi@mjudsonbooks.com or Wendy Lynam with the Swamp Rabbit Inn at 864-517-4617 swamprabbitinn@gmail.com with questions.  

Press Images: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/h6lw49hqvu5pwaw/AAA4SHBhRRtlKrwOXFD9U7WMa?dl=0

Experience Trek Travel This Sunday With A Free Guided Ride Leaving From Hotel Domestique

Here is a great opportunity to experience what it's like to go on a Trek Travel bike trip with a free guided ride this Sunday, April 9, 2017 departing from Hotel Domestique in Travelers Rest, SC.  

You're invited to ride with Trek Travel and the Trek Store of Greenville!

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Swamp Rabbit Inn to Host Jianna POP Up Dinner on January 26, 2017

Please consider joining us on Thursday, January 26, 2017 for a very special evening with Chef Michael Kramer about to open the much anticipated - Jianna Restaurant - in downtown Greenville in 2017!   Use code JIANNA at time of booking to get 10% off room rates 1/26/17 - 1/28/17 and make a weekend of it in lovely downtown Greenville, SC!

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Swamp Rabbit Inn and Properties Buys the Magnolia Inn in Travelers Rest, SC

For Immediate Release

January 16, 2017, Travelers Rest, SC - The Swamp Rabbit Inn and Properties buys the Magnolia Inn in downtown Travelers Rest, SC to add to it's collection of bike-friendly hotel alternatives along the Swamp Rabbit Trail.

The Magnolia Inn has been operating in Travelers Rest since 2008 and includes a main house with three guest rooms, a full kitchen, dining room and living room. In addition to the main house is a coach house, a studio and a two bedroom cottage. There is also an RV/tiny house pad equipped with water, electricity and hi-speed internet. All guests can enjoy the pool area, gazebo, and beautiful grounds. The entire complex accommodates up to 16 people.

The property will operate as The Swamp Rabbit Inn TR and is located at 426 S. Main Street in the vibrant, trendy town of Travelers Rest. Just a few steps from the Swamp Rabbit Trail and many new restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, a craft brewery, farmers market, and outdoor concerts, guests will have many great options right out the front door.

Located in the Upstate of South Carolina, Travelers Rest is close to Greenville, SC and Furman, North Greenville and Clemson University. Guests can rent bikes on site or bring their own to ride all the world class cycling routes in the area. The Upstate is an outdoor lovers paradise with abundant trails, waterfalls, lakes and mountains.

In 2014, Wendy Lynam opened the first Swamp Rabbit Inn in downtown Greenville at 1 Logan Street catering to visitors and business travelers looking for an affordable, more relaxed alternative to a hotel. She has since added five more vacation rentals along the trail and the former Magnolia Inn will be the sixth in the collection of fresh and funky, IKEA adorned properties. "Many of our guests come here to cycle and explore the area's beautiful outdoor amenities by day and all the great restaurant and entertainment options by night. I have set up the properties to appeal to cyclists coming to enjoy our fabulous 21 mile Swamp Rabbit Trail the gateway to some of the best cycling in the Country."

There will be a big Estate Sale at the Magnolia Inn this Thursday, January 19 - 21, from 10 - 2 each day. 

To learn more about our new property, the Swamp Rabbit Inn TR or to book a room visit www.swamprabbitinntr.com or for our complete list of properties visit www.swamprabbitinn.com #bikeinnbikeout

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Contact Information:

Wendy Lynam, Owner

swamprabbitinn@gmail.com

864-517-4617

Press Kit 

 

Check out this Rad Video from @PivotCycle and @PinkBike Filmed in Greenville, SC and the Swamp Rabbit Lodge

This Fall these dudes stayed at the Swamp Rabbit Lodge and rode Paris Mountain #Cranksgiving

An Autumn Adventure in the Southeast - Video - Pinkbike

The Pivot-Reynolds enduro team is comprised of three guys, from three very different parts of the country, and with three distinctive riding styles. 2016 was a decidedly mixed bag for the three amigos.

We cater to cyclists. Check out our properties at www.swamprabbitinn.com and come ride in Greenville, SC. #bikeinnbikeout

New Restaurants Opening in Greenville, SC in 2017

We are anxiously awaiting the opening of two new restaurants from our two favorite chefs in Greenville.  Chef Gregory McPhee is about to open the Anchorage in the Village of West Greenville about a mile from the inn. Chef Michael Kramer is set to open Jianna in early 2017 right across from beautiful Falls Park in the heart of downtown Greenville.

But wait there's more ... many more new restaurants coming to Greenville in 2017. You might want to check your calendar and plan a getaway to Greenville in the next few months!

Ringing Inn the New Year with the Rabbit - 2017

If the buzz on the interwebs is any indication, a lot of folks are happy to see 2016 pack up and be gone already!  Still, there was great fun to be had here in Greenville and at the Inn.  Next week we’ll do a little wrap up and review.  But, as of this writing it is Christmas Day, so while you are knee deep in crumpled wrapping paper here’s a list of some of the goings on for New Year’s Eve if you haven’t yet made plans… Please click the links for tix and times.

Resolution Run at Trailblazer Park - a 3, 6 and 12 hour timed ultra.  Starting at 7 a.m. All races finish at 7 p.m.  Free event, donations welcome.  At 235 Trailblazer Drive.

Furman Paladins vs Citadel Bulldogs men’s basketball at Timmons Arena.  On Furman campus, 3300 Poinsett Highway, December 31st at 12 Noon.

Childrens Museum of the Upstate Countdown to Noon  From 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. “Come to TCMU to ring in the "noon year" at our annual pajama party! Children are invited to the museum in their pajamas to play games, make resolutions, create noisemakers, and participate in a scavenger hunt. We will countdown prior to noon as part of our celebration!  This event is free with the cost of admission. Please note the museum will close at 3pm.”  At 300 College Street.

New Year’s Eve 2017 Southern Gala - Big and glamourous, at the Hilton 45 West Orchard Park Dr. Benefitting the National Alliance of Mental Illness Greenville and Tell Every Amazing Lady about Ovarian Cancer!  Black tie optional.

Larkin’s Roaring Twenty - 17 Party  Calling all Flappers and Gatsbys!  A costume ball with live music from Deep Dish Dixieland and Craig Sorrels.  At the Sawmill, 22 Graves Dr.

Alchemy Comedy Theater at Coffee Underground has three shows to entertain you starting at 7:30 - New Year's Eve Improv All-Stars: Fast-paced Clean Comedy Games, G-Vegas: New Year’s Eve Live Comedy Game Show, and New Year's Eve Show and Countdown.  All at 1 East Coffee St.

Two Levels, Two Parties, One Night - at Aloft - VIP Diamond Party on the 3rd Floor with Live Music with the Michael Blythe Conspiracy, Champagne Toast, Purple Rain Cocktail, Heavy Hors d'oeuvres, Party Favors, Photo Booth, and access to the… Wxyz Pearls Party with DJ Craz-e Crane and DJ Scientist, Champagne Toast and Party Favors. Aloft Hotel at 5 N Laurens St.

Upstate Craft Beer Co with My Girl, My Whiskey and Me Live music at 400 Augusta. It’s free!

New Year’s Eve bash at Birds Fly South - At 1320 Hampton Ave Ext.  Live music from Circus Mutt and Robino’s catered three-course Italian dinner.

Sip New Year’s Eve  - A rooftop party with live acoustic music and buffet.  At SIP Whiskey & Wine, at 103 N main #400.

New Years Eve Celebration with Dr. Mac Arnold and Plateful of Blues - Options of dinner and a show or just the show!  In The West Village at 1237 Pendelton St.

New Year’s Eve Hop Drop at the Swamp Rabbit Brewery and Taproom.  No cover.  Ellada Kouzina's truck will be on hand for dinner service.  DJ Austyn with Premiere Entertainment will spin dance music.  At 26 S Main in Travelers Rest.

New Year’s Eve Revelution 2017 - At Revel, 304 E Stone.  Featuring exclusive catering from Good Life Catering, photobooth, midnight confetti and a champagne celebration and ball drop.  Music by DJ Supa Skip and DJ EZ.

New Year’s Eve w/Terence Young  - Live music at Blues Boulevard Jazz, 300 River St.  Please click the link for all the details.

Give a wonderful send off to 2016!  Dream Big.  Dance.  Make excellent wishes.  Get each other home safe.  See you next year!

--Percy

Holly Jolly Day Trips Near Greenville

While the weather outside is not even close to frightful perhaps we should take a winter drive and see how the surrounding villages do the holidays!

After you’ve strolled Main Street, taken the carriage ride, skated Ice on Main, seen the Nutcracker and shopped the West End and our Swamp Rabbit Inn swag…  go on a bit of a winter adventure!  Resist the urge to contract cabin fever or get cooped up!  Yes, it’s cold, but that also means you get to wear ALL your favorite cozy sweaters, scarves, hats, gloves, boots… and especially that atrocious “Christmas Jumper” to get the groans (ask a British friend).  Don't forget National Ugly Holiday Sweater Day is December 16th.

Spartanburg is just a short hop northeast up the 85 from Greenville, about a half hour’s drive; why not check it out?

Holiday Lights Safari at Hollywild Animal Park is something a little different!  See the pretty lights AND the animals in Santa’s barns, roast marshmallows, drive through the Enchanted Deer Forest, tour Mrs. Claus’ attic and snap a selfie with a zebra.  Happening now until January 2nd from 6 - 9 p.m.  Please click the link for details, prices and parking. At 2325 Hampton Rd, Wellford, SC.

They’ve got an outdoor skating rink too -  Skating on the Square every day until January 18th.  Only $10 per person.  Two for Tuesdays. On Morgan Square at the corner of W Main and N Church in downtown Spartanburg.  Please click link for hours.

Buddy the Elf will be on hand at the Hub City Farmer’s Market Saturday 12/17 from 8 a.m. - 11 a.m.  The market is located at 498 Howard St in Spartanburg.

If you head northwest to Pickens you will enjoy an immersion in an old fashioned Christmas indeed!

The Ghosts of Christmas Past Tour  12/20 from 6 - 7:30 p.m. entertains young and old with the mill’s costumed hosts surrounding you in storytelling and appalachian folk culture of times gone by. The Ed Harrison Memorial Celtic Christmas at Hagood Mill is primarily a musical event… with Santa and folk arts demonstrations, lots of unique gifts to be found, like bags of specialty flours ground fresh right from the working 1845 gristmill.  All at 138 Hagood Mill Rd, Pickens, SC.  DO click the links for reservations, prices and details.

So much to see and do in Asheville!  Just over an hour north up the highway and into the hills for yet another feast of holiday sights and sounds.

The Polar Express Train.  Ride into the woods and arrive at the North Pole where Santa greets you.  Hot cocoa and cookies along the way.  Now through January 8th.  Board at the Bryson City Depot 45 Mitchell St., Bryson City NC. Please click link for all the particulars.

Still want to stick around town?  How about these for a local outing?

Norman Rockwell: “Home for the Holidays” at the Upcountry History Museum.  Now through January 29th, this traveling exhibit features over 40 of the American master’s most beloved holiday images.  Treat yourself and friends to an up close view of an iconic style that lives in our collective memory. At 540 Buncombe St. Please click link for details.

The Nutcracker: Once Upon a Time in Greenville is the Greenville version of the classic Christmas ballet.  Watch the Carolina Ballet Theatre dance their way through Greenville to defeat the Mouse King.  Three performances 12/22 and 23rd at  7 p.m., 12/23 at 1 p.m. At the Peace Center in downtown Greenville.

We will keep updating this post and the next as we continue to find fun things to do in and around Greenville during holiday time.  Never a dull moment when the Swamp Rabbit Inn is your hub!  Bundle up in your warmest coat.  As you can see, I come with my own thick coat.  I just need a hat! (the turtleneck is just to make me look "literary"!)

--Percy