Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Travelers Rest, SC 

The Blue Ridge Mountains are home to many charming towns –– each with a rich cultural heritage. One of the most popular destinations in the area is Travelers Rest, SC. 

Historically, its location in the Carolina foothills made it the perfect place for travelers to stop and rest on their journey to and from the coast. Today, the town still invites travelers to stop and experience the Southern charm it is known for. And with so many shopping, dining, and drinking options to choose from, this bustling town makes for a great day trip.

Here are a few of the places you won’t want to miss during your visit to Travelers Rest. 

Tandem Creperie & Coffeehouse 

First on the list is a delicious breakfast at Tandem Creperie and Coffeehouse. Located right on Main Street, this edgy coffee shop is an excellent place to start your day! Their menu offers both sweet and savory crêpes, whole wheat waffles, and homemade pecan granola –– are you hungry yet? Be sure to check out their seasonal menu that includes fresh ingredients from local farms. 

In addition to their breakfast items, they also serve sustainably sourced coffee from Counter Culture Coffee. Based in Durham, NC, they work directly with farmers to produce fresh coffee beans at the source. Other drink options include handcrafted sodas, kombucha, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and a wide selection of teas –– all served with a side of Southern hospitality.  

Travelers Rest Farmers Market 

After fueling up with a tasty breakfast, head over to the Travelers Rest Farmers Market. Found along the Swamp Rabbit Trail, the market has been running since 2009, steadily growing over the years. During the spring and summer months, the market is filled with more than 70 local vendors, making it the largest independently-run, nonprofit market in the state.

Here, visitors can find the finest fruits and vegetables grown by farmers in the area, along with cheeses, baked goods, homemade preserves, sauces, olive oil, honey, kombucha –– and so much more! However, not only does the market offer delicious treats, local artisans also sell their original creations, inspired by the Appalachian spirit. So, if you’re looking for a little piece of Travelers Rest to take home with you, be sure to check out the lively market. 

The Crescent Olive

The Crescent Olive, one of the many vendors you can find at the farmers market, also has a shop on Main Street. Selling artisanal extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar from all over the world, their store offers a wide variety of products available to purchase. They also offer private tastings for visitors, so plan ahead and discover the rich flavors of the different types of oils. If you’re short on time, you can order ahead, and pick up on your way to the next stop on your trip.    

The Carolina Honey Bee Co. 

We all know the importance honey bees play in our environment, and The Carolina Bee Co. has made it their mission to help replenish the local bee population. To support their cause, you can purchase gourmet honey, including types like Sourwood, Tulip Poplar, and Wildflower, and other premium products such as soaps, candles, hand or body lotion, and nourishing body butter. 

Additionally, you can take educational classes and mentorships to learn everything there is to know about the art of beekeeping. And if you’re feeling up to the challenge, you can also purchase your own bees and beekeeping tools and supplies to do your part to help the environment. 

Swamp Rabbit Brewery & Taproom

After shopping around the downtown area, swing by Swamp Rabbit Brewery for a refreshing drink and some live music. Known for their cozy and relaxed atmosphere, there are always IPAs, APAs, lagers, and Pilsners on tap. A favorite among regulars is the Raspberry White Ale, but if beer isn’t your thing, they also serve wine, cider, hard seltzers, and snacks –– including homemade jerky! 

Topsoil Restaurant 

To finish off the day in Travelers Rest, SC, head over to Topsoil, a farm-to-table restaurant with their own 16-acre farm just minutes from the charming dining venue. Topsoil is more than a restaurant –– it aims to connect guests with the local food grown in the community. Over the years, they have fostered relationships with some of the area’s top farmers to bring only the freshest seasonal produce into their kitchen. Today, it is led by Chef Adam Cooke, a 2020 James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef Southeast and SCRLA Best Restaurant Chef 2022. 

As the seasons change, the restaurant’s menu evolves to offer a wide selection of dishes made with the finest seasonal products. From fresh seafood to local grass-fed beef, even house-made pasta and bread, you’ll want to try everything on their menu! Be sure to make a reservation beforehand to guarantee you get a seat at the table during your visit to Travelers Rest, SC. 

Charming Mountain Towns are Just a Short Drive Away

At The Mountain Region at The Cliffs, charming towns just like Travelers Rest, are just outside your front door! Given The Cliffs’ central location in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it is easy to discover the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of the region –– all without having to wander too far outside your community. 

Surrounded by blue-toned mountain tops and untouched forests, this region at The Cliffs is comprised of three luxury communities that embody the adventurous spirit of the area. With a vast array of private luxury amenities and countless outdoor activities offered right within our gates, our Mountain Region is every adventurer’s dream!   

To learn more about the regions at The Cliffs, and the different ways you can enjoy the Carolina mountains as a member, click the button below.