Travelers Rest (a.k.a halfway between GVL and the N.C. state line) got its name back in the 1800s because it was literally where travelers would rest before or after a journey through the mountains of WNC.

Bikes have since replaced horse-drawn carriages and the Greenville Health System Swamp Rabbit Trail is probably a lot easier than trails through the Blue Ridge Mountains – it’s a bit of a challenge on the way there but a slight downhill slope on the way back (which is what we all need after eating too much).

Farmhouse Tacos | 164 South Main Street | This restaurant offers not only handcrafted and locally sourced produce + meats (of course), but also quesadillas and burritos. Their chips and salsa are on the house and *amazing.*

jalapeno mac and cheese from Farmhouse Tacos

Sidewall Pizza Company | 35 South Main Street | Handcrafted and brick oven pizza + homemade ice cream (which changes daily) for dessert. There are two others locations in Greenville downtown and Pelham Rd.

Upcountry Provisions Bistro and Bakery | 6809 State Park Road | Stop by for a delicious sandwich, freshly baked bread, and a peanut butter cookie. Check their event calendar for some fun weeknight activities.

Rocket Surgery | 164D S. Main Street | Dinner + brunch place, large choice of cocktails (try the “Bless Your Heart!” and “Zombie, Y’all!”)

The Tasting Room | 164 South Main Street Suite C | 180 wines and 150 craft beers for purchase | Happy Hour: Wed-Fri, 4-6 p.m. $1 off draft beer and $5 glasses of house red and white wine.

Whistle Stop at the American Cafe | 109 S. Main St. | Located along the Swamp Rabbit Trail, this place offers seasonal rooftop dining as well as a full-service bar.

Tandem | 2 S Main St | This creperie is also a great coffee and tea place. Menu of savory and sweet crêpes, waffles and granola.

Café at William Hardware | 13 S. Main Street | The McCarrel sisters want you to feel at home with their Southern cuisine: sandwiches, salads and homemade desserts.

Hare & Field | 327 S. Main Street | Everything from deviled eggs topped with candied bacon to bone in aged porck chops. But you will definitely want to save room for dessert, which changes daily.

Monkey Wrench Smokehouse | The owners of Sidewall Pizza Company (Loren Frant) + Rocket Surgery (Andy O’Mara) combined their restaurant experience to open the new BBQ joint with the help of Steven Musolf (previously the executive chef at The Lazy Goat).

The Swamp Rabbit Brewery | 26 S. Main Street | This family owned business proposes a huge selection of beers (check the website to see what's on tap). And during April, Trivia Night every Thursday.

Shortfield's | 24 S Main Street | Sunday brunch is the way to go – $12 Bottomless Mimosas + $5 Bloody Marys. 🙌🏻

Where to shop:

Sunrift Adventures | 1 Center Street | This is the place for your next outdoor adventure: whether you are a cyclist, hiker, climber, traveler or just want to exercise on the Swamp Rabbit Trail, stop by this outfitter. Pro tip: You can rent kayaks + canoes here.

My Sister's Store | 104 S Poinsett Hwy | Are you looking for vintage vases or old-fashioned books? Here you will be lucky! Open Mic Night + Friday Night Jamboree each week.

The Carolina Honey Bee Company | 10 South Main Street | You can purchase honey, beeswax based skin care, bee gifts, and beekeeping supplies. You can also take some personal beekeeping lessons.

Traveler’s Rest Makers Company | 3 S Main St | Here you can find unique handcrafted gifts made by local artists. You can also be a maker yourself: learn how to do soapmaking or a Macrame plant hanger. Also classes for kids.

Where to stay:

Swamp Rabbit Inn | 426 S Main Street