Travelers Rest, South Carolina

Travelers Rest, South Carolina

Travelers Rest is called for its natural advantages and proximity to other sites and is situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains in South Carolina's stunning Upcountry. Due to its location so close to the North Carolina mountains' border, the town was given the moniker "Travelers Rest." Despite being a small community, Travellers Rest has a lot to offer. TR, as it is known locally, was named one of the Best Southern Small Towns in the US. It provides a wealth of authentic southern charm and all the amenities needed for a thriving creative community. 

Geography And Climate Of Travelers Rest

U.S. Route 276 in Travelers Rest, South Carolina
U.S. Route 276 in Travelers Rest, South Carolina. Image Credit: Thomson200 via Wikimedia Commons

Travelers Rest is a small city situated in Greenville County in the US State of South Carolina. This small city is wonderfully positioned between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the city of Greenville. Travelers Rest forms a portion of the larger "Greenville–Mauldin–Easley Metropolitan Statistical Area." Travelers Rest covers a total area of 16.38 sq. km, of which 16.14 sq. km is occupied by land, and 0.24 sq. km is covered by water. 

The weather is always rainy and partially gloomy in Travelers Rest, with very chilly winters and hot, humid summers. The average yearly temperature is rarely below 21°F or over 95°F, ranging from 33° to 89°F. The year's hottest month is July having an average daily high temperature exceeding 81°F. With an average daily maximum temperature below 59°F, January is the year's coldest month. On average, the city receives 2 inches of snow annually and 54 inches of rain yearly.

Brief History Of Travelers Rest

John H. Goodwin House near Travelers Rest, South Carolina
John H. Goodwin House near Travelers Rest, South Carolina. Image Credit: Bill Fitzpatrick via Wikimedia Commons

The 1800s saw the establishment of Travelers Rest as a rest area for weary Lowcountry travelers heading to the cool highlands in the summer and for drovers transporting many animals to markets in the east. The area was once home to several tribes, including the Catawba, Creek, and Cherokee Indian tribes. Although the town's rise was aided by the train and roadways, it was mainly recognized until recently as the entrance to the mountains. Although there was earlier incorporation in 1891 that had expired, Travelers Rest was most recently constituted as a city in 1959. While unincorporated, most of the region was referred to as Bates Township in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Population And Economy Of Travelers Rest

As per the latest US Census, Travelers Rest has a population of 8,430 residents. Its population is currently rising at a pace of 3.96% annually. White (Non-Hispanic) (72.6%), Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) (18.7%), Asian (Non-Hispanic) (3.01%), Other (Hispanic) (1.8%), and White (Hispanic) (1.67%) are the five major ethnic groups in Travelers Rest. Travelers Rest has a poverty rate of 24.96% and a $68,535 average household income. The median monthly cost of rent in previous years has been $814, and the median value of a home is $210,500. In Travelers Rest, the median age is 31.1 years, 22.3 years for men, and 35.7 years for women.

Top Attractions In And Around Travelers Rest

Swamp Rabbit Trail

Swamp Rabbit Trail during autumn in downtown Greenville, South Carolina
Swamp Rabbit Trail during autumn in downtown Greenville, South Carolina. 

Numerous publications have cited this trail as among the best in the country. The Reedy River, city parks, and a former railroad route are all crossed by the Swamp Rabbit Trail as it runs through Travelers Rest and links to Greenville. With the ability to stroll or ride a bike while seeing the stunning landscape and parks, the Swamp Rabbit Trail is most liked by travelers.

Trailblazer Park

One of Travelers Rest's most well-liked and enjoyable places is Trailblazer Park. Located close to the Blue Ridge Mountains, it is a great urban green area. The location serves as a site for various cultural performances and festivals. Several concerts are held there throughout the year, with different performers performing on different occasions, giving you a taste of the talents of local musicians and the sound of modern country music. The park also provides movie screenings, making it a perfect place for families.

Paris Mountain State Park

Colorful fall foliage and lake reflection, Paris Mountain State Park, South Carolina
Colorful fall foliage and lake reflection, Paris Mountain State Park, South Carolina. 

 Although Paris Mountain was originally a rural refuge, bicyclists, hikers, and guests of Camp Buckhorn today keep the park active all year long in the fast-growing city of Greenville, South Carolina. The park's most well-known activities are hiking, biking, swimming, and picnics.

Farmers Market

For international visitors to the area, farmers' markets provide a chance to shop locally. These markets are open from May through September and feature various activities for children, including live music performances, cooking demonstrations, farm-fresh produce, and more.

Greenville County Museum Of Art

The Greenville County Museum Of Art in Greenville, South Carolina
The Greenville County Museum Of Art in Greenville, South Carolina. Editorial credit: Cvandyke / Shutterstock.com

The world's biggest public collection of watercolors by renowned American artist Andrew Wyeth may be found at the Greenville County Museum of Art. It also houses a sizable collection of works by contemporary artist Jasper Johns, including paintings and prints. The GCMA's renowned Southern Collection, which includes everything from Federal portraits to modern abstractions, encourages guests to explore American art history through pieces connected to the South.

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