Who, Who, Who is Looking for Late Night Restaurants in Greenville?!

Night owls unite!  Night.  Owls.  Aptly named, as most owls hunt at night… which means we Swamp Rabbits scurry to the safety of our burrows as the sun sets.  Most rabbits are experts on vegetarian breakfast joints.  Lucky for you THIS Swamp Rabbit is an expert on late night restaurants in Greenville.  I’m stealthy.  I get around!

We’re going to keep this simple, because it’s late!  And you’re hungry!  And the clock is ticking as kitchens are mopping up and closing tight while the moon sets slowly in the west and your options for a decent meal dwindle rapidly.

✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ Open really late - 3 a.m. to 24 hours

✶ ✶ ✶ Open until  1 0r  2 a.m.

✶ ✶  Open until midnight

✶  Open until 11 p.m.

✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ Waffle House  Let's start with the all-night All Star the Waffle House!  Yes it's a chain.  Yes it is ubiquitous.  But if you want breakfast! (or lunch or dinner), dammit!, at 5 a.m. it is there for you and Greenville has one at the corner of North Main and E Stone.  Practice the address now so you can tell your cab/uber driver.

✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ Liberty Cafe  Basically a diner with menu items from all over the map.  Lots of mediterranean offerings. Certainly something for everyone.  And get this: open until 5 a.m. Friday and Saturday, Sunday until 2 a.m., and  M - Th until 3 a.m. AND they also freaking deliver!  Find them at 33 Liberty Lane, off Laurens Road near Fresh Market.

✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ Sully's Steamers  Open until 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m. the rest of the week.  It's where all the cool kids roll in after the bars close.  The bagel sandwiches are top notch and somewhat addictive.  The menu is long and you are certain to find one that suits your tastes.

✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ The Flat  "Not your typical bar food place."  With chef specials, locally sourced ingredients and fare made from scratch.  We hear the sliders are a hit.  Open M - F until 3 a.m., and Sat until midnight. Find The Flat at 1606 Woodruff Road at Feaster Road (ahem).

✶ ✶ ✶  The Cazbah is a classy little tapas bar and bistro.  The food is scrumptious and the prices reasonable.  Nice wine selection. You may be beat and bleary but you'll feel chic.  Great after hours with your date.  Open Mon - Sun until 2 a.m.  Stroll in at 16 W McBee just off N. Main.

✶ ✶ ✶  Stellar  Restaurant and Wine Bar, also classy, also cozy, also right downtown.  Open Mon - Sun until 2 a.m. What makes this boite hawt is that it is upstairs above Main and you can sip your drinks while looking down on the nighttime scene.   The fare includes farm-to-table dishes and small "stellar" plates. Full bar.  "22 steps above ordinary".  Wind down from a long damn day in urban style!  At 20 Main Street.

✶ ✶ ✶  Addy’s Dutch Cafe  Something a little different?  Open Tues - Sat until 2 a.m.  Cozy, Old World atmosphere, serving Dutch and... Indonesian food!  You'll have to read the story.  Known for it's European beer selection - and of course the Swedish meatballs.  At 17 E Coffee Street just off Main.

✶ ✶ ✶  Halls Chophouse moved into High Cotton’s scenic spot above the Reedy River Walk in Downtown Greenville and hit the ground running with rave reviews.  A little more pricey, open Mon - Sat until 2 a.m., bar menu after 11:30.  As the name implies, they have a way with meat.  The desserts get notice as well.  Nice view.  At 550 S. Main.

✶ ✶ ✶  Ink and Ivy  is a recent arrival to Downtown Greenville.  Notable for its seafood, including  a raw bar,  also tasty steak salads, and chocolate whisky cake.  The place is stylish, hip and comfy, and serving Mon - Sun until 2 a.m.  Yippee!  At the corner of E. Coffee and Brown Street just off Main, this block of E. Coffee St. is becoming a late night food destination!

✶ ✶ ✶  Mac's Speed Shop  At 930 S. Main right around the corner from the Swamp Rabbit Inn in Greenville's West End, Mac's has BARBECUE and wings and such.  You could say it's a "saucy" place!  Open until 2 a.m. Fri and Sat,  Sun - Thurs until midnight.

✶ ✶ ✶ Brixx Wood Fired Pizza  is out at 1125 Woodruff Road at hwy 85 and open Mon - Sat until 2 a.m., and even Sunday until 1 a.m.!  They occasionally have BOGO pizza deals and others so check it out.  Reliably good, late.

✶ ✶ ✶  Local Cue Game and Sports Bar  It's  out at 30 Orchard Park, near Pelham Rd and Haywood.  Open Mon - Sun until 1:30 a.m.  Known for the after work beer, they too, have  BBQ -  and board games!  Pool tables, darts, and foosball.  Eat and play your cares away.

✶ ✶ ✶  Krispy Kreme  Or you could just get donuts...  You could!  At 302 N. Pleasantburg Drive.  Open until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.  We won't tell.

✶ ✶  Antonino Bertolo's Pizza and Wine Bar  Has, you guessed it, great pizza, pasta, calzones and stromboli and you can get them, downtown, at 200 N. Main, until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays with a late night pizza window open until 2:30 a.m.  Score!  Open until 10 p.m. the rest of the week.

✶ ✶ Universal Joint  Another recent addition to the Greenville food scene found at 300 E. Stone Ave. With an ever-rotating draft and bottle selection, and popular patio,  this neighborhood bar offers American favorites faithfully executed.  Open 7 days until midnight.

✶  Roost  A lot of folk end up at Roost, next to the Hyatt, downtown later in the evening.  It has a nice setting at the top of Main Street to watch the world go by.  An abbreviated menu is available - and quite tasty - from 10 p.m. until 11 p.m., 7 days a week.  Full bar.  Ambiance.  Waterfall.

✶  Grill Marks  Has. Great. Burgers.  And truffle fries.  AND an ice cream shake/soda bar that makes blissfully boozy ice cream treats!  So yum!  They will do all this for you Fri and Sat until 11 p.m., so scoot!

✶  Menkoi Ramen House  Do you need your ramen fix?  We got you!  It's out from town aways at 1860 Woodruff Road but locals swear by it. Open 7 days until 11 p.m.

✶  Lazy Goat  With an elegant patio overlooking Reedy River Walk downtown, this is a lovely place to nibble on upscale Mediterranean plates large and small - and desserts!  Fridays and Saturdays until 11 p.m.

✶  Augusta Grill  New American/New Southern cuisine at 1818 Augusta Street very near the West End of Greenville. Bistro at its best!  Save room for dessert.  Serving Friday and Saturday until 11 p.m.

✶  Coffee Underground  could not be left out!  They dutifully serve up the joe until 11:30 p.m. on Fri and Sat, and until 10 p.m. all other days.  Bless them!

That covers the highlights!  If we left out your favorite late night haunt please let us know.  A gentle suggestion to Greenville from those night owl types: During Greenville's process of transformation, the night owls are trying to be patient. But as you will note the majority of late night fare is only available on weekends.  If we are to have a thriving nightlife, downtown especially,  WE ARE GOING TO NEED MORE PLACES THAT STAY OPEN AFTER 1o p.m. WITH MORE CONSISTENCY!!!  THANK YOU!!!  Do you think the right folks heard that?  Who! who! who!

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--Percy

"Lookin' for the love getaway..." Heading West on a Day Trip from Greenville

Do you have a Chrysler?  Does it seat about 20?  Then hurry up and bring your jukebox money!  We are heading down not the Atlanta highway (much) but west, mostly,  down hwy 85 in search of a great day trip from Greenville!  On the way we will hit two (inn)famous college towns and the place now referred to as Black Hollywood, as well as some famous forests, climbs, waterfalls, and a German village, just to keep it wacky.   Many places in this area have made their way into the collective imagination via pop culture, as well as some serious history.  If you take one of these adventures I’m sure you’ll soon discover why.

Clemson

Do you like the color orange?  Prepare to be enveloped in a sea of it.  We can always tell when there's a big game approaching in the Upstate because cars (and sometimes pedestrians) are festooned with orange paw flags and tiger tails.  Our first stop off the 85 is the home of Clemson University.  Take the exit at SC 88 and in about 45 minutes from Greenville you'll be there.  When you tire of touring the campus you can go play in the beautiful waters of adjacent Lake Hartwell.  Notable attractions in town are the immense and gorgeous (and free) South Carolina Botanical Gardens, and Fort Hill Plantation.

If you'd like to get a great view of the area from 3,563 ft, Sassafrass Mountain is the highest point in South Carolina.  It's sort of north into the mountains up US 178 from Clemson, but Clemson claims it as their architecture students built the lovely viewing platform shown above.  Clever kids!

Tallulah Falls & Toccoa Falls

If you head down the 123 from Clemson you will soon come to a place of many falling waters.  Tallulah Falls are a stunning standout in a region known for waterfalls and well worth the hiking involved.  Parts of the movie Deliverance were filmed here, and on July 18, 1970, a 65-year-old Karl Wallenda of the Flying Wallendas performed a high-wire walk across the Tallulah Gorge.

 A lot of weddings take place with Toccoa Falls as a backdrop.  Located on the campus of tiny Toccoa Falls liberal arts college it one of the tallest free falling vertical drops in the Eastern US.

Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest & Chattahoochee River

Continuing with the nature theme a bit longer, keep heading west from the falls and you will soon be in the Chattahoochee Forest.  Spanning ancient Cherokee and Creek Indian lands, this wilderness area offers most everything you go to a forest for.  Hike in and check out the ancient carvings at Track Rock Gap archeological site. 

Alpine Helen

Would you like to do a little tubing on the Chattahoochee?  Would you like some schnitzel with that?  Perhaps some apple strudel...  Would you believe me if I told you that there was a Bavarian alpine village in the hills of Georgia with street names like “Edelweiss Strasse”? Well believe it!  It is also the jumping off point for a tubing enthusiasts.  Who knew?!

Brasstown Bald

Once upon a bike race... The Tour de Georgia was a premier cycling event in the US from 2003 to 2008.  It attracted professional teams from all over the world to compete over six days.  The most anticipated stage ended with the ascent of Brasstown Bald, Georgia's highest point.  You can visit it today and feel like King or Queen of all you survey.

Athens

Back to hwy 85, exiting onto 78 (the Atlanta Highway) Kate Pierson's tinroof house from her UGA college days that was the inspiration for "Love Shack" burned down some years ago but the boho campus culture that spawned the B52s is still going strong.  An alternative/progressive oasis in the more conservative leaning South, this classy college town is also ranked as the 7th best in the nation for dating!  Go DAWGS! Besides campus activities Athens is notable for the gorgeous Georgia Museum of Art.  Actress Kim Basinger is from here as is football legend Fran Tarkinton. In addition to the B52s, this burg also spawned Danger Mouse, the Whigs, Widespread Panic and Of Montreal, to name a few. Members of R.E.M. still maintain residences in Athens.

Calling all bike racers!  Athens Twilight Criterium, professional cycling event and festival was the first nighttime bike race in modern times. Take over the streets of Athens with other bike nuts over three nights of fun.

Buford

If you turn west (to 129) instead to 78 east you will come to Buford GA and nearby Lake Lanier islands.  The Bona Allen Tannery opened here in 1873 making, among other leather goods, the saddles worn by Hollywood's most illustrious cinematic cowboys like Roy Rogers and Gene Autry.  The Bona Allen Shoe factory has been transformed into the Tannery Row Artist Colony.  The Mall of Georgia, the 36th largest in the nation also resides in Buford.

Lake Lanier

Lake Lanier was the site 1996 Olympic Games rowing and kayaking competitions and offers an array of watersport options for amateur athletes (vacationers) too! Start at the Port Royal Marina to get oriented.

Atlanta

From civil war to civil rights, Atlanta has earned her stripes and reinvented herself several times to become one of America's most iconic cities.  If most of what you know about Atlanta comes form a certain book by Margaret Mitchell, you have some catching up to do.  With current nicknames like "Black Hollywood" and "Hotlanta", this city puts diversity upfront for a vibrant cultural mix.

When you're done walking the historic nieghborhoods, visiting historic sites, dining at the vast array of fine and ethnic restaurants check out the Botanical Gardens or the Georgia Aquarium for a hit of nature in the heart of the city.  Your kids will love it!

Cyclists will enjoy Atlanta's 33 mile urban Beltline Trails and, northwest of Atlanta, the 61.5 mile Silver Comet Trail, which, in addition to walkers, runners, bladers, and skaters also accommodates horses!  So don't forget your bikes (or tack)!

So that about covers the region around Greenville and the Swamp Rabbit Inn.  We've gone north, south, east, and lastly, west.  Enjoy your adventures and when you come back to the Inn we want to hear all about it!  Make some memories.

--Percy

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.