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An early Spring getaway experiencing the tasty side of Greenville, South Carolina
We were thrilled to have the Swamp Rabbit Inn mentioned in this recent article in Money Magazine. Check out April!
12 Great Places to Go In 2017 - and How to Do Them on a Budget
MONEY has mapped out the best deals for a year of adventures, including Sonoma, Calif.; Hawaii; Vermont's Lake Champlain; and Buenos Aires.
Book your stay at the Swamp Rabbit Inn today! #bikeinnbikeout #yeahTHATgreenville
What about the little ones?!?! Schools out and kids are on holiday! Don’t the lights of the season seem more sparkly in the eyes of a child? Of course they do, so let’s take their mittens in ours and find a bit of magic and wonder. We’ll try to go easy on the sugar.
As always we need to fuel up, but we have stuff to do and want to stay efficient! In order to get to the lollipops we have keep the lollygagging to a minimum!
Straightforward breakfast is usually what the kiddos go for so we recommend Mary Beth’s at McBee Station ( open daily at 7 a.m.) for straight up American fare - breakfast is actually served all day! And Tupelo Honey for Southern fare with flair (open Mon - Fri at 10 a.m., Sat and Sun at 8 a.m.). Both bright and sunny with ample parking. If you are heading to our northern destinations, duck into the Tandem Creperie in Traveler’s Rest (open daily at 8 a.m.) for a crepe or waffle - warning: you may have to help them finish it all!
It may be dangerous starting our romp at O.P. Taylor’s Toy Store (open Mon - Sat 10 a.m., Sun at Noon) but, perhaps short attention spans will prompt a change of venue - or the lure of hot chocolate across the street! In the same block with Tupelo Honey, the Greenville O.P. is a wonderland in a compact space but sure to leave them wide-eyed. Pssst! Mast General’s candy bins are right next door. Shhhh! Find them at 117 N Main.
Now about the chocolate… one block up and across the street you will find Kilwins - they have hot chocolate - and every other kind of chocolate… ( also a giant chain coffee house next door, Mom, and a bar…).
A mere few paces from Kilwins door, with cocoa in hand, you may enter the grand lobby of the Hyatt where you will find the St Francis Festival of Trees, decorated in every style imaginable, to immerse you in the holiday spirit. And they are just so pretty, too.
At this juncture you could decide to stay local or head north, toward Asheville. Farther away stuff first as you would need to get going!
Gingerbread House Competition at the Grove Park Inn is kind of jaw(breaker)-dropping for all ages! Now through January 5th. In addition to the gingerbread, The Omni Grove Park Inn, at 290 Macon Ave in Asheville NC, is beautifully decorated and also has massive roaring fireplaces to cozy up to when you get all tuckered out. You/they won’t forget it! About an hour and 15 minutes north of Greenville. Please click the link for all the details.
Another unforgettable experience that will elicit numerous “OMG”s - The Biltmore Estate Daytime Christmas Celebration. “Lavishly” decorated doesn’t begin to describe it, really, it’s a fantasy come alive. Tour the enormous Vanderbilt 8,000 acre estate and 1895 mansion, as decked out as could be, now through January 8th. Santa will be on hand in Antler Hill Village 12/19 - 12/23 from 1- 5 p.m. There are sleigh rides, seminars, wine tastings - something for everyone, including candlelight and overnight options. It is pricey, but children’s tix for age 9 and under are free for daytime events. Please click the link for the entire roster of activities and details.
Back to holiday pursuits in Greenville…
Recent posts alerted you to Ice on Main, but, Skating on the Big Ice is available at Bon Secours Wellness Arena December 18-20, 22-24, 26, 27 and 29 at 1 - 5p.m. Tickets are $6 - $8, skate rentals $3.
Children’s Museum of the Upstate will not be outdone this Christmas! Now through December 31, The Holiday Traditions exhibit will take you back to days of Christmas past. Kids can: Watch life-like trains roll through a miniaturized track, play with miniature trains and landscapes on interactive train tables, snuggle up by the exhibit fireplace with a movie, write “wish list” letters to Santa, play interactive snowman games, and read books in the reading nook! Open Tues - Sat 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sun 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Explore at 300 College St.
Taking your day into evening with several events…
Milk and Cookies Pajama Party Storytelling Event - Readings of The Polar Express and How the Grinch Stole Christmas accompanied by milk and cookies. Tuesday, 12/20 from 6:30 - 7:30 at South Carolina Children’s Theatre, 153 Augusta St.
The Nutcracker: Once Upon a Time in Greenville, three performances by Carolina Ballet Theater - 12/22 at 7 p.m. and 12/23 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. At the Peace Center, 101 W. Broad.
Chanukah begins on December 24th this year and our own Greenville Community Menorah Lighting happens once again at NOMA square on December 26th to light the lights for night three. Join us at 5 p.m. for music, latkes, donuts, dreidels and magic. Chanukah on Main is hosted by Chabad of Greenville & the Upstate. In front of the Hyatt at 220 N Main.
The previous two posts also have info for Hollywild Safari, the Polar Express, and Cakes by U, all also very kid pleasing!
For supper may we suggest Mac ’n’ Cheese at Mutts BBQ at 101 W Rd in Greer, or, Henry’s Smokehouse at 240 Wade Hampton Blvd? Always a crowd pleaser!
That should make for a full holi-day and and some sleepy little bunnies! Sugar plum dreams!
—Percy
Stopped in for lunch at the newly opened Willy Taco Feed and Seed on Laurens Road in Greenville this week and was delighted by the entire experience! This is a well trained, well rehearsed staff! They have been slammed all week from the looks of the parking lot and every aspect of the service was well tuned.
We started with the Trio which includes salsa, guacamole and queso. All three were delicious but the guac was the real standout! Very fresh ingredients and tasted like it had just been whipped up. Nice citrus kick to it! The salsa was perfectly spicy and how can you mess up queso right? The blue corn chip were warm and fresh with what appeared to be a nice touch of cumin powder sprinkled on top. All very yummy!
Of course we had to try the margarita! The waitress recommended the a freshly squeezed margarita and it was delicious!
The food came in the perfect amount of time. I ordered the tuna and brisket tacos with brown rice and black beans. Everything was super fresh and really tasty!
Can't wait to come back and try some more on the menu! Maybe brunch as they open at 10:00 am on Sunday!
I have not been to the original Spartanburg location but have heard good things about it.
With the future expansion of the Swamp Rabbit Trail running behind Willy Taco this area is only going to get better and better. Way to get the party started! Great restoration of an old Greenville business, Feed and Seed.
Check out their menu and hours here! Welcome Willy Taco! We're glad you're here. Enjoy!
Wendy Lynam, Innkeeper
Do you have a “sweet tooth”? I have several. You too? Well this post is for you! At the time of this writing the holiday spirit is in full swing here in Greenville. Decorations are up along Main Street and many a mind is wandering back to childhood thinking of magical times and wondrous treats. There’s no better time to indulge a little, treat yourself, treat your friends, find gifts, order for parties… Go in search of dessert in Greenville! Scroll below for sticky, melty, fluffy, frosted, fried, baked, creamy, gooey goodness of all genres. Then head on out to find your happy place!
Can you hear that? I think it’s Tchaikovsky. Why yes, something about plums… Just what is a "sugar plum" and why did visions of them dance in children’s heads? Well, these are sugar plums:
But not these. These are soft plum flavored jellies. Not the same!
And, surprise! It has little to do with the plum fruit except the shape! "Sugar Plum" is an archaic term used from the 17th to the 19th century as another name for a hard, round sugar candy sometimes called "dragee" or more commonly, "comfit". The sweet was made of sugar hardened around a central seed or kernel, such as anise, cardamom, or almond, in successive layers using a process called "panning." The candy pan is kept in motion over heat, while successive layers of sugar are poured on and allowed to harden. M&Ms and jawbreakers are made in a similar way. Confectionery historian Laura Mason calls comfit-making "one of the most difficult and tedious methods in craft confectionery, requiring specialized equipment, careful heat control, and experience." Meaning that “sugar plums” were a luxury confection enjoyed by the wealthy, and often served at fancy parties. Which is why Victorian children would have them dancing in their heads!
So let’s start with a place to find old fashioned candies in Greenville. Mast General Store. Oh, gosh darn it, they have toys too! Alongside items like maple, and sassafras Soft Sticks, you will find the Sanded Drops, also in flavors like horehound and licorice! Plenty of packaged candies from yesteryear. Try to avoid the toys… You could waste hours! I’m sure you’ll figure out how to deal with it. Step in at 111 North Main. Click link for hours.
Continuing our candy quest up Main, the confections of Kilwins shine through glass windows in contrast to the old-time brick and wood of Mast. Kilwins Chocolates, Fudge, and Ice Cream - name kind of says it all. They do double duty for the ice cream category as well! Last time I hopped through the door my friends and I spent the first 10 minutes saying “Oooh look at that!”. Indoor foodie version of sightseeing! Something for everyone in your crew! Gaze in awe like a four-year-old at 220 Main Street. Open later than most. Click link for hours.
Ah, Chocolate! Our next destination begins to stray in to the baked good zone. The Chocolate Shoppe. They have cookies! Made fresh hourly. And truffles, barks, molded chocolates… They of course make items to order. Making Greenville sweeter since 1979. All waiting patiently for you at 1392 N Pleasantburg Dr. Click link for hours.
Sauntering over to 401 Augusta we arrive at Vaughn-Russell Candy Kitchen, a handmade Greenville gem since 1950. Newly reopened in a new location after a touch and go season when their old building was purchased for tear down. Their trademark item is the chocolate Mint Pecan, made from mammoth Georgia pecans. They also have classic assortments (peanut butter creams, toffees…) and will personalize chocolates while you wait! Their little elves are filling orders for folks far and wide all year long. But there are still items you can only get in person so go breathe in the perfume! Open Tues - Sat 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
If dessert in Greenville means baked treats to you, we have plenty of options! We will stick to a short list here but there are plenty more to explore.
The Chocolate Moose is now located inside M. Judson Booksellers (two of our favorite things in one place!). Known for their cupcakes and cake pops, which you can pair with a fancy coffee and enjoy at the cafe tables in the cozy bookstore. Order cupcakes in three different sizes by the dozen for your events. Don't forget the chocolate "moose" pie, or salted caramel banana pudding. Have fun choosing at 130 S Main st. Click link for hours and menu.
Fasten your seat belts, resistance is futile when you enter the Buttercream Bakehouse. They are ready for you, and your gifting and event needs. Known for buttercream artistry in specialty cakes, they also have Pastry (capital P), like cannolis... and breads, plus tables and chairs so you don't have to wait to dive in. Just a few blocks from the center of downtown at 801 Buncombe St. Check link for hours.
The Bakery Off Augusta is frankly, adorable. Classic and cozy it is just off Augusta at 11 Sevier St. They make it all with flair and fun. Owned by European baker Connie Jud, they make Irish soda bread, fruitcakes, King Cakes, and pies, a host of pastries and custom cakes and cookies. A favorite for neighborhood children as well. No excuses necessary. Click link for hours.
Oh, so you like your baked goods French, you say? Mais oui! Bienvenue and right this way, to Legrand Bakery at 1818 Augusta. They have your tarts, eclair, l'opéra, mousse... and gorgeous breads. You don't even have to pronounce them correctly! We're just friendly like that over dessert in Greenville. Revel in the flaky, buttery layers. Click link for hours.
Then there’s Cakes By U. You’ve at least heard of the ceramic cafes? It’s like that, but with cake. Come with friends, with kids, and decorate your own cakes and cupcakes. Parties, girls night out (with wine), company team building… (also with wine?) Make memories with frosting! Sounds delicious to me! Bring your creativity to 637 Congaree Rd Suite A. Click the link for hours, events, particulars.
Strossner’s is not kidding around… but kids will be happy here! They are also a cafe where you can eat dessert before or after breakfast or lunch. American bakery classics as well as traditional German offerings. All can be ordered for events, of course. Italian Cream Cake, Key Lime Pound Cake, Lemon Torte… pastry, cookies, breads… If you happen to be reading this before 12/12/2016 you can go to the Gingerbread House Decorating Workshop, big fun! No one will be disappointed here. Bring the family to 21 Roper Mountain Road. Click link for hours.
Perhaps you’ve heard, Greenville has an obsession with gourmet donuts. Yes, we have Krispy Kreme and Dunkin'. But you don’t need this rabbit’s help finding any of those anywhere in the country. The first darling of Instagrammers in Greenville was The Donut Experiment at 2123 Augusta Rd. Daily photos of made-to-order donuts with toppings like fruity pebbles, bacon, and various crumbled candy bars had us worn down and driving over for a dozen in 72 hours or less. If you fancy a delectable donut, do-nut wait that long! Click link for hours.
Then there is/was Circa Doughnut, a pop up shop. Fried dough aficionados in Greenville need to stay frosty to keep up with where to find these outrageously delicious morsels from day to day and week to week. Many breathlessly await Circa’s return… Enter GB&D - Golden Brown and Delicious. We hope you are here to stay! In the West Village at 1269 Pendleton St. they are primarily a lunch restaurant but their donuts are getting a lot of press. GB&D is only open Tues - Sat 11:30 - 2 p.m. but their donuts can consistently be found across the street at the Village Grind coffee house. Sometimes they open for dinner hours too… I’m a grey-whiskered rabbit; I can’t keep up with these millennials! My strategy: show up for lunch - it is out of this world - get the scoop on the next batch of fried dough. Click the links (all Instagram) to find out where donuts will strike next. Happy hunting!
Now, our friends at the Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery deserve a mention here because they also turn out baked goodies every day, carry artisan candies, and are taking holiday orders as I write. They are in this section because they are notable for offering both GF and Vegan doughnuts. Yup! So if that’s what you seek find them at 205 Cedar Lane Rd. Click link for hours and events.
Somebody slap me! Funneldelicious has a list of deep fried treats no rational person could imagine. Start with the funnel cakes in several different sizes, tons of toppings, and you can top it off with a side of fried Kool-Aid Balls and a basket of spiralcut ribbon fries. Greenville's guilty pleasure that one will rarely admit to. Now why don't these jeans fit?!?! Wear your stretchy pants to 155 Augusta and say hi to Mrs. Paula because you know you'll be back. Click the link for hours.
Bet you thought I’d never get to this category! Again many ice cream and fro-yo places around town but staying focused on the highlights and hyper locals. Beginning with Spill the Beans, this coffee house and ice cream bar is a fun place to wind up an evening out or drop in during a stroll around Falls Park. The scent of hot waffle cones on the griddle will waft toward you upon entry. Choose your basic flavors and add all the mix-ins to your heart’s content. Lots of seating options to choose from. Try not to salivate in line at 531 S Main. Click link for hours.
Holding down a lily pad at 624 S main is the Blueberry Frog for frozen yogurt. Prepared fresh daily, in house. It’s even organic! I feel healthier already - and so welcome! Hopping permitted, even encouraged. Click the link for hours and other local locations.
Luna Rosa for gelato (they have paninis and pastas too). We’ve raved about this place before - because it is an elegant spoonful of heaven. If gelato is your thing you WILL find joy here. Try not to fog up or fingerprint the glass at 9 W Washington half a block off Main. Open for lunch and dinner 7 days. Click link for hours.
We have a Marble Slab Creamery. Posted here because it’s downtown at 108 N Main and has a line out the door on weekends - and your kids might not let you rest unless you go there. All the yumminess you expect from the cold slab ice cream shop. Click the link for hours.
The Pickwick Pharmacy has a 1940s style soda fountain that has been in operation in its current location since 1947. Restored in 2007, you can jitterbug on in for an ice cream experience from days of yore. Can’t beat the ambiance from a dark blue barstool. Thirty flavors of ice cream and a lunch menu straight out the 40s should make for a fun outing.
Speaking of soda fountains and bars. How about the more adult version - a soda fountain with a bar? Grill Marks has burgers yes, but the boozy malts and shakes and… whateverthoseare, are the stuff that dreams are made of. Open into the night it can be a perfect end to a festive day. Bring your thirst to 209 S Main. Click link for hours.
Did any of that hit the spot? Is your tongue an interesting color? I'm ready for a long winter's nap... If I can come down from this sugar high! Isn't it fun finding holiday treats in Greenville?! Remember to share!
--Percy
From the minute we met Sarah (@nycfoodiefinder, food blogger) and Maya (@mojalvo, film producer) we felt a magical bond. Here is a recap of their visit with us on their NYCtoNashville Southern Road Trip detour through Greenville, SC and their time at the Swamp Rabbit Inn. We love their style and spirt! Also pictured in the video is Reedy River Farms and Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery in Greenville, SC.
Want to go hiking in Greenville, SC? Many an article (among all those “10 best…” articles) about Greenville begins with something like this: “Nestled at the feet of the Blue Ridge Mountains…” and that we are! Like the song says “Climb every mountain!” Around here that could keep you busy for awhile. Which means we have lots of places to go hiking in Greenville. (above photo: Justin Bowers)
As always we like to start with breakfast, and well, when you know you have a big day ahead it’s wise to fuel up in serious way.
Eggs Up Grill is just a few blocks up from the Inn at 31 Augusta St. and will fill you up with a big classic breakfast.
Then there’s Biscuit Head which, if you like biscuits, is out of this world. If you don’t want to start your day by hiking to breakfast it’s about 8 minutes away by car at 823 S Church St.
If you need to pick up sandwiches for a picnic in the wild may we suggest Groucho’s Deli at 20 E Coffee just off N Main downtown or Rick’s Deli at 101 Falls Park Dr. just off S Main downtown.
Something to talk about over breakfast, perhaps, is whether or not you need gear. While we do have an REI, Cabela’s, and Appalachian Outfitter all nearby we always like to give a shout out to our friends at Sunrift Adventures because it is a local hub of activity and a beautiful store full of warm, helpful people. It’s in the direction of the mountains at 1 Center Street in Travelers Rest.
While you’re munching on that strip of bacon or that waffle you can decide if you want to stay close to town or make it more of a day trip going towards North Carolina. First the nearby trails.
Paris Mountain State Park is right in town. It’s the big hill with the towers on it that you saw coming in. It has all kinds of activities to indulge in and 9 hiking trails from easy to strenuous, some of which do double duty as mountain bike trails. One trail includes 400 feet of climbing and another will take you around the lake. Click the link for a handy dandy map! At 2401 State Park Rd.
Lake Conestee Nature Park is about 20 minutes southeast of town. It’s full of wildlife viewing opportunities, waterfalls, and offers guided birding walks every third Saturday of the month. There are paved and unpaved trails where you can even find a place called Sparkleberry Island. Click the link for info on family friendly events and more. At 840 Mauldin Rd.
Pleasant Ridge Park is a little ways to the north and past Travelers Rest in Marietta. This smaller park has the feel of being more remote than it actually is. It includes a 5.4 mile unpaved loop plus a fishing lake, shelter, and playground. Click the link for schedules and maps. At 4232 Hwy. 11 in Marietta.
Table Rock State Park a little farther west down Hwy 11 from Pleasant Ridge you will come to majestic table Rock. The trail will take you past waterfalls to the stunning view atop Table Rock. Click the link for particulars. At 158 Ellison Ln in Pickens.
Caesar’s Head State Park Fifty miles of trail options to choose from! A major attraction here is the 2 mile Raven Cliff Falls trail which leads to a suspension bridge overlooking the 420-foot Raven Cliff Falls. And, of course, there’s the view from Caesar’s Head overlook. Click the link for the details. At 8155 Geer Hwy in Cleveland SC.
Dupont State Forest is a favorite of our Innkeeper. And it is gorgeous. More than 10,000 acres worth! Just another half hour north of Caesar’s Head and across the North Carolina state line. Again this spot is known for its trails that lead past waterfalls, and waterfalls, and… There are also trails for horses, and mountain bikes. The link has all the info you’ll need. At 1300 Staton Road, Cedar Mountain, NC.
Burned a few calories have we? All that fresh air given you an appetite? As always, plenty of restaurants to choose from in bustling Greenville but we’ll focus on some meatier selections below.
Halls Chophouse for that Steak with a capital S. Upscale with a lovely view of the Reedy River and Riverwalk. You’ll find something here to sink your teeth into. At 550 S. Main.
Grill Marks for every kind of burger you ever dreamed of and some you didn’t! All the fixins plus a bar that serves ice cream treats as well as cocktails. At 209 S Main.
Ink ’n’ Ivy has that large American menu where everyone can find something to make them very happy. If you’re up for it it has several floors, bars and seating options including a rooftop bar to enjoy some nightlife atmosphere. At 21 E. Coffee.
Sound like a full day? We hope you had lots of fun exploring, adventuring, and hiking in Greenville. Now go lie down before you fall down!
—Percy
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