Jeff Bannister Talks Greenville and Travelers Rest Food Scenes

In this week's video, Greenville resident and "Chopped Grill Masters" competitor Jeff Rhino Bannister and I discuss our favorite restaurants in Greenville, SC and Travelers Rest, SC. 

About Jeff Bannister

Bannister is currently a resident of Greenville, but is originally from the small South Carolina town of Holly Hills. 25 years ago, he and his family left the country behind and headed here to the city where he started Bovinoche, the whole animal open fire cooking event in Columbia, SC. "We use some very unusual ways to cook animals," says Bannister. "It's whole cows, lambs, a bunch of other stuff." Bannister is known locally amongst the Greenville food scene, but he's known nationally from his TV appearances on shows like the Cooking Channel’s “Man, Fire, Food,” and Anthony Anderson’s “Anthony Eats America,” to Food Network’s “Chopped Grill Masters."

Greenville and Travelers Rest Food Scenes

"Greenville has got a great food scene and Travelers Rest has got one that's even, just...will blow your mind away," exclaims Bannister. Bannister continues to enjoy the rapidly growing food scene here in Greenville, but has been focusing on the one in Travelers Rest as of late; taking advantage of the smaller boutique establishments that push out high quality food and environments.

“That’s what’s so awesome about these local businesses, is the product is such quality and they’re there,” explains Lynn. “You develop this relationship with their food, and their product, but also with them.” Bannister notes that the food scene in Travelers Rest ten years ago was nonexistent in comparison to what it looks like today. With restaurants like Sidewall for pizza, Monkey Wrench Smokehouse for barbecue, the best cocktails in the upstate - according to Bannister - at Rocket Surgery, the cafe at Williams Hardware for sandwiches, and more.

Mentioned in Video

Swamp Rabbit Inn

Greenville One Center

Bovinoche

Sidewall Pizza Company

Monkey Wrench Smokehouse

Rocket Surgery

Cafe at Williams Hardware

Hare & Field

Williamsburg Winery

Fat Canary

Be sure to check out the phenomenal food scenes gracing both Greenville and Travelers Rest if haven’t. Bon appétit!

5 Cutting-edge Cycling Gadgets

Looking to change-up your cycling experience? Whether you want to improve your performance, update your safety features or have fun with your cycling style, we recommend trying out any of these inventive gadgets.

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  1. Lumos Helmet

    Improve your cycling safety on the road with the Lumos Kickstart Helmet. This sleek helmet is the first smart bike helmet that encompasses integrated lights, rechargeable battery, turn signals, automated warning lights, waterproof, wireless remote and a smartphone app all in one! Colors and editions vary.

  2. XOSS SPRINT

    This quad-GPS cycling computer does more than show cyclists where there are and where they’re headed. While utilizing an offline map for intelligent route planning, the built-in BLE and ANT+ chips monitor riding sensors like speed, cadence, heart rate, power, etc. Download the XOSS app to your laptop and/or phone to sync the cycling computer to view your data through chart analysis.

  3. Garmin Varia Radar

    Say goodbye to the fear and stress of constantly having to look over your shoulder while riding with the Varia Rearview Radar. This radar alerts you to vehicles approaching from behind up to 153 yards (140 meters). Not only does it alert you when a vehicle is approaching, it’s tail light unit flashes to notify said vehicle of you up ahead.

  4. Cycle-On 30-Tool Bicycle Multi-Tool

    Yup, you read it right: 30! This compact multi-tool kit incorporates 30 different tools for maintaining and fixing your bike while on the go, AND is only 12mm long making it easy to store.

  5. LINKA LEO (coming this fall)

    Never worry about pesky chain locks again with one of LINKA’s smart bike locks. LINKA bike locks attach to the frame over the back wheel. When ready to lock, you simply press a button and a security shackle slides across. What makes LINKA bike locks even more convenient is the keyless access feature. As long as your phone is on you and your bluetooth is on, the LINKA bike lock will sense your approach and unlock once you’re near.

We hope you find these nifty gadgets to be as cool and innovative as we do. Share some of your favorite gadgets with us in the comments section below.

Family Friendly Accommodations in Greenville SC

We love this post from A Geeky Ginger who stayed with us with her young family! They enjoyed our family friendly accommodations in downtown Greenville, SC. There is so much for young children to enjoy in our very walkable downtown from the Mice on Main, the Greenville Zoo, the Liberty Bridge over Falls Park and the Children’s Museum to all the outdoor dining and treats dotting Main Street. Book your stay in our family friendly inns and vacation properties and come explore all the Greenville, SC has to offer! #yeahTHATgreenville

A Family-Friendly Stay At The Swamp Rabbit Inn

Finding a great place to rest your head during travels can be difficult, especially for a special needs family. The Swamp Rabbit Inn in Greenville, SC is just what we were looking for. Read more here..

Favorite Bike Routes In or Near Greenville, SC

Favorite Bike Routes In or Near Greenville, SC

Here is a sampling of some of our favorite Greenville, SC Bike Routes

For a more detailed list with maps and turn by turn directions please check out Wendy’s guide book “Cycling Greenville SC” available on Amazon, in our Bike Shed and at many local Greenville bike shops and stores!

Swamp Rabbit Trail  (Interactive Map)

Mountain Bike Trail, Gateway Park, Travelers Rest

Backside of Paris Mountain

Favorite In Town Loop

Swamp Rabbit Cross Fit Lot, Over Paris Mountain, Up Main Street

Tubbs Mtn Road

Quick Latte Ride to Swamp Rabbit Cafe

Lunch Ride to Williams Hardware in TR

Picnic Ride to Furman

Saluda Bakery Ride (Innkeeper Wendy’s Favorite Ride)

Bakery Ride from Hotel Domestique Plus Saluda Grade

Ceasar’s Head Climb and Back

Dairy Ride to Happy Cow Creamery

Ride to Hotel Domestique (Hincape Resort)

Nearby Day Trips (Car then Bike)

DuPont Forest