Greenville: Inn the Business of Cycling, (this is how we roll...)

Perhaps you’ve heard that Greenville has a bit of a thing for cycling and that cyclists have a thing for Greenville.  What started out as a best kept secret has been whispered across the country until it became a roar.  We built a little trail that went from here to there and it seemed like an oasis in the heart of a city.  The community embraced it, businesses opened around it and on it, put out the welcome mat for cyclists, served healthy food, great coffee, craft beer, and began to thrive.  Soon everyone wanted inn on that cycling thing!

Cycling creates vitality and revitalizes everything and everyone around it.  It supports healthy, mindful living and engagement with both nature and community. That’s good for building great cities and that’s good for business.  The Greenville metro area now supports a massive cycling community with many municipal and industry-supported initiatives.  So how about some numbers? Nuts and bolts? Brass tacks?  (No, squirrels, not those nuts!  Moving on.)

The Greenville Hospital System (GHS) Swamp Rabbit Trail now has over half-a-million users per year. Among those, more than 125,000 come from out of town, contributing $6.7 million in trail tourism.  Dozens of new businesses have opened that have a direct connection to the trail and Greenville’s vibrant cycling community.  Among multi-use, rail-to-trail systems, the GHS Swamp Rabbit Trail has above-average use for commuting and short trips. Greenville County tourist spending is on the rise.  It saw an increase of $83 million in 2014.

In addition, companies such as the Trek Travel have chosen Greenville for recurring bicycle-touring trips, bringing tourists from all over the globe. Sample a Trek Travel ride on May 1, 2016 leaving from the Swamp Rabbit Inn!!  Click here for more details on the free ride guided by Trek Travel.

We’ve got class.  In addition to GHS Swamp Rabbit Trail, the Greenville area features world-class road riding, with everything from beginner rides to pro-level challenges and training, mountain biking at Paris Mountain State Park, the Clemson Experimental Forest and the DuPont State Recreational Forest, dedicated cyclo-cross routes, and bicycle touring that rival the European mountains.  Check out "Cycling Greenville" a guidebook with 20 great rides around Greenville County written by inn keeper Wendy Lynam.

There is truly something for every type of cycle tourist in the Greenville area and the Upstate of South Carolina. The weather in the Upstate is temperate year round.  We have a few days that are too hot and a few that are too cold but very few days each year that aren’t great for riding.

We’ve got bragging rights!  According to the USA Today newspaper, the community cycling investment has put Greenville on the map for cyclists traveling in the Southeast. Bicycling Magazine lists Greenville in the top twenty cities in the country for bicycling.  And the League of American Cyclists recognizes more than three dozen Greenville businesses as “Bicycle Friendly” (BFBs).

Gotta love those MAMILs: middle-aged men in lycra (hey, if I didn’t have all this fur I’d be a middle-aged buck in lycra)! Cycle tourists have a median age of 53 years old and use expendable income for cycling related trips.  More than 50% of cycle tourists have household income above $75,000, with 10% earning over $200,000.

A full 92% of cycle tourists are planning a multi-day cycle trip in the next three years.  In addition to cycle trips, cyclists engage in other activities such as: day road rides (87%), taking bikes on vacation (85%), independent bike touring (82%), casual riding in town (80%), and road racing (76%). Rabbits who race bikes (0).

Don’t expect the hubbub to blow over anytime soon.  Greenville has become a hub for international business, hosting companies from all over the world.  Currently, Greenville has the highest international investment per capita in the nation. 

With a metro population of over 860,000, major industries including technology and financial services, and a gross product over $36 billion, Greenville and the Upstate of South Carolina has the right demographics to continue supporting and growing its cycle industry.  And generations of Swamp Rabbits quietly keeping everything warm and fuzzy.  You’re welcome.

The good times have rolled into Greenville and they are here to stay.  Stay with us at the Swamp Rabbit Inn and Properties and enjoy the ride!

--Percy

It’s getting Inn-tense! Lots to-do for Springtime in Greenville!

The weather is here and Greenville is BEAUTIFUL!!  SO much to get ta-done this month!

The National attention for #yeahTHAT Greenville just keeps on coming!  “Travels With Darley” visited South Carolina this fall and stayed at the Swamp Rabbit Inn and biked the Swamp Rabbit Trail.   The “Southern States Road Trip” episode, which features Greenville, Travelers Rest, Anderson, and Belton, has been airing on PBS, ETV and is now available online!

Now on to the activities!

A little rock history anyone?  April 12th at 7 pm:  Upcountry History Museum at Furman University presents Backstage Pass with Chuck Leavell.  Chuck will share his music and stories from a career  spent on tour with legends like the Rolling Stones and the Allman Brothers.  Tickets still available.

How about something for your little bunnies?  Tuesday April 12th and Thursday April 14th  - “Goodnight Moon and the Runaway Bunny”.  How could I not take all  (all, all, ALL) of my nieces and nephews to this magical puppetry production?!  By Mermaid Theater of Nova Scotia, performing at the Gunter Theater.

Dog lovers cannot be left out!  We rabbits must remember to be inclusive!  Thursday April 14th at  6 pm, Yappy Hour at The Humane Society is the mixer for dog lovers with themed treats for our four legged friends and the bipeds who love them.  For $10, you and your friends can unwind with cold brews and live music from local artists.  Meanwhile, your dog can run off leash in our canine courtyard and take a dip in our “doggie pools”.

Also, for the canine inclined, April 21 at the Old Cigar Warehouse, The Pawmetto Derby!  Derby-goers enjoy live music, derby-themed fare, bottomless cocktails and top shelf bourbon!  It all leads up to the main event of the evening – the “Run for the Noses” race where adorable (and adoptable!) puppies compete to win the coveted “Run for the Noses” Champion trophy!

Missing a little 90s music?  April 15th Cool down on tax day with Coolio at the Well, and, April 16th have your happy-it’s-over jam with Pearl Jam also at the Well.

In case you forgot the signature event, Bikeville Classic... The week of April 12 - 17 Swamp Rabbit Lodge is currently available to book for Bikeville Classic weekend!

We know you don't want to miss this, so, a gentle reminder:  April 23rd Community Tap Craft Beer Fest at Larkin’s Sawmill, conveniently followed by:  April 24th at 10 am - 1 pm the Upstate welcomes Biscuit Head with Biscuits and Beer Brunch!   at Swamp Rabbit Brewery and Taproom.  A little Hare of the Rabbit, eh?!

May Day!!!  Lots going on May 1st.  Three events at the Swamp Rabbit Inn!!!

First on May 1st at 10 am, join us for the Trek Travel Ride.  The ride will be approximately 40 miles.  We will ride from the Swamp Rabbit Inn,  out on the Swamp Rabbit Trail towards Travelers Rest, with the option to climb Paris Mountain.  Paper route guides will be available at the start.  After the ride Councilwoman Amy Ryberg Doyle will give the May Bike Month proclamation also at the Swamp Rabbit Inn!

That evening, also May 1st:  "Dinner with Friends".   After that big ride, come sit awhile at our table and join us for a lovely repast.   This is our first "Dinner With Friends" event at the Swamp Rabbit Inn with some of our very good friends Chef Michael Kramer of Table 301, Steven Musolf of Lazy Goat, Teryi Youngblood of Passerelle Bistro, Krystal Hill of Lazy Goat, Craig Rogers (the Cycling Shepard) of Border Springs Farms and Michael Kimball of Williamsburg Winery.  As of this writing there are still 24 tickets left, purchase them HERE.

Please don't forget we have our Tuesday Latte Rides leaving the Inn at 9:30 am every Tuesday.  And do save the date for May 10th, our first Truck in Tuesday of the season!

Of course you can always cruise in to downtown for Main Street Fridays at NOMA Square.  Happening all summer long,  5:30 - 9:30.

In short: if you want to be bored this spring stay the heck away from Greenville SC, 'cause we are gonna party, bike, eat, drink, and dance our fuzzy little tails off!

Cheers!

--Percy

Kit Up and Clip Inn, Y'all! The Bikeville Classic is Coming!

For the second year in a row the best in American cycling are rolling in to burn up the roads of Greenville for the Bikeville Classic 2016!

April 16th and 17th - It’s Bikeville Classic time!

Notus Sports and USA Cycling, in partnership with VisitGreenvilleSC, hosts the Volkswagon USA Cycling Professional Criterium and Team Time Trial National Championships, as part of the Bikeville Classic - presented by Greenville Health System, in Greenville South Carolina!  (that’s a mouthful!)

The Cycling Weekend promises something for everyone - pros, amateurs, kids, cruisers and fans.

We have links and info below for:

Team Time Trial

Public “Ride the Connector” Ride

Criterium Races

Expo on Main

Kids Events

Truck Inn following Bikeville Classic (PARTY!)

Men and women will battle it out to wear the coveted Stars and Stripes National Championship jersey in the Team Time Trial on Saturday and the Criterium Race on Sunday.

The Team Time Trial will take place Saturday, April 16th. The I -185 Southern Connector will be closed to traffic to create the 20 mile course that includes long, wide straightaways and rolling hills.  The races will start at the toll plaza.  Click HERE for directions and parking.  Come see local racers Holowesko/Citadel powered by Hincapie Sportwear, Racing Team defend their TTT Championship title.  At the time of this writing all the women’s teams competing in the TTT are not yet in but competition is sure to be equally fierce.  This year also features a first ever Juniors TTT Championship race.

Want to feel what it’s like to ride on the interstate?  Well you can!  “Ride the Connector”, a public fun ride will take place before the races start and you can sign up for it HERE.  There is a fee for adults, but children under 12, accompanied by a registered adult, can join the ride for free!

The Criterium Championship races will take place Sunday, April 17th, on Main Street in Downtown Greenville.  See the course map HERE.

Look for our artist-at-large to be Bike Scribbling in the street again.

Members of the Greenville Spinners will be out in force volunteering along the courses on both days and Members of Greenville-based Para-cycling Team Roger C. Peace will be volunteering at the TTT.  If you see someone in either jersey, feel free to introduce yourself to find out more about their programs.

Spokes and Spandex Expo on Main, 11 AM - 6 PM Sunday, will feature cycling related retailers, vendors and non profits with tents along the path of the race course.  A VIP experience sponsored by The Trappe Door and Sierra Nevada, with preferred viewing area and other perks,  can also be purchased. Click HERE for details.

Bike Valet service will again be available near Main and McBee, so do the fun thing and ride your bike into town, park it safe and secure and enjoy the day!

Kids will get into safe biking with the helmet giveaway!  Safe Kids Upstate is giving away 200 free helmets for kids, with helmet fittings from 9 AM to Noon on Sunday. Other giveaways will include safety information, blinky lights and sunscreen.  Stop by the Greenville Health booth.

The waffles are back!  VW is sponsoring free Belgian waffles again, while they last, on Sunday so get there early!

Last but DEFINITELY not least… TRUCK INN at the Swamp Rabbit Inn after the criterium on Sunday!  Do come join us and the Greenville cycling community for a rockin’ after party with great music, food, drink and dancing.  SOMEbunny is even having a birthday that day, but we won’t say who!  Cyclists love a cyclebration!

We are filling up but still have a few spaces left at the Swamp Rabbit Inn and Properties if you need a place to stay for race weekend.  Of course, if you need to rent a bike to cruise around town with ease we’ve got those for you too!

This is one of Greenville’s best and brightest weekends on the calendar.  Let’s have some fast and thrilling fun in the sun!

--Percy

School Spirits - Painting Greenville Purple and White, and Orange and Purple, and Blue and...

There are friendly rivalries raging in the Upstate!  Greenvillians are all about being true to their school(s).  It is hard to travel far with out spotting a Furman Paladin purple diamond or a Clemson orange Tiger paw and on game day (game week, game month…), street lamps, shop windows and private cars will be festooned in purple and white or purple and orange or both.  Convenient that the love of purple is shared by both camps!

For the Swamp Rabbit Inn and Properties, when it comes to families visiting for campus functions our focus is on the “Properties” part!  We have your fan base covered!  Our Furman Cottage and Swamp Rabbit Lodge are right next to the Furman campus and can accommodate even an extended family group comfortably.  If any of Clemson’s many satellite functions in downtown Greenville are your target, in addition to the Inn, the Swamp Rabbit Cottage and Townhouses can provide a cozy clubhouse.

“All hail the white and purple floating on high

Hear the shouts of triumph echo through the sky…”

Furman University is the picture postcard ideal of a cozy liberal arts college situated on 750 meticulously sculpted acres just north of the City of Greenville and nestled at the feet of Paris Mountain.  The private institution takes great pride in housing all of it’s 2700 students on campus for the full four years of undergraduate study.  They converge from 45 states and 53 countries.  This creates a tremendous sense of community which reverberates throughout Greenville’s cultural landscape.  A hub of intellectual, artistic and athletic life, there is literally ALWAYS something worth attending at Furman!  The Swan Lake and Asian Garden are sublime places to wander and reflect, both figuratively and literally.  The library and bookstore are substantial and elegant.  In addition to running and mountain biking trails around the campus, various areas are traditional meet up spots for groups like the Greenville Spinners cycling club and Greenville Track Club runners.

How about TEAMS?  Furman has 20 NCAA division 1 sports teams, 10 for men and 10 for women.  Women outnumber men on campus by the way - 57% vs. 43%.  Their primary rival is Charleston’s The Citadel. The Paladins are known for prowess in baseball, football, soccer, tennis, rugby and golf.  There are currently ELEVEN former Paladins on the LPGA tour.  The university has distinguished itself internationally for its beauty and nationally as South Carolina’s top liberal arts college.  Furman has set ambitious goals for physical and philosophical growth in the near term. Check out it’s Vision 2020 plans!

In addition to traditional sport, Furman’s long weekend of Homecoming and Reunion events include a carnival, floats, art exhibits, a golf tournament, tailgates, cheerleader clinic, and of course, pep rally and bonfire.  It’s a happy slice of American collegiate life!

Greenville Technical College is about getting down to business!  It has four separate campuses plus two other training facilities dotting the county, with it’s main hub, Barton Campus near downtown Greenville.  GTC’s two-year programs are dedicated to fast tracking students into technical careers to meet the needs of the Upstate’s burgeoning manufacturing sector.  Programs offering degrees and certificates include Arts and Sciences, Business, Technology, Health and Wellness, and Public Service.  Short term, job specific training courses are also available.

GTC is currently very excited about the development of the Center for Manufacturing Innovation, a collaboration with Clemson University to be located at the Millennium Campus next to Clemson’s International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR).  As with the other programs at GTC this concept is strongly influenced by input from leaders of the corporations such as BMW, Michelin, and GE that call the upstate home. The motto for Greenville Technical College is certainly appropriate: “Keys to the Future”!

“ Where the Blue Ridge yawns its greatness,

Where the Tigers play, here the sons of dear old Clemson reign supreme always…”

Hold That Tiger, Eye of the Tiger… why are there orange paws everywhere?!  Clemson is a household word.  Founded in 1889, about 40 minutes southwest of Greenville, on the banks of Lake Hartwell, this historic public university is focused on science, engineering and research.  The institution’s influence is felt across the state of South Carolina and beyond with an economic impact of 1.83 billion for the state.  Currently, hosting over 22,000 undergrad and graduate students combined who attend  six different colleges, is it any wonder these Tigers have their own forest?  They also enjoy three libraries including the Special Collections Library in the Strom Thurmond Institute which houses rare books and manuscripts.

With longstanding military roots and active programs like ROTC, cadets maintain a presence in campus life.  The Tiger mascot does pushups for every point scored at the football games and so do the cadets.  Military organizations include the K-7 Scabbard and Blade and the Clemson Rangers.  Did someone mention sports, or maybe FOOTBALL?  Clemson has won four national championships: one in football two in men’s soccer and one in men’s golf.  Primary rival? USC.  The Homecoming and Tigerama festivities are something to see.

As for student media, with a staff of 95 students, The Tiger, founded in 1907, can boast being the oldest student run newspaper in South Carolina.  The student run radio station : WSBF-FM broadcasts across the upstate and online.

The Princeton Review ranked Clemson 1st for town-gown relations, 2nd for happiest students, 2nd for jock schools, 3rd for everyone plays intramural sports (including a corn hole team), 8th for students pack the stadiums, and 9th for best career services.  Basically, Clemson is a fun place!

We could not talk about Greenville’s academic highlights without including the Governor’s School for Arts and Humanities.  Their colors happen to be blue and white.  It is truly a haven and oasis for artistically gifted high school students, located just off South Main Street in downtown Greenville.  The graceful campus overlooks reedy River Falls Park and is designed with the aesthetic of a Tuscan village.  Students apply and audition to attend either a two, or three-year program depending on discipline.  Instruction at this residential high school is modeled after a master-apprentice community featuring a faculty comprised, primarily, of professional artists.  Concentrations include: Creative Writing, Drama, Dance, Music, and Visual Arts.

“Govies” as they are called, form close bonds with fellow students and are encouraged to engage with the larger community.  There are many planned excursions and field trips in addition to students general free time.  The Connecting Arts Through Service, “CATS” club, fosters a sense of social responsibility.  The curriculum is considered pre-professional training and challenges students to combine theoretical study with real world learning experiences.  There are also summer intensive programs offered for younger students in all of the schools regular areas of study.

In addition to the Governor’s School, Greenville boasts many notable K12 magnet and charter schools with specific areas of focus, and the achievements of our students are a source of great pride.  Like diamonds in various stages of polishing they are part of what makes our city sparkle.  If the shaping of a young mind or two is what brings you to Greenville, The Swamp Rabbit Inn and Properties are a calm spot in the swirl of getting your students sorted and keeping them supported.  Be true to your school and let your colors fly!

--Percy

(Cancelled) Greenville Small Plate Crawl Truck Stop Food Trucks at the Swamp Rabbit Inn

***UPDATE*** THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED FOR MARCH 23 AND 24TH.  Thank you to all who stopped by March 22 and supported this event!!  

Stop by the Swamp Rabbit Inn for lunch or dinner March 22 - March 24 from 11 - 2pm and 5pm - 9pm for food trucks.  Here is the line up and schedule for the Greenville Small Plate crawl Truck Stop.

Swamp Rabbit Inn Truck Stop | Greenville Small Plate Crawl

Swamp Rabbit Inn Truck Stop 1 Logan St Greenville, SC 29601 (864) 517-4617 FOOD TRUCKS ON SITE - MENUS POSTED AT EACH TRUCK SCHEDULE: Tuesday, March 22: 11am-2pm King of Pops Circa Doughnut 11am-9pm Gypsy Kitchen 5-9pm Automatic Taco Wednesday, March 23: 11am-2pm King of Pops Circa Doughnut 5-9pm Automatic Taco Thursday, March 24: 11am-2pm King of Pops Circa Doughnuts 11am-9pm Gypsy Kitchen

Going Nuts for GREENville - St. Patrick, Pecans, March Hares, and Small Plate Crawl (y'all)

First things first!  This coming week, Mar. 22nd - 24th, Greenville is throwing a Small Plate Crawl and the Swamp Rabbit Inn is participating with the Food Truck Stop, so, sign up and come on down!

Greenville Small Plate Crawl is a fun, interactive, self-guided restaurant crawl. Print the Passport and visit as many restaurants as you can at your own pace. Each restaurant is offering a special Crawl Menu priced from $4 to $10.

If you wish to be entered in prize drawings, go to your App store and download a FREE QR Code Reader to your phone or mobile device. Scan the QR Code at the first restaurant you crawl and you will be re-directed to ChekTrek.com to Register. OR, Register at ChekTrek.com (http://chektrek.com) before you crawl if you don’t want to bother with Registering while you are crawling. If you Registered during a previous ChekTrek event, you just need to Login and crawl.

Food Trucks at Swamp Rabbit Inn

Menus posted at each truck

SCHEDULE:

Tuesday, March 22 Lunch: Circa Doughnuts, King of Pops, Gypsy Kitchen Dinner: Gypsy Kitchen, Automatic Taco

Wednesday, March 23 Lunch: Circa Doughnuts, King of Pops Dinner: Automatic Taco

Thursday, March 24 Lunch: Circa Doughnuts, Gypsy Kitchen, King of Pops Dinner: Gypsy Kitchen

CRUNCH!!  “What the…?”  THUNK!  “Huh?  Oh, are these ACTUAL pecans?  Like, the ones you can eat?”  Why yes, Dear Visitor to The South, they are.

The pecan tree is a species of hickory (ever heard of a ‘hickory switch’?  Mmm hmm!).  “Pecan” is an Algonquian word meaning ‘a nut requiring a stone to crack’.  They take 12 years to mature from a seedling before they can produce nuts and can live for more than 300 years.  You can find practical info and more details here: http://www.wikihow.com/Harvest-Pecans.

If you live in the South, pecans are ubiquitous.  Which may explain why the Carolinas are a haven for squirrels!  If you don’t have one in your own yard, there is one next door, on your street, near your work, your school… They are everywhere, all the time.  There is a  30 foot specimen shading the back deck of the Swamp Rabbit Inn.  Each good rain storm knocks the nuts down in various stages of development.  They begin to fall in… the fall, but that doesn’t mean there are ready to eat.  Edible pecans litter the yards, roads and our deck in late winter/early spring.  All pecans are not created equal.  The cultivated varieties are larger, have thinner shells, and come out of the shells more easily than the wild ones we crunch under our feet.  However, they are still quite tasty if you are patient (pick them up before you step on them) and don’t mind your pecans in smaller pieces.

What to do with all those damned pecans?  Whether you buy yours at a store (wise) or scoop them from the grass (paleo), I thought I would be helpful and post some great recipes to use them up!

You can make all these easily and delight your friends, yes you Pe-CAN!

Spiced Pecans, Alton Brown

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon dried ground orange peel
• 1 pound pecan halves
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons water

Line a half sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside.

Mix the salt, cumin, cayenne, cinnamon and orange peel together in a small bowl and set aside.

Place the nuts in a 10-inch cast iron skillet and set over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes until they just start to brown and smell toasted. Add the butter and stir until it melts. Add the spice mixture and stir to combine. Once combined, add both sugars and water, stirring until the mixture thickens and coats the nuts, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.

Transfer the nuts to the prepared sheetpan and separate them with a fork or spatula. Allow the nuts to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container for storage. Can be stored up to 3 weeks.

Basil Pecan Pesto, Bunny Blogger

• 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves, washed well and dried well, then finely chopped
• 2/3 cup olive oil
• 2/3 cup olive oil
• 2/3 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans, toasted golden brown and cooled
• 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan
• 3 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 Tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

If you want a more rustic texture you can chop by hand, or forego the chopping and prepare this in a food processor.  Combine all the ingredients in a bowl.  Stir and taste, adding salt and pepper to your liking.  Keep refrigerated.  Use for pasta, sandwich spread, or dip.  Best when allowed to sit a few hours for flavors to combine or overnight before serving.

Pecan Sandies, Martha Stewart

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees, with racks in upper and lower thirds. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy; beat in vanilla and salt. With mixer on low, gradually add flour, beating just until combined. Fold in pecans.

Roll dough into 1 1/2-inch balls, and place on two baking sheets, 2 inches apart. With the dampened bottom of a glass, lightly flatten each ball.

Bake until cookies are golden brown, 15 to 17 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through. Transfer to wire racks, and let cool.

Cinnamon Pecan Rugelach, Elizabeth Karmel, Seattle Times

For the dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, cut into chunks
• 1 egg yolk
• ¾ cup sour cream

For the filling:

• ¼ cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ cup chopped toasted pecans
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Sift the flour into a large bowl.  Add the butter, then use a pastry cutter or two butter knives to cut the butter into the flour until fully incorporated and the mixture resembles small peas.

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and sour cream, then add to the flour mixture. Mix well to form a dough. Shape the dough into a disc, then dust with flour.  Divide the disk into thirds, then wrap each piece in wax paper.  Refrigerate for several hours or overnight.  Meanwhile, to prepare the filling, in a food processor combine both sugars, the pecans and cinnamon.  Pulse until finely ground, then set aside.

When ready to assemble, heat the oven to 375 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with either a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.  Work with one piece of the dough at a time, leaving the others in the refrigerator until needed.  On a lightly floured surface, roll out each piece of dough into a circle about 1/8 inch thick and 12 to 13 inches around.  Sprinkle a bit of the filling over the dough, then use a rolling pin to gently press the topping into the dough.  Use a paring knife or pizza cutter to cut the circle into 16 wedges (make 8 cuts across the circle).

One at a time, roll up each wedge starting with the wide end. Gently curl the ends inward to resemble a croissant. Sprinkle a bit of the filling over the rolled rugelach, then place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining wedges, then repeat the entire process with the remaining thirds of the dough.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until browned on top and the sugar has melted and caramelized around the sides of the cookies. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Store in airtight containers.

Maple Oat Pecan Scones, (like Starbucks) Food.com

• 1 cup oats (quick or old-fashioned)
• 1 1⁄2 cups flour
• 2  tablespoons sugar
• 1⁄2  teaspoon salt
• 1  tablespoon baking powder
• 2  tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 1⁄2 tablespoons cold butter (small pieces)
• 1  large egg
• 1⁄2 cup  half-and-half or 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1⁄2-3⁄4  teaspoon maple extract
• 2⁄3  cup coarsely chopped pecans

Maple Glaze

• 1 1⁄2  cups powdered sugar
• 1⁄2  teaspoon maple extract
• 5  teaspoons water

Preheat oven to 425°F.

Using a food processor or blender, finely grind oats.  In a mixer, mix flour, oats, sugar, salt and baking powder.  Add maple syrup and butter and mix well.  In a small bowl, beat the egg with the cream and maple extract.  Pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture and mix well.  Add pecans and mix just to incorporate.

Place dough on a floured surface. Knead and pat dough into a 8 to 10 inch circle and cut into 8 wedges.  Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Place wedges on top and bake for 13 to 15 minutes, or until light brown.  Remove scones from oven to wire rack. Let cool about 3 to 5 minutes.  Mix glaze ingredients until smooth. Adjust the amount of water to get to the desired consistency. I like the glaze to be rather thick. Spread lots of glaze over each scone and dry about 15 minutes before serving.

March Hares

However you choose to spend your St Patricks Day, with traditional foods and beverages, or maybe a little river dancing, do enjoy and stay safe.  Know that I, Percy, will be imbibing.  Why? Well, Easter is coming and for starters my brother in law, Harrold won’t stop modeling for these: 

When you have 37 sisters one of them is bound to marry a marshmallow head!  And the season is only just beginning...  Sheesh!   Cheers!

--Percy

Playing in the Street - Festival Season in Greenville!!!

Road block!!!  Greenvillians running (cycling, eating, drinking, dancing...) amok in the middle of the street!!!  Don’t be alarmed.  It’s festival time!  Greenville has a list of public events as your long as your arm ( roughly 300, give or take) and we’re just about to launch into it.  I’m an expert on the low down so I’ll cover our more immediate headliners first and then clue you in on a couple of quirkier romps and do my best to keep you apprised of festive opportunities as the warmer months unfold.  The Swamp Rabbit Inn is so conveniently located we would love to serve as your home base from which to go cavorting.  Let's go outside and play!!!

MUSIC!!  April 7th - 9th Spring Albino Skunk Music Fest - The festival got its name from the sightings of white skunks on the grounds.  Originally founded as a bluegrass music festival, SkunkFest now features all sorts of mostly acoustic music – including Americana, Folk, Singer-Songwriter, Alt. Country, Acoustic, Roots and Bluegrass. It’s held on the grounds of Glynn and Susan Zeigler’s old farm place north of Greer.  It was initially private but is now open to the music-loving public.  Local food vendors, craft beers served up by The Community Tap, Handmade Crafts, Kiddieland with playground, activities, kid’s shows & drive-in movie, and Edible Upcountry’s Farmers Market are some of the attractions besides the phenomenal music.  Primitive tent camping &  RV Camping area (sorry no hook-ups) on site within easy walking distance to everything.  No shuttles needed from camping areas or the parking lot.

CYCLING!! April 16th - 17th Bikeville Classic - Notus Sports and USA Cycling, in partnership with VisitgreenvilleSC, hosts the Volkswagon USA Cycling Professional Criterium and Team Time Trial National Championships,  presented by Greenville Health System.

This race-filled weekend will determine the national champions in the Criterium and Team Time Trial.  Categorized amateur racers are also taking the start line Sunday on the same course as the professionals. On Saturday, amateurs can race the team time trial course and compare their times to the professionals. You don’t need to be a racer to enjoy the weekend. Before the racers take to the time trial course, the Southern Connector Ride kicks off at 8 AM on Saturday.

Join us at the Swamp Rabbit Inn after the races on the 17th for Truck Inn Tuesday, 6-10 p.m., for local food and music!

BEER!!  April 23rd, Noon to 4 p.m.  at Larkin's Sawmill - 22 Graves Drive, Greenville, SC 29609.  The Community Tap's fourth annual Craft Beer Festival features over 50 of our favorite craft breweries from all over the US, focusing on small-batch brews and one-off kegs - this isn't your normal beer fest. There will also be live music, concessions and other creative activities to keep you entertained while you imbibe. This festival has sold out every year - buy early!

RUN!!  Also April 23rd, 7 a.m - 11 a.m.  South Main Street, - 39th Annual Reedy River Run is one of the oldest road races in the south and will be celebrating its 39th year in 2016. After many years of being run on the first weekend in March, this year's edition is moving back to the month of April as it was first conducted. After crossing the finish line you will be guided into Falls Park to and enjoy the food and refreshments provided by our generous sponsors. There will be music to help you enjoy Spring in Greenville while over 50 door prizes will be randomly  presented according to the race bib numbers selected. You will be able to observe and appreciate the top ten overall men and women and top three Masters and Grand Masters finishers as they receive their awards. And you can celebrate your personal best 10K with a unique "PR" medal, while observing the top three finishers in each age group receive their awards. Stay around for the food, fun and friendship and kick off Spring in Greenville.

ART!!  May 13th - 15th Artisphere - Arts. Culture. Life., hosts award-winning visual artists of national and international caliber, showcasing their work at an open-air Artist Row in the West End.  The best of Greenville’s performing arts groups are complimented by top name performers from around the world. The festival highlights performances of local youth groups and provides creative, educational activities for children.  A vibrant swirl of color and activity for everyone!  

Golf!!  May 19th - 22nd  The 2016 BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by SYNNEX Corporation will take place at Thornblade Club, The Reserve at Lake Keowee and The Preserve at Verdae.  The BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by SYNNEX Corporation is a tournament where amateurs and celebrities are grouped with professionals in a four-day better-ball competition over three courses. The Professional winner of the overall 72-hole event will take home $121,500 from the total purse of $675,000.

Upcoming Holiday Events

St. Patrick's Day - March 13th, 2 p.m  - Ireland on Parade / Festival, featuring bands, floats and Irish dancers. The parade will commence at 2:00PM at Main St. and Broad St. and march up Main St. and conclude at E. North St. Main St. will be closed to vehicular traffic between E.North St. and College St. for an Irish festival from 3:00-6:00. The Irish festival will feature all things Irish, Irish music, Irish dancing,Irish food,Irish beer and soft drinks. Greenville, it's green indeed!

Passover - April 17th, 10:30 a.m - 4:30 p.m.  - ShalomFest has evolved from a congregational event to a community-­wide attraction.  While food remains a highlight with traditional Jewish meals and desserts available throughout the day, the many cultural offerings also appeal to interested attendees of all religions. In fact, curiosity about Judaism is incredibly prevalent among area residents. ShalomFest’16 attendees will enjoy re­enactments of lifestyle events (Bar/Bat Mitzvah; Jewish Wedding); live Klezmer music and Israeli song & dance; a broad spectrum of Jewish cultural activities including holiday celebrations, cooking demonstrations, and craft projects. There will be presentations on religion, language and Israel as well as games for children. Local Rabbis will present a Speaker Series offering new topics of interest for attendees.

Easter - March 27th, 7 a.m.  - Chimney Rock 61st Annual Sunrise Service - Just a little to the north of Greenville, a legendary event takes place.  Celebrate the glory of Easter with song, scripture and spiritual music as a spectacular sunrise ascends over Lake Lure.  Chimney Rock’s annual Easter Sunrise Service attracts more than 1,000 early risers from around the Southeast each year. This nondenominational event features live music and an inspirational message. Guests are invited to eat breakfast at the Old Rock Café and stay to enjoy the Park all day.  Admission to the sunrise service is free.  Guests who would like to return to the Park after eating breakfast can show their bulletin at the Ticket Plaza to receive free admission for Sunday, March 27.  A breakfast buffet will be offered at the Old Rock Café following the service.

Weekly Events

Downtown Alive - Every Thursday, 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.,  March 17th - August 25th - A fundraiser for the Metropolitan Arts Council, this FREE weekly concert series sponsored by Piedmont Natural Gas features a mix of pop, blues, acoustic and reggae performances.  At NOMA Square on North Main

Greenville Heritage FCU Main Street Fridays -  5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.,  March 18 - September - Presented by Pepsi. Listen and dance to the best in musical entertainment!  Bands playing 2 sets at 5:50 p.m and 7:40 p.m.  In addition, the Kids' Area features a variety of inflatables to add to the family fun.  Also at NOMA Square on North Main.

Saturday Market - May – Oct, 8:30am – 12:30pm. Main St. at McBee Ave.  Greenville's gorgeous, glorious farmer's market, and this bunny's personal favorite event in Greenville!  Stock up on local vegetables, fruit, eggs, cheese, meats and other home-grown fare from area farmers.  Yum!!!

Something a Little Different

Reedy River Duck Derby  - May 7th, 2016 10 a.m.  -  4 p.m.  Post time: 2:30!! - The Duck Derby is a day-long family and children's festival featuring food, games, and activities for children. The day is highlighted by the Derby - the release of 10,000 numbered yellow rubber ducks into the Reedy River. The proceeds will benefit the Mauldin Miracle League (MML), Greenville Area Interfaith Hospitality Network (GAIHN), EarlyAct FirstKnight, Shriners Hospital for Children of Greenville, Building Dreams Mentoring, Polio Plus and Partners in Agriculture.

The Rotary Club of Greenville Evening, a service organization of local business men and women, holds the Reedy River Duck Derby annually as its primary community service project. This is the twelfth consecutive year that the group has organized this charitable fundraiser. 

Dragon Boat Upstate Festival -  April 30th, Portman Marina, Lake Hartwell - The Dragon Boat Upstate Festival, now in it's tenth year, has raised over $1.7 million to date in support of local families and hosts more than 1,500 visitors and team members during the annual event. Paddlers, volunteers and supporters enjoy a day at the lake while supporting cancer research, rehabilitation programs through the Center for Integrative Oncology and Survivorship and other cancer services at the GHS Cancer Institute.

Greek Festival - May 14th - 17th, Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 406 N. Academy - Greenville becomes “Greekville” as the magic of Greece comes to town.  Authentic Greek food served in the Church’s Hellenic Center during lunch and dinner. Take-out orders for food and pastries will also be available throughout the weekend.  Enjoy live Greek music.  Bazooki and traditional folk dancing throughout the weekend. Dancers dressed in traditional costumes of the various regions and islands of Greece will perform authentic dances.  Sip exotic Greek coffee and indescribable "loukoumades".  And there will also be Greek wine.  Ongoing tours of our beautiful Greek Orthodox Cathedral will explore the mystical symbolism and history of the Eastern Orthodox faith. Discover this Apostolic Christian religion that dates back to 33 AD. See our beautiful mosaics and icons to learn the roles they play in the Church.

Gallabrae Scottish Games - Parade May 27th, 6 p.m. Main Street Greenville, Scottish Games May 28th, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Furman University - Come and enjoy the 10th anniversary! The Upstate of South Carolina has, arguably, one of the highest concentrations of Scots-Irish descendants in the country.  A great event for the whole family, this two-day festival was created in 2006 as a tribute to the region's Celtic forebears, and includes a parade, music, athletic competition and dancing. Friday: Great Scot! parade downtown and Ceilidh music on the TD Stage in the Peace Center Amphitheater. Saturday: Scottish Games at Furman.

And you can't miss the All-Day Border Collie Invitationals and watch really smart animals (okay, the sheep aren't too smart) herd sheep and ducks, all to the tune of a whistle.  A car, dare I say, nut?  Come to one of the most beautiful malls (not the shopping kind, the oak-tree canopied kind) in the country at Furman and check out the antique British cars, some of which you've never seen.  Have you served in the military?  Be at our Opening Ceremonies for the and let us honor and thank you like you deserve.

Do you have small children?  Wee Scotland is for you, and them.  They'll get a passport to admit them to their own Scottish village, and you can enjoy them enjoying us.  Teens, young adults, not-so-young adults?  Celtic rock bands!  Whoa!  Like to watch world championship athletics?  Got you covered, we have been awarded the World Masters Championship for Heavy Athletes, you have got to see this to believe it.  Watch for the Japanese guy in a kilt throwing really heavy stuff.

Beefy dudes in kilts!  And I thought I was furry!  I think we have it covered... for now.  Did you see anything you like?  Yeah, thought so!   See you here for springtime in Greenville SC!

--Percy

Make Your Move Inn Greenville! Thinking About A Move to Greenville SC?

It’s that time.

Fat robins are waddling across the front lawns and backyards of Greenville.  Fat squirrels are feasting on front lawn and backyard pecans.  Fat cyclists are doing hill repeats on Paris Mountain.  Fat Swamp Rabbits (ahem) are steering clear of the chocolate factory.

Spring is coming.

Mating season and racing season are upon us!  All kinds of nesting is happening.  If moving your nest is on the agenda, springtime is a fine time!

If you haven’t spent much time on the East Coast you may never have heard the term “half back” applied to anything other than a position on a football team.  But in the region surrounding the Southern Appalachians a “half back" is someone who came from the colder North to try life in sunny Florida for awhile and then moved 'half way back'  to settle in the “just right” zone near the Blue Ridge mountains.  Greenville SC is smack in the middle of halfback central.  I've been directing my overheated rabbit relatives to the cool banks of the Reedy River for years!

Thinking about a move to Greenville SC?  If you are planning to relocate to Greenville you are in good company!  Over 245 international companies from 20 countries call Greenville home, including 170 corporate headquarters.

Beginning with a Great American Main Street Award, Greenville has made more ’best of’  top ten lists than any of us can count.  Strategically situated between Charlotte and Atlanta, each about two hours away, it’s “just right” to raise a family, start a business, make a career move, or retire, relax and just enjoy.  Shiny new living spaces are going up all over the county to accommodate folks who want to get in on our renaissance.  Spacious housing developments are sprouting in the ‘burbs, urbanite condos are dotting the downtown area, and historic mill campuses are being transformed into hip apartments.  Choices abound!

And just how will you occupy your time when you get here?  Did you know we have 200 annual events in Greenville?  In addition to great cycling amenities there are 51 golf courses in the area and 300 waterfalls to hike to.  Mild weather, great healthcare services and top ranked schools like the Governor’s School for Arts and Humanities and Furman University complete the package.

During our first two years it has been our pleasure to be a welcoming part of the relocation process for many new Greenville residents!  The Swamp Rabbit Inn and Properties offer several options for comfy, convenient places to land for a longterm stay while you check things out, poke around, get acquainted, and get your bearings while your new burrow get sorted.  Our staff is knowledgeable and can point you toward the practical services and assistance to help complete the transition.

Greenville is all about growth.  If you choose to plant yourself here, we’ll do our part to help you bloom!

--Percy

Enjoy this post?  Subscribe to our blog list to get weekly posts delivered to your inbox.  hyperlink   http://www.swamprabbitinn.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=122&action=edit

Wonders of Greenville's West End - A Rabbit's Eye View

While winter did indeed get around to visiting Greenville, General Beauregard Lee and Punxsutawney Phil predicted an early spring, PLUS, it’s Valentine’s week, SO, what better time to take a stroll in the West End and see what’s what!  I’ll share with you a few of the sights that caught my eye.

Of course I picked one of the chilliest, most blustery days to get my hop and shop on.  Lucky for me, Swamp Rabbits come with a fur coat as standard issue!  I know!  How about we start with a little coffee to warm up?  Bex Café is one of the newest editions to the West End and if you walk straight up to Main from the Swamp Rabbit Inn, cozy classic, Bex is the first business you come to on the corner.  How perfect is that?!

Fluffing my fur as I head out with my cuppa, I’m not thinking beach time, but Splash on Main does have the right attitude!  It’s cruise wear season in swimsuit world and Splash has the fashion to get you set for the Lido Deck.

Coming up on Custard and Mainstream they are definitely feeling the love.  Such cute dresses they both have too!  Lots of special sales in the West End this week involving pink and red so be sure to check in with your favorites.

The old and new mingle in this historic district.  A lot of cranes towering over the details of a more ornate era.  A little too early for a drink, but,  On the Roxx will be ready and waiting when we are!

Be still my heart!  Free books!  travel books!  Out in front of Joe’s Place Bookstore.  They decided to lighten the inventory a bit for Valentine’s Day.  How generous!  Ooh, here’s one on the Amazon, the Nile… That’s it!  I could start a travel agency for Swamp Rabbits.  Destination: the world’s great rivers.  I’ll call it  “Hare Travel”!  Moving on… It’s getting a bit…froggy out here.  Did you guys lose your way back to the Reedy?  A little froyo for the Blueberry Frog and this escapee from Christopher Park Gallery found the bar at Rainer’s Café to rewet his whistle.  Just another frog king having a smoke!  Pace yourself, buddy; it's early.

Meanwhile, across the street in Provence…, er, Postcard From Paris and Vintage Now Modern, I’ll peruse the shabby chic and sublime finds for some home décor to liven up the burrow and maybe delight some friends with the perfect stylish accent. Oui, oui, mon cheri!

But what about the kitchen?  Oh this is lovely!  My people!  Now I have everybunny on my Valentine list covered!  Rainbow carrots, my favorite!  Thank you, Cook’s Station!

Speaking of greens… Crossing over to Augusta Street, a restaurant after my own heart, hearts of romaine, one hopes!  Green Lettuce, organic and so fresh.  Ahhh.

Now that we’ve grazed a bit, next door, eclectic fashion and all kinds of interesting items delight the eye in Emporium.  This is a fun shop.  My uncle Roger will love this lamp!  I could spend hours in here!

Perhaps we should catch a show tonight at the Warehouse Theatre.  I love Chekhov!  Always something interesting to see here!  We can have a bite of sushi at Purple beforehand ( I love a seaweed salad!).  Everything on the menu is a feast for the senses and as you can see, rabbit approved!

Evidence that spring is on the way is found at Augusta 20.  Their windows are in the perfect place to catch the late afternoon sun so all their accessories gleam and sparkle.  Sandals and soft colors are on display!

Spring can't get here fast enough?  How about we duck into the spa to take the edge off that cabin fever (please don't actually let the ducks in - noisy!).  That robe looks so cozy!  The Spa At the West End has the full compliment of spa and salon services to give you back your glow.

How could I blog without a nod to the bike?  Carolina Triathlon  has something in my size!  In the same block,  the event venues Zen and Old Cigar Warehouse have set the scene for many a happy memory for  Wedding party guests of the Swamp Rabbit Inn.

Speaking of cycles, not to be outdone, Edward Jones provides us with a late winter still-life:  Frozen Water Dish w/ Schwinn.  The Trolley will save me the hop back to the Falls on the Reedy.

I hope you enjoyed our tour around the West End!  A little wild, a little weird an a whole lotta warm and wonderful.  Come on down and fall in love!

--Percy

Enjoy this post?  Subscribe to our blog list to get weekly posts delivered to your inbox.  hyperlink   http://www.swamprabbitinn.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=122&action=edit

Exercising Options in Greenville, SC Near the Swamp Rabbit Inn

"Oh the weather outside is..." Meh.  We have to admit, sometimes conditions aren't perfect for cycling here in Greenville.  While there are the diehards, the intrepid ones, who think toughing it out through sleet, snow, drizzle, wind... builds character, others of us (go ahead, call me a fair weather cyclist!) like getting in our workouts with a little less drama.  Also, we know that plenty of the folks who stay with us at the Swamp Rabbit Properties couldn't give a fig about cycling, period, and that's okay!  Then there are those "mixed marriages" of cyclist/non-cyclist traveling together.   No worries!  Greenville has you covered!  There are many exercising options in Greenville, SC near the Swamp Rabbit Inn, most within walking distance.  Also, many offer traveler's rates or one day rates.  So let's get you acquainted with some of Downtown Greenville's indoor exercise fun.

First and closest option to the Swamp Rabbit Inn, is practically across the street.  You could throw a rock at it from the porch (You could. I can't throw; I'm a rabbit).  The gorgeous Kroc Center is a 20 acre facility with grounds for all manner of field sports and indoor options.  They have a lap pool and recreation pool, full gym equipment, multipurpose gymnasium for basketball and volleyball, and tennis center.  Many types of movement classes like  Zumba and Hydro Tone are available as well as swimming lessons for all levels and ages, plus tennis and soccer lessons and camps.  You can enjoy the weather through the giant windows while you sweat safely inside.

Zanti Power Yoga is right around the corner from the Inn ( S. Main at Perry) and a classy, cozy spot to get your hot yoga on.  Classes are available in many temperatures and speeds to fit your stretchy/bendy needs.  Ten minutes on foot, door to door, tops.  Boom!  Soul Yoga is also open in the Swamp Rabbit Cross Fit Building and also in the same building check out Physio Health Studio PT where Dr. Harry  Dinwiddie will get you back on your game!

For you urban warriors, Crossfit Reaction is also right around the corner, even closer than Zanti, at 9 Ferguson, and Swamp Rabbit Crossfit  (my little brother, Spike, posed for the logo) is a mere ten minute jog up the Swamp Rabbit Trail.  Both offer the array of crossfit options, coaching, personal training, open sessions and classes.  Take that, Winter!

Hanging from the ceiling in graceful or contemplative positions is great fun and great training!  MAYA Movement Arts, located at 201 Smythe near the Swamp Rabbit Cafe will get you swinging like a bat in no time.  They offer acro-yoga, aerial yoga, mysore ashtanga yoga, hoop dance, belly dance and more.  Go fly!

Barre, the fusion of ballet, Pilates and yoga is the latest thing in fitness and we've got that close at hand too! Barre Evolution can be found just off S. Main at 400 E. McBee and is the place for a high intensity, low impact, full body workout.  A healthier way to 'hang out at the barre'!

Looking for something more exotic to maybe practice by the fire when you get home?  Downtown Greenville Pole, Exotic, Chair and Lap Dance at West End Dance Company will take the chill off your winter blues!  No description required.  Twenty one and over only, please!  Find them at 21 Augusta Road, naturally!  Perfect for Bachelorette parties!

Did we get too fancy?  Just want a gym to go workout?  Of course we've got that!  Both off Main Street, also easily walkable, Carolina Fitness, and Anytime Fitness provide all the pushing/pulling plates and cable classics you know and love.

Many of these folks have complimentary 'first time free' offers.  Please check their websites for more info.

Whew!  I'm exhausted!  Time to hit a nice restaurant, maybe get a drink and then have a long nap.  Thank goodness I needn't hop far!  It's all Inn the neighborhood around the Swamp Rabbit Inn!

--Percy

Like this post?  Subscribe to our blog and get weekly posts delivered to your inbox!

Cultured Swamp Rabbits Love Public Art in Greenville

I’ll let you two-legged folks in on a little secret:  rabbits LOVE art!  Especially the 3-dimensional kind.  We're more sophisticated than you might think!  If I had opposable thumbs I’m sure I would sculpt.  I’m rather an expert on the properties of wet, red clay.  Of course the furrier one is, the less likely to be allowed to enter a museum or gallery (except for the mice ; mice go EVERYWHERE!)

The rest of us with tails and snouts must make do with what is installed outdoors - public art.  But in that regard Greenville does not disappoint!  There are many different sculpture viewing opportunities all over Greenville.

Clockwise from upper left: Pietro Tacca, Children’s Museum of the Upstate, Anthony Howe, Brad Spencer, John Acorn, Dale Chihuly, Michael Gard.

This weekend, however, it got more personal.  The resident artist of our Inn family, Kathleen King, had an opening celebration for one of her works on The Swamp Rabbit Trail, and our Queen of Clean, AJ, joined in the fun. The press and interwebs are buzzing with the success of the event and our gals are front and center.  Here are some images from the day.  Several photos are from the article in the Greenville News as indicated.

"The Runner",  nicknamed "Ethyl", is a ten-foot metal sculpture and the second installation in the Swamp Rabbit Trail Public Art Collection.  The sculpture was funded by donations from the Greenville Track Club and VisitGreenvilleSC.  It was dedicated to the memory of  former GTC administrator Darrell Jennewine.  Darrell was beloved for his dedication to the running community in Greenville.  His last pair of running shoes were bronzed and set on a plaque under the bike rack bench designed by Ryan Calloway.

A great crowd came out on a beautiful day!

It takes a collaborative effort!

Reception at the Swamp Rabbit Cafe

What it's all about.

Come stroll the streets and trails of Greenville and enjoy the artistic inn-stallations!  The Swamp Rabbit Inn is conveniently close to all.

--Percy

Mountain Bike Tracks in Travelers Rest, SC Near Swamp Rabbit Lodge

If you like to mountain bike then you will love the Swamp Rabbit Lodge or the Furman Cottage vacation rentals at the base of Paris Mountain and just a few feet from the Swamp Rabbit Trail. We have carved out our own single track trail through our 12 acres and there is more great mountain biking just a short bike ride or car ride north.  Head up the trail a mile and a half to Travelers Rest SC and check out Gateway Park for some fun single track practice.  Climb the trails at Paris Mountain State Park, Pleasant Ridge Park or head up to DuPont Forest!  Check out this video at Gateway Park.

Plenty of good restaurants and craft beer in Travelers Rest or downtown Greenville SC.  Hop on the Swamp Rabbit Trail and bike to both places just out our front doors.  Both properties have hot tubs, bonfire pits, and great decks for grilling or relaxing after a fun day of tearing it up on the trails.  Book your bike trip now!

A Recent Guest From Atlanta, GA Writes About Her Stay at the Swamp Rabbit Inn, Greenville SC

We love it when our guests enjoy the inn and even more excited when they tell others about it.  Here is a recent post by travel blogger XOAshleigh.com about her stay at the Swamp Rabbit Inn in downtown Greenville SC: Our Stay at Greenville's Swamp Rabbit Inn  

Unique Lodging for Greenville SC Weddings

Looking for a great place for your bridal party or out of town guests coming to your Greenville SC wedding?

The Swamp Rabbit Inn & Properties offer unique lodging experiences for your wedding guests.

(Swamp Rabbit Inn in downtown Greenville's West End)

Our flagship property, The Swamp Rabbit Inn, is located in the West End of Greenville just two blocks from Main Street (near Old Cigar Warehouse & Zen) and offers 6 guest rooms and accommodates up to 16 people.  We have had wedding parties stay together, families, bridesmaids, groomsmen, bachelorette & bachelor parties stay with us.  We have a fully equipped kitchen and grill with great outdoor spaces for relaxing.  The entire inn is furnished in IKEA and is fresh and funky!  Not your grandmother's B&B, more of an upscale hostel.

(A bride and her bridesmaids heading over to the Old Cigar Warehouse in our robes!)

People love our vacation rentals because it extends the party and everyone gets to mingle all weekend long and we are very affordable!

We have two more properties with unique character just outside the north gate of Furman University (7 miles from downtown Greenville) - The Swamp Rabbit Lodge(midcentury modern) and The Furman Cottage (farmhouse cottage) that sit on the same 12 acres. Between the lodge (sleeps 24) and the cottage (sleeps 14) you can accommodate a pretty large group of friends or family in a rustic, casual setting.

​(Cosmic Lounge at the Swamp Rabbit Lodge)

There are bonfire pits, horse shoes, corn hole, and a mountain bike/nature trail that winds through the woods of the property.  People have used our properties for casual rehearsal dinners and brunches as well.  We have had food trucks and live music on site!

Please click the links above for more pictures, pricing and availability.  I am happy to chat with you or meet you for a tour of our properties as well.  I hope that we can help make your wedding gathering a memorable one for you and your guests!

Sincerely,

Wendy Lynam

Inn Keeper

864-517-4617 cell

The Ballad of General Pickens - The Cock-a-doodle Dude - Rooster Caught at the Swamp Rabbit Inn

Rooster caught at the Swamp Rabbit Inn!                                 

General Pickens was a magnificent specimen of the Faverolle breed and indeed the ruling rooster of the little urban neighborhood bounded by Rhett, Wardlaw and Academy in Greenville's West End.  His roost was five feet off the ground in a large bush that sat directly across from the front steps of 1 Logan Street, The Swamp Rabbit Inn.

General Pickens took great pride in his role of Nature’s Alarm Clock but the rest of us were far less keen.  Strutting through the parking lot at dawn to announce the arrival of the day was a dubious honor to all but him.  He would have to be relocated.

General Pickens did not want to be caught.

For the longest time he was tolerated and regarded as a joke.  Everyone had a go chasing him.  The Mail Carrier said she’d seen him in the area for over four years.  The popular rumor was that he had been left behind when his original owners moved away.  The decision to begin the hunt in earnest and call animal control came in mid July of 2015.

This turned out to be only the second rooster that City of Greenville Animal Control had been tasked with catching.  Megan and Joanne brought out a special kennel/trap contraption for the purpose which was placed behind the Bike Shed.  They gave Lisa tupperware containers of “chicken scratch” (corn) as bait to lure him in.  Then began the wait.  General Pickens was a wily customer!  A few weeks went by and the rooster was already proving too smart for conventional tactics.  Megan and Joanne came out again to affix a camera to the telephone pole to record GP’s activities.  Lisa was diligently maintaining a trail of chicken scratch leading into the trap… and The General would eat the trail right up to the door.  Infuriating bird!

Research uncovered that General Pickens made a circuit of the area twice daily.  He had his wakeup call duties and then made a second stroll between 4 and 5 p.m.  He visited the local pastor’s house every day and enjoyed dining on crushed pecans with the mourning doves at various locations.

The watershed moment came when Hildegaard and Henrietta, the laying hens, were moved into their coop behind the Bike Shed.  General Pickens, old devil, became a more regular visitor!  Joanne and Megan were coming by every Wednesday and Thursday to check if he had been caught.  Troy, our resident handyman, had chased after him with a 2x4 at one point, and AJ did the same with a broom but to no avail.  Roosters are high steppers when they want to be and GP was FAST!  Sling shots and bb guns were fantasized about but never employed.  Lucky, however, that they all failed because, it turns out, injuring or killing the rooster would have been illegal.

The triumphant day did finally come at last in late November.   Megan just happened to be on hand when General Pickens’ proud comb appeared above a nearby bush.  She decided to take an old fashioned approach.  She got a net out of her truck and swiftly cornered the salty old cock between the shed and chicken coop and the saga had its end.

Don’t shed tears for General Pickens! He spent barely a day at the animal shelter before he was adopted by a farmer who welcomed him to a more appropriate venue to do what roosters do naturally. 

General Pickens, you stud, farewell!  Thanks for keeping us on our toes and giving us the runaround.

--Percy

"Travels With Darley" Visits South Carolina Shares Travel Itinerary For Upcoming Episode On PBS

"Travels With Darley" visited South Carolina this fall and stayed at the Swamp Rabbit Inn and biked the Swamp Rabbit Trail.  Check out this whirlwind tour of some great local spots in South Carolina with "Travels With Darley" The “Southern States Road Trip” episode, which features Greenville, Travelers Rest, Anderson, and Belton, broadcasts on SCC on Saturday, January 30th at 5pm and on ETV on Friday, February 12^th at 7pm.South Carolina Travel Itinerary: Columbia, Greenville & The Upstate - Travels with Darley Watch episode preview here!

Southern States Road Trip from Chip Ward on Vimeo.

Some Greenville Love From NY Magazine Article "Cycling Through New Greenville"

The Swamp Rabbit Inn was thrilled to be featured by New York Magazine in travel feature article by Blane Bachelor.  We really enjoyed Blane's visit and stay with us at the Swamp Rabbit Inn.  If you are looking for an alternative to a hotel in downtown Greenville SC please consider staying with us.  Live like a local and walk to everything Greenville has to offer!Cycle Through the New Greenville

Meet AJ Maronie Our Queen of Clean

Considering that our Head of Housekeeping just had a birthday we could say her sign is Capricorn but if you asked our guests at the Swamp Rabbit Inn they would tell you that AJ’s sign is “Welcome”.  Warm as hot cider in January and refreshing as a cold lemonade in July, AJ Maronie is just one of those people who has a knack for putting others at ease.

It’s not surprising, considering she is the oldest of four children, two boys and two girls, born to her young parents in Laurens, South Carolina.  Her folks divorced early on and her father went to work in Washington DC.  When AJ’s mother would go to work in the hosiery factory, AJ would look after her siblings and keep the house in order.  She was often called a “mother hen” even as a young girl.  She considered herself serious, shy, and an ‘old soul’, preferring to go her own way rather than follow the crowd.

Visiting her father in DC every summer gave AJ an experience of a larger world, and the bustle of the international city fueled her dreams.  But it was marriage that would bring her there as an adult.

She met her husband, Mack in a club in Laurens when she was 16.  She had seen him only once before.  He had just started college and had a car. He had given AJ and her sister a ride home from town one day and though AJ sat behind the driver’s seat, Mack kept adjusting his rear view mirror to gaze at her.  He literally spotted her across the crowded room of the club and came over to ask her to dance.  She accepted.  The fast song ended and when the slow one began she was nervous but gave him a chance, stuck it out, and something just clicked.  Ever the gentleman, Mack worked hard to win her heart with love letters, potted flowers (so they would grow, not just wither and die) and even did silly things like push ups on the lawn to impress her!  They married a few years after AJ graduated high school and then moved to the big city.

DC indulged AJ’s love of music “ I’m a cuckoo bird without my music!” she says.  She also loved the cosmopolitan atmosphere and her job as a dental assistant but the harsher realities of city life began to put a strain on the marriage.

Savannah Georgia and Tybee Island were the antidote.  The couple had family there.  They joined a new church and settled into what seemed like a more “grownup”, sedate lifestyle.  AJ always had a flair for making a house a home and it gave her joy to host dinner parties and tend her garden.  She explored the city by bicycle, convertible and on roller skates, swam in the ocean and went on fishing excursions with her family.  She discovered her 'nature girl' side, hiking, exploring the woods and learning about herbal medicine.  At one point she held an unlikely job as a security officer for a gated community in Hilton Head.  Part of her job was keeping hoodlums from breaking into the pool at night and indulging in... ‘intimate activities’.  “ I was tiny but I was tough!” she recalls.  It was a wild experience.  We can just imagine!

Life took a serious turn five years ago when her father-in-law passed away and then her little sister became terminally ill.  That is what brought AJ and Mack back to South Carolina and Greenville.  Anita Michelle was known as Chelle and considered ‘the stylish one’ of the two sisters.  Unfortunately, they had grown apart over many years.  But in those last years when AJ cared for Chelle the two truly became best friends.  This is the time that AJ cherishes most of all.

As you can see our Housekeeping Queen has a long herstory of caring for others, a knack for nurturing and looking after folks.  Her marriage to Mack has been going strong for 30 years.  AJ is looking forward to building her career here in Greenville.  The couple is working toward owning a home again.  She has six assorted nieces and nephews to dote on.  When asked what her ideal retirement retreat would be the answer was easy:  an island somewhere surrounded by flowers, with great music where she and Mack can dance on the beach.

Sounds perfect!  We raise our tropical umbrella drinks to you, AJ (on a winter's evening where the forecast includes snow).  Thank you for sharing your island breezy attitude and big warm heart with all who visit the Swamp Rabbit Inn.

--Percy

Hopping into the New Year! Greenville Bed and Breakfast Looks Ahead to 2016

Who doesn’t love a fresh start?  By all accounts, Greenville had a smashingly successful and eventful 2015, but we’re only beginning to pick up steam!  Greenvillians are full of big plans and big dreams for 2016.  As we look toward the horizon we see the cityscape growing, changing and glittering.  More corner cafés are opening, stylish apartments are being built and more services for urban dwellers are filling in to make our metro hum.  Downtown Greenville’s continued attention to arts and culture is adding layers of intrigue and vibrance.

The Swamp Rabbit Trail will expand in several directions in the new year and the features that support it will develop along with it.  A new park just to the west of downtown is in the design phase and will center on the Trail and the Reedy River.

Here at the Inn all of the bunnies are reflecting on the past year and Inn-visioning for the future as well.

Innkeeper, Wendy Lynam’s favorite memory of 2015 was the grand finale of Truck Inn Tuesday.  Greenville was showing the love with the biggest turnout of the summer that included a spontaneous petition by attendees to keep it going through fall.  Community spirit was high and a good time was had by all.  Patience! Summer will come again! 

Wendy’s favorite Greenville happening was watching the Farmer’s Market grow and combine with other features like outdoor yoga in the parks for an all-around sublime Saturday out and about.  Another highlight of 2015 was the Greenville Chamber's Inter Community Leadership visit to Austin TX.  

For 2016 our Innkeeper looks forward most to meeting all the cool people that stay at the inn and properties, quality time with her girls, taking her yoga practice to new levels, unveiling the new organic farm at the Swamp Rabbit Lodge, riding her bike in Greenville's glorious countryside, turning her "Cycling Greenville SC" guidebook into an app, revealing our cool new designer kits and our amazing new event on April 3rd (stay tuned) and watching the West End grow and swirl around the Inn.  Whew!!

AJ Maronie, Housekeeping Queen, loved hosting the chefs that graced our halls and, ahem, ‘rehearsed’, in our kitchen throughout 2015.  Attending the Competition Dining Series and becoming friends with Chef Heidi Billotto were highlights.  AJ especially enjoyed watching the Swamp Rabbit Properties become a favorite hub for new residents relocating to Greenville.  She likes being able to give a warm welcome to folks and assist in easing the transition with long term stays in our diverse range of accommodations.  Publicly, Mrs. Maronie is excited by the rumors that a light rail system is being considered here in Greenville to make traveling in and around the urban centers efficient and stress free.  Personally, career growth, increased prosperity, a peaceful environment and a little more travel top her wish list.

Lisa Parks, Manager and Retail Wizardess, was amused, flummoxed and aggravated by turns in 2015 with the saga of capturing the wild, urban rooster, General Pickens (blog post to follow), but can now claim Rooster Whisperer status.  This city girl turned farmer tended our hay bale garden and hydroponic tower garden to yield amazing amounts of greens, squash, watermelons and tomatoes.  

Her pick for significant Inn event: the addition of the beloved Bike Shed to the Swamp Rabbit Properties, expanding retail in the West End and satisfying everyone’s need for bike rentals, Latte Rides, Bunny Rides, bike apparel and bike jewelry. 

Top of her wish list?  For all, a life less consumed by auto use, which she knows is a strange wish for a Motor City girl!

Not so surprisingly,  Artist at Large, and cycling nut, Kathleen King, echoes the desire for a friendlier future for the car-free and car-optional lifestyle.  She looks forward to seeing infrastructure blossom with bike lanes in Greenville County, making the roads safer for all.  Her favorite aspect of the Inn this past year was seeing the local community embrace it as a convenient central meeting place for monthly gatherings and special events.  Ms. King’s personal focus this year is expanding the public art landscape as she launches a non-profit to achieve that goal.  In addition, she says she’s only just begun to explore the South and looks forward to that relationship deepening.

As for me, your Bunny Blogger at Large (in my burrow under the pecan tree), Watching Greenville dominate all those national top ten lists was a fun surprise that filled all of us with pride!  Watching you bipeds in general is immensely entertaining.  I’m a romantic and the wedding parties that have sashayed through the Inn bring a joy to my heart.  Y’all are so adorable heading out all gussied up, nervous and thrilled all at once.  In my wild dreams you folks keep planting more backyard/sideyard/frontyard… gardens.  Carrots are especially hearty and easy to grow!  May Greenville continue to manicure the banks of my beloved river and my family’s namesake Swamp Rabbit Trail.  The keyword for Greenville in this new year is “Motion”!  Tallyho, 2016!

--Percy

Visit Greenville SC For Restaurant Week January 7 - 17 And Stay At The Swamp Rabbit Inn

Looking for a great time to visit Greenville SC on a budget and experience our beautiful downtown and many amazing restaurants?  Come for Restaurant Week January 7 - 17, 2016 and stay at the Swamp Rabbit Inn in downtown Greenville and walk to everything!  

Enter coupon code EATGVL for a 10% discount on our room rates for reservations during 1/7 - 1/17/16.

Restaurant Week Greenville SC