Improve Your Bike Skills at Gateway Park: Travelers Rest, SC

Inside: Find information on how to get there, biking options, and other park activities.

Have you visited Gateway Park in Travelers Rest, SC? This park along the Swamp Rabbit Trail is full of outdoor things to do, including an impressive bike park where you can practice jumps, ride the pump track, and older bikers can conquer the skills down two different jump lines. Here’s all the information you need to take advantage of Gateway Park on your next visit to TR.

Bike skills park at Gateway Park in Travelers Rest

About Gateway Park in Travelers Rest

Gateway Park is located along the Swamp Rabbit Trail in Downtown Travelers Rest, right behind Sunrift Adventures.

Biking is a big draw to Gateway Park, but there are also other things to do. There is a small playground in the shade, plus tennis courts, a football field, and a basketball court. Restrooms are centrally located in the middle of the park. And, there are a number of picnic tables and even charcoal grills located throughout the park.

Getting to Gateway Park

There are two entrances to Gateway Park, but if you’re not looking for them, you might miss them. The first entrance, and the one that GPS will probably take you to, is right behind Sunrift Adventures. You will actually turn into the Sunrift parking lot and then veer to the right into the Gateway Park parking lot. At this end of the park you’ll find the basketball court and field.

If you continue driving through the park, you’ll pass the restrooms on the left, the playground on the right, and then you’ll arrive at the bike skills park.

There is another entrance/exit here at the bike park onto Henderson Drive. Turning left here will bring you back up towards Main Street, Travelers Rest.

Skills park at Gateway Park, Travelers Rest, SC

Biking at Gateway Park

There’s something for every level of biker at Gateway Park. While my older kids and husband spend most of their time at the park on the skills in the jump lines, the park also offers a pump track, several platforms at varying heights for drop jumps, and 2 1/2 miles of mountain biking trails through the woods and around the park.

There’s also a small figure 8 track for kids beside the playground.

Jump Lines

Bikers using the jump lines start at the platform in the corner of the bike park. Skills in the jump lines include gap jumps, steep table tops, and a variety of berms. Here you’ll find a helpful map of the trails and maybe a friendly biker or two to give you some pointers. If you’ve never tried these types of jumps, a good way to start is by rolling over the jumps on the trail slowly, rather than jumping. It’s always a good idea to take new trails slowly, anyway.

Skills park at Gateway Park, biking in TR

Drop Jumps and Pump Track

Across the road from the jump lines, you’ll see the small pump track and the drop jumps. The pump track would be a cool place for younger riders to try some skills. There are no jumps on this track only bumps and turns.

Beside the pump track is an area for bikers to practice drop jumps off of platforms. There is a variety of heights to choose from; entry and exit of these jumps is a grassy field- no trails. When bikers are present, you’ll want to keep an eye on the kiddos here.

Ride the trails

In addition to the skills portion of the bike park, there is also a trail through the woods and around the park. There are about 2 1/2 miles of mountain bike trail.

Got a flat?

When we arrived at the park most recently, my husband pulled his bike out of the van, only to realize the tire was flat and he didn’t have the adaptor he needed to pump it up. He brought the bike over to Sunrift Adventures, located right beside the park, and they pumped it up for free. He was also able to buy the missing adaptor so he’d have it for next time for just $1. Sunrift is a great resource in the area for biking and all kinds of outdoor adventures.

Watch: Ride the trails at Gateway Park

More to Love at Gateway Park

This park used to be the site of Travelers Rest High School. So, if you are not in the mood for biking, grab a football and play on the football field that has been used to train athletes for decades. You can also enjoy the basketball court or baseball diamond.

If you are 5 or 95, you will find something at this park to get your heart pumping while soaking in some vitamin D. Bring some friends, and get out to Gateway Park.

Visit Gateway Park in TR

115 Henderson Drive, Travelers Rest
Visit the Gateway Park website for more information.

Would your family enjoy a day visiting Gateway Park in Travelers Rest?

Where else can you ride? Check out the Kidding Around Guide to Mountain Biking in the Upstate.

Your Family Guide to the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System

If the creation of Falls Park was the spark that set Greenville, South Carolina on track to become a beloved hometown and vacation destination to thousands, then it’s the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System that has become the locomotive still pulling us forward today!

This Guide To the Swamp Rabbit Trail Offers:

🚴‍♂️Overview of the entire SRT!
🚶‍♀️Travelers Rest portion of the SRT and Things to Do While in TR.
🏃‍♂️Furman University SRT > West Greenville & Things to Do!
🦮Downtown Greenville > Laurens Road on the SRT: Greenville Zoo & more!
🌲SRT in Conestee Nature Preserve, Simpsonville, Fountain Inn, and Laurens.

Which Section of the Swamp Rabbit Trail Should You Explore?

Travelers Rest: North End of SRT

Furman to West Greenville: SRT South of Furman University

West Side of Greenville on the SRT

End of the SRT: Conestee Nature Preserve to Fountain Inn

Itinerary of SRT Links to Do With Kids

Swamp Rabbit Cafe right off of the Swamp Rabbit Trail

Moving to Greenville, SC?

Learn why the SRT is so iconic in Dan Hamilton’s Guide to the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System!

The Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System: From Travelers Rest to Laurens County

The old Carolina, Knoxville, and Western Railway line was nicknamed for the large cottontail rabbit that roamed these parts back in the day. Although the tracks have been replaced by a paved trail (and locomotives by runners, walkers, and cyclists), the name stuck.

The 28-mile network of trails stretches from Travelers Rest to downtown Greenville, with additional sections in Lake Conestee Nature Park, Simpsonville, and Fountain Inn. There is even a section that opened in 2023 in Laurens County with the Loop Trail. The Loop Trail is the official starting point of the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail.

There is yet another extension off Laurens Road that rides by Holland Park called the Green Line Extension. It was completed in June 2023 and runs from the Greenville Zoo to Verdea Boulevard.

It could be that in the future the entire length of the Reedy River will be covered. Then, residents would have a multi-use trail connecting the Upstate to the Saluda River. The SRT project will continue to add trails and extensions, branching from the main trail into the community to increase accessibility and improve commutability throughout Greenville County!

Northern Greenville County: Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System

The trail starts in Travelers Rest (often referred to as “TR”), the gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains. What used to be a sleepy mountain town was transformed with the advent of the Trail into a hub for outdoor adventure. Today, TR is a destination in itself, not just a stop on the way to Caesars Head and Table Rock.

Local Swamp Rabbit Businesses

The trail system has become so intertwined with the legend of Greenville that dozens of local businesses have jumped on the train; for example, in Travelers Rest you will find the Swamp Rabbit Brewery & Taproom, Swamp Rabbit Inn, Swamp Rabbit Storage, and Swamp Rabbit Tees.

Travelers Rest

For ideas on what to do with a day in TR, check out this sample itinerary that includes parks, restaurants, and shops all within an easy walking radius. If your visit falls on a Saturday, be sure to stop by the TR Farmers Market in Trailblazer Park and check out the kids’ table that features a new activity every week. You can also rent bikes from Sunrift Adventures if you do not have your own, making TR the perfect place to start the SRT.

Day Trip to Travelers Rest: Things to Do, Where To Eat, and More!

Furman University

Soon after crossing Roe Ford Rd. (and passing mile marker 26) you’ll reach Furman University. A couple of access points allow visitors to connect to the path that circles Swan Lake, and just before Duncan Chapel Road (about MM27.5), you’ll spot the old rail car that marks the location of a public parking lot and rest stop. Be sure to check out the Kidding Around Furman University article for more on this beautiful campus!

Visiting Furman University: Where to Stay, Things to Do, and Where to Dine

South of Furman University

Just after the intersection of the trail with Sulphur Springs Road, you’ll find Swamp Rabbit Station. There is a pocket park at MM29 with train cars (a boxcar and locomotive) – a perfect stop for those kids who love everything train-related!

Old railroad car at Swamp Rabbit Station off of the Swamp Rabbit Trail in Greenville, SC.

Swamp Rabbit Café and Grocery

Then push on another two miles to reach the Swamp Rabbit Café and Grocery (MM31.5) and the outskirts of downtown Greenville.

Hampton Station Orange Line of the SRT

Once you begin your adventure from the Swamp Rabbit Cafe toward downtown, you can make a pit stop by veering off of the main trail onto the Orange Line of the SRT, and check out Hampton Station. Here you will find restaurants, a coffee shop, some breweries, and even art classes and axe throwing. Learn more about Hampton Station, and why it is a wonderful stop-off point on the SRT, in our KA Guide to Hampton Station.

Things to do at Hampton Station in Greenville, SC

Your Guide to Hampton Station in Greenville, SC

Downtown Greenville on the SRT

Unity Park

As you pass the Kroc Center and head toward Downtown Greenville, you come to Unity Park, one of the best places to ride the SRT. Here, you can grab food at one of the various places to eat, let your kids play at the immaculate park, hang out in the open fields, or explore the wetland preserve.

Check out this Huge Playground and Splash Pad at Unity Park in Greenville, SC

The Children’s Garden

Where the Swamp Rabbit Trail turns to pass under South Academy Street, you know you’ve reached the Children’s Garden at Linky Stone Park (MM33.5), a perfect place to stop and rest before entering downtown.

Greenville’s Hidden Gem: Linky Stone Park in Downtown Greenville

Linky Stone Park in Downtown Greenville, SC.

Falls Park to Cancer Survivors Park

After passing through River Street underpass you’ll be right alongside the Reedy River all through Falls Park on the Reedy. There are dozens of adventures waiting for you here with trails leading every which way. Falls Park is a highlight of the trail you won’t want to leave! Regular trail users are pretty familiar with this portion of the SRT, simply because it is one of the best parts.

As you leave Falls Park, you will come across Cancer Survivors Park. Here, there are gorgeous gardens, statues, and memorial sites to take a rest and ponder over.

Learn more about Falls Park and what you can do there during your ride on the SRT.

Greenville Zoo and Cleveland Park

From Cancer Survivors Park, it’s just a short ride to Cleveland Park. Cleveland Park is an old favorite; the trail passes Maj. Anderson’s memorial F-86 Saber jet fighter plane (MM35), numerous picnic shelters and playgrounds, and spur trails to the Fernwood Nature Trail and Greenville Zoo.

Once at the Greenville Zoo, you will find one of Greenville’s most popular children’s playgrounds which is filled with play equipment ranging from swings and monkey bars to slides and other amazing activities that will have your child moving. There are covered shelters with picnic tables within the park.

Relax by the river in Cleveland Park, right off the Swamp Rabbit Trail!

Green Line Extension

Opened in June 2023, the Green Line Extension was a major addition to the SRT. It connects the Greenville Zoo with Verdae Boulevard! There are plenty of places to stop along the way, including Holland Park, where you can hang out at a brewery, or even explore the aerial ropes course at Flying Rabbit Adventure.

Flying Rabbit Adventure aerial ropes course in Greenville, SC.

Take the SRT Green Line Extension to Holland Park, where you can do an aerial ropes course at Flying Rabbit Adventure Park!

Conestee map with Swamp Rabbit Trail system

The Final Stretch of the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System

The continuous trail currently stops just north of Greenville Technical College’s main campus, at South Pleasantburg Drive. It then resumes north of Lake Conestee Nature Park at Parkins Mill and Mauldin Road. There is then another large jump from Conestee to Simpsonville and a final jump to Fountain Inn.

There are suggested connection routes to take you to Conestee. These travel busy thoroughfares and aren’t recommended for younger cyclists. These segmented portions of the Swamp Rabbit Trail will hopefully be connected in the future! They are great for a short bike ride or walk while exploring the family-friendly downtown areas of Simpsonville and Fountain Inn, SC.

Conestee SRT Trail

However, once you reach Conestee you’ll find an oasis of calm. A spur trail within the park connects the trail system to Conestee Park (where the playground and dog park are), while the main trail winds around with the Reedy River to the historic Conestee Mill and dam. Here you’ll find a parking area and kiosk at the trailhead, mile marker 41, and the terminus of the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System.

Read our complete overview of the Lake Conestee portion of the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System.

Swamp Rabbit Trail through the Lake Conestee Nature Preserve

Simpsonville SRT Trail

The Simpsonville, SC portion of the SRT is another jump from Conestee to the heart of downtown. Here, you can ride from West Trade Street down Main Street Simpsonville for 0.93 miles. You will find dining options, places for a picnic, and more!

Spend the day in Downtown Simpsonville after riding the local portion of the Swamp Rabbit Trail!

Fountain Inn SRT Trail

The final stretch of the Swamp Rabbit Trail is located in Fountain Inn. It’s a large jump from Simpsonville to Fountain Inn. This portion is best explored when visiting the growing town at the bottom of Greenville County. You will find a 0.87-mile extension of the SRT at 107 Mt. Zion Drive in Fountain Inn.

Cool off at this free splash pad in Downtown Fountain Inn after riding the local SRT!

Loop Trail in Laurens

The official beginning of the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail officially opened in 2023 with the two-mile Loop Trail. The trail is mostly shaded, and will hopefully one day connect to the trails fully into Greenville County as the expansion of the SRT continues!

For more information on the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System, please visit the Greenville County Rec website, where you will also find a detailed trail maps. You can also text swamprabbit to 99000 for alerts about closures, special events, and more. Be courteous while your ride, and follow all road crossings safely. Happy trails!

A itinerary of some of the best places to ride the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail.

Swamp Rabbit Trail Itinerary: Fun Ideas for Using the SRT with Kids

If you are looking to enjoy the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail, but have young children who can only peddle (or be patient) for so long, explore one of these connections between fun places in Greenville County.

Cleveland Park to Linky Stone Park: Downtown Greenville (~ 1.2 miles)
- Begin at Cleveland Park, explore the monuments, and hang out under the trees as you pass by the gardens at Cancer Survivors Park. Then, cruise by the Medusa tree in Falls Park, and travel past the Liberty Bridge and the Peace Center until you reach Linky Stone Park. Here, you can explore a mini gingerbread-style house with your kids.
Downtown Greenville to Travelers Rest (~ 9 miles)
- Begin in Falls Park, head toward Unity Park, and travel along the SRT past Hampton Station. You can continue on past Furman University, and head to Downtown Travelers Rest for lunch before heading back.
Greenville Zoo to Holland Park (~1 mile)
- Begin at the Greenville Zoo and Cleveland Park and head toward Laurens Road until you reach Holland Park. This is a shorter trip and is great if you have younger kids. Take a pit stop at Holland Park and enjoy some delicious food and maybe a brew or two. This stretch of the SRT is part of the Green Line Connector and continues on toward Verdae Boulevard.

What’s your favorite portion of the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System?

10 Upstate Hikes That Are Perfect for Teens

Are you looking for fun or adventurous hiking for teens in Greenville, SC? Here’s our list of great hikes for teens in or near Upstate, SC! Some are challenging and some a bit more relaxed, perfect for a day with friends or family. Plus, there are plenty of trails with gorgeous views that are perfect for the ‘gram. For even more hiking ideas see our list of our favorite local hiking trails.

There are so many great hiking trails in the Greenville area or nearby, it’s truly hard to choose where to go. Luckily, the weather here can lend itself to hiking all year round for the most part, which means lots of weekends to take the teens out on adventures.

For other ideas of things to do with teens, see our Ultimate Teen Guide.

Tips for Hiking Teens: Greenville, SC & WNC Trails

While teenagers can sometimes be known for lapses in judgment, it’s crucial to be careful on trails at all times, especially around waterfalls and drop-off points. While it can make for a stunning Instagram photo getting out on a ledge or traversing slippery rocks, it’s not worth a significant injury or worse. Use common sense and obey posted signs.

Bringing enough food, snacks, and water during a hike is also wise, whether a lunch is intended or not, especially during the hotter months. Some of the trails are strenuous and hikers need to carry enough water for the journey.

Lastly, bringing some type of defense with you is smart. There are bears in the Upstate and Western North Carolina and carrying bear spray along on the hike just in case is a good idea. You can get some at most outdoor stores or on Amazon.

Additionally, most South Carolina state parks have entrance fees of around $5-$8/adult but almost all North Carolina state parks do not. For important tips on recreating responsibly, please see this story on the seven Leave No Trace principles.

Here are a few of our favorite hikes in or near the Upstate for teens, which are a little longer and more difficult than ones we’d choose for younger kids.

Keep your teen
engaged and enjoying life!
The Ultimate Guide for Teens

Hiking for Teens Near Greenville, SC

Table Rock

Table Rock is a great place to start for an easy-to-moderate two-mile hike with the Carrick Creek Trail. It has elevation changes, creek crossings, and waterfalls.

For a challenge that will give any teen bragging rights, the 7+ mile round trip Table Rock Trail is very hard but totally worth it. The view is spectacular at the top, but the trek up is no joke. Recommended for the more conditioned teen.

Table Rock State Park | 158 Ellison Lane, Pickens, SC 29671

Raven Cliff Falls Trail

Nestled in the Caesars Head State Park and Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, this trail is moderately hard with a gorgeous overlook of the 420-foot drop Raven Cliff Falls, which is the tallest waterfall in the state. It’s about a five-mile round trip hike from the parking lot, which isn’t large by the way. Get there early if you plan to go.

There are other trails in the same area, including the aptly named Dismal Trail (this is strenuous and teens who choose this trail need to be very careful). The entire Dismal Loop is not open but you can access the bridge as an out and back. The Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area connects to Jones Gap State Park, which is the location of the next best trail on our list.

Raven Cliff Falls | 8155 Geer Highway, Cleveland, SC

Narrow wooden bridge at Rainbow Falls, Jones Gap — Rainbow Falls at Jones Gap

Rainbow Falls at Jones Gap

Navigating boulders, jumping creeks, and hiking steep inclines are features of the trail at Jones Gap State Park to make it to the gorgeous Rainbow Falls. It’s under five miles and isn’t easy but again, the payoff of seeing the stunning waterfall is certainly worth it. You’ll have to reserve a spot on weekends. No reservations are needed on weekdays.

Jones Gap State Park | 303 Jones Gap Road, Marietta, SC

Looking Glass Rock in Pisgah Forest

Get your heart pumping with the 6+ mile trek to the top of Looking Glass Rock in Pisgah Forest for awesome views. Use caution at the top and don’t go near the edge.

Looking Glass Rock Trailhead | Brevard, NC 28712

Paris Mountain State Park

If you want to stay close to home but still get in a good day of hiking, head to Paris Mountain State Park here in Greenville. There are lots of trails to choose from, including really easy ones around Lake Placid to the harder Sulphur Springs Trail, a 3.6-mile trek. Brissy Ridge Trail is also fun as it’s not too long, about two miles, and hugs the ridge of the mountain.

Paris Mountain State Park | 2401 State Park Road, Greenville

Raven Rock Trail

This is one of my favorite hikes in the Upstate because it’s a bit challenging at a little over 4 miles round trip and it includes a small waterfall where you can cool off, a stunning overlook of Lake Keowee, and the opportunity to swim in the lake at the halfway point. The Raven Rock Trail is accessed through the Keowee-Toxaway State Park and there is no charge for parking.

Keowee-Toxaway State Park | 108 Residence Drive, Sunset, SC

Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls at Gorges State Park

I may have a thing for waterfalls. I feel that if you’re going to go hiking, be sure there’s a waterfall. Kind of instant gratification, or at least a good reason to keep going. Rainbow Falls at Gorges State Park is the farthest location from Greenville on this list but it’s just so awesome.

The waterfall is enormous, and you can get a really good view from the overlook on the trail or you can take a smaller trail down to the bottom of the falls (just be careful). But if you keep going another quarter-mile from those falls, you’ll come to more waterfalls! Turtleback Falls isn’t as stunning but still worth the extra half mile.

The trail is about four miles round trip and of moderate difficulty. The hike back is harder and more uphill than the hike to the waterfalls.

Gorges State Park | 976 Grassy Ridge Road, Sapphire, NC

Rainbow Falls at Gorges State Park, North Carolina — Rainbow Falls at Gorges State Park

Daniel Ridge Loop

Daniel Ridge Loop is in North Carolina as well in Pisgah Forest past the trailhead for Looking Glass Rock. It’s a loop (go left at the fork unless you want to have a really tough climb) and is over four miles.

It’s a pretty trail with lots of little waterfalls and different scenery. It’s about an hour and 20 minutes from Greenville. This is another favorite of mountain bikers so be prepared to jump off the trail if they fly by.

National Forest 475 Road, Brevard, NC

Foothills Trail

For a multi-day challenge, take the 77-mile Foothills Trail from Oconee State Park to Table Rock State Park. The trail is beautiful with intricate bridges, flowers, waterfalls, and views.

Many people will split up the trail and just hike segments. It’s great for backpacking as well.

Whiteside Mountain

Located in Cashiers, this trail is just over two miles and has incredible views. Totally worth the trip. You can add on Glenn Falls or Secret Falls for an entire day trip of hiking in the area. There is a fee of a few dollars for parking.

Google “Whiteside Mountain trailhead”

Not in the Upstate but Worth It

Grandfather Mountain

This is the High Country of North Carolina, about 2.5 hours from Greenville and amazing. You have to pay to get into Grandfather Mountain but the trail consists of ladders on the sides of mountains and views for days. Adventurous teens will love this trail.

Hike More, Worry Less
The Ultimate Guide to
Hiking Near Greenville, SC!

Where would you suggest hiking for teens near Greenville, SC?

Shop and Make Art at TR Makers Co in Travelers Rest, SC

Inside: One local mom reviews the art opportunities for kids at TR Makers Co.

Looking for a place to make some art in Travelers Rest, SC? TR Makers Co offers art activities for both children and adults. You can plan a birthday party or girls’ night here, or take advantage of summer sessions, playdates and even homeschool classes.

Looking for more fun places to make art in Greenville, SC? Check out our 10+ Places Kids Can Make Art in Greenville post!

“I want to help people express themselves,” Kristin LaRoy told me at her shop in Travelers Rest called TR Makers Co.

I sincerely hoped that did not mean she would let my fiery toddler express herself by banging the mallet on Kristin’s finger as she held the print stamp in place for the handmade design my daughter was attempting.

That’s some serious trust and she won me over quickly.

In 2019, Kristin was brought into the SmartARTS program organized by the Metropolitan Arts Council, which is a pretty big deal. She uses her style of multi-disciplinary arts integration teaching to educate students in schools across Greenville County. And she also received the 2019 Carrie and Skip Gordon Emerging Teaching Artist Award for my work with SmartARTS. Brava!

Become A Maker

TR Makers Co. is right on Main Street in downtown Travelers Rest and is home to a beautiful little shop that sells goods from local artists, including soap, printed shirts (that are the softest I’ve ever felt, by the way) and sweatshirts, jewelry, dolls, and pottery. But the coolest part, at least for the kids, is all of the neat stuff Kristin has for the art section of TR Makers.

Seated at an art bar, my kids were able to make their own designs for cards and paper. They designed what the art on their little handbags would look like, and with Kristin’s help and patience, had a lot of fun becoming little makers themselves.

Adults also can get in on the action. TR Makers offers Play Dates for groups of one to six people. These can be for families or friends or girls night outs – pretty much anything. Grown-ups need to play, too. TR Makers also offers homeschool classes, art camps, and tons of art experiences for kids and grown-ups.

If you have a young child wanting to explore art, the Mini Makers program will help! One Saturday and two Tuesdays a month, TR Makers Co. offers Mini Makers, where your child can explore a theme through art. Parents participate as well, and your kid can take their art home after they are finished.

Arts Lead Learning Homeschool Classes

TR Makers Co offers homeschool classes called Arts Lead Learning.

Classes are held throughout the fall and spring. Each half day arts-integrated lesson covers an age-appropriate academic study in areas of either Science, Math, English, Social Studies, or cultural studies.

Students get the opportunity to make 2-3 projects during the lesson and come home knowing more about the chosen topic of study. Detail on current classes as well as general information on this program can be found online: Arts Lead Learning at TR Makers .

Summer Fun and Birthday Parties

TR Makers also offers Summer Maker Camps and Summer Maker Days for students age 5-11. Camps are half-day events with the kids meeting from 9 am- Noon and or 1-4 pm. Classes are a 5 day week long.

The Summer Maker Days are flexible. Students can join for one, two, or more classes during the week. They offer discounted passes for 2-Day maker days.

Summer classes and camp this summer look like a lot of fun with hands-on creating, problem-solving, and eating all in the name of art.

TR Makers also offers unique birthday parties where the birthday boy/girl receives a special block print t-shirt made during the party. Parties include art instruction and materials for 9 guests ages 4 and up and cost $250. Options are available to add food but parents can also bring in their own food or order in (Sidewall Pizza is just down the street, you know, for reference).

Shopping

TR Makers Co has always carried local goods, jewelry, art pieces, and unique gifts. They are always adding a ton of new items to their inventory, including DIY at-home art kits, new items from local, regional, and global artists, and artisan gifts. They offer free local pick-up daily as well.

If you’re in Travelers Rest, be sure to stop by TR Makers Co., or make a trip just for this place. It’s definitely worth it. Travelers Rest has so many gems. Don’t miss any of them.

Plan a trip to TR Makers Co.

TR Makers Co. Website
3 South Main Street, Travelers Rest
864.610.0996

Open Monday 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Tuesday – Saturday 10:30 am – 5:30 pm
Closed Sunday

Are you looking for more fun things to do in Traveler’s Rest, SC? Check out our Kidding Around Guide to Travelers Rest.

Does a play date at TR Makers Co. sound like a great night out to you?

TReehouse Cafe and Art Studio: Coffee, Lunch and Lots of Art With Kids in Travelers Rest, SC

Art and coffee? Add in some great sandwiches and that’s what you’ll find at the TReehoue Cafe and Art Studio in Travelers Rest. KAG’s Kristina Hernandez stopped by so she could tell our readers all about this unique cafe. Learn about the coffee, food, and activities they offer in this review.

I love coffee, I love art, and I love it when my kids aren’t fighting with each other. So it was definitely love after two full hours of coloring, painting, playing, and eating grilled cheese sandwiches at the TRee House Café & Art Studio in beautiful Travelers Rest.

If you want to support a local small business in town, from my own personal experience with Kristen, the incredible owner, this is the place to do it. I cannot say enough good things about this woman and her love for the community and her guests. If I lived closer to TR, I’d seriously go here multiple times a week.

About TRee House Café & Art Studio

The café and art studio is located where Leopard Forest Coffee used to be (they moved down the street), two doors down from Sidewall Pizza, and right off the Swamp Rabbit Trail. The location is ideal but the true gem is once you walk through the doors.

I’ve been in lots of cafes but none as interesting as this one. There is an entire art bar down the center of the café, strewn with crayons, paint brushes, coloring books, paper, and brightly colored ornaments and painted rocks. There are checkers and a few Mr. Potato Heads. My kids made a beeline for the art bar as soon as we walked in and started coloring and drawing.

That made me happy.

On the far wall, there are shelves full of blank canvases ready for your inspired paintings, plus tons of paint and brushes. The table next to the shelves has been decorated to look like a painter’s palette, which I had to admit I was a bit jealous of because it was so cool. The owner, Kristen, told me she had it made years ago to remind her of her dream to open a café and art studio.

Opposite the shelves is a cozy nook with a fireplace, more buckets of crayons, and comfy chairs. It’s quite inviting. And of course, there is the food and drink part of the café. Gene runs the kitchen and he’s a culinary genius using pretty simple ingredients. I’ve never been disappointed with the food here.

I ordered a grilled cheese with chips for my two kids and I had the Chicken Pesto panini with chips and chamomile tea. The grilled cheese was enormous and plenty for my kids. It was a good size and very tasty, way better than I expected. They also sell bagels, pastries, and muffins.

So what in the world did we do for two hours? Not even everything the café had to offer (which means we are going back, yay!). We painted rocks – the ones that people hide at random places around town, we drew and colored, my kids colored parts of the cardboard house and played inside, they tried hula hooping, played with the Mr. Potato Heads, and I blissfully colored by number Van Gogh’s famous painting “The Starry Night”, which was beyond therapeutic.

The café sells canvases in various sizes that you can paint, along with other projects to paint.

Kristen is an art teacher by trade and she was so engaged with not only my kids but the other kids who were there enjoying the café. She has a seemingly endless amount of patience and encouraged us to try anything we wanted to do. Their Facebook page is the best way to stay updated on what’s happening there, for special events and more.

The café also has wifi available, which I saw many patrons using as they tapped away on their laptops. I was almost unhappy I didn’t bring my laptop to do the same since my kids were so occupied but then I would not have been able to enjoy my own coloring adventure!

Want to go?

For up-to-date info on events and hours, follow the TRee House Café & Art Studio on their Facebook page.

TRee House Café & Art Studio
27 South Main Street
Travelers Rest, SC
864.610.2266

Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Open Wednesday through Sunday, 8 am to 5 pm.

Would your kids love a visit to TRee House Café & Art Studio?

🎨 Check out More Places to Make Art Near Greenville, SC!

5 Fun Races for Families this Spring in the Upstate

Are you looking for a kid-friendly race in Greenville this season? Check out this list of some of the fun races for the whole family.

Greenville is a great place to go for a run, a jog or a walk. The weather is fairly cooperative, even during the colder winter months, to run outside all year round. But as the trees bloom and the milder temperatures are more predictable, getting in daily exercise is pretty easy and enjoyable. If you have little ones and a jogging stroller, running is a great way to get in a workout and entertain your kids. While you may not be as fast as you are without the jogger, entering a local race is a fun way to enjoy the great weather, meet other runners, and run your way around Greenville.

Everything you need to know for spring in Greenville, SC

There are so many fun things to do this spring in Greenville, SC!

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The Kids and The Adults are Sure to Love Poinsett Park in Travelers Rest

Love Travelers Rest? Consider checking out Poinsett Park with the kids. KAG Contributor Lindy Wilson visited with her family and is giving us all the details so you’ll know just what to expect. You’re sure to love all this park has to offer, including multiple playgrounds and a paved trail for walking!

Check out our Travelers Rest itinerary!

About Poinsett Park

This park is a little tricky to get to heading south, but worth it! If planning your day, its easiest to stop while driving northward, as you won’t have to fight traffic to turn off Main Street.

At first, I was skeptical. The park looks small, but we were there so why not check it out? It was gorgeous with a very decadent tree line and lush grass.

The playgrounds

The kids were enchanted with the tree house-themed playground. I was relieved that there was a toddler area to direct my little one towards. They liked the swings and enjoyed the many slides available.

Watch out for the climbing web- preschoolers will need your help but it’s very user-friendly! The forest of stairs shaped like trees also scared me, but my kids navigated them well. Little monkeys will surely enjoy all the climbing features!

For whatever reason, the rainwater didn’t pool much on the slides or swings or anywhere else for that matter. The low retaining wall surrounding playground also seemed to help waterproof the park a lot, as there were hardly any puddles. So this park may be a good bet after a rainy day.

The walking trail

Once we finally got the kids away from the playground, we took a family walk around the trail. This trail seemed popular with many people, and though there were quite a few pet owners walking their dogs, the park was very clean. It is a nice size yet has good visibility.

Those with older kids could probably walk the trail by themselves yet be in sight to wave at their children over on the playground. This feature makes it very family-friendly- adults can jog a bit, have an uninterrupted conversation, or just enjoy the walk.

There are also some nice picnic tables and a shelter that can be reserved for special occasions. The larger trail has a cut-through with tables near the playground so you can just circle nearby if needed.

Visit Poinsett Park

Poinsett Park is a great little destination for the whole family. We saw many generations there and families with kids of all ages. It’s not far from downtown Greenville and is just a stone’s throw from downtown Travelers Rest.

5 Pine Forest Road, Travelers Rest
Visit the Poinsett Park Website here.

Have you taken your little ones to Poinsett Park in Travelers Rest yet?

Check out all the amazing parks and playgrounds nearby.

Yes, we have a guide for that!

The Kidding Around Guide to Parks & Playgrounds in the Upstate