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

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Are you planning on a visit to Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina? Whether you are visiting your Furman University student or checking out the university as a prospective student, we have some information to help your family enjoy the area. In this guide you will find suggestions for restaurants near Furman University, things to do in the area, and even where to stay near Furman University.

Planning a visit to Greenville? Be sure to check out our comprehensive Guide to Visiting Greenville, SC!

Entrance to rose garden with white gazebo

Things to Do On the Furman University Campus

Many residents of Greenville South Carolina come to Furman University for a day trip. The campus welcomes visitors to come walk or bike and enjoy the scenery. You can also follow the university’s calendar of events and attend a musical performance.

Furman University Golf Course

A golfers delight, Furman University’s Golf course has been voted the #1 course in Greenville and featured in Golf Digest. Its 18-green par-72 layout is up to USGA standards. Varies in hours depending on what time of year you visit.

  • Traditions Grille: Golf course grille offers sandwiches, hamburgers, and hotdogs. It is both a restaurant and museum of Furman Golf Teams

Swan Lake

In the middle of Furman’s campus is the main attraction, Swan Lake. Take a stroll on the path around the lake. You will hear the bell tower ripple across the water. Over time the University has added islands to create marshes to improve the water quality.

Rose Garden

The Janie Earle Furman Rose garden is one stop off of the path around the lake on campus. The gazebo at the center is a popular venue for wedding ceremonies. Throughout the garden are 800 rose bushes.

Recitals

Daniel Recital Hall schedule is currently offering performances by students. The hall is handicapped-accessible and holds 380 seats. View this recital schedule to see what’s happening currently.

Barnes and Noble Bookstore and Starbucks

Fulfill your school spirit needs with sweatshirts, books school paraphilia, and don’t forget the coffee!

Trone Student Center

Furman University’s Trone student center is the hub of student life. It offers comfortable seating with a viewing screen, a pub-style restaurant, and a gorgeous view of Swan Lake.

Black bench across the lake from Furman clock tower

Things to Do Near Furman University

Hiking near Furman University

Paris Mountain State Park is 6.6 miles from Furman University campus which is about an 11-minute drive. It has about 17 miles of hiking, a swimming area open during the summer and 39 tent pads for camping.

Jones Gap State Park is 20 miles away from Furman University campus and is about a 30-minute drive. The beautiful Rainbow Falls are the allure of this popular park. The park is part of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area.

Table Rock State Park is 22 miles away from Furman University campus and is about a 30-minute drive. Table Rock State Park is located on the Cherokee Foothills Scenic highway, or as the locals call it, Highway 11. You’ll find a wide range of hiking trails from short and very easy, to more challenging trails that go to the top of Table Rock with beautiful views.

Caesar’s Head State Park is 25 miles away from Furman University and is about a 40-minute drive from campus. It has an overlook where you can look over Greenville on a clear day. There are a number of trails to hike and you can visit up to 6 waterfalls, the most popular being Raven Cliff Falls.

Devil’s Fork is in Salem, South Carolina and is about an hour away from Furman University campus. Also connected to Lake Jocasse, it is the home of the Oconee Bell Nature Trail.

More Outdoor activities near Furman University

  • For all of your outdoor needs, Sunrift Adventures has rentals for kayaks, canoes, bikes, trailers and camping equipment. It has been the premier outfitter for the upstate since 1980.
  • Take a boat out on a beautiful Upstate Lake. Here’s where you can rent boats near the Upstate.
  • The Swamp Rabbit Trail is 22 miles and connects Travelers Rest to Greenville. It is the gem of Greenville County. Rent a bike and take a leisurely ride.

Performing Arts and Sporting Venues in Greenville, SC

Greenville, SC offers high-quality performing arts, shows, concerts and sporting events. Here’s a guide to Venues in Greenville, SC. We’ve included information on the types of shows and events they frequently offer, plus parking and nearby dining information.

Visit an Escape Room

Not too far from Furman University, on your way into Greenville, SC, you’ll find Escape Artist. They have several escape rooms and experiences your family can enjoy solving together.

Restaurants Near Furman University

The mountain town of Travelers Rest is a hub of culinary culture. You will find many restaurants near Furman University right in Travelers Rest. Some of these restaurants are closed on Monday, so be sure to double-check the hours.

If you plan to head into Downtown Greenville, don’t miss our Guide to Where to Eat in Downtown Greenville for Tourists. We highlighted some local favorites no traveler should skip!

Farmhouse Tacos

Farmhouse Taco claims to be handcrafted, locally sourced and made with love. And they are. Get delicious and unique taco choices, all fresh and local. You’ll find the best fish tacos in the upstate, and the burrito bowls will give you more than enough fresh ingredients. The rustic-chic ambiance will give you that real farmhouse feeling.

164 South Main Street Travelers Rest, SC 29690
864.610.0586

Monkey Wrench Smokehouse

Home of some killer mac & cheese, brisket, pulled pork and so much more (even breakfast). Monkey Wrench Smokehouse has outdoor and indoor dining, and it’s right on the Swamp Rabbit Trail.

21 S. Main Street, Travelers Rest, SC 29690
864.610.2236

Tandem Creperie and Coffeehouse

Tandem Creperie has one of the most unique menus of the upstate. You will find savory and sweet crepes that will fix any breakfast or lunch craving. These crepes are very generous portions of fresh ingredients. Try a lumberjack crepe, which is packed full of protein, or a seasonal fruit crepe for your sweet tooth.

2 N Main Sreet, Travelers Rest, SC 29690
864.610.2245

Top Soil Kitchen and Market

Based on introducing more plant-based options to the Upstate, Top Soil guarantees the true Farm to Table experience.

13 S Main Street, Travelers Rest, SC 29690
864.400.5424

Tru Broth Vietnamese Coffee House

The service at Tru Broth is fast and the food is delicious. Described as a casual cafe, they serve pho noodle soup, vegetarian entrees, bubble tea and probably have the best tofu in the upstate.

36 A S Main Street, Travelers Rest, SC 29690
864.610.0513

Whistle Stop

While biking on the Swamp Rabbit Trail you can make a stop at Whistle Stop for American Cuisine. Their menu includes wood-fired pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, and delectable desserts. The past is always present at the Whistle Stop because it is a landmark where conductors would stop their trains. Hence the phrase “wet your whistle”.

109 S Main Street, Travelers Rest, SC 29690
864.944.7853
Swamp Rabbit Trail MM 24

Places to Stay Near Furman University

You will find plenty of places to stay near Furman University. Some of the hotels offer discounts to visiting families. If you want to stay in beautiful Downtown Greenville, here’s our list of Where to Stay in Downtown Greenville, SC.

As a STAY22 affiliate Kidding Around earns when you book through these links.

Hotels closet to Furman

Best Western Travelers Rest is in Travelers Rest and five minutes from campus.

Hampton Inn Travelers Rest is in Travelers Rest and three minutes away from Furman University

Hotel Domestique is a luxurious hotel 15 minutes away from Furman University.

Swamp Rabbit Inn TR is a modern bed and breakfast in Travelers Rest 12 minutes away from Furman University.

Do you plan on trying these activities while visiting Furman University?

About the Author
Rose Burgess

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