Charming, elegant and oh-so-inviting, South Carolina’s bed and breakfasts are known for being destinations in and of themselves. While you may be tempted to simply bask in all that Southern comfort and hospitality (and who could blame you?), taking time out to explore the surrounding area should be a part of your getaway plan. Dining discoveries, outdoor adventures, exciting attractions, natural beauty and cultural points of interest will deepen your South Carolina experience and ensure a treasure trove of memories to take with you when you go.
When you book a bed and breakfast vacay in the Upstate, you’ll enjoy a gamut of experiences. Historical points of interest – check. Outdoor adventures – check. Arts and culture – check. Great dining – check. Pastoral scenes and stunning sunsets – check. You’ll find it all as you wend your way toward the mountainous regions of South Carolina. Here are three bed and breakfast suggestions for your consideration. While each host will pamper you with comfy lodgings and Southern hospitality, the location of each inn will dictate the overall experience. Consider whether you want a small-town, rural or urban experience, make your reservations and go explore these Palmetto State treasures.
Inn on Tyger Meadow, Travelers Rest
Locale: Small but thriving town in the southern foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with culinary finds, outdoor recreation and a burgeoning creative community
The inn: Bright and roomy newer home with warm touches and modern conveniences; tucked away on beautiful acreage with mountain views
Rooms: Three comfortable, tastefully decorated rooms with private baths; one room is partially handicap-accessible
Amenities: iPhone docking stations/radios, Wi-Fi, satellite TV, delicious gourmet breakfast
Where to go and things to do:
Bike or walk the Swamp Rabbit Trail: A 22-mile greenway connecting Travelers Rest and Greenville; dotted with benches and gazebos; trail-side restaurants; bring your own bike or rent one from Sunrift Adventures in Travelers Rest.
See the Poinsett Bridge: Believed to have been erected in 1820 by Washington Monument architect Robert Mills, the gothic arch stone bridge (the oldest in the state) spans 130-feet over Little Gap Creek; it is a popular attraction at the 120-acre Poinsett Bridge Heritage preserve.
Shop downtown: Art galleries, antique markets, boutiques, novelty retailers, artisan shops, cafes, salons and more make downtown Travelers Rest a lively shopping haven.
Where to eat:
Farm House Tacos: Farm-to-table tacos thoughtfully crafted; freshly squeezed margaritas; patio dining that's pet-friendly
Monkey Wrench Smokehouse: Wood-smoked barbecue with all the fixings; craft beer and cocktails; patio and back lawn on the Swamp Rabbit Trail
Topsoil Kitchen & Market: Heavy focus on locally farm-sourced ingredients; dishes reflect the seasonal bounty of the area; chef Adam Cooke was a semifinalist for the 2020 James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Southeast.
Red Horse Inn, Landrum
Locale: Scenic equestrian town in the Blue Ridge foothills with a quaint downtown
The inn: Countryside setting with horses and alpacas; grounds appointed with gardens, a pond, arbor and a terrace with sweeping views and live music; adults-only policy ensures relaxation and quiet.
Rooms: Six luxury suites in the main inn and six elegantly appointed cottages
Amenities: Whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, noise machines, beautiful views, coffee makers, microwaves; breakfast baskets delivered each morning with muffins, fresh fruit, yogurt, juices, ready-to-brew coffee and tea
Where to go and things to do:
Antiquing: Spend the day hunting for vintage treasures, funky finds and cherished collectibles at Landrum Antique Mall, Yankee Peach, Landrum Eclectics and other area antique stores.
Hiking and birdwatching: Grab binoculars and hit the trails at the Blue Wall Nature Preserve, designated by the Audubon Society as an Important Bird Area (114 species). Hike to a waterfall or take the Blue Wall Passage of the Palmetto Trail to enjoy wildlife and peaceful forests.
Picnic at Campbell’s Covered Bridge: Pack a basket and lunch together at this bucolic site with a historic covered bridge as the main focal point. A scene reminiscent of "The Bridges of Madison County," Robert and Francesca would approve.
Where to eat:
Hare & Hound Pub: Cozy up for tavern classics like fish and chips, Guinness beef pie, patty melts, fresh mountain trout and more.
Stone Soup: Rustic cafe and market serving scratch-made soups, salads, sandwiches and a kicking tomato pie with bacon in the crust; pet-friendly patio with dog park out back.
Harvest House: Seafood, steaks, burgers as well as Italian faves like osso buco, risotto, chicken piccata and more; focus on farm-fresh ingredients.
Inn on Main, Spartanburg
Locale: Vibrant city at the intersection of Interstates 85 and 26 with historical points of interest and a cultural vibe
The inn: Neoclassical Greek Revival-style home circa 1904 with restored paneled wainscoting, reproduction vintage wallpaper and antique furnishings; within walking distance to downtown
Rooms: Five themed rooms with sumptuous beds, elegant decor and private baths
Amenities: Wi-Fi, free parking, lovely gardens, full Southern breakfast
Where to go and things to do:
Explore the Cultural District: Enjoy world-class art galleries and studios, music venues, bookstores, coffee shops, museums and more; street musicians, murals, green spaces and arboretums punctuate the area.
Enjoy nature: Escape to Cottonwood Trail Preserve, a 116-acre urban preserve and trail system where you can kayak, bike, walk, run, see wildlife and drink in the natural beauty of the area.
Tour BMW: Visit the manufacturing facility in nearby Greer to see vehicle exhibits, shop the BMW Boutique and get a glimpse into plant processes.
Where to eat:
The Kennedy: Experience refined dining with a focus on locally sourced ingredients, expertly crafted cocktails and attentive service offered in an art deco environment. Small plates, specialty sandwiches and salads, creative entrees and sweets—it’s all top-notch.
Mon Amie: Breakfast, brunch or lunch on made-to-order crepes, burgers, salads and more in an upbeat, French-influenced atmosphere.
Willy Taco: Hip joint for fresh, contemporary Southwestern/Mexican food; burritos, tacos, nachos, quesadillas, bowls and more. Great guac, too.
