There aren't too many downtown hotels that allow bikes in the lobby. At the Swamp Rabbit Inn, they're part of the decor.
This Greenville bed-and-breakfast caters to cyclists looking to bike the popular Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 20-mile rails-to-trail path that runs along the Reedy River through the center of town to the nearby community of Travelers Rest.
Located in the West End Historic District, the inn is just blocks from the multipurpose recreational trail, making it easy for visitors to hop on their bikes and peddle to the pathway. Mountain bikers and long-distance cyclists also have plenty of riding options in the surrounding Upstate, an area renowned for its single-track trails and scenic country roads.
Whether you're a leisure biker or an adrenaline junkie, the inn has you covered. Visitors are welcome to park their bikes in the lobby or upstairs hallway. Floor stands also can be found in each of the six guest rooms.
If you don't have your own wheels, you can rent one on-site at the inn's Bike Shed. A bike pump and washing station also are available for guests.
But this self-catering B&B has far more appeal than just as a biking hostel. Clean and comfortable, the inn has a fun, whimsical vibe with lots of rabbit-themed props. Colorful Ikea furnishings enhance the light, bright feel of the house. Even the front porch is inviting with purple-painted rocking chairs and a cushiony swing.
During your stay, you'll have full access to the kitchen any time of day or night. The fridge and cupboards are stocked with an assortment of breakfast items, including eggs, sausage, oatmeal, frozen waffles, cereal, coffee and OJ. Make yourself a big, hearty breakfast or snack on the house staple - a delicious Danish pastry shipped in from Racine, WI.
Set up like a European inn, the B&B features two deluxe rooms with private baths and four rooms that share two hall bathrooms. Keypad locks on the inn's front and back doors allow you to come and go as you please.
The inn's location two blocks from Main Street makes it a sweet spot for any Greenville visitor, whether you bike or not. Falls Park on the Reedy - one of the city's most iconic attractions - is a short stroll away. Adjacent to the park is the Peace Center, where you can watch concerts, Broadway productions, dance performances and comedy shows. The walkable downtown corridor also features a wide array of hip restaurants, shops, galleries and museums.
Guests can post comments about their favorite local eateries on several ceiling-to-floor chalkboards in the inn's kitchen and downstairs hallway. Among the most popular are Smoke on the Water, American Grocery Restaurant, Nose Dive, Lazy Goat, Grill Marks and Larkin's on the River.
In addition to the Peace Center, evening entertainment options include Smiley's Acoustic Cafe, Alchemy Comedy Theater, Coffee Underground and Rainer's Cafe + Bar. Several downtown restaurants also offer live performances nightly. And if you're in town during baseball season, you may catch the Greenville Drive playing in Fluor Field just down the road from the inn.
Another must-do event is the Saturday morning farmers market on Main Street and McBee Avenue. Some 75 vendors selling the season's freshest produce and original crafts line two blocks of the downtown district. On any given weekend, the assortment of entertainment may include live music and a cooking demonstration by a local chef.
Innkeeper and avid cyclist Wendy Lynam recently opened a second B&B right on the Swamp Rabbit Trail near Furman University. Along with four private guest rooms in the main house, the Travelers Rest inn features two cottages and an outdoor pool.
Find more information on either Swamp Rabbit Inn here.
