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Extraordinaire B&B: Upstate Inns to Experience

Libby Wiersema Libby Wiersema
Libby Wiersema lived in California and Alabama before settling in South Carolina 38 years ago, where she's covered the state's best culinary offerings and tells the stories behind the food.
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Pettigru Place Bed & Breakfast garden
Enjoy the English-style garden at Pettigru Place Bed & Breakfast.

Beneath the rising clamor of buzzy boutique hotels, the calming whisper of bed and breakfast inns remains constant and true. But you’ve got to slow down— just a bit—to hear it. When life begins to grind its gears, it’s your cue to remove yourself from the hubbub for a while. Find respite, tranquility and a nice breakfast when you take a much-needed time out at these Upstate bed and breakfast inns.

Pettigru Place

302 Pettigru Street, Greenville

Backstory: Nestled in a historical, tree-lined neighborhood, Pettigru Place is a warm and inviting red brick Federal-style home built in the early 20th century. Being in the heart of downtown makes it particularly attractive to Greenville visitors who prize walkability.

Sleep and Refresh: Each of the six themed guest rooms has a private bath, some with jetted tubs, some with rainforest showers, some with claw foot tubs. Furnishings are elegant and the bedding is sumptuous. If you’re visiting during winter months, ask for a room with a fireplace.

Bask: Luxurious robes, free parking, Internet access, afternoon wine and cheese, coffee bar with homemade cookies, fridge with complimentary drinks and a full homemade breakfast each morning.

Linger: The enchanting English garden is just the place to kick back and sip a glass of iced peach tea.

Clevedale Historic Inn & Gardens

1050 Willis Road, Spartanburg

Backstory: Built in 1913, Clevedale Historic Inn and Gardens has a reputation as a “living piece of Spartanburg history.” The stately mansion and gorgeous gardens (dating back to 1798) were named after their former owner, President Grover Cleveland.

Sleep and Refresh: There are three suites, each with classic architectural woodwork and luxurious bathrooms. For a fun stay, opt for the vintage 1947 Southern Railway Caboose, which has been renovated into a cozy suite. Claw-footed tubs, rain head showers, fireplaces and comfy sitting areas are some of the features you can enjoy, depending on the room you choose. The caboose boasts a firepit and private deck, too.

Bask: For breakfast, sit down to Southern favorites in the elegant dining room. Take in the views from the rooftop porch and indulge in a cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate anytime you like at the beverage station.

Linger: Clevedale is famous for its four acres of wooded and manicured gardens, so pencil in an afternoon or morning stroll or just find a seat and drink in the beauty.

Pecan Terrace Bed and Breakfast Inn

207 W Second Avenue, Easley

Backstory: Beneath a lush pecan tree canopy, Pecan Terrace is a circa 1905 Victorian home with local historical significance. Back in the day, it was a hotel that provided lodging to railroad workers and single schoolteachers working at Easley’s first high school.

Sleep and Refresh: Five beautiful guest rooms— each with a unique theme—reflect a bygone era while also offering modern-day amenities like private baths with walk-in showers and smart TVs.

Bask: On-site parking, fruit/cheese plate and iced tea every afternoon, fully stocked fridge and coffee bar with homemade cookies, and a made-from-scratch breakfast each morning will make you feel appreciated and pampered.

Linger: Spend an afternoon rocking away on the classic Southern porch while drinking a cool glass of white grape tea.

Red Horse Inn

45 Winstons Chase Court, Landrum

Backstory: The Red Horse Inn has been offering relaxation and respite—and stunning views of the Blue Ridge foothills—since the mid-1990s. Once the owners cleared 34 of the property’s 200 acres, they set out to build one of the dreamiest country inns in the country. Guests overwhelmingly agree that they succeeded.

Sleep and Refresh: There are four luxury suites in the main house and six South Carolina cottages on the grounds. Airy and spacious, the accommodations are designed to complement the bucolic surroundings. Each is outfitted with a “kitchen closet”—a space with a small fridge, microwave and coffeemaker. Whirlpool tubs, robes, fireplaces, balconies, a private terrace—these are just a few of the appointments you can enjoy, depending on the guest room you select. Cottages are outfitted with silky beds, amazing kitchens, gas fireplaces and full baths. Two are pet-friendly, so inquire when reserving.

Bask: Breakfast is placed in your guest room kitchen closet or cottage refrigerator each day. Just warm it up and dine in the comfort of your suite. For an upcharge, indulge in chocolate-covered strawberries, champagne and more. Some of the cottages have hot tubs, too.

Linger: The Red Horse Inn has an on-site wine bar with live music and other fun events like the Alpaca Wine Experience. Note: Operates March – November. Most events are open to the public as well as guests. Everyone must purchase advance tickets to enjoy.

Libby Wiersema
Libby Wiersema lived in California and Alabama before settling in South Carolina 38 years ago, where she's covered the state's best culinary offerings and tells the stories behind the food.