Travelers Rest, SC, has been the gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills for over two centuries. It originally served as a quiet and tranquil stopping point that early settlers would use as a resting place before the long, perilous journey through the Smokies. Over time, the base for commuters grew into a town and the name stuck.
Travelers Rest has developed considerably since its establishment, but it hasn’t lost its original charm or hospitality. Rosemary Bomar, president of the Travelers Rest Historical Society, says that Travelers Rest, “has always been a small community but now has grown into a thriving city that welcomes the whole world.”
One of the improvements responsible for the growth in the community has been the Swamp Rabbit Trail that connects Travelers Rest with downtown Greenville. The 22-mile greenway traverses along an old, decommissioned railroad line bridging the two great cities. Even though Travelers Rest has experienced a surge of prosperity since its construction, it still has the vibe of a hometown tucked away from the world.
The town is also home to some unique businesses including The Carolina Honeybee Company. Beekeeper and co-owner, Tim Dover, says he relates to the rich history of farming and agriculture the town has had. Although he’s not originally from Travelers Rest, he still feels like there’s something special about the town saying, “It becomes a part of who you are – you can’t walk down the street and not feel it.”
Dover’s bees have a slice of heaven over at Fraylick Farm. Melissa Smith, the local flower farmer, raises cut flowers to sell to florists in the upstate area and runs a bouquet delivery business. Smith found her calling as a farmer around eight years ago. She traded her career as a graphic designer staring at a computer screen for one being outdoors digging in the dirt. To Smith, it’s a very restorative experience and luckily, she has the town of Travelers Rest in which to do what she loves.
