Admissions Blog Posts

Exploring Greenville and Travelers Rest


Last updated March 30, 2022

By Ashlynne Culpepper

Hey, Furman family!

One advantage to being a Furman student is living in one of the fastest growing cities in the United States: Greenville, SC. Greenville is situated in the heart of the southeast being only 2.5 hours away from Atlanta, GA, 5.5 hours from Nashville, TN, 1 hour from Asheville, NC, 3.5 hours from Charleston, SC, and 2 hours from Charlotte, NC. Being close to many major cities, the professional opportunities provided to students are limitless. In fact, I will be attending and presenting a research paper at an academic honors conference at the Hyatt Regency, a hotel in downtown Greenville, in a few weeks. I feel lucky that I live nearby and have the opportunity to attend this conference without having to travel far. Other than the academic opportunities, both downtown Greenville (about 20 minutes south of Furman’s campus) and Travelers Rest (about 5 minutes north of Furman’s campus) are super fun areas to explore. The cities are also connected by the Swamp Rabbit Trail.

Swamp Rabbit Trail

The Swamp Rabbit Trail is a 22-mile multi-use walking, running, and biking trail that runs along the Reedy River from downtown and connects to Travelers Rest. The Swamp Rabbit Trail also has an entrance point on Furman’s campus. I frequently enjoy walking on the Swamp Rabbit Trail on the weekends or during the afternoons when I have a break from classes. One Saturday morning I walked with a group of friends to get breakfast in Travelers Rest on the Swamp Rabbit Trail. It is a little over 3 miles to and from Travelers Rest. The Swamp Rabbit Trail is a great avenue to get in some exercise if you want to enjoy the outdoors or aren’t in the mood to visit the Physical Activities Center (our on-campus gym, also known as the PAC).

Greenville (GVL)

Downtown Greenville is a beautiful area to explore. It’s a destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. My favorite restaurants I have eaten at downtown are Passerelle Bistro, The Lazy Goat (the Ravioli do Pepe Piquillo is divine!), Trio Brick Oven Cafe, Gather GVL, UP On the Roof, Limoncello, Sully’s Steamers, Tupelo Honey, and Biscuit Head. I have many other restaurants on my bucket list I have yet to eat at! If you are craving a sweet treat or a caffeine boost, Spill the Beans is a cozy coffee and ice cream shop near Liberty Bridge. Grab a cup of coffee or an ice cream cone, and take a stroll with a friend in Falls Park! GVL is also home to the Bon Secours Wellness Area. The Furman men’s and women’s basketball teams play a few home games each season in this venue. Recently, Furman also had the privilege to host the first round of the NCAA March Madness Tournament at Bon Secours.

Travelers Rest (TR)

I frequent TR more than I do GVL because it is ridiculously close to campus. It is very convenient to visit, and there are many cute shops and amazing restaurants in the area. If you know me well, you know that my favorite place to visit in TR is a restaurant called Tandem Creperie and Coffeehouse. Tandem sells very yummy lattes, crepes, and waffles! Other than Tandem, some Furman favorites are Sidewall Pizza, Farmhouse Tacos (try the Hawaiian Shrimp Quesadilla), and Upcountry Provisions (they make the most delicious avocado toast)!

Thanks for reading about the two cities that Furman students call home. Greenville and Travelers Rest are two special places in the hearts and lives of the Furman community. Exploring GVL and TR has been a great joy and I cannot believe I still have another two years to live here. I am blessed to live in such a vibrant and and expanding city!

Cheers,

Ashlynne Culpepper