Upstate South Carolina can carve another notch in its belt for proving once again what a desirable place it is to live! From a fantastic renovated Downtown that has something for every age group and that includes an incredible park system, professional baseball stadium, arena, theater with Broadway productions and international artists; to a land of shining lakes and flowing rivers, mountain trails and waterfalls... the list could go on and on - there are a thousand reasons why we've chosen to call it home. And now, there's still more to love about the Upstate!
If you haven't yet tried the 13.5-mile Greenville Hospital System's Swamp Rabbit Trail linking Travelers Rest with Downtown Greenville, you're missing out on a great benefit of living in the area! My husband and I try to get out at least once a week with our bikes. But whether you're a two-wheeler, a walker, or a runner - or if you're just a tired Mom wanting to give the kids a place to blow off steam - the Trail is easy to access and a great place to get some fresh air and exercise, as well as meet a variety of interesting and smiling people!
You can access the greenway just about anywhere along the trail. If you're driving in, there is even parking available at certain points. Depending on where you are on the Swamp Rabbit, you might stop for a mocha at Leopard Forest Coffee Co. (www.leopardforestcoffee.com/), meander through neighborhoods, or have a snack on the deck overlooking the Trail at The Cafe at Williams Hardware (www.cafeatwilliamshardware.com/); take a detour to enjoy Furman University's lake and trails; or stop after crossing the Reedy River for a cool drink at any one of a myriad of Downtown places. Every mile has something different and enjoyable to offer.
There are plans that include 5 major green corridors and 128 miles of greenway, of which The Swamp Rabbit Trail is just the tip of the iceberg. The other spokes will fan out from a central point in Greenville towards Greer/Spartanburg, Simpsonville/Fountain Inn, Verdae/Clemson ICAR, and Paris Mountain. They're also thinking about possibly extending the Swamp Rabbit Trail all the way to North Carolina. For more information on future plans and to check out a map of the present Trail, go to http://greenvillerec.com/2010/03/05/greenways-in-greenville-the-big-picture/. This greenway development is sure-as-shootin' going to become another selling point for why the Upstate is such a great area to live, grow, and raise a family!
While it's estimated that all trails will not be completed until 2014, you can certainly enjoy each mile as it opens. I'll be hunting for you soon on the beautiful Swamp Rabbit Trail! Healthy trails to you!
Yours in Smiles :)
Abbey
