12 things to do along South Carolina's Swamp Rabbit Trail

Even if you’re not a beer drinker, Southernside Brewing Co. is worth a stop. This new brewhouse goes well beyond hopped beverages, with a refreshing cocktail list (including “Grown-Up Slushies”) and a southern-inspired food menu. The expansive beer garden features picnic tables, yard games, and live music most nights.

Hampton Station is a bit of a detour from the trail, but worth the extra effort. Due South Coffee, Craft Axe Throwing, Hollowed Earth Pottery, Outside the Lines Art by Nicole Kamb, Wandering Bard Meadery, White Duck Taco Shop, Birds Fly South, and other businesses call this trail spur home. Most of the store fronts face a large, shared yard where there are often activities, like yoga or frisbee, taking place.

It’s impossible to miss this hybrid grocery, bakery, and cafe—it’s right off the trail, but you’ll start smelling the homemade pastries a quarter of a mile away. The bulk of the goodies here are grown or produced within the region, from ice cream to locally-crafted sausages. Swing through for an iced strawberry lavender latte or pick up foodstuffs for a picnic later.

Right at the southern gateway to Travelers Rest is this urban green space. It’s a lovely park by itself, with panoramic mountain views, a covered pavilion, and an open-air amphitheater. But it also often hosts a variety of activities, including a Music in the Park concert series, food truck round-ups, a farmers market, and movie screenings. If you happen to be there on the weekend, be sure to check out the nearby History Museum at Travelers Rest.

You’ll know that you’ve reached this mini park when you see a green, 1940s railcar. This bit of train was originally part of the Southern Railway, but today it’s largely used as a waypost along the trail. Feel free to climb aboard and look around. Here you’ll also find a bike fix station and mural that depicts the history of Berea, a small community near the Swamp Rabbit Trail. The piece was a collaboration between artist Adam Schrimmer from Blank Canvas Mural Company and art students from Berea High School.

It’s about a mile detour from Swamp Rabbit Cafe, but considering how much ‘que you’ll want to consume, the ride is probably necessary. For 21 years, Mike and Jeff’s BBQ has been perfecting its 16-hour wood fire process. Each piece of wood is hand selected and stacked to impart optimal smokiness into the succulent pulled pork, chicken, and spare ribs. Be sure to sample the myriad sides, including fried okra and sweet potato souffle, as well as the signature sauces.