Is there anything better than having someone plan out the perfect, relaxing day for you? Editor Ana here, and all this gorgeous weather has me wanting to share one of my favorite day trips with y’all. So, pack your sunnies and fine-tune your windows down, hair blowing music, because we’re headed to Saluda, NC.
Stop No. 1: Breakfast at Upcountry Provisions, 6809 State Park Rd., Travelers Rest SC (~20 minutes from downtown Greenville)
They open as early as 7:30 a.m., if you’re a morning person. They have scones, muffins, cinnamon rolls, coffee, and more.
Stop No. 2: Exploring + photos ops at Poinsett Bridge, 580 Callahan Mountain Rd., Landrum SC (~25 minutes from Upcountry Provisions)
This bridge was built in 1820 making it the oldest surviving bridge in South Carolina and potentially throughout the entire southeast. It was also named one of the 30 Most Haunted Places in America by Condé Nast Traveler in 2019.
Stop No. 3: Shopping in downtown Saluda, NC (~20 minutes from Poinsett Bridge)
You’ve made it to Saluda. Before lunch, do some shopping — window or real. I love Salamander + A Gardener’s Cottage, and Heartwood has some beautiful, contemporary art. The Saluda Historic Depot and Museum is also a cool place to pop in.
Stop No. 4: Lunch at The Purple Onion in Saluda
What’s good? Everything on the menu. I especially love the tiramisu, and if they have the corn chowder as the soup of the day — Get. It.
Now, here’s where things get interesting. There are a few options for the next stop to fit some different interests.
Stop No. 5: Choose your own adventure
For the adventurers: The Gorge Zipline (~5 minutes from Saluda)
For the hikers: Pearson’s Falls & Glen (~10 minutes from Saluda)
For the foodies: Marked Tree Vineyard (~15 minutes from Saluda)
For the cinephiles: Lake Lure (~30 minutes from Saluda) — This is where they filmed Dirty Dancing, in case you didn’t know.
Stop No. 6: Dinner or drinks at Restaurant 17, 10 Rd. of Vines, Travelers Rest SC (~30 minutes from downtown Greenville)
Ask for a seat in the courtyard to really soak in the “European villa” ambiance. (And book a night’s staycation at Hotel Domestique if you’re really feeling fancy.)
Don’t miss: The rhododendrons blooming along the way. To really see these beauties at their peak, plan your trip for late spring or early summer.
