Last month, we kicked off our summer road trip series, Hit the Road, with an outdoor adventure to Cloudland Canyon, GA. If you checked it out, we’d love to hear about it.
This month, we’re continuing the series with a 30-mile trip to Landrum for a quick getaway. From hiking to antiquing, this city offers a little bit of everything — making it the perfect end-of-summer vacay.
Before you start packing your bags, here’s everything you need to know about the area + our insider recommendations.
Drive time: ~45 minutes from downtown
Est. population: 2,614
Avg. high in July: 89°
🗻 Things to do
- The Blue Wall Preserve, Dug Hill Rd. & W. Lakeshore Dr., Landrum | Earning its name from the Cherokee Indians who called the Blue Ridge Mountains “The Blue Wall,” this 575-acre preserve, protected by global nonprofit The Nature Conservancy, features hiking trails with waterfall views. Plus, 114 different bird species have been observed at the preserve.
- Antique Shopping, Various locations| Hunt for treasures at the Landrum Antique Mall or Landrum Eclectics. Whether you’re window shopping or looking for something specific, there’s no shortage of shops.
- Music at the Tracks, 211 N. Trade Ave., Landrum | The Landrum Depot, built in 1877, was one of the earliest structures in town and is home to this musical event with select dates through the summer.
- Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve, Oak Grove Rd., Landrum | Hike up the south side of Squirrel Mountain and down the north side to the South Pacolet River on this one way, 2.8-mile dirt trail.
- The Millstone Gallery, 221 E. Rutherford St., Landrum | Start your Christmas shopping early at this gallery featuring art, jewelry + woodwork from different makers.
🍔 Grub to eat
- The Hare and Hound Pub, 101 E. Rutherford St., Landrum | Grab a bite at this pub in a historic building that was once a mercantile providing supplies to those in the textile and agriculture industries. The menu features traditional American fare and a full bar.
- Southside Smokehouse and Grille, 726 S. Howard Ave., Landrum | Enjoy barbecue and other Southern classics from Chef Sarah McClure, named one of the Governor’s Chef Ambassadors in 2018 + even featured on Food Network’s “Guy’s Grocery Games.”
- Stax’s Drake House, 511 N. Howard Ave., Landrum | Grab some Southern Food in this historic house, built in the early 1900’s for lodging Railroad workers during the day. Pro tip: Don’t forget to grab Stax’s seasoning to take home.
- Soulisa’s Fine Thai Dining, 208 E. Rutherford St. | If you’re craving Asian Fusion, grab Thai curry, sushi + hibachi from this family-owned spot.
- The Junction of Gowensville, 5599 SC-14, Landrum | You’ll want to get into town early enough for the breakfast buffet or Sunday brunch, featuring your favorite staples like eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits + pancakes.
🏨 Overnight accommodations
If you get a wild hair and decide to turn this quick day trip into an overnighter, here are some spots to stay.
- The Red Horse Inn, 45 Winstons Chase Ct. | Stay in a cozy cottage at this adults-only, award-winning country inn to unplug, because the cottages don’t have wifi. Grab a drink at the wine bar and enjoy breakfast in the comfort of your own room.
- Modern Base Camp Cabin | This private 7+ acre property has room for up to 14 guests + features an outdoor fireplace, pickleball and basketball courts, a creek with a small waterfall, a firepit with mountain views, and a hot tub.
- The Country Chateau | A short drive from downtown Landrum, this chateau boasts 23 private acres with mountain views. Grab 13 of your closest friends for a relaxing weekend away, complete with a salt water pool.
- Barking Fox Farm and Guesthouse | If you’re looking to bring along your dog(s), check out this dog-friendly bed and breakfast located on a 43-acre horse farm.
- Peaceful Belle Tent | If glamping is more your style, you don’t want to miss a chance to stay in this tent furnished with a queen bed. Plus, meet your neighbors by the community fire pit.
