Travelers Rest, South Carolina, September 15, 2025
News Summary
The historic Spring Park Inn in Travelers Rest, South Carolina, has reopened for public tours after a significant restoration. Originally built in the 1820s, the inn served as a communal hub and is now accessible to the public for free tours on Fridays and paid tours on Saturdays. The restoration, funded by local donations, aims to preserve the inn’s historical essence while fostering community engagement.
Travelers Rest, South Carolina – The historic Spring Park Inn, a landmark establishment over 200 years old, has reopened for public tours following extensive restoration work. Located on Main Street and close to the popular Swamp Rabbit Trail, this once-thriving inn has returned to serve as a community hub reminiscent of its vibrant past.
The inn, which was a popular escape for visitors from the Lowcountry seeking refuge in the cooler mountain climate during the 1800s, has been a local gathering place for over a century. Its covered porch was traditionally filled with community members who gathered to enjoy speeches, music, and various events, reinforcing its role as a social center.
The transformation of the inn into a site for public visitation was made possible when it was donated to the Travelers Rest Historical Society in 2020 by long-time owner Nell Gibson, who had been part of the property’s legacy for almost 150 years. The extensive restoration work was primarily funded by Gibson and a collection of generous local donors.
Originally built as a private residence in the 1820s by Aquilla Bradley and his wife, the Spring Park Inn transitioned to an inn in 1850, under the stewardship of Chevis and Mary McCarrell Montgomery. Montgomery actively promoted the establishment, emphasizing comfort and reasonably priced lodging for travelers.
The inn gained prominence in the 1870s when Robert Wright Anderson and his wife enhanced its appeal by constructing a nearby railroad platform, providing guests with direct access. This led the inn to reach its zenith as a community hub, hosting an array of events like music gatherings and ice cream socials. It transitioned into a local boarding house in 1941 before reverting to a private residence, where it remained until its donation.
The recent restoration endeavors have aimed to bring the inn back to its appearance around the turn of the 19th century, showcasing period colors and Victorian decorations that capture its historical essence. The Spring Park Inn is now open free of charge to the public on Fridays from 5 to 7 p.m. and offers paid tours on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission for adults is set at $10, while children’s tickets are priced at $5.
Future plans for the inn include potential development into a community park, although specific details are still in process. The overall goal remains to establish a space where community members can gather, reminisce, and create new memories.
Key Features of the Spring Park Inn
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Main Street, Travelers Rest, SC |
| Construction Year | 1820s |
| Restoration Completion | 2023 |
| Open Hours (Free) | Fridays, 5 to 7 p.m. |
| Open Hours (Paid Tours) | Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. |
| Admission Fee | $10 for adults, $5 for children |
| Future Plans | Community park development |
FAQ Section
What is the Spring Park Inn?
The Spring Park Inn is a historic inn in Travelers Rest, South Carolina, originally established in the 1820s and serving as a community gathering place.
When is the inn open for tours?
The inn is open for free tours on Fridays from 5 to 7 p.m. and for paid tours on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
How much does it cost to visit the inn?
Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children.
Who restored the Spring Park Inn?
The restoration was funded by Nell Gibson and local donors after the property was donated to the Travelers Rest Historical Society in 2020.
What are the future plans for the Spring Park Inn?
Future plans may include transforming the property into a community park, although specific details are yet to be announced.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Travelers Rest Historic Spring Park Inn Open
- Wikipedia: Travelers Rest, South Carolina
- WSPA: Zip Trip History of Travelers Rest
- Google Search: Travelers Rest South Carolina
- Fox Carolina: Travelers Rest to Honor Revolutionary War Heroine
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
- Greenville Journal: Inn at Altamont – Project Update
- Southern Living: Best Small Towns in South Carolina
- World Atlas: Offbeat South Carolina Towns to Visit in 2025
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
