A road trip to Atlanta to see my son had been on the calendar for months, and I could not wait to get started.
I opted for the truck instead of the motorcycle because most of the 800 mile round trip would have been spent on the interstate. Truth be told, my son is always happier when I am not riding the bike anyway. Since I was leaving from the office at the end of the day, I decided to stop in Greenville, SC that first night.
Greenville is known for it’s urban revitalization. With a focus on public-private partnerships and investment in natural resources, the city is enjoying the success of a 30 yr endeavor.
I arrived in Greenville at 9:30 on Thursday evening, and as I always do when I travel, immediately went on the hunt for a local restaurant and a cold beer. Local Que was just the place, and I enjoyed a BBQ Quesadilla and this Quest Smoked Porter. Yum!
The next morning, I was up early to ride the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 20 mile bicycle / pedestrian trail that follows along the Reedy River.
Amenities along the trail include lighting, picnic areas, benches, water fountains, restrooms, signage and bicycle racks. Views of the Reedy River are plentiful along the trail.
The Swamp Rabbit runs right through downtown Greenville and over The Liberty Bridge.
“At 345 feet long, 12 feet wide and 8 inches thick, the concrete reinforced deck is supported by a single suspension cable”.
As I stood there on the bridge, attempting to capture the beauty of Falls Park on an overly bright, sunny day, I could feel subtle movement beneath my feet.
Riding on, I passed this pre-civil war building. The shell that remains is used for weddings and other events.
6/20/2016 – I reached out to the Visitor’s Center for more information about this shell building and found out that it is the former Markley Carriage Factory Paint Shop. It was part of an historic industrial complex constructed between 1850 and 1914.
The Wyche Pavilion was built in 1904, and when sold, became the first factory for the production of Duke’s mayonnaise.
I loved the mix of old and new,
but mostly, I loved the commitment to appropriate growth, history, and nature that city leaders had.
After a 14.5 mile ride, it was time to shower and get back on the road for Atlanta.
If you are ever in the area, be sure to explore Greenville. My visit was short, but oh so nice, and I look forward to a return visit.
Next Post: Atlanta!
Life on the Bike and other Fab Things 
Love the light play and the graceful lines incorporated into the various structures/bridges!!!!! Fun!!! With recent (torrential) rains, the motorcycles have seen the inside of the garage more than outside!!!
It seems like feast or famine sometimes, doesn’t it? Too much rain or not enough! I’m hoping to ride this Sunday … I’ll hope you get to, as well. Fingers crossed!
Our garage project (for DH) and clients’ projects (me) have required abstinence from any riding (although, DH managed a short putt to town yesterday to pick up a library book!!!!). Sunday, here, is forecast to be in the mid 90s with high humidity. I’ll have to see what actually transpires.
That’s a very lovely trail in Greenville. I love how they created a trail in the city, along the river. There is a state trail in Green Bay that is somewhat similar as it runs along the Fox River, but it does not have a cool suspension bridge.
Nice photos…my two favorite are the “old and new” with the front of your bicycle tire and the beer. The latter does look yummy! 🙂
Greenville is such a cool place, Mary. Local Que, in addition to having great BBQ and that yummy porter, had all kinds of board games to play. So folks could come in, eat, drink, and play a game.
It’s been 20 yrs since I’ve been to Green Bay, and unless I ride through on the motorcycle, I’ll bring the bicycle. I do love exploring a new bike trail
You’re welcome to come any time, Laurie. There are so many great trails to explore.
Of all these excellent images, perhaps the juxtaposition of the bicycle spokes and the spiky grasses is my favourite
Thank you, Derrick. I wasn’t sure about that one.
Bet the original Swamp Rabbit trail has a few stories – love that name! Great shots Laurie!
Patti, next time I get to Greenville, I plan to learn a bit more of the history, including why the trail is called Swamp Rabbit 🙂
Excellent photos as usual, Greenville has been added to my list of places I need to go.
You’ll love it!!
Great photos. Thanks for sharing with us armchair travelers. Have a wonderful visit with your son. It looks like a great place to visit. Wish more cities thought things through before they built.
Urban planning is so often realized too late. This particular city ignored it’s river and downtown, and it was falling into decay.The courage of the city leaders to buck the opposition and move forward is impressive.
I had SO MUCH FUN with my son! It was a packed, wonderful 48 hours. I’ll be sharing more about that soon!
Yes, putting this on the list…thanks for sharing.
Laurie, I know it’s a long way from Texas, but I think you’d enjoy this little city.
Great shots. I love to see a rock bottomed river tumbling on its way somewhere.
Me, too, Lisa! I’d heard about Greenville when I was still serving on City Council. It’s the little city that made a huge investment in itself and completely reinvented itself, with the river as it’s focus.
Is there such a thing as a swamp rabbit Laurie? The town looks beautiful and it is so nice to hear of a place that has worked hard to ensure living in it, and visiting it, is a pleasure.
So of course, I had to go do some research, Pauline. Wikipedia notes that the swamp rabbit or swamp hare is a large cottontail rabbit found in the swamps and wetlands of the southern United States. Other common names for the swamp rabbit include marsh rabbit and cane-cutter. The common name, along with the species name “aquaticus” (meaning found in water), are suitable names for a species with a strong preference for wet areas and that will take to the water and swim.
So a bunny that likes water!
I was out riding today, and thought about you as I rode the beautiful roads of Virginia and North Carolina. ❤
Great photos mate. I like the beer stop 😀
It was a great place for a beer. I got to try several other new beers while in Atlanta, too.
More on that, soon!
Life is short enough to try as many different beers as possible..
Greenville looks like a nice relaxing place to live. I wonder. Love your old and new photo the best! Drive (and ride) safely.
Thanks Emilio. I’m just back from a 200 mile ride through the mountains of VA and NC. It was a perfect ride day 🙂
As usual, beautiful photos, Laurie. Like you, I really appreciate when a community can integrate the old and new. When done well, like Greenville appears to be, the end result is always beautiful.
Hope you had a great weekend visiting your son … and riding. Clever to stow the bike in with your packing 😉
I love water falls and I love bridges. You seem to encounter, and capture, so many on your journeys, so I’m guessing you love them as well. I always feel like I’m along for the ride.
I can appreciate your son’s angst over your time on the bike. Your accident was a serious one, and you mean so much to him. It’s interesting when both the parent and the child worry about each other.
That said, I know how much you love your time on the bike, and without that time on the bike, I probably wouldn’t have met you, while at the same time worry about you. Ah, what a crazy cycle of life. And on the subject of cycling, oh my what fun. Love you, Laurie.