Our small town, Travelers Rest, is growing tremendously. The population has developed from 3,237 people in 1990 to about 7,000, currently. With an area span of 4.4 square miles, new businesses and restaurants are still up and coming. In the past five years, restaurants like Shortfield’s, The Whistle Stop, Tandem Creperie & Coffeehouse, Sushi Yama, and Sidewall Pizza have opened. These new businesses all have their unique atmospheres, drawing thousands of people to travel to TR. And ever since its debut in 2007, the 21-mile Swamp Rabbit trail that connects Greenville to Travelers Rest has attracted thousands of people per week.

No actual population fits the term “small town.” Yet, many citizens of TR believe the town is growing dramatically and will not stay a small town much longer. There is no doubt that the atmosphere has changed, but the mayor of Travelers Rest, Mr. Wayne Mccall, believes the town will always stay quaint. Mccall acknowledges the town growth, but says, “I don’t think you will ever see the population get over 10,000-15,000.” He adds that if Travelers Rest has the land, businesses are welcomed to join us, but we’ll never be as big as Greenville or Spartanburg.

Mccall explains that Travelers Rest’s population increased ever since Furman University was founded. Including a university is a big addition to a community and now scholarly, young people are enjoying TR.

The town has also added new events to attract more people. The Travelers Rest Farmer’s Market, held at Trailblazer Park every Saturday morning is another active place in the town. The town sponsors many other events to interest more people. Many citizens living in cities surrounding TR are attracted to the charm and southern hospitality. An atmosphere like ours can not be replaced; the uniqueness of it is being noticed and in turn has resulted in more businesses and attention.     

The small town of Travelers Rest is undeniably growing. Expanding businesses and events have people wondering about the future of the town. As a student of the town’s high school, I am excited in what’s to come and look forward to more growth. Travelers Rest will always be a small town, but it is happy to welcome new faces.