One of Greenville’s best features is the spectacular natural beauty that surrounds us. Today we get out and enjoy the scenery and fresh mountain air. We may learn a little history along with way, and we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.

Erected in 1909 by Charles Irwin Willis, Campbell’s Covered Bridge is the only remaining covered bridge in South Carolina. The 38-foot pine structure that crosses Beaverdam Creek is well preserved and walk-through fences allow a close-up view.

Continuing with the bridge theme is one named for a very important man in Greenville history. The Poinsett Bridge is the oldest intact bridge (c.1820) in South Carolina. The 14-ft. Gothic arch stone structure spans Little Gap Creek and was once part of the State Road that ran from Charleston to North Carolina. Named for the road’s designer and director of the SC Board of Public Works, Joel R. Poinsett, the bridge may have been designed by Robert Mills, architect of the Washington Monument. Poinsett was a prominent early resident of Greenville and a U.S. Ambassador to Mexico. The poinsettia flower, which Poinsett introduced in the U.S. from Mexico, is named for him.

Next, we travel to the charming little town of Flat Rock, North Carolina, to visit Connemara, the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site. Sandburg lived in this hilltop home from 1945 until 1967. Everything inside is as it was when he lived here. A fascinating look into the life of a great author. Designated as a National Historic Site in 1968 to honor Sandburg, the house actually dates back to 1838. Christopher Memminger, Secretary of the Treasury for the Confederate Army, built this home to escape the malaria of war-torn Charleston. Also on the estate is the Connemara Farms Goat Dairy where Sandburg’s wife operated the dairy and raised champion goats.

Up the mountain road we’ll travel to Mountain House Restaurant, located just below the entrance of Ceasars Head State Park. Lunch is served amid beautiful mountain scenery. The historic stone building of this special restaurant creates a memorable atmosphere for a fine meal.

After lunch, you’ll step out for a breath of fresh air at one of the most stunning overlooks in the nation in Ceasars Head State Park. A panoramic vista of the Blue Ridge Mountains spreads out before you from the amazing rock perch called “Ceasars Head.” Then, if you liked the waterfalls in downtown Greenville, you’ll be swept away by Raven Cliff Falls. Estimated at 420 feet, these falls are the highest in the state and one of the largest in the eastern U.S.

After a day of Upstate sights and mountain air, you’ll be ready to return to the twinkling lights along the Main Street of Greenville. Our Downtown Experience will include dinner at one of our favorite restaurants and perhaps a few surprises beyond.

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Photo Credit: Photos Courtesy of the Greenville Convention & Visitors Bureau.