In the foothills of Upstate South Carolina, lies this delightful city called Fountain Inn. How this city got its strange name is a good story. Stagecoach drivers that traveled between Greenville and the Lowcountry in South Carolina used to stop by and rest at an old inn on the way, which happened to have a fountain. So travelers started calling the old inn “Fountain Inn” and it stuck. Today, Fountain Inn is a small town filled with historic landmarks, beautiful nature trails and interesting places to stop by. All of which I’m about to list for you.
1. Cedar Falls Park
Creek style falls at the end of a 2.2 mile (3.5 kilometer) long trail, this is one of the most peaceful and relaxing places on earth. The scenery here is just breathtaking. The trail is not difficult-it’s a moderate hike with restaurants along the way in case you get hungry. A perfect place to spend your weekend mornings, the Cedar Falls are definitely one of our favorite spots in Fountain Inn. Kick off your shoes when you reach the falls and dip them in the cool fresh water, you’ll feel like you never want to leave.
Cedar Falls Park
Address: 201 Cedar Falls Rd, Fountain Inn, SC 29644
Price: Free
Opening Hours: 8am - 8pm. Closed on public holidays.
Contact: +1 864-288-6470
Website: Cedar Falls Park
2. Younts Center for Performing Arts
Recently renovated, now filled with comfy seats and a new sound system, this center has something for everyone! Plays, musicals, symphonies, and comedy performances are held here at a surprisingly frequent rate. Great performance reviews have been given about the Fountain Inn Orchestra and Chorale and they perform several wonderful concerts each year. Check out the shows at the Younts Center when you drop by. You might be able to get a ticket to watch something fascinating while in Fountain Inn!
Younts Center for Performing Arts
Address: 315 N Main St, Fountain Inn, SC 29644
Price: Depends on show. Look up shows at the link below.
Opening Hours: 10am - 5pm. Closed on public holidays.
Contact: +1 877-725-8849
Website: Younts Center for Performing Arts
3. Black Horse Run
Want to learn how to ride a horse? Drop by Black Horse Run where the very friendly owner, Jerry, will guide you through the entire process. His method of horse training and rider education is superb and the ranch hands are super helpful. A great place to visit regardless of your level of skill in horseback riding. This is a fun activity for family, friends and even couples, so go have a great time!
Black Horse Run
Address: 2245 Fairview Rd, Fountain Inn, SC 29644
Price: from 35 USD
Opening Hours: 9am - 6pm. Closed on public holidays.
Duration: From 30 mins onwards.
Contact: +1 864-505-7920
Website: Black Horse Run
4. Swamp Rabbit Trail
A great trail for both bike rides and walks, this 17.5 mile (28 kilometer) trail will take you through scenic views of the Greenville area on a pleasant, paved path with plenty of fun stops along the way. If you choose to stay the night, you can opt for a stop at Travelers Rest. And one great place to stop along the way is the Swamp Rabbit Cafe for a snack, to refill your bottle and use the restroom before you continue your journey. If you’re unfamiliar with this trail, it would be a good move to print out a map before embarking because it can be confusing at times when you have no guide. Have fun!
Swamp Rabbit Trail
Address: 898 Hellams St, Fountain Inn, SC 29644
Price: Free
Website: Swamp Rabbit Trail
5. Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum & Baseball Library
Baseball fans can’t miss out on a visit to Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum & Baseball Library. Once home to Shoeless Joe and his wife Katie until their passing in 1951 and 1959 respectively, the house was uprooted from Wilburn Avenue in 2006 and moved to its current location on Field Street.
This museum is non-profit and was made to honor and celebrate Joe’s impressive achievements (a .365 batting average) and his career in Major League Baseball. A gift shop and museum were added in 2021, expanding the already impressive collection inside. This is a superb destination for any baseball fan, and even if you are not one, it’s a fascinating place to drop by.
Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum & Baseball Library
Address: 356 Field Street, Greenville, SC 29601 (Across from Fluor Field on the West End)
Website: Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum & Baseball Library
Opening hours: 11am - 7pm (daily)
6. Fountain Inn Museum
This adorable museum will tell you all you need to know about the history of the town of Fountain Inn. Their tour begins all the way from the Native American settlements, to the migration of the White settlers and the building of an inn near a “fountain” spring for the stage coach travellers, hence the name Fountain Inn. It’s usually closed on Mondays so plan appropriately, and when you do go, don’t miss the mural there showing a huge photo of Main Street in 1935.
Fountain Inn Museum
Address: 102 Depot St Fountain Inn, SC 29644
Price: Free
Opening Hours: 10am - 5pm. Closed on public holidays.
Contact: +1 864-862-2586 Ext 24
Website: Fountain Inn Museum
7. Stella's Southern Bistro
With a great atmosphere and outstanding service, this is the place to be when you’re hungry in Fountain Inn. They have amazing food, which is why you shouldn’t come on a Saturday night without a reservation-it’s that crowded. Try the steak, pork chops, shrimp and grits and the monk fish. The latter two are to die for, but I might be a bit biased since I’m a seafood person. That’s not all, this place has pretty good wine and amazing desserts-try the Key Lime Tort-to finish off.
Stella's Southern Bistro
Address: 684 Fairview Rd, Simpsonville, SC 29680
Price: 11-30 USD
Opening Hours: 11:30am–2:30pm, 5:30–9pm. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Contact: +1 864-757-1212
Website: Stella’s Southern Bistro
8. Mad Cuban Cafe
What’s amazing here is the authentic Cuban food and the coffee. Everything served here is tasty and fresh. Try the empanadas, they’re fried to perfection and the meat here is cooked with just the right taste and texture. Get some Mad Cuban Sauce with your order if you love spicy food, like me. It’s a perfect combination: great meat, spicy sauce and delicious coffee. You will definitely return!
Mad Cuban Cafe
Address: 699 Fairview Rd # C, Simpsonville, SC 29680
Price: Under 10 USD
Opening Hours: 11am - 8pm. Closed on public holidays.
Contact: +1 864-757-9530
Website: Mad Cuban Cafe
9. Discovery Island waterpark
Get ready for plenty of family fun! Waterslide thrills, spacious pools and even artificial wave surfing await those who visit Discovery Island waterpark, which is just 6 miles (10 kilometers) away in nearby Simpsonville. So, whether you’re a daredevil craving the adrenaline-fuelled fun of the 175ft long (54 meters) body slide, a boogie boarding fan who cannot wait to take advantage of the FlowRider Perpetual Wave, or prefer the gentler charms of the 270ft long (83 metre) Lazy River, there’s something to suit everyone in your family or group. There’s also a Splash ‘n Play Structure for the very youngest members of the family to enjoy.
Discovery Island
Address: 417 Baldwin Road, Simpsonville, SC 29680
Price: 48 inches and taller - 12 USD. 47 inches and under - 8 USD; Seniors - 8 USD; Two years and under - free.
Opening hours: Summer: Saturdays 10:30am to 5:30pm. Sundays 1pm to 5:30pm
Contact: +1 864-963-4345
Website: Discovery Island
10. Heritage Park
Music fans will love this option in neighbouring Simpsonville. The 15,000 seat Heritage Park amphitheatre has played host to some big names in the music world, from Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson to the Doobie Brothers and Mumford and Sons. And you don’t have to wait for a big gig to enjoy the area. Heritage Park itself is also home to a sports complex, so those who’d rather burn off a few calories, instead of soaking up the musical vibe, will be more than happy. Hundreds of former visitors rated the park very highly as a place to take the family, citing the play areas and baseball fields as great places to unwind and have a little fun.
Heritage Park Amphitheatre
Address: 861 SE Main Street, Simpsonville, South Carolina 29681
Price: Depends on the show. Look up the shows at the link below.
Contact: +1 864-296-6601
Website: Heritage Park Amphitheatre
The quiet, quaint town of Fountain Inn, South Carolina
Fountain Inn offers a pretty well-rounded experience for any traveler. It’s got plenty of outdoor activities, fantastic natural trails, bizarre museums and great southern food. It almost feels like you’re overindulging in life when you’re at Fountain Inn. You might find it hard to leave this charming town once it’s worked its spell on you.