Arts & Culture on the Mountain
There is no better place than Glassy Mountain to practice your artistic talents. From our resident Glassy Mountain Chorale to individuals who love photography to painting, you can sing, snap or brushstroke your way to wonderful opportunities! Each month, local performers are featured as part of the Glassy Concert Series held at The Chapel. Performers come from as far away as Tennessee and Georgia to entertain residents with music from Blue Grass to Beethoven. Some residents offer their own talents by providing painting lessons and classes. Frequent lecture series are held at the Clubhouse which explore topics like nutrition, our local Dark Corner and SC state history, various wildlife, beekeeping, bird watching, native plants, and so much more. Glassy is a Certified Audubon Sanctuary and the Audubon staff often hold indoor lectures or come onsite for hands-on outdoor demonstrations.
Landrum
Located just twenty minutes from Glassy Mountain, the city of Landrum is nestled against the backdrop of the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. While many small cities have lost their traditional downtown to commercial development, Landrum has strengthened its traditional pedestrian oriented downtown environment. Enjoy strolling through the unique antique stores, ice cream shops, Amish shops, boutiques and specialty shops. Then dine in one of Landrum’s quaint eateries. Two national grocery stores, a bank, and three pharmacies are located in Landrum just outside of the charming downtown area.
Greenville
Forbes Magazine cited Greenville as one of America’s Best Downtowns and Glassy is located just a 35-minute drive to its thriving downtown district. Here residents can find world-class dining at hundreds of independent and chef-owned restaurants, plus craft beer pubs, boutiques and theaters. Visitors enjoy Falls Park on the Reedy River with its famous ‘floating’ suspension bridge. The Peace Center, located adjacent to the beautiful Falls Park area, is a performing arts center with a full-size concert hall, theater and amphitheater that hosts over 300 events a year. Families can spend quality time together at the Children’s Museum of the Upstate or the Greenville Center. Throughout the year, the city turns several blocks along Main Street into pedestrian-only space for special city events such as the Greenville Blues music festival, the Blue Grass music festival, and every Saturday morning, the popular Greenville Farmer’s Market. The Wall Street Journal recently named Greenville a rising star “on the forefront of Americas economic recovery”.
Asheville
Located less than an hour from Glassy, this welcoming mountain city features a relaxed bohemian vibe and eclectic downtown with numerous art galleries, a flourishing culinary scene, and a plethora of craft beer breweries, as well as a thriving live music scene. Asheville is also home to Biltmore®, America’s Largest Home®, built by George Vanderbilt. Open 365 days a year, guests can enjoy exploring the estate along with its historic gardens and grounds, plus restaurants, shops, and winery.
Hendersonville
Escape from life’s hectic pace to the beautiful scenery and southern hospitality of Hendersonville. Sixteen blocks constitute the Historic Downtown Hendersonville which contains a mix of specialty shops, art galleries, museums, funky-to-formal restaurants and vibrant entertainment venues. The Flat Rock Playhouse is located just a few minutes from Hendersonville where Broadway-quality musicals, comedies, and dramas can be enjoyed.
Travelers Rest
Travelers Rest has been ranked as one of the “Best Southern Small Towns” by USA Today. Top rated restaurants, antique merchants, fashion boutiques, a brewery, and a robust outdoor outfitter are all found in town. Outdoor enthusiasts are sure to be pleased with the Swamp Rabbit Trail. Originally an old railroad line, it’s been converted into a fifteen mile paved pathway that weaves from Travelers Rest to Greenville. Fishing, kayaking, rock climbing, white water rafting and gentle river tubing are just minutes away.
Flat Rock
The community of Flat Rock began almost two centuries ago and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. This is home to the Flat Rock Playhouse which produces a variety of comedies, musicals and dramas, and the “Music on the Rock” Concert series. Performances include a mix of beloved favorites from Broadway musicals to country music, bluegrass, pop and rock. The Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site is also found in Flat Rock. The Home was built in 1838 and now houses Sandburg’s collection of 10,000 books. Flat Rock has an interesting history. Affluent Charlestonians, Europeans, and prominent plantation owners of the South’s Low Country, built their large summer estates in the English manner. Thus, this area is still affectionately known as, “The Little Charleston of the Mountains”.
Tryon
What started as a railroad town in the 1800’s, the Town of Tryon was built on the backs of equestrian activities and vineyards. This is home to the internationally acclaimed Tryon Equestrian Center and many independent vineyards. Downtown Tryon offers a mix of fine restaurants, art collections, and theater. Nearby Pearson Falls offers some of the best outdoor recreation in the area. Take the walking tour of Tryon and you will quickly see why the locals call it, “The Friendliest City in the South”!
