Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

In the past year more than 8,400 people have stopped in for information about the area or to use the restroom.  The Visitor Center, located at 20 W. Main Street, has a nice open room with information about Saluda and the surrounding area and two ADA-compliant restrooms. The Visitor Center’s mission is to enhance the visitor’s experience and promote Saluda businesses and accommodations.

“The Visitor Center helps create memories and pleasant experiences for first-time visitors to Saluda,” said Paul Marion, chair of the Saluda Tourism Development Authority. “I think we have all been surprised by the number of people who have never been to Saluda but have heard about it and come in with lots of questions. Our volunteers do an incredible job answering them and making suggestions.”

The center is run by an all-volunteer staff and all operating expenses are split equally among the Saluda Downtown Foundation, Saluda Business Association and the Saluda Tourism Development Authority. The center is open seven days a week and the spring / summer hours are 10:30 am to 4:30 pm.

The center runs a continuous slideshow about Saluda’s history created by the Saluda Historic Committee. Center volunteers have also created several pamphlets about town walking tours, hikes, shopping and fun things to do in the area. There are also rack cards and pamphlets about the general area.

“Saluda is the perfect place for a safe, family friendly vacation,” said Marion. “Folks can stay in one of the many short-term vacation rentals, spend the day sightseeing throughout western North and South Carolina and return to peace, quiet, good food, shopping and a friendly community.”

Submitted by Lynn Casey