The “Blue Ridge” region around Tigerville and North Greenville University is surging in popularity with folks moving-in from various parts of Greenville County and the entire U.S. In fact, the year-round population in the “29690” has increased almost 20 percent over the past decade.

And while downtown Travelers Rest is chock-full of excellent eateries like Sidewall Pizza, Farmhouse Tacos and Monkey Wrench Smokehouse, there’s a dearth of restaurants in the outlying areas to the north to serve residents and visitors.

Enter Core 450.

“Cherokee Valley is in a wonderful location almost midway between downtown Travelers Rest and downtown Greer, but because it is more rural there are naturally fewer places to dine out,” says Cherokee Valley Course and Club and Core 450 owner Matt Jennings. “We’re in a unique position to be able to serve our community with the opening of Core 450.”

Scheduled to open in mid-December, Core 450 is rounding into shape in the location of the former Cherokee Valley clubhouse. A full-service, contemporary casual dining restaurant, it will feature expansive views of the first, ninth and 18^th holes of the golf course.

“Core 450 will be more than a restaurant, it will be a place for families, couples, golfers and friends to gather and enjoy a wide-variety of fun dining experiences,” says Jennings.

Getting excited? We are, too. And it’s never too early to plan your first visit. Here are four different ways to experience Core 450 that will showcase everything it has to offer.

Family Fun Night

Dining out with the family means different things during different stages of life. For those with older kids fully capable of hanging out with mom and dad at the table for an hour or so, it’s a fairly peaceful affair.

But for those with younger kiddos who get the urge to run around and sing, scream or laugh aloud every two minutes, it can be … well … a challenge. 

Core 450’s expansive outdoor patio overlooking the 18th green is the perfect place for mom and dad to enjoy a cold beverage while the kids get their energy out on the lawn. 

And with the little ones occupied, there’s ample time to enjoy a full slate of appetizers, dinner and desert.

Golf Group Hangs

“We expect tee times between noon and 2 p. m. to become hot commodities,” Jennings says, only half joking. “Golfers can finish up their round just as it’s happy hour or time for dinner.”

Imagine putting-out on the par-4 18th hole and strolling into Core 450 with your golf group for a round of cold craft brews and small plates of short rib tacos, pork belly ban mi and a shareable portion of truffle fries. 

Or enjoy a hearty dinner and catch some of the big game on one of Core 450’s flat screen TVs.

There are some amazing 19th holes in Greenville, but many are located in private clubs and available to members, only. With views of the golf course and surrounding Blue Ridge Mountain foothills, and open to everyone, Core 450 should rank among the best post-round “hangs” in the region. 

Destination Lunches

In the south, the proverbial business “power lunch” takes on a much different feel than in the faster-paced Northeast or the no non-sense Midwest. 

And we South Carolinians love our “destination lunches.” During these extended, midday sojourns to a convivial and calming eatery, we catch up with our clients and colleagues about family, first, football, second and then the business at hand.

“The Blue Ridge area is one of the most beautiful spots on the Upstate and people will love escaping to Core 450 for a couple hours to get away from the hustle and bustle,” Jennings says. “Our artisan pizzas from the brick oven are perfect for sharing for lunch and along with a fresh salad featuring local greens.”

Date Night Redefined

Imagine an unparalleled dining experience with a crew of your favorite couples savoring a six-course tasting menu in Core 450’s “Chef’s Corner.” 

Jennings and his wife Renee personally visit your group about not only the food, but the preparation and cooking techniques. Heck, he might even join you for a course or two. 

Or maybe you’re just looking for a quiet, romantic night alone with your significant other, a bottle of wine and a succulent steak or seafood dinner. 

Core 450 can play either role, any day of the week. 

“We want Core 450 to have a strong identity and brand, but it will also be versatile enough to serve a wide-variety of guests,” Jennings says.

“Cheers” to that and see you soon.

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