By Jennifer Bradley Franklin, Southbound Magazine
During his career as a professional road cyclist, George Hincapie was drawn to the South, seeking warmer weather that would allow him to train outdoors year round. Greenville, with its mountainous climbs and winding valley roads, had much in common with the European terrain he navigated during his 17 Tours de France. Beyond its natural assets, he fell in love with Greenville's restaurants, abundant parks, and family friendly vibes. And so, a couple of decades ago, he decided to make it home.
In 2012, Hincapie and his brother Rich opened Hotel Domestique in the foothills of Travelers Rest, about 20 minutes outside of Greenville, transforming the shuttered La Bastide inn into a luxury hotel with amenities reminiscent of his time in Europe. "Riding by, I always thought it would be cool to get the hotel renovated and going again," he says. "I wanted to make it a great destination for anybody and a world-class cycling destination as well." Likewise, the name is a double entendre: It's both French for "servant'' and the role Hincapie played on cycling teams, working to keep the team's lead cyclist in a winning position.
The sprawling boutique property has 13 rooms and suites, all named for prime cycling spots in France (e.g., Aspin, Chartres). Serious cyclists will find all they need for an enjoyable stay, including an on-site bike mechanic, in-room massagers to knead out stiff muscles, and a wellness room outfitted with Torque and NordicTrack equipment and a cold plunge. Guests hoping to simply relax or explore the area will appreciate amenities such as the saltwater pool, hot tub, infrared sauna, and pantry stocked with complimentary snacks.
The hotel's on-site restaurant, Restaurant 17, has become a local destination for European-inspired cuisine created by Chef Haydn Shaak, a recent South Carolina chef ambassador. Visitors who come sans bike can rent one pre loaded with navigation to Hincapie's favorite local training routes.
Although running the hotel and leading Gran Fondo Hincapie cycling events around the country keep Hincapie busy, he says he loves spending time with his wife, Melanie, and three children in Greenville. "It's just this cool, walkable little downtown people fall in love with," he says. "There are restaurants everywhere, and you're just steps from Falls Park on the Reedy River."
Over the last two decades, Hincapie has seen the community grow, but its essential charms-great weather, friendly locals, and gorgeous natural scenery remain.
"It's getting a little busier, but it's still relatively quiet," he says. ''If you know where to go, it remains a great place to ride."
MORNING PICK-ME-UP
"There's a cool food hall on the Swamp Rabbit Trail called the Commons. There are a couple of great restaurants and [locally roasted] Methodical Coffee. The egg sandwich there is my go-to."
KID CENTRAL
"I go to Unity Park all the time. It's a spectacular place for kids with four playgrounds. Falls Park is also really picturesque."
SMART ART
"Art Crossing galleries are an ideal spot to check out local art. My buddy Jared Emerson is a great artist who has studio space there. I have a bunch of his pieces."
PLATE-A-PASTA
"I really like Jianna, which is an Italian place right downtown. It's close to the river and right across the street from the pedestrian bridge overlooking the waterfall. I usually order the pasta special of the day, especially if it happens to be lasagna."
