We had the good fortune of connecting with Cliff Carden and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cliff, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I am comfortable with risk. As long as my wife is on the same page, of course! I enjoy taking risks and I believe that taking risks is necessary to create something new. Fundamentally, I feel I am tasked to fiscally steward resources and strive to wisely implement that task to my projects and businesses.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Saluda Outdoor Center and Saluda Outdoor River Company are family friendly destinations on the Saluda River for lodging and floating just minutes outside of downtown Greenville. Purchased in 2020, our vision was to create a day trip adventure for our local Upstate residents and a destination for family vacationers.

While undertaking any new project, we always look to better the property, be a good neighbor, and contribute well to the community. Starting a new business can be challenging and we have had several bumps along the way. We are still continuing to grow the property and expand to offer more lodging. By implementing our vision and seeing Saluda Outdoor’s growth and expansion, we are very grateful we took the leap and started our own business.

With the purchase of the 3 acre property, we created Saluda Outdoor Center and offer riverside tiny homes, river pods, and other unique stays, such as a converted BlueBird bus and a container home, for our guests.
We have a restaurant on the property with an outdoor stage for live music from local favorites and newcomers.

Saluda Outdoor River Company offers river floats during the summer months from Memorial Day weekend through September. Thousands of tubers floated with us this past summer and we can’t wait for the new season!

Customer service is a top priority at Saluda Outdoor and we are proud of our Crew for continually being the best! Our success is directly relational to their efforts to make each guest feel welcome, make each stay & each float a 5-star experience, and bring our guests back again.

We are enjoying the adventure of starting this business and watching our vision grow.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The upstate of South Carolina has some many amazing places and people!

We love downtown Greenville! The walkability of Main Street and Falls Park, the variety of restaurants and breweries, and the friendly people you meet along the sidewalks make it a favorite destination! Our favorite restaurants to visit are Woodside Bistro, Larkins, Comal 864, Las Meras Tortas, and Pita House.

We also love to visit Travelers Rest. The Swamp Rabbit Trail offers a nice walk or bike ride. We love to visit Shortfields, Sidewall Pizza, and The Community Tap. Trailblazer Park has an amazing Farmer’s Market!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Saluda Outdoor would not be possible without my business partner, Bo Bruce. His energy, drive, and work ethic are unmatched and his partnership keeps our vision moving forward. Bo’s friendship continually encourages me when the days are long and the lists are even longer. Shout out to my wife, Kristi, and to Bo’s wife, Lisa, for all their support as well!

Website: https://www.saludaoutdoorcenter.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saludaoutdoorcenter/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saludaoutdoorcenter

Other: https://www.saludaoutdoorrivercompany.com

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