Robert B. Briggs, mayor, and Rich Caplan, city administrator
Rich Caplan recently became city manager of Landrum, SC, a foothills destination in the Upstate that made Southern Living’s 2016 list of Best Small Towns in the South.
“A city’s downtown represents the community’s living room,” says Caplan. “While many small cities have lost their traditional downtowns, Landrum has held onto and strengthened its downtown through careful and deliberate city planning.”
Antique shops find fitting homes in the downtown’s historic buildings, many of which are brightened by colorful quilt blocks that make up the Foothills Quilt Trail. “Each quilt carries its own story,” Caplan says, “often linked to the history of the site, business or family hosting the block.”
A renovated train depot, specialty shops and unique restaurants add to the charm. Freddy Ruehl of Community Promotions, who has worked with Landrum in its marketing efforts, cites the walkability of the downtown where almost every building is occupied. “The City and the merchants are working together,” he says. “It’s a very good synergy between them.”
Landrum is located off I-26 East less than an hour’s drive from Asheville. Learn more at cityoflandrumsc.com or by calling 864.457.3000.
