In the heart of the Upstate, a transformation is taking place that blends rugged tradition with warm hospitality. For the Sims family, including sisters Abbey McGinnis and Emily Melton, Riverbend is more than just a business—it is a labor of love, a tribute to family, and a thriving hub for community connection. Over the past three years, the family has worked closely together to revitalize this historic 500-acre property, turning a classic hunting lodge into a premier venue for retreats, fine dining, and outdoor sporting.
Preserving a Family Legacy
The story of the new Riverbend began with a rescue mission. The property, which has operated as a business for roughly 30 years, was at risk of being sold and developed into track housing. The family stepped in to ensure the land remained intact, motivated by their father’s deep connection to the location.
For the entire family, the project is deeply personal. Their father, who passed away in July after a battle with cancer, was the heartbeat and driving vision behind acquiring the property. He and the family did the bulk of the work together, and today, they continue to grow the business in his honor, ensuring that his dream for the land thrives for future generations.
Success Through Hospitality and Welcoming the Public
Since taking the reins, the family has breathed new energy into the establishment. Abbey notes that their biggest success has simply been watching the growth of life and movement return to Riverbend.
While Riverbend operates as a full-service hunting lodge specializing in wing shooting—with guides and dogs for quail, chucker, pheasant, and ducks—it has evolved into much more. A major part of this evolution was a cultural shift: transitioning the property from a fully private club under previous ownership into an inclusive space open to the public.
To ensure the sporting experience remained top-tier during this transition, the family hired Brian Sullivan to take charge of all the hunting and sporting clays. His expertise has been absolutely instrumental to Riverbend’s success.
Coupled with a commercial kitchen and a full-time chef hosting monthly dinners, the family has created a space with a genuine “wow factor” that feels welcoming to everyone. The ultimate compliment they receive from guests is that they “felt so at home” during their stay. This welcoming culture has allowed them to grow almost entirely through word-of-mouth.
Overcoming the Renovation Challenge
The road to revitalization brought its own unique challenges. When the family took over the lodge, originally built in 1985, they faced the massive task of updating the facilities to match their new, vibrant vision.
Beyond the physical updates, they also had to navigate the financial complexities of such a large acquisition. Here, their father’s expertise shone brightly. As a respected land developer in the Upstate of South Carolina for over 30 years, he had the brilliant vision to strategically develop nearly 100 acres into smaller tracts, allowing them to secure the remaining land and the lodge for the family’s dream.
A Future Focused on Connection and Growth
Looking ahead, the family has a broad target audience and clear sights on where Riverbend is going. They love hosting corporate groups who find the lodge perfect for overnight retreats. Furthermore, while they are already successfully renting out their 17 rooms, the team is excited to expand their lodging options by offering couples’ retreats and introducing a Bed & Breakfast style experience in the spring.
To attain these goals, they are modernizing their operations, moving away from “pen and paper” methods to a specialized back-office system that facilitates online bookings. Marketing is also getting a thoughtful refresh. Rather than expanding into new platforms all at once, the family is focusing entirely on authentic storytelling and the beautiful presentation of the Riverbend experience, utilizing video content like Reels to visually share their welcoming story.
With a clear strategic plan, beautifully refreshed facilities, and a dedication to their father’s legacy, the family is proving that Riverbend is here to stay—welcoming old friends and new faces alike to experience the great outdoors in style.
