TCMU Guest Services Manager named 2026 Upcountry Hospitality Employee of the Year
April 22, 2026
Taylor Patterson, Guest Services Manager at The Children’s Museum of the Upstate, has been named the 2026 Upcountry Hospitality Employee of the Year for her ability to turn everyday guest interactions into memorable experiences.
The award, presented by Discover Upcountry Carolina Association, recognizes front-line employees who consistently exceed expectations and help shape positive visitor experiences across the region. The program is coordinated and co-sponsored by the South Carolina Association of Tourism Regions (SCATR) and the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism (SCPRT), with nominees submitted from 11 tourism regions statewide.
Patterson brings a decade of hospitality experience to her role at TCMU, which welcomes more than 250,000 visitors annually. She started as a front-of-house specialist in 2023 and was quickly promoted to management as she became known among colleagues for her energy and genuine care for guests.
“Working in hospitality has always been about so much more than service to me. It’s about making people feel seen, welcomed, cared for, and remembered. Every time I go to work, I get a chance to make someone else’s day a little better – and that’s something I never take lightly,” said Patterson.
Whether she’s helping a family carry bags to their car, creating a magical moment for a child visiting TCMU, or simply offering a parent a quiet moment to reset while their children are enjoying the museum, Patterson has built a reputation for turning everyday interactions into lasting memories. That approach to service is exactly what earned her the title.
“Taylor is the perfect example of above-and-beyond service,” said Jennifer Garcia, Senior Director of Visitor Experience at The Children’s Museum of the Upstate. “From creating everyday magic for kids to making every person who walks through the door feel like they’re her personal guest, she does it all. Taylor is a firecracker – she’s a booming ray of light and joy.”
Patterson received her award on April 16 at The Children’s Museum of the Upstate, where coworkers surprised her with a celebration that doubled as a birthday party – an unexpected moment for someone who typically works behind the scenes to create those experiences for others.
“Taylor represents the very best of what hospitality looks like in the Upstate,” said Tim Todd, Executive Director of Discover Upcountry Carolina Association. “Her ability to create meaningful, memorable moments for visitors speaks to the heart of why tourism matters in our communities.”
Discover Upcountry Carolina Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting travel and tourism across Anderson, Cherokee, Greenville, Oconee, Pickens, and Spartanburg counties.
Pictured – Tim Todd and Taylor Patterson
