10 Things to do in Downtown Greenville for Under 10 Bucks
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
Greenville’s vibrant, tree-lined Main Street is becoming a popular tourist destination, moreso with each passing year. The small, but jam packed downtown includes: a gorgeous waterfall, over 100 unique restaurants, art galleries, theaters, small museums, coffeehouses, and boutique shops. I loved exploring it all during my 2 years living in the region.
Unfortunately, the increased popularity means that the area is getting more expensive. Many of the restaurants, attractions, and boutique shops are quite pricey, and honestly, not a great value. I’ve seen prices go up almost everywhere just in a short period of time. Fortunately, there are still a few budget friendly choices to enjoy (for now!).
I do not believe that you have to spend a ton of money to have a great time, especially in a beautiful and active city like Greenville. My guide will focus on the best activities for anyone on a budget. I’ve tried to keep the cost down to around ten bucks per person.
1. Treat yourself to a wonderful espresso at Methodical Coffee
Main Street is home to a number of great independent coffee houses. It’s great to support local businesses, and in return, enjoy a higher quality product, along with a more eclectic local vibe. Methodical, the best coffee shop in the city, opened its’ doors in 2015 with a line outside the door all day. To this day, it continues to draw repeat visitors (I’ve definitely been here more than a time or 2), as well as acclaim from various travel and coffee publications like Food & Wine where it was named one of the country’s best roasters.
Methodical specializes in single origin and pour over coffee. The coffee of the day is always perfectly smooth and delicious. Hands down, they serve the best Americano and mocha in town. If you do not mind shelling out a few bucks, try a Siphon Coffee. This brewing method produces the smoothest, most flavorful cup. The presentation of the drinks in beautiful Blue Willow china definitely sets this coffeehouse experience apart from others in town.
If you are seeking a great place for an afternoon date, Methodical is one of my top picks. The 2 story layout with big windows overlooking the downtown creates a romantic ambiance not found at other coffee shops in the area. While the coffee here is quite expensive ($3-4 for a basic drip), it’s well worth the splurge for a cup of the best coffee in town.
Estimated cost: $3-6 (From a basic drip at 3 bucks to a Siphon at 6).
Location: 101 N. Main Street
2. Treat yourself to a unique steamed bagel at Sully’s
Sully’s Steamers is the place to go if you want to try something new, and definitely the best quick breakfast option downtown. This is often my choice when I need something that opens early (they open at 7 every day but Sunday).
They offer dozens of flavorful bagel sandwiches, including options to please both carnivores and vegetarians. Whether topped with scrambled eggs, hummus, or loads of meat, there is a bagel here for just about anyone.
The unique aspect of Sully’s is that these are no ordinary bagels, but rather steamed bagels. When you steam a bagel, it turns into a big gooey mess, albeit a very tasty one. I’ve never heard of this before moving here, but really these sandwiches are really flavorful. My bagel of choice is the Green Vegas, which is a perfect pick for vegetarians. If you are not a fan of tearing your teeth into a hard bagel, you will likely be a fan of these super soft, yet super messy treats. Fortunately, the tables are stocked with a full container of napkins!
As an added bonus, they serve Methodical coffee, so if you are in a hurry you can save yourself the extra coffee run.
Estimated cost: $6-9 per bagel sandwich (extra buck for GF), another $2-3 if you order coffee.
Location: 6 E. Washington Street
3. Lace up your skates and hit the rink
Each holiday season, a real ice rink opens right in the center of Main Street. As soon as Thanksgiving rolls around, this rink sees consistent business, being that it is the premier holiday attraction in the Upstate. Really, nothing says Christmas is around the corner quite like ice skating under twinkling lights.
As this is the only real outdoor rink in the state, the excitement is really in the air as many of us love skating to kick off the holiday season. It’s not the biggest nor best rink I’ve ever been to, but I’ll take a real ice rink anyday in the south (I am not a fan of indoor rinks). I was happy not having to give up my love of skating when moving down here from the Philadelphia metro.
With Christmas lights in the background and holiday tunes adding a cheerful ambiance, ice skating on Main is definitely the best way to get into the holiday spirit. Ice skating is affordable, fun, and a great way to burn extra calories! And yes, it does get surprisingly cold here so bundle up. After my session, I often strolled over to Methodical for an awesome cup of cocoa.
Estimated cost: $10 weekdays/$12 weekends- includes skates. Additionally, a number of discount days are offered throughout the year.
Location: 206 S. Main Street
4. See where “Shoeless Joe Jackson” lived & then catch a game at Fluor Field
Hey, baseball fans – did you know that Shoeless Joe Jackson’s childhood home is located in Greenville, and has since been turned into a memorabilia museum? Shoeless Joe is most known for the Chicago Black Sox scandal of 1919. If you are unfamiliar with baseball, the scandal involved several members of the Chicago White Sox being accused of purposely losing to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for money. I am not huge on baseball history, but one of my favorite 80’s movies is Field of Dreams, so I had to visit this museum.
Today, you can take free tours of Joe’s Greenville home (which was physically moved from its’ original location and transported to its’ current location across from the field). It’s completely free to tour the home and there are lots of nostalgic pieces to browse through.
Right across the street is Fluor Filed, home to the Greenville Drive, a class A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. Games start at just 5 bucks and even if you are not a huge baseball fan it’s a great way to get outside for a bit and enjoy the mild spring weather.
Estimated cost: $5-8 per game ticket, free museum entrance.
Location: 356 Field Street
5. Shop for local produce & goods at the TD Saturday Market
One of my favorite events in the city is the summer/fall farmer’s market, held on Saturday mornings (8-noon) from May-October. Here, you can sample all sorts of local goods, as well as pick up freshly baked breads, pastries, seasonal fruits and veggies, and even raw milk products. In addition to fresh produce, you’ll find handwoven baskets, homemade soaps and body lotions, beautiful photography, and even bonsai trees.
Most products are fairly priced, and some cheaper than that which you would find at a supermarket. Several local coffee companies are on-site selling fresh joe and pastries. I also love picking up a loaf of fresh Stecca bread from a local coop called the Swamp Rabbit Cafe.
Overall, it’s a nice way to get out in the cooler morning hours of the hot summer season, while also getting in a little workout and enjoying the fresh air and lively setting. Afterwards, I usually take a walk around Falls Park and then grab lunch at a local restaurant (Greektown Grill is one of my favorites).
Estimated cost: Varies (although you can walk away with a nice assortment of goods for under 10 bucks).
Location: Main Street
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