10 Fun Date Ideas in Greenville, SC

Greenville, located in the heart of Upstate SC, has been making headlines in recent years. The thriving city continues to win awards for its’ lively Main Street, diverse foodie scene, and proximity to natural attractions. Despite the state’s recent ranking as one of the loneliest states to spend Valentine’s day, Greenville has been rated one of the most romantic weekend destinations in the US, as well as one of the most charming destinations in the South.

Unlike many rustic areas throughout the state, there is a lot to do and see here. Mike and I found no shortage of interesting things to do during our 2 years living in the region. First off, there is enough to do downtown alone to keep you busy, although the beautiful waterfalls of the Upstate are really what made us fall in love with the region.

The tree-lined downtown, serene Reedy River Falls, quaint restaurants, and boutique shops really make this a gorgeous weekend escape. While the city continues to see more and more tourists each weekend, you can still find low-key places to relax with your significant other. Whether you are looking to celebrate a special occasion at a nice restaurant, spend quality time in the mountains, or simply spend a relaxing weekend together, this southern gem has you covered. It is one of the best cities for couples I’ve lived in and we never had a problem planning a wonderful morning or evening out.

Mike and I have found plenty of romantic restaurants and beautiful parks to enjoy together on the weekends. Take a look at some of our favorite date destinations. I have tried to incorporate ideas for every type of couple, including fitness buffs, art lovers, and foodies.

For Nature Lovers: Take a Quiet Stroll around Falls Park

The highlight of any visit is taking a stroll around the serene 32 acre Falls Park on the Reedy. Barely a weekend went by without Mike and I strolling this beautiful park. Featuring a waterfall, tree-lined nature paths, and tranquil views of the river, it’s the perfect place for a romantic stroll.

We often took a walk here before enjoying a relaxed date at a local coffeeshop or restaurant. In the summer, the temps are cooler in the morning and the crowds usually do not begin arriving until later in the afternoon. I love seeing the scenery change from spring flowers, to lush summer greenery, to a hint of fall foliage.

I recommend getting up early in the morning (before everyone else does!) to enjoy this peaceful park all to yourself. If you need a caffeine boost, I recommend Spill the Beans for a delicious house coffee or cocoa. If you have the extra time, take a break and enjoy your coffee on-site, where you can grab a window seat and enjoy serene views of the falls. They also serve excellent gelato!

Take a walk across Liberty Bridge for a photo worthy view of the waterfall, and then follow up with a quiet stroll along the Reedy River at Falls Park. Hands down, a walk around Falls Park, is my favorite morning date destination in the city.

How to get here: Falls Park is located at 601 S. Main St. Plenty of free 2 hour parking is available along Main St.

For coffee lovers: Cozy up with an amazing cup of joe at Methodical

For those who need a caffeine boost to get going, Greenville has you covered with numerous independent coffee shops lining Main St. If you insist on high quality coffee, as well as a nice ambiance, you will want to skip the common chains and opt for something a bit more local.

Methodical is my favorite choice for a date for several reasons. First off, they serve their drinks in gorgeous Blue Willow china. No paper cups here! Second, the attractive 2 story layout with big windows overlooking the downtown creates an elegant ambiance not found at other area coffee shops. And finally, the quaint outdoor patio is perfect for casual sipping and people watching during the warmer months. There are usually less kids around so the ambiance is typically more low-key.

And, as for the quality of the coffee, Methodical has been voted as one of the best roasters in the US. Their single origin coffees are so smooth, their pour over is the best in town, and they offer Siphon coffee, a brewing method which produces the smoothest, most flavorful cup of joe. Mike really loves their mocha too although I usually go for black coffee only.

Oh, and their hot cocoa is also the best in town; after a winter skating session, we usually stop by for a steaming mug. Food options are limited but they always offer a few enticing pastries if you need to satisfy your sweet tooth.

How to get here: Methodical is located at 101 N. Main Street. Again, free 2 hr parking is available along Main St.

For art lovers: Explore the Andrew Wyeth collection at the Greenville County Museum of Art

Any art lovers will want to add a trip to the GCMA to their to-do list. It’s no Art Institute of Chicago or The Met in NYC, but well worth a visit. Most notably, this small museum is home to the largest collection of watercolors by acclaimed artist Andrew Wyeth.

After living here, I have taken a liking to Wyeth’s work and quickly spot it at other US museums. I also love the Jasper Johns collection. Special exhibits vary throughout the year. We have enjoyed several special exhibits especially one by artist Roland Poska.

Strolling around this quiet museum is the perfect date idea for any couple seeking a low-key activity away from all the crowds. I’ve never seen more than a handful of people here and it’s free so you don’t have to spend a dime.

I do recommend pairing a visit to the museum with a nice lunch. Greektown Grille and Pomegranate on Main are 2 of my favorite local choices which serve great food in a nice setting. Both of these are wonderful date destinations where you won’t share your space with a rowdy crowd.

Also, there are also a number of nice Italian restaurants including Trattoria Giorgio and Jianna. I am not a meat eater, but Rick Erwins and Halls Chophouse are 2 popular steakhouses.

How to get here: The museum is located at 420 College Street. Parking is pretty cheap, and should only cost a buck or 2, depending on the length of your visit.

For a romantic brunch: Enjoy a quiet meal on the patio of Passerelle

Greenville prides itself on its’ local dining scene, with more than 100 unique restaurants lining Main Street according to their tourist bureau. While Mike and I love the touristy trendy grab and go style places (Biscuit Head, Sully’s Steamers), sometimes we opt to spend a little more for a refined dining experience. Thankfully, there are options on Main for every price point.

Passerelle is a quiet French cafe with a pretty patio overlooking the waterfall. This local gem specializes in French fare, and offers a quiet, refined ambiance not found at most of the more popular places in town. At this time of day, this bistro tends to stay a bit off-the-radar, and thus, the setting is a bit more low-key.

The brunch menu is delicious and way more affordable. I love the view of the waterfall and the beautiful outdoor patio. For breakfast, I usually order the breakfast plate which includes: 2 eggs, potato croquettes, and a croissant. They also offer some amazing desserts if you want to celebrate a birthday or anniversary!