Greenville is quickly becoming one of the South's hottest travel destinations. With an ever expanding foodie scene, a happening downtown, a full lineup of festivals and events, and access to dozens of gorgeous waterfalls and state parks, Greenville offers something for everyone.
The oasis of downtown Greenville, Falls Park, is the perfect respite for the nature lover. The lovely setting of the waterfall on the Reedy River really creates a picture-perfect scene. Take in views of the lovely waterfall via Liberty Bridge, a beautiful pedestrian suspension bridge that offers a breathtaking viewpoint.
After wards, take a walk around the lovely nature paths and enjoy the pretty scenery which changes with each season. The most impressive times of the year are spring wildflower and fall foliage season.
While Greenville's local art museum collection is quite small, there are a number of works featured by prominent artists such as Andrew Wyeth and Jasper Johns. Check the website for upcoming special exhibits.
If you are looking for something to do to kill an hour or 2, the museum is one of your best bets in the city. Also, admission is free, other than a small parking fee).
Move over Starbucks! Independent coffee houses are popping up all over the country. The huge demand for high quality local roasters has caused an explosion in the local coffee scene. In Greenville, there are no shortage of cozy coffeeshops to enjoy a fantastic drink in a lovely setting.
Check out Port City Java and Methodical downtown, both conveniently located with a quick stroll of Falls Park. Outside of the downtown, the Swamp Rabbit Cafe offers locally made pastries, local coffee, and beautiful outdoor patio.
Baseball fans will definitely want to take a quick self guided tour around the Shoeless Joe Jackson baseball museum. This actual house of Shoeless Joe has been turned into a nostalgic museum. A variety of photos, newspaper clippings, and artifacts, as well as over 200 books, are on-site. It's a small collection, although the tour will cost you nothign.
While you are in the vicinity, check out a game at Flour Field, located just across the street. The Greenville Drive, a Class-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, play here.
On any trip to Greenville, you are within easy daytrip distance of many gorgeous waterfalls and hiking trails in Upstate South Carolina. The closest big hiking area to the city is Paris Mountain State Park.
This beautiful park features a number of trails ranging in dificulty, plus canoeing and kayak rentals, and lots of lovely places to picnic. Spend a little time exercising, breathing in the fresh air, and soaking in a little Vitamin D. It's a wonderful escape from the tourist congestion on Main Street.
This 22 mile long multi-use trail is the best place in the city to get in a good walk, run, or bike ride. It's well marked and mostly flat, so a great place for a long, but liesurely weekend workout.
You can access this trail from multi points throughout town. One great flat section begins right behind the Swamp Rabbit Cafe. Treat yourself to a homemade pastry an quality cup of joe and continue biking until you reach the beautiful downtown area. This is a great ride which is easy enough for beginners and families.
Greenville is quickly becoming one of the food hotspots of the South. Southern Living recently named it one of "the South's tastiest towns."
With over 1000 unique local restaurants to choose amongst, you will never have to resort to a common chain. Options all over the culinary board, including fantastic Indian, Greek, BBQ, American, Italian, and much more.
A few must try restaurants include Handi Indian (wonderful lunch buffet), Greektown Grill (authentic Greek in a great setting), and Roost (delicious farm-to-table)
If you are seeking a tranquil place for a walk, Lake Conestee is a perfect choice. This laid-back preserve is the perfect altnernative for anyone who would prefer a nature walk to a rough and tough hike. The trails here are beautiful and shady, so prefect even on a hot summer day.
In addition, the park is a bird watching hotspot. Be on the lookout for special events including Yoga on the Second Saturday of the month, night hikes, and guided bird and nature walks.
Admission to the park and parking both free. Most events require a small fee and advance booking.
While there are lots of events throughout the year in Greenville, the TD Saturday's Market is a favorite of both locals and tourists. The event is held from 8am-noon, on Saturdays, from the beginning of May unitl the end of October.
In addition to farm fresh fruits and veggies, you can also pick up fresh local bakery bread, pastries, handcrafted arts and crafts. The best part of all is that the vendors are lined up on Main Street, so you can grab a great breakfast or cup of coffee while you are in the vincity.
Combine the market with a stroll around Falls Park, lunch, a little bit of shopping and you have a wonderful half day activity.
The premier winter event is Ice on Main. This small, yet nicely maintained rink is one of the only real ice rinks in the state. The open air rink was modeled after New York's famous Rockefeller rink.
The setting downtown with the festive lights and music makes this the top winter/holiday event in the city. Check out the annual Festival of Trees event, and swing by Methodical coffee for a rich cup of hot cocoa following your skating session.