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 annual festivals and events, and convenient access to dozens of gorgeous waterfalls and state parks in the Upstate region, 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 Reedy River Falls via Liberty Bridge, a beautiful pedestrian suspension bridge that offers the most breathtaking viewpoint.
Afterwards, 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 incredible 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, this 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 more and more 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 within a quick walk of Falls Park. Outside of the downtown, the Swamp Rabbit Cafe offers locally made pastries and coffee which can be enjoyed on a 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 2000 books, are located on-site. It's a small place, although a fun experience for baseball fans. Not to mention, the tour will cost you nothing.
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. Also check out the Shoeless Joe Jackson memorial park (where Joe first played ball).
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 difficulty, canoeing and kayak rentals on the tranquil lake, as well as lovely picnicking areas. It's a wonderful escape from the tourist congestion on Main Street. Spend a little time exercising, breathing in the fresh air, and soaking in a little Vitamin D. The 1.3 mile long Mountain Creek trail is a nice easy/moderate choice which features nice views of Lake Placid.
Admission is $6 per adult.
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 leisurely weekend workout.
You can access this trail via multiple access points across town. One great mostly shady portion begins right behind the Swamp Rabbit Cafe. Treat yourself to a homemade pastry and a quality cup of joe. Next, take a cruise along the trail, continuing on 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 Magazine 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 abound all over the culinary board, including fantastic Indian, Greek, BBQ, American, Italian, and Mediterranean choices.
A few must try restaurants include Handi Indian (wonderful lunch buffet), Greektown Grill (authentic Greek in a great setting), Stax Omega (fantastic classic diner fare), Kitchen Sync (try the Tomato pie), and Roost (delicious farm-to-table, great patio)
If you are seeking a tranquil place for a walk, Lake Conestee is a perfect choice. This laid-back preserve is the perfect alternative for anyone who would prefer a nature walk as opposed to a rough and tough hike. The trails here are beautiful and shady, so perfect 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 are 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 Market is a favorite of both locals and tourists. The event is held from 8am-noon, on Saturdays, from the beginning of May until the end of October.
In addition to farm fresh fruits and veggies, you can also pick up fresh local bakery bread, pastries, and handcrafted arts and crafts. The best part of all is that the vendors are lined up on Main Street, so you can treat yourself to a local breakfast or cup of coffee before or after shopping for your goods.
Combine your market visit with a stroll around Falls Park, lunch, a little bit of shopping, and you have a wonderful & affordable half day activity.
The premier winter event in Greenville 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 rink's downtown location, with the lively city ambiance, as well as festive lights and music, makes this the top winter/holiday event in the Upstate. Check out the annual Festival of Trees event while you are in the vicinity, and swing by Methodical coffee for a rich cup of hot cocoa following your skating session.