I had such a fabulous time exploring Greenville last week. I couldn't believe how much it had grown in 10 years (YES...that's how long it's been since I graduated from Clemson University and last visited ). I was visiting for my cousin’s wedding but my family made a bit of a ‘mini vacation’ out of it and booked a hotel downtown + spent all weekend exploring! Although it was quite hot in July, that didn’t stop us from walking miles and miles soaking in all the amazing things this city has to offer. With a vibrant downtown, a tranquil river park & waterfall, several small museums & theaters, interesting boutique shops, and plenty of local restaurants, Greenville is frequently regarded as one of the best weekend getaways in the South.
Greenville is extremely dog friendly and it had me wishing my fur babies were there to enjoy the city with me! Here is my list of ‘must dos’ for whenever you visit Greenville SC.
Things to Do in Greenville
𝙁𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙠 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙍𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙇𝙞𝙗𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙮 𝘽𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙜𝙚 - A 32 acre park poised at the end of Main Street in downtown Greenville. There are waterfalls, walking trails, an amphitheater, giant pedestrian bridge, whimsical landscaping and many restaurants to stop and have a bite to eat. This has to be the best city park in SC!
𝙏𝘿 𝙎𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙩 - On Saturday mornings from the beginning of May until the end of October, two blocks of downtown Greenville’s Main Street are transformed into a bustling farmers' market (8a-12p). The market features over 75 vendors selling the season’s freshest produce and the area’s most original and high quality crafts. You will find local, fresh vegetables, herbs, flowers, cheeses, etc. as well as local artists & crafts people displaying their work. Lots of people, places to eat fresh baked goods, listen to street musicians, etc. A fun thing to go to whether you buy anything or not, but lots of good purchases are available. However, there were signs saying dogs are not allowed but I did still see people with them so perhaps just ask for forgiveness later
𝙂𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙣𝙫𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙚 𝙕𝙤𝙤 - Set across 14 acres of land, the Greenville Zoo may be small but it is mighty. The zoo is home to over 90 different species of animals including orangutans, red pandas, alligators, leopards, lions and giraffes. A trip to the zoo normally only takes around one to two hours making it an easy activity to slot into a busy travel schedule. The zoo is located adjacent to Cleveland Park about a 25-minute walk from Downtown Greenville.
𝙋𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝘾𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘼𝙧𝙩𝙨 - A multiple building events venue which hosts major musical and dramatic presentations in its theater, concert hall, and amphitheater. I have seen many Broadway musicals here and have always had a fabulous time. My cousin’s wedding and reception was also held at the Huguenot Mill and Loft which is a part of this facility and it was gorgeous!
𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙊𝙣 𝙈𝙖𝙞𝙣 - Keep your eyes peeled and have a fun scavenger hunt by searching for the Mice On Main Street. The miniature bronze rodent statues were inspired by a novel, Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, and are located between the Hyatt Regency and the Westin Poinsett. There are nine mice in total, and all have a plaque inscribed with a clue to finding the others. We had a blast wandering around looking for them all!
𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙥 𝙨𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 - I LOVE shopping and I am a huge supporter of small businesses. There are so many adorable shops in downtown Greenville and all of them had just the friendliest employees. I just love the South and the southern hospitality! Here are some of my favorite shops I stopped in:
Mast General Store - Retailer selling a broad selection of goods, including food, apparel & outdoor gear, since 1883. This is a must visit in terms of unique shopping destinations in the city. The old-fashioned general store is jam packed with all sorts of novelty items including SC and regional southern related knick knacks, an old time candy bar, nostalgic toys and games, and a huge selection of outdoor gear and apparel items.
Traveling Chic Boutique - Each month they donate 10% of sales that day to a local charity.
Monkee’s Of The West End - Playful shop featuring casual designer apparel, including dresses, rompers, shoes & accessories.
Vintage Now Modern - Hip home decor shop with antiques & vintage-style pieces, plus paint for do-it-yourself distressing.
M. Judson Booksellers - a thriving literary hub, coming to you from the historic courthouse building in the middle of beautiful downtown
O.P. Taylor’s - Wide variety of toys and games.
Poppington's Gourmet Popcorn - The best-handcrafted gourmet popcorn…my favorite is the Golden Cheddar.
The Spice & Tea Exchange - Retailer selling a wide range of spices & exotic teas, plus olive oils, extracts & more. This is not local to only Greenville but they have amazing products and I highly recommend it!
Beija-Flor Jeans – Rumor is these are the best fitting and most comfortable jeans on the market.
𝙀𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙩 𝙡𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙂𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙣𝙫𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙨 - There are so many delicious restaurant options that it was hard to choose where to eat for each of our meals but I will say you definitely need reservations! Some of my first choices of places to eat at were completely booked and we weren’t able to get in so plan ahead and make a reservation if you can…don’t be like me haha! Here is a list of restaurants we ate at and ones that are on my ‘must try’ next time I visit:
Coffee Underground - Cozy coffeehouse with beverages & food all day, plus live entertainment by night. I really enjoyed the coffee (lots of sugar free syrup flavors which was a huge plus in my book!) and quiche but there were so many other delicious menu items as well.
Spill The Beans - Gourmet roasts & ice cream in a brick-walled coffeehouse with views of the Reedy River Falls.
Maple Street Biscuit Company - Casual café serving biscuit sandwiches & Southern sides for breakfast & lunch.
Biscuit Head - Known for its’ gigantic biscuits (“as big as a cat’s head” as their slogan goes) and creative jam and honey bar.
Tupelo Honey - Get the biscuits with blueberry compote…enough said!
Sassafras Southern Bistro - Warm & welcoming mainstay serving up Southern fare with nightly specials, a bar & outdoor seating. The Fried Green Tomatoes with Pimento Cheese is a must try! Pass on the Brussel sprouts haha!
Smoke On The Water - MY FAV! An airy, unpretentious taproom serving barbecue & Southern dishes along with beer. The Shrimp and Grits is some of the best I’ve ever had! Also the sweet potato tots were delicious and of course so was the pork!
Jianna - Housemade pastas, seafood & cocktails are served with seasonal flair in sleek digs with city views.
Paloma - Slightly Southern, slightly European. Tapas for sharing!
CAMP Modern American Eatery - A modern American eatery in the heart of Downtown Greenville featuring classic dishes with reimagined, globally-influenced flavors.
Soby’s - Reimagined Southern fare in airy, brick-walled environs, with a huge wine cellar.
Trappe Door - Underground spot with an old-world vibe offering traditional Belgian dishes & a huge beer selection.
Up On The Roof - Stylish rooftop hangout featuring modern American eats & craft cocktails, plus scenic city views.
Foxcroft Wine Co - Great wine place and cute outdoor seating.
Accommodations: We stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott Greenville Downtown as it was conveniently located in the heart of downtown and across the street from my cousin’s wedding venue. The hotel room itself had plenty of space and was clean, in a good location within walking distance of parks, shopping, and restaurants. Rooms didn’t have much of a view other than rooftops and sides of buildings. Not sure it's worth the premium price of staying downtown. Also important to note, there was no microwave in the rooms, not pet friendly, unfortunately many homeless people sleeping around the entrances, parking was a bit pricey and you are charged per day, and breakfast is not included. I know breakfast at hotels is becoming a thing of the past but I always like to make note of that for others. The Embassy Suites by Hilton and Hyatt Regency seem like other good hotel accommodations as well. The Grand Bohemian Lodge is also currently being built on a bluff overlooking Falls Park and will frame the eastern side of the Liberty Bridge…I would LOVE to stay here one day!
Have you spent a weekend in Greenville, SC? What are some of your favorite places in this charming southern city?
xoxo
-B