Travel Like a Local: Greenville, South Carolina

Words by Marianne Leek

There are a million reasons why Greenville, South Carolina frequently tops “Best Places to Live” lists. With its charming downtown and picturesque green spaces, Greenville is arguably one of the most scenic cities in the Southeast.

However, Greenville’s downtown wasn’t always the thriving, vibrant, and inviting area it is today. It’s hard to believe that Main Street used to be a four-lane roadway and Reedy River Falls, the focal point of Falls Park, was once obscured by the Camperdown Way Bridge.

Downtown Greenville has become an exemplar of brilliant city planning centered around both economic development and building community. Greenville boasts 37 parks, including the stunning Liberty Bridge and Falls Park on the Reedy. The only one of its kind in the country, the majestic 345-foot curved Liberty Bridge is held by one suspension cable allowing for unobstructed views of the falls and the quintessential Instagram photo op. Greenville is also home to the family favorite 60-acre Unity Park, which includes four playgrounds and a splash pad and connects to the 22-mile Swamp Rabbit Trail, a multiuse trail along the Reedy River. 

With a focused revitalization that began in the late 1970s, Main Street was narrowed to two lanes and lined with trees; angled free parking spaces were added and sidewalks were expanded to allow for pedestrian foot traffic and restaurant patio seating. Thoughtful, well-appointed changes transformed the once tired area into a walkable downtown for visitors and residents alike—one so dreamy and quaint it looks and feels like you stepped into a Hallmark movie.

Greenville is a city committed to healthy and happy living and bringing people together. Whether you’re in town to catch the Greenville Drive at Fluor Field, listen to live music at NOMA Square, grab a pint at a local craft brewery, take in a performance at the Peace Center, or do some shopping along Main Street, you’ll find you can easily spend a day, a weekend, a week, or longer. Don’t be surprised if you start scrolling for homes on Zillow. It’s the perfect destination vacation for a girls’ trip, a romantic getaway, or a family vacation. 

Where to Stay: Anchor your visit at one of several downtown hotels, such as the exquisite AC Hotel by Marriott, centrally located and steps from Falls Park. During your stay grab a cocktail and watch the sunset from the hotel’s rooftop bar and restaurant, Juniper. Opened in 2022, the Grand Bohemian Lodge is a stunning lodge situated on the bank of the Reedy that offers well-appointed rooms with views of the Liberty Bridge and the Falls. Their in-house restaurant, Between the Trees, has a gorgeous outdoor space as well. The historic Westin Poinsett hotel is a luxurious and charming choice on Main Street. Other convenient options include the Hampton Inn, Courtyard by Marriott, and Hyatt Place. 

Eat and Sip: With over 200 restaurants, 80 percent of which are locally owned, Greenville is a foodie paradise. When in town, try the Paper Bag Salad, Undercover Poke, or Brussel Sprouts at Urban Wren, or the Pork and Shrimp Dumplings at CAMP. Whether you grab brunch on the patio of The Lazy Goat or stop at the Brick Street Cafe for a slice of their famous Sweet Potato Cake, Greenville has something to satisfy even the pickiest palate. 

With a spectacular view of Falls Park on the Reedy and the Liberty Bridge, the patio of Passerelle Bistro is the perfect place to enjoy weekend brunch, lunch, or dinner. The Pain Perdu is a heavenly brioche baked with currants and raisins and topped with bourbon maple syrup. If you are there for supper, treat yourself to the Bouillabaisse, and be sure to indulge in a French Martini. An evening dining on the patio of Passerelle is simply magical. 

A local favorite, Myles Pizza Pub, was legendary in Bowling Green, Ohio for 40 years before owner Chip Myles decided to retire and relocate to Greenville. Four years later he came out of retirement and opened Myles Pizza Pub close to downtown. You can easily make a meal of one of their Caesar salads and famous mouth-watering garlic bread with cheese, but leave room to share a Food Lovers pizza. Chip Myles has been making his “secret recipe” pizza sauce for over 40 years and has perfected a midwestern-style pizza, heavy with toppings and cooked to a medium brown. Expect to be treated like family at this neighborhood pizzeria reminiscent of Cheers where everyone knows your name.

Whether you stop in for brunch or take advantage of Prosecco Tuesdays on the Piazza, from their pasta to their pizza, everything about Limoncello is a chef’s kiss. The Perfect Pear, Margherita, and What’s the Combo? pizzas are “delicioso!” If you’d rather have pasta, savor the Lobster Ravioli. Their signature Limoncello is dangerously delicious and the essential libation for any season. 

Papi’s Tacos is a fun place to grab lunch by the river, and they have the best tacos and margaritas in the city. If you’re lucky enough to have Nury Castillo as your server, you’ll find her high energy and enthusiasm for life infectious. She’s a literal ray of sunshine! 

Southernside Brewing Company is located close to Unity Park and is perfect for a meetup with friends to grab a flight or a pint of their Can’t You See hazy IPA and watch the game. This pet-friendly craft brewery has a lovely outdoor space where you could easily lose an afternoon. If you’re trying to check off a few places on the Upstate Ale Trail, stop by Yee-Haw Brewing Company and Carolina Bauernhaus while you’re in town.

It’s no surprise that Six & Twenty Distillery has been repeatedly named as one of the top small-batch distilleries in the Southeast. Grab a whiskey flight, try one of their premiere craft cocktails, or reserve a tour. And if you like Irish cream whiskey, be sure to take home some Carolina Cream, which also comes in a seasonal peach flavor. 

See, Shop, and Do… 

Explore the Outdoors and Enjoy the Art: In Greenville, you can do both! Arts in Public Places is a testament to the city’s commitment to supporting local artists and the belief that art enriches our lives. Take time to explore Greenville’s gorgeous green spaces while enjoying some of the 120 works of public art, which include murals, sculptures, statues, and historic pieces that can be found throughout the city. Whether you find the mice on Main, watch artists at work at Art Crossing Studios on the Reedy, or rent a bike at Reedy Rides to follow the Swamp Rabbit Trail, blocking off time for outdoor exploration is a must. 

Visit a Museum: If the weather is uncooperative, spend the afternoon perusing one of several downtown museums. The Upcountry History Museum is a comprehensive, interactive, multilevel museum that sheds light on South Carolina’s both beautiful and complicated history. In the same area, you’ll also find The Children’s Museum of the Upstate, Sigal Music Museum, and the Greenville County Museum of Art. If you’re over by Fluor Field, the Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum is a can’t-miss. The museum is located in the home that he shared with his wife Katie, and baseball fans may notice the number on the home is the legendary swinger’s lifetime batting average.

Take a Tour: John Nolan is the owner of Greenville History Tours, and not only is he a food lover, he’s also a treasure trove of Greenville County and South Carolina history. Follow Greenville’s BBQ Trail, sip some java, sit at the chef’s table, or enjoy a grapefruit Mimosa on a Breakfast Tour. Whether you take a driving or walking tour, Nolan combines a love of food and history into some of the most unique tours offered in the country.

Play: With an indoor 18-hole wacky mini-golf course, Ping-Pong, ax throwing, a multi-sport simulator, duckpin bowling, and so much more, Group Therapy Pub and Playground is experiential fun for the entire family! In addition to a full bar, Group Therapy has a 30-tap self-pour beer wall and a kitchen that offers appetizers to entrées. Parents can join in the fun or relax and watch a game, and it’s a delightful place for a date night. 

Listen to Live Music: On any given evening, you’ll likely find live music in Greenville. Kick off your weekend on Thursday evening with Downtown Alive, or enjoy Music Fridays at NOMA Square. With over six stages and 80 artists, make plans to attend Fall for Greenville in October, the largest free music festival in the South. Smileys on the Roxx, Blues Boulevard Jazz, The Radio Room, and Swanson’s Warehouse, are also popular live music venues. 

Shop and Stroll: Downtown Greenville offers over 100 unique shops and boutiques, many of which are locally owned. If you love to experiment with flavor, be sure to visit Veera at Oil and Vinegar. She is more than happy to offer suggestions to elevate your culinary creations. Greenville Soy Candle Co. not only carries a variety of candles but also offers affordable and fun candle-making classes. Vintage Now Modern is an eclectic home decor and gift store where you’ll find everything from authentic antiques to thoughtful gifts. Pick up your favorite childhood candy at the historic Mast General Store, taste mead and grab some honey at the Savannah Bee Company, browse local boutiques, and find a vintage ball cap from one of your favorite college teams at The Vault.

But consider yourself warned: When you visit Greenville, you might never want to leave.