Whether you’re taking a vacation in picturesque Greenville and the surrounding Upstate or enjoying a staycation to take advantage of your beautiful home city, there’s no end of things to do in this little piece of paradise near the Great Smoky Mountains.
Vibrant Downtown Life
Our multiple award-winning city is home to a bustling historic Main Street that is chock full of preserved historic buildings, shops, galleries, and a stunning array of dining options guaranteed to satisfy any craving. Plus, it’s imminently walkable and cyclable, so you can exercise while you shop and eat.
The Falls Park on the Reedy River is the jewel of downtown Greenville, offering stunning natural beauty with cascading waterfalls, landscaped gardens, and scenic walking paths. Every now and then, you’ll even see an adventurous kayaker coming down the falls. We also have the breathtaking Liberty Bridge, a suspended pedestrian bridge that provides lovely views of the falls and the city skyline.
Downtown Greenville is renowned for its vibrant arts and entertainment scene, hosting numerous festivals, concerts, and cultural events throughout the year. The Peace Center, a world-class performing arts venue, attracts top-tier performers, including Broadway shows, renowned musicians, and theatrical productions.
Food enthusiasts can indulge in a diverse culinary scene that showcases farm-to-table eateries, international cuisines, craft breweries, and award-winning restaurants. From Southern comfort food to innovative fusion dishes, downtown Greenville has something to satisfy every palate.
The Swamp Rabbit Trail, a popular multi-use trail, winds its way through downtown Greenville, offering opportunities for walking, running, cycling, and exploring the area’s scenic beauty. The trail connects the city to neighboring communities and provides access to stunning parks and natural landscapes.
Downtown Greenville’s lively atmosphere extends into the evening, with rooftop bars, live music venues, and vibrant nightlife options catering to various tastes and preferences. Visitors can enjoy craft cocktails, local brews, and live performances while soaking in the city’s lively vibe.
Swamp Rabbit Trail
The Swamp Rabbit Trail is a beloved recreational trail that winds its way through the scenic landscape of Greenville, South Carolina. Spanning approximately 22 miles the trail follows the historic route of a former railway, offering natural beauty along the way that included forests, meadows, and the picturesque Reedy River. The trail provides a safe and accessible space for outdoorsy of all ages and abilities, inviting walkers, joggers, cyclists, and every leisurely activity people want to indulge in. Don’t have a bike? Don’t worry. There are multiple places to rent bikes around the city.
Restaurants to Satisfy Every Palate
The restaurant scene in Upstate, South Carolina, is thriving with a diverse range of culinary options to satisfy every palate. Downtown Greenville, South Carolina, is a culinary haven with an array of outstanding restaurants that cater to diverse tastes. From upscale fine dining establishments to casual eateries, the downtown area offers many options for food enthusiasts.
For those seeking international flavors, downtown Greenville boasts a variety of ethnic cuisines, including Italian, Thai, Mexican, and Japanese. Whether you’re craving classic Italian pasta dishes, spicy Thai curries, or flavorful sushi rolls, there is a restaurant to satisfy your cravings.
In addition to the diverse culinary options, downtown Greenville is also home to trendy gastropubs and craft breweries, offering unique beer selections and innovative pub fare. These well-known and well-traveled restaurants provide a lively atmosphere where visitors can enjoy handcrafted beers and delicious food in a casual setting.
The Liberty Bridge – An Architectural Feat
The Liberty Bridge is an iconic architectural marvel spanning the scenic Reedy River in Greenville, South Carolina. This unique pedestrian bridge is a prominent feature of Falls Park and symbolizes the city’s revitalization and commitment to art and design. With its striking suspended design and curved walkway, the bridge offers breathtaking panoramic views of the waterfall, gardens, and downtown skyline.
Throughout the year, the Liberty Bridge serves as a gathering place for locals and tourists alike, attracting visitors seeking strolls, photo opportunities, or a tranquil spot to admire the natural beauty of Falls Park. The bridge’s accessibility and open-air design make it a popular location for events, performances, and even wedding ceremonies. The bridge is lit up at night, casting a warm glow on the Reedy River and enhancing its enchanting ambiance.
Lake Life
The Upstate region of South Carolina has many beautiful lakes that offer a ton of recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.
Lake Jocassee, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is known for its crystal-clear waters, stunning mountain views, and abundant wildlife, making it a haven for boating, fishing, and hiking enthusiasts. Lake Keowee, a man-made reservoir, boasts over 300 miles of pristine shoreline and is a popular spot for swimming, water sports, and lakeside living. Lake Hartwell, one of the largest lakes in the Southeast, spans South Carolina and Georgia, providing ample opportunities for fishing, boating, and camping. Known for its diverse fish populations, including bass, catfish, and crappie, it is a favorite destination for anglers.
Located near Greer, Lake Robinson Is a smaller yet picturesque lake surrounded by rolling hills and forests. It provides a serene setting for fishing, kayaking, and picnicking, with opportunities to spot wildlife such as herons, ospreys, and turtles. And Lake Bowen is a popular spot for boating and fishing, particularly for bass fishing enthusiasts. With its calm waters and scenic surroundings, it offers a peaceful retreat for relaxation and outdoor recreation.
Whether you’re seeking the thrill of water sports, the tranquility of fishing, or simply a scenic spot to relax and soak in nature’s beauty, our lakes offer all the lake life anybody could ever want.
Epic Upstate Entertainment
The Peace Center
The Peace Center in Greenville, South Carolina, is a premier performing arts venue with a diverse array of world-class performances, including Broadway shows, concerts, dance recitals, and theater productions, attracting both local and internationally acclaimed artists. The Peace Center comprises multiple theaters, including the 2,100-seat Concert Hall and the intimate 400-seat Gunter Theatre, providing unique and immersive experiences for audiences of all sizes.
Bon Secours Wellness Arena
The Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, is a dynamic and versatile venue that attracts a diverse range of entertainers from various genres. Renowned musicians and bands, such as The Eagles, Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan, Pearl Jam, Eric Church, and Bon Jovi, have graced the arena’s stage, captivating audiences with electrifying performances. In addition to music, the arena also hosts sporting events, including basketball games and ice hockey matches, bringing excitement to sports enthusiasts. Comedians such as Kevin Hart and Jeff Dunham have delighted crowds with their humor, showcasing the arena’s ability to cater to different forms of live entertainment.
Greenville Little Theatre
The Greenville Little Theatre in Greenville, South Carolina, is a beloved institution that has entertained audiences for over 95 years. It is one of the oldest and most respected community theaters in the Southeast. With its commitment to producing high-quality, professional-level productions, the Greenville Little Theatre offers a wide range of theatrical experiences, from classic plays and musicals to contemporary works, showcasing the immense talent and creativity of the local theater community.
Destination Upstate
This is just a quick sampling of the many activities, sights, restaurants and recreation that the Upstate has to offer. In a future blog, we’ll be highlighting individual things to do and see, so stay tuned for that! If you get a chance to do any of the featured activities, let us know how it turned out! We’re always eager to hear! Let’s chat!
