As one of the fastest growing southern towns this year according to CNN, I had to check out Greenville, South Carolina this year! Only 2 hours from heart of Atlanta, Greenville is a straight shot up 85 and is perfect for day trip or a weekend get away! Everything was within a 10 mile radius of what we wanted to do and it was a fairly cheap weekend! You can even park downtown for FREE (big deal being from Atlanta). Park in the Richardson Street Garage or the West Washington Street Deck! Needing a break from the hustle and bustle of the big city this is your getaway!!
Here are my top 4 things to do!
#1: Explore Main Street–
View of Main Street {yes I know nothing fancy}
Yes, this is a sterotypical name of a street in any city, but the ambiance is so cute and southern. There are lots of locals and visitors walking around and lots of DOGS! The shops even have dog bowls outside for them to drink water. But all the shops we walked into were super unique and cute, something I haven’t found in my current city yet {Ex: a vintage sports wear store and a cooking store with unique types of oils} . On a beautiful day it was a great place to stroll around and not buy anything but dream your heart away.
AWESOME vintage sports store
Cooking store with the ultimate selection
Between those two buildings they have an ice skating rink in the winter!
Stroll towards the Reedy River
#2: Walk/Sit/People Watch at Falls on the Park
This hidden gem is so beautiful I almost have no words. Both times I’ve come here I’ve just sat for what feels like hours to take in this natural beauty at the heart of this city. It is perfect for families or couples to bring a picnic, throw around a football or just relax in a hammock. Depending on your personality you could spend 10-15 minutes here for 1-2 hours here! Also walking around they have great signage of the historical background of how this area came to be. Great for the history nerds in all of us!
View of the Wyche Pavillion {we may have crept up on a wedding, but it was beautiful}
Mini waterfalls of the Reedy River
Gorgeous swings placed around the park, perfect for people watching
The view worth a million photos
Back view of the park and all the great things to do!
Liberty Bridge perfect for any couple photo shoot!
#3: Greenville Zoo
Normally a zoo is not on my to-do list in a small city, but for being hidden in the back of the city this zoo is worth the money for me. It is surrounded by a great recreational park, ample free parking and the pricing to get in is minimal! Only $9 for adults and $5 for kids, that’s half the price of what it is in Atlanta and other major cities but you get to see just as exotic animals! It can get crowded when it is nice out so my fellow teachers reading it might not be the best place, but during the winter time when it is nice and empty I enjoyed it the most! I didn’t want to spoil exactly what animals they have and don’t have though because that is half the fun!
Giraffes that can even come close to you in their exhibit!
“Friendly” Neighborhood Goats
#4: Eat your Heart out with Good Prices
Being an up and coming , Greenville has a great range of restaurants. Being young and on a budget we stuck to the moderately priced restaurants that still have some delicious food!
Trio– was a delicious Italian place! My boyfriend got this amazing turkey and asparagus sandwich which was to die for! My pasta wasn’t anything spectacular but hey pasta is still good. BUT, the best part is the bread. Just look at it! Doused in oil and parmesan cheese, you can’t ask for anything better!
THE BREAD {yes it looks small but it can feed two easily!}
Turkey and cheese wrapped sandwich with pasta salad!
Fettuccine Alfredo- you could tell the pasta was homemade but the sauce was a little disappointing
Paserelle Bistro– This adorable cafe sits right next to Falls Park and they even have a beautiful patio to see out to it. Seeing the “bonjour” on the door I was immediately drawn to this place being a French teacher. I got the Croque Madame {yes, better than the Monsieur because it has egg on it} and it was just delightful. Also very reasonably priced and perfect for a couple or family!
Croque Madame with boyfriend in the background eating
Some other great restaurants that are a little more on the pricy side that I recommend are:
- Larkins on the River – $$$
- Hall’s Steakhouse – $$$$
- Soby’s -$$$
There are still many more great things to explore in the wonderful town of Greenville and I hope I can go back soon to see their minor league hockey team, their baseball team, and some new breweries that are opening!
