Things to do in  Greenville

Greenville, South Carolina, is famous for its incredible downtown revitalization. Once deep in an economic downturn, the city invested in its beautiful scenery; deconstructed the highway obstructing its waterfall; rebuilt Main Street with trees, lights, and wide sidewalks; and prioritized planning a liveable city. It’s now one of the fastest-growing cities in the US.

Yes, Greenville, South Carolina is worth visiting—it’s one of the best small towns in the USA. As well as boasting a waterfall in its downtown, it’s also the main cultural hub between Atlanta and Charlotte, with great theater, museums, and more than 100 restaurants. Plus, the mountains and the ocean are just a couple of hours away.

Downtown Greenville wasn’t always the glittering cultural hub it is today. In fact, it was in such decline that a highway was built over its waterfall in 1960. Lucky for future visitors, it was deconstructed in 2002, and by 2006, the incredible scenery started drawing equally incredible restaurants, cafes, museums, and more. Today, thanks to huge companies like Michelin North America, which are based here and employ thousands, it’s one of the fastest growing cities in the country.

Yes, Greenville, South Carolina, is good for families. There’s so much to do: four state parks are an easy drive away, downtown and its beautiful waterfall (Falls Park on the Reedy) provide endless exploration, and public art and museums such as The Children’s Museum of The Upstate. Boasting 80,000 square feet (7,400 square meters) of space, it markets itself as the country’s 7th largest children’s museum. There’s also the Greenville Zoo where you’ll find animals from as far away as Asia and Africa.

Yes, Greenville SC is a foodie town. Even though only 72,000 residents call this place home, there are more than 100 restaurants downtown alone—serving every cuisine imaginable. Local favorites include The Lost Cajun, Smoke On The Water, Maple Street Biscuit Company, and Kitchen Sync. In Metro Greenville, there are more than 1,000 restaurants and food and drink venues.

In other words, you won’t go hungry in this town. The only problem you’ll run into is trying to get reservations at the hottest tables in town during the city’s annual food festivals. Euphoria is typically held in September and has been on the Greenville calendar for nearly two decades. Fall for Greenville is typically held in October. It’s a combination of “tunes, tastes, and taps.” Even if you’re not in town for a special event, you can take on the Duke’s Mayo challenge, any time of the year. The founder of Duke’s Mayo, a woman, was from Greenville. Head to Visit Greenville’s website to download the new Eugenia Duke's Unofficial Mayo Guide to Greenville which includes 20 stops.

There are so many things to do in Greenville that you can easily spend three days here. If you have time, stay longer; you won’t regret it. That said, with three full days, you’ll be able to leisurely explore downtown and its shops, restaurants, and trails, wander to nearby towns such as Travelers Rest, and get out to the nearby state parks and forests to see what puts the “green” in Greenville.