A Local’s Travel Guide to Greenville, South Carolina
If you’re looking for that sweet spot between work and play, with a little bit of hustle and bustle with the arts, nature, and the heartbeat of an intentional city intertwined in between the rush, Greenville, SC might just be the place for you. If you ask me, GVL is a medium city with a small-town heart. It’s growing by the minute, as South Carolinians and those from other states realize that Greenville’s coffee shops, trails, artists, and companies have something special. The city hasn’t lost its grasp on creating things for a purpose, even as it has topped the charts as one of the fastest-growing cities in America. I cherish Greenville as my home and the place I get to raise my family and produce my art. Below is a guide of just a few places that have led me to cherish my days in Greenville as much as I do. I hope you love them as much as me and my family do.
Where to Stay
If I were to have a staycation, I would definitely check out these places.
The Station by Compo Hotels
This gem in Travelers Rest is located right on the Swamp Rabbit Trail, allowing quick access from the cottages to walking and biking that can lead you straight from Travelers Rest to the heart of Downtown Greenville.
Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville
If you’re looking to stay somewhere in the heart of downtown with an upscale experience, I would definitely take a look at the Grand Bohemian Lodge. As someone who watched the construction of the Grand Bohemian on Falls Park, I’m amazed at the grandeur of this hotel. The hotel is fashioned with an art gallery and bike rentals for the Swamp Rabbit Trail, nestled on the waterfalls of Falls Park, what more could you ask for?
Hotel Hartness
There are only a handful of small cities with well-designed boutique hotels, so when Hotel Hartness opened up it definitely caught my attention. The interior design is spot on. The food at the hotel restaurant, Patterson Kitchen and Bar, is delicious, and it has an outdoor and indoor dining experience. A stone’s throw from Greenville downtown, Hotel Hartness is the perfect place to retreat after a busy day around town.
What to Do
Here are three itineraries based on how you like to enjoy a city.
1) You love to see the iconic spots of a city
Get a coffee from Methodical Downtown and take a stroll down Main Street. Stop in at a couple of stores for some local flavor. Mast General Store Greenville has some good local souvenirs. M.Judson Booksellers is the perfect independent bookstore with great book recommendations, gifts, and their own kitchen! As you head towards Falls Park, you will want to walk into the Grand Bohemian for a great view of the Park. Walk across Liberty Bridge at Falls Park on the Reedy.
2) You love farmers markets and a slow Saturday morning.
Trailblazer Park in Travelers Rest is the place for you. On a Saturday during the summer months, you can hit up their farmers market full of local farmers and artisans. Treat yourself to some goodies or buy some groceries to cook yourself a meal. If you have kids, the playground on the playground is complete with a kid-friendly zipline and rope course. After the farmers market, take a light walk on the Swamp Rabbit Trail towards Travelers Rest. Enjoy a crepe and waffle from Tandem Creperie. Get your shopping done at the Good Market and The Urban Hare.
3) You love to enjoy the outdoors.
The 20 miles of trail between Travelers Rest and Downtown Greenville is equipped with some of my favorite spots in all of the city. Rent a bike at Reedy Rides and bike the 20 miles of trail between Downtown Greenville and Travelers Rest. Stop at Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery to pick up a smoothie and Stecca, and swing by Furman University for a little break before you hit Travelers Rest.
Where to Eat
Tandem Creperie and Coffeehouse
If we have any friends in town, this is our go-to spot to take them. It’s one thing when a restaurant has good food and coffee, but it’s another thing when the people are so friendly and the environment is all-around A+. A couple of insider tips: 1) Go on a weekday for breakfast. 2) Split a savory and a sweet crepe for the best of both worlds.
Methodical Coffee
Methodical Coffee is the coffee roaster and cafe that started the indie coffee movement in Greenville. You haven’t lived the perfect Greenville day if you haven’t had a hot latte from Methodical’s mugs and then strolled through the Anthropologie Downtown.
Scout’s Donuts
Need a quick pick-me-up? Scout’s Doughnuts is one of Greenville locals’ favorites. Their flaky, multi-layered donuts are so crave-able, and their seasonal flavors are ingenious.
Coastal Crust
Originating from Charleston, Coastal Crust made its way inland, blessing Greenville with its wood-fired pizza. If you’ve had a slice of their Fig and Proscuitto Pizza, you’ll be hooked.
The Anchorage
The Anchorage is the perfect place to grab a cocktail and dessert for a girl’s night out, or if you want to step it up and celebrate it big, enjoy their tasting table of seasonal foods. Everything is delicately balanced and a treat for the tastebuds and eyes.
As a 10-year resident of Greenville, I am still in awe of the way it keeps paving the way for creativity, adventure, and fun in each new place that opens. We Greenvillians are living the dream!