In all the hustle + bustle of the holiday season, a little staycation could be the perfect break. Or maybe you have friends and family visiting Greenville soon + need a quick guide to a few things they’ll love in our city.
We’re breaking down 5 ways to experience GVL – whether you’re popping in for a few days or you’re a local who wants to see the city through new eyes.
History Buff
Photo by @jim_kohlmeyer
Where to eat: Try lunch at The Pickwick Soda Fountain & Pharmacy or Northgate Soda Shop for an old-school taste of Greenville – both have been here for decades (though the Pickwick’s soda shop opened in 2007). Have dinner + a drink later at 13 Stripes Brewery and The Farehouse in Taylors Mill, which was originally built in 1924.
What to do: Visit the Upcountry History Museum to experience three centuries of our region’s history + the Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum & Baseball Library to explore the local baseball legend’s home.
Where to stay: History lovers must spend a night in the Westin Poinsett, which opened on June 20, 1925. The rooftop sign is a local icon.
Arts Lover
fPhoto by @hurricanerumz
Where to eat: Brick Street Cafe is perfect for lunch in a cozy spot full of quirky, colorful interior design. Dine at the funky Ink N Ivy for creative cocktails + amazing rooftop views… and a must-see elevator ride featuring a changing mural.
What to do: After you stop by the art museum, of course, spend an afternoon on a walking tour of Greenville’s public art. If you happen to be in town on a First Friday, make sure to check out some local artists’ studios and galleries.
Where to stay: The Swamp Rabbit Inn is full of colorful + eclectic decor to satisfy any art lover, and often hosts live music and food trucks in the warmer months.
Ultimate Foodie
Photo by @gvltoday
Where to eat: Don’t skip the locally-sourced + ultra-creative Southern food at Husk, and if you have a group of 6-8 people, book a luxe farm-to-table Tasting Table at The Anchorage.
What to do: If you’re still hungry, spend a day tasting your way through GVL with Foothill Foodie Tours (or try their cocktail tour instead). Have a whiskey tasting at Dark Corner Distillery + try your hand in the kitchen with a Swamp Rabbit Cafe Cook Local Class.
Where to stay: Tupelo Honey, the Trappe Door, Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria, Basil Thai, and Cantina 76 are all in walking distance of Aloft Greenville Downtown.
Bring the Family
Photo by @nativegvlgirl
Where to eat: Everyone will love the insane milkshakes + epic burgers at LTO Burger Bar, or you can hunt down the Mobile Meltdown grilled cheese food truck to forego packing everyone into a restaurant.
What to do: Browse M. Judson Booksellers and sip some coffee while browsing a curated collection of books for every taste. If the weather’s nice, bike the Greenville Health System Swamp Rabbit Trail together, then take the kids to Falls Park or Linky Stone Park.
Where to stay: Hyatt Regency Greenville has its own Starbucks so everyone’s energized + ready for the day ahead, and is right next to Roost for a quick dinner (or Kilwins Greenville for a spontaneous snack).
For the ‘Gram
Photo by @gvltoday
Where to eat: The plant-filled brick interior of GB&D is the stuff Instagram dreams are made of. Otto Izakaya has photo-worthy graphic wallpaper and drool-worthy sushi rolls, and Tandem Creperie and Coffeehouse’s signature yellow mugs and artful crepes are a thing of beauty.
What to do: Whether you’re a local or a visitor, it’s always fun to snap a photo on the Liberty Bridge. Try the Mice on Main hunt and document your search, browse the TD Saturday Market if it’s summer, or skate at United Community Bank Ice on Main if it’s winter.
Where to stay: Pettigru Place is a historic bed + breakfast with its own English garden and picturesque gourmet breakfasts to greet the day. So many opportunities to capture the moment.
