Today’s Forecast

68º Partly cloudy | 0% chance of rain | Sunrise 6:46 a.m. | Sunset 8:10 p.m.

Getting wildly close

10 up-close animal encounters at the Greenville Zoo

Follow @greenvillezoo for updates on future sloth encounters. | Photo by the Greenville Zoo

Danielle here. If you’re like me, chances are you’ve dreamed of spending time with a sloth ever since Kristin Bell’s sloth meltdown circa 2012.

The Greenville Zoo is helping our dreams come true. Lyla and Lincoln, its Linnaeus’s two-toed sloths, are getting ready to meet you at the zoo’s future animal encounter.

As the zoo works out the details (read: pricing, times, and how to make the experience accessible and safe), we’re sharing 10 other behind-the-scenes experiences and animal encounters that recently reopened at the Greenville Zoo.

The pricing

$125+ per person | Take a behind-the-scenes, which included three encounters.

$43.75+ per person | Select one encounter.

You can request tours here at least two weeks in advance.

GVL_Greenville_Zoo_Anteater_MAR2023 — Anton the anteater eats 35,000+ ants and termites each day. | Photo by the Greenville Zoo

The encounters

Anteater Enrichment | Learn about and provide enrichment (read: creative time with physical activity and mental exercise) to the zoo’s giant anteater.

Lion Training | Experience a training session to learn how the zoo provides its lions with daily care and check-ups.

Tortoise Touch | Enjoy a hands-on opportunity to get up close with the largest reptile at the Greenville Zoo.

Ektopia | Meet with the zoo’s herpetologist to learn about all things scaly and slimy.

Amur Leopard Training | The Asia zookeeper leads a training session about the leopards’ daily care and check-ups.

Orangutan Training | Hang with the orangutans to learn how they receive daily care and check-ups.

GVL_Greenville_Zoo_Red_Panda_MAR2023 — You’ll find Asha the red panda most active on cool mornings. | Photo by the Greenville Zoo

Red Panda Enrichment | Learn about this fluffy, rare, and endangered animal.

Primate Row | It’s all monkey business as you learn about some of the zoo’s “most delightful residents.”

Animal Hospital | Go behind the scenes at the zoo’s hospital and learn about the challenges and rewards of working with wild clients.

Giraffe Feeding (on hold) | As Autumn and her newborn calf bond, this experience is on hold. Check back on the zoo’s site for reopening updates — plus, get excited for the future giraffe feeding platform.

Asked

How many animals are part of the zoo’s collection?

A. 70+
B. 80+
C. 90+
D. 100+

Keep scrolling for the answer.

Events

Thursday, March 30

Singin’ In The Rain | Thursday, March 30-Sunday, April 2 | Times vary | Centre Stage, 501 River St., Greenville | $25-$38.50 | The story follows silent film stars, Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont, who “on screen are a hot item but, behind the scenes, things aren’t always as they appear.”
Pinckney Townes Porch Party | Thursday, Mar. 30 | 1-4 p.m. | Pinckney Townes, 11 Frank St., Greenville | Free | Tour the move-in ready townhomes at Pinckney Townes while enjoying craft cocktails and music.*

Friday, March 31

Riverside High School vs Eastside High School | Friday, Mar. 31 | 6:30 p.m. | Fluor Field, 945 S. Main St., Greenville | $7 | The Riverside High School Warriors take on the Eastside High School Eagles in downtown Greenville.
Jester Fest | Friday, Mar. 31 | 12-10 p.m. | Liability Brewing Company, 109 W. Stone Ave., Ste. D, Greenville | Free entry | Celebrate with brews and circus fun (read: face painting, stilt walkers, and a fire show).

Saturday, April 1

Shop Sans Souci | Saturday, Apr. 1 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Parking lot of St. Mark’s Church, 306 N. Franklin Rd., Greenville | Free entry | Shop this local makers market and yard sale, plus enjoy live music, face painting for the kids, and coffee for purchase.

Sunday, April 2

Community Plant Swap | Sunday, Apr. 2 | 2-4 p.m. | Greenville Yoga, 3221 Old Buncombe Rd., Greenville | Free | Bring your extra seeds, cuttings, starters, plants (indoor and outdoor), pots, tools, and anything other gardeners might like to use for this informal swap.

Plan ahead with our community events calendar.

100+ more events

Click here to have your event featured.

Travel and Outdoors

Here’s how to spend spring in Charleston 🏠

Presented by a GVLtoday Partner

Each Street Tour includes at least seven homes to tour at your own pace, creating an exclusive opportunity to see some of Charleston’s most lavish and unique homes. | Photo provided by Historic Charleston Foundation

Ready for a road trip, Greenville? While we love spending the spring season in our city, we do enjoy a springtime getaway. Enter: Charleston — and there’s no better time for a Charleston day trip (or a long weekend) than during the Festival of Houses & Gardens.

Did you know? This festival is the longest and largest Festival of Houses and Gardens on the East Coast. It’s happening now-April 16, which means there’s plenty of time to explore while enjoying everything else springtime in Charleston has to offer.

See the historic and iconic architecture and garden landscapes of King Street, East Battery, South Battery, and the historic Ansonborough neighborhood to experience the charm of the city. There’s also a variety of Live Like a Local events that highlight Charleston’s culture, music, art, and more.

Tickets are on sale now for the 100+ events included in the Festival of Houses & Gardens. We’ll see you there. *

Learn more and get tickets

News Notes

Closing

Gottrocks (200 Eisenhower Dr.) will permanently close on Saturday, April 1. Its owner, Chuck Floyd, is retiring after 27 years. The business plans to expand its Smoke n Brew shops around the area. (FOX Carolina)

Coming Soon

Feng Cha tea shop will open soon at 12 N. Spring St. in Greenville. Its first SC location, the menu features different coffees, teas, and desserts. Follow its Instagram for updates.
NIXTAMAL Mexican Kitchen plans to open Monday, April 24 in the former La Fogata location in Simpsonville (679 Fairview Rd., Ste. A). The new concept, from the owners of Tacos and Bla Bla Bla and Mr. Jalapeno, hopes to open future locations in Fountain Inn and Greer. (Upstate Business Journal)

Eat

Vegan Mondays, a new bi-weekly event at Holland Park (near Double Stamp Brewing), features food trucks, restaurant collaborations, pop ups, and entertainment beginning Monday, April 3 from 6-8 p.m. Stop by for its first-ever event: a vegan potluck.

Biz

Looking for an afternoon brew and bite? Perch (1501 E. North St., Ste. 101) opens at 2 p.m. beginning Tuesday, April 4. Enjoy small bites (read: corn dogs, frites, poutine, and pretzels), plus happy hour from 3-5 p.m. ($1 off draft beer and $2 off cask beer) — no reservations required.

Number

$12 million. That’s how much Bob Jones University Press invested in a new HP Digital Press — the first of its kind in the US. The custom-built press is the second in the world and can produce a 700-page textbook in 10 seconds, increasing production speed by over 300%. (Greenville Journal)

Today Is

National Doctors’ Day. Prisma Health would like to recognize its 2,251 physicians for their dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence. These physicians better the health of patients daily at more than 300 practice sites across SC that rank among the top in the nation in patient satisfaction. Need a doctor? Find a provider. 🩺 *

Family

The YMCA of Greenville’s Spring Sports registration is now open. Each of the Y’s four family branches specializes in a variety of youth sports, including flag football, volleyball, t-ball and cross country. Register here. 🏐 *

Finance

Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*

Shop

If your vacuum isn’t picking up dirt and debris like it used to, it may be time for a new one. This handheld Shark vacuum is lightweight, cordless, and highly rated on Amazon. Or splurge on the Dyson V11 Cordless Vacuum that sucks up particles as small as allergens and bacteria.
Are your kids ready for springtime family photos? Our online store (Six & Main) features Ducks and Drakes, a children’s clothing company with tall kids at the heart of its style and designs. Shop the perfect fit now.

Festival

Purchase this year’s official merchandise during the festival. | Photos by GVLtoday

The countdown to Artisphere is on, with the official poster and merchandise unveiled last night for the event taking over downtown Greenville Friday, May 12-Sunday, May 14.

Featuring a contemporary oil piece titled “All in Awe” by local artists Signe and Gene Grushovenko, the 2023 commemorative poster is inspired by old photos the Grushovenkos find at flea markets.

This year’s private label Artisphere wine features works by Marina Terauds.

You’ll also find Gregory Story’s “Howdy Howdy” on this year’s official t-shirt, featuring the fan-favorite ceramic artist’s smiley faces wearing cowboy hats.

Out of 946 applicants for this year’s festival, 143 were accepted, and 16 of those artists are local.

“This is a difficult show to get into,” said Artisphere President and CEO Kerry Murphy. “The 16 artists that got in are a testament to the talent in the Greenville community.”

Click the button below to explore all the 2023 Artisphere festival has to offer.

Explore all 143 artists

Answered

We asked you “How many animals are part of the zoo’s collection?”

The Greenville Zoo has 90+ species in its collection.

The Wrap

Today’s Edition By:
Danielle

From the Editor

Happy National Walk in the Park Day, GVL. With a 0% chance of rain, it’s the perfect weather to celebrate at one of Greenville’s parks. You’ll find me on the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail visiting several of my favorites.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Check out some of our favorite Greenville murals.

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