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66º mostly sunny | 2% chance of rain | Sunrise 6:39 a.m. | Sunset 8:14 p.m.

Opening up with Hotel Hartness’ Albert Mertz

16 questions with Albert Mertz, General Manager of Hotel Hartness

Albert Mertz, General Manager of Hotel Hartness | Photo via Community Journals

When it comes to the most memorable properties Albert Mertz has opened in his 30-year hospitality career — including locations in North America, Asia, and Europe — he says Hotel Hartness “is the most significant, for many reasons.”

One could say the General Manager saved the best for last, with Hotel Hartness being his final opening before settling down in the Carolinas, which “was always the goal.”

We asked Albert 16 questions about his career, Hotel Hartness, and Greenville.

Q: How did you get started in the hospitality industry?
I grew up in Mexico City, and my family traveled a lot. I was always in awe of the hotels and the different cultures and food. Being in different countries, different buildings, historic hotels, new hotels — that really struck a chord. I was going to study architecture, but ended up going to hotel school, and here we are 30 years later.

Genergal Manager of Hotel Hartness Albert Mertz in a hard hat. — During the construction of Hotel Hartness | Photo via Albert Mertz

Q: How did you become involved with the Hotel Hartness?
I was looking for my next and final opening to be something that had meaning to it, and joining Hay Creek Hotels was important because of its portfolio and what it stands for. The uniqueness of Hotel Hartness and fact that we could create magic without it being cookie cutter — that was really important, because I like to exercise that creative side.

Q: What has surprised you most about Greenville?
The culinary scene — it’s pretty extensive. I didn’t expect it to be as broad as it is. Also, just how close things are. It’s really accessible to just go everywhere.

Albert Mertz at the Rits-Carlton Cancun — Returning to The Ritz-Carlton Cancun 29 years after opening it. | Photo via Albert Mertz

Q: Describe Hotel in Hartness in one word.
Welcoming

Q: Mint or chocolate on your pillow?
Chocolate

Q: Favorite hotel you’ve stayed in?
The Ritz-Carlton Cancun

Q: Patterson Kitchen + Bar order?
The Crab Stuffed Ahi Tuna — it’s to die for.

Click below for more from Albert.

11 more Q's with Albert

Events

Friday, April 28

Weekends at Unity | Friday, Apr. 28-Sunday, Apr. 30 | 10 a.m.-8 p.m. | Unity Park, 320 S. Hudson St., Greenville | Free | Enjoy a sweet treat from one food vendor every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from April-October.
Greenville Heritage Main Street Fridays | Friday, Apr. 28 | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | NOMA Square, 220 N. Main St., Greenville | Free entry | Get your party on with Odyssey Band.

Saturday, April 29

Greer Goes Global: International Festival | Saturday, Apr. 29 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Greer City Park, 301 E. Poinsett St., Greer | Free entry | Go around the world in a day and enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of multiple cultures and 40+ countries at the festival.
Greenville Triumph | Saturday, Apr. 29 | 7 p.m. | Paladin Stadium, 900 Duncan Chapel Rd., Greenville | $15-$60 | Catch the Greenville Triumph face off against North Carolina FC on the home pitch for match day.
Mahler’s “Resurrection” Symphony | Saturday, Apr. 29-Sunday, Apr. 30 | Times vary | Peace Center, 300 S. Main St., Greenville | $20-$85 | Some people go their whole lives without hearing it live — don’t miss Mahler’s rarely-performed second symphony and the biggest concert of the season.*

Sunday, April 30

Music on the Mountain: Stephen Neil | Sunday, Apr. 30 | 1-4 p.m. | Eagle Mountain Winery, 2330 Hwy. 11, Travelers Rest | Free entry | Join Stephen Neil of the Synergy Twins on the Eagle Mountain Winery patio to hear him play live music on his electric violin while you sip on a glass of wine.
The Rough & Tumble Garden Concert | Sunday, Apr. 30 | 6:30 p.m. | Sans Souci Community Garden, 12 Ethelridge Dr., Greenville | Free | Pack a picnic and grab your lawn chairs to catch this musical duo for their family-friendly garden concert — leashed pets are welcome.

Monday, May 1

In Conversation with Ben Schipper | Monday, May. 1 | 5:30-7 p.m. | M. Judson Booksellers, 130 S. Main St., Ste. 200, Greenville | Free | Join M. Judson Booksellers and Benjamin Schipper to discuss his graphic novel “Joe Death and the Graven Image.”

Finish April strong

Click here to have your event featured.

Arts

A date night that supports International Ballet

Presented by a GVLtoday Partner

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These Passport to Dance 2021 guests were excited after their live auction win. | Photo by Kristen Laing Photography

In celebration of International Ballet‘s 20th anniversary season, the IB Assemblé Guild presents the 2023 Passport to Dance Benefit Gala with Emcee JDew and auctioneer Matt Holiday.

The evening will include a fabulous live and silent auction, catering by Chef360 and Synergy Coffee, signature cocktails sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and performances by dancers from the IB Company, Academy, Accessibility Program, and Adult Ballet.

Individual tickets ($120) are available now.*

Learn more and get tickets

News Notes

Closing

Resident Diner is closing its location on Main Street in Travelers Rest at the end of this week. While reopening plans are to be determined, the restaurant says in an Instagram post, “We’re gonna bust butt to get reopened as soon as possible.” Follow its account for updates.

Coming Soon

Summer Moon Coffee is opening soon across from The Lofts at Mills Mill. The TX-born chain is known for its wood fired coffee and moon milk (read: signature sweet cream). While you wait to sip on a Summer Moon Latte at the Greenville location, shop its line of coffee and merch on its website.
Kids, get ready to play. Adventure Park at Trailblazer — a new playground — is coming to Trailblazer Park in Travelers Rest this summer. The accessible playground will include a low ropes obstacle course, swing sets, zip line, wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round, picnic tables, covered pavilion, and separate play areas for younger children and toddlers. (Greenville Journal)

Opening

The Greenville Center for Creative Arts celebrates the grand opening of its gift shop on First Friday, May 5 (6-9 p.m.). Shop consigned artworks from GVL-based artists (think: prints, small originals, jewelry, and pottery). Regular hours are Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Sports

The Greenville Drive will play a doubleheader against the Hudson Valley Renegades today after yesterday’s game was postponed due to weather. Game one starts at 4:30 p.m., and game two starts 30 minutes after the first ends (no earlier than 7 p.m.). Catch the games, dress for Pirate Night, and stay for the post-game fireworks.

Biz

FN America, LLC — the US subsidiary of global gun manufacturer FN Herstal, S.A. — will invest $33 million into a new production facility in Pickens County, creating ~176 jobs. The 100,000-sqft Liberty facility will be constructed in two phases, breaking ground in 2024 and aiming for completion by 2025. (Post and Courier Greenville)

Try This

Fill your weekend with more Greenville Drive baseball with Saturdays On The District tomorrow from 5-7 p.m. and Karaoke Night at 7:05 p.m., plus the final night of Reading All-Stars — celebrating Anderson, Pickens, Laurens, and Spartanburg County school students — this Sunday at 3 p.m. Get tickets.

Ranked

No. 23. That’s where Furman University landed on Travel + Leisure’s list, “25 Most Beautiful College Campuses in the US.” The list lauds Furman’s “serene landscape,” the Asia Garden, and the replica of Henry David Thoreau’s home, saying, “this campus is as diverse as its student body.”

Feel Good

A mom who recently visited The Children’s Museum of the Upstate found a locket and took to Facebook to find its owner. Turns out, the locket was misplaced three years ago by its young owner. The owner’s mother, who now lives in Charlotte, was able to get the locket back.

Wellness

Did you know? “An eye exam is truly the gateway to systemic health,” according to James F. Hill, III, O.D., Associate Professor and Medical Director of MUSC Health’s Storm Eye Institute. Learn how routine eye exams are critical to overall wellness.*

Announced

Greenville Federal Credit Union now offers its members a discount on Annual Family Membership at Roper Mountain Science Center, which includes unlimited admission to programs like Friday Starry Nights, Summer Adventure, and Afternoon Explorations, plus early access and discounts for summer camp registration. Learn more (and see more discounts for members).*
Congrats to Alise Brown for winning our Round trip for Two Giveaway in partnership with Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport and Avelo Airlines. Thanks to all who entered, and you can still plan your getaway — starting in June, Avelo Airlines will offer flights from GSP International Airport to Orlando, FL (MCO) and New Haven, CT (HVN). *

Eat

Planning a family cookout — or a kid’s birthday party? These s’mores cups are perfect for pint-sized party-goers, and they’re easy to make. Pro tip: Top with gummy worms for extra fun.*

Wellness

This metabolism supplement is endorsed by Halle Berry and backed by science

Metabolic Daily is formulated with Akkermansia muciniphila (only available at Pendulum) and other next generation strains. | Photo by Sean Dagen

Our metabolism slows as we age — so who wouldn’t want to optimize theirs (and maybe feel 22 again)?

Meet Metabolic Daily, a multi-strain probiotic designed to kick-start your metabolism, maintain blood sugar levels, support a healthy weight, and reduce sugar cravings and energy slumps. Think: Balanced, sustained energy throughout the day. (Actress Halle Berry digs it so much she became the CCO.)

Use code 6AMCITY for 20% off your first month of any membership.*

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Shoutout

Your voice is valuable, and so are the special moments in your life. Shoutouts allow us to celebrate job promotions, anniversaries, and exciting experiences right here in Greenville.

Become a GVLtoday member today to reserve your shoutout and celebrate with tens of thousands of locals.

Become a member, get benefits

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Kyle

From the editor

I loved asking Albert my rapid fire questions so much, I had to answer some myself:

Mint or chocolate on your pillow? Andes Chocolate Mints — best of both worlds
Favorite hotel you’ve stayed in? Sultan Cave Suites in Cappadochia, Turkey
Patterson Kitchen + Bar order: I second Albert — the Crab Stuffed Ahi Tuna really is to die for, but I won’t leave without a taste of the Grilled Swordfish.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Learn more about Ink N Ivy’s new rooftop bar + shop Six & Main’s Mother’s Day gift guide.

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