08.02.2023

Today’s Forecast

83º | Scattered showers | 30% chance of precipitation | Sunrise 6:40 a.m. | Sunset 8:31 p.m.

Rock your world

A rocking look at the history of the Rock Quarry Garden

Hi Siri, play “Don’t Go Chasing Waterfalls.” | GIF by GVLtoday

Have you ever thought, “I wish there was a place in Greenville where I could live out my fairy-core dreams?” If so, you’re in luck. Enter: The Rock Quarry Garden. Located inside Cleveland Park, this hidden gem is used for weddings, picnics, and photo shoots (fairy-themed or not). Spoiler alert: This park rocks.

The history

Tucked below street level, the Rock Quarry Garden was converted from an old rock quarry in the 1930s. As the City of Greenville began work on Cleveland Park in 1925, the newly-formed Greenville Garden Club did what they do best, and started on the garden.

Removing rocks blocking Town Spring, the city’s water source at the time, the club created the “babbling brook,” and used the extra stones to create the bridge. In 1932, they entered the two-acre garden project in a Better Homes and Gardens city beautification contest and came in second place nationally.

The Rock Quarry Garden celebrated its 90th birthday in October 2022.

The flora

With fescue grass (a perennial grass that’s known for being climate-tolerant) in the shade and bermuda grass (a perennial warm-season grass that comes back every year in the proper climate), this park embodies the greenness of Greenville.

Scott Drayton, Superintendent of Grounds for the City of Greenville, says as far as the plants are concerned, they try and keep it “simple and basic,” utilizing native plants like azaleas and dogwoods.

Scott credits two employees — Supervisor Joey West and Motor Equipment Operator Avery Doolittle — for the maintenance of the Rock Quarry Garden. Way to go, guys

Whether you’re there for a wedding or a stroll, it’s no surprise that Scott calls the young at heart 90-year-old Rock Quarry Garden, “The hidden treasure of Greenville.”

More Greenville parks here

Events

Wednesday, Aug. 2

Avignonesi Montepulciano Wine Dinner | Wednesday, Aug. 2 | 7 p.m. | Foxcroft Wine Co., 631 S. Main St., Greenville | $99 | Enjoy an evening featuring eight Avignonesi Tuscan wine selections paired with four courses.
Glow Lyric Theatre | Wednesday, Aug. 2-Sunday, Aug. 6 | Times vary | The Kroc Center’s Fred Collins Performing Arts Theatre, 424 Westfield St., Greenville | $38-$48 | Catch “Cabaret,” “The Handmaid’s Tale,” and “Black Broadway” for the final week of the summer season.

Thursday, Aug. 3

Story Time & More with TCMU | Thursday, Aug. 3 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Camperdown Plaza, 20 E. Broad St., Greenville | Free | The Children’s Museum of the Upstate in Greenville has partnered with Camperdown Plaza to bring back Story Time & More.
“Hello, Dolly!” | Thursday, Aug. 3 | 7:30 p.m. | Historic Pelzer Auditorium, 214 Lebby St., Pelzer | $12 | This Blockbuster Broadway hit bursts with humor, romance, high-energy dancing, and some of the greatest songs in musical theater history.

Friday, Aug. 4

Be Kind Rewind Dance Party | Friday, Aug. 4 | 7-11 p.m. | 13 Stripes Brewery, 250 Mill St., Taylors | Free entry | Take a trip down memory lane to celebrate the style, music, and cultures of the 1990s and 2000s.
Greenville Heritage Main Street Fridays | Friday, Aug. 4 | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | NOMA Square, 220 N. Main St., Greenville | Free | Enjoy a night of live music featuring jazz band, Jazz Revolution.

Calendar of events here

Click here to have your event featured.

Cause

City

An easy way to support local schools

Presented by a GVLtoday Partner

You can get your shopping done and support local schools at the same time via Lowes Foods’ Cart to Class program. | Photo by the COLAtoday team

If the phrase “back to school” makes you want to take a 12-hour nap, we hear you.

No worries if you’re not ready to shop for supplies, plan lunches, or return to the pick-up line just yet. Here’s a way you can start the school year on the right foot while getting your weekly groceries. Enter: Lowes Foods’ Cart to Class program.

Through Cart to Class, Lowes Foods will give up to a quarter million dollars to local schools this year.

How it works:

Enroll in the program online.
Select up to three participating schools — so if you have one child in elementary school, one in middle school, and one in high school, all three schools can reap the benefits.
When you shop, your selected schools will be automatically rewarded based on your purchases. Well done.

Learn more and sign up (for free)

News Notes

Announced

Rick Erwin’s West End Grille reopens today, Aug. 2, after being closed for renovations. To celebrate the reopening, stop by Friday, Aug. 4 for a meet and greet with local artist Matteo Miles + check out his new custom work at the bar.

Opening

MooHogz Craft BBQ will be opening a brick and mortar as part of the the new phase of The Commons. No official open date has been announced, but for now you can catch them at Hampton Station on Saturdays.

Drink

Stop and sip the rosé. Head to Juniper on Thursday, Aug. 24th for its Summer Series Wine Dinner with Château d’Esclans. Enjoy a five-course community-table-style dinner from Chef Jeremy Hull with five rosé pairings. Get tickets.

Number

3,000. That’s how many backpacks United Way of Greenville County handed out to Greenville County students on its annual School Tools Day. In addition to backpacks, United Way also provided free food from local food trucks, health services from SCDHEC, and sponsored free bus rides for the Greenlink bus network. (Greenville News)

Plan Ahead

Get out your teasing comb for the 80s Hot Summer Prom party at Hampton Station. On Friday, Aug. 11, you can be “Pretty in Pink” in their photo booth, get “Footloose” and dance, and “Beat It” with tunes from 80s band Nëon Ärcädiä.

Listen

The newest episode of Upstate Trail Talks podcast dropped today, with guests Scouts Donuts. Past guests have included other local foodie spots like Daylight Burrito, Liability Brewing, and Jianna.

Ranked

No. 6. That’s where SC ranked on Wallet Hub’s States with the Best and Worst Early Education Systems list. The rankings were based on 12 key metrics, including program availability, quality benchmarks, and per-child spending. To find the best fit for your child, check our school guide for local education options.

Sports

Grab your baseball glove and head to Fluor Field tonight for Youth Sports Night presented by Waldrop Plumbing, Heating, and Air. All athletes will get to walk in a pre-game parade around the field’s warning track. Tickets are complimentary for youth sports athletes and $9 for parents.*

Listen

Whether starting daycare, moving up to a new grade, or heading off to college, that first day of school can be stressful — for both kids and parents. Get tips for reducing back-to-school stress by listening to this podcast with Prisma Health psychiatrist Brittany Peters, MD.*

Job

Girls on the Run Upstate SC is hiring volunteer coaches for the fall season, which begins Monday, Sept. 11 and runs through November. During weekly small group meetings, you’ll teach life skills to young girls through interactive lessons and running. Apply by Tuesday, Aug. 15 to help change local girls’ lives.*

Development

Wanna hang out in Simpsonville?

A “community gathering space” coming soon to Simpsonville

Let’s gather in Simpsonville. | Photo from Community Hub, LLC.

A “vibrant community gathering space” is coming soon to Simpsonville.

Local real estate developers Community Hub, LLC acquired the property at 136 S. Main St. — Danny Smith’s Fillin & Fixin service station (located next to The Slice) — with plans to offer food, beverage, and entertainment options (including a stage for live performances).

Downtown Simpsonville is currently working on a $15 million dollar revitalization project that includes:

Traffic realignment
New street lighting
Wider sidewalks
Pedestrian-safe crossing
Way-finding signage

Dianna Gracely, City Administrator for the City of Simpsonville, says this project is “exactly what we work towards” to create a unique and homey atmosphere in Simpsonville. The project is expected to break ground in Spring 2024.

Shop

Wellness

Four Sigmatic’s organic protein powder is the ultimate smoothie booster. It contains 18 grams of protein and 1500 milligrams of adaptogens per serving — nourishing your mind + body.

Travel

Searching for the perfect luggage set that’s both lightweight + durable? We love this set for its polycarbonate shell and quiet double spinner wheels.

Eat

Slice and serve your favorite meats + cheeses on this sleek yet durable maple wood cutting board. Bonus: It’s preconditioned with beeswax, linseed, and lemon oil.

Pets

It’s time to treat your fur baby with a product worth barking about. Check out the Martingale Collar in peach + gold from Major Darling.

Share GVLtoday

Share the good news. Get rewarded.

Have someone who needs to stay in the know? Get amazing rewards for every new subscriber you bring by sharing your unique referral link (below).

Facebook

Twitter

{{profile.vars.rh_totref_12}} friends are looped into all things local because of you.

Claim your rewards

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Stephanie

Fun fact: I fractured my foot going down the stairs of the Rock Quarry Garden. When I pitched this story idea to City Editor Danielle, she said, “Isn’t that where you fractured your foot? Are you sure you want to do this story?” I think that just goes to show how much I love this Greenville spot. The Rock Quarry Garden is too beautiful to not go back (and share with others), but be careful on the steps.

Missed our previous newsletter?

›

Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY