05.03.2024

Today’s Forecast

82º | 60% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:36 a.m. | Sunset 8:17 p.m.

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What if... Greenville looked like this?

Answered: What if... Greenville looked like this?

What if... we had tiny home communities? | AI image by Google’s ImageFX

We asked and you delivered. Hundreds of you responded to our call out in the newsletter and on social media for unique and crazy ideas for our city.

We dug through the answers and pulled a few of our favorites to share. As a reminder, this is meant to get a conversation started. We don’t have any plans (or the means) to build a monorail downtown.

What if…

Main Street was pedestrian-only in the heart of Downtown Greenville?

Many of you mentioned wanting to see Main Street closed to cars, either part-time (think: weekend afternoons and evenings) or full-time. We can picture Greenvillians dining al fresco in the middle of the street + venturing between storefronts, bags in hand.

There was a zipline from NOMA Square to the West End?

We like how you’re thinking outside the box, reader Ed. Z. While we aren’t sure about the practicality of a zipline, we know the views would be unmatched.

There was a high-speed railway connecting Greenville to surrounding cities?

Many of you submitted a high-speed train “what if,” with wishes to connect to Spartanburg, Charlotte, Charleston, Atlanta, and beyond. While we’ve been following news about a possible future railway for years, it’s clear this is something many of you would like to see happen.

There was a skate park that was also a community garden?

GVL_What_If_Skate_Park_Community_Garden_MAY2024 — We love the duality of this idea. | AI Image via Google’s ImageFX

The public outcry for a skate park isn’t new news, but we loved reader Shelby G.’s suggestion to pair it with a community garden. Several people mentioned wanting to see some public vegetable gardens along the Swamp Rabbit Trail, and we love how Shelby thought outside the box with not one but two “what ifs.”

Greenville had a tiny home community dedicated to housing those experiencing homelessness?

Reader Marilyn P. wrote in detail about a self-sustaining community that not only served Greenvillians experiencing homelessness, but also helped provide workforce housing and healthy living resources to people who may need additional community support.

💡 More ideas

Asked

Do you have a unique idea to share?

We still want to hear your craziest “what if...” for our city. There are no limits. Click the button below + let your imagination run free.

What if...?

Events

Friday, May 3

First Fridays Gallery Crawl | Friday, May 3 | 6-9 p.m. | Various locations, Greenville | Free | Navigate Greenville’s visual arts scene each month as galleries and venues are open to the public.
“The Spongebob Musical” | Friday, May 3-Sunday, May 19 | Times vary | South Carolina Children’s Theatre, 153 Augusta St., Greenville | $25 | This show, based on the series by Stephen Hillenburg, features songs by artists like Cyndi Lauper and Panic! At The Disco.

Saturday, May 4

Reedy River Duck Derby | Saturday, May 4 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Falls Park, 601 S. Main St., Greenville | Free entry | Watch as 14,000 rubber ducks race down the Reedy River falls.
Kentucky Derby Party | Saturday, May 4 | 4-8 p.m. | Group Therapy Pub & Playground, 320 Falls St., Ste. G, Greenville | Free entry | Enjoy Derby-themed specials, music by the Jamie Wright Band, and “the most exciting two minutes in sports.”

Sunday, May 5

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta | Sunday, May 5 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | Papi’s Tacos, Multiple locations, Greenville | Free entry | Grab your best fiesta hat for this Cinco de Mayo celebration.
Young Entrepreneurs Market | Sunday, May 5 | 3-6 p.m. | The Community Tap Travelers Rest, 321 S. Main St., Travelers Rest | Free entry | Swing by this bi-annual event to shop goods from local kid entrepreneurs.

Calendar of events here

Click here to have your event featured.

Finance

Is it better to take RMDs monthly or annually?

Presented by SmartAsset

Man wearing blue sweater looking at camera with trees in background

RMDs can be taken annually, quarterly, or monthly — which is best? | Photo provided by SmartAsset

If you have tax-deferred retirement accounts, you’ll need to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) eventually. This amount is usually taken annually, quarterly, or monthly. But which makes the most sense? Learn more here.

Consulting a fiduciary financial advisor can help when considering RMDs and the potential tax repercussions. Pro tip: Try SmartAsset’s free quiz to get matched with up to three vetted financial advisors serving your area, who can help you plan to work toward a comfortable retirement.

Get your financial advisor matches

News Notes

Open

It’s time to make a splash at Unity Park. The Greenville Water Splash Pad is open for the season. Cool off Mondays from 1 p.m. to sunset and Tuesday-Sunday from 9 a.m. to sunset.

Legacy

Jack Roper — longtime meteorologist and TV personality at WSPA — announced his retirement effective Friday, May 31. Roper has spent 39 years at 7NEWS, and the station will spend the entire month celebrating his legacy. (WSPA)

Announced

“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” with a live music score will take over the Peace Center on Monday, Nov. 11. As the movie plays, an ensemble featuring a full orchestra, a scratch DJ on turntables + percussion and electronic instrumentalists will play the soundtrack live. Get tickets.

Festival

Calling all artists. The Indie Craft Parade call for entries is now open. The festival is relocating to Judson Mill this year and will take place Friday, Aug. 16 + Saturday, Aug. 17.

Arts

Do you want your art featured in our mural City Guide? VisitGreenvilleSC + Camperdown Plaza are hosting a mural art contest. Submit your digital design for a chance to have your work displayed in Camperdown + win a $2,000 prize.

Drink Up

Drink Up Week — our annual celebration of Greenville’s vibrant beverage culture — is coming July 22-July 26. If you’re a local business, you’re going to want to get in on the buzz. Be our exclusive presenting sponsor and advertise your brand with us during Drink Up Week.

Family

Did you know May is National Water Safety Month? Enter: The YMCA, aka America’s Swim Instructor. To help ensure children learn essential water safety skills, YMCA of Greenville is hosting SPLASH Day on June 1 — and registration is now open.*

Seasonal

Happy farmers market season

Farmers markets in Greenville

A clear plastic container holding a large cinnamon bun with white frosting on top. In the background, many people are standing or walking on a tree-lined street.

We’re ready for May market mornings. | Photo by GVLtoday

Get ready to fill up your reusable shopping bags with fruits and veggies. This weekend marks the first full farmers market lineup of the season.

TD Saturday Market | Saturdays, May through October | 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

Features: 75 vendors, live music, children’s activities, and chef demonstrations
Parking: Free parking in the Richardson Street Garage
Space: Outdoors

Travelers Rest Farmers Market | Saturdays, May through September | 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Features: Seasonal pop-up markets with 70 regular farmers and vendors
Parking: Free parking in the Trailblazer Park lot
Space: Outdoors

Greer Farmers Market Tuesdays in Town | Tuesdays, May through October | 4:30-7 p.m.

Features: 30+ curated farmer, produce, and maker vendors
Parking: Free parking in the Greer City Park lot
Space: Outdoors

6 more markets

The Buy

Ingredients for a perfect margarita. Try the Simple Times Mizers Margarita Bundle to get a taste of something new, like the Strawberry Safe mix.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Danielle

From the editor

Two of my favorite spots in Greenville celebrated milestones yesterday: Sum Bar’s fearless leader Khailing Neoh is the big 3-0 + Society Sandwich Bar & Social Club turned three. Celebrate all weekend long with free tiny bubbles at Sum Bar + a Cinco de Mayo party at Society.

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