Get a road of this history. | Photo by James Simpson Photography
The City of Greenville was incorporated in 1786, 16 years after a Virgina trader named Richard Pearis received ~100,000 acres of land along the Reedy River. Now that 200+ years have passed, the city and its streets are chock-full of vibrant history.
It’s safe to say that over the years, the city has been touched by countless historical figures and happenings — many of which have shaped the names of Greenville’s buildings, parks, and streets. In this guide, we’re delving into the history of Greenville’s streets — specifically how they were named.
Downtown
McBee Avenue | Vardry McBee (AKA one of the “Fathers of Greenville”) donated land to establish many of Greenville’s first churches (think: Christ Episcopal Church). He built one of the earliest grist mills on the Reedy River and was instrumental in moving Furman University to Greenville.
Coffee Street | Contrary to what you may think, this street didn’t get its name from Coffee Underground, and is most likely named after General John Coffee, a military leader in the War of 1812, says local historian Judith Bainbridge.
West Greenville
Markley Street | This West End street was named after H. C. Markley, who owned Markley Wagon and Hardware Company — a carriage and hardware business by the falls on the Reedy River that was originally owned by Ebenezer Gower (whom Gower Estates is named after) in the 1830s.
Perry Avenue | This avenue was named after Upstate-born Benjamin Franklin Perry, who was the 72nd Governor of SC and editor of the Greenville Mountaineer in 1832. Perry died in Greenville in 1886 and is buried at the cemetery at Christ Church.
Rag & Bone Pop Up Event | 5-8 p.m. | Augusta Twenty Warehouse (across from A20) | Free entry | Shop the newest looks for men + women at this luxury brand pop-up.
First Fridays Gallery Crawl | 6-9 p.m. | Various locations | Free entry | Navigate Greenville’s visual arts scene each month as galleries and venues are open to the public.
Greer Ghost Tours | 6-10 p.m. | Greer Heritage Museum, Greer | $6+ | Choose from two walking tours full of family-friendly fright on Friday + Saturday.
Saturday, Nov. 2
17th Annual Run4Life 5K + Family Fun Run | 8:30-11 a.m. | Caine Halter Family YMCA | $10+ | Lace-up your running (or walking) shoes for this race against cancer.
Everything Outdoor Fest | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Historic Hopkins Farm, Simpsonville | $6+ | This family-friendly + dog-friendly festival features exhibits, clinics, and demos for all things outdoor recreation on Saturday and Sunday.
Day of the Dead Festival and Artist Market | 2-7 p.m. | The Edward R. Driggers City of Greer Center for the Arts, Greer | Free | Experience festive music, art, and food while learning about this rich cultural tradition.
Sunday, Nov. 3
Walk to End Alzheimer’s | 2-4 p.m. | Fluor Field | Free entry | Take strides to fund Alzheimer’s + dementia research at this two-mile walk to support nonprofit The Alzheimer’s Association.
Young Entrepreneurs Market | 3-5:30 p.m. | The Community Tap | Free entry | Shop at this bi-annual event that provides an environment for kids to practice and sharpen their entrepreneurial skills.
Saturday, Nov. 9
First Look | Saturday, Nov. 9 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Charleston Southern University, Charleston | Free | Prospective students are invited to Charleston Southern University’s open house to tour the campus, meet faculty, and attend financial aid + admissions workshops.*
Try these 3 James Beard recognized restaurants in Columbia
Presented by Experience Columbia
Columbia, SC is cooking up a storm on the national stage with several local restaurants and chefs earning James Beard Award recognition in 2023 and 2024. | Photo provided by Experience Columbia
Things are heating up in Columbia’s culinary scene. From mouthwatering BBQ to wine-soaked evenings, this Southern city is cooking its way to the top of the food chain, one award-worthy dish at a time.
Check out these three 2024 James Beard-recognized spots worth traveling for:
Lula Drake Wine Parlour: An elevated dining experience with a rotating, seasonal wine selection
City Limits BBQ: A must-visit for authentic South Carolina- and Texas-style BBQ
The Greenlink maintenance facility + parking surrounding Gather GVL is back on the market. The lot is zoned for mixed-use and could see residential, retail, offices, and restaurants on the site.
Answered
There’s a new cat in town. Remember the mystery animal delivered to the Greenville Zoo? We can now report a two-year-old Amur Leopard named Irina has arrived and her new mate (a one-year-old male) will arrive from Colorado in a few months to help repopulate this endangered species. Jade, the zoo’s current Amur Leopard, will retire to North Dakota.
Number
$10.2 million. That’s how much Koops Automation Systems plans to invest in expanding its Greenville County operations. The investment creates 26 new roles and supports the company’s move to an 80,000-sqft facility near Wade Hampton Boulevard in Greer. (Upstate Business Journal)
Eat
To celebrate its third birthday, Comal 864’s Woodside location will host six local pop ups the week of Monday, Nov. 11 to Sunday, Nov. 16. Prepare to feast on Resident Dogs, Sugah’s Kitchen, Modelo Private Dining, Crooked Spoon, Little Secret, and a sixth concept TBD. (The Post and Courier Greenville)
Giveaway
Subaru and nature… sounds like a winning combo to us. You can support Conestee Nature Preserve + its Hurricane Helene recovery efforts by entering their raffle to win a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek from Fairway Subaru. Purchase a raffle ticket ($100) by Sunday, Nov. 17 for a chance to win.*
Try This
If you’re looking for a new date night idea, get outside and explore Greenville’s visual arts scene during First Fridays, happening tonight, Nov. 1 from 6 to 9 p.m. Plan an unforgettable evening.*
Finance
Inflation may be cooling, but car insurance premiums aren’t. Why? All insurance is now priced in real-time — so repair times, parts shortages, and credit scores all play a part in the final price. Take Money’s questionnaire on your best car insurance experience to see if you can save.*
Seasonal
Seasonal
🎃 Give ‘em pumpkin to talk about
It’s time to gourd. | Photo by 6AMcity
You carved the pumpkins + trick-or-treated... now what?
Compost
Give your jack-o-lantern a second life. Greenville County put together a list of compostable items + the benefits of composting. Pro tip: If you decide to trash your pumpkin in the city limits, put your pumpkin in your green waste container, not on the curb.
Feed the birds
Provide the chickadees and cardinals with their own holiday feast and turn your pumpkin into a birdfeeder. Cut the pumpkin in half, scoop out the seeds, and fill with birdseed. Tie two lengths of twine around the bottom to hang in your backyard.
Make a snack
If your pumpkin hasn’t spoiled, you can use it to make bread, soup, pies, or other desserts. Food Network has plenty of pumpkin recipes for you to try + who doesn’t love a fall-themed dish?
The Buy
The Buy
A whole room space heater. Save $30 on a small but mighty space heater with a focus on safety — it has tip-over protection, a cool touch case, and will automatically shut off if overheated.
Did you have a Happy Halloween? Carolin M. was the first reader to correctly guess my costume. I was a Mouse on Main. Now on to my favorite two months of the year. Bring on the peak foliage, my birthday, Thanksgiving eats, and the holiday season.
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