Hughes Main Library houses the South Carolina Room. | Photo by Antony-22 via wikimedia commons
We love books, don’t get us wrong. But you don’t have to love reading to enjoy The Greenville County Library System (GCLS). Here are some unexpected library offerings.
Classes | Did you know the library offers free classes ranging from “Introduction to Smartphones” to “Native plants and pollinators?”
Events | Besides classes, GCLS offers events for the community like book bingo, trivia, and writers’ round tables. Pro tip: The classes are in gray, and the events are in blue.
Genealogy | Have you ever wondered about your family tree? GCLS has a Local History + Genealogy room (at Hughes Main Library) filled with maps, databases, study tables, and staff who can help you trace your lineage.
Museum + park passes | With your library card, you can check out passes to The Children’s Museum of the Upstate, Roper Mountain Science Center, Upcountry History Museum, and SC State Parks.
Green Tie Gala 2025 | 6-10 p.m. | The 405 | $250 | Whether you rock a classic black tie or add a pop of green flair, come ready for a night of cocktails, close encounters with ambassador animals, and a silent auction benefiting the Greenville Zoo.
EURO Auto Festival | Friday, April 11-Saturday, April 12 | $10+ | Times vary | Hotel Hartness | Enjoy three signature events throughout the weekend, highlighting a fusion of European culture and Southern hospitality.
Experience Hendrix | 8 p.m. | Peace Center | $70+ | Experience a total immersion into Jimi Hendrix music, exactly like he did it in his live shows.
Saturday, April 12
Village Launch Market | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | West Greenville Plaza | Free entry | Shop from women and minority entrepreneurs, listen to live music, and grab a bite from a food truck.
Southern Roots: A BBQ Reunion | 12-4 p.m. | Trailblazer Park, Travelers Rest | $95+ | Indulge in bites from 35+ pitmasters and chefs at this all-inclusive festival.
Sunday, April 13
Puppy Yoga | 10-11 a.m. | Other Lands | $10 | Find your flow with an hour of vinyasa yoga surrounded by adoptable dogs from Lucky Pup Rescue SC.
100 Years of Poinsett Hotel | 3-4:30 p.m. | The Westin Poinsett | Free | Learn more about the iconic downtown hotel from the Greenville County Historical Society.
Chag sameach. Passover (or Pesach) begins at sundown this Saturday, April 12, and goes through Sunday, April 20. You can find iconic Passover desserts — like coconut macaroons — at Sidewall Pastry Kitchen.
Seasonal
An egg hates to see you coming. Today at 12 p.m., 350 eggs will be hidden throughout Greenville filled with treats from local businesses including Parlor Doughnuts, Clare’s Creamery, The Greenville Drive, Swamp Rabbit Cafe, and Sully’s Steamers. Ready, set, hunt.
Number
$10,000. That’s how much the Greenville Tech Foundation received from Strategic Development Group — a business management firm in Greenville. The funds will be used to create scholarships for students studying manufacturing. It’s safe to say they’re cranking it up a notch. (Greenville Journal)
Edu
Do you want to learn more about growing your food business from a local pro? If so, we have great news. Village Launch is hosting a workshop for aspiring restauranters featuring Founder and President of Table 301 Carl Sobocinski. Register + head to the Greenville Tech Truist Culinary and Hospitality Center on Tuesday, April 15
Plan Ahead
Mark your calendar for Tuesday, June 10th for “Divas” presented by the Greenville Gay Men’s Chorus. Taking the spotlight at Greenville Theatre, this night promises “iconic anthems and unforgettable energy.” Snag those tickets.
Feel Good
This is wheelie cool. ScanSource + Wish for Wheels donated bikes and helmets to every second grader at Westcliffe Elementary School. When the kids were asked, “Who wants a bike?” they all replied with an emphatic, “Me!”
Greenvillian
Craig Brown, owner and chairman of the Greenville Drive and Fluor Field, received the Order of the Palmetto last week. This is South Carolina’s highest civilian honor. This huge award recognizes Brown’s extraordinary achievements, leadership, service, and contributions to downtown Greenville and beyond.Keep reading.*
Congrats to Beth C. on winning our Lovin’ Life Music Fest Giveaway in partnership with Southern Entertainment.*
Category
Shop
That must be a record
Think “Black Friday shopping” but for music lovers. | Photo by GVLtoday
Drop the needle and let the record spin — Saturday is Record Store Day (RSD), where independent music shops open early and offer limited edition vinyl. For collectors, it’s like Christmas Day and for music lovers, it’s an opportunity to show support for your favorite shop and artists.
Note: Not all stores participate in RSD, so if you’re looking for a specific pressing, we recommend calling ahead.
Horizon Records, 2-A W. Stone Ave., Greenville | Doors open at 8 a.m., but based on our experience, people line up much earlier.
Cabin Floor Records, 1156 Rutherford Rd., Greenville | Since 2009, Cabin Floor has specialized in rare and vintage vinyl.
Pharmacy Records, 21 Shoppers Dr., Greenville | After not participating last year, this shop is back for 2025.
Bonus: BJ Music, 374 Whitney Rd., Spartanburg | While this isn’t a Greenville record store, we think it’s worth the drive, especially on RSD.
A set of nice thank you cards. This budget-friendly 36-pack combines elegant minimalism with gold foil accents on high-quality paper. Keep it on hand for expressing gratitude at a moment’s notice.
Greenville’s first downtown charm bar opens this Sunday. It’s called The Traveling Penny and can be found next to Marble Slab in The West End. We had a great time getting a sneak peek. Share our Reel with a friend you want to make matching charm necklaces with.
The Buy
A men’s sun protective shirt. The lightweight, long sleeve design is great for fishing, camping, and hiking and blocks 98% of UVA/UVB rays.