Longview Carolina seamlessly weaves Blue Zone principles into its design. | Photos provided by Longview Carolina
Nature meets convenience at Longview Carolina, a new “agrihood” centered around wellness and outdoor living in Easley, South Carolina. While this community sits on 180 acres of scenic, private land, it’s also just about five minutes from downtown Easley + 20 minutes from downtown Greenville and Clemson University.
Longview draws inspiration from Blue Zones (more on that in a moment) around the world and has a similar feel to Riverstead, which were both developed by Jim Anthony. Think: Resilient living, unique homesteads, and panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
What are Blue Zones?
Blue Zones are regions focused on healthy living habits, like daily movement outdoors, socialization, regular relaxation, plant-based diets, and developing a deep sense of purpose. The goal is to create an environment that nudges its inhabitants toward healthy behaviors that last.
Research indicates that people who live in Blue Zone communities live longer, thanks to their adopted lifestyles. Additionally, belonging to a tight-knit community has been linked to better longevity and happiness.
A look inside Longview
Longview is built around modern Blue Zone principles, offering custom-built homesteads. It’s set on a quiet, wooded ridge and boasts natural amenities that emanate an immersive mountain getaway.
The neighborhood encourages residents to:
Be active | Moving naturally is made easy with the community’s hiking and biking trails, winding through 60 acres of preserved green space.
Spark social connection | Connect with neighbors at the community’s pool, pickleball courts, and other gathering spaces.
Slow down | Swap the glare of screens for starlight and conversation around fireside patios and campsites to help your stress melt away.
Eat healthily | The on-site organic farm — complete with vegetable fields, berry patches, greenhouses, and free-ranging chickens for fresh eggs — is designed to forge deep connections through food, farming, and community.
Live purposefully | From communal service projects to planned workshops and clubs, there are plenty of opportunities for involvement.
Erma Bombeck Talk | 7-8:30 p.m. | Hughes Main Library | Free | Learn about this American humorist, famous for her newspaper humor column describing suburban home life.
“Moulin Rouge! The Musical” | Tuesday, April 22-Sunday, April 27 | Times vary | Peace Center | $55+ | It’s opening night for this musical mash-up inspired by Baz Luhrmann’s film.
Wednesday, April 23
Shred Day | 7 a.m.-12 p.m. | Greenville Convention Center | Free | Bring your documents for free shredding.
Thursday, April 24
Greenville Cycling Classic | 4-10 p.m. | Downtown Greenville | Free | This exhilarating criterium cycling event promises to captivate both enthusiasts and curious onlookers.
Friday, April 25
The Foot Solutions Greenville County Smash | Friday, April 25-Sunday, April 27 | 8:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. | East Riverside Park, Greer | $0+ | Cheer on local pickleballers at this annual tournament.
Roald Dahl’s “Matilda The Musical” | Friday, April 25-Sunday, May 18 | Times vary | SC Children’s Theatre | $25 | In this beloved Roald Dahl classic, precocious Matilda stands up to injustice and discovers the power of her voice while using her incredible imagination.*
Saturday, April 26
Saluda Lake Landing Grand Re-Opening | Saturday, April 26-Sunday, April 27 | 8 a.m.-8 p.m. | Saluda Lake Landing | Free entry | Enjoy free fishing, live music, kayak rentals, and more family fun to kick off the season — RSVP required.
From the (blissfully air-conditioned) galleries to concerts, group exercise, family activities, and more, the CMA has a ton to offer SC residents this summer — admission-free. | Photo provided by the Columbia Museum of Art
Did you take advantage of free summer at the CMA last year? Whether it was your go-to way to beat the heat or you spent all of September kicking yourself for missing out, we have good news:
The County Square developers are expected to share new conceptual architectural plans for several of the development’s buildings at today’s Project Preview Meeting. If you’d like to see the designs before city staff review them, drop in to the Prisma Health Welcome Center at Unity Park between 4 and 6 p.m. (Upstate Business Journal)
Announced
The former cotton warehouse for Poe Mill could soon become a “vibrant, mixed-use development.” Purchased by Detroit-based Contour Companies in 2021, the project would include 400+ apartments and ~40,000 sqft of commercial space. No timeline for the project has been given, but we’ll keep you posted. (The Post and Courier Greenville)
GB&D at The Commons is moving to its new space next to Leo’s Pizza (on the new side). ICYMI, the space where GB&D has been for years will soon become Delicious, a full-service restaurant from the same restaurant group.
Closed
Beard Papa’s, a cafe known for its cream puffs on Woodruff Road, closed its doors over the weekend after four years in business. “Thank you, Greenville, for all the love and memories. We’re so grateful,” it shared in its closing note.
Watch
Has anyone seen Rise Bakery featured in the new Spectrum Business commercial? Owner Julian Loue was chosen to star in the advertisement, which was filmed in The Village of West Greenville during the winter.
Number
$200,000. That’s how much TD Bank Charitable Foundation awarded to the Greenville Housing Fund to support its Homeownership Preservation Program. The program is “designed to enable long-time homeowners in Greenville’s majority-minority Special Emphasis neighborhoods through provision of critical repairs and upgrades.”
Plan Ahead
Tickets are on sale for the 15th annual Brew in the Zoo on Friday, May 16. Enjoy craft beer and local bites as you explore the Greenville Zoo after hours.
Try This
Missed Endeavor’s January edition of Collaborators & Cocktails? Don’t worry — the next session is Wednesday, April 30. Hear from VisitGreenvilleSC’s President Heath Dillard + TKPR’s Taryn Scher during their masterclass on collaboration. Reserve your spot.*
Pro Tip
Sick of dusty ceiling fans? Here’s an easy fix — slip a pillowcase over the end of each blade, pull it toward you to catch the dust, then shake it out over the trash. If you’re allergic to dust, call Two Maids at 864-626-3343.*
Stat
$10,000. If you owe that much in debt, this organization can reach out to credit card companies and potentially reduce what you owe. See how it works.*
Category
History
A mountain getaway 1950s style
The more things seem to change, the more they stay the same. | Photo by @nic_goodridge + The Greenville News via newspapers.com
Back in 1952, this ad ran in the Greenville News promoting travel to Asheville. While so much has changed in 70+ years, some things are the same — like how we love a weekend trip to the mountains.
“See lofty mountains don spring’s fresh green” as you take a hike.
“Enjoy the expanses of gay wildflowers” as you explore the NC Arboretum.
And while you can’t stay at The George Vanderbilt, which closed in 1969, you can stay in the “modern, convenient, and hospitable” Flat Iron Hotel, which is located near the Grove Arcade, not far from where the advertised hotel once operated.
If you’re looking for a few other spring activities in Asheville:
Check out a Tourists Game — The Drive will be there Tuesday, April 29-Sunday, May 4
If you’ve learned one thing reading this newsletter consistently this spring, it’s that I love a u-pick flower farm. This may be the most exciting yet because peonies are one of my favorite flowers. You can hit the road to North Spartanburg County and explore The Peony Fields. Kidding Around Greenville has the details.