Coming soon to Laurens Road. | Rendering by Verdae Development
The Post & Courier Greenville reports that property along Laurens Road could be worth an extra $1.5 billion by 2062 (compared to $180 million last year) as redevelopment begins. We’ve been talking about this project for years, but now we’re getting a clearer picture of when work will begin and what it will look like.
Developers say it’s “ideally situated” along the trail. | Map by The Bolden Street District
Looking forward
The Bolden Street District — 90 acres east of the Laurens Road corridor from Haywood Road past Verdae Commons Drive — will break ground next year + aims to be a “vibrant, connected, and pedestrian-oriented destination.” The project will replace outdated retail spaces with a walkable district featuring homes and apartments, retail shops, offices, green spaces, and improved connectivity to the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail.
It’s described as a “walkable, close-knit, diverse, connected, trailside district.” | Rendering by Verdae Development
Developers say they’re already hearing from restaurants, grocery stores, offices, and development partners that want to be a part of the project.
Main Street Friday | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | NOMA Square | Free entry | It’s finally Friday, so celebrate with music and dancing — we recommend bringing your own chair.
First Fridays Gallery Crawl | 6-9 p.m. | Various locations | Free | Navigate Greenville’s visual arts scene each month as galleries and venues are open to the public.
Jim Gaffigan: Everything is Wonderful! | 7-9 p.m. | Peace Center | $64+ | Catch the seven-time Grammy-nominated comedian in your own backyard as he performs his new routine.
Greenville Drive vs. Asheville Tourists | 6:45 p.m. | Fluor Field | $8+ | Celebrate 20 years of Drive baseball and its impact on the Upstate during Flashback Friday, complete with fireworks.*
Saturday, May 3
TD Saturday Market | 8 a.m.-12 p.m. | Main Street | Free entry | Shop local produce, baked goods, and handmade items every Saturday through October.
Reedy River Duck Derby | 2:30 p.m. | Falls Park | Free entry | Get ready to have a ducking good time as you watch dozens of rubber ducks race down the Reedy River with proceeds going to The Rotary Club of the Reedy River.
Greenville Drive vs. Asheville Tourists | 6:45 p.m. | Fluor Field | $8+ | Arrive early for Saturdays on the District to gear up for Ville vs. Ville — both teams will wear special jerseys to be auctioned off to raise funds for Western Carolina hurricane relief.*
Sunday, May 4
Tacos ‘n Tequila Fiesta | 2-5 p.m. | Events at Judson Mill | $60+ | Indulge in all-you-can-eat tacos, handcrafted tequila cocktails, and live entertainment.
Star Wars: “The Empire Strikes Back” Live in Concert | 7-9 p.m. | Bon Secours Wellness Arena | $60+ | May the Fourth be with you at this live concert featuring music from the classic film, along with a screening.
Greenville Drive vs. Asheville Tourists | 3:05 p.m. | Fluor Field | $8+ | Celebrate Reading All-Stars from Anderson, Pickens, Laurens, and Spartanburg County Schools.*
Whether you’re just there for the live music or brave enough to race, Gears & Guitars is a can’t-miss event. | Photo probided by Visit Winston-Salem
Did the Greenville Cycling Classic leave you thirsty for more? You’re in luck: Gears & Guitars, “the biggest party on two wheels,” is headed to Winston-Salem this month, just a quick drive from Greenville.
Readers Digest says visitors should detour from Charleston (sorry, CHStoday) and head to our city on its list of the “10 best detour destinations for those who want to escape the crowds.” The publication lauds, “Greenville is where in-the-know foodies head for the south’s best up-and-coming food scene.” See what local spots got shoutouts.
Coming Soon
Chestnut Coffee House announced it will open at Hartness this summer. The new location joins its spots in Verdae, Simpsonville, Five Forks, and Clemson. Can’t wait? Explore our coffee guide for your next cup.
History
Jones Mill in Fountain Inn is standing again after it was destroyed in a fire last year. Installation of the building’s siding, windows, and doors is expected to be finished this month. Plans also include restoring the water wheel, building an outdoor classroom, adding permanent bathrooms, installing a pedestrian bridge, and establishing a nature park. (Greenville Journal)
List
Are you looking to experience something strange? WorldAtlas highlighted 10 of SC’s weirdest attractions, and some aren’t far from Greenville. From the Gaffney Peachoid to the Stumphouse Tunnel, find out who landed on the list. (Greenville News)
Seasonal
The Greenville State Farmers Market’s annual Piedmont Plant and Flower Festival is happening now through Sunday. Swing by to shop plants, decor, supplies, and — of course — food. You can also visit a number of other farmers markets opening this weekend for the season.
Trending
“Think of it like speed dating, but in your feed.” That’s the goal of @shootyourshotgvl, a new Instagram account highlighting Greenville singles through man-on-the-street-style content. If you’re looking for love, give it a follow.
Try This
Need Friday plans? Looking to impress a date? Love art?Explore Greenville’s visual arts scene during First Fridays: local galleries and venues will open to the public from 6-9 p.m. Check out the recent highlights + plan your route.*
Edu
Want a career that creates real change?Furman’s Master of Arts in Advocacy and Social Policy is a two-year program that gives students real-world experiences and tools to lead community-driven campaigns. Read: It can help you make a lasting impact right in your own backyard. Explore the curriculum.*
Family
There’s still room to register your kiddo for Base Camp at YMCA Camp Greenville, Sunday, June 29-Saturday, July 5. Girls (1st-8th grade) and boys (4th-11th grade) can enjoy a week of non-stop fun — hiking, swimming, cooking, and more. See pricing + register.*
Biz
Last chance to invest in the “Uber of mobile phones.”Mode Mobile grew 32,481% from 2019-2022, and just secured their Nasdaq ticker with plans for a potential IPO. The opportunity to invest at $0.26/share closes today.†*
Shop
Tired of smells that linger? This plug-in air purifier boasts a 99.99% deodorization rate that conquers unpleasant pet, toilet, and kitchen odors.*
Category
Opening
It’s Delicious
It’s a “let’s get a few things and share” kind of place. | Photo by GVLtoday
Though the space may look the same, something new is cooking inside The Commons. Delicious by GB&D, a full-service concept, opens soon.
Sip on 15+ cocktails from the bar and indulge in an elevated form of the burgers and chicken sandos that used to come from this space. But don’t worry, you can still grab GB&D fare out of a booth at The Commons next to Leo’s Pizza, another new concept from the GB&D family.
You can’t go wrong, because everything we tried was great, but our favorite bites were the siano burrata with local strawberries, the steak frites, and the sweet corn congee. For dessert, the lemon tart is a showstopper.
Click the button below to follow its Instagram for an official opening date in the next few weeks.
“It’s the people that make Greenville so special because everybody loves to live here. They love to be a part of this community, and everyone who visits feels that and they want to be a part of it, too.”
Taryn Scher of TKPR gave me chills when she said this on Wednesday night during Collaborators & Cocktails at Endeavor, where she spoke alongside VisitGreenvilleSC CEO Heath Dillard. This quarterly networking event is truly one of my favorites to attend.
It’s not often that I get to shout out PR professionals in our newsletter, but I’m so glad to spotlight their work behind the scenes as champions for local small businesses or— in this case —our entire city.
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