Whether you’re looking for a place to play with the kiddos or decompress with some off-screen time, The City of Greenville and Greenville County feature 90+ parks and recreational spots to enjoy.
Ready to plan your trip to the park? Grab your shades and trusty water bottle — here are some of Greenville’s best:
Nature parks
Conestee Nature Preserve
Just ~5 miles outside of downtown, this 640-acre nonprofit Wildlife Sanctuary has 13 miles of trails and boardwalks, 11 wildlife observation decks, and 40 self-guided learning stations. Spot wildlife — like beavers, Great Blue Herons, and Rusty Blackbirds — that have made their habitats in the preserve.
Falls Park on the Reedy
Named No. 9 Best City Park on the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice awards list, Falls Park on the Reedy is “an oasis within the city — a place where people gather to work, play, and celebrate life.” See the park via the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail, the Liberty Bridge, and South Main Street.
Monday Night Yoga | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Camperdown Plaza | Free | Unwind and recharge under the open sky.
Tuesday, May 13
National Tap Dance Day | 5:30-7:45 p.m. | Camperdown Plaza | Free | Grab your tap shoes (or borrow a pair) for “Tappy Hour,” a class for all ages, abilities, and levels.
“Back to the Future: The Musical” | Tuesday, May 13-Sunday, May 18 | Times vary | Peace Center | $55+ | Get in the DeLorean with Doc and Marty as they travel back in time and change the future.
Law Enforcement Week Blood Drive | 9 a.m. | 125 Trailblazer Dr., Travelers Rest | Donate blood and save lives with the Travelers Rest Police Department (plus, earn $30 in TBC Rewards and a TBC Challenge Coin).*
Wednesday, May 14
Startup Drinks | 5 p.m. | Southernside Brewing Co. | Free entry | Also known as SUDsGVL, this unstructured networking event is open to entrepreneurs, ecosystem allies, and all community members of the #StartupGVL ecosystem.
Thursday, May 15
Downtown Alive | Thursday, May 15-Thursday, Aug. 28 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | NOMA Square | Free entry | Kick off the weekend early with live music, fellowship, and beer, benefiting the Metropolitan Arts Council.
In honor of Great Outdoors Month, Columbia’s natural beauty is calling — whether you’re hiking, kayaking, or simply soaking up the sun. | Photos provided by Experience Columbia SC
Pack your bags for a road trip to Columbia, SC this summer, when the city’s natural playground invites explorers of all ages to celebrate Great Outdoors Month in June.
From lush forests to sparkling lake shores, here are four can’t-miss ways to make the most of your outdoor adventure in this capital city:
Explore the old‑growth forest
Walk along elevated boardwalks situated beneath towering loblolly pines and bald cypresses in Congaree National Park. Keep an eye out for playful squirrels, migrating warblers, and the park’s famous swamp lilies in bloom.
Bask in sparkling waters
Whether you’re casting a line from a shaded pier, renting a boat for a day on the water, or simply soaking up the sun on the shore, Lake Murray encompasses spring serenity.
Float down the river
For a splashy afternoon, grab an inner tube and drift beneath leafy canopies on the Saluda River. Gentle currents and scenic vistas make for the perfect adventure. Pro tip: Check out this guide for more river fun.
Camp under the stars
Pitch your tent on one of three serene islands in Lake Murray. Then, enjoy evening campfires, wildlife sightings, and epic sunrises over the water.
No matter which option you choose, Columbia’s great outdoors awaits — ready to inspire, refresh, and connect you with nature all month long.
4.1. That was the magnitude of the earthquake that hit Eastern Tennessee on Saturday morning + was felt here in Greenville. Did you feel it?
Sports
Clemson won its first ACC Women’s Softball Tournament on Saturday, May 10. It was also the first time the Tigers ever beat the Florida State Seminoles. The team is a No. 11 seed for the NCAA Tournament + will host a regional and face USC Upstate on Friday, May 16 at 4:30 p.m.
Closing
Appalachian Outfitters is closing its doors after 30 years. The owners are retiring, so it’s happy news. We mentioned this outdoor gear spot for Sagittarius in our story “Which business you should support based on your Zodiac sign.” If you can’t make it before they close, Sag’s should also check out Half Moon Outfitters.
Trending
TikTok food critic + influencer (with 17 million followers) Keith Lee says he’s headed to the Carolinas, and Greenville is on his radar. Is there a local spot that’s a must-visit for Lee? Let us know. Pro tip: He typically hits hyper-local restaurants that are a bit off the beaten path and deserve more spotlight.
Mansion Monday
This home was designed to feel like a modern tree-house retreat, but it’s just 15 minutes from Downtown Greenville. Located in a gated community on Paris Mountain, this new build features three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a private elevator, a garden courtyard, and mountain views for unforgettable sunsets.
Feel Good
This moment from Clemson’s graduation is going viral after President Jim Clements’ daughter, Grace, crossed the stage as a graduate of the Clemson LIFE program, which “teaches independence, job skills… and apparently, how to sack a university president.” Congrats grads.
Number
$30,000. That’s how much an Upstate woman won playing a new SC Education Lottery scratch-off. “I almost passed out,” she said when her ticket revealed the top prize. Now, she’s planning a vacation. See which game she won (and try your luck).†*
Did this catch your eye? That’s because locals (like you) are excited about new happenings in the city. Spread the word about your business, services, big news, or event coming soon to Greenville.
Drink
Maximize hydration and relaxation when you try Antivdote’s THC-infused electrolytes. They’re third party tested + come in three delicious flavors. Use code 6AMCITY20 for 20% off your order.†*
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Feature your biz in our 2025 Parents’ Gift Guide
Put your business in front of thousands of daily readers. | Graphic by 6AM City
This month, we launched our 2025 Parents’ Gift Guide to showcase gifts that say I appreciate you to parents, grandparents, neighbors, mentors, and life-long friends.
While we’ve already filled all our slots ahead of Mother’s Day, we’ve opened up a few more for Father’s Day.
Whether your business offers a neat product, one-of-a-kind gift, or unique service that could be enjoyed by a father figure — we want to feature it. Secure your spot by Friday, May 23.
A cotton wrap dress that boasts an elegant halter neckline and chic wrapping at the waist. We love it for summer grill outs, casual afternoons by the beach, and warm weather weekend hangouts.
As rain fell on and off throughout Artisphere weekend, it was clear how much our city loves this festival. The crowds didn’t falter as the umbrellas came out, and Greenvillians (and visitors) browsed Artist Row, listened to live music, and watched performances up and down Main Street.
One of our favorite new additions this year was the “Rules” installation, which transformed from a blank canvas on Friday to a colorful mural on Sunday.
P.S. Want to be featured in our event recaps? Tag us — @gvltoday — on Instagram for a chance to show up in the newsletter.
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