Imagine going to work, shopping, or grabbing dinner in Greenville without dealing with traffic or hunting for parking. | Photo provided by Carolina RIDES+
If you don’t have a car — or can’t drive yet — getting around Greenville can be tricky. Even car owners have to deal with traffic, drive in circles just to find parking, and incur costs that add up (read: more than 60% of Americans can’t afford to replace their car).
That’s why Fred Payne, Chairman of the nonprofit CarolinaBUY and its partner Carolina RIDES+, has spent 15 years exploring new ways to help Greenvillians get around and tackle transportation challenges.
Enter: Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) — an innovative transportation system that uses small, automated vehicles called podcars. These ultralight podcars run on their own dedicated tracks (think: a horizontal elevator).
Fred rode on one in 2013 at London’s Heathrow Airport and in Morgantown, WV. According to Morgantown’s former mayor, Jim Manilla, the system is reliable, safe, inexpensive to operate, and has helped reduce downtown traffic.
Systems like JPods, a similar pod-style network, are being considered by cities seeking new transit options in Texas. Now, the Carolina RIDES+ team and the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) are exploring whether Greenville could benefit from JPods — and they want to hear from you.
Here’s how JPods could make a difference in Greenville:
Reduce traffic congestion on jam-packed roads like Woodruff Road
Reduce the need for parking and free up valuable space
Lower noise + air pollution
Offer fast, reliable trips for up to four people
Help people who don’t have a car or can’t drive get where they need to go
You can help shape the future of Greenville transit. Would you ride in a podcar? If yes, which spots in Greenville would be ideal for JPod stations?
Let us know what you think — take this quick survey for a chance to win a $200 gift card.
Asian night markets originated in Tang Dynasty China (618–907 AD), initially serving as places for commerce during cooler evening hours. Some of the most popular can be found in Taiwan, Korea, Thailand, and Malaysia.
Now, Greenville is getting its own at “The Block” aka the space shared by Swanson’s, Sum Bar, and Fireforge. Explore the full list of vendors.
It kicks off this Saturday, Oct. 4 from 7 to 10 p.m. and runs every Saturday through the end of November (except for Halloween weekend, when the market will be on Friday).
Primer (K5) Open House | 9:30-11 a.m. | Christ Church Episcopal School, Greenville | Free | Take a tour of Christ Church Episcopal School and learn about the Primer (K5) program from faculty, students, and parents.*
Mill Village Farms Culinary Concert | 6:30-9 p.m. | Hotel Hartness | $175 | Join Mill Village Farms’ Culinary Concert on Oct. 16 at Hotel Hartness for craft liqueurs, 5+ wine-paired tastings, and live music + a live auction benefiting local youth and urban farms.*
Saturday, Nov. 1
Peter and the Wolf | Saturday, Nov. 1-Sunday, Nov. 2 | Times vary | Gunter Theatre | $44+ | Grieg’s “Peer Gynt” and Sergei Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf” come to life with a Carolina twist, narrated by Mimi Wyche in a magical adventure for all ages.*
On Friday, Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency ahead of expected tropical weather along the coast. What should we expect in Greenville? According to meteorologists at WYFF 4, “scattered showers and storms Monday through Tuesday.”
Mansion Monday
This may not be a “mansion” at just 2,400 sqft, but it was too unique not to include. Scandinavian style meets Southern charm in this North Main new build featuring three bedrooms (including dual primary suites). Enjoy 10-ft ceilings, a cozy courtyard with a wood-burning fireplace, and warm natural textures throughout — just minutes from downtown Greenville.
Ranked
No. 5. That’s where Greer ranked on moveBuddha’s list of the top suburbs where people are moving in the US. The publication used data from its Moving Cost Calculator to craft the list and found mid-sized metros (like ours) are growing in popularity.
Open
The Children’s Museum of the Upstate reopened its fan-favorite Construction Zone over the weekend with new play areas, a climber and slide, and hands-on trade stations. (Greenville Journal)
State
Travel + Leisure named Jones Gap State Park the best in South Carolina, thanks to its waterfalls, sweeping views, and miles of trails. Want a taste of that natural beauty (or others closer to home)? Here’s where to hike, picnic, and explore.
Today Is
National Coffee Day, and we’ve never felt more seen by a national holiday. Whether you like your java hot, iced, bold, or sweet, join in the fun with us by pouring yourself a cup of ambition from one of Greenville’s local coffee shops — plus, keep scrolling for some downtown coffee news.
Number
Seven. That’s how many companies Paul Ryll, CEO of Oscar Mike Group, has collaborated with since joining Endeavor Greenville. From branding and software development to taxes and recruiting, he’s built connections that make work feel way more productive. See how an Endeavor membership could be a game-changer for your biz, too.*
Finance
This versatile card has quickly become a favorite for many. With no annual fee, 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers into 2026, and up to 5% cash back on everyday purchases, it’s easy to see why it stands out.Explore the perks.*
Drink
Craving a sweet pick-me-up?This indulgent milkshake blends rich hazelnut coffee, creamy vanilla ice cream, and crunchy Double Stuf Oreos for a dessert that’s both energizing and satisfying.*
Featured Deal
This is your last call to take advantage of our early bird deal + get 20% off your business’s spot in our 2025 Holiday Gift Guide. Use code EARLYBIRD20 before it expires on Wednesday, Oct. 1.
Tselia’s coffee art is some of the best downtown. | Photo by GVLtoday
The Starbucks in Camperdown will close as the coffee chain restructures across the country.
Did you know local coffee shops outnumber Starbucks in Greenville? In honor of National Coffee Day, here are 10+ spots within a mile of the closing coffee shop.
Tselia Coffee | Sip coffee, espresso, tea, and other handcrafted beverages at Downtown Greenville’s pinkest coffee shop.
Methodical Coffee | Likely Greenville’s most well-known roaster, you’ll find Methodical Coffee served at many local shops, so why not get a cup right from the source?
Flying Fox Coffee | You can find this cozy shop inside GVL Art on Main Street.
Bex Cafe & Juice Bar | From black coffee to seasonal lattes and fresh smoothies + juice, this spot has been serving Greenvillians since 2015.
Something to make your morning coffee ritual last longer this cool-weather season: a temperature control mug, rated 4.7 stars and currently 10% off. This smart mug lets you control your beverage’s temperature down to the degree, with auto shut-off technology after two hours.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Bahn and Butter may be the hottest new pop-up in Greenville, and you can get a taste at the Night Market. I’ve been dying to try, so you’ll find me in line.
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