Your favorite brunch spot deserves the spotlight — cast your vote and give it the recognition it deserves. Vote for the best businesses around Greenville.
We’ve been on top of this story (literally) since the beginning. | Photos by GVLtoday + the City of Greenville
For the first time, we’re seeing the official view from the top of the Honor Tower, which officially opens this week at Unity Park. However, if you’re a longtime — and we mean longtime — reader, this isn’t the first time you’ve seen it.
Raise your hand if you’ve been a GVLtoday reader since June 12, 2019, when we went up in a bucket truck to show you what it would look like from atop a hypothetical future observation tower. It’s been 2,343 days since then, and based on this before-and-after, a lot has changed.
Who remembers City Editor Sarah? She’s our Senior Editorial Director now.| Photos by GVLtoday
The tower — which has a no-bag policy — has its ceremonial grand opening today, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. in honor of Veterans Day.
It will then be open exclusively to first responders from 1 to 5 p.m. tomorrow, Nov. 12 and Thursday, Nov. 13.
Starting this Friday, daily hours will be:
Tuesday to Saturday | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday | 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
It’s free to visit. Just keep in mind it’s closed on Mondays and city holidays, and daily from noon to 1 p.m., with the last admission 30 minutes before closing.
Mark your calendar for Greenville Open Studios 2025
Presented by Metropolitan Arts Council
During this year’s Greenville Open Studios weekend, 160 local artists across 95 locations will open their doors to visitors. | Photo provided by the Metropolitan Arts Council
One of our favorite annual arts events is back November 15-16, with a Friday night preview Nov. 14 from 6–9 p.m.
Now celebrating its 23rd year, Greenville Open Studios honors the local visual arts community by inviting the public to tour their favorite artists’ studios — for free — on Saturday (10 a.m.–6 p.m.) and Sunday (noon–6 p.m.).
Greenville’s Planning Commission approved a proposed downtown entertainment district 7–5, aiming to curb late-night issues and boost safety. The amendment restricts new permits for operations between 12 and 5 a.m. and limits outdoor dining during those hours — existing permits remain unaffected. (Greenville Journal)
Number
92. That’s how many acres Greenville’s Planning Commission unanimously approved to rezone in the Haynie-Sirrine neighborhood from Planned Development to multiple zoning districts. Residents said the change, covering the area between Augusta Street and University Ridge, will help guide the neighborhood’s future growth and preservation. (Greenville Journal)
Closed
After eight years in business, Groovy Dawg has officially closed its restaurant and food truck. Its owner cited financial strain and rising food costs. “I want to thank each and every one of you for your support over the years,” he wrote in his closing post.
Announced
Greenville County Schools Superintendent Burke Royster’s contract has been extended through June 2029. The board cited his “exemplary” leadership, noting record graduation rates (90.6%) and nearly all schools rated Excellent, Good, or Average on state report cards. Royster has led the district since 2012. (Greenville Journal)
Edu
The Greenville County Schools Hall of Fame inducted seven new members, including longtime educator and City Councilmember Lillian Brock Flemming, golfer Bill Haas, and philanthropists Hal and Minor Shaw. The 2025 class was honored Nov. 6 for achievements spanning education, athletics, public service, and community leadership.
Biz
Spinx CEO Steve Spinks has been named the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Business Leader of the Year. The Greenville-based leader, who’s led The Spinx Co. since 2012, was honored Oct. 29 for his leadership, community impact, and advocacy for the state’s business climate. (Upstate Business Journal)
Try This
At Greenville Tech’s McKinney Regional Automotive Center, students train in a setting that mirrors a professional shop — complete with lifts, diagnostic systems, and paint booths. The experience builds confidence, sharpens skills, and prepares graduates to step directly into a variety of careers as technicians, repair specialists, parts managers, and more.*
Home
Moving can be stressful, but MovEase makes it simple. The platform helps users quickly connect with trusted movers, request quotes in just a few clicks, and save time compared to traditional calls or emails. Spend less time searching and more time settling in.*
Job
Looking for a remote opportunity to lead and inspire a winning team? We’re hiring a Sales Director to fuel our fast-paced sales team, with a competitive salary, premium benefits, unlimited PTO, and real growth opportunities to boot. Apply to join our team.
Category
Eat
Bisque, please
Cold weather forecast: 100% chance of chicken noodle. | Photo by @swamprabbitcafe
It’s the coldest it’s been in Greenville since last winter, and we’re craving soup. Here are our five favorite spots — share yours.
Halls Chophouse | A cold day calls for a spot at the bar and a bowl of French onion.
Swamp Rabbit Cafe + Grocery | The menu rotates, but you can find soups at this fan-favorite spot seasonally — including a vegan broccoli cheddar coming soon.
Jasmine Kitchen | We tend to associate soup season with this cozy lunch spot, running for a bowl of chicken and stars if we feel the slightest under-the-weather.
Brick Street Cafe | It’s not a soup list without tomato soup and grilled cheese, and Brick Street’s Tomato Dill Soup with its Ultimate Grilled Cheese is a must-try.
Nordstrom Rack’s Holiday Gift Guide is here. Shop some of the season’s best deals on stocking stuffers, top-rated gift sets, cashmere favorites, and unique fashion finds. Five can’t-miss deals from the guide include:
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.
If you look very closely at the before and after from the Honor Tower view, of course, you see Unity Park take shape below, but you can also see cranes on the horizon from the Camperdown development in 2019, and the Pearlie Harris mural, which went up on Canvas Tower in 2020.
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