Your votes are in. Congratulations to our GVLtoday’s Best winners, who rose to the top as your favorite places to work, live, play, and eat:
Best brunch: Tandem Creperie and Coffeehouse | There’s no better brunch than a sweet or savory crepe served in a charming, cozy space with warm, friendly service.
Best fine dining: Scoundrel | A night out at Scoundrel is a night sampling delectable, elegant French cuisine — it’s no wonder it just won a Michelin star.
Best brewery + distillery: Fireforge Crafted Beer | Expansive indoor and outdoor seating, delicious sandwiches, and a passion for craft beer make this Greenville destination your favorite.
Fireforge Crafted Beer is your No. 1 choice in local breweries.
Photo via Fireforge Crafted Beer
Best dentist: Cove Dental Care | This favorite spot in Greer offers an experienced team providing everything from family dentistry to teeth whitening.
Best local influencer + celebrity: HealthyishDani | We know exactly where to go for dinner tonight, thanks to Dani Mathew’s adventures around the local food scene.
Thursday
The festivities begin with a Cool Jazz Concert at HART Theatre — the perfect warm-up for a chilly weekend.
Friday
Downtown Waynesville transforms into an Ice Block Party, complete with frosty sculptures lining the streets, festive vibes, and late-night shopping from local bizzes.
Saturday
The main event arrives: the Ice Extravaganza in Maggie Valley, featuring live ice carving, ice games, glowing light features, and local vendors (tickets are under $8 for a limited time, BTW).
Plus, lace up your running shoes for Clyde’s spirited Frosty 5K.
Sunday
Wrap up your weekend with mountain-town exploring, scenic views, and one last dose of winter wonder.
Unity Park’s playground closes for two to three weeks starting today, Dec. 8 for turf repairs following damage from Hurricane Helene. Crews will fix the base materials and replace the synthetic turf. Meadow Lot 2 is also closed for equipment staging.
Featured Deal
SWTHZ is coming to Greenville this winter. Become a founding member and enjoy a lifetime 15% discounted rate, plus a free VIP session for you and a guest before the official opening. Lock in your rate risk-free — you won’t pay a thing until the space opens.*
Mansion Monday
There’s a new pricetag for this European-inspired estate located in Montebello’s gated hillside. Delivering resort-style living 10 minutes from downtown, it boasts soaring ceilings, a gourmet chef’s kitchen, dual primary suites, a luxe basement retreat, and Blue Ridge views — plus access to pools, parks, trails, and Club Bella amenities
Plan Ahead
The iconic Teddy Bear Toss returns to the rink during the Swamp Rabbits game on Saturday, Dec. 13. Donate stuffed animals at these locations until Thursday, Dec. 11 for them to be thrown on the ice after the first goal. The toys will then be donated to children in need this holiday season.
Trending
Meet the latest holiday trend taking over the internet: “Tacky Christmas.” The look leans into nostalgic kitsch — think rainbow lights, sparkly tinsel, and mismatched ornaments. Want to join in? Greenville’s thrift shops are a great place to start. (House Beautiful)
Stat
$107. That’s the value of $100 in Greenville, according to a new Tax Foundation study on purchasing power across the US. Compare that to California’s $87.42, and your wallet may be feeling a bit thicker than before. Pro tip: Keep it that way by filling your calendar with free activities. (Upworthy)
Number
27,400+. That’s how many active job listings you can find on our Job Board. Explore openings in manufacturing, sales, marketing, and beyond. Roles for all experience levels are hiring now. Find a new gig for 2026.
Older Adults
Healthy eating, going for walks, and gardening. Those are three things that a group of centenarians credit for their long life in a new UnitedHealthcare survey of 100-year-olds. Another common factor was keeping an active social life, and there are plenty of ways for older locals to do that in Greenville.
A tragic college football accident that left a teammate paralyzed inspired Michael Kissenberth, MD, to pursue orthopedics. Today, as the leader of Novant Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Greenville, he brings passion and expertise to helping patients get back in the game. Learn more.*
Number
$0. That’s how much 94% of patients pay to see a licensed dietitian with Nourish. Find a dietitian covered by insurance and build a personalized nutrition plan — a structured, supportive way to map out your 2026 wellness goals now.*
GE Vernova Park, the home of the Greenville Triumph and Liberty soccer clubs, is taking shape at BridgeWay Station. The goal? Hosting matches for the clubs in 2026.
It will also be a new home for concerts, festivals, sports matches, and community events.
You know what a very underrated holiday tradition is in our house? Very Merry Mini Golf. The entire course by the downtown airport is decked out in lights, and even your golf ball lights up. We look forward to it every year.
