Things to Do in Greenville
Greenville is one of the largest cities in the state and has grown to develop quite a reputation as one of the most fun towns to visit in the state. Visitors of Greenville have the chance to visit world class museums, experience historic settings and architecture, and taste some of the best southern cuisine the region has to offer. If you are in the market for a lovely day trip to this stunning southern bell of a city, let’s take a look at the top things for you to do there.
Falls Park on the Reedy
Image: What's Cookin' Downtown Facebook
Falls Park on the Reedy is probably the one place in Greenville that visitors absolutely cannot miss. People from all over the state will tell you that this ‘green’ oasis in the heart of the city is one of the most relaxing and beautiful urban environments in all of South Carolina.
The park itself is located in the heart of the West End area of downtown Greenville. Among the heart of the city’s urban area, this park offers a relaxing and quiet getaway to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The park plays home to stunning artwork, natural formations, and the Liberty Bridge – a bridge in the heart of the park that offers a spectacular view of the city. You don’t have to be in love with nature in order to be in love with this park. Falls Park on the Reedy is a must visit destination for those visiting or even just passing through Greenville.
Centre Stage
Image: Centre Stage Website
If you are looking for something different to do in the evening, Centre Stage is perfect. Whether it be date night, a fun night out with friends, or simply an evening with yourself to go out and enjoy the vibrant performing arts culture of Greenville. Centre Stage is a 285 seat theater in the city that hosts concerts, comedy shows, art exhibitions, and even independent film screenings. You will have the chance to experience the arts of the city in a unique, and cozy setting.
The small theater size allows for close and personal, intimate shows that will leave you feeling like you are part of the production. You can arrive early, grab a drink, and spend your evening experiencing something truly magical. Centre Stage is most definitely one of the best ‘hidden gems’ that Greenville has to offer.
TD Saturday Market
Image: TD Saturday Market Facebook
Every Saturday morning – from May to October – the downtown area of Greenville explodes with life. Everyone loves a good city market, and the TD Saturday Market is most certainly a great city market. With over 75 different vendor stalls, visitors will be able to find all kinds of local and exotic goods. Foods, spices, locally grown produce, handmade crafts, you name it and the TD Saturday Market has it.
The main appeal of the TD Saturday Market isn’t only the goods sold, however. You will also enjoy live music, incredible atmosphere, street performances, food tastings, and even on some occasions a live cooking demonstration. There is always something cool to see, wonderful to hear, and delicious to taste at the TD Saturday Market.
Roper Mountain Science Center
Image: Roper Mountain Science Center Website
Here is a fun and interesting learning experience for older ages (although young children find this place pretty awesome too). The Roper Mountain Science Center is a learning center dedicated to exploring science and educating visitors on space and natural sciences. The facility is home to a planetarium, an arboretum, an observatory, and even a butterfly farm.
In addition to all of the amazing facilities that the Roper Mountain Science Center has, it also features amazing exhibits throughout the year. So if you are interested in science, exploration, space and learning, this place has it all. You can even bring some snacks for a picnic and enjoy lunch on the grounds near the mountain side.
Caesars Head State Park
Caesars Head State Park is another stunning nature experience in Greenville. The park itself is actually located about 1 hour north of the city of Greenville, so it is a bit of a drive out of the way. However, the trip is well worth it. Unlike the Greenville Health System Swamp Rabbit Trail, Caesars Head State Park is a far more open and vast experience.
The state park offers breathtaking panoramic views, waterfalls, and world class hiking and walking trails. Perhaps one of the most famous sights in the park, is the suspension bridge above the Raven Cliff Falls waterfall. It might just be one of the most ‘instagram’ worthy spots in the state. In addition to all of this, Caesars Head State Park is home to an incredible amount of wildlife – reptiles, small mammals and even black bears. You are sure to see some exotic wildlife here.
'Shoeless' Joe Jackson Museum
Image: Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum Website
Joe Jackson, nicknamed ‘Shoeless’, was one of the most prominent and famous talents in Major League Baseball in the early 20th century. Joe Jackson played for the Cleveland Indians, the Philadelphia Athletics, and the Chicago White Sox in his long and controversial career. He was perhaps most famous for his involvement in a scandal to rig the world series in 1920.
Joe grew up in the town of Greenville, and since his death, his childhood home has become a splendid museum dedicated to his honor. It is a wonderful place to get a glimpse into sports history, Americana, and one of the biggest controversies in professional American sports history. Fans of sports, history, and classic American culture in general will love the ‘Shoeless’ Joe Jackson Museum.
Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail
Image: Greenville County Recreation Website
For those who love to be in the great outdoors, exploring the wonderful nature surrounding them, the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail is the perfect activity. This 28.6 mile long trail (named after the famous indigenous swamp rabbits that live there) is one of the most beautiful spots in the region.
The complex system of trails run along the Reedy River, and offer a multi-purpose outdoor activity for visitors and locals alike. Visitors can enjoy hiking, jogging, running, cycling, wildlife observation, and much more! The trail itself begins at Greenville Technical College, and ends just a mile away from the aptly named Traveler’s Rest. Throughout this trail you will experience Falls Park, and the beautiful campus of Furman University among other natural sights and sounds. Everyone who enjoys being outdoors and in nature, should take the time to explore the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail.
The Children's Museum of the Upstate
Image: The Children's Museum of the Upstate Website
The Children’s Museum of the Upstate is an awesome experience for the whole family. If you are traveling with kids, or are simply a kid at heart, this museum offers a ton of fun. The entire museum is designed to offer fun learning in a safe and vibrant environment. The museum is chock full of exciting exhibits that are designed to engage and entertain.
Exhibits aren’t the only thing that children can experience at the Children’s Museum of the Upstate; there are also plenty of afterschool programs and camps to enjoy. So if you are someone who is relocating to Greenville, you can rest assured that your children will have a place they can go and learn in a fun and exciting way. Everything at the Children’s Museum of the Upstate is hands-on, engaging, exciting, and filled with plenty of laughs!
Larkin's on the River
Image: Larkin's on the River Website
Larkin’s on the River is a stunning, high class restaurant that sits along the Reedy River. The restaurant itself is built inside an old civil war building, and really shows off the historic nature of the city of Greenville.
This award winning restaurant offers a finely crafted menu that features top-choice steaks, fresh seafood, hand selected wines, and excellent southern charm in their service. The owners Mark and Larkin Hammond have really created something special here in the heart of Greenville. Larkin’s on the River is surely one of the ‘must-eat’ dining experiences in the city.
Greenville Glides
Image: Greenville Glides Facebook
Greenville Glides is an opportunity to explore the city of Greenville in a new and exciting way. It seems wise to kick this list off with a fun and unique tour company that allows visitors to see all of the most exotic and interesting sights in the city.
Greenville Glides is a segway tour company that allows visitors to hop on one of their fun two-wheeled motorized ‘scooters’ and move in and around the city. The guided tours will take visitors to famous sights in the city such as the historic West End and Swamp Rabbit Trail. You can even take the Haunted Segway Tour and explore some of the most eerie and ‘spooky’ sights in the city – such as the Springwood Cemetery, and famously haunted homes and buildings along the Reedy River. Greenville Glides is a unique activity for anyone, of all ages, to explore the lesser known sights of Greenville.
