Our Locals Guide to Greenville, SC
So the New York Times voted Greenville, South Carolina on of the “52 Places to Go in 2023”. I have to admit the growth of our semi-hometown (we are actually from neighboring Spartanburg but work in Greenville) is shocking despite the fact that we love Greenville and known full well what an awesome place it is to visit.
If you are not familiar, Greenville, SC is a mid sized city located in northern South Carolina near the North Carolina border and the Blue Ridge Mountains. I always say Greenville is half Asheville and half Charleston with the southern charm of Charleston and the mountain vibe of Asheville. In recent years, Greenville has boomed with loads of new restaurants, revitalization, and there is always something new to try. No matter how annoying the traffic is, Greenville is an awesome place to visit so we agree with the NYT that Greenville should land on your travel list this year if you have never had the pleasure.
So here we are to put our two cents in on what we love to do and eat in Greenville from a locals perspective so grab this list and check these items off if you find yourself in our fair city.
THE NUTS & BOLTS
GETTING THERE & GETTING AROUND
Greenville Spartanburg Airport (GSP) is a small airport located just outside the city. You do need a car in Greenville unless you plan to stay downtown the entire time.
The general vibe of Greenville is casual but there are a lot of buzzy spots downtown that require nicer attire.
THE EATS
FIRST UP, COFFEE
I am a huge fan and patron of most Greenville coffee shops. I can give you multiple recommendations but my first choice is…
METHODICAL COFFEE
There are two locations of Methodical Coffee, one located downtown and one at The Commons. Get the Tres Leches Latte.
BAKERIES
BAKEROOM
Located in The Commons, the Bakeroom serves amazing pastries Thursday- Sunday. Grab an almond croissant. You will not regret it.
RISE BAKERY
Located in the Village of West Greenville, Rise Bakery is one of Greenville’s newest bakeries and it is delicious! Neighboring Village Grind also serves coffee so this can easily stand in for breakfast any day of the week.
CASUAL SPOTS
MR. CRISP
Mr. Crisp opened last year and is the sister restaurant of my perennial favorite, Anchorage. Mr. Crisp focuses mainly on oysters and seafood but there are plenty of options. Plus the cocktails are great and kids are welcome.
AUTOMATIC TACO
This spot, also located in The Commons, serves amazing tacos and sides. Kids are welcome here as Unity Park is located here and offers the coolest playground around. Grab the fish and chips taco and a side of brussel sprouts!
NICER FARE
CAMP
Camp opened a couple of years ago and it is been a hit. I have never had a bad dish here and I have been many times. The Chef is a Greenville staple and he can easily be seen night after night at the chef’s counter. Grab a seat there for some special treatment or at least a chance to watch the chefs. We love Camp and their Sunday Brunch is the best in town.
ANCHORAGE
Anchorage has been my favorite restaurant since they opened and got a lot of recognition early on. The minimal interior is both nice and fairly casual. We highly recommend sitting at the bar and getting the tasting menu. Absolutely do not miss the bread service with the bourbon liver mousse. It’s incredible.
URBAN WREN
Urban Wren surprised me. My bestie and I decided to grab dinner and ended up finding a reservation and we were so pleasantly surprised by how delicious the food was. Each small plate was better than the next. Highly recommend.
HALLS CHOPHOUSE
An offshoot of the original Halls in Charleston, Halls Chophouse is conveniently located downtown (and also has valet). This is your typical steakhouse menu but it truly is excellent food.
JIANNA
Italian food located downtown across from Falls Park. Food is excellent and the menu has some basic options making it a nice option for well behaved kids.
COCKTAILS & BREWERIES
JUNIPER
Get a reservation early for this rooftop spot located that AC Hotel Downtown. Juniper is beautiful with fun bites and even more fun drinks. This is a great stop to start or end your night.
SOUTHERNSIDE BREWERY
Greenville is packed with breweries to an almost comical degree but Southernside Brewery is really good and really fun.
WHAT TO DO
DOWNTOWN GREENVILLE
Downtown Greenville tends to draw the most tourists as there is lots to see and do here.
M. JUDSON BOOKSELLERS
Located downtown next to City Hall, M. Judson is my hometown bookstore and I truly love it. There is Camilla Kitchen inside which serves super good shortbread and other treats plus some tea latte with clever names like The Color Purple. If you have children or tweens, their middle grade section is likely the best of any bookstore I have ever visited. Stop by!
FARMERS MARKET
May- October, the TD Farmer’s Market covers downtown. There are lots of vendors selling fruits and veggies but you can also find artists, food kiosks, and more here. Our friends Colonial Milling offer their grits there which I highly recommend you pick up and take home.
FALLS PARK & SWAMP RABBIT TRAIL
Located just downtown, Falls Park is, you guessed it, a city park wrapping around the falls that crest just downtown. The park is gorgeous and a perfect spot for photos. The Swamp Rabbit is a trail that extends from downtown at the Greenville Zoo at the way to Traveler’s Rest. You can walk portions or rent a bike downtown for the while ride. This is a popular trail particularly in the more moderate spring and fall.
FESTIVALS
Greenville loves a festival with the two biggest being Artisphere which occurs in May each spring and brings artists from all over. Fall for Greenville fills downtown in October where restaurants and vendors fill the streets. If you are looking for dates to visit, those two dates are excellent options.
WEST GREENVILLE
The Village of West Greenville offers some great artists, Joseph Bradley and Darin R. Gerhke being my two favorites. Check their socials for studio hours. Other favorites include Kiah Bellows and anything on show at Art and Light Gallery so check around for local artists because Greenville is thriving with amazing artists.
WHERE TO STAY
GRAND BOHEMIAN GREENVILLE
This hotel was the most awaited hotel in Upstate history I think. Epically delayed by Covid, we all felt that the Bohemian Greenville would never open but now it is open and absolutely gorgeous. The interior is always busy and conveniently located in walking distance to most spots downtown. Walk just across the bridge to downtown and look out on Falls Park.
AC MARRIOTT
The AC Marriott downtown is a lovely hotel and several of our recommendations are located in the AC Marriott or on their property so this is an excellent option.
