Downtown
Peace Center for the Performing Arts
Local Expert Tip
"The Peace Center Complex often offers outdoor concerts at the TD Ameritrade Amphitheater, on the river, in front of Larkin's. "
Things to Do In Greenville
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Greenville Travel Guide
Get Your Bearings in Greenville
Where to Stay
Greenville’s best lodging choices are found in its vibrant downtown area, near Falls Park. From any of the downtown hotels, you can walk to tons of restaurants, nightlife and unique shopping options. There’s also a free trolley and parking garages. The airport has other brand-name hotels clustered near it and BMW/Michelin/GE, but you’ll definitely need a car, as you will if you choose golf-friendly Embassy Suites on Verdae. All are no more than 15 minutes apart.
Caution: Book downtown hotels ASAP.
What to Eat
Greenville restaurant districts are downtown, Augusta Road (adjacent to downtown), Haywood Road (5-10 minutes from downtown or airport), and busy Woodruff Road (5 min from airport, 10-15 min from downtown). Downtown is where you’ll find the most one-of-a-kind choices and many of the best.
Caution: Woodruff Road and downtown restaurants are challenging at 7pm, when most of Greenville prefers to dine.
Be Sure to Sample: pimento cheese, deviled eggs, BBQ, moonshine . . . or all four.
Things to See
While it’s got a healthy arts presence, Greenville is all about the outdoors. Explore downtown’s Falls Park or Cleveland Park, or the Swamp Rabbit Trail, by foot or with a bike rental. Within 30 minutes are Caesar’s Head and Jones Gap for hikes, photos and picnics, but Greenville also has its own mountain park right in town. Minor league baseball and hockey happen downtown, or choose from great museums, carriage and trolley rides, even Shakespeare in the Park. Kids are enthralled by a special scavenger hunt on Main Street.
Hot Tips: Pack for the outdoors, and check the Peace Center calendar.
Places to Party
National touring shows, regional bands, comedy, theater and improv are all options on a downtown Greenville night. During spring and fall, Greenville offers free outdoor concerts downtown and there’s no more appealing setting than the Peace Center amphitheater in nice weather. You may want to take in a baseball or hockey game then hit a downtown sports bar. A few late-night dance venues can also be found downtown. Woodruff Road, on the city’s east side, offers movies, bars, and tons of late-night restaurants.
Take It or Leave It: Residents lean toward dresses and collared shirts in the evenings.
Where to Shop
Bustling Woodruff Road (accessible from I-385, I-85, or Laurens Road) is Greenville’s shopping Mecca. You’ll find every big box store you love, plus Whole Foods, REI, Trader Joe’s and unique stores. Haywood Road is home to a popular indoor mall, and several well-known chains. Downtown’s Main Street and nearby Augusta Road offer more unique shops and easy in-and-out. Greenville has an abundance of outfitters, bike shops, galleries and food-related shops.
Avoid: Woodruff Road on a Saturday if you're in a hurry . . . traffic is bad.
Take It or Leave It: Residents lean toward dresses and collared shirts in the evenings.
Greenville Is Known for...
Five of Greenville's most unique features and characteristics.
A Vibrant DowntownVisitors are amazed to see Greenville's beautiful tree-lined Main Street, tons of exciting restaurants and bars, great shopping, performance venues, nice hotels, and a river with its own waterfalls . . . right in the heart of downtown. City leaders from across America flock to see a downtown that's won countless national awards and press for its spectacular revitalization success.
Liberty Bridge at Falls ParkWhat was once an ugly overpass and a forgotten waterway is now an award-winning park with a landmark footbridge, spanning the now-beautiful Reedy River and surrounding Falls Park. Greenville's iconic destination ("Meet me on the Bridge") is a beloved, much-photographed magnet for visitors and locals. Any beautiful day draws legions of happy pedestrians to the lushly landscaped greenbelt beneath Liberty Bridge, for dog-walking, picnicking, Shakespeare in the park, jogging, or a romantic moment on a swing with a view of it all.
Greenville is world-renowned as a destination for cyclists. Favorite local son Geroge Hincapie - training partner of Lance Armstrong - has been instrumental in bringing the USA Pro Cycling championships to town each year. Paris Mountain,...
Read the full list of five »
