Greenville, SC is one of the fastest growing small towns in the south right now. There is so much to do but especially downtown which is walkable, safe with tons of restaurants and shops.

Things to check out downtown: Falls Park on the Reedy, Liberty Bridge, Cleveland Park, Greenville Zoo and the Swamp Rabbit Trail (which goes from Downtown all the way up to Travelers Rest.)

Recently ranked as one of the nation’s “Top 10 U.S. Parks” along with Golden Gate Park and Central Park, Falls Park on The Reedy is the true hub of downtown activity and the gateway to the burgeoning West End. This 32-acre gem is home to the pedestrian-only Liberty Bridge, the only single-sided suspension bridge in the Western Hemisphere. This graceful span provides spectacular views of the expanding city skyline as well as the picturesque Reedy River Falls below.

The park itself boasts a bustling network of pedestrian pathways that weave their way past cozy outdoor amphitheaters that host everything from concerts and festivals to Moonlight Movies and Shakespeare in the Park. Those same paths also connect Falls Park on the Reedy to nearby Cleveland Park. Created in 1928, this 122-acre treasure welcomes residents and visitors alike with everything from picnic tables and tennis courts to a fitness trail and softball fields. The park is also home to the Greenville Zoo where giraffes, monkeys, and more are waiting to bid you a wild welcome. You’ll also find the start of the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail, a world-class, 23-mile bike and walking path.

Have a passion for the arts? Then enjoy the gallery that is Greenville itself! Art In Public Places is a citywide program that has now placed 125+ pieces all over downtown. Everywhere you look, there’s something sensational to see!

Built using antique bricks reclaimed from local mills and modeled after Boston’s famous Fenway Park, Fluor Field at the West End is more than just home to the Red Sox single-A affiliate, the Greenville Drive. In truth, this 5,700-seat, family-friendly ballpark is a snapshot of what makes Greenville so special. Part old, part new, inviting yet pleasantly intimate and always packed with fun and excitement, Fluor Field proudly anchors the city’s revitalized West End.

Check out the hot restaurants downtown here. Highly recommended getting reservations for the weekend. Things fill up fast on the weekends.

Aaron and Anne’s top restaurants downtown:

1) Jianna’s – Italian

2) Hall’s Chop House – Steakhouse

3) Soby’s – Americana

4) Bricktops – new restaurant and has a great bar to eat at if you can get there before it is crowded.

5) Camp

6) Otto Izakaya Downtown (Sushi) or O-Ku Sushi

7) Between the Trees – Grand Bohemian Lodge

8) Bohemian (best Brunch) – not the hotel but the restaurant on Main and Stone.

9) Gather Greenville - an outdoor food hall. Lots of options!

Bars:

1) Up on the Roof - Outdoor upstairs bar.

2) Juniper

3) Hall’s Chop House

4) Spirit and Bower in the Grand Bohemian Lodge

5) Camp - They have a cute outdoor upstairs bar.

6) Conley’s – For late night dancing.

Kid and budget friendly:

1) Mellow Mushroom

2) Nose Dive

3) Grill Marks

4) Roost

Furman University in Travelers Rest (TR). FU is about 10 to 15 minutes up the road from downtown. If the weather is good go up and walk around the campus and the lake. Stop and have lunch in TR.

Hiking: Paris Mountain State Park – off State Park Road. Lots of trails and spots for a picnic.

Unity Park is a new park in walking distance from downtown off of the Swamp Rabbit Trail. It is spacious and has a huge section for children to play. Also has restaurants and bars attached like Community Tap, Automatic Taco and Golden and Delicous.

Greenville Children’s Museum – Those with kids I highly recommend. It is amazing.