SEASONS

Seasons A Place for All Seasons

Your Seasonal Guide to Greenville: What to Do & When to Do It

S S ome destinations are at their best during certain seasons. For example, Vail is a haven for skiers in winter,

Florida beaches emanate sunshine in the summertime, and New

England’s mountains explode with color in the fall. But some places— some very special places—know no seasonal limits, and Greenville, SC, is one of them. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains,

Greenville is a great place to visit any time of year. There’s always something happening both indoors and out. Here are our cheat sheets with ten ideas for spring, summer, autumn, and winter to help you plan your perfect seasonal escape.

spring spring

1. All Aboard!

Like trains? Then you’re on the right track! For a unique experience, visit Heritage Park in Simpsonville and take a ride on the train, pulled by a miniature steam engine replica. When you’re done, head to Travelers Rest to The Whistle Stop at The American Café and enjoy great eats and frozen treats.

2. A Day at the Museum

There aren’t a lot of towns our size that can boast a collection of museums as diverse and robust as ours. Set aside some time to explore a few of them and learn about the area’s history, art, science, music, and more. You’ll be glad you did.

3. Take in Some Public Art

From our life-size bronze Porcellino Statue to Dale Chihuly’s stunning Rose Crystal Tower, Greenville is literally alive with public art. Along streets and in parks throughout the city, you’ll encounter more than 125 sculptures, statues, murals, and creative expressions that will take your breath away.

4. Warm Up to Ice Cream Season

Here’s the scoop: Greenville’s got delicious ice cream! It’s true any time of year, but that first scoop on a sunny spring day—there’s just nothing like it. Be sure to savor classic and seasonal flavors at Stanley’s Ice Cream, Dillard’s Ice Cream, and local favorite Pink Mama’s Ice Cream.

5. Have a Reel Adventure

There are lots of places in the world you can fish, but around here, we like to catch. You’ll find world-class fishing and record-size fish in the lakes and rivers that grace the region. Just ask the professionals who’ve competed in the most recent Bassmaster Classic hosted on nearby Lake Hartwell!

6. Join the Hunt

Mice On Main has become a favorite attraction for visitors young and old. Use the clues to track down all nine mice sculptures on this Main Street scavenger hunt. Be sure to look both high and low, because you never know where a bronze mouse might go!

7. Catch a Play

Everyone needs a little drama in their life, and Greenville is just the place to find it! We’ve got a wide variety of theaters and theatrical production companies all over town putting on everything from well-known favorites to original works. Encore!

8. Head West

Greenville’s Village of West Greenville is one of the city’s up-and-coming communities. Numerous businesses, galleries, studios, and restaurants help make this part of town feel a little bit like a sweet Southern Soho.

9. Tap into the Local Beer Scene

When it comes to the beer scene in Greenville, there’s a whole lot brewing. Today, more than 20 breweries call our town home, and more are on the way!

10. Swing By and Say Hi to Shoeless Joe

He was arguably the best hitter the game of baseball has ever seen—yet his career was cut short by scandal. Shoeless Joe Jackson is a true baseball legend, and he learned the game right here on the local textile mill ball fields of Greenville. See his statue, just steps from Fluor Field, and other sites around town that memorialize Shoeless Joe.

summer summer

1. Festivals Galore

Artisphere. Gallabrae. BMW Charity Pro-Am. These are just three of the major festivals held in the summer that grace the area each year, and there are literally hundreds of others held year-round. Come ready to have the time of your life!

2. Tour Time

From Main Street to the West End, textile mills to historic neighborhoods, there’s a lot to discover in Greenville. From selfguided walking tours to carefully curated escorted tours, both are a great way to get to know Greenville while you’re here.

3. Take Me Out to the Ballgame!

You can smell the hot dogs and popcorn from here! Baseball season is at its best in Greenville with the High-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, the Greenville Drive. Play ball!

4. Let the Good Times (and Tunes) Roll

Every Thursday and Friday evening in summer in the heart of downtown Greenville, streets are closed, crowds gather, and live music takes hold of the city. Come ready to sing, dance, and party the night away!

5. Go Jump in a Lake

It’s summer and you’re in South Carolina. Chances are the weather will lean toward warm. Fortunately, we’ve got three of the nation’s very best lakes to help cool you down! From pristine Lake Jocassee to stunning Lake Keowee to the ever-popular Lake Hartwell, you can jump right in because the water’s fine!

6. Fireworks on Fourth

Every July 4th, the skies around Greenville explode with color and sound. Lots of surrounding towns have their own fireworks displays, but nothing can match the show that happens downtown above Unity Park. Ooooh! Ahhh!

7. Soccer Season

Soccer or fútbol? No matter what you like to call it, there’s no arguing that the USL League One’s Greenville Triumph and USL W League’s Greenville Liberty are entertaining professional soccer teams. Games are exciting, tickets are affordable, and fun will be had by all.

8. Selfie Stops

Summer’s always a great time for photos, so why not make a few fun pitstops for the ‘Gram? Check out the Medusa Tree in Falls Park on the Reedy for one heck of a backdrop or strike a pose in front of one of the many murals popping up all over town!

9. Getting Down on the Farm

There is nothing better than the taste of just-picked fruit, locally grown vegetables, and homemade baked goods. You’ll find all of that and a whole lot more at farmer’s markets throughout the area.

10. Ready, Set, Hike!

From the Prisma Swamp Rabbit Trail to the path around Furman’s Swan Lake to heart-pounding ascents in the nearby foothills, we’ve got the hike that’s just right for you.

autumnautumn

1. Wind Your Way Through a Corn Maze

This time of year, when someone tells you to “get lost,” what they really mean is “go find an amazing corn maze!” The corn may have been harvested, but at places like Denver Downs, Stewart Farms, and Strawberry Hill U.S.A., the fun is just getting started!

2. Search Out Autumn Leaves and Waterfalls

Lace up those hiking boots and experience the grandeur of autumn (and some gorgeous waterfalls) at these three state parks near Greenville: Caesars Head, Jones Gap, and Paris Mountain. Be sure to check out the autumn outdoor display around Raven Cliff Falls and Rainbow Falls.

3. Look for the Great Pumpkin

Good grief, Charlie Brown! Grab a gourd (or a bunch of jack-o-lanterns in waiting) at one of our local U-PICK pumpkin patches. Be sure to bring a camera; these photo-ops are ones you won’t want to miss.

4. A is for Autumn…and Apples

Variety may be the spice of life, but around here, variety means apples! From Golden Delicious to Macintosh to Gala and more, fall is crunch time at the many apple orchards within easy driving distance. Bring the whole family and your appetite—the apple cider, donuts, and slushies alone are worth the trip!

5. Hang Out with Stomper

A lot of people think hockey in the South isn’t hockey at all. WRONG! Grab a seat at a Greenville Swamp Rabbits game (Greenville’s professional hockey team) and watch them thump some pucks and kick some tail! The Next Big Small Town — People Magazine

6. Take the Kiddos Trick-or-Treating

If you look up the word “cute” in the dictionary, you’ll probably see a picture of a little kid in a Halloween costume. In Greenville, the best places to see—and be —a princess, ninja warrior, superhero, or kitty cat are easy to find. Check out the Greenville Zoo’s Boo in the Zoo, downtown trick-or-treating events all over the County, and all kinds of other Halloween festivities!

7. Scream Your Head Off!

Be afraid. Be very afraid. Nightmare Dungeon is considered the “Scariest Haunted Attraction in South Carolina.” Challenging them for the top spot is Madworld, which is the “#1 Must-See Haunted Attraction in South Carolina.” Add Sweet Dreams Scare House or the Asylum on Pine Knoll to your list for a truly spooky experience.

8. Pop into a Farmer’s Market

Stock up on a tasty selection of homegrown fruits, veggies, eggs, meats, cheeses, and other fun treats at one of our area farmer’s markets. Most are held on Saturday mornings and run through late October or early November.

9. Dine Alfresco

Whether it’s rooftop views or sidewalk seating, downtown Greenville has plenty of options to dine outside and enjoy the perfect fall weather. Just go ahead and stroll along Main Street—the challenge will be choosing which type of cuisine to enjoy! You’ll also find terrific outdoor options in Travelers Rest, Greer, Fountain Inn, and Simpsonville—all just a short drive away.

10. Feel the Autumn Wind in Your Hair

Bring your bike (or rent one) and pedal yourself happily! Stretching 23 miles, the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail welcomes cyclists, runners, and walkers as it winds past dozens of restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries.

Best Christmas Towns That You Need to Visit This Holiday Season — Country Living winter winter

1. Ice, Ice, Baby

Bring the kids, bring a date, and bring (or rent) your skates! The United Community Bank Ice on Main outdoor skating rink is a very cool spot to enjoy a quick twirl across the ice, a cup of hot cocoa, and a whole lot of fun.

2. Light Up the Night

Around here, the holiday season officially kicks off when local communities light their Christmas trees! Indulge in seasonal treats and enjoy classic holiday tunes before counting down to the moment the tree brightens up the night!

3. Parade Around Town

If you love a parade, we’ve got good news. Several towns in the area host charming Christmas parades featuring whimsical floats, marching bands, dancers, dignitaries, pageant winners, clubs, schools, and Santa Claus!

4. Feel Nice and Toasty

Farmer’s markets are not just for summer anymore! Enjoy winter markets like The Toasty Farmer, offering everything from fresh seafood and artisanal cheeses to hand-picked and mixed spices, candles, and rotating food trucks. Other options include the TD Saturday Market Holiday Edition and Christmas Saturdays at the Greenville State Farmers Market.

5. Festival of Trees Festivities

There is nothing else on earth quite like Christmas trees and no better place to view them than the annual Bon Secours Festival of Trees. More fabulously decorated trees than you can count are spread out across the interiors of three of the city’s downtown hotels.

6. Set the Stage

When the lights go down and the curtains open, Greenville struts its stuff. We’re a town that takes tremendous pride in showcasing our local talent (and there’s plenty of it!), as well as playing host to many superb touring troupes each year.

7. Get Crafty at Holiday Markets

Find unique gifts for everyone on your list! Greenville’s holiday markets and bazaars offer a wide selection of vendors selling gifts, arts, crafts, and edible goods. From blacksmiths and potters to toy makers and woodworkers, our local craftspeople will make sure you don’t leave empty-handed.

8. Christmas Classes

“I made that!” Those are words that make any gift extra special, so why not try your hand at making homemade ornaments or jingle bells? Enjoy a glass of wine while you paint a holiday scene, or give yourself a gift and see which beer goes best with a gingerbread cookie.

9. Orchestra(te) a Performance

There are few things better or more inspiring than live musical performances—especially around the holidays. From classical ballets like The Nutcracker to timeless Christmas tunes played by local street musicians, let the music move you, and enjoy a holly, jolly Christmas!

10. Christmas “Inn” Our Town

For a truly traditional Southern Christmas, immerse yourself in the holiday spirit in nearby Fountain Inn at Christmas “Inn” Our Town (see what they did there?). This magical event—complete with carriage rides and visits with Santa—is one not to miss!