Visiting friends or family down in South Carolina? Dropping off your son or daughter at a nearby college or university?
No matter what brings you to Greenville, South Carolina, it would be silly to waste your time hanging out in the hotel room and binge-watching HBO.
It’s time to make the most out of your time in the Greenville area.
So, strap on your walking shoes and get a good night’s sleep. You’re about to make the most of your 24 hours in Greenville, SC.
Here’s how you can do that.
Get an Early Morning Caffeine Boost at a Hometown Coffee Shop
With just 24 hours to spend in Greenville, you want to start your busy day off right — with a little caffeine.But forget Dunkin or Starbucks. You can get that when you get back from your trip.
Instead, make the trek down to one of the best local Greenville coffeehouses and try something new for a change.
With three locations in Greenville, there’s a good chance your hotel will be in driving distance of Methodical Coffee. This local coffeehouse chain gives off a modern-day cafe vibe while exposing you to the coffees of the world.
There’s something for everyone, including cold brew horchata, turmeric latte, and peppermint mocha.
You can even buy whole coffee beans to brew when you get back home!
Take in the Natural Beauty of the Nearby Parks
Now that you’re ready to take on your day, it’s time to really sink your teeth into what Greenville offers.First, lace up your hiking shoes and plug Rainbow Falls into your GPS.
This trail starts off a little strenuous, sending you over 1,000 feet above sea level as you trek up the mountainside.
A few miles in, you’ll see it: Rainbow Falls.
Sit back and take in the natural beauty of South Carolina. Watch and listen to the steady stream of water falling over the 100-foot cliff that lies before you.When you’ve finally caught your breath, head back down to continue your day.
It’s only just begun.
Sample Some Local Cuisine on a Walking Tour
You’ve worked up an appetite, and it’s time to treat yourself with some tasty food in the downtown Greenville area.Do you have trouble choosing just one item on a menu?
Then you might be more interested in signing up for a walking food tour instead, offered by Foothill Foodie Tours.
Now, this is something worth remembering.
A local foodie will guide you through downtown Greenville. Where you'll make a few stops at some of the most popular restaurants and eateries along the way.Try out the Thirsty Thursday tour to test out some local cocktails or Saturday Afternoon tour to get your hands on some sweet treats.
Visit the Safari Animals at the Greenville Zoo
Unless you happen to live near a zoo, it’s probably been a while since you’ve seen a red panda.Animal lovers and nature enthusiasts, it’s time for a day of family fun and laughter.
So, head on down to the Greenville Zoo.
While at the zoo, you’ll catch a glimpse of animal species that you’d typically only see if you visited another continent. This zoo has everything from anteaters and ocelots to giraffes and lions.
Do you want even more out of your animal-filled adventure?
Then schedule your trip around one of the zoo’s events like World Lion Day or Safari Santa. Or, schedule a private tour and get the once-in-a-lifetime chance of petting a giraffe.Appreciate the Artwork at the County Museum
It’s no surprise if you feel a little drained of energy after your trip through a 14-acre zoo. So, it’s time to slow down the pace of your adventure for a while.To do that, make your way over to the Greenville County Museum of Art.
This museum boasts free entry for all visitors and will get you to dig deep into your inquisitive side.
As you traverse the museum, keep your eyes peeled for artwork created by the great Andy Warhol and Georgia O’Keefe.
Feel yourself be absolutely blown away by the unique watercolors created by Andrew Wyeth. Marvel over the 19th-century pottery molded by the likes of David Drake.
Explore Downtown Greenville
When you’re ready to get a relaxing evening started, venture over to downtown Greenville to see what it has in store for you.The downtown area is especially ideal for one thing: Shopping.
Weave through the streets of the West End Market area and explore the cute local shops. Or, pay a visit to the Augusta Road area of downtown Greenville to check out some of the more high-end stores in the area.And if didn’t get enough nature at Rainbow Falls, walk on over to the footbridge at Falls Park on the Reedy.
Bask in the vibrant colors of the beautiful flowers and the waterfall's sound as you cross the pedestrian bridge.
If you get hungry, the number of restaurants in downtown Greenville won’t leave you disappointed.
Get a Taste of Local Ales at Greenville Breweries
Let’s be honest — your night has only just begun!Your trip to Greenville, South Carolina, wouldn’t be complete without paying a visit to one of the local breweries in the area.
And the farmhouse-style taproom down at Birds Fly South Ale Project is the perfect way to end your night.
This brewery/taproom crafts dozens of homemade local brews that’ll really get your tastebuds talking.
That includes flavors with unusual names. Like, Apologize Less: Cashmere, Mosaic & Dragon (IPA) as well as Prepaid Hustle: Centennial (pale ale).
But there’s much more than beer at this location.
This classic taproom also hosts live musical acts. And offers a large lawn area where you can mingle with other visitors, or a patio area to take in the light South Carolina breeze.
Conclusion
Maybe Greenville, South Carolina, isn’t known as a “hot” vacation spot these days, but this town definitely has a lot of heart!There's no shortage of tasty food, natural landmarks, artistic talent, or incredible weather. So, be sure to make the most out of your 24 hours in Greenville by planning out your day from start to finish.
[Client bio]
Adam Marshall is a freelance writer who specializes in all things apartment organization, real estate, and college advice. He currently works with Copper Beech at Greenville to help them with their online marketing.
