Greenville, South Carolina
Why greenville should be your next travel destination
Welcome to the city that just earned a spot on The New York Times’ annual travel list.
If DJ BBQ sent you here, then you’re in the right place! Lost In host DJ BBQ visited Greenville, SC for a little exploration, eating, and awesome experiences. As seen in the episode, from enjoying authentic Georgian food to racing in a BMW, the opportunities are diverse. Here are just a few extra reasons why you should visit Greenville, SC:
This historic city, once known for its textile industry, is growing fast from one of the Southeast’s hidden gems into one of its most popular destinations. Main Street is the lifeblood of Greenville, as it is the central street lined with cafes, boutiques, retailers, restaurants, galleries, and much more. The street is covered by a canopy of trees, which helps fortify the “green” in Greenville. At nighttime, twinkling lights shine through the trees, making it truly a walkable city no matter the time of day. From catching a live event at NOMA square or grabbing a bite and browsing shops at One City Plaza, to taking in the breathtaking views at Falls Park on the Reedy River or a game at Fluor Field (a mini replica of Fenway Park!) you can always find something to do on Main Street.
You won’t ever find yourself getting bored here. Around three hundred times a year, Downtown hosts events for all kinds of interests, from concerts to craft beer, culinary, or arts festivals. Greenville is known world-over for its two signature annual events, euphoria and Artisphere. In its 18th year, euphoria brings out the best in the culinary community with cooking demonstrations, tastings, wine seminars, and even celebrity chefs offering multi-course dinners. Better yet, proceeds from the event go to a local nonprofit that spreads funds to local charities related to sustenance (hunger & health), music, and children. Celebrating its 19th year in 2023, Artisphere is a cultural art event formed by ~135 visual artists representing 17 different artistic mediums. Local restaurants also join in the fun, with local favorites lining Main Street, bringing out their best dishes and unique flavors crafted just for the festival.
Enjoy live music performances and other art-related experiences all weekend long. But that’s not all! Every Saturday morning between May and October, the TD Saturday Market brings 75 local vendors with live music for everyone to enjoy. Art is ever-present in Greenville, and this is further proven by its citywide arts program that has placed more than 125 pieces across downtown.
You can’t talk about Greenville, SC without mentioning its green spaces. Falls Park on the Reedy is 32 acres of breathtaking park space with the stunning pedestrian-only Liberty Bridge and a web of pedestrian pathways that connect it to Cleveland Park—122 acres of everything a park could want, including Greenville Zoo. Because of Greenville’s proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains, there are eight well-known waterfalls with a wide range in hiking difficulty.
On the shore of the Reedy River, Peace Center is where performing arts have developed their heart in Greenville. Ballets, orchestras, and theatre productions keep the stage alive and bustling. Close to Main Street sits Heritage Green, Greenville’s urban arts and cultural area, which contains museums, theatres, galleries, and the county’s main library.
Perhaps a sip is what you’re really after? Greenville is home to 20+ breweries and is 7th in the nation for most craft beer breweries per capita. If you came for the drinks, stay for the food. Greenville has diverse eateries to satisfy any palate. You’ll find everything from Afghan cuisine at Aryana, El Salvadorian from Sabor Latin Street Grill, Georgian from Keipi, Israeli from Pita House, and Southern Homestyle at OJ’s Diner to name a few!
The community is strong and charming with treasures for you to find everywhere you go. As you may have seen from Lost In, DJ BBQ discovered mouthwatering barbecue at Henry’s Smokehouse, mind-blowing tacos at Asada, unique drinks at Juniper, and a one-of-a-kind Georgian dinner experience at Keipi. Beyond the food, he had an all-encompassing shopping experience at Mast General Store, thrilling ride at BMW’s Performance Drive, and a relaxing time throwing axes at Group Therapy. What more could you ask for?
If you’re interested in the Places DJ BBQ visited above, you can find them listed below:
Food, Drink & Experiences
HENRY'S SMOKEHOUSE
Finest quality pork butt is prepared to be cured into the best BBQ by the Barbeque specialists at Henry’s Smoke House Our barbeque is served with a choice of sauces on the side.
ASADA LATIN AMERICAN FUSION
A casual space to discover and enjoy Latin American Fusion Cuisine.
JUNIPER RESTAURANT & BAR
Located eight floors above Greenville’s Main Street atop the AC Hotel, Juniper offers ample space and always stellar cocktails & food.
KEIPI AN OLD WORLD FEAST
Keipi is a non-profit restaurant that offers food, wine and experiential dining from the Republic of Georgia.
MAST GENERAL STORE
Once home to regional retailer Meyers-Arnold, the Mast Store in Greenville opened in 2003.
BMW PERFORMANCE DRIVING SCHOOL
An open track, the Ultimate Driving Machine®, and
you in the driver’s seat.
This isn’t fantasy; you’re at the BMW Performance Center. Let’s drive.
GROUP THERAPY PUB & PLAYGROUND
Group Therapy is the premier destination for any group outing, corporate event, team builder, birthday party, bachelor(ette) party, or even first date.
THE CITY OF GREENVILLE, YEAH, THAT GREENVILLE
Has a tremendous variety of venues, facilities, amenities, accommodations, and restaurants to plentiful recreational and entertainment options.
P.S. Don’t leave your doggy friends behind on this vacation because Greenville LOVES dogs! Dog-friendly hotels, parks, restaurants, breweries, shops, and hangout spots abound. Find more dog-friendly information here.
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