A Local’s Guide to Greenville, SC: Where to Stay, Eat, and Explore
Looking for the perfect balance between work and play? A city with just the right mix of arts, nature, and Southern charm? Welcome to Greenville, SC—a growing destination that still holds onto its small-town heart.
With award-winning restaurants, scenic trails, a thriving arts scene, and a welcoming community, Greenville is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. Even with all this growth, the city hasn’t lost its heart. It still feels personal, purposeful, and full of community.
I’ve called Greenville home for the past 10 years, raising my family and growing my creative business here. I’ve put together a Greenville travel guide with my favorite spots to stay, eat, and explore. Whether you’re visiting or just looking for something new to try, I hope you love them as much as I do!
Where to Stay
If I were planning a Greenville staycation, these would be my top picks:
The Station by Compo Hotels
📍 Location: Travelers Rest
✨ Why Stay Here? This hidden gem sits right on the Swamp Rabbit Trail, making it the perfect spot if you love to bike or take long walks. The cozy cottages offer a quiet retreat, but you’re still close to downtown Travelers Rest and a short ride to Greenville.
Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville
📍 Location: Downtown Greenville
✨ Why Stay Here? If you’re looking for luxury with a view, this is the place. The Grand Bohemian sits right on the waterfalls of Falls Park, complete with an art gallery, bike rentals, and an upscale lodge vibe. I watched this place being built, and even I’m still in awe of how stunning it turned out.
Hotel Hartness
📍 Location: Just outside downtown
✨ Why Stay Here? A boutique hotel with beautiful interior design, amazing food at Patterson Kitchen & Bar, and a peaceful setting. If you want a stylish place to unwind after a busy day exploring, this is it.
What to Do
Here are three itineraries based on how you like to enjoy a city.
1) The Classic Greenville Experience
If you love checking out a city’s most iconic spots, start here:
✔ Grab a latte from Methodical Coffee Downtown ☕
✔ Stroll down Main Street and pop into Mast General Store for a taste of old-school Greenville
✔ M.Judson Booksellers – the perfect indie bookstore with great gifts and its own kitchen! 📚
✔ Walk through Falls Park and cross Liberty Bridge for the best view in town 🌿
✔ Step into the Grand Bohemian Lodge for a stunning lookout over Falls Park
2) A Slow Saturday Morning
If your perfect weekend involves farmers’ markets and cozy cafés, this one’s for you:
✔ Start at Trailblazer Park in Travelers Rest for the local farmers market 🌽 (Saturdays, summer months)
✔ Let the kids play on the zipline & rope course 🛝
✔ Take a light stroll on the Swamp Rabbit Trail 🚶♂️
✔ Treat yourself to a crepe and coffee at Tandem Creperie 🥞
✔ Browse Wild TR & The Urban Hare for gifts and local finds 🛍️
3) Outdoor Adventures in Greenville
If you love being outside, here’s the perfect day:
✔ Rent a bike from Reedy Rides 🚴
✔ Ride 20 miles of the Swamp Rabbit Trail between Travelers Rest and downtown Greenville
✔ Stop at Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery for a smoothie and fresh-baked Stecca bread 🍞
✔ Take a break at Furman University’s campus (it’s gorgeous)
✔ Keep riding until you hit Travelers Rest
Where to Eat in Greenville
These are the places I take friends when they visit—and I never get tired of them.
Tandem Creperie & Coffeehouse
📍 Location: Travelers Rest
💡 Why Eat Here? A Greenville classic. Sweet & savory crepes, great coffee, and a warm, welcoming vibe. If you go, here’s my insider tip:
- Go on a weekday for a quieter experience
- Split a savory and a sweet crepe for the best of both worlds
Methodical Coffee
📍 Location: Downtown Greenville
💡 Why Visit? The coffee shop that started the indie coffee movement in Greenville. There’s nothing like sipping a hot latte from one of their signature mugs while strolling through Anthropologie Downtown next door.
Scout’s Donuts
📍 Location: Downtown Greenville
💡 Why Visit? One of Greenville’s best-kept secrets. Their flaky, multi-layered donuts are crave-worthy, and their seasonal flavors are always fun and creative.
Coastal Crust
📍 Location: Village of West Greenville
💡 Why Visit? Originally from Charleston, this wood-fired pizza spot has found a home in Greenville. If you’ve never had their Fig & Prosciutto Pizza, trust me—you need to.
The Anchorage
📍 Location: Village of West Greenville
💡 Why Visit? Whether you’re looking for a cocktail and dessert or want to go all out with their tasting menu, this place delivers. Everything is beautifully plated and full of flavor.
Why Greenville, SC Is Worth the Trip
Even after 10 years, I’m still amazed by Greenville’s mix of creativity, adventure, and charm. Whether you love the outdoors, a thriving food scene, or just a place that feels like home, Greenville has something special.
If you’re planning a trip—or even thinking about moving here—I hope you find as much joy in this city as I do.
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