Greenville's downtown is made up of tree-lined streets dotted with boutique shops, great restaurants, and plenty of entertainment options, all connected by pedestrian-friendly sidewalks.

I was immediately impressed by how walkable the city is — no rental car or rideshare is needed if you're staying downtown.

What really makes the city unique is its blend of small-town charm and big-city perks. I love visiting small, southern towns, but I often miss the energy and amenities of big cities. Greenville has the best of both worlds.

One local summed it up perfectly when she told me, "Greenville has enough city to keep me busy and enough country to keep me happy."

Every corner of downtown has something new to discover. I found myself sipping Butterbeer at a Harry Potter-themed pop-up speakeasy hidden inside The Press Room, laughing late into the night at The Comedy Zone, and even testing my aim at an indoor archery range right outside town.

Falls Park on the Reedy is a beautiful urban green space in the heart of downtown Greenville.

The Reedy River weaves through the city, flanked by walking paths, gardens for picnicking, and the iconic Liberty Bridge — a curved suspension bridge overlooking the waterfalls below and offering one of the best views in town.

The park is also connected to the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 28-mile walking and cycling path that stretches beyond the city.

Renting a bike and following the Swamp Rabbit is the perfect way to immerse yourself in nature without having to drive outside town.

If I could only go back to Greenville for one thing, it would be the food.

Every meal I've had in the city has been unforgettable, but the variety is what stands out most. Whether you're craving fine dining, comfort food, good beer, or anything in between, Greenville delivers.

From the mouthwatering tapas and desserts at Camp to the melt-in-your-mouth hot chicken and southern soul food from Rocky's Hot Chicken Shack, the city is bursting with culinary creativity.

Another one of my favorite things about Greenville is its proximity to outdoor adventure. The Blue Ridge Mountains are just a short drive away, offering some of the best hiking and biking in the region.

Within an hour, you can also reach six easily accessible state parks, each with its own unique trails, waterfalls, and outdoor activities.

Greenville's charm isn't just in its scenery — it's in the people. The locals I met were friendly, welcoming, and excited to share recommendations or just say hello.

Almost everywhere I went, I found myself having wonderful conversations — which isn't always the case as a tourist in a new place. That warmth and friendliness made the city feel approachable in a way that is hard to find.

There's also a big focus on the arts and culture in Greenville, with galleries, live music, and community festivals everywhere you look.

The Greenville Center for Creative Arts quickly became one of my favorite places to visit, and I loved admiring the Native American art collection displayed throughout the Grand Bohemian Lodge.

Whether it's a free concert on Main Street, a jazz performance at a local venue, or a lively street market, Greenville always seems to have something going on. It's a city that feels alive without being overwhelming — the perfect balance of energy and comfort.

Salt Lake City has quite the craft-beer scene, and there's no better way to waste a winter day than to curl up with a cold glass of Utah's finest.

Local favorites include Uinta Brewing Company, known for its winter lager and commitment to environmental sustainability, and Epic Brewing Company, which offers excellent small-batch beers.

My personal pick is Fisher Brewing Company, where I like to mix the lemon sour with the cerveza for a taste of summer in the middle of winter.

Utah has a robust geothermal landscape under its jetting mountains, giving way to beautiful, natural hot springs. If you want a snowy outdoor winter activity, relaxing in a hot spring might be your thing.

In my opinion, one of the best options is Fifth Water Hot Springs (also known as Diamond Fork Hot Springs), located about an hour from Salt Lake City.

Just keep in mind that you'll have to hike a few miles to access the hot springs, where you'll find multiple steaming natural pools surrounded by snowy peaks. Make sure to bring boots and layers for the hike in, as it can be cold and icy.

Less than an hour from Salt Lake City, you can also find the Homestead Crater — a unique, 65-foot-deep hot spring inside a crater where you can snorkel, soak, or scuba all winter.

Reservations are required for this activity, so visit the Homestead Crater website ahead of time to secure your spot.

If you're looking for a magical winter experience, the Ice Castles in Midway, Utah — located about an hour outside Salt Lake City — are a must-visit.

This village of hand-sculpted ice structures is lit up at night, creating a surreal display of ice caves, slides, and frozen tunnels.

Skiing and snowboarding aren't the only winter sports celebrated in Salt Lake City. If you're looking for a different experience, try curling or bobsledding.

The Utah Olympic Park in Park City hosted events during the 2002 Winter Olympics and offers visitors a bobsledding experience, where a professional driver takes them down the Olympic track.

For curling, head to the Utah Olympic Oval in Kearns for a 2-hour class to learn the fundamentals of curling by a certified instructor.

If you happen to be staying at a ski resort but don't want to ski, I recommend enjoying the luxuries of the spa.

The Cliff Lodge and Spa at Snowbird is my personal favorite, offering stunning mountain views, a pool, and a variety of rejuvenating treatments.