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Today โ€” 13 January 2025Main stream

I've visited dozens of US cities, but this charming, southern town with a walkable downtown was my favorite

13 January 2025 at 05:52
Buildings and trees surround a small bridge and waterfall in a clean city.
I love so many things about Greenville, South Carolina.

DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images

  • After visiting dozens of US cities, Greenville, South Carolina, is one of my favorites.
  • The city has a walkable downtown area and lots of great opportunities to get outside.
  • If I could only go back to Greenville for one thing, it would be the food.

The first time I visited Greenville, South Carolina, I was shocked in the best way possible. As someone who has traveled the US extensively, I didn't expect to find a perfect blend of southern charm, big-city amenities, and vibrant art and culture all in one place.

After a few days of exploring the city, I fell in love. With a walkable downtown, incredible food, and endless opportunities for adventure and entertainment, Greenville is a destination that I recommend to anyone looking for a relaxing vacation, a quick trip with friends, or a family getaway.

Here are five reasons Greenville is one of my favorite US cities.

The city has a charming, walkable downtown.
An aerial view of a city with a river running through it and people walking along an adjacent path.
Downtown Greenville is the perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city perks.

Jack Robert Photography/Getty Images

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 โ€” 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.

There's no place quite like Falls Park on the Reedy.
A waterfall in the middle of a park, surrounded by trees, grass, and walking paths.
Falls Park on the Reedy is a nice reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Thom_Morris/Getty Images

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 โ€” 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.

Greenville has an unmatched food scene.
A bowl with shrimp, shredded vegetables, sauce, and a piece of bread on a table set with silverware.
Greenville has lots of options for food.

Gentry Hale

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.

The city is a jumping point for outdoor adventure.
A lookout point featuring greenery-covered mountains in Caesars Head State Park.
There's so much natural beauty surrounding Greenville.

Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

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 is a welcoming community with a rich culture.
A colorful mural on the side of a building with the word "Greenville," a brown rabbit with a shadow of a hand giving bunny ears, and a waterfall.
There's a big focus on arts and culture in Greenville.

Gentry Hale

Greenville's charm isn't just in its scenery โ€” 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 โ€” 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 โ€” the perfect balance of energy and comfort.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Before yesterdayMain stream

I was born and raised in Salt Lake City. These are 5 things first-time visitors shouldn't miss if they visit Utah this winter.

22 November 2024 at 10:17
The Salt Lake City skyline at dawn, with mountains in the distance.
I was born and raised in Salt Lake City.

Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

  • As someone born and raised in Salt Lake City, I know Utah has more to offer than just skiing.
  • Within Salt Lake City, I recommend enjoying a beer at a local brewery.
  • For a unique experience, I also suggest checking out the nearby hot springs and Ice Castles.

Utah's tagline, "The Greatest Snow on Earth," isn't just a marketing ploy โ€” the state really does have some of the world's most sought-after powder, making it a skier's paradise and pulling nearly 7 million visits to its 15 resorts each year. And at the heart of it all is the state's capital, Salt Lake City.

However, If you're visiting Salt Lake during the winter but aren't into skiing, don't worry โ€” there are plenty of unique ways to enjoy the city and its surrounding areas beyond the slopes.

Born and raised in the heart of the city, I know how to experience Salt Lake without ever stepping into ski boots. Here are my top suggestions for first-time visitors.

Enjoy a beer at a local brewery.
A bottle of Big Bad Baptist Black Gold beer on the counter at a bar.
Epic Brewing Company is one of many local breweries.

Gentry Hale

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.

Take a dip in the nearby hot springs.
A hot spring with a waterfall, surrounded by rocks and trees.
I love visiting Fifth Water Hot Springs (also known as Diamond Fork Hot Springs).

Deborah Bush/Shutterstock

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 โ€” 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.

Visit the Ice Castles in Midway, Utah, for a truly magical experience.
A large ice formation made of icicles at Midway Ice Castles in Utah.
The Ice Castles are about an hour outside Salt Lake City.

Burden Group Photography/Shutterstock

If you're looking for a magical winter experience, the Ice Castles in Midway, Utah โ€” located about an hour outside Salt Lake City โ€” 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.

Try your hand at curling or bobsledding.
A man on an ice rink holding a curling broom, with multiple curling stones next to him.
The Utah Olympic Oval offers curling classes.

Daniel Haug/Getty Images

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.

Relax with a spa day.
An old building with a sign that says "The Cliff" at the bottom of a snowy mountain with trees.
I love visiting The Cliff Lodge and Spa at Snowbird.

M Outdoors/Shutterstock

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.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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