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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

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