Hidden Gems: Greenville, South Carolina Travel Guide

Take a virtual road trip with this Greenville, South Carolina travel guide! 

Who’s ready for some travel? Me! Me! Me! Next week, I’m headed to Kansas City for the 2016 Chopped Conference, which is a conference for food bloggers. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision to go, but I am so excited for a few reasons: 1) to get away for a couple of days, 2) to meet up with some old and new friends and 3) to make this part of the Internet a bit better. And you can bet I’ll be using this Kansas City travel guide while I’m out there!

Hey, speaking of travel guides… The posts in my Hidden Gems travel guide series are some of my most popular features on Feast + West. If you’ve been reading F+W long enough to remember that series, then I have good news for you! I’m bringing it back after a long hiatus. If it’s new to you, then let me explain. I write about food a lot over here, but this is also a travel blog. I write about my own travels from time to time, but I also think it’s important to get recommendations from locals and natives. (Because when you’re traveling, you should never eat at chain restaurants you can get at home!) I created the Hidden Gems travel guide series to connect you to other blogs I love and to help you plan amazing trips. I hope you’ll dig through the Hidden Gems archives next time you’re heading out of town and that you discover something awesome along the way.

Helping me kick off the re-launch of this series is my friend Wendie Schneider of Pantry Doctor. She’s a nutritionist living in Greenville, S.C. I had the pleasure of visiting this fine city earlier this summer. I was surprised at how down-to-earth this city is, and surprised at the fact that I’d never driven down there before — especially because it’s just a couple of hours from Charlotte! Hope you enjoy Wendie’s guide! // susannah

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Hidden Gems: Greenville, South Carolina Travel Guide

Yeah, that Greenville. It is a city in the heart of the South that I have come to love. I haven’t always been in Greenville. I was born in TN, grew up in the Midwest, and lived in North Carolina and sweet little Savannah, Georgia, but Greenville —you have my heart. I have lived here for 6 years now and each year brings more and more to explore.

There is something for everyone in Greenville from Downtown to the Historic West End to the Village of West Greenville to Traveler’s Rest there is plenty to do, see, and EAT in this beautiful Southern town! Here’s my Greenville, South Carolina travel guide.

EAT + DRINK

Village Grind — I am seriously smitten with this amazing space in the Village of West Greenville. I make it out once a week and often have my favorite lavender almond milk latte.   This is a perfect way to start your day! I am obsessed with the decor. It is minimal, yet so on point.

GB&D — I cannot count the afternoons I have spent typing away at the Village Grind, but I was entirely too pumped when I saw that GB&D (AKA Golden Brown and Delicious –as I like to call it DELISH) was opening next door. Of course, the name and location drew me right in. They are in their soft opening phase right now, but the word is out and lunches are lined out the door. One bite of their quinoa bowl with fresh, local farm summer veggies topped with a fried egg and I was hooked. They currently only have 4 items on the menu, but for all you grass-fed burger lovers out there — skip everything else and get in line! So. GOOD.

THE 05– It’s not 90210, but this one hits the spot and slides right under the radar. The neighborhood locals from the “05”— can be found coming in droves on their golf carts. Their cocktails are totally awesome and their cheese plate ranks right up there with the best in Greenville. Trust me, I know a good cheese plate when I see one.

Methodical Coffee — If fresh roasted coffee, cold brew, man buns, and vinyl make your world go ‘round this place will not leave you disappointed. If you grab coffee on this side of town, you will have many shops to explore right at your fingertips.

Greenfield’s — This is a great way to start off your day. This is the only place you can find a legit bagel in town. Make sure to get yours with lox and all the fixin’s.

American Grocery — Don’t forget to dine in my favorite spots in the downtown Greenville for dinner. Do not skip on the beef tongue gnocchi. The menus here are seasonal and totally inspired by local farm ingredients. I haven’t had a bad dish here, and the beef tongue is a staple.

Swamp Rabbit Cafe — Ever had a gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan fresh peach donut? I didn’t think so. They also have some of the most fabulous scones and sandwiches on their fresh stecca bread that you will ever find — all ingredients from local farms and vendors.

Hotel Domestique — For a fabulous view and wine list stop by Hotel Domestique just outside Traveler’s Rest. I have loved everything I have tried on their menu and their cocktails are amazing!

Tandem — Sweet or savory? Crepes here are a fabulous way to start your weekend!

Community Tap — The locals know where to head for over 600 craft beers and 80 boutique wines. Yep, you heard me correctly.

EXPLORE

From what I hear, Greenville is not what it used to be. It has been an “up-and-coming” city for many years now, but since I moved here in 2010 it has picked up full speed ahead. There are music festivals, art shows, markets and food festivals nearly every weekend along with some very cool music venues, and beautiful local artwork the streets of downtown. Walking downtown at any time of the day is always a great experience because there is always something to see or do.

Euphoria Foodie Fest — This weekend long event kicks off September 22-24 and many dinners sell out weeks or months in advance. There are a few spots left and the 2016 lineup can be found here.

Fall for Greenville — If you miss Euphoria, you can always experience a taste of what Greenville has to offer at Fall for Greenville October 14-16 with over 40 difference restaurants participating and live music all weekend.

The Swamp Rabbit Trail — This is one of our most beautiful excursions. If you have time, rent a bike and take this trail 9 miles up to the nearest town in Travelers rest. Explore Tandem Creperie, the Swamp Rabbit Brewery, and Sidewall Pizza while you are there.

SHOP

The TD Downtown Saturday Market — This is my personal recommendation for Saturday mornings. You will find a huge variety of vendors, food and music.

Custard Boutique — First introduced to Custard while living in Savannah, they also expanded to Greenville and carry a ton of eclectic jewelry all from artisans in the US.

Knack — This little hidden gem in the West End is a must find. I would design my whole house from here if I could.

Augusta 20 — This chic boutique with a higher price point always has some great pieces!

M Judson Booksellers — The cutest bookstore with many local finds, including mine! Don’t forget to grab a coffee and gluten-free cupcake from the Chocolate Moose inside!

Road Trips

If you are looking to make a weekend of it, definitely check out Traveler’s Rest, Hendersonville and Asheville if you have time. There is plenty of hiking and beautiful leaves to be had within a stone’s throw of downtown. Greenville has so much to offer, especially this time of year! Have a picnic in Falls Park, brunch at any of the outdoor cafes, bike up the Swamp Rabbit Trail, catch a show at the Peace Center or listen to a local band at Smiley’s Café.

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Wendie is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and is the voice behind Pantry Doctor, where she blogs about healthy living with lots of real food, fun, and fitness! She also writes about nourishing our body through good nutrition, self-care, and all things natural! She is currently running her blog, nutrition coaching online, and manufacturing her food product for healthier breakfast options when she isn’t out exploring all Greenville has to offer!