There are many Greenville and Travelers Rest attractions. Both towns have seen a surge in things to do in recent years, but they have kept their unique character and local charm as they’ve grown. And if you want a road trip, there are more things to do in Asheville nearby. So, we brought these pages together with our personal favorite places to save you some search time - and show you things that most other guides don’t. That way, you can just get on with enjoying your visit!
Greenville & Travelers Rest Area Guide
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Think classic Southern country style with some amazing ethnic and “foodie” options sprinkled in.
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Most of these establishments serve food too. But in the crowded beverage space, these are the standouts.
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There are some great local shops that are unique to the area.
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The South Carolina Upstate has been growing in popularity bringing more unique experiences.
Food Scene
Think classic Southern country style with a strong farm-to-table culture and unique ethnic options. These are our personal recommendations for unique restaurants that are independently run and serve up delicious food. Some of these places can get busy at times, so visit the websites or call ahead to check. If you want a road trip, check out the options for restaurants in Asheville.
ASADA Latin American Fusion
Creative preparations that will take your taste buds on a tour of Latin flavors. Local produce and high-quality protein in a vibrant atmosphere… delightful! ASADA website
Belladina’s Pizzeria
Authentic, family-owned Italian Pizzeria. Using freshly imported Italian ingredients. Thin crust OR deep dish plus pasta and sandwiches. Belladina’s Facebook
Coastal Crust
Hailing from the Charleston area, this independently owned Neapolitan restaurant brings wood-fired pizza, pasta, and salads to a fun location on the hip Westside. Coastal Crust website
Gather GVL - Food Hall
Voted one of the top food halls in the USA, this indoor/outdoor area has a fun vibe with 13 different selections for food and drink. Gather GVL website
Larkin’s
An original on the burgeoning Greenville foodie scene, they bring a high-quality culinary experience - as they say, “blending sophistication with warm southern hospitality”. Larkin’s website
Nose Dive
Gastro pub with “urban comfort food” and a full bar. A great hangout spot right on Main Street in the heart of downtown Greenville. Nose Dive website
Sassafras Southern Bistro
Top quality kitchen with an Old South feel. They know how to bring the traditional Southern comfort food along with some delicious modern twists! Sassafras website
Soby’s New South Cuisine
Focusing on locally grown and seasonal ingredients, this place is an iconic Greenville eatery. In addition to the creative menu, the wine list is a stand-out. Soby’s website
The Cazbah - Tapas, Wine, Euphoria
Delicious tapas to share in a fun and stylish atmosphere. The wine list has a local cult following for its unique selection. And definitely save room for dessert! The Cazbah website
Upcountry Provisions - Bistro and Bakery
Amazing sandwiches, wraps, and baked goods made in-house with locally sourced meats and produce. You’ll want to come back before you even leave! Upcountry Provisions website
Stax - Original Restaurant
Traditional fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A local favorite sine 1970, this location still has the original soda fountain and diner decor. Stax website
The Lazy Goat - Mediterranean Kitchen
The menu is a tour through the Mediterranean region - Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Morocco, and the Middle East. Creative dishes to share and savor. The Lazy Goat website
Tandem - Creperie and Coffeehouse
A great little spot in Travelers Rest for breakfast and lunch. Savory or sweet - they’ve got you covered. And they use local ingredients too. Tandem website
TruBroth - Vietnamese Cuisine & Coffee
Authentic and fresh kitchen serving traditional food and drink from Vietnam. This “fast casual cafe” is a delight to the senses and also uses local ingredients. TruBroth Facebook
Beverage Scene
Most of these establishments serve food too. But in the crowded beverage space, these are the standouts. At each location, you’ll find top-notch drinks and an atmosphere that will encourage you to hang out and explore. If you’re a beer lover and want to explore further, most agree that Asheville put the entire region on the map with its multi-year selection as “Beer City USA”.
Coffee Underground
House-roasted coffee and breakfast all day and into the late evening + other food options and a full bar of cocktails, wine, and beer. Comedy & poetry too! Coffee Underground website
Eden at Ink N Ivy - Rooftop Lounge
This “funky chic” multi-level spot serves craft cocktails, beer, wine, and food. It’s a sports bar, nightclub, and rooftop lounge. The entire building is a feast for the eyes! Ink N Ivy website
Eighth State Brewing
A vast variety of house craft brews plus cocktails. This is a great hang-out spot with lively indoor and outdoor spaces in and around a nicely renovated building. Eighth State website
Fireforge Crafted Beer
Small-batch craft brewery with about 15 varieties of beer and other beverages. It’s a fun indoor/outdoor spot right in downtown Greenville. Fireforge website
New Realm Brewing Co.
Latest addition to Greenville’s beer scene. Amazing renovation of an iconic cigar warehouse with craft beers, cocktails, wine, and full-service food menu. New Realm website
Foxcroft Wine Co.
Huge selection of wines with a knowledgeable staff. It’s set in a downtown building full of character. Good small plates to enjoy while you sip. Foxcroft Wine website
Trappe Door - Belgian Taproom & Restaurant
Feel like you’ve teleported to old Europe. Offering some of the rarest imported beer available in the US today along with a traditional Belgian food menu. Trappe Door website
Greenville Beer Exchange
A retail store and cozy taproom featuring craft beer from around the world and a curated wine selection. If you like to explore beer, go here! Greenville Beer Exchange Facebook
Vault & Vator
Speakeasy-style modern cocktail lounge in a turn-of-the-century soft drink factory (oh, the irony) with the original vault and elevator intact. Vault & Vator website
Shopping
Here we bring together the most unique local businesses that offer one-of-a-kind experiences. If you like shopping for things you won’t find anywhere else, these are the places you shouldn’t miss. Several of these shops are located in areas with other unique shopping spots - such as Downtown Main Street, Village of West Greenville, Augusta Street, and Travelers Rest. Have fun exploring!
Ayres Leather Shop
Durable leather goods, travel items, and gifts. They also do leather repairs. The oldest currently operating store in downtown Greenville. Ayres Leather Shop Facebook
Art and Light Gallery
Curated selection of over 50 artists showcasing one-of-a-kind artwork. Displayed in a unique and inviting early 1900s house in the Village of West Greenville. Art and Light website
Augusta Twenty - Clothing, Gifts, Cafe
A contemporary women’s boutique that also offers menswear, gifts, housewares, and a cafe. This is a shopping experience with plenty to look at. Augusta Twenty website
Mast General Store - Downtown Greenville
A Carolina institution since 1883. They offer quality outdoor gear, classic candy bins, locally themed goods, and more. This place is an experience. Mast General website
Hollowed Earth Pottery
Working ceramics studio with classes and a great selection of local artisan pottery. The owners are about “making clay accessible”. Hollowed Earth website
Hampton Station
Transformed old cotton mill is now a destination to shop, eat, drink, and gather. Located right on the Swamp Rabbit Trail, you’ll find plenty to do here. Hampton Station website
Vintage Now Modern
There is lots to explore here! New home decor and furniture plus antiques and gifts. They also feature Chalk Paint and everything you need to use it. Vintage Now Modern website
Retro Marketplace - Travelers Rest
“A vibrant shop full of vintage clothing, accessories, furniture, and collectibles”. You’ll surely find something you want to take home! Retro Marketplace website
Experiences
The Upstate of South Carolina is a great base camp for your indoor and outdoor adventures. There are many unique experiences to be found. Here are a few fun things to get you started that highlight what makes this area an attraction for both travelers and residents.
BMW Experience
Find your German auto bliss… from plant tours to North America’s only BMW museum (called Zentrum) and a performance driving school. BMW website.
Falls Park on the Reedy River
There are so many ways to enjoy this landmark space… walk above on the Liberty Bridge, stroll the surrounding paths, or picnic on the lawns. Falls Park website
Greenville Zoo
A 14-acre zoo in a park setting with species from around the world. The zoo has a mission to help save endangered animals and is AZA-accredited for its work. Greenville Zoo website
Paris Mountain State Park
An easy drive from town to beautiful parkland with 15 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking and 2 lakes for fishing, swimming, and paddling. Paris Mountain website
Group Therapy - Pub and Play
A literal playground for adults (and kids too before 8 pm). Try your skill at ice curling or whacky putt-putt. All kinds of games, drinks/food, and a general vibe of fun! Group Therapy website
The Gorge - Zipline Tours
Ranked as one of the top ziplines in the nation, this exhilarating and scenic experience is worth the trip. In Saluda, NC - about 45 minutes from the Greenville area. The Gorge Zipline website
Jocassee Lake Tours
Boat tours, kayak rentals, waterfalls, fishing, hiking - all with guided options in an amazingly beautiful place. Jocassee Lake Tours website
Sigal Music Museum
“Home to hundreds of historically significant instruments by some of the most iconic makers of the past 400 years.” With interactive exhibits. Sigal Music Museum website