Greenville, South Carolina has everything a girlfriend getaway needs. It’s a short drive from major cities like Atlanta and Charlotte. It has both a thriving downtown and nearby mountains. Plus, there’s no shortage of restaurants in the walkable destination.
This weekend itinerary is ideal for people who have visited Greenville and seen all its major tourist attractions prior but are looking for things to do with their friends.
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Eating in Greenville
Enjoy all ranges of restaurants in the greater Greenville area, whether you’re looking for something hearty and Southern or healthy and light. There are also a number of award-winning restaurants that are worth making a reservation for.
Breakfast
Biscuit Head– After two successful locations in their native Asheville, a third location was opened in nearby Greenville. It has the same menu of biscuits, gravies, and sides sourced locally. There are even vegetarian options.
Greenfield’s Bagels & Deli– It’s easy to miss this strip mall spot, but it has authentic New York bagels as well as Jewish dishes and pastries. Greenfield’s has been a part of the community for well over a decade, so you know they’re doing something right.
Tandem Creperie and Coffeehouse– Local college students love this light-filled cafe for its breakfast treats, including crepes, waffles, and pastries. They also carry North Carolina’s Counter Culture Coffee for cold brew, espresso, and more.
Lunch
Clean Eatz Greenville SC– This restaurant is another suburban surprise, offering health-conscious dishes like bowls, burgers, and flatbreads. Smoothies and paleo desserts are also on the menu.
Happy + Hale– Another regional chain is this healthy eating cafe originally started in Raleigh. It has a menu of bowls, sandwiches, salads, and smoothies perfect for a casual lunch or to grab on the go.
Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery– Located on the bike trail of the same name, this is the best place around to buy farm-fresh produce and all-natural products. Their cafe has pizzas and sandwiches, best enjoyed in their outdoor beer garden.
Dinner
The Anchorage– This cozy West Greenville restaurant is known for its small plates and a colorful vegetable mural covering the building. Bring some friends to share items like the sweet potato puree and Royal Red shrimp scampi with craft cocktails.
The Lazy Goat– Set inside a downtown hotel, the Lazy Goat is praised as one of the city’s top restaurants for its Mediterranean-inspired menu. The fried goat cheese and Moroccan lamb are popular.
Soby’s– A Greenville favorite, Soby’s draws inspiration from South Carolina and beyond. The menu includes shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and their Sunday brunch.
Drinking in Greenville
Greenville boasts a little bit of everything, from chic rooftop bars to casual breweries. If you’re not looking to imbibe, there’s also juice bars and coffee shops.
Kuka Juice– Set in West Greenville, this shop crafts cold-pressed juices from local produce. And when they’re done, the pulp and byproduct return to regional farms.
Southern Pressed Juicery– Another juice spot offers cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and bowls, all of which are raw and organic. They also have snacks like yogurt and granola as well as salads and plant-based meals.
Methodical Coffee– Every city needs a hip coffee shop and Methodical is Greenville’s. Stop by the downtown shop for coffee sourced from Africa and Latin America. They also have a small selection of baked goods.
Nose Dive– This gastropub has a great food menu, but it’s their cocktails that set them apart from the rest in town. Let the bartenders concoct something for you based on your personal tastes or choose one of their creations.
Swamp Rabbit Brewery & Taproom– One of the area’s best breweries is this one in Travelers Rest near the Swamp Rabbit Trail. It has a diverse lineup of brews that is sure to please the whole group.
Sip Whiskey & Wine– Serving exactly what you’d expect from the name, Sip has a rooftop bar and a menu of bites best shared with friends.
Relaxing, Beauty and Fitness in Greenville
Your girl’s weekend doesn’t have to be just eating and imbibing. It’s also a chance to relax and catch up over a class or get yourself pampered. Lululemon also offers free yoga classes.
Bluemercury– The makeup, skincare, and spa brand has a location in downtown Greenville. Not only do they sell cosmetics and everything you need to treat yourself at home, but they also offer skincare treatments like facials, waxing, and massages.
Pure Barre– Drop in on a barre class with the Greenville outpost of this well-known fitness brand.
Greenville Yoga– Purchase a credit for a single class from one of their community offerings.
Upstate Paddleboard– Set on Saluda Lake a few minutes from downtown, the calm waters are the best place to paddleboard for both beginners and experts. This company offers both rentals and classes, including their PaddleFit class.
Shopping in Greenville
Shop until you drop at one of Greenville’s designer stores, hip boutiques, or vintage shops. While most are chains, there are some local shops.
bevello– Another chain boutique, this Greenville location sells women’s clothing, jewelry, and accessories.
The Cook’s Station– Browse for cookware and other kitchen essentials or sign up for a cooking class to create your own meal.
Dress Up– Looking for cheap, cute clothing? This downtown shop is likely where you’ll find it. The brand started as a small shop in North Georgia and has now expanded to dozens of cities.
Greenville Soy Candle Company– This local candle company sells unique scents and also offers classes to create your own.
Lou Lou’s Boutique– Browse for affordable jewelry and accessories at this chain.
M.Judson Booksellers & Storytellers– Set in a stunning building, this local bookseller has its own cafe and hosts author signings.
Sightseeing in Greenville
This trip may not be about sightseeing, but that doesn’t mean you can’t cross a few attractions off your list during your visit.
Swamp Rabbit Trail– This nearly 20-mile rails-to-trails project runs from downtown Greenville to nearby Travelers Rest and is popular with families and cyclists. Restaurants and other businesses are located along the way and there are a few places to rent bikes.
Greenville County Museum of Art– This humble art museum at Heritage Green has changing exhibits from around the country and is free to visit. Special events may cause some galleries to be closed, so check the website before you go.
Falls Park on the Reedy– The center of downtown, Falls Park plays host to concerts, festivals, and everything in between. Walk the trails and pose for photos by the waterfalls.
Pretty Place– Set outside of town near the North Carolina border, there’s no better photo than the view from this mountaintop retreat.
Sleeping in Greenville
There’s no shortage of unique places to stay in the Greenville, no matter your budget. You don’t have to sacrifice style and amenities at these girlfriend getaway-friendly accommodations.
Swamp Rabbit Inn and Properties– Enjoy your stay at this cozy local inn with properties in Greenville and Travelers Rest.
The Westin Poinsett, Greenville– The most iconic hotel in town is this historic property in the heart of it all, but with the amenities you’d expect from a Westin. Read our review here.
Pettigru Place Bed and Breakfast– Feel at home at this downtown bed and breakfast.
Airbnb– This is the best plan if you have a big group. It provides you with a more local experience and allows you to stay in the city’s unique neighborhoods.
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