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Key Points Greenville boasts a vibrant food scene, walkable downtown, and strong community support for independents. The city blends global influences, local heritage, and abundant nature, especially at Falls Park. Independently owned coffee shops, local restaurants, and unique boutiques define Greenville's charm and appeal. With string-lit streets, a downtown waterfall and coffee shops that outnumber Starbucks 28 to 3, this isn’t Charleston—it’s Greenville, South Carolina, a fast-rising food city tucked in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains along the Reedy River. “It has that Hallmark Town vibe but big-city amenities,” says Dani Matthews, a Greenville-based food and travel influencer. And fall, when the air is crisp, the foliage around Falls Park turns gold and locals gather for outdoor dining and live music, is arguably the best time to visit. And while Greenville still feels like a small-town secret, word is spreading—Top Chef just filmed its next season here, and The Michelin Guide recently announced its expansion into the Southeast with Greenville as a highlight. “Greenville is home,” adds Tay Nelson, owner of Bobby’s BBQ, whose homestyle coleslaw recipe was featured in the just-out Eugenia Duke’s Unofficial Mayo Guide to Greenville, South Carolina cookbook (Greenville is where she created the famous mayonnaise and started the business!) “It’s centrally located between Atlanta and Charlotte, and it’s a melting pot of cultures that bless all parts of life here—especially the food scene.” Here’s where to eat, dine and shop the next time you’re here for a visit. Related: This Town is Quietly Producing Some of the Best Wine in California—and It’s Not Napa Where to Eat, Drink and Stay in Greenville “The food scene in Greenville is booming—and the country has taken notice,” says Matthews. She points to favorites like Scoundrel, Pomegranate on Main, CAMP (above) and Sum Bar, along with long-time local legend Soby’s, famous for popularizing “New South” cuisine and which recently earned a 2025 Wine Spectator Award. For dessert, she loves LaRue, named Best Chocolate in America by USA Today. “The biggest thing that makes Greenville stand out is how much the community loves its local restaurants,” says Matthews. “The city truly embraces supporting local businesses—and that’s why our local restaurants outnumber the chains.” If you’re staying overnight, downtown is where you want to be. “You can never go wrong staying downtown—everything’s walkable and the food scene’s unreal,” says Nelson. Matthews agrees, recommending the AC Hotel for its rooftop bar Juniper and chic lobby restaurant Paloma. For a more secluded stay, she suggests Hotel Hartness, while Nelson calls out centrally located classics like The Westin Poinsett and the Grand Bohemian Lodge. Related: This Tiny Remote Texas Town Has Michelin-Level Dining—And It’s Only Getting Hotter Greenville’s Unexpected History and Global Flavor Once known as the Textile Capital of the World, Greenville’s widespread global ties go deeper than many realize. “Back in the 1960s and ’70s, textile mills recruited Colombian experts to work here,” Matthews explains. “A lot of those families stayed, and now we have over a dozen Colombian-owned restaurants and coffee shops. How cool is that?” That cultural blend is core to the city’s creative energy—from its expanding food scene to its galleries and public art. “It’s a beautiful mix of heritage and innovation,” says Matthews. Related: The Cozy Mountain Town Near Asheville You Need to Visit This Fall Nature at the Heart of the City At the center of downtown sits Falls Park on the Reedy, with its picture-perfect waterfall and the iconic Liberty Bridge—a suspended pedestrian walkway offering expansive views. For more natural scenery, Matthews recommends Unity Park and the 28-mile Swamp Rabbit Trail. “If you’re up for a longer walk, start at The Commons and take the trail to Swamp Rabbit Café & Grocery—and grab a Stecca Bread while you’re there,” she says. Nelson adds a few more local favorites: “The Blue Ridge Mountains are right here, with Paris Mountain State Park less than 20 minutes from downtown.” Sweet Spots and Shop-Local Finds
