Warm and welcoming. Words to describe a beautiful downtown in Greenville, South Carolina
When I join my husband on a business trip, since his schedule is set, I’m usually content going along for the ride. Meaning I don’t bother looking up the cities we’ll be in until we’re there. I explore whatever I can on foot and glean what the area has to give. Often I am surprised by what I discover; rarely am I disappointed.
This trip, one of his cities was Columbia and another was Greenville. Discovering Historic Downtown Greenville was utterly delightful.
Mid-March, the trees in bud, some in brisk colors of mint green or cherry blossom pink. Main Street not only has wide sidewalks, it is a boulevard with clear street signage and banners on the corners letting you know what restaurants or attractions are located on the side streets.
There is artwork in every block—from a sculpture of Joel Roberts Poinsett (who brought Poinsettias to us from Mexico) to Il Porcellino a gift from the Young Friends of Florence, Italy.
Select squares of the sidewalk have quotes from Anonymous to William Hazlitt.
Greenville’s River and Falls
Falls Park on the Reedy River leads you on a pleasant stroll along the river. Find it at South Main Street and Falls Park Drive. Checkout the beautifully landscaped overlooks and paths. Electing to walk the Liberty Bridge is a great way to get a unique view of the Falls. With a length of 345 feet, you have an extended time get some great snaps. Read about the work by the Carolina Foothills Garden Club and the City of Greenville to reclaim and develop this park—now twelve years old.
It was easy to imagine a warm summer evening, a concert in the park, families sprawled around the grounds laughing and enjoying the setting.
Former RR Trestle 
Reedy River Reedy River Falls Liberty Bridge
What a great street for dining.
After your park-walk, continue meandering Main Street. Several blocks long, this section of town boasts restaurants of every cuisine imaginable with very few empty store fronts. Our two evenings, we elected to dine at The Cazbah and Ristorante Bergamo.
The Cazbah, with a Tapas menu, also has an extensive wine list for being a 10-table (more seating up stairs) restaurant. The two server/bartenders were hardworking and friendly, recommending wine and helping us with menu choices. We started with a calamari appetizer and salads. I had Seared Scallops, Alex chose Free Range Roasted Chicken—I could have devoured the mashed potatoes. The calamari was tender, not chewy and although the marinara was bland, the other sauce was quite tasty.
My Spinach and Goat Cheese Salad contained more spinach than I could possibly eat, a tangy with slight spice dressing, and thinly sliced mushrooms. I would have preferred the ball of goat cheese un-fried, but it was very lightly done. Alex’s Hip Hop Salad was mixed greens with crumbled blue cheese and house vinaigrette. We would have loved to try a couple of the scrumptiously described desserts, but were too full.
Ristorante Bergamo has an inviting decor and welcoming staff. Scott was our server and was a delight to interact with. Alex had an Insulata Mista Stagione—the sun dried tomato made this dish. I had a Caesar Salad, which can sometimes be too plain or too lemony for me. Not so with this special salad. My main course was the Linguine al Pomodoro & Basilico. I’m not a fan of red sauce except for Pomodoro and this one did not disappoint. Alex’s Pappardelle con Porcini was as excellent—both pastas were as light as we’ve experienced in Italy.
Greenville, South Carolina has an Inviting Charisma
Warm kindness abounds in Greenville—from our dining experiences to popping into CVS for a bottle of water. Smiles are huge and eye contact the norm. And if you’re very lucky, when you’re strolling Main Street while debating the multitude of dining choices, maybe you’ll be like us and receive an impromptu a cappella serenade from a chap hanging out with his friends.
**
Read: Charleston is Charming
What a pretty place! I like to hear about these special, “unheard of” cities hidden away in the great USA!
It’s truly fun to discover someplace that you have no preconceived ideas about and be absolutely wowed!
When I was in the Coast Guard and station in Charleston S.C. my friends and I used to visit Greenville.
It is a wonderful place and the food is great. Most of all I do miss the weather.
Thanks for sharing this with us.
Glad that you enjoyed the food in Greenville, too, William. I keep looking at the pictures and drooling!
I love that walk along the river in Falls Park. I only made it to Greenville twice the two years I lived in Charlotte and wish I could have found a chance to visit more. I read so many great things about the foodie scene there.
I’m with you, Jeri, it was worth more than two visits/two days. I hope we both get a chance to return.
I’ve been to Myrtle Beach and Charleston several times, but never had the chance to visit Greenville. It looks pretty nice.
On-topic comment:
I have never, not once in my entire life, set foot in either of the Carolinas. Is Greenville a representative introduction to the region or is there another city you would recommend in this regard?
Off-topic comment:
Have you gotten any feedback about your new black-on-#9CBAB7 color scheme? I for one find it somewhat taxing on the eyes…
Andy, I have no idea about the rest of the Carolina’s. This week’s post will be about Charleston–that’s the other city we spent time in.
Not sure what you are talking about with a black color scheme. There is no black on my site. If you receive this, please send me an email and explain.
Rose Mary, I’d never heard of Greenville, South Carolina before. Do you live anywhere relatively near by? Looks like a lovely city. A river flowing through the city is most attractive. Il Porcellino must get around, or he has lots of “boaring” relatives with exactly the same name. Actually, there are thirty copies around the world, I’ve just discovered online. Here in Victoria, B.C., we have one at Butchart Gardens. Thanks for sharing.
That is such fun about Il Porcellino, Ramona. I’m going to ask my Milan friends what they know about the porker!
I live in Pennsylvania–so it would be an entire day to drive to South Carolina. A pretty drive, I’m betting, but a very long one.
Thx for this excellent post on Greenville, Rose. Those photos of the pasta dishes truly had me drooling. And I love the street art. Hopefully, one day I will have the opportunity to visit.
I have to stop looking at those photos, Doreen, or I end up wanting pasta for breakfast!
I love South Carolina. We visited Myrtle Beach a few times over the years and loved it. I have to check out Greenville next. Thanks for sharing. The food looks delicious.
Sabrina, I’ve never been to Myrtle Beach, but have heard it’s wonderful. Greenville is definitely worth a visit. I think we only explored the tip of it in 2 days.
Rose, what a beautiful write-up of a gorgeous town. This sounds like the way towns used to be and still should be – a place just to stroll around and enjoy. Your photos are amazing and the food, oh my, you made me hungry. Thanks for sharing – truly enjoyed the trip.
Thank you, Lenie! It was definitely a place to stroll. I found myself looking at the new condo construction and thinking, Hm…there’s an idea!
Hi Rose, I love South Carolina. The towns are so lovely and quaint. Full of history, great food and friendly people. Fun place to spend some time.
Quaint is a good for what we saw of SC, Susan. And yes, yes to the friendly people.
I’ve never been to Greenville. I’ve only driven through South Carolina during long road trips. Greenville looks beautiful. And now I really want pasta. The red spaghetti dish looks delish!
That spaghetti dish made with veggie noodles!
Looks quite inviting!
“Inviting” is the perfect word for Greenville.
Greenville sounds lovely. A reminder that there are treasures to be found in unexpected places.
Truly, Donna. I had no idea what to expect and was delighted.
Definitely agree with you about Greenville. I spent two days there once and it was a revelation. In addition to all the things you pointed out, one of the things that impressed me was how alive the downtown area was. At night the streets were full of people strolling up and down Main Street.
Another good word for the place, Ken. “Alive” is spot on. Lots of energy in this little town. And Joan Baez was at the concert hall!
Looks like a beautiful city! I’ve driven past before, but never stopped. Thanks for sharing!
I hope my blog gets more people stopping in Greenville! 🙂