Greenville is the county seat of Greenville County, and while it has its fair share of attractions, you might want to take a day excursion outside of town. If that’s the case, you’re in luck: Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina are all within driving distance, and you may choose from huge cities, rural agricultural regions, and historic towns. It’s also not difficult to go to the Blue Ridge Mountains, where you may visit quaint mountain towns, marvel at the grandeur of pristine lakes and waterfalls, and trek to your heart’s content. Certain attractions may be closed temporarily or require reservations in advance. Currently, some eateries only provide pickup. It’s possible that the hours and availability have changed.
1. Asheville
Asheville, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, is an unquestionably gorgeous city that attracts nature lovers from all over the world. The Appalachian Trail and the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway are both easily accessible, whether you like to walk or drive. The city is also a haven for art aficionados, with dozens of galleries and museums downtown, as well as the River Arts District, where you may visit artists’ studios directly. The beautiful Biltmore estate, the Basilica of Saint Lawrence, and the several local microbreweries are among the town’s other attractions.
2. Athens, Georgia
The town of Athens, which is home to the famous University of Georgia, has a lovely Victorian-era historic area packed with antebellum structures, an amazing array of locally owned cafés and restaurants, and a strong dose of southern-style charm that makes visitors want to linger longer. If you’re here in the evening, try to see a performance at the Georgia Theater, the 40 Watt Club, or one of the other highly-acclaimed venues in town, which has given birth to the likes of R.E.M. and the B-52s.
3. Charlotte
Charlotte, North Carolina’s largest city, is a rapidly growing metropolis with a plethora of restaurants, stores, and attractions to offer visitors. Locals refer to the current downtown core as Uptown, which is dotted with soaring buildings and high-profile attractions such as the NASCAR Hall of Fame and the Levine Museum of the New South. The funky areas of Plaza Midwood and North Davidson, known to locals as NoDa, are where you’ll find the majority of the city’s greatest restaurants and businesses, but if you’re seeking to immerse yourself in art and culture, head to NoDa.
4. Columbia
Columbia is notorious for its blazing summer temperatures, but that’s not the only reason it’s dubbed “The Real Southern Hot Spot.” The city is home to a diverse range of busy restaurants, sophisticated cocktail bars, and stylish retailers, but it also provides a welcome look into the city’s rich history. Historic home museums may be located all over town, and the South Carolina State Museum is an excellent site to learn about history in general. The Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, which is especially popular with families, is another popular destination for those vacationing with children.
5. Easley
Easley is easily the largest city in Pickens County (pun entirely intended) and an ideal day trip destination, is located at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. On Saturday mornings, the friendly downtown streets hold a weekly farmer’s market, and they have a decent assortment of restaurants, antique shops, and specialized stores open all week. A children’s splash park and an outdoor amphitheater, which frequently holds festivals, live music, and other special events, are among the town’s other facilities. The adjacent Blue Ridge Mountains, with its many lakes, waterfalls, and picturesque hiking paths, are also easily accessible to visitors.