Weekender

WEEKENDER Yeah, That Greenville

It’s a blend of Southern charm and urban boom, and it’s emerging as a foodie destination. Explore Greenville, South Carolina, before everyone else does

FIFTY YEARS AGO, Greenville, South Carolina, was a deteriorating textile town halfway between Charlotte and Atlanta, o en confused with the North Carolina city of the same name. Over the last few decades, city planners have revitalized its downtown with manicured parks, plazas, and entertainment venues. Today, this pedestrian-friendly city is a hub for public art, museums, and food festivals, and it’s just a 90-minute drive from Charlotte. Bring your spouse, your kids, your dogs, and your appetite, and see where the sidewalks take you. —Taylor Bowler

STAY

The new Residence Inn by Marriott on Washington Street puts you within walking distance of the best downtown shopping and dining. It’s got a gorgeous outdoor pool, re pits, and a pristine tness center, plus an on-site restaurant and bar called Oak & Honey. Head downstairs for risotto croquettes or tru e fries and stay for live music and a nightcap. Sip on the Milk & Honey cocktail with lavenderinfused whiskey, honey nut cereal, milk, and bitters, then go upstairs and sleep beneath the crisp white sheets.

EAT

The downtown area alone hosts more than 120 restaurants, so plan your trip around your meals (not the other way around). For breakfast, head to the cozy Chocolate Moose Bakery & Café inside M. Judson Booksellers. Order a scone and a cup of co ee, then peruse the tables of books and read the handwritten sta reviews displayed next to the covers. Stop for lunch at Roost and sit on the patio overlooking NOMA Square on Main Street. Munch on sh tacos or a pulled pork sandwich, and don’t forget a side of sweet potato fries. For dinner, walk over to RiverPlace and grab a seat at The Lazy Goat. Feast on Mediterranean-based fare like lamb lollipops, “Duck, Duck, Goat” pizza, and pastry chef Tania Harris’s pistachio crème brulee.

DO

With wide sidewalks, green spaces, water features, and public art, this city is designed for walking. So leave your car at the hotel and get those steps in. Create your own soy candle at Magnolia Scents by Design. Stroll over to Art Crossing at RiverPlace along the Reedy River and visit a dozen co-op spaces and studios with original photography, jewelry, and paintings. Explore Falls Park on the Reedy, a 32-acre green space with walking paths, benches, rock-walled gardens, and water features. Then walk across the Liberty Bridge—a 345foot, curved pedestrian bridge held in the air by a single suspension cable— and take in the views of Reedy River Falls.

OVERDUE FOR SOME R&R?

Treat yo’self to a girl’s getaway weekend in Greenville

RETAIL THERAPY

You’ll nd mainstays like Anthropologie and lululemon downtown, but the area is also packed with independent boutiques that carry lesser-known brands. Visit J. Britt Boutique for a unique ru e top or cashmere sweater to wear with those designer jeans, or splurge on some snakeskin ats and a leather clutch for your night on the town. J. Britt Boutique, 203 N. Main St., 864-2407366, shopjbritt.com

MANIS AND PEDIS

When your feet get tired from all that walking, head to The Spa at West End for a pedicure … and you might as well get a manicure while you’re there, too. The Spa at West End, 714 S. Main St., 864-242-8877, westendspa.com

ROSÉ ALL DAY

For drinks with a view, go to UP on the Roof at happy hour, or come back later for a cocktail and dessert. Order The Reedy Peach or a pink Moscato and the bacon bread pudding (with a few spoons), and watch the sun set from eight stories up. UP on the Roof, 250 RiverPlace, 864-242-4000, eatupdrinkup.net