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Long weekends are made for family time, road trips, and the little detours that make travel memorable. On a recent trip to visit family in North Carolina, we decided to hop over the border for a day and explore the beautiful city of Greenville, South Carolina.

I’d heard so many people describe Greenville as a lesser-known gem—nestled near the North Carolina line and full of charm—and since I’ve only seen a small slice of South Carolina, I was eager to discover a bit more of what the state has to offer.

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Historic West End

Our day began in Greenville’s historic West End, where an eclectic mix of shops lined the streets. Every storefront seemed to offer something different, and we loved browsing the quirky names and unexpected treasures tucked inside.

We stopped at Le Petit Croissant for breakfast, and despite the name, the croissants were anything but petit. Rows of oversized, fresh, perfectly flaky pastries greeted us—a little taste of France delivered with unmistakably Southern proportions. They also offer baking classes, and we found ourselves wishing we had planned our visit on a day when we could join in.

Just down the way sits the charming Falls Cottage, its front facing the West End and its back overlooking the park. Built in 1894, the cottage has lived many lives—from housing residents to becoming a service station when early automotive dealerships arrived in the 1920s. Today it’s home to Mary’s Restaurant and serves as a beloved spot for gatherings and events.

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Falls Park on the Reedy River

The crown jewel of Greenville is undoubtedly Falls Park on the Reedy. The Reedy River cuts right through the center of the city, and along its banks Greenville has created a sprawling, beautifully landscaped park that feels both wild and intentional.

The most visited area is the waterfall itself, and our time in the park began with a walk across Liberty Bridge—an elegant, sweeping pedestrian bridge that offers stunning views of the falls framed by the downtown skyline. Built in 2003, Liberty Bridge has quickly become an icon of the city. Its lightweight, cable-supported design was created specifically so nothing would obstruct the views below.

After crossing the bridge, we wandered into the first section of the park, a landscape of winding paths, lush greenery, and rough stone staircases that lead to hidden vantage points. There’s something almost whimsical about this area—quiet corners, shaded trails, and a feeling that you’ve stepped into a pocket of nature far removed from the urban world.

From here, we had one of our favorite views: the waterfall tumbling down in front of the airy arc of Liberty Bridge. It still amazes me that a park this beautiful sits right in the heart of downtown. It’s easy to forget how close the skyscrapers are when you’re wandering these green, shaded paths.

We continued following the river and soon reached the remains of an old mill that once relied on the Reedy to power industry in the early days of the city. Leaf-strewn arches overlook the water, offering peaceful places to pause and reflect. As the river winds onward, smaller parks appear along its length, each with its own theme and personality.

One of the most moving sections is the garden dedicated to those who have struggled—or are struggling—with cancer. Benches are lovingly dedicated by families, and uplifting sculptures line the pathway. Rising at the center is the pointed structure of the Cancer Center of Hope and Healing, standing like a beacon offering comfort and encouragement.

From here, the Riverwalk continues for miles. The farther you go, the quieter it becomes—fewer people, softer sounds, and an even deeper sense of immersion in nature. It’s a perfect place to walk, bike, and simply follow the rhythm of the river.

After exploring the trails and wandering along the water, we returned to the falls for one last look at where the rocks, river, and rising city meet. Falls Park on the Reedy feels like the heartbeat of Greenville—a place the locals cherish and are proud to share with anyone who comes to visit.

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Grand Bohemian Lodge

If the Falls Park on the Reedy is the heart of the city, then the best place to stay would be at the Grand Bohemian Lodge that sits right next to the river. This hotel is beautiful and somewhat unexpected as giant sparkling geodes and statues of indigenous leaders greet you at the door.

We didn’t stay here (although we will make a point to stay here on our next visit), but we walked through the lobby where a small art gallery was set up and a musician played on the grand piano. The details inside the hotel were beautifully elegant and it seemed like a perfect place to come back to after a day of enjoying the city.

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Museum & Library of Confederate History

Throughout the South, museums and memorials honor those who fought for the Confederacy during the American Civil War. These sites aim to present another perspective on the conflict and provide a broader understanding of this complex chapter in U.S. history. The Museum and Library of Confederate History in Greenville is one such place, offering visitors a closer look at the southern experience.

Many people don’t realize that tensions between North and South existed long before the Civil War. Even during the colonial period, differences in governance and policies created friction between regions. As the newly appointed General of the Continental Army, George Washington had to navigate these divides to secure support and troops from the southern colonies during the Revolution.

After the United States gained independence, these regional tensions continued and intensified, particularly around the issue of slavery. These disputes ultimately culminated when Abraham Lincoln was elected president. In response, South Carolina declared its secession from the Union, soon followed by other southern states, forming the Confederate States of America.

It was not long until other states declared their succession and the Confederate States were formed. The museum has an original South Carolina Declaration of Sovereignty and their sovereignty flag on display.

The museum contains artifacts that illuminate this period, including an original South Carolina Declaration of Sovereignty and the state’s sovereignty flag. Visitors can see Confederate currency, photographs of leaders and everyday citizens, and a library filled with books on the people and places of the Confederacy. The museum is run by volunteers dedicated to sharing this often-overlooked perspective of the Civil War.

Exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including Confederate troops composed of freed slaves, memorabilia from the film Gone With the Wind, and writings describing northern campaigns to burn southern cities. These displays give insight into a complicated and multifaceted era.

The museum’s library is full of books on the people and places of the Confederate States. The museum is run by a group of volunteers who want to share the history of the south and that other side of the Civil War that so often gets overlooked.

It can be easy to want to put things into distinct boxes of good/bad and hero/villain when looking at the Civil War. But the truth is, there is no way to put such absolutes on this cataclysmic event because it was so complex and convoluted that the ripples of effect are still trying to be understood years later.

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Upcountry History Museum at Furman University

When we looked up the best things to do in Greenville, the Upcountry Museum was listed near the top. So we went to Furman University where the museum is located and paid the $12/person entry fee.

We were met by a recreation of a double sweeping staircase leading to the different exhibits. This museum is dedicated to the history of the people in the counties of the northern part of the state from the 1800s to the present day. They also have visiting exhibits that rotate throughout the year.

The museum took visitors through a time line of industry in this area. They talked about the textile mills and the dangerous working conditions. They talked about some of the local musicians who came out of this area and displayed a vintage gas can guitar. But if I’m being honest, the museum as a whole was pretty lackluster and I couldn’t figure out why it was such a favorite.

Their visiting exhibits included a Star Wars exhibit full of franchise toys from the 70s and 80s. We had a good chuckle at seeing some of the toys that we had as kids and talking about those original movies and how much we loved them.

They also had a small exhibit on D-Day in honor of the 80th anniversary. They had a few pictures and some facts on squares on the floor, but I felt that they could have done so much more for such an important event.

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Paris Mountain State Park

We ended the day with a visit to Paris Mountain State Park. We were really excited to see the first show of color signaling the beginning of fall. We drove up through the park and stopped to walk the Mountain Lake Trail. Entrance into the park is $10/person.

The mountain lake is not really a lake at all, but more of a reservoir. A stone dam was built in 1890 to create a reservoir so that the water could be controlled as it made its way to the city for use. Next to the dam is a stone cylinder that holds the pump mechanisms to control the water.

The stone pumphouse was used for many years until time and weather made it difficult to maintain and ultimately it became inoperable. The pumphouse still stands today, nestled in the trees next to the stone dam, inviting people to look in at this forgotten piece of the city’s history. Visitors just need to take care not to stumble on the metal parts that stick up from the ground.

After hiking the trails, then its time to get a drink from the visitor center and find a chair on the long porch that overlooks the swimming area. Because this park is just outside of town, it is a very popular place to come to relax and unwind.

We had such a great time wandering through this city from enjoying the natural beauty to learning a different side of history. Greenville really is a lesser known gem and I can understand now why so many people love coming here.

Thanks for coming along on this visit to the beautiful Greenville, South Carolina. May you find the peaceful wilderness amid the busy city.

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Follow along for more adventures near and far!

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