Danielle Barilla in a purple lace shirt

Danielle Johnson

Senior Newsletter Editor

Danielle is based in Greenville, SC and came to GVLtoday from the television news world, previously serving as the Executive Producer at WIS-TV in Columbia, SC. Whether she’s on the job or not, she loves checking out her city’s food + beverage scene and learning about local history.

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GVL_Wedding_Dress_Mixup_AUG2025
Culture
A Greenville woman tried on Mom’s 1985 wedding dress — but it isn’t hers
It’s been 40 years since Connie Payne had her wedding dress preserved at a Greenville dry cleaner (that has since closed). When she pulled out the dress for her daughter to try on ahead of her 2026 wedding, it wasn’t her dress.
August 19, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
A comparison photo of Uptown Charlotte in 2024 vs. 2007.
Development
Travel back in time in Charlotte with Google Street View
We cover Charlotte’s changing landscape every day, but we also love to look back. We used Google Street View to remember how some of Charlotte’s most prominent landmarks looked almost 20 years ago.
August 19, 2025
 · 
Maria Adnado
GVL_Baby_Bi-lo_Rendering_AUG2025
Development
What does the “Baby BI-LO’s” new owner plan to do with the North Main development?
Many storefronts in the North Main shopping center have remained vacant since the “Baby BI-LO” closed in 2013, but developers hope to change that.
August 14, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
Two people holding drinks with stickers on them.
City
What if... Greenville had Social Districts?
These designated districts — which allow pedestrians within its boundaries to carry open alcoholic beverages outside — are growing in popularity around the US.
August 6, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
Three canvas tote bags are lined up against a bright blue background. Each has colored straps—pink, green, and blue—and embroidered text reading “cir squad,” “CHStoday,” and “shem queen.”
City
Show your Charleston pride with an ironic Boat and Tote
Before summer ends, we’re hopping on this trend, where you jazz up these beloved, versatile tote bags with a Charleston twist.
August 4, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_Moonlight_Movies_AUG2024
Top Clicks: Here’s what you loved in GVLtoday last month
We keep an eye on your clicks to make sure GVLtoday is always filled with content you love.
July 31, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
Image of product in Dear Greenville shop.
Business
Where to shop local for tax-free weekend
South Carolina’s Tax Free Weekend gives you a chance to save on clothes, school supplies, books + more (online orders included). Here’s where to stock up at local spots.
July 31, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVLtoday Swamp Rabbit Trail
How a master plan brought the Swamp Rabbit Trail to life
As the Swamp Rabbit Trail continues its growth across our city (and beyond), we’re looking back at the master plan that started it all.
July 28, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_Whole_Foods_JULY2025
Food
How are diners selected for “Top Chef?”
With the news that “Top Chef” is bringing season 23 to Greenville, there’s high interest in tasting the cheftestants’ creations during the challenges and events, but the process is cloaked in secrecy + bound by non-disclosure agreements.
July 24, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_Greenville_Skyline_JULY2025
Food
Bravo’s “Top Chef” is bringing Season 23 to Greenville
Bravo’s ‘Top Chef’ is bringing its kitchen showdown to the Carolinas, with Season 23 filming in Charlotte and spotlighting Greenville’s rising food scene in several episodes.
July 23, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_CAMP_Caviar_JULY2025
Food
Indulge in caviar service at these Greenville restaurants
From smoked tableside presentations to bubbles and brine, Greenville’s caviar scene is more luxe than you might think. We’re diving into where you can order caviar around town, whether you’re planning a splurge-worthy night out or looking to impress guests with a Champagne and caviar cart at your next event.
July 23, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
PoeMill-hero
City
Greenville’s skate park is finally in development and you can be a part of the planning process
Greenville’s skate scene has rolled through decades of DIY grit, community advocacy, and near-misses. As a new wheelsports park finally gains momentum, we’re looking back at the turning points, shuttered parks, and local legends that helped pave the way for the city’s long-awaited concrete playground.
July 22, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_Boat_and_Tote_JULY2025
Culture
Show your Greenville pride with an ironic Boat and Tote
Hopping on a summer trend, we’re jazzing up these beloved versatile tote bags with a Greenville twist.
July 21, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVLtoday GSL Volleyball
Fitness
Greenville adult sports leagues
Join a Greenville adult sports league and make new friends, exercise, and let your competitive juices flow. From darts to volleyball, there is a sport for every skill level.
July 18, 2025
 · 
Stephanie Freeman
GVL_Peach_Week_JULY2025
Food
We’re celebrating all things peaches in our inaugural Peach Week
July 17, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_Peach_Team_JULY2025
How Clemson University’s Peach Team is like the Avengers
Clemson’s Peach Team brings together the best scientists in their respective disciplines to ensure the peach industry remains forward-thinking and thrives for years to come.
July 17, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
“Top-down view of a person wearing a blue and white striped dress holding a basket full of freshly picked peaches while standing on green grass.”
Culture
Try these recipes with your fresh SC peaches
Save, share, and savor these local peach recipes all season long.
July 15, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
South Carolina peaches on the tree.
History
South Carolina: “The Tastier Peach State”
Who really grows the sweetest peaches? We break down production numbers, deep-rooted history, and taste tests in the ultimate “Peach War” — pitting Georgia against South Carolina to see which state’s peaches reign supreme and why local experts say SC deserves the title of “The Tastier Peach State.”
July 13, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_The_Station_JULY2025
City
There’s a new destination coming to the Swamp Rabbit Trail
The $14 million development will bring food, drinks, shopping, and events along the trail near Travelers Rest.
July 10, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_Freedom_Weekend_Aloft_JULY2025
Culture
Remembering Freedom Weekend Aloft
The iconic hot air balloon festival attracted hundreds of thousands of spectators over the years for an Independence Day Celebration.
July 2, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
Dreaming of the days when we can see the Furman University Bell Tower again  | Photo by @james_simpson_photography
Culture
Thrive in the second half of 2025 in Greenville
It’s halftime, folks. What will the next six months look like for you?
July 1, 2025
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
GVL_Crispy_Cones_JUNE2025
Food
Editor’s pick: Where to find cool and refreshing snacks around Greenville
It may feel like 105 outside, but we’re rounding up the best cool and refreshing snacks around Greenville.
June 24, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_Google_Streetview_West_End_Lead_Split_JUNE2025
City
Travel back in time in Greenville with Google Street View
We cover Greenville’s changing landscape every single day, but we also love to look back. We used Google Street View to remember how some of Greenville’s most prominent landmarks looked almost 20 years ago.
June 24, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
Ice cream cone
Food
Where to cool off with ice cream in Greenville, SC
We asked you what your favorite frozen sweet treats were in Greenville to beat the summer heat, and rounded up your favorite ice cream spots.
June 24, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_Bike_Parade_Fourth_of_July_JUNE2025
Travel and Outdoors
Where to watch fireworks and celebrate the Fourth of July
Check out these must-do Fourth of July events taking place in and around Greenville, SC.
June 21, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_City_Tavern_JUNE2025
Food
Restaurant Roundup: Stay in the know with new and upcoming Greenville restaurants
Dining in Greenville is always a fresh experience, with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
June 19, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
GVL_County_Square_APRIL2024
Development
Is a rooftop cinema coming to the County Square development?
When finished, the 40-acre County Square redevelopment will feature shopping, dining, and entertainment, along with office and residential space.
June 19, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_Leadership_Greenville_Class_51_JUNE2025
City
How Leadership Greenville leaves a lasting impact on our community
Leadership Greenville isn’t just a leadership program — it’s a chance to dig into our city’s most significant challenges and make a tangible impact. Here’s what I learned in Class 51, and how your nonprofit could be part of what comes next.
June 16, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_Community_Garden_JUNE2025
Culture
Get your grow on at these community gardens
From flowers to produce, here’s how to get your start with community gardens in Greenville
June 10, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_Sticky_Fingers_MAY2025
Business
Sticky Fingers closed its Main Street location
What could be coming to 1 S. Main St., where Sticky Fingers closed? Here’s what we know.
June 2, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
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