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_Church_Street_Bridge_Rendering_JAN2023
Airports and Transportation
Church Street Bridge renovations begin this spring
SCDOT’s rehabilitation on the Church Street Bridge is set to start on April 15, 2025 and will be completed in four phases.
February 26, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_Herman_Lay_FEB2025
History
How Herman Lay went from selling peanuts in Greenville to founding Lay’s Potato Chips
Herman Lay, a Greenville High School graduate, sold peanuts at the local ballpark and managed a team of local boys selling Pepsi and newspapers before he went on to found and lead the Lay’s corporation.
February 26, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_Downtown_Greenville_MAR2023
City
Local Government 101: Get to know Greenville’s City Council
From Greenville, SC’s type of government to the powers local leaders hold, and when elections take place, we’re getting a refresh on our local government.
February 23, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
In this room, part of the "Beyond Monet: The Immersive Experience," people sit or stand while surrounded by projections of a collage of Monet's garden-themed paintings.
Events

Step inside the art at the ‘Beyond Van Gogh’ and ‘Beyond Monet’ immersive exhibits
Step inside the strokes of Monet + van Gogh and listen to original scores as the paintings dance around you.
February 20, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
falls park
City
Breaking down Greenville Parks and Recreation success in 2024 by the numbers
Here’s a breakdown of what Greenville Parks and Recreation accomplished last year.
February 19, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
A series of condos on a curved street with people walking on the sidewalk and a biker.
City
The McDaniel will add 10 more condos in Phase 2
The McDaniel will offer 30 luxury condominiums once Phase 2 of construction is completed.
February 18, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_George_Bush_Furman_FEB2025
History
Presidential visits in Greenville’s history
In honor of President’s Day, we’re rolling back the clock to revisit the times sitting presidents visited Greenville.
February 14, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_Mak_and_Cheesecakes_FEB2025
Culture
Mak & Cheesecakes serves New York-style cheesecake with a Southern twist
The pop-up turned Simpsonville storefront is opening a second location in Downtown Greenville.
February 11, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_Wild_Yarrow_Brewing_FEB2025
Food
Wild Yarrow Brewing is opening this spring
The brewery will focus on local flavors to support regional farmers and bring the community together.
February 11, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_Altamont_Hotel_FEB2025
History
The history of the Altamont Hotel
Before there was The Inn at Altamont, there was the Altamont Hotel.
February 10, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_Single_Scene_FEB2025
Culture
Meet your match at Single Scene
Two Greenvillians founded Single Scene to help find community and “ditch the dating apps.”
February 10, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_Page_and_Post_FEB2024
Culture
Find stationery through these local shops and brands
These Greenville, SC shops, designers, and wholesalers specialize in stationery, office supplies, custom invitations, and greeting cards.
February 7, 2025
 · 
Kyle Steadings
GVL_Pink_Church_Now_FEB2025
Development
Here’s what’s happening with the pink church on Woodside Avenue
We sat down with Ron Rallis for an exclusive look at plans for the property, which has sat defunct for years.
February 7, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_No_Car_Main_Street_FEB2025
City
What if... Main Street had no cars?
A local Instagram account shared visuals of what Main Street could look like without traffic and parking. Here’s what you think about that.
February 6, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
A look at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC.
Test your knowledge of Gamecocks and Tigers playing in the Super Bowl
How well do you know these former USC + Clemson football players?
February 5, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_Beyond_the_Burrow_FEB2025
Arts
Six large, painted rabbits are coming soon to the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail
“Beyond the Burrow” is a new public art initiative by the City of Travelers Rest, highlighting local artists and TR’s history.
February 4, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
State House reflection-8532.jpg
The impact rising Liquor Liability Insurance costs are having on Lowcountry businesses
SC small businesses are facing closures due to rising liquor liability insurance premiums, with legislative reform delayed and limited solutions available.
February 4, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_Miss_Sue_Brick_Street_JAN2025
Food
Brick Street Cafe’s famous Miss Sue is retiring after 30 years of chicken salad and sweet potato cake
It’s the end of an era at Brick Street Cafe as Miss Sue hangs up her apron after 30 years.
January 31, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_The_Inn_At_Altamont_JAN2025
Development
$60 million luxury hotel The Inn at Altamont could be coming soon to Paris Mountain
If all goes as planned, The Inn at Altamont will open in 2030 as a resort for visitors and locals to enjoy mountain views and luxury amenities.
January 31, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_CIty_Scape_JAN2025
Travel and Outdoors
Explore local farms with the SC Agritourism Passport
The SC Agritourism Passport program is a fun and interactive way to explore our state’s farms.
January 29, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_Ice_Cream_For_Breakfast_Scouts_Clares_JAN2025
Food
The inside scoop on Ice Cream for Breakfast Day in Greenville, SC
The sweet informal holiday has been celebrated for 55+ years.
January 29, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_Lunar_New_Year_JAN2023
Culture
How to celebrate Lunar New Year in Greenville, SC
Ring in the year of the snake at these festivals and celebrations.
January 26, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_Founderville_JAN2025
Founderville: A series celebrating local start ups and innovation
We’re putting our city’s vibrant ecosystem front-and-center in this new series.
January 23, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_City_Tavern_JAN2025
Food
City Tavern is getting a makeover (and some new upstairs neighbors)
The beloved dive bar wants to keep its character while making some updates. Plus, two restaurant veterans are helping make it happen + will bring new concepts to the building.
January 17, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_Triumph_Make_a_Wish_JAN2025
Sports
The Greenville Triumph just made its biggest signing in history
Make-A-Wish South Carolina helped seven-year-old Kamden live his dream as a professional soccer player with the Greenville Triumph.
January 15, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_Short_Term_Rental_JAN2025
Government
Local Government 101: Short term rentals in Greenville
The city’s development code allows short term rentals in Greenville, but where?
January 15, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
A modern library equipped with sleek self-checkout kiosks designed to make borrowing books quick and convenient. Four black-and-white self-service stations are lined up in a row, each featuring a touchscreen interface and a card payment slot. Beneath the screens, transparent shelves with LED lighting provide space for scanning and processing books. The bright and open library space in the background is organized with bookshelves labeled by category, creating an inviting atmosphere for readers. A nearby sign advertises a local book club meeting, adding a community-focused touch. Large windows let in ample natural light, enhancing the clean and contemporary aesthetic. The setup reflects a seamless blend of technology and traditional library services, catering to the needs of modern patrons.
Culture
The Greenville County Library System’s winter reading challenge takes a novel spin on board games
Read every day and complete side quests to cross the finish line of your game board as part of the Greenville County Library System’s winter reading challenge.
January 13, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_Snow_Day_UCG_8_JAN2025
City
In photos: Greenville’s January 2024 snow day
We want to share your photos of Greenville’s January 2024 snow day, its first in three years. Share them below or tag us on Instagram (@gvltoday).
January 9, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
The image shows a modern Pilates studio featuring multiple reformer machines neatly arranged in rows. The room is spacious with a clean and bright aesthetic, featuring wooden floors, large windows letting in natural light, and motivational quotes on the walls. Ceiling fans and minimalistic lighting add to the serene and functional environment.
Culture
Get your sweat on at gyms around Greenville
From lifting weights, personal training, dance fitness, boxing classes, and other programs — we’ve rounded up 25 gyms and fitness offerings around Greenville.
January 9, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
The inside of the renovated West Ashley library, including a path between two shelves neatly stacked with books. There are bean bag chairs on the floor and the windows are painted with big, pretty, yellow sunflowers.
Culture
These were the most popular books in Charleston County in 2024
According to the Charleston County Public Library, you couldn’t get enough of these titles last year.
January 9, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
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