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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NOOGAtoday | Chattanooga Public Library books
Culture
These were the most popular books in Chattanooga in 2024
According to the Chattanooga Public Library, you couldn’t get enough of these titles last year.
January 8, 2025
 · 
Kristen Templeton
This photo captures a vibrant and inviting dining setup. In the foreground, a wood-fired pepperoni pizza sits on a stand, slightly out of focus. To the right, there’s a colorful salad in a bowl, featuring fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, pine nuts, pickled onions, mozzarella, and pesto. A fork is resting in the salad bowl. On the table next to the salad, there’s a smartphone displaying the word "beli" on its screen, suggesting it might be related to a dining or food app. A glass of water and a small carafe of red-colored drink (possibly a juice or cocktail) complete the scene. The table's warm wooden tones and a brick wall in the background add a cozy, rustic feel.
Food
The app serving up social media for foodies (and how to use it in Greenville)
Anyone can be a food influencer in Greenville with Beli, which allows you to track and share your favorite restaurants with your friends.
January 7, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_Chopped_Chef_Austyn_JAN2025
Food
A local chef is taking on the “Chopped” kitchen, but there’s a twist
Chef Austyn McGroarty will make his Food Network debut on season 61 of “Chopped,” but this isn’t your ordinary episode.
January 3, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_Laurens_Road_Affordable_Housing_JAN2025
Development
100 affordable housing units could be coming to Laurens Road
If approved, two buildings of affordable housing units could replace the structure that currently sits on the site of The Laurens Road Church of God.
January 3, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
A shot of Hughes Main Library's exterior during midday
Culture
These were the most popular books in Greenville in 2024
According to the Greenville County Library system, you couldn’t get enough of these titles last year.
January 3, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
IMG_4621
Food
Sip on 30+ craft mocktails in Greenville
Sip on non-alcoholic beers and wines + craft mocktails in Greenville
January 3, 2025
 · 
Danielle Johnson
PHOTO RESIZE WP (15)
Culture
Winter weather forecast for Greenville, SC
Prepare for winter weather in Greenville, SC with these seasonal temperature and precipitation outlooks.
December 18, 2024
 · 
Danielle Johnson
This photo features a woman with long brown hair and light skin, standing in front of a pink bookmobile. She is smiling at the camera and dressed in a black puffer vest over a light pink sweater, light blue jeans, and colorful sneakers. The mobile bookstore is painted light pink and has the logo "Swoon Booksellers" with a stylized hand printed on the side of the vehicle. The back of the small truck has been converted into a set of shelves painted bright pink, holding an assortment of colorful books. The books are neatly arranged, with some standing upright and others stacked horizontally. The book titles include romance and fantasy. The setting is outdoors on a sunny day, with a brick building, trees with autumn-colored leaves, and a road in the background.
Small Business
We’re swooning over Greenville’s newest bookstore
Swoon Booksellers is a mobile bookstore selling romance novels and other fiction favorites.
December 16, 2024
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_Hot_Cocoa_Danielle_DEC2024
Food
Here’s where to find the best hot chocolate in Greenville
City Editor Danielle set out on an important mission in the bitter cold — to find the best hot chocolate in Greenville.
December 12, 2024
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_Laurens_Road_Verdae_DEC2024
City
How a public-private partnership will transform Laurens Road
The City of Greenville + Verdae Development, Inc. entered an agreement that will transform hundreds of acres along Laurens Road.
December 10, 2024
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_Bailey Estates_DEC2024
Development
United House of Prayer Church wants to build a multi-family development in West Greenville
Bailey Estates is a proposed development United House of Prayer Church in The Village of West Greenville.
December 10, 2024
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_Roast_Beast_FEast_Grinch_Lazy_Goat_DEC2025
Food
Dishes from holiday classics like “Rudolph” and “The Grinch” are on the menu at these Greenville restaurants
Table 301 is bringing dishes, drinks, and desserts inspired by your favorite holiday films to its restaurants’ menus.
December 5, 2024
 · 
Danielle Johnson
Mountain view
Culture
Hit the Road: an outdoor adventure to Asheville, NC
December 3, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
GVL_Main_Street_Christmas_DEC2023
Events
Winter events happening in Greenville
Make the most of the holiday season with this list of the best local events and activities happening this winter.
December 2, 2024
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_Christmas_Market_Grand_Bohemian_DEC2024
Events
VisitGreenvilleSC wants Hallmark to film a holiday movie in our city
After years of trying to get Hallmark to film a holiday movie in our city, VisitGreenvilleSC is stepping in to help with a new holiday short film + petition.
December 2, 2024
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_Amtrak_NOV2024
Travel and Outdoors
All aboard: How to ride Amtrak in Greenville
Taking the train isn’t just for commuters — it’s also a method of leisure travel that’s growing in popularity.
November 22, 2024
 · 
Brianna Williams
GVL_Thanksgiving_Parade_NOV2024
City
If Greenville had a Thanksgiving Day Parade...
We’re re-imagining this annual parade to be entirely themed after Greenville.
November 22, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
ATXtoday editor Laura at the 2024 Austin City Limits Music Festival
6AM BLOG
What sets 6AM City apart?
Our hyperlocal content fueled by boots-on-the-ground community presence. Here’s how getting a new view, putting yourself out there, and saying “yes” can level up your content.
November 21, 2024
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_Christmas_Tree_NOV2024
Travel and Outdoors
Cut your own tree at these Christmas tree farms less than two hours from Greenville
We’re a short drive from some of the best trees in the US, and we’ve rounded up 10+ Christmas tree farms where you can pick your perfect pine.
November 19, 2024
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_Gratefull_GVL_JULY2024
Volunteer
The Gratefull GVL community meal is back for 2024
Each year, the Gratefull GVL event brings together thousands of Greenvillians for a communal meal during the week of Thanksgiving.
November 15, 2024
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_Pangaea_NOV2024
Events
What to expect at Greenville’s inaugural mushroom festival
From mushroom brews to mushroom bites, here’s what you can expect at Greenville’s inaugural mushroom festival.
November 13, 2024
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_Greenville_Green_Space_NOV2024
City
How you can help shape Greenville County’s future use of open space
Greenville County’s Open Space Plan will focus on how to preserve natural spaces over the next decade.
November 12, 2024
 · 
Danielle Johnson
This photo shows a cozy and modern café interior. A hand in the foreground is holding an iced coffee in a clear plastic cup with a lid and straw. The background features a seating area with white chairs, soft-toned furniture, and large windows letting in natural light. The décor includes potted plants, a patterned rug, a glass-top coffee table, and wall art. Outside, it appears to be a rainy day, adding to the cozy ambiance.
Play
Local coffee shops outnumber Starbucks in Greenville
Our comprehensive guide to some of the best local coffee shops in Greenville, SC will help you find the perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to knock out some work or need to satisfy a craving for pastries, GVLtoday has you covered.
November 9, 2024
 · 
Danielle Johnson
city of columbia
Nonprofits
Open board seats for nonprofits in Columbia
Are you looking to serve the community? We’re compiling a list of open board seats in Cola
November 5, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Beer at Fall for Greenville in Greenville SC
Events
The ultimate guide to Bank of America Fall for Greenville
Fall For Greenville is back and we’ve got all the info on tickets, planning, and new additions.
November 5, 2024
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_Biltmore_Christmas_AVL_NOV2024
Travel and Outdoors
Hit the road: Where to go in Asheville, NC
As you hit the road to the mountains this fall and winter, things may look a little different. However, Asheville’s tourism bureau says it is welcoming visitors as the community recovers from Hurricane Helene.
November 4, 2024
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_Path_to_Progress_Unity_Park_NOV2024
City
The Path to Progress is now open at Unity Park
Highlighting the history of the land where Unity Park sits today, The Path to Progress sits in the center of the park right along the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail.
November 1, 2024
 · 
Danielle Johnson
GVL_Road_Safety_Traffic_OCT2024
City
Understanding the City of Greenville’s Traffic Safety Action Plan
The City of Greenville’s Traffic Safety Action Plan highlights seven strategies for making roadways in our city safer.
October 29, 2024
 · 
Danielle Johnson
Featured Image Neighborhood Guide
City
Open board seats in Greenville
Are you looking to serve the community? We’re compiling a list of Open board seats in Greenville.
October 28, 2024
 · 
ghartley
GVLtoday CCNB Ampitheatre
Events
Fall events happening in Greenville, SC
Make the most of cooler weather with this list of the best local events and activities happening this fall.
October 17, 2024
 · 
Danielle Johnson
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