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_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
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
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