TGIF, Raleigh. We have spent the last 48-hours at our HQ in Greenville, S.C., using our annual retreat to present past findings + prepare for the future ahead. But being a business focused on engaging our readers to live like locals — we also had ample time to explore our sister market with the GVLtoday team.

From connecting our creative minds at the Greenville One Center and playing reindeer games at Spare Time to gathering to eat at Lazy Goat for our holiday soirée — GVL helped us perfect the balance between work + play.

So, whether you’re heading down to visit family and friends or just looking for a weekend away — we’ve put together your 48-hour guide to Greenville.

Day 1

Early evening
Cheers to making it out of work alive. A few of our treasured haunts include:

○ Up on the Roof, 250 Riverplace

Head to the rooftop of the Embassy Suites for some of the best views of the city.

○ Pour Taproom, 7 Falls Park Dr.

Pay by the ounce, not the glass — allowing you to try a few sips of anything in their large selection before committing.

○ SIP Whiskey & Wine Bar, 103 N Main St.

Between the wall of wine, extensive whiskey labels, and signature cocktails — what could make this place better? Happy hour. This vibrant rooftop bar host deals until 7 p.m.

○ The Trappe Door, 23 W Washington St.

A cozy vibe + a great place to grab a beer that’s different that what you’d usually go for.

○ Ink N Ivy, 21 E Coffee St.

Head up to the rooftop for some cocktails + snacks.

Evening
What’s next? — Once you’ve had your fill at a tasty dish-tination, here’s how we recommend finishing out the evening:

○ Love theatre? See what shows are running at the Peace Center, the Warehouse Theatre, Centre Stage, Cafe and Then Some, the Greenville Theatre, or the new (#comingsoon) SC Children’s Theatre on Augusta St.

○ Love to laugh? Head over to an improv comedy show at the Alchemy Comedy Theater.

○ Love the sound of piano? Then be sure to stop by Jack n’ Diane’s Dueling Piano Bar to hear battling pianists in a high energy environment.

Day 2

Morning

The best part of waking up… COFFEE. Curb your caffeine cravings at one of these groundbreaking coffee grinders — selected using superlatives so you can find the best bean that meets your needs.

Mid-afternoon
Check out one (or two or four) of the 10+ breweries around the Upstate. 🍺 If you want a guided tour, The Brewery Experience will pick you up, show you around the beer world of Greenville, and take you back to your Airbnb or hotel safely.

○ Not into beer? Sign up for a class at Swamp Rabbit Café Cook Local Classes. Learn about cuisines from around the corner to around the world — then scarf it all down at a group meal afterward with your new cooking buddies.

○ Enjoy art + museums? The Greenville County Museum of Art (at 420 College St.) is a must. It houses mostly American art, focusing on Southern American + S.C. artists.

Evening

As the sun goes down, take a walk through Falls Park to see the Medusa Tree and the Cancer Survivors Park then venture off Main St. where the options for dinner are endless. Here are our GVL editors’ go-to dinner spots:

○ Grace’s pick: Nose Dive, 116 S Main St.
A great option for dining outside + people watching. Plus the food + drinks are amazing.

○ Sarah’s pick: The Lazy Goat, 170 Riverplace
A medeterranian inspired menu, and right by Up on the Roof, making it easier to head out for an after dinner cocktail. (Hence it being our selection for our holiday get together.)

Day 3

Morning

If you’re the kind of person who wakes up early, we recommend getting outside + going for a hike at Paris Mountain State Park. Or if hiking isn’t your speed, you can leisurely stroll the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail.

Pro-tip: Before heading home (or hitting the road), stroll through downtown and experience one of Greenville’s best features — Falls Park on the Reedy. Walk across the suspension bridge, or grab a charcuterie board to have a picnic style snack down by the water.

If your 48-hour stay happens to be over the weekend and you’re heading out on a Sunday, then may we suggest… Brunch... obviously. Sunday without brunch is like wearing white after Labor Day... Check out our brunch guide to see all the best dishes + deals to end your weekend on a full (and happy) stomach.

Bonus: Places to stay

For those looking to live like a local.

The Westin Poinsett, 120 S Main St.

From ~$185/night

Experience a refined + elegant nights sleep at Greenville’s historic hotel. Located only steps away from the city’s best food, drinks, + stores.

Hyatt Regency, 220 N Main St.

From ~$189/night

Nestled in the heart of downtown, this oasis holds a balance of southern hospitality and modern needs. Plus, dining + drinks are located right in the hotel.

Aloft, 5 N Laurens St.

From ~$161/night

Overlooking the city’s vibrant One City Plaza, this chic hotel has perfect access to GVL essentials— such as Falls Park + the Peace Center.

Courtyard by Marriott, 50 W Broad St.

From ~$169/night

Whether in Greenville for business or for pleasure— the Courtyard is a modern choice for discovering the city.

Swamp Rabbit Inn, 1 Logan St.

From ~$70+/night

Boasting beautifully furnished rooms (each named after a different animal) with a cozy, home-away-from-home feel.

Pettigru Place Bed + Breakfast, 302 Pettigru St.

From ~$168/night

Local hot spots are easy to get to, being only 15 minutes from the house.

Have any other #MustDo recommendations? Drop them in the comments below.