Keeping cool with the best lake adventures

Between the Fourth of July parade and fireworks, baseball games, the Saturday Farmers Market, and the events outlined in our July calendar below, there are lots of fun things to do in Greenville during the summer.  However, if you are like me it can get a little warm ( or hot!) and I just need a day on the water to cool down. With numerous lakes close by you have plenty of choices.  If you are ready for some lake adventures, grab your sunscreen and your sense of adventure as I share some of the best water activities within a 30-mile radius of Greenville.

Lake Jocassee with its 90 miles of shoreline is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, surrounded by Sumter National Forest.   The convergence of four protected Appalachian waterways cause this lake to be cool and clear all year round.  How clear?  Clear enough to be a scuba diving destination!  Sandy beaches are availible for you to enjoy swimming.  However, (in my opinion) taking a pontoon tour with a naturalist guide is the way to go!  You can explore the waterfalls in the area with the opportunity to swim near them, learn the history of this man-made lake, and see the diverse flora that is native only to this small area.

Lake Keowee was created in 1971 by Duke Power Company to generate hydroelectric power.  The renowned sparkling crystal blue waters make up a lake about 26 miles long, and has a width of 3 miles, making it ideal for recreational activities.  Once there you can rent kayaks, paddleboards, jet skis or pontoon boats.  It is great for swimming, fishing, or just taking a dip.  This is also home to Keowee-Toxaway State Park, which offers great hiking with views of Lake Keowee and surrounding waterfalls, like Twin Falls, two 75-foot waterfalls that flow into Reedy Cove Creek.  It’s a short, easy hike with beautiful views.

If you like to hike first before enjoying a break in the water, then Paris Mountain State Park may be what you’re looking for.  There you will find about 17 miles of hiking/biking trails, although Mountain Bikes are not allowed on the trails on Saturdays. Trails range from easy less than a mile hike, to a more strenuous 3 miles, which offer great bird watching and geocaching.  After working up a sweat, you can rent a pedal boat, canoe or kayak to gently row around Lake Placid, or, enjoy a picnic and time on the beach there and swim in the swimming area.

Is gently floating down the river, catching some rays and enjoying the scenery more your idea of fun?  Then you should visit The Saluda River, with several access points along the Greenville County portion of the river, whose gentle currents will help you laze the day away.

Feel like you need just a bit more adrenaline, you may wish to visit the Green River in nearby Saluda, NC, where outfitters can guide you down thrilling whitewater rapids, surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Pisgah National Forest.

  These are just a few of our favorites, but you can check out this article by Discover South Carolina for a more inclusive list.  Just be sure to tell us all about the adventures you have while visiting!

Recurring Events

Recurring Weekly Events in June

Every Thursday night in NOMA Square – Downtown Alive  This free admission street party benefits the Metropolitan Arts Council,  and features local bands, all your favorite food trucks, and beer/wine service. 5:30 – 8:30PM

Every Friday Night in NOMA Square –   Main Street Friday  We have so much fun on Thursday nights, that we do it again on Friday nights.  This weekly block party in NOMA Square, features live music and dancing  5:30 – 9:30PM

Greenville Saturday Market – Main Street and McBee Street – Greenville’s favorite farmer’s market runs from May until October every Saturday from 8:00 AM until Noon.  About 75 vendors featuring seasonal produce, local meats, hand crafted items, baked goods, live music, kids area, and always something fun to do like cooking demonstrations, and great ideas to encourage eating local

Minis To The Max: 65 Years of Spirited Adventures – The Ultimate Driving Museum Presented by the BMW Car Club of America Foundation – recurring weekly until January 17, 2025 Monday – Friday from 9:00 – 5:00.  30 inspirational examples of the history of the MINI will be on display and will walk you through the Heritage years, Motorsports versions, quirky and unusual examples and even the newest vehicles from MINI USA

Saturday Wine Tastings at Northampton Wine and Dine – Freshly baked bread from The Wine Café and a selection of cheeses are served at this limited seating, along with that week’s uniquely curated selection of wines.  Reservations are required.

Calendar of July Events

Each week we have tried to select the events that will appeal to our guests.  For a full Calendar of events in the  the upstate area here is a link to the Greenville CVB

July 1 – 7

July 4 – July 7 – Falls Park – Upstate Shakespeare Festival  Henry IV  Bring your lawn chairs, (you can borrow some from us!) blankets, and even food for a picnic and come on down to the stage at Falls Park – come early to get a spot.

July 4 – 6 – Fluor Field – Come cheer on The Drive, Greenville’s Minor league baseball team at Fluor field as they take on the Asheville Tourists.  The game begins at 6:05 on Thursday, and at 7:05 on Friday and Saturday.

July 4 –  Independence Day Celebration – Unity Park  We are thrilled to welcome Greenville back to Unity Park to celebrate another wonderful year under the bright lights at Clemson MBA Fireworks on the Fourth! We invite the community to join us for this spectacular fireworks show in our beautiful 60-acre park on Thursday, July 4, from 6 to 10 p.m. Come early, bring a blanket and picnic dinner, and enjoy a memorable evening as we honor our great country. 6:00 – 10:00, fireworks at 9:30

Through January, 2025 – D-Day, June 6, 1944: The Memory Lives On – Upcountry History Museum   The Upcountry History Museum, in partnership with the Naval History and Heritage Command, Washington DC, will honor the individuals without whom D-Day would not have been a success.  Artifacts, uniforms, archival materials, ephemera, art and more will share this remarkable day in history.  The exhibit will also include the contributions and sacrifices of Upstate South Carolinians, many of whom were in their teens, to commemorate their participation in the largest invasion ever assembled and to ensure that “the memory lives on”.

July 8 – 14

July 8 – M Judson Booksellers – Books Over Drinks with Liv Constantine – Visit Greenville’s favorite downtown book store, grab a cocktail and a seat because you’re not going to want to miss hearing them chat about their newest novel The Next Mrs. Parish.  Your ticket includes admission, a cocktail, and a copy of the book.

July 11 – July 14 – Falls Park – Upstate Shakespeare Festival  Henry IV  Bring your lawn chairs, (you can borrow some from us!) blankets, and even food for a picnic and come on down to the stage at Falls Park – come early to get a spot.

July 12 – Peace Center Outdoor Pavillion – Tab Benoit & Anders Osborne – Three blues titans are teaming up for one powerful live performance. Grammy-nominated guitarist Tab Benoit and award winning musician Anders Osborne are taking over the Peace Pavilion stage with special guest Mike Zito.  The show begins on the lawn at 7:30.

Through November 2024 – Finding the Force…Awakening An Empire – The Upcountry History Museum – Since the debut of George Lucas’ “Star Wars: A New Hope” on May 25, 1977, the “Force has grown stronger through the iconic characters. In this exhibit, the Upcountry History Museum, in partnership with Walt Disney Archives and private collectors across the country, will deliver a once in a lifetime Star Wars experience through a 2000 square food exhibition of original costumes, props, conceptual drawings and collectibles from the Star Wars franchise, including original costumes, concept art, Poe’s X-Wing fighter model, and more. The exhibit will feature a private collection that includes every action figure toy (over 200) made by Kenner Toys from 1978 – 1985 based on the original Star Wars movies

July 12 – 14 – The Comedy Zone – Shuler King

Shuler King, the world’s only comedian, actor and licensed funeral director, has taken the world by storm through his hilarious, real, and relatable videos commenting on everything that’s happening on the internet and in pop-culture. An accomplished stand-up and performer, King had to adapt during the pandemic and started broadcasting his thoughts from his car instead of from a comedy club stage. He quickly resonated with audiences and amassed a following of over 2 million fans across platforms with millions upon millions of views. King now tours nationwide to sold out audiences and is one of the most energetic rising comedians in the business. Shows Friday night at 7:00 and 9:00, Saturday at 6:00 and 8:00, and Sunday at 6:00.

July 15 – 21

July 17 – M Judson Booksellers – Books Over Drinks with Laurie Devore  Laurie Devore is a graduate of Clemson University and can be found, from time-to-time, yelling helpful advice at Clemson sporting events.  Join her as she celebrates her new novel, The Villain Edit, with us at M. Judson.

July 18 – Noma Square – Arts After Dark This dynamic art market will feature a diverse mix of talented local artists and makers showcasing and selling their work every month. Immerse yourself in Greenville’s thriving art scene while enjoying the energetic atmosphere of PNG Downtown Alive.

July 18 – July 21 – Warehouse Theatre – Upstate Shakespeare Festival  Henry IV  Bring your lawn chairs, (you can borrow some from us!) blankets, and even food for a picnic and come on down to the stage at Falls Park – come early to get a spot.

July 19 – Peace  Center’s Gunter Theater – Spyro Gyra – After releasing over 30 albums, and performing over 10,000 concerts on 6 continents, this jazz super group  will be celebrating 50 years of what began as a way to waste time.  Tonight they will be doing just that in Greenville!

July 19 – Peace Center Concert Hall- Jodeci Hailed as “The Bad Boys of R&B,” Jodeci is one of the most influential R&B throughout the culture K-Ci, DeVante Swing, JoJo, and Mr. Dalvin have sold over 20 million records worldwide, and achieved three #1 albums on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart.

July 18 – July 21 –  Greenville’s Centrestage Theatre – Beautiful: The Carole King Musical – The inspiring true story of Carole King’s remarkable journey from teenage songwriter to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

July 19 – 21 – Fluor Field – Fluor Field – Come cheer on The Drive, Greenville’s Minor league baseball team at Fluor field as they take on the Bowling Green Hot Rods.  The game begins at 7:05 on Friday and Saturday, and at 3:05 on Sunday..

July 22 – 31

July 25 – July 28 – Warehouse Theatre – Upstate Shakespeare Festival  Henry IV  Bring your lawn chairs, (you can borrow some from us!) blankets, and even food for a picnic and come on down to the stage at Falls Park – come early to get a spot.

July 25 – July 28 –  Greenville’s Centrestage Theatre – Beautiful: The Carole King Musical – The inspiring true story of Carole King’s remarkable journey from teenage songwriter to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

July 26 – The Peace Pavilion – Steel Pulse  –  Join us on the lawn at the outdoor pavilion with Reggae legends Steel Pulse, as their forty-year legacy continues to define the magnificent power and beauty of reggae music, celebrating the release of their 12th album, Mass Manipulation.

July 27 – Trailblazer Park in Travelers Rest – 9th Annual Tomato Sandwich Taste-Off – Visit beautiful downtown Travelers Rest from 9:00 – 11:30 AM for a benefit fundraiser for the Travelers Rest Farmers Market as 6 local restaurants go head to head on the best tomato sandwich!  Your ticket allows you a sample sized rendition of each chef’s rendition, and a vote for your favorite.

July 27 – The Peace Concert Hall – The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Evening With Cary Elwes –  After a screening of the iconic movie, The Princess Bride, Elwes (Westley) will engage in a moderated discussion revealing never before shared secrets and tales of inconceivable antics.

July 29 – Bon Secours Wellness Arena –  Blink 182: One More Time Tour with Pierce The Veil.  The show begins at 7:00PM.

July 30 – 31 – Fluor Field – Come cheer on The Drive, Greenville’s Minor league baseball team at Fluor field as they take on the Wilmington Blue Rocks.  The game begins at 7:05 on Tuesday and Wednesday..

July 31 – The Peace Pavilion – Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox: The 10 Tour  Join us on the lawn at the outdoor pavilion at the Peace Center for a dazzling, inspiring trip where modern-day earworms and iconic pop hits alike are reimagined in classic genres like 1920’s jazz, Swing, Doo-wop and Motown, and brought to life by a cast of some of the world’s best singers, dancers, and instrumentalists.  The show begins at 7:30.

Now all you need to do is decide between relaxing lake life or bustling downtown!  We would love for you to come stay with us no matter which you chose.  Book below or give us a call.