Keeping Cool and having fun on your visit to Greenville
Greenville’s tree-lined Main Street, and lush downtown parks offer just what you need for a casual stroll, with shaded streets and benches, unique, one-of-a-kind shopping and lots of places for a cool refreshing drink. Enjoy the gentle breeze of the river then pop into one of downtown’s great shops to soak in some A/C. Browse for gifts at Mast General Store, O.P. Taylors Toy Store, Oil and Vinegar, or Plant Stella. Find the perfect outfit at Maren + Main, Traveling Chic Boutique, or Rush Wilson. There are also fun activities to enjoy on Main Street – you can create your own soy candle at Greenville Soy Candle Company, or mine for gems at Greenville Gemstone Mine. Enjoy indoor mini-golf or ax throwing at Group Therapy, a pub an indoor adult playground. Or, my favorite way to while away a summer afternoon is to visit M.Judson Booksellers, then lose myself in a new mystery on a swing in Falls Park. Maybe with a bubble tea from Cosmic Rabbits Tea Bar,. Or… a black tiger milkshake from Coffee Underground. Once you figure out “the butler did it”, then head on over to New South Spirits Distillery, for a tour and tasting before dinner.
Looking to enjoy a little nature and fresh (and cooler) air? Just a short drive north, you will reach Table Rock State Park, with an extensive trail system that carries hikers past streams and waterfalls to the top of Table Rock and Pinnacle mountains for some of the best mountain views in South Carolina. Rent a canoe, kayak, or pedal boat to gently float your way around Lake PInnacle. After spending the early part of the day in the park, then travel a few miles to Victoria Valley Vineyards for a light lunch
and wine tasting on their veranda overlooking the grape vines. The winery, which resembles a French chateau, sits on forty-seven acres chosen for its elevation and unique soil structure, to grow and produce Vinifera Wines. The cafe serves lunch until 2:00, then offers small plates until the winery closes at either 4:00 on Thursday and Friday, or at 5:00 on Saturday and Sunday.
If you’d still like to be a little active, but not swelter, then TopGolf may be just what you’re looking for. Featuring over 70 climate controlled hitting bays, each with HDTV, they offer games to choose from beginner to advanced, so there is something for every level, their giant targets make it easy to score, no matter your swing, and their micro-chipped golf balls score themselves! And, of course, they offer signature drinks and fresh food, made with high-quality ingredients, that you can enjoy either in your bay while you play, or in their rooftop bar and grill. Reservations are not required, but keep in mind that you may have to wait a bit if you don’t have them. The price of the bay includes the use of their golf clubs, but you are welcome to bring your own if you like. Open Sunday – Thursday from 9AM – 12AM, and Friday – Saturday from 9AM – 1AM
While there are many great small boutiques downtown there are several art and shopping experiences that are a short drive from the bed and breakfast and are a feast for the eyes even if you don’t buy anything. Which I find very hard to do!
1–Artists Guild Gallery Greenville’s oldest co-operative gallery is located in the historic, art deco design, Ivey’s Square, on the corner of N. Main, and E. North St. Visitors can browse over 300 pieces of fine art by 18 local artists. The Gift Shop features handmade treasures, pottery, metal works, cards, jewelry and more.
The 2,000 square foot gallery plus the first – floor atrium is open to the public.
Hours: Tues. – Sat. 10. – 5. Sunday 1 – 5, Closed Mondays
2-Westside Market – All you could want with 50,000 square feet, and over 1000 unique vendors ready to bring you offer you the most eclectic mix of antiques, home furnishings, art, and apparel. My favorite booth is the artist who has lamp shades that are pieces of art, but everyone has their own favorite artist or antique booth. This unique store is a playground for interior designers and offers something special for the interior designer inside every one of us.
Hours: Mon=Sat, – 10-6. Sun – 12-5
Recurring Weekly Events in August
Whiskey Wednesdays with Six and Twenty Distillery – Join the Courtyard Downtown for a free tasting of Six and Twenty Distillery’s finest spirits! Learn about the love story behind Six and Twenty while sampling all of their products. Led by Six and Twenty Distillery experts, this whiskey tasting will have you leaving in love with their high quality whiskey, bourbon, vodka, and gin! This FREE event will take place in the lobby of the Courtyard Greenville Downtown, on Broad Street at 6:00PM.
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 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 August 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
August 1 – 4
August 1 – Iron Caterer Throwdown returns from 5pm to 10pm at The 405 for its
7th year. Along with the open bar you get the opportunity to taste 3 different courses from 4 chefs (12 small plates total!) and judge this year’s winner all while raising money for Project Host.
August 1 – 4 – Come cheer onThe Drive, Greenville’s Minor league baseball team at Fluor field as they take on Wilmington. The game begins at 7:05 on Thursday – Saturday, and at 3:05 on Sunday
August 1 – 4 – 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.
August 1 – Saluda Lake Landing Movie Night – Join Saluda Lake Landing for an unforgettable movie night featuring the hit movie, Titanic, as they transform the landing into a cozy outdoor cinema!
August 2 – The Peace Concert Hall – Dave Mason’s Traffic Jam – This extraordinary guitar player, with 50 years experience in performing and writing, the show is bound to leave you fulfilled. Since each show is live and authentic, you never know what the set list will be. Yet, you’ll love it. With special guest Jefferson Starship
August 3- Wierdo Market at Paper Moon Studios is four years running. Featuring 40 local and regional vendors and artists specializing in odd, unusual, vintage, rare, and counter-culture. You truly never know what you’ll find.
August 5 – 11
August 6 – The Peace Concert Hall – Straight No Chaser: Summer The 90’s – If the phrase “male a cappella group” conjures up an image of students in blue blazers, ties, and khakis singing traditional college songs on ivied campuses… think again.The captivating sound of these 9 unadulterated human voices is neither strait-laced nor straight-faced, but neither are they vaudeville-style kitsch. Extraordinary music that is moving people in a fundamental sense… and with a sense of humor.
August 7 – The Peace Concert Hall – Idina Menzel – This Tony-Award winning powerhouse rose to fame for her role as Maureen in the popular Broadway musical Rent, and her career took off when she won a Tony Award for her role as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, in the smash musical Wicked. Since then she has become an actress in film and TV, a songwriter, and a philanthropist. Her prolific recording career includes multiple cast albums, solo albums, and just this past fall, and electrifying dance project, Drama Queen, showcasing her powerhouse vocals through disco-infused beats and soaring anthems.
August 8 – The Peace Concert Hall – The Marshall Tucker Band: Live on Cloud 9 joined by Jefferson Starship will be preforming this historic show at the Peace Center, bringing their collective hits to Greenville. Five decades of music will start at 7:30pm.
August 8 – 11 – Various locations throughout downtown Greenville – The SC New Play Festival – The 3rd South Carolina New Play Festival will take place over four days, starting on Thursday, August 8, and will feature a wide range of musicals, plays, town halls, an outdoor variety stage, and will culminate in a Cabaret featuring Tony-nominee Phillip Boykin on August 11. All readings are free with reserved seating, and festival patrons have early access to reserved seats. Follow this link to become a patron and reserve seats.
August 12 – 18
August 16 & 17 – Judson mill indie craft parade is welcoming back 110 vendors to its annual event. With a vision to encourage small business and craftsmen of all sorts to handmade items.
August 16 – The Peace Concert Hall – Franki Valli & the Four Seasons , the original Jersey Boys will bring their iconic songs to the stage during The Lask Encores Tour.
August 16 – Paladin Stadium – Enjoy watching the Greenville Triumph men’s soccer team against the Richmond Kickers at 7pm.
August 17 – The Peace Concert Hall – KEM is internationally renowned R&B singer/songwriter with one Platinum and two Gold-selling albums who has used his passion of music learned on the piano at his grandfather’s church as a child to express his emotions and life experiences.
August 18 – The Gunter Theatre at The Peace Center – Iris DeMent combines country, folk, and gospel music to express her desire for the world as it should be, not as it is.
August 18 & 19 – Saluda Lake Landing –Experience the mesmerizing beauty of late summer with a moonlit adventure in this Moonlight Paddle board excursion. Sure to be enjoyed by experienced paddlers or new to the sport, you can glide through the serene waters (bring your own or rent one there) then relax by the bonfire under the starry sky.
August 19 – Lake Jocassee – Join Jocassee Lake Tours for BOTH the sunset and to watch the rising of a full moon! We don’t go very far and we don’t go very fast (though there is always a waterfall or two to see) on this most relaxing late-day excursion. Watching the color change across the water is nothing short of magical!
August 19 – 25
August 20-24 – Greenville Drive – Enjoy the Greenville Drive play the Rome Emperors at Fluor Field each night at 7:05.
August 21 – The Peace Center’s Gunter Theater – Leo Kottke and Julian Lage – Two phenomenal guitar players, in one fantastic show!
August 23 – Radio Room – Broadway Rave: a Musical Theater Dance Party Calling all Musical Theatre nerds, drama geeks, actors, actresses, theatre lovers, and more! Welcome to Broadway Rave, a Broadway Dance Party celebrating the best in show-tunes and musical theatre. Come sing along to all of your favorite Broadway hits while dressed up as your favorite character. We’ll have surprise guests from some of your favorite Broadway stars! Live out your Broadway fantasies at Broadway Rave — the most POPULAR Broadway Dance party around.
August 24 – The Bon Dance Festival is one of the most significant cultural traditions. It mimics similar Obon festivals held in Japan around the Japanese ancestral holiday of Obon. The Bon Dance Festival includes Bon Odori, which is performed in colorful kimono, yukata, and happi coats. Rather than somber affairs, the Bon Dance Festival represents an energetic mix of traditional choreography with a modern-day merry making. This event runs from noon until 4:30pm at Mcalister Square and includes a tea ceremony.
August 25 – Gunter Theatre – Greenville Jewish Film Festival is featuring the S.C. Premier of Call Me Dancer with a captivating blend of cultures. The spotlight is on a Mumbai street dancer’s journey under the guidance of an Israeli ballet master. Come early for a Master Dance Workshop beginner class of contemporary dance infused with a Bollywood flair and enjoy Indian street food from Saffron.
August 26 – 31
August 27 – CCNB Ampitheater at Heritage Park – Smashing Pumpkins – The Smashing Pumpkins are back this summer with their North America tour in Greenville’s best outdoor concert arena. Billy Corgan’s Grammy-awarded rock band created some of the most iconic tracks of the 90s, fashioning an amalgam of progressive rock, heavy metal, goth rock, psychedelia, and dream pop. Many line-up changes later, don’t miss them live in 2024 as they take to the road!
August 29 – Restaurant 17 – Join us for a wine dinner from Mission Grape Distributors. Mission Grape is a local wine distribution company focused on high-quality producers at a value price point throughout the state of South Carolina. These wines will be paired with complimenting dishes from Chef Haydn Shaak. Dinner will begin with canapes and a welcome wine, followed by a four-course, individually plated dinner with wine pairings. The wines from the evening will be available for purchase at a discounted price at the end of the event. ($85/person – includes taxes and gratuities).
August 30 – Six & Twenty Distillery – FINAL(LY) FRIDAYS: BRINGING JAZZ BACK TO THE WEST END Back by popular demand, come witness the incredible Kevin Korschgen Jazz Trio at Six & Twenty Distillery. Indulge in an enchanting evening of smooth tunes and even smoother spirits. Six and Twenty Distillery presents Finally Fridays! Featuring the Kevin Korschgen Jazz Trio on the last Friday of every month at 7PM. Join them for a soulful experience as the band fills the air with rich melodies. Savor the finest drinks, tap your feet to the rhythm, and make memories with friends as you unwind in style. This event is free and open to the public.
August 30-Paladin Stadium at Furman University Enjoy the soccer season and catch a Greenville Triumph game against the Charlotte Independence!
August 30- Six & Twenty Distillery – Welcome to the Tiki Cocktail Class, where you’ll learn to craft three delicious summer cocktails from their experienced mixologists. Enjoy a tour of the distillery and take home the recipes to impress friends and family with your new summer cocktail knowledge.
Tasty treats, refreshing cocktails, and fun indoors and out Greenville is the place to be this August. Let us be a part of your stay!
