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February 12, 2024

These Are Our Favorite Towns in Europe’s Most Fun Getaway Destination

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Seemingly every corner of the Emerald Isle is filled with historic charm—each city both serving as a chapter in Ireland’s rich narrative and a gateway to its natural beauty beyond. Its capital city, Dublin, is rightfully beloved for its exciting pub culture, as well as the site of must-see itinerary stops such as the Trinity College Library and the Jameson Distillery. As amazing as Dublin is, though, there are a number of smaller cities dotting the country that deserve a closer look. 

From the charming medieval streets of Ennis, full of music, to the picturesque coastal town of Westport, framed by the rugged beauty of Clew Bay, Ireland beckons with a tapestry of experiences. Each city there is a unique gem with its own blend of history, culture, and modern charm.

Related: These Are the 10 Best Places to Visit in Europe’s Hottest Destination

Discover the friendly warmth of Galway’s Latin Quarter, where tradition meets a thriving arts scene, and traverse the charming streets of Cork, where historic architecture and a burgeoning culinary landscape enchant visitors. Venture north to Belfast, a city with a resilient spirit, where the echoes of history blend seamlessly with a dynamic present.

So, whether you’re drawn to the medieval allure of Kilkenny, the coastal charm of Waterford, or the cultural heartbeat of Limerick, this list is your passport to the best Ireland has to offer. Get your bladder ready for more beer than it can handle, and strap your walking shoes on tight, because these are the 10 best underrated cities on the Emerald Isle.

Best for Live Music and Pub Culture: Galway

Renowned for its art, music, and lively pub scene, Galway hosts over 120 festivals per year. 

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Nestled on the western coast, Galway is a cultural hub renowned for its lively atmosphere and artistic spirit. The cobblestone streets of the Latin Quarter host colorful storefronts, while street performers add a dynamic flair. Wander along the Claddagh, explore the medieval Galway Cathedral, and soak in the lively street performances on Shop Street. Make sure to catch a traditional Irish music session in one of the city’s many cozy pubs. Tig Cóili is a favorite among both locals and visitors. With the stunning landscapes of Connemara National Park just a short drive away, Galway seamlessly combines city fun with natural beauty.

Where to Stay: The G Hotel

Designed by renowned milliner Philip Treacy, The G Hotel in Galway is known for its contemporary luxury. Located by Lough Atalia (a small lake by the waterfront), the hotel’s avant-garde interiors are truly stunning. Guests can indulge in Michelin-starred dining at Restaurant Gigi’s, relax in the spa, and experience Galway’s artistic vibe right at their doorstep.

Best for True Irish Charm: Cork

Cork: Kiss the Blarney Stone here. 

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Ireland’s second-largest city, Cork, captivates visitors with its friendly locals and a thriving food and drink scene. The English Market is a foodie haven, while the city’s historic architecture, including the iconic Blarney Castle, adds a touch of antiquity. Stroll along the River Lee, visit the historic Cork City Gaol, or explore the charming neighborhoods to uncover the city’s unique character.

Where to Stay: The River Lee Hotel

Overlooking the River Lee, this namesake hotel combines modern design with warm hospitality. The River Lee Hotel in Cork offers stylish rooms, a rooftop terrace with river views, and a superb restaurant showcasing locally sourced ingredients. Its central location makes it a perfect base for exploring Cork’s historical sites and culinary delights.

Best for Street Art and Industrial History: Belfast

Northern Ireland’s storied capital and industrial hub has its emerald side too. Belfast is adorned with over 3,000 acres of parks. 

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The capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast, has transformed into a dynamic city with a rich history. The Titanic Belfast museum stands as a testament to the city’s maritime past, while the vibrant street art in the Cathedral Quarter reflects its modern, creative side. History buffs will want to explore the colorful murals of the Peace Walls, and take a stroll through the revitalized Cathedral Quarter. Don’t miss the iconic Giant’s Causeway, a natural wonder just a short drive from the city, and a visit to the country’s oldest whiskey distillery: Bushmills.

Where to Stay: The Merchant Hotel

Housed in a former bank, The Merchant Hotel in Belfast exudes opulence. With its towering ceilings, cozy decor, a rooftop gym with panoramic views, and an award-winning cocktail bar, it’s a luxurious retreat in the heart of the city. It’s also a short walk from landmarks like Titanic Belfast and the Cathedral Quarter.

Best for Medieval History: Limerick

Limerick: brimming with history.

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Nestled on the banks of the River Shannon, Limerick boasts a rich medieval history and burgeoning cultural scene. Coupled with its uniquely warm hospitality, Limerick is a hidden gem worth exploring. Explore King John’s Castle, stroll along the scenic riverside, and absorb the literary legacy at the Frank McCourt Museum. For a unique perspective, take a boat tour along the river to discover the city’s hidden gems.

Where to Stay: The George Hotel

Nestled on the banks of the River Shannon, The George Hotel combines classic elegance with modern comfort. The rooms are tastefully decorated, and the hotel’s central location allows for easy exploration of Limerick’s historical sites, including King John’s Castle and the Treaty Stone.

Best for Nature Lovers: Killarney

Killarney is home to Ireland’s highest mountains and one of its best walking trails—133-mile Kerry Way—if you’re not in a hurry. 

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Tucked away in County Kerry, Killarney is a gateway to the stunning landscapes of the Ring of Kerry. The town exudes old-world charm with its horse-drawn carriages and Victorian architecture. Surrounded by lakes and mountains, Killarney is a haven for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil escape. Take a scenic car ride and hike through Killarney National Park, cruise on the Lakes of Killarney, and explore the elegant Muckross House—a 19th century mansion. Torc Waterfall provides a picturesque hiking destination with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.

Where to Stay: The Ross Hotel

In the heart of Killarney town, The Ross Hotel offers boutique accommodation with a touch of Irish hospitality. With individually designed rooms, an atmospheric bar, and proximity to Killarney National Park, this hotel provides a charming escape in one of Ireland’s most picturesque locations.

Best for Arts and Culture: Kilkenny

Kilkenny: The castle is just a few doors down from here.

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Known as the “Marble City,” Kilkenny is a medieval gem with its well-preserved castle and cobblestone streets. The city’s rich cultural heritage is celebrated in its vibrant arts scene and annual festivals. Tour the impressive Kilkenny Castle, wander through the charming Kilkenny Design Centre, and catch a performance at the intimate Watergate Theatre. The Smithwick’s Experience offers a fun journey into the world of Irish beer brewing.

Where to Stay: Butler House

Located opposite Kilkenny Castle, Butler House is an 18th-century mansion turned boutique hotel. The beautifully restored rooms, stunning gardens, and proximity to Kilkenny’s medieval landmarks make it a serene and luxurious retreat.

Best Blend of Ancient and Modern: Waterford

A former Viking magnet, Waterford’s craggy shore is known for its hidden sandy beaches. 

Marius Roman/Getty Images

Ireland’s oldest city, Waterford, is steeped in history, with its Viking roots and medieval landmarks. Visit the Waterford Crystal Factory for a fascinating tour, wander through the Viking Triangle to discover historic sites, and explore Reginald’s Tower—the oldest civic building in Ireland. Situated on the southeast coast, you’d also be remiss not to take a drive along the Copper Coast Geopark, a UNESCO Global Geopark, known for its stunning cliffs and coves.

Where to Stay: The Granville Hotel

Overlooking the River Suir, The Granville Hotel in Waterford is a charming blend of Victorian elegance and modern comfort. With its historic facade, stylish rooms, and a riverside terrace, this hotel captures the essence of Waterford’s maritime heritage.

Best for Shopping and Hospitality: Ennis

Ennis. Shop by day, pub crawl by night. 

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Located in County Clare, Ennis is a market town with a rich musical heritage. The narrow streets are filled with traditional Irish pubs, where lively sessions often spill out into the cobblestone lanes. Two of the best-known for their musical performances are Cruises Bar on Abbey Street and Brogan’s Bar on O’Connell. Explore the Clare Museum to delve into the region’s history, catch a live performance at the Glór Theatre, or use Ennis as a gateway to the stunning Cliffs of Moher.

Where to Stay: The Old Ground Hotel in Ennis

The Old Ground Hotel in Ennis combines traditional Irish hospitality with modern luxury. Set in a converted 18th-century manor house, the hotel features elegant rooms, a charming courtyard, and a renowned restaurant. Its central location in Ennis allows for easy exploration of the town’s historic sites and lively atmosphere.

Best for Maritime Culture: Wexford

Wexford’s world-famous Opera Festival (Oct. 18-Nov. 2, 2024) will feature over 80 events this fall. 

David Soanes Photography/Getty Images

With its charming quayside and medieval streets, Wexford is a coastal town known for its maritime history and artistic community. The Opera Festival draws visitors from far and wide (though you can visit the Wexford Opera House all year round), while the Irish National Heritage Park provides a fascinating journey through Ireland’s past. Wexford’s coastal location also offers opportunities for scenic walks and water activities. The scenic Hook Peninsula, home to the iconic Hook Lighthouse, is a short drive away.

Where to Stay: Marlfield House

Marlfield House, located just outside Wexford town, is a country house hotel surrounded by lush gardens. With antique-filled rooms, an award-winning restaurant, and a tranquil setting, it offers a luxurious escape while still being close to Wexford’s cultural and coastal attractions.

Best for Historic Charm and Ancient Sites: Drogheda

Built in 1808 as a defense against a possible Napoleonic invasion, Drogheda’s iconic Millmount Martello Tower (pictured here) houses a museum and is locally nicknamed “the cup and saucer.” 

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Positioned on the banks of the River Boyne, Drogheda is a town with a storied past and a modern, bustling present. The medieval St. Laurence’s Gate and Millmount Martello Tower are proof of its historical significance. You can climb to the top of the tower at the Millmount Museum, which showcases artifacts from the town’s past. Make sure to also visit St. Peter’s Church, which has been transformed into the Highlanes Gallery. It now features a diverse collection of contemporary and historic artworks. For a day trip, make sure to hit the Boyne Valley’s ancient sites nearby, including Newgrange, and enjoy the welcoming hospitality of this diverse and evolving town.

Where to Stay: Scholars Townhouse Hotel

In the heart of Drogheda is the Scholars Townhouse Hotel—a boutique gem that combines historic charm with modern sophistication. Set in a restored 19th-century building, the hotel features elegant rooms, each decorated with unique details that pay homage to its academic roots. During a stay, guests can dine at its critically acclaimed gastro-pub and stroll its private gardens. 

When to Visit Ireland

Ireland is gorgeous all year round, but ideal weather conditions for most travelers are to be found in late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October). During these months, Ireland experiences milder temperatures, blooming landscapes, and longer daylight hours, making it the perfect time of year for exploring the country’s picturesque scenery and spending ample time outdoors. Even better, these periods are less crowded compared to the peak summer months, allowing for a more relaxed travel experience. 

Flights to Ireland

Levels of tourism for Ireland haven’t yet fully recovered from the pandemic (in 2019 they had over 11 million annual visitors), but The Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC) estimates that around 7 million international tourists came to Ireland in 2022.

Flights from major U.S. cities to Dublin are frequent, and usually fairly priced during shoulder season, especially when booked further in advance. For the best deals, try booking an off-season trip, between late fall (November) and winter months (January to March), which tends to see lower airfare prices. However, keep in mind that weather conditions during winter can be cooler and wetter.

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March 4, 2022

Cherry Blossoms in Japan: Where to See Sakura in Tokyo

Filed under: Fitness — Tags: , , , , — admin @ 1:41 am

In early 2019, I went to Japan on a week-long vacation—but didn’t return home until nearly two months later. My reason for sticking around, other than being a digital nomad with a very flexible sense of home: I absolutely had to see the cherry blossoms in Japan.

Cherry blossoms, or sakura, are the national flower of Japan, and they tend to bloom around the end of March and beginning of April. (It varies from year to year, so be sure to plan plenty of time in the country if you’re hoping to catch them at their peak.)

In Japanese culture, the short-lived cherry bloom is seen as an icon of ephemeral beauty. The blossoms are celebrated through a practice called hanami, which literally translates to “watching the blossoms.” It’s a thousand-year old tradition that continues today: You’ll see plenty of people taking a break to enjoy nature and celebrating the flowery displays with everything from specialty foods to pink-colored toys in arcade games.

But you don’t have to be from Japan to appreciate the country’s sakura season. It’s incredibly beautiful, which explains why the annual flood of pink flowers ranks high on so many travelers’ bucket lists.

The big question is where to see them. When it comes to best-of viewing lists, locations like Kyoto, Mount Fuji, and Hirosaki Castle usually get most of the press. (For good reason—they’re beautiful.) But there’s nothing quite like a sakura bloom in the heart of Japan’s biggest city. While the country is full of fascinating destinations, why not mix sakura with Tokyo’s iconic sights, Michelin-starred restaurants, and dizzying array of things to do?

Unfortunately, Japan is not currently open to tourists, but the country’s COVID-19 restrictions are changing, so keep an eye on the official regulations for the latest updates. But if you’re ready to at least dream about a trip to see cherry blossoms in Japan, read on. While this is by no means an exhaustive list, here are a few places across the city of Tokyo worth exploring in spring.

Cherry Blossoms in Japan: Where to See Sakura in Tokyo

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February 23, 2022

Expedition Cruises: Adventurous New Voyages to Book in 2022

Filed under: Fitness — Tags: , , , , — admin @ 11:32 pm

After two years where passenger ships were largely kept in port, it looks like 2022 will be the year that cruises make a comeback. And to celebrate that, sailing companies across the board are rolling out all kinds of exciting new itineraries.

If you’re thinking about a cruise this year and want to experience something different, consider going on an expedition. Simply put, expedition ships are purpose-built to explore some of the most remote destinations on the planet, ranging from the Arctic and Antarctica to the Galapagos and tiny Pacific islands.

While large-scale cruising vessels are characterized by having hundreds (if not thousands) of rooms and a rigid itinerary of sailing from one port town to another, expedition ships are more intimate and have looser itineraries. Their smaller size allows them to stop in places that can’t accommodate massive cruise ships, and the flexible itineraries mean no two trips are ever the same. That might mean tucking into a secluded cove to swim with curious seals, hiking to a penguin colony, zipping between icebergs on an inflatable dinghy, or spending time in small communities that don’t often see visitors—let alone the hordes of tourists that typically arrive with bigger cruises.

Read on for our list of some of the newest and most exciting expedition itineraries on offer for 2022.

The Best Expedition Cruises to Book in 2022

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January 7, 2022

4-Day Weekend in Paso Robles, California: Incredible Wine and Even Better Views

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Think of Paso Robles as the middle child of the California wine scene. Nestled roughly halfway between the wine regions near Santa Barbara in the south and Napa to the north, it’s often overlooked. But with more than 200 wineries in the area producing a staggering 60 different varietals, it shouldn’t be.

The region is particularly known for its zinfandels, the first vines planted there. The grape benefits from the area’s exceptionally diverse terroir—more than 45 soil types, elevation levels that range from 700 to 2,400 feet, and the largest day to night temperature swing of any wine region in California—which imparts unique and varied flavors. And though the tasting rooms are stunning, Paso Robles has a distinctively laid-back vibe. In other words, you won’t find the snobbery or sky-high prices that can plague other wine regions.

Here’s how to spend the perfect long weekend in Paso Robles.

Where to Stay

The Stables Inn: There are a surprising number of boutique motels in downtown Paso Robles and while all modern and stylish, we’re partial to The Stables Inn. The 19-room (one of which is a bunkhouse for larger groups) property has a strong Wild West vibe with animal hide rugs and cowboy-themed decorations throughout.

The Trailer Pod: These five refurbished 1950s and ‘60s trailers sit around a pond on the 130-acre Alta Colina vineyard. Each trailer sleeps up to two adults and comes with a small kitchen and a covered outdoor seating area. The bathroom is located in a separate building a short walk away.

The Piccolo: Located right downtown, this stunning hotel boasts handsome rooms with exposed brick, balconies, handmade chandeliers, and personal wine fridges (this is wine country, after all). While it’s an ideal jumping off point for area wineries, we wouldn’t blame you for staying close by—there’s a beautiful rooftop bar, a wine lounge, and a Moet & Chandon champagne vending machine in the lobby.

Allegretto Vineyard Resort: While many of the vineyards have at least a couple of rooms for rent, Allegretto’s might be the grandest. Each of the 171 rooms is beautifully decorated, but if that weren’t enough, there’s also a spa, private pool, and gardens for walking around in (preferably with a glass of wine in hand).

What to Do

Sensorio: From now until the end of March 2022, you can check out this one-of-a-kind outdoor exhibit by artist Bruce Munro. Tickets include two areas: the Field of Light and the Light Towers. The former is a 15-acre field of more than 58,800 stemmed transparent spheres lit by colorful fiber optics (taken together, they look like a massive field of electric flowers). The latter is a collection of 69 six-foot-tall illuminated towers, all made of wine bottles.

Tin City: Nearly three dozen makers (artisans, brewers, winemakers, distillers, and more) can be found in this industrial community. A few favorites include BarrelHouse Brewing Co. for funky brews, Union Sacré Winery for complex pinot noirs and gewürztraminer wines, and Negranti Creamery for delicious sheep’s milk ice cream.

Studios on the Park: If you’re looking for something other than a bottle of vino to bring back as a souvenir from Paso Robles, opt for a piece of locally crafted art. This nonprofit studio and arts center is home to 15 artists, four galleries, and several shops that offer daily demonstrations and frequent exhibitions.

What to Eat

Thomas Hill Organics: This is a great place to swing by for lunch, largely because then you can tell yourself that you consumed something healthy before a long day of wine tastings. This farm-to-table restaurant focuses on creative organic dishes like a warm grain chicken salad and black lentil tacos. If you want to start sipping early, it also has a solid wine list.

Opolo Vineyard: Yes, you should go to Opolo for the wine—the vineyard has an impressive variety, so there really is something for everyone. But you should stay for the restaurant’s tasty wood-fired pizzas and cheese platters, too. Afterward, be sure to take a stroll through the gorgeous vineyard.

The Hatch Rotisserie & Bar: The Hatch has all the Southern-style comfort food and meat you could want. The half rotisserie chicken with vanilla-maple slaw, buttermilk dip, and Hatch hot sauce is understandably the restaurant’s most popular dish (they often run out), but you can’t go wrong with the Hatch Burger, meatloaf, and hot skillet cornbread. Just be sure to save room for a slice of one of their decadent pies.

The Backyard on 13th and Roots on Railroad: If you need a break from all the wine, this dog-friendly backyard beer garden features 24 rotating craft beer and cider taps (as well as plenty of cans and bottles). When you get hungry, head over to the on-site restaurant, Roots on Railroad, which serves up treats like lobster rolls, pad thai fries, and fried chicken sandwiches.

Where to Drink

California Zinfandel Trail: While you can certainly drive down Paso’s main thoroughfare and visit the vineyards that strike your fancy, you might also consider building an itinerary based on the California Zinfandel Trail, which was modeled after the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. The site has handy synopsis of each winery, making it easy to plot a course based on your interests and tastes.

Daou Vineyards: There’s something special about Daou. Sitting in the tasting room in the Spanish estate atop a mountain, you can see how the cosmically beautiful vineyard spills down the slope. At 2,220 feet, it’s the highest winery on the Central Coast of California. Its terroir is special: The soil is made up of rare calcareous clay, the perfect base for cabernet sauvignon and bordeaux varieties. Do yourself a favor and carve out time to sample the winery’s portfolio while noshing on Lebanese-inspired cuisine (a nod to the Daou brothers’ heritage).

Peachy Canyon Winery: Peachy Canyon Winery is arguably one of the most charming locations in Paso Robles. Its tasting room is located in the historic Old Bethel School House (built in 1886), and it features a large picnic area shaded by native oak trees and an old-fashioned gazebo that offers stellar views of the rolling vineyards. The winery focuses on zinfandels, many of which have earned 90-point-plus scores from Wine Spectator. The reasonable $20 tasting fee (waived with the purchase of a bottle) includes five pours served in small mason jars.

J Dusi Wines: Though J Dusi’s grapes date back to the 1920s (and have been the backbone of other renowned wineries for decades) its own wines are more recent. Owner Janell Dusi launched J Dusi Wines in 2006. Since then, she has made a name for herself with her excellent zinfandels. They’re best sipped on the tasting room’s massive patio overlooking the generations-old vines.

Epoch Estate Wines: Epoch’s head winemaker, Jordan Fiorentini (who recently won the Winemaker of the Year award from the San Luis Obispo County Wine Industry) makes beautifully complex, small-production wines. The Epoch property on York Mountain is visually stunning, with rolling hills, horses and cats milling around, and a tasting room that dates back to 1882. Most of the actual winemaking happens in a large building that’s partially underground—the owners didn’t want to detract from the stunning natural surroundings.

Turley Wine Cellars: Turley’s wine production is prolific. The winery makes 50 different wines that emphasize red zinfandel grapes from old-vine vineyards (while it does have its own vineyard, the company also sources grapes from more than 50 other vineyards across California). Even with such a large production volume, each wine is something special: Turley crafts some of the most coveted zinfandels in the state.

Firestone Walker Brewing: If you’re more of a hop head than a wine swirler, Firestone Walker Brewing has you covered. The massive complex is where the renowned brand produces all of its core beers and barrel-aged offerings (the brewery also has locations in Los Angeles and Buellton, each with a different focus). You can also sample some of its brewery-only beers in the dining hall, at the wrap-around bar, on the side patio, or in the outdoor courtyard.

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December 29, 2021

4-Day Weekend in Greenville, South Carolina: Brews, Barbecue, and More

Filed under: Fitness — Tags: , , — admin @ 8:07 pm

Greenville, SC has reinvented itself—and it’s starting to steal the spotlight from more established North and South Carolina hot spots. With nearly two dozen top-notch breweries, a smoking barbecue scene, plenty of local art on display, quick access to nature (the Blue Ridge Mountains are right there), and one of the most photogenic downtowns in the South, there’s a lot to love about this city.

Even so, Greenville is still flying under the radar. But considering several well-known restaurants (like Lewis Barbecue, Husk, Halls Chophouse, and Prince’s Chicken) and breweries (Yee-Haw Brewing and Carolina Bauernhaus) are opening locations within the city, it likely won’t be a secret much longer. Read on to learn why Greenville is on the rise—and why it deserves a spot at the top of your hit list.

Where to Stay

Aloft Greenville Downtown: One of the best choices if you’re traveling with a four-legged friend (or hoping to bring one home—the hotel has a pet adoption program), this downtown hotel is in the middle of all the action. It’s also home to the WXYZ Bar, a swanky cocktail lounge that often features live music.

Hyatt Regency Greenville: Anchoring the northern end of Main Street, this hotel offers more than 300 rooms (many of which are suites), a farm-to-table restaurant, an elevated bar, and a seasonal pool as well.

What to Do

Check out the local art: Greenville treats its streets like a canvas—there are more than 100 pieces of art currently featured in the city’s Arts in Public Places initiative. Some works to look out for are Octo 2, a kinetic, wind-powered stainless steel sculpture, and a photorealistic mural on Canvas Tower. The massive, eight-story mural (see below) depicts a local teacher and students and was inspired by the desegregation of the area’s schools.

Mural on a building in Greenville, SC
Canvas Tower mural Bailey Berg

Visit Greenville’s Most Recognizable Icon: Falls Park on the Reedy River is a 32-acre urban greenspace located right off Main Street. Take a walk through its serpentine pedestrian pathways, enjoy its riotously colorful flowers, or spread out a picnic blanket and relax, but don’t miss the marquee attraction: the waterfall for which the park was named. Wreathed by the crescent-shaped Liberty Bridge (it was constructed that way to provide the best view of the cascading water), the falls are easily the most Instagrammed part of town.

Shop on Main Street: Mast General Store has penny candy barrels and creaky wooden floors, Poppington’s Popcorn has more than 75 flavors of popcorn (including Bloody Mary, Buffalo wing, birthday cake, and dark chocolate sea salt caramel), and M. Judson Booksellers offers Southern literature and stellar coffee.

Catch a Show: The Peace Center is the epicenter for entertainment in downtown Greenville. With a 2,100-seat concert hall, a 400-seat theater, a riverfront amphitheater, and the open-air Wyche Pavilion, it offers a wide range of events, including concerts, plays, and more.

Bike the Swamp Rabbit Trail: No matter what time of year you visit Greenville, it’s always a great idea to rent a bicycle (grab some wheels at Reedy Rides, located downtown) and cruise the 22-mile-long Swamp Rabbit Trail. The shaded route goes through various city parks, skirts Furman University, and perhaps most importantly, passes multiple breweries for refueling (more on those below). Most cyclists turn around after lunch in Travelers Rest, a town near the end of the trail.

Watch a Game: While there aren’t any major sports teams in Greenville, that doesn’t mean you can’t find a bleacher to have a beer in. The Greenville Drive, the Class-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, plays at Fluor Field, which has its own three-foot-tall “Green Monster” (the entire field is a smaller-scale replica of Fenway). You can also watch the Greenville Swamp Rabbits, a minor league hockey team, and the Greenville Triumph, a soccer team that competes in the USL League One.

What to Eat

Foodhall Fare: Gather, Greenville’s first food hall, is made out of shipping containers and has 13 unique concepts, including The Lob Father (home to lobster rolls), Myami Bites (focusing on Miami street food like Cuban sandwiches and empanadas), HenDough (for fried chicken and donuts), and Juice Box Wine Bar, among others.

Greenville Gather food hall
Gather food hall Bailey Berg

Inventive, Modern Cuisine: Passerelle Bistro overlooks Falls Park and is arguably the most scenic place to dine in town. The lunch and dinner menus marry French, Cajun, and Southern cooking, and there’s also an extensive wine list.

Located in the Village of West Greenville, The Anchorage is currently one of the buzziest restaurants in the area. The head chef, Greg McPhee, earned a James Beard Award nomination for this thoughtfully curated small plates menu.

Even though Urban Wren opened just days before the pandemic hit, it has made a name for itself as a spot to find beautifully plated, seasonally inspired dinners and small-batch wines. If you go, do yourself a favor and get the lobster-chorizo corn dogs.

Barbecue: You can’t visit the South and not get barbecue. What’s interesting about the ‘cue scene in Greenville is that it combines the best elements of other nearby barbecue destinations. Be sure to visit Mike & Jeff’s, a 21-year-old institution known for pulled pork, smoked chicken, and burgers. There’s also Henry’s Smokehouse, which has become a local favorite for all things pork-based—so much so that it has expanded to three locations and a food truck.

Another must-visit is Bobby’s BBQ & Seasoning, a newer establishment owned by a man who taught himself how to cook barbecue by watching YouTube videos. Don’t let that scare you off—and be sure to get the brisket and the sweet potato crunch.

Finally, check out Prince’s for hot chicken. A longtime Nashville favorite, this outpost (located inside Yee-Haw Brewing) is the first outside of Music City. It offers essentially the same menu as its Nashville counterpart with one key difference: The proprietary hot spice mix isn’t made on-site. Because it’s a closely guarded family secret, the mix is concocted at the original location and transported to Greenville.

Where to Drink

Hampton Station: Situated in Greenville’s Water Tower District, Hampton Station is one of the city’s hottest new gathering spots. What used to be a cotton warehouse is now a mixed-used space with studios, a taco shop, an axe-throwing range, a dog hotel, and more. But you’re here for a beverage, so make your way to Birds Fly South Ale Project, where the focus is on funky IPAs, sours, and saisons, or to Wandering Bard for a honey-tinged pint of mead.

Poe West: Like Hampton Station, Poe West started its life as something else. Originally, it was a hardware and supply company, but today the complex is home to various businesses. Depending on what you’re in the mood for, pop into Unlocked Coffee Roasters for a cup of joe, LaRue Fine Chocolate for a glass of rosé or a cocktail, Six & Twenty Distillery for a spirits flight, or Carolina Bauernhaus for a fun experimental beer.

Brewery Experience Beer Tour: On Wednesdays and Saturdays, a local cicerone (the beer version of a sommelier) leads public tours to area breweries. Each tour includes stops at a minimum of three breweries, and attendees meet the brewers, get a tour, and sample the beers on tap in guided tastings. As guests ride from place to place in a 16-passenger van, they can watch Gary Gose Gump, a beer-themed parody of Forrest Gump (“Mama said there’s an awful lot you can tell about a person by the beer that they drink”).

Downtown: There are myriad ways to wet your whistle in the heart of Greenville. If you’re looking for a brewery, consider Fireforge Brewery and Southernside Brewing Co. (both of which have fabulous beer gardens). The Eighth State Brewing Company arguably has the most off-the-wall offerings (like an imperial stout with wild Thai banana, toasted coconut, caramel, Madagascar and Ecuadorian vanilla, and raw coconut).

The Greenville Beer Exchange is an expansive bottle shop and taproom, and The Whale has some of the hardest-to-find beers in the country. For creative craft cocktails, check out Vault & Vator, UP on the Roof, and CAMP.

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