Beyond Frank Underwood’s hometown is your Greenville reprieve
It’s no secret that Charlotte has grown into a “real” city. We have a booming beer-conomy thanks to our many local breweries, a rich arts community and plenty of unique ways to spend your weekend (hello, free fitness classes, Summer Pops, Science on the Rocks, and much more).
But, what if you need a little reprieve from the 704? Enter Greenville, S.C.
Travel time
About an hour and 30 minutes. Be sure to catch the Peachoid Water Tower in Gaffney and wave hello to Frank Underwood’s hometown.
First trip through Gaffney in a while. The peach looks more like an onion. Frank Underwood would not be pleased. pic.twitter.com/11JnoAGhfB
— David Hale (@DavidHaleESPN) March 25, 2015
What to do
– Venture to the farmers market. With vendors that peddle items from flip flops, to fruit and pasta, to popsicles, the TD Saturday Market takes over Main Street Saturdays from May to October. I hit the market on a Saturday, snagged a “Skinny Genes” Kuka Juice, some fresh-from-the-farm peaches and strawberries thanks to Callaham Orchards, and chatted with the local artist behind North Main Stone.
I am ready for my office to look like this again…only 99 left! #yeahTHATgreenville #eatlocal pic.twitter.com/wNqNTvdy5a — GVille Sat Market (@GvilleSatMarket) January 22, 2015
It’s Thirsty Thursday! Come get your juice fix #TBT #ThirstyThursday #yeahTHATjuice #yeahTHATgreenville #coldpressed pic.twitter.com/GCkCpfsUv2
— Kuka Juice (@kukajuice) May 21, 2015
– Stroll to Falls Park on the Reedy/Swamp Rabbit Trail. A quick jaunt down Main Street lands you here. From the landscaping to the winding paths, this park is immaculate. I got a limp-y four miles in, but I enjoyed the opportunity to take in the beautiful houses and natural areas along the trail. You can also rent bikes.
@Greenville_SC @dailyburn — David campbell (@davidcamp0362) May 28, 2015
Where to eat
– Grill Marks on Main. Known for their burgers, this place didn’t disappoint. I ordered the Portobello Napoleon with tomato, grilled onion, brie and pesto thinking I’d probably wish I had ordered a burger at a place known for their burgers (doh), but this was the perfect light lunch!
I’d suggest treating yo’ self to one of their Burgers of the Week, especially if you ran or biked (or, heck, just explored) the Swamp Rabbit Trail earlier.
– Nose Dive Gastropub. I’ll speak to brunch and beer here. They have a GRITS BAR, people. This is not a drill.
My chicken chilaquiles was just OK and I got the grits bar as my side but wished I had been wise enough to choose it as my meal. Toppings vary, but all that mattered to me was there was cheese (a variety) and bacon.
They have a pretty extensive beer list that includes Thomas Creek Honey Suckle Saison. Someone help a beer gal out and tell me where I can get this in Charlotte, ASAP.
Brand new to the tap wall, @ThomasCreekBeer Stillwater Vanilla Cream Ale pic.twitter.com/ObJP3Mvs7R
— craftgrowlershop (@craftgrowler) June 24, 2015
Where to stay (if you need more than just a day trip)
At the historic Westin Poinsett, rooms start around $219 per night but that puts you right in the middle of it all. The Marriott is just down Main Street with equally convenient proximity and a smaller price tag, with rooms starting at $179 per night.
So next time you get the itch to GTFO of the QC (excuse my abbrev), think about the Greenville to the South. And get there.
Photo by Jeffrey Otto.
Nicole Brantley is a native Charlottean who is equal parts do-gooder, beer snob and exercise enthusiast. Follow her on Twitter @NikkiBrantley.
This story was originally published July 1, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Beyond Frank Underwood’s hometown is your Greenville reprieve."