Everything Greenville!

Greenville was named one of the best cities to live in by Condé Nast Traveler readers; the beautiful sights, friendly community, and decent size attract people from all around the country. Greenville, SC, has been my home my whole life, so I think I know it well. Growing up, I considered Greenville a small town. Now, Greenville has grown into what some would call a big city. Greenville has a wide variety of restaurants, beautiful public parks, and small hole-in-the-wall coffee shops.

When you first arrive, understanding the layout may take some time. However, Furman is in a perfect location, only 15 minutes from downtown! The campus, not quite in the middle of a city, is lovely because it is its own location but is still close enough to everything. Going anywhere off campus does not turn into an all-day excursion. Furman’s Campus is an easy 5 minute drive or Uber ride to a Publix or Walmart if you need a grocery store. Haywood Mall is a multi-level indoor mall with over 120 shops only 25 minutes from campus.

 

Regarding the weekend at Furman, there are many things to do around Greenville. I have lived here my whole life, and there are still places and activities I have yet to see and try. Downtown Greenville is only a 15 minute drive from campus and has many things to do. My friends and I often go downtown on the weekend and get something to eat at one of the many restaurants then walk around Main Street and check out all the different stores and boutiques. In warmer weather, we will walk around Falls Park, check out the Reedy river, and walk along the bridge. Then, to end the escapade, we will grab an ice cream from one of the many ice cream shops, Spill the Beans.

Maybe downtown Greenville is too much of a trip, and I want to do something quick and easy. Travelers Rest, or as we call it, TR, is the community in which Furman is located. Over the years, TR has become a quaint, aesthetically pleasing town. With shops, restaurants, and, of course, every Furman student’s favorite, Pink Mamma’s Ice Cream. TR is a great option for students wanting to get off campus but not go too far.

Another great thing is that you can now get to these places without driving too. Throughout Greenville, we have the Swamp Rabbit Trail. This 22 mile multi-use path runs through Travelers Rest all the way to downtown Greenville. The trail runs right through campus, and I have always enjoyed a bike ride along the trail with my family.

Apart from shopping, nature walks, and food, there are many other activities around town, such as movie theaters and local community theaters, roller rinks and blowing allies, ice skating at the pavilion, escape rooms, axe throwing, mini golf, and many more. It’s safe to say that you will never be bored in Greenville, SC.

-Katelyn Wong