Exploring Greenville

Small town charm. Big city opportunities.

Nationally recognized as one of America’s best cities, Greenville’s unique blend of urban living, southern hospitality and natural beauty draws people from across the globe – from foodies and thespians to sports fans and musicians. Spend a few days strolling along Main Street, soaking up the sights and sounds of downtown, the surrounding Mill villages-turned-cool neighborhoods, and it’s easy to see why people want to live and learn in Greenville.

Greenville is a haven for the creative type. Start with the city’s music scene. The Greenville Symphony Orchestra attracts renowned performers like Yo-Yo Ma, and several of Furman’s music faculty are members of the orchestra. But if you prefer something outside the classical genre, Grammy-winning artists like Paul McCartney and Willie Nelson take the stage at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

For a taste of theatre, the 2,100-seat Peace Center is the perfect place to catch a Broadway show on tour, such as Hamilton, The Lion King or Wicked. Greenville Theatre and Centre Stage put on contemporary dramas, musicals, mysteries, comedies and histories, and the Alchemy Comedy Theater spotlights local comedians with improv shows at Coffee Underground Theater.

In the mood for art? Get in some reflection time at the Greenville County Museum of Art, or get a glimpse of local artists at Greenville Center for Creative Arts or the Artists Guild. While wandering along Main Street, watch out for the mice –Mice on Main, that is. The Mice on Main are nine tiny statues that make up what may be the most iconic of Greenville’s 90-plus public art pieces.

With over 300 events each year, Greenville’s downtown is constantly buzzing with activity. Saturday mornings from May through October bring nearly 100 hundred local vendors and musicians to scenic main street. Artisphere and euphoria also take place downtown and bring with them the finest culinary, visual and performing arts in the nation.

Downtown Greenville

Our campus is just six miles from the heart of downtown, where Greenville’s Main Street is lined with a range of Southern cuisine, tastes from the Carolina coast and a variety of ethnic flavors. Passerelle Bistro serves French-inspired cuisine with patio style seating overlooking the award-winning Falls Park. The menu changes seasonally but often features ratatouille, mussels or their scrumptious bistro burger. Looking for something lighter? Try a smoothie or fruit bowl from Southern Pressed Juicery. You can also enjoy cold-pressed juice, vegan sushi and a number of superfood salads. If you’d like something with a more southern flavor, you may want to try Nosedive, located next to the Westin Hotel in downtown Greenville. There, you can sample chicken and waffles for a sweet and savory combination or go straight for dessert and order a candied bacon brownie.

There’s also The Commons, which sits on the banks of the Reedy River and along the Swamp Rabbit Trail in Greenville. The once abandoned row of warehouses is now a space where local business and restaurants grow and community gathers, all thanks to alumnus Drew Parker ’00 and his two partners. And don’t forget to grab a bite at Gather GVL. It’s an outdoor food hall that has something for everyone, whether you’re in the mood for a lobster BLT or Miami street food. The possibilities are endless and delicious.

Travelers Rest

Outside of downtown, there are plenty of options in Travelers Rest. Grab a creative coffee or a sweet or savory crepe at Tandem Creperie & Coffeehouse. Better yet, order one of each. Trust us. Or give Upcountry Provisions a taste. The bakery is a venture by Furman graduate Cheryl (Boles) Kraus ’09 and her husband, Steve, and all the deliciousness is baked on the premises. Upcountry Provisions is also known for its peanut butter cookies.

Looking for unforgettable queso? Head to Farmhouse Tacos to get your fill of Mexican cuisine made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Sidewall Pizza Company is a must if you’re craving wood-fired pizza. Be sure to save some room for a scoop of their homemade ice cream. It’s churned daily with local dairy milk or vegan coconut milk.

From the Blue Ridge Mountains in the upstate to the beaches along the coastline, South Carolina is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Want to explore it? Our campus is the perfect starting point. At Furman, you’re a short distance from world-class rapids, biking and hiking trails and some of the best state parks in South Carolina and North Carolina.

Greenville is fast-paced, yet still charming. Recognized as one of the top 50 cities in the US to start a business, Fortune 500 companies and rapidly growing start-ups continue to flock to the area.

Furman’s relationships with local companies and organizations – through our career center, four institutes and engaged alumni – allow students unique access to internship, research and career opportunities in a variety of sectors. Large corporations like BMW, Fluor, General Electric and Michelin lead the way in hiring new Furman graduates. In fact, Greenville has the highest foreign manufacturing investment per capita in the nation. And Greenville’s proximity to Atlanta and Charlotte adds both to its economic development and engagement with the world. 

Also, Furman’s institutes and their partnerships with local and national leaders provide students unparalleled access to research, internship and career opportunities.