Upstate, SC
Are you visiting the Easley, Greenville, Clemson area of South Carolina? Our lakes and mountains are gorgeous and our local offerings are top notch. #YeahThatGreenville is a trending hashtag for a reason. Downtown Easley and Downtown Greenville are both amazing places to walk and shop. Here are just a few of my standout favorites.
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Outdoor Activities
What can I say? We're known for our beautiful scenary!
This park is one of our favorites. Conviently located in Greenville, SC it has an amazing playground for older kids and a seperate play area for toddlers/preschoolers. It also has a SPLASH PAD--so if it's summertime, bring extra clothes to change into. They have nice bathrooms too! The grass is “fake grass” so the kids love playing on it and don't get itchy. Highly recommend this park! Pack a picnic and make a day of it. Located near some nice local restaurants as well.
Located in Clemson, SC (Yes, home of the Clemson tigers!). This garden is beautiful and has a lot of free activities. They have a gem museum too, but make sure to call and check on the hours as they do change. Are you a homeschooler? They offer classes for all ages! Definitley worth checking into!
You will not find a more gorgeous view of the upstate. Breathtaking and pictures just can't do it justice. This is a very hot spot for pictures and weddings!
This is a much quieter lake that Lake Keowee. Our favorite spot to put our boat in is at Twin Lakes landing.
Beautiful but can be crowded on the weekends. However, they've got options for dining on the water!
This is the lake to go to for quiet and relaxation. It's a beautiful smaller lake that's perfect for a family outing!
This is our favorite place to put our boat in because there is on site security. We've never had an issue with our vehicle being messed with. There is a family that actually lives on the grounds and watches over everything.
Restaurants
I would not hesitate to say that this is the BEST pizza place in the upstate. Their marinara sauce is unbeatable. They have TWO locations!
This is a LOCAL GEM! Wild game for the adventurous taste buds but also has the best steak in the upstate. I love their filet! Literally, I order it every time. My husband gets a little more adventurous. We've tried the elk, buffalo, sausage appetizer, and their spinach dip is awesome. Ask about the appetizer for 2 (it's not on the menu!) and also listen to their specials--seriously, this place is amazing and a local wonder. However it is a little pricey--it's our go to place for our anniversary celebrations! You are definitley paying for high quality food!!
Best Japanesse place in the upstate. And yes, they cook in front of you. We've always had a great experience here. Call for their early bird specials! They have a seperate sushi bar for those that just want to enjoy that. I love getting the steak and chicken.
You are going to pull up and think you've found a hole in the wall. Do not judge a book by its cover! This is the best place in the upstate and trust me…we've tried several places. Their Tacos de Carne Asada are the best!
Other Food & Drinks
This is a fantastic local coffee place. They have a multitude of sugar free options, which as a gastric sleeve patient I love! They have a seasonal menu that's to die for. Get the Salty Sailor--it's my favorite! They have 3 locations… Pickens, Easley, and Powdersville SC.
This place is NOT local to upstate SC… but it's so good I had to include it. It's about 4 hours away and worth the trip if you're heading to the beach. I seriously don't know of a better ice cream spot. I'm talking homemade… no tubs they've ordered! It's amazing! During the summer expect long lines, but I promise you it's worth the wait!
A fantastic local spot! Hidden gem in Seneca, SC.
Fantastic donuts. Seriously, the best. I'm constantly amazed at the flavors they churn out!
Another great local coffee shop. Located in the Silos in Downtown Easley, SC. This is a great spot to grab a drink and just hangout! Very family friendly as well!
Arts & Entertainment
If you are local, the membership is 100% worth it. It'll literally pay for itself in just a visit or two. Great for ages 1-10ish. They have a perfect place on the second floor for toddlers that's fenced in. They have a water area too, so make sure to pack extra clothes.
The art here is breathtaking and the history of some of these pieces is astounding. During Easter and Summer they also have scavenger hunts for kids to complete. They also offer very affordable summer camps for kids.
Movie theatres are just flat out expensive, so go to one that offers free refills on drinks, slushies, and popcorn! Also they have recliners that are very comfy! Don't try to sneak in drinks/snacks though--they will confiscate if they catch you… .not that I know from experience or anything…
A smaller venue but has a lot of great performers comes through due to their connection with Clemson University. Also if you are a homeschoolers/public school teacher they have amazing affordable performances for kids during the school year. Some are free but at most they're just $2-$3.
It use to be called the Bi-Lo center and is still called that by many locals. The seats are not the best but the performances make it worth it. As with most places, souvenirs and snacks will cost you a paycheck so eat before you go. This is also home to the Swamp Rabbits if you're a hockey fan.
This place brings Broadway to the upstate! They have amazing shows. Buy your tickets quick because they sell out often! They do sell alcohol but no major concessions…but it's located in downtown Greenville which is home to some amazing restaurants, so make sure to plan on taking a walk after your show.
This is the most popular festival in the upstate. They completely shutdown downtown and host it all weekend long. Parking can be tricky, so make plans ahead. There is public parking that's free, but honestly it's worth paying the $20 to park closer.
T-I-G-E-R----S! If you're a Clemson fan, this is a must stop on your visit to Clemson, SC. You can call and see about touching the infamous rock as well. We had our engagement pictures taken here!
If your'e already in Greenville, check out this small local zoo. I wouldn't advise anyone to travel to Greenville JUST for this zoo, but it's great to include in your already planned day. If you have a giraffe lover…this is the zoo for you. They have an area where you can feed/interact with the giraffes--for a nominal fee of course. If you're local, the membership is worth it!
Our library is named after this local hero. It's a fantastic library with an amazing kids sections. Honestly, all the libraries in the upstate are pretty top notch!
The bowling alley is located behind the impact center at this local mega church, Rock Springs. It's very clean, no smoking, and super affordable. We love going during the summer because they open up their hours during the day. Their concessions are very affordable!
If you're looking for a bowling alley that has a lot more to offer than just bowling--this is your place. It is a little pricey though, especially if you're taking the whole family…but it's worth it! The arcade is super fun and the food is what you'd expect from a pub type establishment. They do serve alcohol, so if that's not your thing, check out the Impact Center bowling recommendations I posted under this same list.
Coffee and Comedy! Need I say more? Don't take the kids though :)
Local Favorites
Looking for a perfect haircut? This is your place! Tell Ashley that Amanda Thompson sent you ;)
I could seriously spend hours in here just browsing. They also have a great consignment set up if you have books you're ready to sell.
Are you a homeschooling parent? Or a teacher looking for a great deal on maniuplatives? This is your place to check out! Worth the drive if you aren't local!