online Greenville Relocation Guide
Transcription
online Greenville Relocation Guide
Guide To Greenville, SC Relocation Provided by Eddy Kicker & Associates Relocation Specialists We are pleased you are considering relocating to the Greenville, South Carolina area and look forward to helping you find your new home here. Our area has much to offer and we have included a brief overview to give you an idea about what makes Greenville unique and a great place to call home. Please let us know what questions you may have and if you have a house hunting trip planned to our area. Relocation clients are our specialty and we have years of experience exceeding our clients expectations. Moving to a new area can be stressful but by working together we can make it as stress free as possible. Enjoy the following information and we look forward to speaking with you soon. Eddy Kicker & Associates www.EddyKicker.com [email protected] 864-430-8854 Eddy Kicker & Associates - The Greenville Online Home Team Eddy Kicker Barbara Hyman [email protected] (864) 430-8854 [email protected] (864) 918-1406 Your Greenville Realtors & Relocation Specialists We know that you have a lot of choices in selecting a Realtor to work with. Our company specializes in excellent communication in a timely manner and we always strive to exceed our client's expectations. Each of us is technology savvy and carries smartphones so that we are always accessible to answer your questions by voice, email or text. We had extensive business backgrounds prior to becoming Realtors and feel our experience and maturity are great assets for our client's in making home buying or selling decisions. Our web site is built to provide you the best and most complete information about homes for sale, and helpful information about the Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, Mauldin and Taylors areas. We hope that you find this information to be useful and that you will contact us when you are ready to discuss your real estate needs. The Greenville Convention and Visitors Bureau along with Michelin have put together a great online booklet loaded with information about our area. Click here to view. You will want to work with a Realtor who is experienced in working with the unique needs of relocation clients. We have assisted over 200 families with their relocation to the Greenville area. The following is a partial list of some of the employers our clients have moved here with: ADT Security AGFA Atlanta Dental Bi-Lo BMW Bob Jones University Caterpillar The FBI Fluor Furman University Gale Industries Greenville County Sheriffs Office Greenville Hospital System GE Jacobs Engineering Kemet Lockheed Michelin NuVox RBC Rockwell Automation Scan Source School District of Greenville County St. Francis Health System In addition we have assisted numerous clients who have retired to our area from all walks of life, various areas throughout the country, and around the world! Whether you are purchasing your first home or you have purchased several homes, check out the frequently asked questions from home buyers for some useful information. If you are planning to buy or sell a home in the Greater Greenville area, please contact us. We welcome the opportunity to assist you with your real estate needs. To see what some of our clients have to say about our level of service, click here. About Eddy Kicker Eddy has consistently been a Top Producer in the Greater Greenville Association of Realtors. Having lived in Greenville since 1988, he has witnessed many improvements and positive changes in the area. [email protected] Eddy has over 20 years of sales and marketing experience that he can to put to work for you. His goal is to give his clients what they want, when they want it and how they want it. He guarantees same day response for all e-mails and telephone calls. As an e-Agent Realtor Eddy can provide home buyers and sellers with detailed quality information via e-mail and save the time and hassles of snail mail and lengthy telephone calls. Eddy stays on the leading edge of technology so that his clients will have access to the best tools and information available anywhere. Office: (864) 430-8854 On a personal note, Eddy is married with two children. His wife is a media specialist (librarian) in the Greenville County School System. Their daughter is a graduate of the USC School of Pharmacy and their son is in college. They also have 2 cats that they love and are looking forward to their "empty nest." Fax: (864) 751-5205 About Barbara Hyman Barbara moved to Greenville in 1992 from the lowcountry of South Carolina. She is a graduate of College of Charleston with a degree in Biology and worked for many years in the medical research field at MUSC in Charleston, SC. Barbara has moved many times, both locally and internationally, so she knows the stress and excitement of moving. Through these experiences, she has learned valuable lessons to help ensure her clients have a stress free and positive move. [email protected] Office: (864) 918-1406 By limiting the number of clients she works with also ensures you will get the attention you deserve. She especially enjoys the many friendships that result from working together. Fax: (864) 751-5351 Barbara loves living in and exploring downtown Greenville, spending time with friends, baking, travelling and reading. Moving to South Carolina Tax Guide for New Residents South Carolina Department of Revenue If you are considering a move to South Carolina or have been a resident here for years, you may have many questions about the tax structure in your state. This handout explains the major state and local taxes, such as income, property and sales taxes, and a few other taxes with which you should be aware. For more specific information, call or visit one of the South Carolina Department of Revenue offices listed in this publication. Income Tax South Carolina has a simplified income tax structure which follows the federal income tax laws. South Carolina accepts the adjustments, exemptions and deductions allowed on your federal return with few modifications. Your federal taxable income is the starting point in determining your state income tax liability. Deductions There is no intangibles tax in South Carolina. You do not pay a capital gains tax in this state on property sold in another state. Federal rules governing the exclusion of capital gains realized on the sale of a personal residence also apply in South Carolina. A deduction is allowed for net capital gains held for two years or longer. The deduction is 44%, making the effective tax rate 3.9% as compared to the top rate of 7% on all other income. Beginning with the first year you receive retirement income and until you turn 65, you may take an annual deduction of up to $3,000 from retirement income. The retirement deduction increases to $10,000 at age 65. You may take this deduction for income received from any qualified retirement plan, such as IRAs, government pension plans, Keough plans and private sector pensions. If both spouses receive retirement income, each spouse is entitled to an individual deduction. At age 65, all residents are eligible for a deduction of up to $15,000 from income, regardless of the source. This deduction must be offset by any deduction claimed for retirement income. Income received from National Guard or armed forces reserve pay for the annual training period and weekend drill is exempt from tax. Disability income for a permanent and total disability is deductible. Social Security benefits are not taxed in South Carolina. A deduction is allowed for each child under the age of 6. The deduction is 100% of the federal personal exemption, which is adjusted each year for inflation. A deduction is allowed for the care of a special needs child. Interest you receive from federal obligations is deductible. Credits Income tax credits which may lower your South Carolina tax liability are: A tuition tax credit allows students or parents to take a 25% credit of tuition paid to South Carolina public and private colleges. The maximum credit is $850 per year for four-year schools and $350 per year for two-year schools. The person who pays the tuition may take the credit. A two-wage earner credit allows married couples to take a maximum credit of $210 if both spouses work. You are allowed a maximum credit of $300 for payments made for nursing home care or intermediate nursing care provided in the home for yourself or another individual. A credit is allowed for income taxes paid to another state on income which is taxable in both states. A child and dependent care credit allows you to claim 7% of your federal allowable expenses for the care of a child or elderly person. Additions to Income Certain items of income must be added back to your federal taxable income for South Carolina purposes. Any out-of-state losses and interest income from obligations other than those in South Carolina, if these items were subtracted on your federal return, must be added back to your taxable income on the state return. The deduction on your federal return for state income tax paid must be added back to your taxable income on your state income tax return, but it is offset by your state refund amount if you claimed it as income on your federal return. Tax Rates The individual income tax rates graduate from 2.5% on taxable income up to $2,340 to a top rate of 7% on taxable income exceeding $11,700 for 1999. To offset the effects of inflation, individual income tax brackets are adjusted annually. Part-Year Residents If you moved into South Carolina during the year, you are a part-year resident. As a part-year resident, you may consider yourself a full-year resident or a nonresident. If you choose to be a full-year resident, you claim all your income as though you were a resident for the entire year and take a credit for taxes you paid in another state. If you choose to be a nonresident, report only the income you earned in South Carolina. Your deductions and exemptions will be prorated by the same percentage as your South Carolina income compares to your total income. You may choose the method which benefits you best. You may need to complete the return both ways to determine this. Estimated Tax Estimated tax is the method you use to pay tax on income that is not subject to withholding. This includes income from self-employment, interest, dividends, alimony, rent, capital gains and prizes. You also may have to pay estimated tax if enough tax is not being withheld from your salary, pension or other income. Estimated tax is paid in quarterly installments on April 15, June 15, September 15 and January 15. Filing Returns You are required to file a South Carolina income tax return if you are required to file a federal return or if you have South Carolina tax withheld from your wages. Individual income tax returns are due April 15 of each year. You may file your South Carolina tax return in several ways: (1) electronic filing; (2) Telefile, using your telephone; (3) on-line filing over the Internet; and (4) traditional paper returns. Property Tax Counties, cities and school districts are authorized to impose ad valorem taxes on real and personal property. The local government assesses and collects the property tax under the direction and assistance of the Department of Revenue. Property tax dollars support public schools and the services local governments provide. Residential Property The market value of a legal residence and up to five acres of surrounding land is assessed at 4%. The millage rate of the local government is then applied to the assessed value resulting in the tax liability. The millage rate is set by local governments and varies widely throughout the state. The first $100,000 in fair market value of a primary residence is exempt from school operating costs. Some examples of how this property tax relief benefits taxpayers: Based most recent property tax rates, a $100,000 home in the city of Greenville would be taxed at $1,186. With the exemption, the homeowner would see a savings of $581, for a lower tax bill of $605. In the city of Columbia, without property tax relief, the tax on a $100,000 home would be $1,418. After tax relief, the property tax is reduced to $867, a savings of $551. The property tax relief will vary among school districts depending upon the millage for school operating costs. If you have established one-year residency and you are 65 or older, you are eligible for a homestead exemption of $20,000. For the same home in the city of Columbia calculated previously, the homestead exemption would offer an additional savings of $173, for a total tax of $694 on a $100,000 home. The assessment ratio on a second home or vacation home is 6%. The property tax relief does not apply to a second home. To find out more about the tax on real estate, call the assessor in the county where you live or plan to relocate. Vehicle Property Taxes Personal property tax is collected annually on cars, trucks, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, boats and airplanes, based on their fair market value. If you own a $10,000 car, based on the average millage rate, your personal property tax would be $268. For information about personal property tax on motor vehicles, call the auditor's office in the county where you plan to live. Sales and Use Tax South Carolina=s sales and use tax rate is 5%. In certain counties, a local option sales and use tax of 1% is imposed in addition to the 5% state rate. Counties and cities also may impose local sales taxes for road improvements, capital projects, schools and other purposes. Most local taxes require voter approval. Prescriptions, dental prosthetics and hearing aids are exempt from the sales tax. Those over 85 years of age are exempt from 1% of the sales tax. A maximum sales tax of $300 is imposed on the purchase of motor vehicles, including recreational vehicles, boats, motorcycles and airplanes. The Department of Revenue strongly enforces the use tax on purchases made out-of-state when no sales tax has been paid. If you purchase goods from mail-order catalogs, television shopping networks or other out-of-state businesses and did not pay sales tax, you must report and pay 5% use tax (plus any local taxes, if applicable) in South Carolina. All 45 states which have a sales tax also have and enforce the use tax in much the same way. Motor Fuel Tax Each gallon of gasoline and diesel fuel purchased in South Carolina is taxed at 16 cents. This tax is included in the price per gallon of gasoline at the pump. Vehicle Registration You have 45 days after moving to South Carolina to register your vehicle in this state. If you live in this state only part of the year and consider another state your home residence, you are still required to register your car in this state if you will be living in South Carolina for 180 days or more. The title fee is $5 and the registration fee is $24 every two years for a passenger vehicle. Persons 65 or older pay a reduced registration fee of $20 every two years. The fee is $22 every two years for 64-year-olds. Contact the nearest office of the Division of Motor Vehicles of the Department of Public Safety. Driver's License If you move to South Carolina, your driver's license from your former state is valid in South Carolina for 90 days. Before the 90-day period expires, new residents should visit one of the Division of Motor Vehicles branch offices to obtain a South Carolina driver's license. A driver's license is $12.50 and is renewable every five years on your birthday. A beginner's permit may be obtained at age 15. Applicants must pass a vision test and a written test on driving skills. The fee is $2 for the written test. The beginner's permit is $2.50 and is good for one year. Estate Tax South Carolina follows federal rules regarding the taxation of estates. The tax due is the amount claimed as a state credit on the federal estate return. An estate left to the deceased person's spouse is not subject to tax. Information Internet Visit us on the Internet for information on all major South Carolina taxes, policy rulings and other helpful tax information. Our address is: www.sctax.org Important Telephone Numbers Business Registration (803) 898-5872 Estimated Tax (803) 898-5709 Estate Tax (803) 898-5756 Forms (800) 768-3676 Columbia area (803) 898-5599 Individual Income Tax (803) 898-5709 Motor Vehicles (803) 737-1767 Publications (803) 898-5419 Sales Tax (803) 898-5788 Tax Helpline (800) 763-1295 Columbia area (803) 898-5280 TDD (803) 898-5656 Withholding (803) 898-5752 Department of Revenue Taxpayer Service Centers Aiken 410 Barnwell Street (803) 641-7685 Beaufort Carolina Cove Executive Center (843) 524-2852 Charleston 3 Southpark Circle, Suite 202 (843) 852-3600 Columbia 301 Gervais Street (803) 896-5700 Florence 1452 W. Evans Street (843) 661-4850 Greenville 211 Century Drive, Suite 210-B (864) 241-1200 Myrtle Beach 141 McDonalds Court (843) 293-6550 Rock Hill Business and Technology Center 454 S. Anderson Rd., Suite 202 (803) 324-7641 Spartanburg Hillcrest Offices 1845 E. Main St., Suite 475 (864) 594-4900 Let us hear from you. Send your comments and suggestions to: Public Affairs Office SC Department of Revenue P.O. Box 125 Columbia SC 29214 BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO SENIOR CITIZENS IN SOUTH CAROLINA AGE 85 Exempt from the additional 1% sales tax (Code 12-36-2620). This exemption does not apply, however, to the 3% tax on unprepared food. Senior citizens must ask for exemption at time of purchase and may be required to show proof of age. A card identifying the bearer as eligible for the exemption from the additional 1% sales tax may be obtained by calling the S.C. Department of Revenue at 803-898-5405. AGE 70 Choice to serve or not to serve on federal court jury duty. AGE 65 Apply for Social Security whether planning to retire or not (may apply 3 months prior to Social Security retirement age). Apply for Medicare (automatically eligible if qualify for Social Security benefits). Part A – hospital insurance – free. Part B – other medical services, which require a monthly premium. There is a penalty for late enrollment. Medicare pays 80% of allowable charges after deductible. Individual must pay remaining 20% and any other additional charges. Part D – Prescription drug benefit, effective January 2006. May be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments depending on resources and income. If you are eligible for SSI, you automatically receive Medicaid. Homestead Tax Exemption – first $50,000 of the fair market value of a house or mobile home owned by a state resident of at least one year is exempt from municipal, county, school, and special assessment real property taxes. Exemptions provided to surviving spouses who are 50 or older and anyone who is legally blind or has a permanent disability, regardless of age. Apply at county auditor’s office on or before July 16. (Code 12-37-250) Income Tax - South Carolina will allow a $15,000 deduction from taxable income for taxpayers 65 years of age and older. Taxpayers under age 65 may exclude from taxes $3,000 of their qualified retirement income annually (SC Code 12-6-1140). At age 65, the deduction may be applied to any income up to $15,000. Choice to serve or not to serve on city, county or state jury duty. (Code 14-7-840) Discounted Palmetto Passport admission to state park facilities. Hunting and Fishing Licenses– State residents at age 64 may buy $9 senior lifetime licenses that include hunting and fishing privileges, effective July 1, 2005. Call (803) 734-3838. Vehicle Discount - biennial registration fee for private passenger-carrying vehicles discounted to $20. The annual registration fee for any property carrying vehicle with a gross weight of 5000 pounds or less is $30 biennially. (Code 56-3-620) Free Eye Care – call 1-800-222-EYES (3937) to receive referral to local ophthalmologist who will provide needed medical eye care at no cost to qualifying individuals. Must be US citizen. Does not cover hospital charges, drugs or eyeglasses – Weekdays 11 am to 7 pm. AGE 62 Apply for Social Security if plan to retire. Apply no later than last day of month you want benefits to begin. Special discounts may be given on eyeglasses, lenses, or any accessories. (Code 40-37-240) AGE 60 Free tuition at all state supported educational institutions that include state universities, colleges, and technical schools (subject to space restrictions and usual entrance requirements). To be eligible you cannot receive compensation as a full-time employee. (Code 59-111-320) May retire from the S.C. State Retirement System at age 60 or after 28 years of creditable service. (Code 9-1-1510) Eligible for services through the Aging Network (contact your local Council on Aging). AGE 55 Automobile insurance credit is mandated for persons who are 55 years of age or older and have successfully completed a driver training course approved by the Department of Public Safety. Contact local 55 Alive program through AARP. Call 1-888-227-7669. NO AGE RESTRICTIONS FOR THE FOLLOWING Social Security Social Security income that is taxed on your federal income tax return is not taxed on your South Carolina income tax return. Retirement Income Prior to reaching age 65, taxpayers may exclude annually $3,000 of their retirement before calculating their taxable income (SC Code 12-6-1140). Once taxpayers reach age 65, they may exclude $15,000 of income from any source, including qualified retirement plans, IRAs, government pension plans, Keogh plans and private sector pensions. Total deductions cannot exceed $15,000. (The $15,000 total deduction may also be claimed on any source of income, not just retirement income.) Dependent Care Credit Families caring for an elderly relative in their home who must hire caregivers in order to work may deduct up to 7% of the amount claimed on their federal income tax against their state income tax. (Code 12-7-1230) Home Care or Nursing Home Credit Tax credit of 20%, not to exceed $300, of expenses paid for intermediate or skilled care to an institution is allowed. (Code 12-7-1235) A credit of 20% on expenses, up to $300 annually, is allowed on state income tax for nursing home care at home or in a licensed institution. (Code 12-6-3390) Other Tax Issues To exempt home and vehicle property taxes, you must first file an application at the county auditor's office. Please check the S.C. Department of Revenue website, www.sctax.org, for changes in the state's tax laws each year. You can also call the Department of Revenue main number at 803-898-5300. We also recommend that you contact a tax professional if you are in doubt about a tax issue or procedure. NEWCOMER INFORMATION Courtesy of: Eddy Kicker & Associates 3445 Pelham Road Suite D Greenville, SC 29615 864-430-8854 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.EddyKicker.com Glance of Greenville Location Greenville is located in the Piedmont region of South Carolina in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The area, commonly referred to as the Upstate, includes Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Pickens and Cherokee counties and the cities of Anderson, Clemson, Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer and Spartanburg. Climate Greenville's moderate climate offers a full change of seasons. The average annual temperature is 59 degrees F with an average rainfall of 50.45 inches and an average snowfall of 1.20 inches per year. Average January minimum..........................35.1 degrees F Average July maximum...............................96.8 degrees F Days with maximum of 90 degrees F or above..............36.2 Days with minimum of 32 degrees F or below...............65.7 Population Greenville County is South Carolina's most populous county with more than 370,000 residents. Approximately 59,000 live within Greenville city limits. 1 Education K-12: Greenville County has the largest school district in South Carolina, with more than 57,000 students. Greenville is the site of the only International Baccalaureate Program in the state, the South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts, and the Roper Mountain Science Center. Eight magnet academies offer unique educational opportunities at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Each academy offers distinct programs in foreign language, communication arts, pre-engineering and health professions, international studies, science and technology, or year-round education. For more information, visit www.greenville.k12.sc.us Local colleges and universities: Bob Jones University Clemson University Converse College Furman University Greenville Technical College North Greenville College Southern Wesleyan University University of S. C. -- Spartanburg Wofford College Libraries Greenville has a county-wide library system with a main library downtown and 10 branches. A Law Library is located at the Greenville County Courthouse. More than 890,000 items are available for circulation, including films and audiovisual materials. Outreach, bookmobile and online services are available. Visit www.greenvillelibrary.org Transportation Air: Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, located 12 miles from downtown Greenville on I-85, is undergoing renovations to the terminals as well as adding additional economy parking spaces. Passenger service is provided to most domestic and international destinations directly or via convenient connecting hub services. The Greenville Downtown Airport, the third busiest airport in the state, offers a full range of aviation services. Located in the heart of the business district, the Downtown Airport is operated by the Greenville Airport Commission. Bus/transit: The Greenville Transit Authority is located downtown and provides local bus service Monday through Saturday. Interstate bus travel is provided by Greyhound Bus lines. Trains and automobiles: Railway transportation to Greenville is provided by Amtrak. The Amtrak station is located in downtown Greenville. Situated in the northwest corner of South Carolina, Greenville is accessible from Interstate Highways 85, 185 and 385. Four U.S. Highways pass through Greenville. They are 25, 123, 29 and 276. 2 Housing Average Sales Price of an Existing Single Family Home (Year of 2012) $182,343. Medical facilities There are two health care systems located in the Greenville area: The Greenville Hospital System and Bon Secours St. Francis Health System. They can be reached on the web at www.ghs.org and www.stfrancishealth.com. Local Service Provider Directory General Information Newcomer packets for sale Chamber of Commerce Visitor's Guides Greenville County Library Greenville News Greenville County School District 864.242.1050 864.233.0461 864.242.5000 864.298.4100 864.241.3100 Utilities Duke Power Electric Piedmont Natural Gas Greenville Water & Sewer BellSouth Telephone Charter Communications Cable Television 864.242.3261 864.233.7966 864.241.6000 864.780.2355 864.271.8526 www.greenvillelibrary.org www.greenvilleonline.com www.greenville.k12.sc.us www.duke-energy.com www.piedmontng.com www.greenvillewater.com www.bellsouth.com www.chartercom.com Registrations Driver's License Automobile Tags Voter Registration 864.241.1145 864.241.1145 864.467.5270 www.scdps.org/dmv www.scdps.org/dmv www.state.sc.us/scsec Vital Services Emergency Poison Control Greenville Hospital System St. Francis Hospital System Greenville City Police Greenville County Sheriff's Office Greenville Fire Department Health Department 911 no web site 1.800.922.1117 no web site 864.455.7000 www.ghs.org www.stfrancishealth.org 864.2255.1000 (emergency) 864.271.5333 (non-emergency) on this site www.gcso.org 864.467.5280 864.467-4463 (emergency) 864.467.4445 (non-emergency) 864.467.7000 no local web site County Government & Other Municipalities Greenville County Offices, including tax assessor Fountain Inn City Hall Greer City Hall Mauldin City Hall Simpsonville City Hall Traveler's Rest City Hall 864.467.7000 864.862.4421 864.848.2150 864.288.4910 864.967.9526 864.834.7958 3 www.greenvillecounty.org no web site www.cityofgreer.org no web site www.simpsonvillesc.com no web site Student Calendar 2014-15 (Revised July 8, 2014 to reflect State testing changes and revised graduation dates.) Important Dates 4K-12 School Start/End Dates First Day........................................ Aug.19 *Half Days....................................June 2-4 Last Day......................................... June 4 (*Half days are last 3 days of school.) H Student Holidays Labor Day...................................... Sept. 1 Teacher Prof. Dev./Workdays.... Oct.16-17 Election Day....................................Nov. 4 Thanksgiving Break..................Nov. 26-28 Winter Break.................... Dec. 22 - Jan. 2 Teacher Prof. Dev./Workday.......... Jan. 16 MLK Day . ..................................... Jan. 19 Presidents’ Day ............................Feb. 16 Spring Break..................March 30 - April 3 Memorial Day................................ May 25 Makeup Days (In Order of Use) *Makeup Day 1.............................March 9 *Makeup Day 2............................... June 5 *Makeup Day 3................................April 6 (*If day not needed, it becomes a student holiday.) Interim Progress Reports 1st Quarter Report....................... Sept. 18 2nd Quarter Report......................... Dec. 1 3rd Quarter Report........................Feb. 19 4th Quarter Report........................... May 4 Grading Periods End 1st Quarter............................. Oct. 23 End 2nd Quarter . ......................... Jan. 15 End 3rd Quarter..........................March 24 End 4th Quarter.............................. June 4 CogAT Testing (Gr. 2)................. Oct. 22-24 ITBS Testing (Gr. 2).................... Oct. 28-29 MAP Testing Window (Optional) (Gr. 2-8, ID 9-12)...................... Dec. 1-12 EOCEP Tests (Block HS Only)................... Jan. 9, 12-15 Exams-Full Day (MS & HS) ....... Jan. 12-15 MAP Testing Window (Gr. 2-8, ID 9-12).......................Mar. 2-27 AP Testing (HS)................... May 4-8, 11-15 SCPASS ..................................... May 7-22 (Gr. 3: Science or Social Studies) (Gr. 4-8: Science & Social Studies) EOCEP Tests (Middle & High) (HS Courses)................May 18-22, 26-29 Exams (MS & HS)......................... June 1-4 State Testing (Dates TBD) ACCESS Testing (ID Students).....................................TBD NCSC/SC ALT Testing (ID Students).....................................TBD English/LA and Math.............................TBD (Gr. 3-8, 11) WorkKeys (Gr. 11)................................TBD Other Important Dates 5K and First Grade Registration for 2015-16.............................. Jan. 12-15 Report Cards 1st Report Card............................. Oct. 30 2nd Report Card............................ Jan. 23 3rd Report Card...............................April 8 4th Report Card.............................. June 9 High School Graduations............... June 3-5 P.O. Box 2848 • Greenville, SC 29602 864.355.3100 • www.greenville.k12.sc.us Screening (No Classes)...........March 18-20 2015-16 School Calendar Earliest Student Attendance Day: Monday, August 17, 2015 (Note: Start date can be no earlier than 3rd Monday in August per State Law.) Calendar Development Testing (Tentative) MAP Testing Window (Gr. 2-8, ID 9-12)..................... Sept. 2-26 The calendar is approved each year by the superintendent after considering a recommended calendar from a committee of PTA representatives, other parents, teachers, principals, and central office staff. The calendar committee develops its recommendations after receiving input from parent groups, school faculties, and departments. 4K Important Dates Half Days . ............................... Aug. 19-22, ................. Sept. 26, Feb. 6, June 2-4 Pre-Registration for 2015-16.............................. Jan. 28-30 Religious Observances School officials cooperate with students and employees when they need to be absent to participate in religious observances. Students missing school are given an opportunity to make up work without penalty. Employees may use personal days (or vacation if applicable) to observe religious holidays. Home Buyer Frequently Asked Questions 1. What is the first step in the home buying process? The first step is always getting preapproved for your mortgage. The process of getting preapproved is quick and will show you exactly the dollar range of home you qualify for. Also when you are ready to make an offer on a home, by submitting a preapproval letter you will be showing the seller you are a serious buyer and enhance your negotiating position. If you would like the names of some mortgage professional please let me know. 2. So I am preapproved, now what? You should take some time and make a list of your “must haves” and “nice to haves” for your new home. This should include location of home, age of home, number of bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage and any specific things that are important to you. Then you can input your criteria into my home search site and see what listings match your needs. You should contact me and we can discuss the homes and arrange private showings for the homes that are of interest. 3. When looking for homes should I call the agent that has the home listed for sale to help me? The agent that has the home listed for sale is working for the seller and representing the best interests of the seller. You have the right to have a Buyers Agent that will represent you and work in your best interests. 4. What does it cost for me to have you represent me as a Buyers Agent? There is no cost for you to have me represent you as a Buyers Agent. The seller is paying the commission. You can have full representation with no cost. 5. How many homes do buyers look at before making an offer? On average homebuyers will view 10-12 homes. 6. How many homes on average are for sale in the Greenville SC area? Typically we have around 5,500 single-family homes for sale in our area. Of those, normally 1,000 of them are new/never lived in homes. 1 7. Do you work with builders on the new/never lived in homes? Yes. All the builders here list their homes in MLS and encourage Realtors to show and sell their homes. New home sales make up a significant part of my overall business. We have many local custom builders as well as volume builders such as McCar Homes, Poinsett Homes and Eastwood Homes to name a few. 8. Does your site have all the homes for sale in the Greenville Area or just the listings for Coldwell Banker Caine? My site has ALL the listings of ALL the Realtors in the Greenville area. This is the most complete list of homes you will find. 9. How often is the homes for sale information updated on your site? My site is updated every 24 hours so you are assured of having the most up to date information available. Once a home goes under contract it is removed from my site so you will not waste your time pursing homes that are no longer available. 10. What appliances typically come with the home? In our area the built-in appliances are considered part of the home and will stay with the home. These would include, range/oven, dishwasher, microwave (if built in) and disposal. The refrigerator and washer and dryer are considered the seller’s property. These could be negotiated as part of the sales contract. 11. What is the typical sales price vs. asking price in the Greenville area? On average homes here sell for 3% off list or 97% of asking price. 12. How long do homes stay on the market in Greenville before they are sold? The current time from listing date to contract date here is 92 days. 13. What is the typical time from contract acceptance to closing? The normal time here is 30 days. 2 14. I have a home to sell before buying. What should I do first? Most people can not afford to own 2 homes at the same time so you should concentrate on getting your current home ready to be put on the market before going out and finding your dream home. It would do you no good to find the perfect home if you must sell your current home first. Most sellers would not consider an offer contingent on the sale of your home if it were not already listed for sale with a Realtor. If you will contact me, we can discuss your situation in detail to determine the best plan of action. 15. What inspections are typical for homes purchased in Greenville? All homebuyers will want to have a home inspection done as well as a termite inspection. We always recommend that you also have radon testing done. You have the opportunity to have any additional inspections done that are important to you. 16. What are the typical closing costs for homebuyers? Your mortgage company will provide you a Good Faith estimate of your closing costs. The typical costs will include, origination fee of your mortgage, appraisal of the home, one year of homeowners insurance, establishing escrow accounts for future tax and home insurance payments, attorney fees, recording fees, home inspection and termite inspection fees etc. In South Carolina the seller pays the deed/tax stamps. 17. Where will the closing take place? In our area closings take place at an attorney’s office not at a title company, which is typical in other parts of the country. 18. When do I get possession of the home? Possession will be at the time of closing. Please let me know what additional questions you may have about the home buying process. I look forward to working with you to find the home you are searching for. Eddy Kicker Eddy Kicker & Associates 3445 Pelham Road Suite D Greenville, SC 29615 864-430-8854 [email protected] www.EddyKicker.com 3 THINGS TO SEE AND DO Take a walking or scenic driving tour through the city and discover a diverse collection of artwork. Visit www.greenvillesc.gov/Culture/ArtinPublicPlaces/ for a printable guide. HERITAGE GREEN Enjoy the visual arts, literature and theater at Heritage Green, downtown’s cultural campus, located just a short walk from Main Street. Heritage Green includes the following attractions: Bob Jones University Museum and Gallery at Heritage Green (864) 770-1331 http://bjumg.org Greenville County Museum of Art THE PEACE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS Located on the banks of the Reedy River, The Peace Center hosts internationally renowned artists and touring companies as well as performances by the Greenville Symphony. Call The Peace Center Box Office at (864) 467-3000 or visit www.peacecenter.org. THE BI-LO CENTER The BI-LO Center is a state-of-the-art entertainment facility and hosts world-class concerts, ice shows, wrestling competitions, hockey and a variety of family entertainment. Call the events line at (864) 467-0008 or visit www.bilocenter.com. ADDITIONAL THEATERS, MUSEUMS AND PERFORMING GROUPS American Legion Post #3 War Museum Carolina Ballet Theatre (864) 233-6238 www.greenvillelittletheatre.org 430 North Main Street (864) 271-2000 www.americanlegion3warmuseum.com (864) 271-7570 www.greenvillemuseum.org Greenville Little Theatre Hughes Main Library (864) 242-5000 www.greenvillelibrary.org The Children’s Museum of the Upstate (864) 233-7755 www.tcmupstate.org Upcountry History Museum (864) 421-0940 www.carolinaballet.org Centre Stage SC 501 River Street (864) 233-6733 www.centrestage.org Greenville Chorale (864) 235-1101 www.greenvillechorale.com $0.75 $0.75 $0.50 $6.00 $5.00 For more parking information, call (864) 467-4900 or visit our interactive parking locator at www.greenvillesc.gov/Transportation/parking.aspx. All parking rates are subject to change without notice. Greenville Cultural Exchange Center Daily Rate (1st half hour): Daily Rate (2nd half hour): Daily Rate (each additional hour): Max Daily Rate: Special Event Rate: Parking is readily available in downtown Greenville, with over 6,000 City-owned parking spaces located on and around Main Street. PARKING 2000 GSP Drive, Suite 1 (864) 877-7426 www.gspairport.com Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport 1120 W Washington Street (864) 255-4221 www.amtrak.com Amtrak 100 W McBee Ave (864) 235-4060 www.greyhound.com Greyhound Bus Lines (864) 233-6666 (864) 467-3100 www.upcountryhistory.org November 23, 2012 - January 14, 2013 UBS Ice on Main Greenville Historical Society 211 E. Washington Street, Ste. C. (864) 233-4103 www.greenvillehistory.org Greenville Symphony Orchestra Performances held at The Peace Center and Centre Stage SC (864) 232-0344 www.greenvillesymphony.org Museum and Library of Confederate History 15 Boyce Avenue (864) 421-9039 www.confederatemuseum.org Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum and Baseball Library 356 Field Street (864) 235-6280 www.shoelessjoejackson.org South Carolina Children’s Theatre Performances held at The Peace Center (864) 235-2885 www.scchildrenstheatre.org South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities 15 University Street (864) 282-3777 www.scgsah.org Greenlink offers 12 fixed routes to destinations all across Greenville County. All Greenlink buses are wheelchair accessible, and each Greenlink bus is equipped with a bike rack. The Greenlink system also features GAP, a complimen- GREENLINK Hours of Operation: Thursday: 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Friday: 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. Sunday: 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Hours of operation are subject to change on Greenville Drive game days or due to special events). Yellow Cab of Greenville (864) 233-4200 Budget Cab Company ADDITIONAL TRANSPORTATION 700 Arlington Avenue (near downtown) (864) 232-9162 www.greenvillesc.gov/culture/history/ culturalexchangecenter.aspx pedestrian bridge that spans 355 feet across the falls. Cleveland Park Cleveland Park is the City’s largest and most extensive recreation area. This popular park features tennis courts, jogging trails, exercise equipment and Greenville’s largest playground. It also serves as the home of the Greenville Zoo. dreds of wildlife from all over the world including giraffe, lions, giant tortoises and orangutans. Hours: Open Daily 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Gates close at 5:00 PM. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and the first 2 weeks in February. Admission: Adults: $7.75 Children ages 3-15: $4.50 Children under 3: Free Group rates available. Call (864) 467-4300 or visit www.greenvillezoo.com. Fluor Field Fluor Field is the home of the Greenville Drive, a Minor League Class A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox in the South Atlantic League. The stadium is modeled after Fenway Park and features its own “Green Monster." Games start in April and run through the end of the summer. Call (864) 240-4500 or visit www.greenvilledrive.com. Linky Stone Park This 1.7-acre greenspace along the Reedy River is home to The Children's Garden, a multi-themed garden designed to enrich children's intelligence, creativity and wellbeing through exploration and discovery. McPherson Park Opened in 1884, this is the City’s oldest park. Bring your own golf clubs and balls and play a round of putt-putt on our free course. The park also includes lighted tennis courts. Historic Springwood Cemetery Dating back to 1820, this cemetery features 25 acres of green space open for strolling and discovering the final resting place of many of Greenville’s founding fathers. The Warehouse Theatre 37 Augusta Street (864) 235-6948 www.warehousetheatre.com Richland Cemetery PARKS AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES Falls Park OCTOBER Main Street at Hyatt Regency Plaza Thursdays; March 15 – August 30 Piedmont Natural Gas Downtown Alive Falls Park Wednesdays; May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 & September 5, 12, 19, 26 Fidelity Investments Moonlight Movies RECURRING EVENTS For route and fare information and hours of operation, visit www.ridegreenlink.com, call (864) 467-5000 or stop by the information booth at the Greenlink Transfer Center, located at 100 West McBee Avenue. A trip to Greenville would not be complete without a visit to Falls Park! Stop by to discover the centerpiece of the City’s riverwalk park system and to view the spectacular river falls from the sweeping Liberty Bridge, a world-class DECEMBER St. Francis Fall for Greenville Boo in the Zoo Boo in the Zoo Spinx Run Fest Falls Park May 24 – 27, May 31 – June 3 June 1 – 3, 7 – 10, 14 – 17 July 12 – 15, 19 – 22, 26 – 29 August 2 – 5 Upstate Shakespeare Festival Main Street at McBee Avenue Saturdays; May 5 – October 27 TD Saturday Market Main Street at Hyatt Regency Plaza Fridays; March 16 – September 28 BB&T Main Street Fridays MAY APRIL You’ll find these FREE trolleys traversing downtown from West Earle Street on the north end to Field Street on the south end, and their weekend route now includes Heritage Green. The trolleys stop at most intersections when hailed by a rider. DOWNTOWN TROLLEY TRANSPORTATION Scan this QR code for an electronic version of this downtown guide! Scan this QR code for more event information! 1 Poinsettia Christmas Parade 3–4 Greenville Open Studios NOVEMBER 12–14 19-21 26-28 27 7 Greenville Zoo Sippin’ Safari 21–23 Euphoria SEPTEMBER 4 Wells Fargo Red, White and Blue Festival 14 Greenville Zoo Hot Dog Day JULY 15 Brew in the Zoo 22 Greenville Chautauqua 29 Patriotic Celebration JUNE Reedy River Duck Derby Artisphere Greek Festival Great Scot Parade and Ceilidh 26 & 28 GHS USA Cycling Professional Championships 5 11–13 17–20 25 27 & 28 Project Host Barbeque Day 28 World Tai Chi Day 11 Return to the Green 17 Blarney Bash MARCH FESTIVALS & EVENTS tary ADA paratransit service provided for individuals who, because of their disability, are unable to use Greenlink’s fixed route bus service. With over 1,400 documented grave sites, this is the final resting place for some of the most influential African-American citizens of Greenville. Swamp Rabbit Trail The Swamp Rabbit Trail is a 14-mile walking/biking trail that connects the City of Greenville to Furman University and Travelers Rest. The Greenville Zoo Located in Cleveland Park, the Greenville Zoo is a 14-acre facility featuring hun- MICE ON MAIN: Try to find these 9 bronze mice, which are located along a seven-block stretch of Main Street between the Hyatt Regency Greenville and The Greenville News building. The children’s book Goodnight Moon was the inspiration for Mice on Main. For his senior project, Jimmy Ryan, a student at Christ Church Episcopal School, proposed the idea of placing these mice downtown with clues for a fun-filled scavenger hunt. He raised the funds and commissioned Zan Wells, a local sculptor, to make the individual mice. Here are clues to help you along the way: 1. Begin your search on North Main where the water flowing in and out of the hotel makes a fountain on the outside. You'll find the father mouse, Marvin, reading his book. He can't hide -- take a good look! 2. Mother Maggie is just across, sitting where she can see Marvin. When she looks down the street, she can see their five baby mice, placed here and there, all so sweet. 3. Cross the street and walk a bit. You'll see Marvin, Jr. at the top of the stairs where coffee lovers and computer gurus meet and poets love to count their feet. 4. Marcley's somewhere near the plaza square. Look around. You'll find him there. 5. Millie's a high "high-tech" girl. You'll really have to search, but give it a whirl. 6. Watch out! Mitch does his skateboarding in the bank's alley. You'll be lucky to find him; don't dally. 7. Across the street there's healthy stuff along the way. That's where Melissa loves to play. 8. You'll find Aunt Mifflin where there's old money. She's looking at the flowers, honey. 9. Mifflin's husband, Uncle Miles, loves to eat Italian. He's by the rain spout. If you've found him, give a shout! Scan this QR code for more event information! Daily Rate (1st half hour): Daily Rate (2nd half hour): Daily Rate (each additional hour): Max Daily Rate: Special Event Rate: 1 Poinsettia Christmas Parade DECEMBER Parking is readily available in downtown Greenville, with over 6,000 City-owned parking spaces located on and around Main Street. 3–4 Greenville Open Studios NOVEMBER MAY 27 & 28 Project Host Barbeque Day 28 World Tai Chi Day APRIL Falls Park Wednesdays; May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 & September 5, 12, 19, 26 Fidelity Investments Moonlight Movies RECURRING EVENTS 11 Return to the Green 17 Blarney Bash MARCH FESTIVALS & EVENTS You’ll find these FREE trolleys traversing downtown from West Earle Street on the north end to Field Street on the south end, and their weekend route now includes Heritage Green. The trolleys stop at most intersections when hailed by a rider. DOWNTOWN TROLLEY TRANSPORTATION (864) 233-6666 Yellow Cab of Greenville (864) 233-4200 Budget Cab Company ADDITIONAL TRANSPORTATION For route and fare information and hours of operation, visit www.ridegreenlink.com, call (864) 467-5000 or stop by the information booth at the Greenlink Transfer Center, located at 100 West McBee Avenue. tary ADA paratransit service provided for individuals who, because of their disability, are unable to use Greenlink’s fixed route bus service. 700 Arlington Avenue (near downtown) (864) 232-9162 www.greenvillesc.gov/culture/history/ culturalexchangecenter.aspx Piedmont Natural Gas Downtown Alive Greyhound Bus Lines Scan this QR code for an electronic version of this downtown guide! Greenville Cultural Exchange Center A trip to Greenville would not be complete without a visit to Falls Park! Stop by to discover the centerpiece of the City’s riverwalk park system and to view the spectacular river falls from the sweeping Liberty Bridge, a world-class Main Street at Hyatt Regency Plaza Thursdays; March 15 – August 30 (864) 467-3100 www.upcountryhistory.org Falls Park 5 Reedy River Duck Derby 11–13 Artisphere 17–20 Greek Festival 25 Great Scot Parade and Ceilidh 26 & 28 GHS USA Cycling Professional Championships 100 W McBee Ave (864) 235-4060 www.greyhound.com Upcountry History Museum (864) 235-1101 www.greenvillechorale.com PARKS AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES BB&T Main Street Fridays Greenville Chorale McPherson Park 37 Augusta Street (864) 235-6948 www.warehousetheatre.com JUNE Amtrak 501 River Street (864) 233-6733 www.centrestage.org Hours of Operation: Thursday: 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Friday: 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. Sunday: 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Hours of operation are subject to change on Greenville Drive game days or due to special events). Centre Stage SC South Carolina Children’s Theatre The Warehouse Theatre Main Street at Hyatt Regency Plaza Fridays; March 16 – September 28 (864) 233-7755 www.tcmupstate.org (864) 421-0940 www.carolinaballet.org TD Saturday Market The Children’s Museum of the Upstate Carolina Ballet Theatre 356 Field Street (864) 235-6280 www.shoelessjoejackson.org 15 University Street (864) 282-3777 www.scgsah.org dreds of wildlife from all over the world including giraffe, lions, giant tortoises and orangutans. Hours: Open Daily 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Gates close at 5:00 PM. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and the first 2 weeks in February. Admission: Adults: $7.75 Children ages 3-15: $4.50 Children under 3: Free Group rates available. Call (864) 467-4300 or visit www.greenvillezoo.com. Fluor Field Fluor Field is the home of the Greenville Drive, a Minor League Class A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox in the South Atlantic League. The stadium is modeled after Fenway Park and features its own “Green Monster." Games start in April and run through the end of the summer. Call (864) 240-4500 or visit www.greenvilledrive.com. Linky Stone Park This 1.7-acre greenspace along the Reedy River is home to The Children's Garden, a multi-themed garden designed to enrich children's intelligence, creativity and wellbeing through exploration and discovery. South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities 15 Brew in the Zoo 22 Greenville Chautauqua 29 Patriotic Celebration 1120 W Washington Street (864) 255-4221 www.amtrak.com (864) 242-5000 www.greenvillelibrary.org 430 North Main Street (864) 271-2000 www.americanlegion3warmuseum.com GREENLINK Hughes Main Library American Legion Post #3 War Museum Main Street at McBee Avenue Saturdays; May 5 – October 27 (864) 233-6238 www.greenvillelittletheatre.org Performances held at The Peace Center (864) 235-2885 www.scchildrenstheatre.org JULY Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport Greenville Little Theatre ADDITIONAL THEATERS, MUSEUMS AND PERFORMING GROUPS Upstate Shakespeare Festival (864) 271-7570 www.greenvillemuseum.org Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum and Baseball Library 4 Wells Fargo Red, White and Blue Festival 14 Greenville Zoo Hot Dog Day Greenville County Museum of Art The BI-LO Center is a state-of-the-art entertainment facility and hosts world-class concerts, ice shows, wrestling competitions, hockey and a variety of family entertainment. Call the events line at (864) 467-0008 or visit www.bilocenter.com. Cleveland Park is the City’s largest and most extensive recreation area. This popular park features tennis courts, jogging trails, exercise equipment and Greenville’s largest playground. It also serves as the home of the Greenville Zoo. SEPTEMBER 2000 GSP Drive, Suite 1 (864) 877-7426 www.gspairport.com (864) 770-1331 http://bjumg.org 15 Boyce Avenue (864) 421-9039 www.confederatemuseum.org Greenlink offers 12 fixed routes to destinations all across Greenville County. All Greenlink buses are wheelchair accessible, and each Greenlink bus is equipped with a bike rack. The Greenlink system also features GAP, a complimen- Bob Jones University Museum and Gallery at Heritage Green Museum and Library of Confederate History Falls Park May 24 – 27, May 31 – June 3 June 1 – 3, 7 – 10, 14 – 17 July 12 – 15, 19 – 22, 26 – 29 August 2 – 5 THE BI-LO CENTER Performances held at The Peace Center and Centre Stage SC (864) 232-0344 www.greenvillesymphony.org Cleveland Park 7 Greenville Zoo Sippin’ Safari 21–23 Euphoria UBS Ice on Main Enjoy the visual arts, literature and theater at Heritage Green, downtown’s cultural campus, located just a short walk from Main Street. Heritage Green includes the following attractions: Greenville Symphony Orchestra pedestrian bridge that spans 355 feet across the falls. OCTOBER November 23, 2012 - January 14, 2013 PARKING HERITAGE GREEN 211 E. Washington Street, Ste. C. (864) 233-4103 www.greenvillehistory.org St. Francis Fall for Greenville Boo in the Zoo Boo in the Zoo Spinx Run Fest For more parking information, call (864) 467-4900 or visit our interactive parking locator at www.greenvillesc.gov/Transportation/parking.aspx. All parking rates are subject to change without notice. Take a walking or scenic driving tour through the city and discover a diverse collection of artwork. Visit www.greenvillesc.gov/Culture/ArtinPublicPlaces/ for a printable guide. Located on the banks of the Reedy River, The Peace Center hosts internationally renowned artists and touring companies as well as performances by the Greenville Symphony. Call The Peace Center Box Office at (864) 467-3000 or visit www.peacecenter.org. Greenville Historical Society 12–14 19-21 26-28 27 $0.75 $0.75 $0.50 $6.00 $5.00 THINGS TO SEE AND DO THE PEACE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS Opened in 1884, this is the City’s oldest park. Bring your own golf clubs and balls and play a round of putt-putt on our free course. The park also includes lighted tennis courts. Historic Springwood Cemetery Dating back to 1820, this cemetery features 25 acres of green space open for strolling and discovering the final resting place of many of Greenville’s founding fathers. Richland Cemetery With over 1,400 documented grave sites, this is the final resting place for some of the most influential African-American citizens of Greenville. Swamp Rabbit Trail The Swamp Rabbit Trail is a 14-mile walking/biking trail that connects the City of Greenville to Furman University and Travelers Rest. The Greenville Zoo Located in Cleveland Park, the Greenville Zoo is a 14-acre facility featuring hun- MICE ON MAIN: Try to find these 9 bronze mice, which are located along a seven-block stretch of Main Street between the Hyatt Regency Greenville and The Greenville News building. The children’s book Goodnight Moon was the inspiration for Mice on Main. For his senior project, Jimmy Ryan, a student at Christ Church Episcopal School, proposed the idea of placing these mice downtown with clues for a fun-filled scavenger hunt. He raised the funds and commissioned Zan Wells, a local sculptor, to make the individual mice. Here are clues to help you along the way: 1. Begin your search on North Main where the water flowing in and out of the hotel makes a fountain on the outside. You'll find the father mouse, Marvin, reading his book. He can't hide -- take a good look! 2. Mother Maggie is just across, sitting where she can see Marvin. When she looks down the street, she can see their five baby mice, placed here and there, all so sweet. 3. Cross the street and walk a bit. You'll see Marvin, Jr. at the top of the stairs where coffee lovers and computer gurus meet and poets love to count their feet. 4. Marcley's somewhere near the plaza square. Look around. You'll find him there. 5. Millie's a high "high-tech" girl. You'll really have to search, but give it a whirl. 6. Watch out! Mitch does his skateboarding in the bank's alley. You'll be lucky to find him; don't dally. 7. Across the street there's healthy stuff along the way. That's where Melissa loves to play. 8. You'll find Aunt Mifflin where there's old money. She's looking at the flowers, honey. 9. Mifflin's husband, Uncle Miles, loves to eat Italian. He's by the rain spout. If you've found him, give a shout! TE PE IS LL HO 276 JERSEY MIKE’S SUBS (F-6) 233 N MAIN ST STE. 10 (864) 242-2223 jerseymikes.com Colonel Elias Earle Historic District . VD BL CT. LES SAIL MAR City Center ATM Locations LA O VI BEN NET T Heritage Historic District . ST C Greenville Little Theater ST. ST. BUT L ER EL S T. E OW Greenville Zoo Falls Park on the Reedy R e ed Cleveland Park WA Y y N r CA MP ER DO W WA Y . ST End Lot Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities D RIDGELAN Rudolph Anderson Memorial CHU RCH County Square Chamber of Commerce ST. ST . HOW E S T. $ ST. CAMPERDO WN . ST D AN EL EV CL AU GU ST A ST. RCH Liberty Bridge e VAR DRY EE McBee Station 29 Riv Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum McB ST. T. D S FIEL E. S SC Children’s Theatre N TO ING SH WA . E L FAL ST. LEY ARK S. M GreWest env ille ST . Pettigru Place B&B AVE . ST. RiverPlace Y WA ST. Fluor Field Y U IGR TT PE $ Warehouse Theatre INFO UN Kiosk West IV E RS IT Pettigru Historic District ST. . ST RI MA IN BRO AD N ST. LAW . ST TON $ Walking Bridge West End Historic District IN INFO S. MA Kiosk Shoeless Joe Jackson Plaza West End Market IN MA S. Federal Building ING NG ST . ST. cBE WAS H CHU RD PE EAL ON RD WA RH ST. BRO WN ST. $ M Hampton Inn & Suites RiverPlace Garage ST. ETT ST. IN Irvine S. Spring Street Street Garage Lot W. CA M ST. TT RHE ST. E. E. C OUR T S The Peace Center Art Crossing ST. FEE 385 Walking Bridge McDANIEL AVE. ST. COF Church Street Garage ST. Courtyard By Marriott alk erW Riv RIV ER Hotel City Hall River Street Garage ST . $ E. PL AC E 85 BI-LO Center Arena $ Weekends & Evenings on Non-Event Days $ IE TO County Courthouse NOR TH FREE Poinsett Westin Garage Poinsett Centre Stage SC W. COU E. $ $ RT S T. WE ST FIE LD MA Piazza Bergamo W. Washington Street Deck E. N. IR VIN E ST. $ Bus Transfer Station NE PAY AT T CHU AVE . The Children’s Garden at REEDY VI EW Linky Stone Parke BE Commons Garage INFO Kiosk FREE Weekends & Evenings Richardson Street Garage S. L AUR ENS ST. EE ST. INFO ST . E. S AV ADU BRO W. McB Hyatt Regency $Kiosk RD 29 Liberty Square Garage DSO N RIC HAR ST. W. NOR TH N. ST. ACA D EM Y Fri: 6 - 9pm Sat: 6am - 9pm Sun: All Day FO $ N. Laurens Street Deck RCH N. L AUR ENS ST. $ AVE . SP ST. N. HU DS ON Springwood Cemetery T. S S LIAM WIL S. HUD SON Overbrook Historic District Holiday Inn Express FREE 123 CH Walking Trail Walking Trail Scan this QR code for more detailed information on downtown shopping and dining! TO 185 ST. UNIVERSITY RIDGE DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES 2012-2013 VISITORS MAP AND GUIDE ACCOMMODATIONS COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT (I-4) 50 W BROAD ST (864) 451-5700 marriottcourtyardgreenville.com ART CROSSING (K-4) 300 RIVER ST artcrossing.org STANDRIDGE STUDIO GALLERY (M-1) 1021 S MAIN ST (864) 414-5700 ricstandridge.com ARTIST GUILD GALLERY (G-6) 200 N MAIN ST (864) 239-3882 WARREN, ELI (F-5) HAMPTON INN RIVERPLACE (J-3) artistsguildgalleryofgreenville.com 205 N LAURENS ST 171 RIVERPLACE (864) 386-1060 (864) 271-8700 eliwarren.com COX PHOTOGRAPHY (L-3) hamptoninnandsuitesgreenville.com 1 AUGUSTA ST STE. 200 (864) 233-9992 AUTOMOBILE RENTAL HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS coxphotography.net DOWNTOWN (E-6) ENTERPRISE 407 N MAIN ST DALY DESIGNS (J-4) LEASING COMPANY (D-3) (864) 678-8000 421 S MAIN ST 501 BUNCOMBE ST hiexpress.com (864) 325-4445 (864) 242-4748 dalydesigns.com enterprise.com HYATT REGENCY GREENVILLE (E-6) 220 N MAIN ST LC ART GALLERY (I-5) HERTZ (F-6) (864) 235-1234 123-B S MAIN ST 220 N MAIN ST #205 greenville.hyatt.com (864) 303-6511 (864) 240-9145 lcartgallery.com hertz.com PARK HOUSE BED AND BREAKFAST (D-9) MARY PRAYTOR GALLERY (H-5) 221 E PARK AV 26 S MAIN ST NIGHTLIFE (864) 232-2020 (864) 235-1800 ART BAR ON MAIN, THE (H-5) parkhousebedandbreakfast.com themarypraytorgallery.com 18 S MAIN ST (864) 991-8278 PETTIGRU PLACE MATTHEW CAMPBELL theartbaronmain.com BED AND BREAKFAST (H-10) STUDIO AND GALLERY (F-5) 302 PETTIGRU ST 28 W NORTH ST BASEMENT at 233 North, (864) 242-4529 (864) 271-0100 THE (F-6) pettigruplace.com matthewcampbellgallery.com 233 N MAIN ST (864) 373-9915 WESTIN POINSETT, THE (I-5) MIDTOWN ARTERY (L-2) basement233.com 120 S MAIN ST 718-A S MAIN ST (864) 421-9700 (864) 232-0018 BLU MARTINI (F-6) westinpoinsettgreenville.com midtownartery.com 1 COLLEGE ST (864) 242-5743 SCENIC ROOTS ART GALLERIES PHOTOGRAPHY (H-5) BROWN STREET CLUB, THE (G-6) 32 S MAIN ST 10 CENTRAL AVENUE 115 N BROWN ST (864) 430-8233 STUDIOS (C-5) (864) 250-9193 scenicrootsphoto.com 10 CENTRAL AVE brownstreetclub.com (864) 370-0301 10centralave.com CITY TAVERN (G-5) 128 N MAIN ST (864) 239-2202 COMEDY ZONE, THE (F-6) 233 N MAIN ST (864) 735-0099 comedyzonegreenville.com CONNOLLY’S IRISH PUB (I-5) 24 E COURT ST (864) 467-0300 DIXIE’S TAVERN (G-6) 18 E NORTH ST (864) 242-9215 DT’S TAVERN (G-6) 100 E NORTH ST (864) 232-1514 dtstavern.com FORD’S OYSTER HOUSE AND CAJUN KITCHEN (L-3) 631 S MAIN ST (864) 233-6009 fordsoysterhouse.com GATHERING SPOT, THE (G-5) 103 N MAIN ST STE. 103 (864) 271-4972 HANDLEBAR, THE (B-10) 304 E STONE AV (864) 233-6173 handlebar-online.com ON THE ROXX (L-2) 734 S MAIN ST (864) 351-0541 ontheroxxgreenville.com ORB LOUNGE (F-6) 220 N MAIN ST (864) 235-1234 PARK AVENUE PUB (D-10) 500 E PARK AV (864) 233-7275 parkavenuepub.com BLUEBERRY FROG (K-3) 624 S MAIN ST (864) 517-7971 blueberryfrog.com CAROLINA ALE HOUSE (I-5) 113 S MAIN ST (864) 351-0521 carolinaalehouse.com DEVEREAUX’S (I-5) 25 E COURT ST (864) 241-3030 devereauxsdining.com REY’S (G-5) 20 N MAIN ST (864) 236-7400 BLUE RIDGE BREWING CO., THE (F-6) 217 N MAIN ST (864) 232-4677 blueridgebrewing.com CATAMA MEXICAN GRILL & BAR (L-2) 816 S MAIN ST ELLIE’S UPTOWN (F-7) 61 BEATTIE PL (864) 241-3262 CAZBAH, THE (H-5) 16 W MCBEE AV (864) 241-9909 thecazbah.com FORD’S OYSTER HOUSE AND CAJUN KITCHEN (L-3) 631 S MAIN ST (864) 233-6009 fordsoysterhouse.com SHARKEY’S PUB (G-5) 112 N MAIN ST (864) 552-9822 sharkeyspub.com SMILEY’S ACOUSTIC CAFÉ (M-2) 111 AUGUSTA ST (864) 282-8988 smileysacousticcafe.com WESTIN POINSETT PIANO BAR AND LOUNGE (I-5) 120 S MAIN ST (864) 421-9700 westinpoinsettgreenville.com DINING ADDY’S DUTCH CAFE (G-6) 17 E COFFEE ST (864) 232-2339 addyssc.net BOHEMIAN, THE (A-7) 2-B W STONE AV (864) 233-0006 thebohemiancafe.com BREAKWATER RESTAURANT & BAR (L-2) 802 S MAIN ST (864) 271-0046 breakwatersc.com BREW AND EWE (I-4) 108 W BROAD ST (864) 370-2739 brewandewe.com BRICK STREET CAFÉ (N-2) 315 AUGUSTA ST (864) 421-0111 brickstreetcafe.com CHARLIE’S STEAK HOUSE (G-6) 18 E COFFEE ST (864) 232-9541 charliessteakhouseonline.com CHEF MANIGAULT LA VIEILLE (N-2) 28 HOWE ST (864) 483-3942 chefmanigault.net CHICORA ALLEY (L-3) 608-B S MAIN ST (864) 232-4100 chicoraalley.com COFFEE TO A TEA (L-3) 1 AUGUSTA ST STE. 101 (864) 373-9836 BROWN STREET CLUB, THE (G-6) AMERICAN GROCERY coffeetoatea.com 115 N BROWN ST RESTAURANT (L-2) (864) 297-9255 732 S MAIN ST brownstreetclub.com COFFEE UNDERGROUND (G-5) (864) 232-7665 1 E COFFEE ST americangr.com CAFE AND THEN SOME, THE (E-5) (864) 298-0494 coffeeunderground.biz 101 COLLEGE ST ANTONINO BERTOLO’S PIZZA (F-6) (864) 232-2287 200 N MAIN ST cafeats.com COMPADRES (864) 467-9555 MEX MEX GRILL (L-1) antoninobertolospizza.com CAMILLE’S SIDEWALK CAFÉ (G-5) 929 S MAIN ST (864) 282-8945 101 N MAIN ST BARLEY’S (H-5) (864) 235-5990 25 W WASHINGTON ST camillescafe.com CORNER POCKET TAPROOM (G-6) (864) 232-3706 21 E COFFEE ST barleystaproom.com/greenville (864) 235-5297 CANTINFLAS (H-5) cornerpockettaproom.com 10 S MAIN ST BELLACINO’S PIZZA AND (864) 250-1300 GRINDERS (I-5) COUNTRY HAM HOUSE (A-2) 123 S MAIN ST CAPRIS RESTAURANT (B-10) 214 RUTHERFORD ST (864) 242-6009 (864) 242-6099 500 E STONE AV bellacinos.com (864) 235-4552 FUNNELICIOUS (M-2) 155 AUGUSTA ST (864) 631-1527 funnelicious.com GREEN ROOM, THE (G-6) 116 N MAIN ST (864) 335-8222 thegreenroomupstate.com GRILLE 33 (F-6) 221 N MAIN ST (864) 552-1970 thechannelonline.org GROUCHO’S DELI (G-6) 20 E COFFEE ST (864) 552-1541 grouchos.com GUADALAJARA MEXICAN RESTAURANT (G-5) 109 N MAIN ST (864) 250-9991 restaurantesguadalajara.com HANDI INDIAN CUISINE (G-6) 18 N MAIN ST (864) 241-7999 handiindiancuisine.com HIGH COTTON OF GREENVILLE (K-4) 550 S MAIN ST (864) 335-4200 highcottongreenville.com JAMAICA TWIST (H-5) 28 S MAIN ST (864) 298-0013 jamaicancurrychicken.info STICKY FINGERS (H-5) 1 S MAIN ST (864) 331-7427 stickyfingers.com SUBWAY (K-4) 606-A S MAIN ST (864) 242-0332 subway.com LAZY GOAT, THE (K-4) 170 RIVERPLACE (864) 679-5299 thelazygoat.com SUBWAY (G-6) 225 N MAIN ST (864) 242-4041 subway.com LEMONGRASS THAI RESTAURANT (G-5) 106 N MAIN ST (864) 241-9988 lemongrassthai.net SUSHI KOJI (F-6) 247 N MAIN ST (864) 631-1145 sushikojigreenville.com LIBERTY TAP ROOM AND GRILL (L-1) 941 S MAIN ST (864) 770-7777 libertytaproom.com MAC'S SPEED SHOP (L-1) 930 S MAIN ST macspeedshop.com . ST R HU Copyright © 2007 MCS Map Center Services HA MP TO N Walking Trail 123 STELLAR RESTAURANT AND WINE BAR (G-5) 20 N MAIN ST (864) 438-4954 stellarwinebar.com LARKIN’S ON THE RIVER (J-4) 318 S MAIN ST (864) 467-9777 larkinsontheriver.com LUNA ROSA GELATO CAFÉ (H-5) 9 W WASHINGTON ST (864) 241-4040 lunarosagelato.com Tennis Courts Museum of Art CO LLE GE W. WA SH ING TON Park House B&B Golf Municipal Court The Heritage Children’s Museum Green Main Post Office Richland Cemetery McPherson Park Putt-Putt ST. MY DE A AC Library Bob Jones University Museum and Gallery at Heritage Green HamptonPinckney Historic District Sears Shelter . ST Upcountry History Museum East Park Avenue Historic District E. PA RK SPR IN G . ST D OO W AT AV E. Amtrak W. PA RK . ST BE OM NC BU EY KN NC PI D OY LL HA M PT O N AV E. . ST Public Restrooms West End AS BU RY ST . Parking TOWN ES NorthEnd 276 MA IN RUTHERFORD RD. Downtown Greenville N. GIBSON ALLEY AVE . Viola Park ST. HARVLEY ST. E. S TON E JIMMY JOHN’S GOURMET SANDWICHES (I-6) 141 E MCBEE AV (864) 235-5775 jimmyjohns.com ST. . ST T. I VY S RY ER LB MU W. STONE AVE . SUSHI MURASAKI (H-5) 2 S MAIN ST (864) 271-2452 sushimurasaki.net SWEET TEA CAFÉ (I-6) 300 E MCBEE AV (864) 232-0064 TAKOSUSHI (H-5) 34 S MAIN ST (864) 271-5055 tako-sushi.com TRAPPE DOOR, THE (H-5) 23 W WASHINGTON ST MARBLE SLAB CREAMERY (G-5) (864) 451-7490 trappedoor.com 108 N MAIN ST (864) 255-5008 marbleslab.com TRATTORIA GIORGIO (I-5) 121 S MAIN ST (864) 271-9166 MARK'S (I-5) trattoriagiorgio.net 209 N MAIN ST (864) 467-9777 larkinsontheriver.com TRIO A BRICK OVEN CAFÉ (G-5) 22 N MAIN ST (864) 467-1000 MARY BETH’S AT triocafe.com MCBEE STATION (I-8) 500 E MCBEE AV (864) 242-2535 TSUNAMI OF GREENVILLE (G-6) marybethsatmcbee.com 106 E NORTH ST (864) 467-1055 tsunamigreenville.com MARY’S RESTAURANT AT FALLS COTTAGE (K-4) 615 S MAIN ST TWO CHEFS DELI AND (864) 298-0005 MARKET (I-5) fallscottage.com 104 S MAIN ST (864) 370-9336 twochefsdeli.com MELLOW MUSHROOM (L-3) 1 AUGUSTA ST (864) 233-9020 VELO FELLOW, THE (L-3) mellowmushroom.com 1 AUGUSTA ST STE. 126 (864) 242-9296 thevelofellow.com MILANO KOZANI (H-5) 12 S MAIN ST (864) 263-3561 WAFFLE HOUSE (A-8) milanokozani.com 11 E STONE AV (864) 232-6274 wafflehouse.com NANTUCKET SEAFOOD GRILL (I-4) 40 W BROAD ST WILD WING CAFÉ (H-5) (864) 546-3535 15 W WASHINGTON ST nantucketseafoodgrill.com (864) 242-9453 wildwingcafe.com NEVER ON SUNDAY RESTAURANT (H-6) ZAXBY’S (N-5) 210 E COFFEE ST 824 S CHURCH ST (864) 232-2252 (864) 232-2929 zaxbys.com NO. 1 CHINA (D-6) 500 N MAIN ST SHOPPING (864) 235-4250 ANDERSON STAMP NORTHAMPTON WINES & AND ENGRAVING (A-9) WINE CAFÉ (I-5) 211 E STONE AV 211-A E BROAD ST (864) 271-6730 (864) 271-3919 northamptonwines.com AUGUSTA TWENTY (L-2) 20 AUGUSTA ST NOSE DIVE (I-5) (864) 233-2600 116 S MAIN ST augustatwenty.com (864) 373-7300 thenosedive.com AYERS LEATHER SHOP (F-5) 201 N MAIN ST ORIENT ON MAIN, THE (H-5) (864) 232-9413 4 S MAIN ST (864) 787-6241 BAREFOOT COMFORT (G-6) 122 N MAIN ST OVERLOOK GRILL (K-4) (864) 232-0074 601 S MAIN ST barefootcomfort.com (864) 271-9700 overlookgrill.com BARKERY BISTRO, THE (G-6) 118 N MAIN ST PALMETTO BEAN COMPANY (D-9) (864) 236-1503 25 HERITAGE GREEN PL thebarkerybistro.com (864) 242-5000 BEADED FROG, THE (G-5) PITA PIT (H-5) 233 N MAIN ST 21 S MAIN ST (864) 235-2323 pitapitusa.com beadedfrog.com DESIGN ON TAP (I-7) 400 E MCBEE AVE STE. 109 (864) 527-3841 designontap.net ON ON TRI (I-7) 400 E MCBEE AV STE. 104 (864) 232-9400 onontri.com DOWN ON MAIN (H-5) 36 S MAIN ST (864) 232-9430 exclusively4ucigars.com PALMETTO MUSIC (B-10) 5 WADE HAMPTON BLVD (864) 232-1726 palmettomusic.com DRAKE’S FLOWERS (G-5) 131 N MAIN ST (864) 232-3861 www.drakesflowers.com PALMETTO SHADES (G-6) 124 N MAIN ST (864) 631-1321 palmettoshades.com DROP-IN STORE (A-7) 709 N MAIN ST (864) 242-0111 PEDAL CHIC (L-3) 651-B S MAIN ST (864) 242-2442 www.pedalchic.com E C Y SHOES N CHIC (K-4) 550 S MAIN ST (864) 552-9901 ecyshoesnchic.com EMPORIUM, THE (L-3) 1 AUGUSTA ST (864) 271-0953 EVEN A SPARROW (B-10) 213 WADE HAMPTON BLVD (864) 241-7633 EVOLVE CLOTHING LOUNGE (I-4) 406 RIVER ST (864) 233-4624 evolveclothinglounge.com FIX COFFEE SHOP (B-10) 101 WADE HAMPTON BLVD (864) 243-8056 FLOWERS BY DANNY (M-1) 100 GREEN AV (864) 233-1268 PETALS BOUTIQUE (N-2) 627 AUGUSTA ST (864) 232-7222 PINK AZALEA (H-5) 17 S MAIN ST (864) 233-2919 thepinkazalea.com PINK BEE (L-2) 105 AUGUSTA ST (864) 271-4332 pinkbeeonline.com PLAZA SUITE (K-4) 550 S MAIN ST STE. 200 (864) 298-0081 shopplazasuite.com POINSETT BRIDE, THE (I-4) 101-C W COURT ST (864) 241-0730 thepoinsettbride.com FRAME MAKER (B-10) 15 WADE HAMPTON BLVD (864) 235-8310 POSTCARD FROM PARIS (L-3) 631 S MAIN ST (864) 233-6622 postcardfromparis.com GLORY CYCLES (H-2) 200 WESTFIELD ST (864) 991-3122 glorycycles.com PUBLIX SUPER MARKET (I-7) 400 E MCBEE AV STE. 100 (864) 240-2015 publix.com GLOW ON MAIN HAIR SALON AND GIFTS (C-6) 505 N MAIN ST STE. K (864) 241-5080 glowonmain.com RIGHT PRICE GROCERY (F-6) 512 AUGUSTA ST (864) 233-5112 GO FISH CLOTHING AND JEWELRY (K-4) 612 S MAIN ST (864) 250-0200 shopgofish.com GREEN EYED GIRLS BOUTIQUE (G-5) 3 W NORTH ST (864) 242-5538 greeneyedgirls.com GREENVILLE ARMY & NAVY STORE (L-3) 660 S MAIN ST (864) 232-3168 greenvillearmystore.com GREENVILLE BEER EXCHANGE, THE (H-5) 7 S LAURENS ST (864) 232-3533 greenvillebeerexchange.com GREENVILLE DRIVE BASEBALL SOUVENIR STORE (M-1) 945 S MAIN ST (864) 240-4522 greenvilledrive.com GREENVILLE GEMSTONE MINE (F-6) 205 N MAIN ST (864) 283-6300 greenvillegemstonemine.com GREENVILLE VACUUM CENTER (L-3) 21 AUGUSTA ST (864) 235-1127 vaxrus.com HEADQUARTERS DAY SPA AND SALON (C-7) 3 E PARK AV (864) 233-1817 headquartersdayspa.com HORIZON RECORDS (A-7) 2-A W STONE AV (864) 235-7922 horizonrecords.net RIVER FALLS SPA (I-5) 130 S MAIN ST (864) 240-2136 riverfallsspa.com ROBERT JONES PIANOS AND ORGANS (C-7) 616 N MAIN ST (864) 271-5266 robertjonespianos.com RUSH WILSON LTD (G-5) 23 W NORTH ST (864) 232-2761 rushwilson.com SAV A LOT RITE AID (A-6) 1 E STONE AV (864) 235-9115 save-a-lot.riteaid.com SEDRAN FURS (F-6) 233 N MAIN ST STE. 260 (864) 242-1881 SOLO! WEST END (L-2) 720 S MAIN ST (864) 242-0042 SPA AT WEST END, THE (L-2) 714 S MAIN ST (864) 242-8877 westendspa.com STAPLES (I-8) 500 E MCBEE AV (864) 271-3553 staples.com STELLA’S MUSIC EMPORIUM (N-2) 325 AUGUSTA ST (864) 232-5221 STONE AVENUE NURSERY (A-9) 202 E STONE AV (864) 430-4984 THE SUGAR STUDIO AND COOKIES BY DESIGN (F-5) 203 N MAIN ST (864) 631-1491 cookiesbydesign.com TANGO X FASHION STORE (G-6) HYATT REGENCY GIFT SHOP (F-6) 5 E COFFEE ST (864) 233-5550 220 N MAIN ST (864) 235-1234 greenville.hyatt.com TOWN HOUSE GALLERIES (F-5) POMEGRANATE ON MAIN (K-3) 3 W NORTH ST BI-LO (C-6) (864) 242-5538 618 S MAIN ST I LOVE NATURAL BABY (F-6) 505-A N MAIN ST (864) 241-3012 11 COLLEGE ST (864) 271-7363 pomegranateonmain.com (864) 631-1500 TWIGS (K-3) bi-lo.com ilovenaturalbaby.com 640 S MAIN ST (864) 242-2242 PURPLE INTERNATIONAL BISTRO BOBBIE J twigs.net & SUSHI (L-1) IMAGINE BOUTIQUE (F-6) DOWNTOWN DÉCOR (H-5) 933 S MAIN ST 233 N MAIN ST STE. 103 14 S MAIN ST (864) 232-3255 (864) 243-8501 URBAN NIRVANA (I-7) (864) 414-4183 imaginegreenvillesc.com 500 E MCBEE AV (864) 371-6200 QUICK RICK’S (E-6) BOUHAROUN’S PARTY SHOP (J-5) urbannirvana.com 301 N MAIN ST INVERT ACTION SPORTS (K-3) 301 FALLS ST (864) 242-9775 24 RIVER ST (864) 233-2738 (864) 271-3986 URBAN THREAD (F-6) bouharouns.com invertskate.com RAINER’S (K-4) 207 N MAIN ST (864) 255-3330 610-A S MAIN ST BREW AND EWE (I-4) (864) 232-1753 INVITATIONS ON MAIN (F-6) 108 W BROAD ST talldudecafe.com 209 N MAIN ST VERIZON WIRELESS (G-5) (864) 370-2739 (864) 232-0123 103 N MAIN ST brewandewe.com invitationsonmain.net (864) 236-7090 RICK ERWIN’S wirelesscommunicationsc.com WEST END GRILLE (L-3) CVS PHARMACY (H-5) 648 S MAIN ST iSTORE (K-4) 35 S MAIN ST (864) 232-8999 550 S MAIN ST STE. 201 WEST END CO-OP (L-2) (864) 370-4848 rickerwins.com (864) 236-8383 100 AUGUSTA ST cvs.com istoregreenville.com (864) 455-2625 westendcoop.com RISTORANTE BERGAMO (G-5) CABIN FLOOR RECORDS (B-10) 100 N MAIN ST J B LACHER (F-5) 15 WADE HAMPTON BLVD (864) 271-8667 123 COLLEGE ST WEST END SPIRITS (L-2) (864) 992-9999 ristorantebergamo.com 818 S MAIN ST cabinfloorrecords.blogspot.com (864) 232-7385 jblacher.com (864) 241-7800 mywestendwineandspirits.com RODIZIOS BRAZILIAN CAROLINA TRIATHLON (L-1) STEAKHOUSE (J-6) JEWELRY BY DESIGN (N-2) 928 S MAIN ST 128 E BROAD ST 401 AUGUSTA ST WE TOOK TO THE WOODS (B-8) (864) 331-8483 (864) 444-0392 (864) 235-9692 106 E STONE AV carolinatriathlon.com (864) 451-7155 ROOST (F-6) KITCHEN ARTS & POTTERY (I-7) CHARLESTON COOKS! (G-6) 220 N MAIN ST 400 E MCBEE AV STE. 112 WHATEVER AND MORE (A-8) 200 N MAIN ST (864) 235-1234 (864) 271-2171 108 E STONE AV (864) 335-2000 greenville.hyatt.com (864) 370-8080 mavericksouthernkitchens. whatever3bodypiercings.com KOSTAS POULOS CUSTOM com/charlestoncooks TAILORS & CLOTHIERS (F-5) SAFFRON’S SIDEWALK CAFÉ (L-2) 100 W NORTH ST WISH (G-5) CHOCOLATE MOOSE, THE (G-6) (864) 271-3214 31 AUGUSTA ST 103 N MAIN ST 120 N MAIN ST (864) 241-0401 (864) 232-6100 (864) 232-2121 saffronssidewalkcafe.com KUDZU (L-3) chocomoosebakery.com 1 AUGUSTA ST WOOD AND WIRE (864) 271-4888 GUITAR SHOP (B-10) SASSAFRAS CHRISTOPHER PARK SOUTHERN BISTRO (G-5) 3 WADE HAMPTON BLVD GALLERY (K-4) (864) 232-0005 103 N MAIN ST LEAF N MATCH (F-6) 608-A S MAIN ST woodandwireguitarshop.com (864) 235-5670 233 N MAIN ST (864) 232-6744 sassafrasbistro.com (864) 271-9080 chickenmanart.com WOOL OVER YOUR EYES (F-5) SKY AT BLUE RIDGE LLYN STRONG 24 W NORTH ST. CIGAR BOXX, THE (F-5) BREWING (F-6) FINE JEWELRY (G-5) (864) 232-9665 23 COLLEGE ST wooloveryoureyes.com 219 N MAIN ST 119 N MAIN ST (864) 232-5062 (864) 232-4677 (864) 233-5900 blueridgebrewing.com llynstrong.com CLOTHING WAREHOUSE, DOWNTOWN ACTIVITIES THE (G-5) SMOKE ON THE WATER (L-3) MAST GENERAL STORE (G-5) 123 N MAIN ST FALLS PARK GOLF 1 AUGUSTA ST 111 N MAIN ST (864) 467-1238 AND GAMES (K-3) (864) 235-1883 (864) 232-9091 theclothingwarehouse.com 7 W CAMPERDOWN WY mastgeneralstore.com saucytavern.com (864) 232-5015 fallsparkfun.com COCHRAN JEWELRY CO (F-6) SOBY’S (I-5) MICHELIN ON MAIN (K-4) 211 N MAIN ST 207 S MAIN ST 550 S MAIN ST (864) 233-3641 GREENERVILLE (864) 232-7007 (864) 241-4450 cochranjewelry.com TRANSPORTATION sobys.com (864) 884-2999 MONKEE’S OF THE eastsidelimo.com COCOBELLA BOUTIQUE (L-3) WEST END (L-2) SOBY’S ON THE SIDE (I-5) 21-C AUGUSTA ST 22 E COURT ST 103-A AUGUSTA ST (864) 283-0989 GREENVILLE HISTORY TOURS (864) 271-8431 (864) 239-0788 cocobellaboutique.net (864) 567-3940 sobysontheside.com monkeesofthewestend.com greenvillehistorytours.com COMMUNITY TAP, THE (B-10) SPEROS PETE’S ORIGINAL MYERS TRIM SHOP (D-10) 205 WADE HAMPTON BLVD HORSE DRAWN TOO (E-10) 916 N CHURCH ST (864) 631-2525 CARRIAGE COMPANY (864) 233-6462 819 E STONE AV thecommunitytap.com Two Locations: Falls Park and (864) 232-3132 Coffee/Main NORTHAMPTON WINES & (864) 369-1411 COOK’S STATION, THE (L-3) WINE CAFÉ (I-5) SPILL THE BEANS (L-3) 659 S MAIN ST 531 S MAIN ST 211-A E BROAD ST (864) 250-0091 REEDY RIVER RICKSHAW (864) 242-6355 (864) 271-3919 thecooksstation.com (864) 373-1222 stbdowntown.com northamptonwines.com rrrickshaw.com CREATIVE HEALTH (H-5) SPOONBREAD RESTAURANT NU AURA SKIN SPA 14 S MAIN ST WHISPERING WINDS AT THE WESTIN POINSETT (I-5) AND SALON (L-2) (864) 233-4811 CARRIAGE COMPANY 120 S MAIN ST 732 S MAIN ST creativehealthsc.net Two Locations: Westin Poinsett (864) 421-9700 (864) 288-7700 and across from Courtyard westinpoinsettgreenville.com/ DAHLIA A FLORIST (B-10) nuauraspasalon.com Marriott dining (864) 220-3650 303 E STONE AV O P TAYLORS (G-5) downtowncarriage.com (864) 232-0112 STARBUCKS COFFEE (K-4) 117 N MAIN ST dahliaonline.com (864) 467-1984 550 S MAIN ST STE. 101 (864) 240-6299 DELUXE GUITAR EXCHANGE (L-2) optaylors.com starbucks.com 101-A AUGUSTA ST (864) 241-3338 deluxeguitarexchange.com Things to Do With Kids in Upstate South Carolina compiled and written by Lisa Colby and Sarah Hunt-Barron, Greenville Mothers & More Feed the ducks at Furman Furman University, 3300 Poinsett Highway. A 2.5 mile paved trail loops around Furman’s picturesque lake where swans and eager ducks will take bread from your hand. The Tower Café at the student union serves coffee and other drinks. Free Trials at Gymboree, Kindermusik, and Gymnastics Center Gymboree, Kindermusik and the Greenville Gymnastics Training Center all offer a free trial session before signing up to take the class. Take advantage of this (a $10-$14 gift!) and keep you and your child occupied for free. Gymboree: (off Pelham Rd. in Greer, 288-1774); Kindermusik: (Greenville, 232-5010); Greenville Gymnastics: (just off I-85, 297-5589). Greenville Libraries The libraries (all branches!) are a treasure trove of activities in Greenville. From Traveler's Rest to Simpsonville, Greenville County libraries offer programs for kids and adults of all ages. Starting as infants, kids can enjoy Bouncing Babies, Small Wonders and Storytime. For older kids, crafts and other activities are offered on a regular basis. Go to www.greenvillelibrary.org for more information. The Greenville County Museum of Art Did you know that the museum offers art classes and activities for kids of all ages? Programs include guided tours just for kids, special kids' parties and exciting "hands-on" Saturday classes. Go to www.greenvillemuseum.org for more information. Roper Mountain Science Center 402 Roper Mountain Road. The Science Center is open to the public the 2nd Saturday of the month and offers different programs geared for kids of all ages. It has the largest planetarium in South Carolina and is open to the public each Friday night at 7:30, 8:30 & 9:30 pm for just $2 or $3 a ticket. Call 281-1188 for schedules. "Mice on Main" Main Street, downtown Greenville. Based on the popular book, Goodnight Moon, a bronze sculpture of the book and mouse are mounted on the fountain in front of the Hyatt Regency on Main Street. Eight other mice are installed along a nine-block stretch of Main Street between College and Court Streets. The goal is to find all those mice! A hint sheet is available at the Visitor’s Center at 206 S. Main St. for those who need a little help. A fun activity of discovery for both kids and adults (and a great way to do some window shopping while your kids are looking for mice). George the Train The well-informed, perky ticket-taker is just one reason this train ride will make you giggle. There is something about the speedy little engine’s horn and the wind in your hair that makes this 3 min. ride well worth $1.50 per person. The mini train operates from April through October, Things to Do with Kids / p. 2 Tuesday – Sat. (10 am – 3 pm), Sun. (1 – 5 pm) at the Pavilion in Taylors, just off of Old Spartanburg Rd. Be sure to park at the pavilion and buy your tickets inside first. Summer Movie Days Over the summer, one morning per week (usually Tuesdays or Thursdays), kids can go to the movies at various cinemas at 10 am for $1. The movie isn't first run, but your kids won't care. A great way to test how little ones will do at the movies. Call the Cherrydale Cinema movie line or the Hollywood Cinema for details. Ice Skating at The Pavilion 400 Scottswood Road. With lots of open skate hours and lessons available for young kids, ice skating is a fun and cheap activity. In addition to ice skating, The Pavilion offers an inline rink, meeting facilities, and game room - and this is just the beginning! The 16 acre Pavilion outdoor park features the Brushy Creek & Southern children's miniature railroad, playground, soccer fields and tennis courts. Currently golf clinics, tennis and karate lessons are also available. Golden Park Family Recreation Complex 108 Balcombe Blvd., Simpsonville. There is something for everyone here, with bowling, miniature golf, batting cages go-karts and skating. The Zoo Okay, maybe you’ve been a hundred times, but maybe you haven’t! The zoo is a great place for pre-schoolers and elementary school kids. It’s a manageable size and has a terrific tot playground within the zoo as well as the larger playground space found in front of the zoo in Cleveland Park. The family memberships are cheap and give you free access not only to our zoo, but to others around the country, including Riverside Zoo in Columbia. Zoo programs are offered on a regular basis for tots and school-age kids, including zoo camps; members are given advance notice via a newsletter and first dibs on sign ups for these programs. Paris Mountain State Park Our gorgeous, 2,000 foot mountain is one of the best reasons to live in the Greenville area. The park has a lake, picnic areas, campsites, and hiking/mountain biking trails. The park sponsors events for children such as nature walks, crafts, and forest ecology programs. Located on State Park Road, $2.00 per person, 244-5565. Krispy Kreme Doughnut Making Watch gooey doughnuts roll off the assembly line right at the store. Get a free hat. This activity involves excessive sugar intake so you might want to combine it with a trip to The Open Book bookstore (further down S. Pleasantburg Dr., just past the Laurens Road overpass on the right side) for running up and down the book aisles, or to the Municipal Airport for watching airplanes land and take off. Krispy Kreme is on S. Pleasantburg Drive, just south of the bridge over Route 385.) Happy Cow Creamery A small family dairy farm that produces and processes its delicious milk on the premises. Their store also sells ice cream, cheese, range-free chickens, eggs, butter, and local honey. Visit the cows on your own or take a (pre-scheduled) tour of the farm, including a demo of the milking process. 18 miles south of Greenville off Hwy 25 in Pelzer. Call Ashley at 243-5928 or 449-3887. Things to Do with Kids / p. 3 McDonald’s Playlands and Chick-fil-a Again, rainy days may call for desperate measures. There are indoor playgrounds at the McDonald’s on Wade Hampton Blvd. in Taylors and in Simpsonville, and at the Chick-fil-a at Cherrydale Shopping Center. Free and almost always open. Chuck E. Cheese On Haywood Road, next to Bassett Furniture, right near the intersection with Hwy 385. Yes, it may feel like you are a character in Dante’s Inferno if you head here on a Friday night, Saturday or Sunday, but during the week (or early on Saturday morning) this place slows down a bit and can actually be kind of fun! With the addition of the toddler play area, small kids can enjoy crawling around on play equipment on rainy and cold days. Since there is only one entrance and children leaving are carefully monitored, parents can relax as this is a safe place to play. Better for younger kids. For older kids, try Frankie’s Fun Park or Gattitown. Frankie’s Fun Park 45 Park Woodruff Dr. 627-9888. Ride the bumper boats, play laser tag or miniature golf, eat junk food, have lots of fun (just bring plenty of money!). Good for all ages. Kid’s Planet/ Century Park 3065 Brushy Creek Road, Greer. A favorite among kids throughout the Greenville area, this great playground/ park complex is shady with amazing equipment, including misters in the summer to keep kids cool. It’s even equipped to meet the needs of people with disabilities. Always worth the drive and usually not too busy during the day when school is in session. Make sure you visit Dillard’s homemade ice cream store on the way back. Hollywild Animal Park 2325 Hampton Road, Wellford, SC 472-2038. Open 7 days a week (9:00-6:00 pm) April 1 through Labor Day. Open weekends only (9:00 – 5:00 pm) March through Halloween. A somewhat bizarre but worthwhile animal park with a safari ride, picnic area, and hand feeding galore. Animals include emus, hyenas, wolves, cougars, elephants, bison, zebra and much more. Don’t skip the “outback safari” where you feed the free-roaming animals from an open air bus. $9 for adults, $7 for children, under 2 are free. Suber’s Mill S. Suber Mill Road, Greer. This corn mill, built in 1908, still grinds corn using waterpower. Open Monday-Friday, 8 to 5 pm. Grinds are from 8:30 to 11:20 am. Call 877-5616 to check schedule. Western North Carolina Nature Center 75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville, NC, (828) 298-5600, www.wildNC.org. If you’re up for a longer outing than Greenville can provide, take the scenic drive to Asheville and this nature park (formerly Asheville’s zoo). It has beautiful walking paths that are manageable for little legs and strollers. There is a top-notch predator exhibit (foxes, wolves, cougar, bobcat), a petting zoo with pigmy goats and other farm animals, 2 black bears, otters, snakes, turtles, etc. The Center has an educational mission and its staff includes regional specialists who serve as consultants to zoos and other wildlife habitats. Things to Do with Kids / p. 4 Duke Power’s World of Energy 7812 Rochester Highway, Seneca. Located on the shores of Lake Keowee, come to this free museum and learn how energy is generated on a self-guided tour. Open Monday through Saturday, 9 am until 5 pm and Sunday, noon to 5 pm. Call 800-777-1004 for more information. South Carolina Botanical Garden 102 Garden Trail, Clemson. A fun afternoon drive, these great, natural gardens are accompanied with amazing paved trails that even the largest stroller will fit down. A great place to bring your little ones to “hike” as well as see some fabulous forest and streams. This 270-acre public garden is free. Other Ideas: Tour Fire Stations: Many local fire stations give guided tours of the station and let the children sit in the truck. Wine Tasting in Asheville/Hendersonville Area: Sounds crazy but children love to roam the vineyards and sit in old wine barrels. Who knew? Child Development & Family Resource Centers: There’s always something going on at one of the six centers in the Upstate. Call for a free brochure/schedule of activities (241-4803 for the Greenville Center) or visit www.greenville.k12.sc.us/district/schools/special.asp. Eden Farms: Horseriding Center in Marietta (4700 Dacusville Hwy, 898-0043) provides prescheduled group activities, including barn tours, arts & crafts, and horse feeding/riding. Visit the webside for more info: www.edenfarms.net Greenville City and County Parks Below is a partial list of city and county parks. There is sure to be at least one playground in your neighborhood, but some are rather hidden. City Parks: Cleveland Park For many residents of Greenville, this is "The City Park." This large and diverse park was created in 1928 after the Cleveland family donated to the city 126 acres of land along the Reedy River near downtown. The park features tennis and volleyball courts, softball fields, playground areas, a fitness trail, and both small-group and large-group picnic shelters. In addition, Cleveland Park is the site of the Rock Quarry Garden, the Fernwood Nature Trail, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Greenville Zoo. Reedy River Falls Historic Park This park, Greenville's second largest, connects to Cleveland Park and provides an oasis even nearer to the downtown business district. This restored and refurbished park features scenic overlooks, nature trails, picnic areas, a pond with footbridge, excavated mill ruins, six landscaped garden areas, and of course the beautiful Reedy River with its impressive series of falls. The park has a self-guided walking tour with historic markers. This park is closed during 2003, as a massive renovation project is underway. When it reopens, the park will include a pedestrian suspension bridge over the falls and an extensive series of gardens. Falls Park will be in full bloom in the spring of 2004! Things to Do with Kids / p. 5 Gower Estates Park (25 acres, at Laurel Creek and Laurens Road) This park features lighted softball fields and basketball courts, lighted tennis courts, playgrounds, picnic shelters, a horseshoe pit and an M60 Army tank. Holmes Park (15 acres, on Twin Lake Drive) Here you will find a lighted softball field, basketball court, regulation horseshoe pits, playground and picnic shelter. Kiwanis Park (6.5 acres, on Augusta Road) This park has a picnic shelter and playground, and lighted tennis courts. Mayberry Park (7.7 acres, on Mayberry Street) The park features a basketball court, picnic shelter and a softball/football field. McPherson Park (12.9 acres, on North Main Street and East Park Avenue) Here you will find the Senior Center and Log Cabin Gift Shop, lighted tennis courts, picnic shelter and bandstand/shelter, playground, miniature golf and shuffleboard court. North Main Park (12 acres, on North Main Street) North Main Park has a lighted softball field, basketball court, playground and picnic area. S.O. Walker Park (5.5 acres, at 209 Queens Street) Walker Park is home to the city swimming pool, and also has basketball courts. Timmons Park (26 acres, on Oxford Street) Here you will find a lighted softball field, lighted tennis courts, playground and picnic shelter, mountain bike trail and 18-hole disc golf course. Tindale Avenue Park (2.3 acres, on Tindale Avenue) This park features a playground and lighted tennis courts. West Washington Park (3 acres, on West Washington Street) The park has basketball courts, a playground, picnic shelter, and a summer day camp program. Croftstone Park (Off Summit St) This park is shady with excellent newer playground equipment and, if you are lucky, a real train running behind it! County Parks: Butler Springs Park 301 Butler Springs Road. Picnic and tennis facilities are available at this small park. Things to Do with Kids / p. 6 East Riverside 1301 South Suber Road, Greer. Picnic shelter and additional tables, athletic fields, playground, and summer day camps are found here. Adult volleyball, spring soccer and Camp Kaleidoscope are found in this park. Gary Pittman Park 430 Blacks Road. (From I-385 and Roper Mountain Road intersection proceed east on Roper Mountain Road. Blacks Drive veers off to the left. Go approximately half a mile to a stop sign. Go straight and continue for another half mile. Park is on the left.) This has been a hit with our playgroup. Shaded with a nice playground. Gateway Park 115 Henderson Drive in Travelers Rest. (Proceed up Hwy. 276 north into the city of Travelers Rest. Go to the third traffic light and turn right. Immediately after making the right, turn left into the park behind Sunrift Adventures.) This park has athletic fields, tennis courts, picnic shelters, a playground, and a basketball court. Another hit with the playgroup, this pretty playground has plenty of shade. Idlewild Park 610 Michelin Road, Piedmont. This park has an athletic field, picnic shelter, basketball, and playground. Lakeside Park 802 Piedmont Hwy., Piedmont. (Take I-85 South to Exit 44 (Hwy. 20). Turn left and proceed 1 mile. Park is on the left.) Another Piedmont area park with a picnic shelter, walking trail, swimming pool, 4 softball field complex, soccer/football field, tennis, and basketball. Lincoln Park Harnitha Lane, Taylors. (Wade Hampton Blvd. To Greer. Take 1st left past John Deere onto St. Mark's Rd. Go 2 miles. Turn left on Harnitha Ln. before St. Mark's Methodist Church. Park is 500 yards on right.) This park offers basketball, walking trails, picnic shelters, playgrounds and athletic fields. Northside Park 101 W. Darby Road. (From the intersection of Hwy. 253 and 291, take Hwy. 253 towards Paris Mountain State Park. Go 5.5 miles and bare right on Hwy. 253. Go 1.2 miles and turn left on Darby Road. Go .2 miles, park is on the left.) This park has picnic shelters, swimming pool, tennis courts, athletic fields, summer day camps, and a basketball court. Paramount Park 119 Crosby Circle. (Take 291 South past Greenville Tech, turn left onto Mauldin Rd. at the light. Turn left onto Crosby Circle. Park will be .5 miles on the left.) A playground, picnic shelter and basketball court are in this small park. Piney Mountain Park 501 Worley Road (across from the Spinx station on N. Pleasantburg, near Cherrydale Plaza). Our playgroup has also checked out this facility, which lacks shade for the playground but has some fun athletic fields for kids to throw a ball around. Pleasant Ridge County Park Things to Do with Kids / p. 7 (Take Hwy 25 North towards Ashville, exit at Hwy 11 (10 miles north of Travelers Rest). Turn left onto Hwy 11 and proceed for 2 miles. The park is on the right.) Located in Cleveland, SC, this park features a beach and lakeside swimming, as well as camping and other outdoor pursuits. Riverbend Equestrian Park 175 Riverbend Road. (From I-85 take Hwy 25 north to Old White Horse Ext. (approx. 10 miles). Turn left onto Old White Horse Rd. Ext. Go approx. 1.5 miles, turn right on Riverbend Road. Park will be on the left.) Take your kids horseback riding! The only public equestrian center in SC, it also features a petting zoo. Call 246-6466 for more information. Poinsett Park (from downtown Greenville, continue north on Poinsett Highway (Hwy 25) past Furman University exit. Turn right at the next red light and an immediate left onto Frontage Road. The park is .08 miles on the right.) This brand new park has great facilities, including plenty of shade, new playground equipment for both toddlers and older kids, a pavilion and 1/3 mile walking trail. Kid-Friendly Restaurants • • • • • • • • Jason’s Deli – extensive menu means everyone is happy Chick-Fil-A - has an indoor playground (important in the winter months!) McDonald’s – offers healthy choices with Happy Meals, such as milk and apples. Staxx Omega – a lot of tables means no one will notice a fussy child Barley’s – pizza sold by the slice as well as whole pizzas, and a wide selection of international beers for Mom and Dad Monterrey Mexican Restaurant – kids love quesadillas and chips TGIFriday’s, Applebee’s, Ruby Tuesday’s Frodo’s Pizza and Papa John’s Pizza – for takeout or delivery Special Events Greenville hosts weekly and recurring outdoor events and concerts. Music, movies, market stalls and more are open to the public, and all events are free. Details for each event are available online and through local listings. Below is a listing of all city-sponsored special events. Fall for Greenville Downtown Greenville Oct. 10-14, 2014 Discover a world of tempting tastes, sights, and sounds, as mouthwatering aromas carry you from one end of Main Street to the other. Explore exciting new cuisine or indulge in some of your favorites - each booth offers something for everyone. More info Artisphere Downtown Greenville May 9-11, 2014 This artful weekend in downtown Greenville showcases a diverse menu of experiences that center around the arts, both visual and performing, and Greenville’s multicultural offerings to appeal to visitors from around the world, as well as residents throughout the region. Artisphere online Poinsettia Christmas Parade Greenville Main Street, Downtown Greenville 6 pm, Saturday, December 6, 2014 Drawing thousands to line Main Street, this annual parade is a tradition in Greenville, marking the beginning of the Christmas season. More info Piedmont Natural Gas Downtown Alive March 20 through August 28, 2014 Main Street at NOMA Square Thursdays, 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm Downtown comes alive every Thursday evening with an outdoor street party featuring live musical entertainment with varied sounds including rock, blues, funk and cover bands. Main Street serves as the perfect backdrop to this free event series where people can unwind by meeting up with friends, making new acquaintances and networking. A popular staple in Greenville during the months of March through August, Downtown Alive attracts approximately 45,000 people annually. The event serves as the single largest fundraiser for the Metropolitan Arts Council, a supporter of arts-related programs in Greenville and the Upstate. More info Greenville Heritage Main Street Fridays March 21 through September 26, 2014 Main Street at NOMA Square Fridays, 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm Wind up the work week listening and dancing to the best in music entertainment performed by local, regional and national talent. Greenville Heritage Main Street Fridays at The Hyatt is a 28-week free music series running every Friday from March 16 through September 28. This Friday night tradition provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy downtown Greenville on our award-winning Main Street. Each week throughout the event series features a variety of musical genres and styles. In addition, a children’s activity area and special promotional events add to the family fun. More info White & Blue Wells Fargo Red, July 4, 2014 Main Street in Downtown Greenville A barrage of colors illuminates the sky every 4th of July in downtown Greenville for the annual Wells Fargo Red, White and Blue, presented by AT&T. As one of the largest fireworks displays in South Carolina, the celebration features live music, food and a variety of family activities. A long-standing tradition, Wells Fargo Red, White & Blue represents a remarkable opportunity to support a free patriotic event that is enjoyed by the Greenville community. Sponsors have long recognized this event as a unique way to showcase their brand while enjoying hospitality and a celebration that only happens once a year. More info The TD Saturday Market May 3 through October 25, 2014 Main Street, Saturdays, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm Select from the finest in fresh produce and flowers locally grown and delivered to the market each week. While shopping you can grab a bite to eat from participating food vendors and learn new cooking and gardening tips presented by area experts. Call 864467-4494 or visit the market online. Investments Moonlight Movie Series Fidelity Wednesdays, May and September, 2014 Falls Park Watch your favorite classic movies under the stars. The movies are free. Lawn chairs, blankets, and coolers are permitted for your comfort and convenience. More South Carolina BLUE Reedy River Concerts TD Stage at the Peace Center Wednesdays, 7-9 PM, in June, July and August Bring your lawn chairs and a picnic supper and sit back and enjoy a variety of musical concerts featuring jazz, country, patriotic, rock & roll, blues and reggae. This free, outdoor family event provides the perfect way to spend a warm summer night. More city of greenville culture shopping and dining Greenville is Upstate, South Carolina’s "shopping center." You’ll find a wide range of shopping opportunities ranging from national retailers to antique stores, to high-quality specialty boutiques to factory outlet stores. All are only minutes away from Greenville’s hotels, performing venues and community attractions. If a good meal is what you're shopping for, you can choose from an impressive variety of restaurants ranging from local cuisine favorites to popular national chains. Downtown How many cities can boast a Downtown with over sixty restaurants and a unique collection of galleries and shops within a comfortable 15-minute walk? Greenville can! Downtown Greenville has become a favorite destination for Upstate diners and shoppers who want to experience a unique variety of dining experiences unmatched in the region. A Taste for Everyone Downtown restaurants offer a variety of dining choices catering to every taste and price range. With over sixty restaurants, the choices Downtown offer tempting menu items for visitors and residents alike. Virtually all of the restaurants are locally owned oneof-a-kind eateries ranging in cuisine from Dutch to Thai, Italian to Greek. The restaurant growth Downtown is a continuing trend. Since 1992, over forty-five restaurants have opened their doors creating a niche market unique to the region and redefining the role of Downtown in the community. More information on Greenville Dining A Shopper's Advantage Art galleries, boutiques, and an assortment of specialty shops, most of which are locally owned and operated, offer choices that cannot be found elsewhere. Renewed interest in Downtown shopping has created increased demand for Downtown retail establishments. The City recently retained a marketing and research consultant to provide a comprehensive retail and entertainment market analysis for Downtown. The assessment provides valuable information for retail businesses interested in locating Downtown. More information on Greenville Shopping Downtown Atmosphere With wide sidewalks, outdoor plazas, and streetside outdoor dining opportunities, Downtown Greenville offers a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere that has been compared to that of a European city. Truly, shopping and dining in Greenville are pleasurable experiences. One of dowtown's biggest attractions is the Falls Park on the Reedy, featuring two sets of waterfalls. Located in the West End area and adjacent to the Peace Center and the new Governor's School, the Park also has miles of walking and bicycle trails that follow the river along our Downtown greenway. The Downtown Business Association and the West End Association create partnerships allowing restaurants and shops in the central city to work together to collectively market their unique products. Parking The City of Greenville has worked diligently over the past several years to increase the number of parking spaces in the Downtown. Currently there are over 7,000 City owned and operated spaces available. All of these spaces are available to the public. A first-class validation program allows downtown merchants to provide free or discounted garage parking to their customers. All 782 on-street parking spaces are FREE for downtown customers - no meters, no tokens. These spaces provide downtown visitors with ample one and two hours worth of convenient curbside parking. More information on downtown parking The Customers During the day, the central business district is home to over 17,000 employees and has become an evening destination for the area, attracting residents and visitors every night of the week. Special events and activities such as Piedmont Natural Gas Downtown Alive, St. Francis Fall For Greenville, BB&T Main Street Fridays, Gallery Tours, and many others are attracting more and more visitors each year. More information on Outdoor Events Downtown Shops at Greenridge Shops at Greenridge is a $64 million retail development along Woodruff Road that features a number of local and chain retailers, including Ann Taylor Loft, Lowe’s, Marshalls, PetSmart, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Swoozie’s, Foxfire, Ulta Salon and Cosmetics, Talbots, Barnes & Noble, Off Broadway Shoes, and J. Jill. Greenridge was developed by Charlotte-based Crosland Development. Restaurants include Panera Bread, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Salsarita’s, Brixx Wood Fired Pizza, Red Robin, Mimi’s Café, and Long Horn Steakhouse. Augusta Road Augusta Street, or Augusta Road as it is referred to locally, is located less than a mile from Greenville’s central business district. This shopping district is home to a large variety of high-end specialty shops. Fine clothing stores, flower shops, health food markets and decorating resource centers can be found near old-fashioned hardware stores and a wide range of restaurants. The Augusta Road Business Association (ARBA) is a coalition of businesses established to work together for the betterment and the economic development of the Augusta Road corridor. ARBA currently has over 70 members and holds monthly Board meetings. Membership is open to any business having an interest in Augusta Road. You can visit the Augusta Road Business Association web site at www.onlyonaugusta.com. The City of Greenville has partnered with the Augusta Road Business Association(ARBA) to facilitate a long term improvement plan for the area. The improvement project is an ongoing process that relies heavily on the active participation of local businesses. Public improvements included the removal and replacement of utility poles, the installation of mast arms at intersections to define the character of the area, and additional landscaping. More Information on Augusta Road Haywood Road Area Haywood Road is one of the City’s most vibrant commercial corridors and is composed of a mix of residential, restaurants, retail, and office developments. Also known as “Uptown Greenville,” the area is a regional shopping destination where you can find merchants of every description, including nationally-known furniture, jewelry and home improvement stores, as well as clothing outlets and a host of specialty retailers. Haywood Road is also home to Haywood Mall, one of the Upstate’s largest regional malls, which includes over 150 specialty shops, and five major department stores: Belk, Dillards, Macy’s, JCPenny, and Sears. The area also has a variety of hotels, such as the Hilton, Courtyard by Marriott, and Hyatt Place. Haywood Road is the leading retail sales generator in the City of Greenville and ranks second only to Downtown in annual restaurant sales. The City is currently working with planning consultants - Clark Patterson Lee - to develop the Haywood Road Master Plan. More Information on Haywood Road West End Market and Historic District The West End Historic District, known as the arts and entertainment center of the city, is anchored by the West End Market and Falls Park on the Reedy. While visiting the West End , you can browse through the shops in the West End Market and surrounding streets, dine in one of the area's unique restaurants, enjoy a theater performance, or view the progress of the construct city of greenville living Quality of Life Housing Greenville has a rich history of diverse living environments and neighborhood identity, and offers housing options within traditional older neighborhoods, historic districts, suburban areas or the heart of a bustling downtown. In the past ten years (2000-2010), Greenville experienced over $196 million in new single family residential construction and an additional $177 million in renovations in the City’s older neighborhoods. The city's downtown continues to grow with new housing development as the demand increases for urban living. The Downtown area offers a wide range of housing options from single-family detached homes to condos and apartments with price ranges that appeal to families and individuals of all income levels. Public and Private Schools View Larger Map of Public and Private Schools Schools Greenville is served by the School District of Greenville County, the largest public school system in the state. Eleven magnet academies offer unique educational opportunities at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, with distinct programs in foreign language, communication arts, pre-engineering and health professions, international studies, and science and technology. Greenville is the site of the Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities, the state’s premier school for artistically talented high school students. It is located in downtown Greenville overlooking Falls Park. Additionally, the Greenville area is home to approximately 60 private schools ranging from K-3 to high school. There are many nationally recognized colleges and universities located within and in close proximity to Greenville. Local colleges and universities: Local Colleges and Universities: Bob Jones University Brown Mackie College Clemson University Converse College ECPI Furman University Greenville Technical College North Greenville College Presbyterian College Southern Wesleyan University Strayer University University Center University of S. C. -- Spartanburg Virginia College - Greenville Campus Webster University Wofford College Medical Facilities The Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center is the state’s most comprehensive health care provider and one of the Southeast’s leading medical facilities. The highly-trained physicians and medical staff at GHS provide the most comprehensive and innovative treatment in the area. Bon Secours St. Francis Health System is a private, non-profit health care system, with patient satisfaction ratings among the highest in the nation. The following services are offered in its facilities and locations in Greenville County: breast health center; cancer care; diabetes services; heart care; homecare; imaging and diagnostics; obstetrics; hospice; orthopedic and spine care; palliative care; rehabilitation; sleep center; sports medicine and surgical care. Climate Greenville's moderate climate offers a full change of seasons. The average annual temperature is 60 degrees F with an average rainfall of 49 inches and an average snowfall of less than six inches per year. Average monthly maximum temperature: 71 F Average monthly minimum temperature: 50 F Entertainment & Culture Greenville’s award winning downtown is the arts and entertainment epicenter for the Upstate South Carolina region with live entertainment ranging from outdoor concerts and events to minor league baseball. Local theater companies provide intimate settings for performances, while the Peace Center for the Performing Arts hosts major productions on three performance stages including an outdoor amphitheater. The BI-LO CENTER seats 17,000 and hosts athletic events as well as major concerts and family entertainment. The Bob Jones University Museum and Gallery offers one of the most recognized collections of religious artwork in the nation, including works by such artists as Dolci, Rembrandt, Rubens, Titan and Van Dyck. The nationally recognized Greenville County Art Museum has an exquisite collection as well. More information on entertainment and culture Also located in Greenville is the TD Convention Center, one of the largest exposition facilities in the southeast with 340,000 square feet of exhibit and meeting space in four halls. The TD Convention Center is a popular regional destination for corporate meetings, tradeshows, banquets, and special events. Greenville is known for its outdoor entertainment which includes Jazz and Rock Concerts, Farmer’s Markets, and Moonlight Movies along the River. Within the City of Greenville are 39 parks, playgrounds and recreation centers which include bike/jogging trails, miniature golf course, shuffleboard courts, tennis courts, playground structures, picnic shelters and ball fields for a total of 452 acres of park space. The Greenville Hospital System Swamp Rabbit Tram Trail is a 13.55 mile walking/biking trail that runs along the Reedy River connecting Travelers Rest with the City of Greenville. The Northern end of the trail is located across from the North Greenville Medical campus of the Greenville Hospital System and the Southern end is located at Greenville Tech in the City of Greenville. city of greenville culture performing arts The Peace Center Nestled in the heart of downtown Greenville, The Peace Center for Performing Arts is architectually and acoustically an amazing place to see a show. Not only does the campus draw national and international talent, but its venues are the perfect setting for performances, group outings, business meetings, receptions and holiday parties. Visit the Peace Center online Carolina Ballet Theatre Dedicated to the promotion and expansion of the art of dance in Greenville, Carolina Ballet Theatre (CBT) offers quality performances that appeal to all dance tastes and styles. Founded in 1972, CBT is part classical ballet, part contemporary performing arts - all focused on delivering acclaimed performances as well as training and educating all they encounter. Visit Carolina Ballet Theatre online Centre Stage Founded in 1983, Centre Stage is a year-round, 285-seat regional theater offering a wide range of entertainment within easy walking distance of downtown Greenville. Augmenting its subscription season of music, comedy and drama, the theater also hosts art exhibitions, chamber music concerts, independent film screenings, guest lectures, galas and other special events inside a stateof-the-art performance facility noted for its unique configuration, comfort and intimacy. Visit Centre Stage online South Carolina Children's Theatre For more than 20 years, South Carolina Children's theater (SCCT) performances provide young people and adults the opportunity to work with talented directors, choreographers and musicians, as well as the chance to be on stage at the Peace Center, a stateof-the-art performance venue. Family members and other volunteers graciously assist behind the scenes constructing and painting sets, making props and sewing costumes, giving everyone a chance to become a "part of the magic." Visit the Children's Theatre online Greenville Little Theatre If you're looking for rich, evocatively staged and costumed classical theater — drama, comedy, and musicals — in the Upstate of South Carolina, you’ve come to the right web site. Every year, GLT stages six shows by the greats of theater, from Shakespeare to Wilde to Cole Porter. Visit us and view excellence in classical theatre. Visit the Little Theatre online The Warehouse Theater The Warehouse Theatre delivers Intense, Intimate and Unexpected productions of live theatre. A cornerstone of Greenville's Historic Westend, this award winning converted textile warehouse, is the home of fifteen (sometimes more) productions a year. At The Warehouse you can see the sort of theatre you can't see anywhere else in South Carolina's Upstate region...from reenvisioned classics and intense plays everyone knows to some of the most cutting edge new works you can buy tickets to. You'll find the finest mix of emerging talents, local professionals and artists from around the country...all are at the top of their game, and we want you to see their work. Visit the Warehouse Theater online Greenville Chorale Organized in 1961 as "Rotary Civic Chorale," Greenville Chorale began with 45 singers and a mission to provide the Upstate with a strong, symphonic community chorus. Since 1961, The Greenville Chorale has grown in size to a current roster of over 200 singers, the Chorale performs throughout the year at The Peace Center, Furman University and area churches. Visit Greenville Chorale online Greenville Symphony Orchestra What began in 1948 as a group of volunteer musicians, practicing and performing in the Women’s College auditorium on the old Furman campus, has now become one of the finest symphony orchestras in the Southeast. World-class concert facilities, musicians at the height of their profession, an internationally known music director and conductor, and a community that embraces symphonic music – each has made the Greenville Symphony Orchestra what it is today. Visit Greenville Symphony Orchestra online Greenville Chautauqua Chautauqua is interactive theater presenting “History that just won’t stay in a book!” A costumed performer takes you on an astonishing journey into the past -- to laugh with Mark Twain -- to dream with Martin Luther King, Jr. -- to walk the Trail of Tears with the Cherokee. The audience interacts with questions. In June there is a Chautauqua Festival of 20+ performances, many of which are out doors with live entertainment. All shows are: free, fun and family-friendly. Visit Greenville Chautauqua online city of greenville culture museums Greenville County Museum of Art The Greenville County Museum of Art is counted among the country's premier American Art museums, drawing visitors from around the world to see installations of work by two of the nation's greatest contemporary artists, Andrew Wyeth and Jasper Johns. Visit the Museum online Bob Jones Museum and Gallery Located in Greenville, South Carolina, and housed on the campus of Bob Jones University, The Bob Jones University Museum & Gallery is recognized as one of America's finest collections of Italian paintings. The collection is praised for its thorough presentation of the development of Western culture through paintings of the Old Masters. Visit Bob Jones Museum and Gallery Online Bob Jones Museum and Gallery at Heritage Green The satellite facility of the Bob Jones University Museum & Gallery is a place of culture, education, and art adding distinction to our city and the Upstate. A select portion of the more than 400 Old Master paintings and hundreds of pieces of furniture and decorative arts regularly on display at M&G at Bob Jones University are exhibited at the Museum & Gallery at Heritage Green, a place where beauty is enjoyed, where minds are educated, and where imaginations soar. Visit the Bob Jones Museum online The Children's Museum At 80,000 square feet, The Children's Museum of the Upstate (TCMU) is the 10th largest children's museum in the world and 7th largest in the country. The museum features 18 exhibit galleries, a traveling exhibit hall, two outdoor interactive exhibit spaces and an outdoor programming space. The museum is designed with exhibit components and programs for children birth to 15 years old. Kids and adults can simulate flight into space, design their own Formula 1 racecar, or go exploring in the Kaleidoscope Climber. Located on the cultural campus of Heritage Green in Downtown Greenville, TCMU is committed to serving the needs and interests of all children by providing experiences that stimulate curiosity and develop a lifelong love of learning. Whatever your age, TCMU is a place of possibility where children and adults alike can explore, discover, imagine, pretend and be anything! Visit the Children's Museum online Upcountry History Museum The Upcountry History Museum works to promote, present and preserve the history of Upcountry South Carolina through education, research and service. In addition to exhibitions focusing on the region, the museum has a rich educational program and a growing oral history collection. Historical programs are presented throughout the year. Visit the Upcountry History Museum online Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum and Baseball Library Visit the home in which baseball legend, "Shoeless Joe," lived and died. Located at 356 Field Street, across from Fluor Field in the West End Hours of operation: Saturdays, 10:00am - 2:00pm Free admission. Free parking adjacent to the museum. Visit the Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum online Greenville Cultural Exchange Center The Greenville Cultural Exchange Center is a haven of historical reflection, research and education. Exhibits, archives, guided tours and meeting spaces will be improved to offer even greater resources for those seeking knowledge and understanding of the City of Greenville's and the region's multi-cultural diversity, contributions and accomplishments. Visit the Exchange Center online l i vi n g i n g r e e n v i l l e Kids Youth Services Want to know about different clubs and organizations that help kids? Thinking of joining the Cub Scouts or Girl Scouts? Need to know what kind of programs the YMCA and YWCA have to offer? Get information about services available for kids. Greenville Youth Programs Check out all the cool programs and events for kids, offered by the City's Recreation Division. There's stuff like sports teams for baseball, football, basketball, golf and inline hockey, fishing clubs, art camps, video clubs and a summer youth festival just for kids! Mice on Main Hidden downtown are a nine bronze mice for you to find! Start at the Hyatt Plaza, and use these hints to enjoy a fun family afternoon in downtown Greenville. Click here to read the clues! Greenville Zoo Home to the endangered Bornean orangutan and Amur leopard, the Greenville Zoo is recognized as one of the finest smaller zoos in the nation. Visit the zoo. The Children's Garden This interactive multi-themed garden designed to enrich children's intelligence, creativity and well-being through exploration and discovery is located at Linky Stone Park, a 1.7-acre greenspace along the Reedy River, between downtown Greenville and the revitalized West End. Learn more about the garden. Greenville County Library Find out about exciting programs for kids of all ages at the Greenville County Library. There are lots of fun things to do at the library, including story time, reading clubs, puppet shows and music programs! Child Care Referral The United Way operates a comprehensive child care resource and referral agency. Read more about it, or call 864-467-4800. Greenville County Museum Did you know that the museum offers art classes and activities for kids of all ages? Programs include guided tours just for kids, special kids' parties and exciting "hands-on" Saturday classes! Find out more about what the museum has to offer. Museum & Gallery at Bob Jones University The Museum & Gallery offers a breathtaking display of over 450 Old Master paintings, and provides a wealth of opportunities for developing appreciation of past cultures. Child-friendly scavenger hunts are an entertaining introduction to the collection, and family tours afford an enjoyable learning experience for all ages. Visit the Museum online. The Children's Museum A museum dedicated especially for children opened in 2009 in downtown Greenville. Learn More by visiting The Children's Museum online. city of greenville sc Department of Parks & Recreation The Parks & Recreation Department offers a comprehensive system of parks, greenways, public facilities and recreational choices that help enhance the quality of life of its residents and visitors. Whether it’s enjoying a leisurely bike ride on the city's expansive trail system, taking a picnic lunch to one of the City's popular parks or spending the day with the family at the Greenville Zoo, the Parks & Recreation Department provides a wide variety of year-round recreational choices to help you enjoy the beauty of Greenville's outdoors. Its Recreation division schedules and coordinates year-roundathletic and youth programs, operates five community centersthat offer general leisure activities and special summer programs. One of the city's greatest attractions is its system of parks. The Parks & Recreation Department maintains 39 parks occupying more than 500 acres of land within the city. Falls Park, one of the city's most popular parks, serves as a centerpiece attraction for Greenville. With its impressive Liberty Bridge, a suspension bridge spanning the Reedy River, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the Reedy River Falls and the magnificent public gardens below. The largest parks in the system is Cleveland Park, a 122-acre site located along the Reedy River that features tennis courts, softball fields, playground areas, a fitness trail and picnic shelters. A main attraction at Cleveland Park is the Greenville Zoo, an exotic animal kingdom rated one of the best tourist attractions in South Carolina. This 14-acre facility features wildlife from around the world including giraffes, monkeys, giant tortoises and elephants. Visitors can also enjoy one of the Zoo’s most popular exhibits, the Reptile Building, which is home to a variety of lizards, frogs, turtles and snakes. Family things to do and see Visitors to Greater Greenville will have no problem filling the days and evenings with every kind of leisure activity. Greenville's international community has created sophisticated dining and entertainment options that may surprise first-time visitors. Click on the links below to learn more about Greenville. Attractions From scenic overlooks and waterfalls to the finest museums and galleries, here's a listing of Greenville's beautiful spaces and places. Area Attractions: Visit the Convention and Visitor's Bureau for a listing of attractions in and around Greenville County. Falls Park on the Reedy : This downtown public garden features the only curved, cantilevered pedestrian suspension bridge in the United States. The Carillon:Located at RiverPlace, the 25 bells of the carillon float within a simple structure of three painted steel columns, the tallest of which is 54 feet. At the foot of the tower is a continuously flowing water feature. The open structure of the bell tower preserves the direct view through the RiverPlace courtyard to the river and to the city beyond. The Carillon schedule is: • • • Monday through Thursday: o Chiming the hour from 10 AM to 6 PM. o 12 PM, 3 PM, 6 PM - Two songs played. o All other hours between 12 PM and 6 PM will play one song. Friday and Saturday: o Chiming the hour from 10 AM to 8 PM. o 12 PM, 3 PM, 6 PM - Two songs played. o All other hours between 12 PM and 8 PM will play one song. Sunday: o o o Chiming the hour from 12 PM to 6 PM. 12 PM, 3 PM, 6 PM - Two songs played. All other hours between 12 PM and 6 PM will play one song. Heritage Green: Visit Greenville's arts and cultural complex, located a few blocks from downtown and home to the three art museums, The Children's Museum, a classical theater company and the Hughes Library. Museums and Galleries: Find a comprehensive listing of Greenville's area museums and galleries, from African-American history to baseball legend Shoeless Joe Jackson to Riverwalk, a gathering place for local artists' collections. The Greenville Zoo: Home to the endangered Bornean orangutan and Amur leopard, the Greenville Zoo is recognized as one of the finest smaller zoos in the nation. Greenville Parks and Recreation: The City abounds with recreational opportunities for you and your family. Go here to find out more! Arts and Entertainment From live music to performance to area nightlife, Greenville can fill your days and nights with excitement. Check the locations below for more information. Outdoor Entertainment: From April through October, Greenville is alive with entertainment at a variety of outdoor venues. Greenville Drive Baseball: This Red Sox affiliated team plays at Fluor Field in Greenville's West End. Greenville Road Warriors Hockey: This American Hockey League (AHL) minor league team is affiliated with the Connecticut Whale and the New York Rangers. Games are played at the BI-LO Center. Metropolitan Arts Council (MAC): MAC supports the arts in Greenville via grants, its cultural planning process, marketing and advocacy. They also maintain a comprehensive listing of more than 500 area visual artists. Kids: Go here to find fun, family-friendly activities in the City of Greenville. The TD Convention Center: This state-of-the art conference center and exhibition hall accommodates groups from 25 to 25,000, just minutes from downtown Greenville. The BI-LO Center: This state-of-the-art 15,000 seat sports and entertainment arena is located in downtown Greenville, and has been consistently recognized as one of the top entertainment venues in the United States. Artisphere: Held annually in downtown Greenville, this celebration of the arts draws thousands to the city. Fall for Greenville: Held annually every October, this celebration of food offers visitors a true "Taste of Our Town." Performing Arts: Greenville is home to a wide variety of performance, theater and dance organizations. Go here for a comprehensive listing. Upstate Visual Arts: This organization of Upstate artists hosts exhibitions and exhibits for the public and conducts education and professional workshops for its members. Calendar of Events: View a listing of all city-sponsored special events. Shopping and Dining From downtown to Woodruff Road and beyond, Greenville is home to hundreds of restaurants and thousands of shops. Here's some links to get you started. Shopping and Dining Districts: Whether you find yourself downtown, on Augusta Road or at Haywood Mall, Greenville has it all when it comes to shopping and dining locales. Read this quick guide to the city's shopping neighborhoods. Convention and Visitor's Bureau Shopping Guide: The CVB guide to Greenville-area shopping opportunities. This searchable guide allows users to browse by shop name or subject. Convention and Visitor's Bureau Dining Guide: The CVB searchable dining guide is an indispensible resource for area restaurants. Downtown Greenville's downtown is unique in the region. A successful 30-year redevelopment process has created a vibrant, thriving downtown - filled with shops, restaurants and attractive green spaces. Learn more by visiting the links below: The Downtown Trolley: Operated by the City, enjoy free transportation throughout downtown.. The Children's Garden: This interactive multi-themed garden designed to enrich children's intelligence, creativity and well-being through exploration and discovery is located at Linky Stone Park, a 1.7-acre greenspace along the Reedy River, between downtown Greenville and the revitalized West End. Historic Districts: Walk through history with this guide to Greenville's seven historic districts. . Wireless Downtown: Find free wifi connections are located throughout downtown Greenville. Calendar of Events: View a listing of all city-sponsored special events. Maps: Find useful maps of downtown, parks, council districts and much more. Free Things to Do Having fun in Greenville doesn't have to be expensive. The city regularly hosts free events, and there are many ongoing activities from which to choose. Mice on Main: Hidden downtown are nine bronze mice for you to find! Start at the Hyatt Plaza, and use the hints for a fun afternoon in downtown Greenville. Get the Mice Hints to enjoy a fun, family afternoon in downtown Greenville. Art in Public Places: Take a walking or scenic driving tour through the City of Greenville and discover a diverse collection of artwork. The City's Art in Public Places guide provides a great resource for discovering the unique artwork that has complemented the city's continued growth. Each tour provides scenic maps of the city, photographs of all the city's artwork and detailed descriptions and historical information. Downtown Greenville Downtown Greenville is Upstate South Carolina’s largest central business district. Downtown’s exciting revitalization stems from over 30 years of strategic public-private partnerships mixed with sound planning principles. The redevelopment has evolved around a vision for a thriving “state-of-the-art” community in which numerous opportunities exist to live, work, and play. Downtown is alive and flourishing as the home to offices, shops, restaurants, entertainment, and many residents, making it a great area for economic investment. Downtown Greenville is the pre-eminent business center of the Upstate, accounting for over one-third of the total office space in the Greenville-Spartanburg metropolitan area, with over 3 million square feet. Downtown Greenville is one of the area’s most popular dining and entertainment destinations. With over ninety restaurants and pubs clustered around Main Street, Greenville's downtown offers a wide variety of options for all tastes. Visitors to downtown can enjoy a year-round series of special events, suited to the season and appealing to a diverse audience. From March through September, weekly concerts ranging from blues to jazz to beach music entertain visitors three nights a week, while larger downtown celebrations mark the coming of each new season. With over 300 event days each year, Greenville leads the region in hosting visitors. Since downtown is a center of business, culture, and entertainment, not surprisingly it has also become one of the most desirable residential districts in and around Greenville. The unique benefits of living downtown attract more and more residents, giving the downtown area an even more well-rounded character. Greenville's downtown is also the cultural center for the region, featuring the Peace Center for the Performing Arts, the Greenville County Art Museum, the Greenville County Public Library, the Museum and Gallery at Heritage Green, the Upcountry History Museum, the Children’s Museum of the Upstate and a number of private galleries and theater venues. Additionally, there is fun for the whole family with many parks, the Greenville Zoo, the BI-LO Center arena, and Fluor Field, home to the Greenville Drive minor league baseball team. city of greenville culture downtown fun Whether for a leisurely walk next to the Reedy River falls or a night of music and fast-paced entertainment, Downtown Greenville is the place to go for fun just about any day of the week. Of course, there are those special times during the year when the whole City turns out for a party, as happens with the Artisphere Festival and Fall for Greenville, which attract hundreds of thousands to Downtown for entertainment, food, and fun. BI-LO Center The Bi-Lo Center is a 17,000-seat arena facility that was completed in September 1998. The BI-LO Center brings more than 1 million visitors directly into Downtown Greenville each year. Indoor football, college basketball, and an assortment of concerts and family entertainment events take place annually at the BI-LO Center. The Peace Center This state-of-the-art Peace Center for the Performing Artscombines four performing arts venues, ranging from the 2,100 seat Peace Concert Hall to the more intimate Gunter Theatre. Past performances include Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, and Legally Blonde. The Greenville Zoo Greenville's award winning zoo, located a few blocks from Downtown, is a 14-acre park with more than 300 specimens of exotic animals, including Joy the elephant and Dirty Harry, an 8-foot boa constrictor. A $2 million expansion was recently completed to house giraffes and other exhibits. This family destination is rated one of South Carolina's top 20 visitor attractions by the South Carolina Parks Recreation and Tourism Department and is the only site in the Upstate to achieve this distinction. Heritage Green Home to the Greenville County Library, the Greenvile County Art Museum, the Upcountry History Museum and the Greenville Little Theatre,Heritage Green is the cultural hub of downtown. Festivals and Events Annual events such as Fall for Greenville bring thousands of people to Downtown Greenville each year by showcasing the artistic and culinary talents of the City. Summers in Downtown are special times with numerous outdoor events scheduled weekly from May through October. More information on Events View Event Calendar Carriage Rides Two carriage services operate in downtown, offering horse-drawn carriage rides throughout the year. These 20- to 30-minutes tours are a great way to view the downtown. Rides depart from the Westin Poinsett Hotel, Main at Broad intersection, Falls Park, and Piazza Bergamo area, on weekends and holidays (weather permitting). Downtown Parks Falls Park on the Reedy weaves through the heart of Downtown and encompasses Reedy River Falls. The park includes public gardens and a magnificent pedestrian footbridge over the falls. Cleveland Park is directly east of Downtown and is connected to Reedy River Park via bike and walking trails. This is the City's largest park, with complete playground, sports facilities and the zoo. McPherson Park, located off North Main on Park Avenue, is one of the City's oldest parks. It offers tennis, miniature golf and a country store operated by Senior Citizens of Greenville. Several small parks and plazas are featured along Main Street Downtown, with the Piazza Bergamo and Court Square as centerpieces of the area. More information on Greenville Parks