Only a 15-minute drive from campus, Downtown Greenville is a well-known destination that most Furman students have visited at one point or another. However, all of the pricey shops and restaurants can take some of the city’s allure away – most college students can’t afford a $119 porterhouse steak. So, below is a guide to spending a day in Greenville while staying on budget. I promise you’ll have so much fun, you won’t even miss the steak.
Farmer’s Market & Breakfast ($5-20)
The prime time to spend a day in Greenville is on Saturdays from May through October, when the Farmer’s Market is open. Located on Main Street, the Market hosts dozens of vendors selling fresh and local produce, baked goods, meats and cheeses, along with plants and handmade items such as woven baskets and soaps. You can enjoy a stroll through the bustling street, nibbling on a scone from Swamp Rabbit Cafe or sipping on a cold brew from Coffee Underground. It’s a chance to admire the bountiful fruits and veggies and buy yourself a flower bouquet if you really want to treat yourself.
If you’re in need of a more substantial breakfast (that would also make a great lunch), check out Sully’s Steamers, a bagel joint with dozens of yummy, made-to-order, filling sandwiches, including vegan and gluten-free options – they’re only $6 – $10 each. Plus, it is located on East Washington Street, just around the corner from the Farmer’s Market, making it the perfect post-browsing breakfast.
Liberty Bridge & Swamp Rabbit Trail (Free)
After fueling up, take a stroll over the iconic Liberty Bridge that stretches across Falls Park and the Reedy River, making sure to pause for a few Instagram-worthy photos with your friends. Walk through the park, taking in the lush scenery, and sit on the swinging benches scattered throughout. Look out for the Furman Women’s College sign, tucked back along the shady paths. Before moving to its current campus in 1961, Furman had separate campuses for men and women students, with the women’s campus located in present-day Downtown Greenville. Plus, the sign is near Medusa Tree, a twisty 70-foot American Beech that also makes for great photos.
If you’re up for a bigger adventure, bring your bike and pedal through a few miles of the Swamp Rabbit Trail. It runs right through downtown, and you could even start from our campus’ trail entrance on Swan Drive for a car-free trip.
Lunch ($8-15)
Grab a quick lunch at Papi’s Tacos, a locally-owned Mexican restaurant serving delicious tacos ($4 to $5 each), burrito bowls, tortas and more. Sit inside if you want to listen to the catchy Latino music, or snag a table outside and people-watch.
If you’re into bubble tea, you can go to O-CHA Tea Bar, which is next door to Papi’s. A 16-oz tea is only $3.70, making it an affordable yet delicious beverage to complement your meal.
Mice on Main (Free)
If you’re still up for more city exploration after lunch, try out the Mice on Main scavenger hunt: find the nine little mice statues sprinkled throughout downtown, discovering new corners of the city as you hunt. Better yet, make it a competition: split up into groups with your friends and see who can find all of them first. The winners should get ice cream from Spill the Beans afterwards (which, by the way, can be mixed with dozens of add-ins of your choice, such as strawberries, M&Ms, cookie dough and hot fudge).
Parking Tips
Greenville can be busy–especially on a Saturday during Farmer’s Market season. But don’t worry: if you can’t manage to snag a spot on the street, pull into the Riverplace Parking Garage. It is a dollar an hour, and is conveniently located near Papi’s Tacos and a short walk from Main Street.
Check Out Other Free Events
If you have already had your fair share of exploring Downtown Greenville and are looking for something new, check out visitgreenvillesc.com and click on their events calendar. They offer tons of free events such as outdoor movie nights and free yoga classes, and also have information about hikes and other nature adventures in the greater Greenville area.
