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The Premier Guide to Things to Do in Greer, SC: Downtown Fun, Tasty Food, & More

Posted on by Kidding Around Team | 4 Comments

Looking for things to do in Greer, SC? Greer, SC is the perfect place to live and play! Straddled between Spartanburg and Greenville, residents of Greer have the best of both counties right at their fingertips, plus all the things Greer has to offer! Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this city has a great downtown area, plus loads of unique restaurants, parks, and things to do.

Greer, SC Things to Do
Things to Do in Greer, SC
Best Places to Eat in Greer, SC
Where to Park in Greer, SC
Places to Stay in Greer, SC
Seasonal Fun in Greer, SC
What’s Happening this Weekend in Greer, SC?
The Best of Greer, SC

In this article, we’re taking you through Downtown Greer and beyond to show you why Greer, South Carolina is an amazing place to be!

You can explore Greer and walk beneath the glowing lights on Trade Street, grab some ice cream and stroll through Greer City Park in the heart of Downtown Greer, visit the surrounding area to enjoy some disc golf at local parks like Kids Planet, or travel north to enjoy some gorgeous views of the foothills. There are so many things to do in Greer, SC!

Greer tube man
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Do You Love Old Fashioned Christmas Charm? Head to Greer, SC

Posted on by Maria Bassett | 1 Comment

Looking for a small-town Christmas feel this year? Downtown Greer, SC offers up several events packed with old-fashioned Christmas Charm along its historic Trade Street. Read on for a list of Greer’s Christmas events with all the details and suggestions so you can make the most of your holiday time in Greer. 

Christmas events and things to do in Greer, SC, Christmas Greer SC

I love downtown Greer, really any time of the year. Trade Street has that lovely historic feel only enhanced by its charming recent renovation. Standing there, surrounded by old buildings and preserved historic signage, you can almost feel the slowness of days gone by.

Greenville SC Holiday Guide

But Christmas makes it all the more special. The lights are lit, the shops have all decked out for Christmas, and the sidewalks seem more alive as people explore the local shops and eateries. The City Park is full and bursting with Christmas cheer. My family is super excited to experience Christmas in downtown Greer again this year.

Watch Santa Light the Tree in Greer

What To Expect at the Greer Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Top of the list for Christmas in Greer is the Greer Christmas Tree Lighting on Friday, December 6th, 2024 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. This is a favorite for my family. If you’ve not been to Greer City Park during the Christmas season, you are missing out. They decorate the area with lots of white lights, and some colored light characters. The fountain is lit up and it’s just very pretty.

The tree lighting event includes free holiday craft stations, Smores benefiting Greer Relief, free train rides, and holiday performances at the amphitheater. The fun starts at 5 pm and lasts until Santa arrives at 7:15 to light the tree.

Santa reading at the Greer Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Trade Street Christmas

While you wait for the tree lighting, head over to Trade Street for a meal, a treat, or a cup of coffee. The lights stretched along the old buildings and spiraled up each street lamp are classic, simple, and beautiful. We just need a little snow to make it perfect….don’t worry that just might be in your not-too-distant future.

Parades in Greenville, SC and Upstate

Check out our Guide to Greer, SC, and the Trade Street section of our Restaurants in Greer, SC Guide to find the perfect local restaurant or coffee shop to visit.

Make sure to head back towards the Christmas Tree at the entrance to Greer City Park shortly after 7 pm. Santa usually arrives by sleigh around 7:15 pm to light up the tree.

If you were thinking all that old-fashioned, quaint Christmas talk sounded great, but would have really been over the top with a little sprinkle of snow. You might be in luck.

A little snow

In years past, the tree lighting included a little artificial snow falling off the sign that stretches across the park entrance behind the tree. Never have I seen so many people pressed underneath that sign, but it sure was fun. And of all the things my kids talk about, it’s not the music, or the tree, or Santa, or even cocoa, it’s that snow. Seriously, mid-July in shorts and tank tops, “Remember that’s where the snow came from, Mom!” Yep.

Greer Christmas Tree Lighting

Greer Famers Market Christmas Festival

The Greer Farmers Market Christmas Festival is Saturday, December 7th, 2024 and Sunday, December 8th from 10 am to 2 pm in Greer City Park. The Greer Christmas Festival will include, of course, shopping or unique gifts from local makers and small businesses. There will also be food trucks on site and live entertainment.

Of course, Trade Street isn’t going anywhere so you’ve got several weeks to enjoy it all dressed up for Christmas.

Greer Christmas Parade

One of the season’s best parades is the Greer, SC Christmas Parade on Sunday, December 8th, 2024 at 2:30 pm. The North Pole reports that Santa will be back in Greer in time for the parade. There are decorated parade floats, dance teams, marching bands, and more! The parade route is 1.1 miles beginning at Poinsett Street near The Clock restaurant and turns left at the United Bank, then travels down North Main Street and ends at Bonds Career Center. Enjoy the parade!

Greer Christmas Parade Santa

Greer Gingerbread House Competition

You’ll find a beautiful display of creativity at the Edward R. Driggers City of Greer Center for the Arts in Greer each December. You’ll find displays of various detail and theme, many adorable and some just outright spectacular.

  • Gingerbread Jamboree & Announcement of Winners
    Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024 at 7 pm at the Edward R. Driggers
    City of Greer Center for the Arts
  • Gingerbread Display (Public Viewing)
    December 3rd – 14th, 2024 during Gallery Hours
    Tuesdays 6-8 pm and Saturdays 10 am-2 pm
Greer gingerbread competition

Christmas in Greer, SC: Schedule of Event

Friday, December 6th, 2024
Greer Christmas Tree Lighting, 5 pm- 8 pm, City Park (Tree is lit up after Santa arrives at 7:15 pm, arrive earlier to enjoy Downtown Greer, holiday craft stations, vendors and more.)

Saturday, December 7th, 2024 and Sunday, December 8th from 10 am to 2 pm
Greer Christmas Festival

Sunday, December 8th, 2024 at 2:30 pm
Greer’s Christmas Parade

More Things to Do & Christmas Events in Greer, SC

Current Month

November

sat08nov11:00 amsat2:15 pmPictures with Santa! Mini SessionsSanta Experience Minis- Book Your Session11:00 am - 2:15 pm(GMT-05:00) Dionna Gemma Photography, 215-L West Wade Hampton Blvd, Greer, SCPrice:$225

December

fri05dec5:00 pmfri8:00 pmGreer Tree Lighting CeremonyGreer City Park5:00 pm - 8:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Greer City Park, 301 East Poinsett StreetPrice:Free; Food & Drink for purchase

sat06dec10:00 amsat2:00 pmGreer Farmers Market Christmas FestivalHoliday fun in Greer10:00 am - 2:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Greer City Park, 301 East Poinsett StreetPrice:Free

sun07dec10:00 amsun2:00 pmGreer Farmers Market Christmas FestivalHoliday fun in Greer10:00 am - 2:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Greer City Park, 301 East Poinsett StreetPrice:Free

sat13dec7:00 pmsat9:00 pmFoothill Philharmonic Christmas Pops Concert7:00 pm - 9:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Covenant Church, 1310 Old Spartanburg RoadPrice:Free

Does your family love Christmas in Greer as much as mine does?

There’s more to love in Downtown Greer!
Our Downtown Greer guide is full of information for visitors and residents, including things to do, shops, restaurants, events, and much more!

Music Lovers Are Heading to the Family-Friendly Albino Skunk Music Festival in Greer, South Carolina

Posted on by Kidding Around Team | No Comments

Albino Skunk Music Festival in Greer, South Carolina has attracted acts like The Avett Brothers. It happens twice a year on a farm in Greer, and if you haven’t been, you’re missing out. If you want to go, you’ll need to act fast! The fall Albino Skunk Music Festival is October 2-4, 2024! SpringSkunk gives music lovers a few months to plan for the May 7-10, 2025 event if you need a little more time to plan.

Find out what makes the weekend-long Albino Skunk Music Festival in Greer unique and why you’ll want to go to this family-friendly event, no matter what kind of music you prefer!

Fall photo op at Linda's in Hendersonville

There’s so much to do in the Fall in the Upstate! Be sure to check out our guide to Fall Things to Do Near Greenville, SC!

Planning on coming in from out of town for the festival? The Ultimate Visitors and Locals Guide to Greer, SC, can help you plan your trip!

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How Much Do You Know About Pelham Mill Park?

Have you visited Pelham Mill Park in Greer, SC? This park is both pretty and historical. Local mom, Liene, visited Pelham Mill Park and she’s sharing all about it what you’ll see when you visit.

For more park reviews, see our Parks in Greenville page.

This historic site in Greenville has somehow flown under the radar of the majority of locals, even those living and working nearby. However, with its old mill ruins, river shoals, and a couple of acres of bottomland forest, Pelham Mill Park could be considered one of the more interesting parks in Greenville County.

Pelham Mill Park

Quick Review of Pelham Mill Park

  • Plenty of Paved Parking
  • No restrooms on site
  • Dog park
  • No playground
  • Hiking trails (Be careful as they are not well marked, but the ones behind the dam are fairly easy. The trail in front of the dam we found to be harder to navigate and steeper.)
  • Overlook of historic dam
Pelham Mill Park

About Pelham Mill Park

Home to one of the first textile mills in Greenville County, there are scenic and historic elements that liken it to Falls Park downtown. The Upstate was largely shaped by the textile industry, and just as Falls Park contains the ruins of a grist mill, Pelham Mill Park contains the remnants of a cotton mill.

Evidence of a complex series of stone and brick foundations span the floodplain, shoals, and terrace that overlook the Enoree River. These ruins are accessible to visitors, though be warned – with steep, muddy footpaths, tall grass, and sometimes unfortunate litter & poison ivy, caution should be exercised when exploring the site.

The Greenville County Historic Preservation Commission donated the thirteen acres to Greenville County in 1988. Seven acres have been added through a partnership with Western Carolina Regional Sewer Authority.

The site is also home to the restored Pelham Mill Post Office. The building was built in 1870 as Pelham Mill’s office until the textile plant closed in 1930. It became a post office until it was closed in 1996, and when Highway 14 was widened in 2002 it was moved to its present location.

Exploring the Mill’s Dam

Other features of the park include a paved path leading to the historical 19th-century stonework dam. An overlook provides a view of the dam, architectural remains of the mill, and shoals on the Enoree River.

Crumbling walls, foundations and depressions give evidence to what used to stand on the site: two steam smokestacks, underground pipes, drains, turbines, nine brick pilings, the mill’s main powerhouse and steam generator, and finally the large mortared stone dam with six sluice gates spanning the Enoree River. The Mill burned down in 1943 (except for the mill office), as the only fire trucks available had to come all the way from Greenville and Greer.

Pelham Mill is recognized by the Greenville County Historic Preservation Commission as one of 11 historic sites in the County.

The Enoree River History

On a related note, the Enoree River served another important purpose a few hundred years earlier. In 1766 NC/SC negotiated a boundary with the Cherokee between ‘Indian land’ and their new settlement. This line extended from Honea Path across the Reedy River all the way to Virginia, but today there is nothing to remind us of this aspect of southern history except a few historic markers like the one nearby on Highway 14.

Plan a visit to Pelham Mill Park

2770 E Phillips Road
Greer, SC 29650
Visit the website Palham Mill Park

Have you explored Pelham Mill Park?

Enjoy the Peace of Lake Robinson in Greer

Posted on by Maria Bassett | 2 Comments

Have you visited Lake Robinson in Greer, SC? The J. Verne Smith Park offers gorgeous views of the lake and mountains in the distance. You can fish, boat, picnic, or just enjoy some quiet time at this park. Read on for the details.

Lake Robinson Greer, SC

Parks and playgrounds near Greenville, South Carolina

If you’re looking for more places to play, here are some of the best parks and playgrounds near Greenville, SC.

For more ideas of places to enjoy the outdoors in and near Greenville, see our page Things to Do Outside in Greenville.

Summer is here bringing forth all its outdoor adventures.  Playgrounds, games, and trips to the splash pads abound.  But if you’re looking for something a little quieter, a bit more nature and little less crowded, consider a visit to J. Verne Smith Park at the tip of Lake Robinson.

Lake Robinson is owned by Greer CPW and serves as an impoundment for drinking water.  It’s a popular lake for small boats and fishing, but the park area itself seems to be rarely populated with more than a handful of people.  It does not have playground facilities, yet with plenty of picnic sites, beautiful views and several small docks and a fishing pier to explore, this park should not be an overlooked outdoor destination.

Things to Do at J. Verne Smith Park

Lake Robinson is, in fact, one of my family’s favorite locations for a quiet picnic.  The park’s location has a million-dollar view, and is just steps from the parking lot.  This makes J. Verne Smith Park a uniquely easy destination for those with young children or mobility-impaired individuals to enjoy the beautiful views this foothills area can provide.  The park has many picnic tables and ample large shade trees where guests can spread picnic blankets facing the water.

Consider bringing some sidewalk chalk for after your picnic, as there are many paved walking areas to roam.  My children enjoy bringing sketching materials and watercolor pencils to try and draw bits of the view they are enjoying.  We like to bring books to read quietly or out loud together (this is a great place for us to do a bit of homeschool work outside the house).  And sometimes we bring Frisbees, balls, jacks, and other outside toys.  Tip: The park is on a hill, sloped towards the water.  It definitely won’t work as a soccer field, but is fine for young children tossing a ball back and forth.

The lake edge of the park is rimmed with large rocks (perfect for keeping a runaway ball from rolling into the water).  You cannot wade or swim here.  But you can walk the paved pathways, sit out on the small docks and watch the boats, or stroll out along the fishing pier and see what creatures you can spot in the water.  If you plan to fish, you’ll need to make sure you obtain the proper permit. You can obtain permits at Greer CPW Warden’s Office on-site.

You can even grab a cup of coffee at nearby Scandi Tiny!

Kid coloring next to lake

This park has a boat launch with plenty of parking, and is also a great place to put in kayaks or paddleboards. Our family loves to paddle here. You will need a permit from the warden’s office. They can be purchased for day use or annually.

Things to Know

Verne Smith has a large raised picnic shelter with a fantastic view, which can be rented from Greer CPW for $300 per day, and a smaller shelter area also with a nice view, that can be rented for $150 a day.

Restroom facilities are located at the larger shelter.

The park is open sunrise to sunset.  No skateboards, roller blades, or bikes are allowed on the walking paths, so it is best to leave those at home.

Park address: 2544 Mays Bridge Rd, Greer, SC 29651

Have you ever visited Lake Robinson?

Find Delicious Things to Eat at Restaurants in Greer, SC

Posted on by Maria Bassett |

Are you looking for restaurants in Greer, SC? Whether you’re looking for a restaurant to hold a business lunch or a casual place to bring the kids, Greer has lots of options. Check out this guide, organized by meal and category, to find the perfect restaurant! Did we miss your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

restaurants in Greer, SC
Breakfast in Greer
Lunch and Dinner in Greer, SC
Dessert in Greer
Trade Street Restaurants
Restaurants near the Greenville Spartanburg Airport
Restaurants on Wade Hampton Boulevard in Greer
Romantic Restaurants in Greer
Restaurants Best for Young Kids in Greer
Restaurants for Business Meetings
Budget-Friendly and Take-Out Options in Greer
Complete Restaurant Guide to Greenville, SC

Here are some of the best restaurants in Greenville, SC!

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Enjoy Craft Beer and Beautiful Food at The Southern Growl in Greer, SC

Posted on by Kidding Around Team | No Comments

Have you been to the Southern Growl and tried their delicious food or craft beer selection? The Southern Growl has grown from a little craft brew shop tucked away in a strip mall to a stand-alone force to be reckoned with in the Upstate. Not just for their craft brews, but with their weekly menu specials. Others have seen their success and tried to duplicate it, but The Southern Growl is GOAT. Find out why, when we “Grill” the folks at this Upstate Brewery!

The Southern Growl in Greer, South Carolina

Everyone can find a menu item to enjoy, even a vegan! The location off Wade Hampton in Greer has a lovely outdoor dining space, with an area for kids ( two and four-legged) to get their wiggles out while you enjoy your menu selection.

The Southern Growl in Greer, SC

Owner name: Matt Bowes

Do you have kids eat free night? No

Do you offer outdoor dining? Yes – Heated, Open Air

What makes your spot unique? The Southern Growl Beer Company’s facility is expansive, yet cozy with an oversized heated patio and enormous lawn. We pour from a huge selection of 70 taps, featuring 24+ beers brewed on our 10 bbl brewhouse, cocktails, wine, ciders, meads, and sodas. The food menu is concise, exceptionally executed, and changes frequently to highlight what we feel are the tastiest sandwiches of every season.

What dish is the most popular?
The weekly burger and chicken sandwich specials

What dish are you the proudest of?
Two things I’m most proud of are our in-house bakery making all our buns, loaves, crackers, and desserts fresh each day and our house-brewed IPAs, especially “Bury Me In Strata.” The name speaks truth and highlights my favorite hop, Strata.

It’s my first time at your restaurant, what do you suggest we order?
TSG Beertenders are seriously knowledgeable and we strive for excellence in all we do. Best advice: Talk to the Beertenders to help you find the perfect beer (or 4 beers with a flight) and sandwich to fit your mood.

Where do you love to eat when not at work?
That’s a tough choice as there are so many incredible eateries in the area. However, I most often find myself craving Pita House, Sweet Basil Thai Cuisine, La REATA Mexican Restaurant, Sully’s Steamers, and Yee-Haw Brewing Company is killing it right now too.

Gifting Options: Gift Cards

Food and owners of Southern Growl brewery and restaurant in Greer, SC

What Locals Are Saying About The Southern Growl

Southern Growl is an absolute gem! We frequent it as both a casual hangout and date night spot and it never disappoints. The staff is fabulous at recommendations (and everything really) and the ever-changing menu is superb. Plus there’s a beer for your every mood. Pro tip- the coffee caliente wings are amazing

Monica Pace Greene
Love The Southern Growl! Always an impressive beer selection. And the food is always delicious. We go there a lot! The Staff actually seems to love their jobs too!

Sam Chaffin

Yes!! Those coffee caliente wings are my favorite! My husband and I really like Southern Growl.

Maddie Pace

The southern growl is a go to for us. Their covid safety is still happening, which is rare to find these days. Their food is AMAZING, and their takeout growlers are awesome.

Kristen Pace

100% recommend! There is also a green space where kids can run around.

Kimberly Dawn
Sandwich and fries from Southern Growl in Greer, SC
Southern Growl | Vegan Seitan Wrap

Learn More About The Southern Growl

The Southern Growl
155 North Buncombe Rd, Greer | 864.655.7444

Complete Restaurant Guide to Greenville, SC

Find more delicious things to eat!

The Ultimate Guide to Restaurants in Greenville, SC and the Upstate

Hunting for Toads on Trade in Greer, SC

Posted on by Shannon Pruitt |

If you’ve never hunted for the Toads on Trade in Greer, SC, add it to your list of things to do. Inspired by Greenville’s Mice on Main, the downtown Greer scavenger hunt features 16 tiny toad statues tucked away on historic buildings. And if you’ve never ventured to find all 16 toads? We’ve got everything you need to know (including a short history lesson) before you go toad hunting.

Greer, SC Things to Do

For more fun, check out The Kidding Around Ultimate Visitors and Locals Guide to Greer, SC.

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Trapped in the Upstate: Beat The Clock In This Escape Room In Greer, SC

Posted on by Kidding Around |

Do you have what it takes to beat the clock at Trapped in the Upstate in Greer, SC? Will you figure out the puzzle or will you get trapped? Don’t worry. You’re not really trapped. But just to be sure, we visited to check out this escape room experience. Read our account of the spooky experience at Trapped In The Upstate. 

Robert's Relic Room
VooDoo Shack Room at Trapped In The Upstate

Thank you to Trapped In The Upstate Escape Room for providing complimentary admission for the purpose of this review. All opinions are those of the writer. 

What is an Escape Room? 

An Escape Room is a place where solving puzzles will lead you to clues that will lead to another puzzle until you’ve solved the mystery that creates the theme for the room. There’s usually an attendant watching players through a security camera, to help give you clues if you get stuck. They want you to succeed and are there to gently guide you to the clues you need to continue on and keep the fun going if you become frustrated.

You’re not really trapped, locked, or otherwise restricted to the room. You can leave to use the restroom or for any reason. Just remember, the clock doesn’t stop and you’ll have teammates counting on your help. Escape rooms are the perfect date night, team-building activity for co-workers, and birthday celebration activities for those impossible-to-please teens & tweens! The rooms come in all different themes depending on the venue.

At Trapped In The Upstate, Greer’s only escape room, they currently have six themes, including Saving Santa, The Legend of Lizzie, Asylum, The Cabin, and VooDoo Shack. Each room had a varying difficulty level, with most of the rooms lasting 60 minutes.

VooDoo Shack Escape Room at Trapped In The Upstate 

“Archeologist Robert Robertson ventured into a Voodoo Shack and was never seen again. His family believes that he has been cursed and his soul is being held by supernatural forces. Can you find Robert’s Relic and set his soul free…or is it too late?” -Trapped In The Upstate 

I feel like I have to tread carefully, so as to not give anything away that would spoil for readers that go (and you totally should). 

Waking up to the Roberts Relic Escape Room, sets the tone for what you are about to experience. The reclaimed wood panels and flickering gas lamps begin to transport you to the bayou and some undisclosed location where no one would hear your screams. Why are you even there? Budget Basement travel agent? Who knows? That’s not important anymore. Now you just have to figure out how you’re getting back home.

Solving the mystery of what happened to “Uncle Robert” is your only goal. That and doing it in 60 minutes or less, or before that voodoo priestess comes back to claim another victim. 

This room was a lot of fun, and I suggest you bring at least two other adults with you. The more eyeballs on things the better.

Clues For The Escape Rooms at Trapped In The Upstate

Without giving anything away, I can offer you these tips for your time in the rooms. 

  • Just assume that everything you see in the room is there for a reason. Clues could be staring you in the face, so take nothing for granted. 
  • Nothing will be higher than a short person could reach. If they didn’t supply you with a ladder, you won’t need one. Climbing on furniture won’t be necessary and is not approved by the Voodoo Priestess. 
  • If something won’t move if you try to push it lightly – it’s not meant to move. This isn’t a strong man contest. 
  • The resetting of the padlocks, as shown to you at the beginning is IMPERATIVE to remember. In your panic and hustle to enter possible combinations – you will forget to reset. So if you only take a few things away from reading this, let this be one of them. Push the padlock up and down 3 times to reset it.
  • Pay attention to the TV. There may be clues given to you on the screen when you need them.

The room is not super scary, but young children won’t be able to help solve the puzzles and may become a hindrance to others trying to solve the room. This is best suited for tween-age and older players. The Magician’s Parlor will be better suited for families and elementary-aged children.

Master Illusionist Room at Trapped in the Upstate
The Master Illusionist’s Parlor at Trapped In The Upstate

Trapped In The Upstate in Greer, SC 

You can book your visit to these six rooms:

Admission to Trapped in the Upstate:

  • 2 players – $43.99 per person 
  • 3 – 4 players – $33.99 per person 
  • 5+ players – $31.99 per person 

Trapped In The Upstate
556D Memorial Drive Extension, Greer | 864.416.1539

Escape Rooms near Greenville, SC

Looking for more escape rooms? We have a list of all the Escape Rooms in the Upstate and the unique experiences they offer. Check out Escape Rooms Near Greenville, SC.

Greenville Guides

Family Fun in Greenville, SC

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