Are you planning your next date night in Greenville, SC? If you’re looking for new ideas for places to go on a date and things to do, our readers have voted on their favorites as part of our 2025 KABOOM Awards. These are our readers’ top date night activities in Greenville, SC.
Top Date Night Activities in Greenville, SC (2026)
Hollowed Earth is a hands-on creative studio that turns date night into an experience worth remembering. Instead of the usual dinner-and-a-movie routine, couples are invited to slow down, get a little messy, and create something meaningful together. From wheel throwing to hand-building classes, Hollowed Earth offers guided pottery experiences that are welcoming to beginners and fun for all skill levels. The relaxed atmosphere encourages conversation, laughter, and connection—making it the perfect setting for first dates, anniversaries, or just a night out together.
Guests leave not only with memories, but with handmade pieces that serve as lasting reminders of time well spent. It’s intimate, creative, and refreshingly different—everything a great date night should be. Hollowed Earth is more than a studio—it’s a place where connection happens naturally. Its hands-on classes make it an ideal date night spot for couples looking to unplug and spend quality time together. Creating together fosters conversation and creativity, all within a welcoming space. The result is an experience that feels both intimate and fun, leaving couples with meaningful keepsakes and a unique, shared memory.
Roper Mountain is the place to bring your families for a hands-on and engaging experience whether it’s during the school year for field trips or during the summer for Summer Adventure and Summer Camps. Just ask other families in the area about their experiences and you’ll see why Roper Mountain continues to be a “must-see” experience in the upstate and beyond.
The beautiful 62-acre campus contains an array of state-of-the-art educational facilities including a Planetarium and Observatory, Marine and Ecology labs, a Rainforest, a Living History Farm, Dinosaur Adventure trail and a new Environmental Science and Sustainability Center.
Families can attend numerous events throughout the year including Friday Starry Nights, Afternoon Explorations, Summer Adventure, Laser Days of Summer, Summer Exploration Camps, and seasonal holiday laser shows. Regardless of age, you’ll surely find a plethora of engaging activities and fun for everyone to enjoy.
BridgeWay Station is a vibrant, all-ages destination for families, friends, and fun — and we’re thrilled to be named Best Date Night Activity by Kidding Around SC! This immersive town center blends stunning architecture with a lively culinary and lifestyle scene, anchored by 12 locally owned eateries.
Whether it’s grabbing a beer and playing pinball bowling at the brewery, enjoying an upscale dinner at Tavola, Rotie by Stella’s, or Restaurant Rocco, dancing the night away at salsa night on Cabanas’ rooftop, or savoring a late-night dessert and glass of champagne at Old Europe Desserts — there’s always something in store for a memorable date night here.
Visitors can explore diverse dining, shop local boutiques, hit the gym or nail salon, and even work or live right on site — all in a seamlessly integrated community setting. With a year-round lineup of farmers markets, live music, and family events, BridgeWay Station has quickly become one of Upstate South Carolina’s favorite places to dine, shop, work, live, play, and relax.
Looking for things to do for a romantic date in Greenville, SC? Here’s our list of the 14 most romantic dates in Greenville! We’ve included date ideas that all couples will love. We also asked our readers for their thoughts and included reader-recommended ideas for great dates in Greenville.
Want to plan a romantic date, but you’re not sure where to start? Start here! Relax, take a look at these ideas, and plan a great date for your significant other for Valentine’s Day or another special date in the near future.
Top Ideas for a Romantic Date Night: Greenville, SC
Romantic Dining in Greenville
To go with an obvious first choice, lovebirds can gaze at each other over an indulgent meal at a romantic restaurant and enjoy a memorable evening together.
Looking for something a little different, don’t miss our new list of Locally Sourced Restaurants in Greenville! Their menus will surely have something a little different, perfect for a special night out.
If dining in is not for you, many restaurants have expanded their options for dining to include some combination of dining room seating (with and/or without reservations), outdoor seating, take-out, contact-free curbside delivery, and/or home delivery.
Usually our date nights are centered around a special occasion. We like Saskatoon Fish and Wild Game and The Melting Pot for dinner. Both places make you slow down and enjoy the evening. You don’t feel rushed or crowded. Saskatoon requires a reservation most weekend nights.
Amanda
Giovanni’s Italian Restaurant on Woodruff Rd. Authentic and delish! Get there early for seats…but if not, it really is worth the wait!
Meredith
Our go-to restaurant for date night is Jianna in Downtown Greenville. The food is fantastic, and the vibe of the restaurant is relaxed but still upscale.
Erin
Musical Journey: Romance Through Music
Greenville Symphony Orchestra
If you’ve never attended a Greenville Symphony Orchestra performance, you are in for a treat! One time is all it takes to be hooked. During the current season, GSO will carry you beyond your expectations.
Go ahead, soar away with your partner into the magic of live classical music.
The full schedule is listed below, with most tickets beginning at $20.
You don’t need to go far to have a romantic overnight stay at Hotel Hartness in Greenville. Not only does Hotel Harness have luxurious guest room, Patterson Kitchen + Bar, and fabulous accommodations, they also have an on site spa, Spa H, where you can enjoy a relaxing getaway for two. With their package deals, you can book a Spa Day Package or a Stay and Dine Package.
Hotel Hartness 120 Halston Avenue, Greenville 864.686.8900
Hotel Hartness
The Red Horse Inn
If you can convince grandma to take the kids for a couple of nights or find an awesome babysitter, drive just 40 minutes north to Landrum for a cozy bed-and-breakfast experience at The Red Horse Inn. The Inn can customize your experience to include a romantic dozen roses, champagne, and chocolate-covered strawberries.
If you are looking for additional places to travel near Greenville, be sure to check out our list of great day trip ideas for couples.
Cooking Class
Kill two birds with one stone by going to a cooking class – do something fun with your loved one and eat tasty food. The Truist Culinary & Hospitality Culinary Center offers lots of options for cooking and baking classes.
Reconnect over a waffle cone and your favorite ice cream by heading to Spill the Beans in downtown Greenville. Stroll across Liberty Bridge, admire the falls hand-in-hand, and take the time to enjoy your treat and the time spent with your loved one. Don’t forget the hat and gloves if it’s chilly!
Spill the Beans 531 South Main Street, Greenville | 864.242.6355
Bring out your inner child as you spend time with mini-golf, ping pong, curling, or even axe throwing. You can do all that and more at Group Therapy, an indoor playground for grown-ups. Find out more about this unique date night spot: Group Therapy Indoor Playground in Greenville, SC.
If there was ever a year in which couples feel the need to blow off some steam, this is it! Kick, smash, and jump your stress away together. We’ve put together this list of stress-busting date ideas to help you to get a little physical and just let go.
Paint and Sip
There’s something about drinking wine and painting that frees the mind from the pressures of the world. Sharing that experience with your beloved is a great way to enjoy each other and maybe even learn that your partner has some serious art skills – or maybe it just looks that way thanks to the vino. Here are several places to paint and sip.
Vino & Van Gogh 1818 August Street, Suite 112, Greenville | 864.434.3054
Hot air balloon ride
Major props for the man who surprises his girlfriend/wife with a hot air balloon ride since it seems like something that only happens in movies. But hey, it could be a reality in Greenville, too, with Carolina Balloon Fantasies, which operates out of Anderson. We took a ride with them and it was just incredible. Plus, it is certainly an unforgettable and romantic adventure to share with your loved one (and Instagram)!
Hey ladies, your knight in shining armor waits to take you on a romantic trail ride. At the same time, men don’t have to dress up as knights (if they do, it wasn’t my idea…), a romantic ride with your loved one on a well-trained horse at Black Horse Run is a break from the ordinary.
The Upstate has so many gorgeous places, and exploring on horseback is a great way to see them and revel in that necessary couple of time together.
Black Horse Run 2245 Fair View Road, Fountain Inn | 864.505.7920
Culinary Tour
When it comes to sampling Greenville’s culinary delights, there is no equal to John Nolan at Greenville History Tours. His Chef’s Table Culinary Tour is quite possibly one of the coolest date ideas in town. Guests go to five restaurants in downtown Greenville, get VIP treatment with small plates and a drink at each location, and learn about the city’s fascinating history.
Every Friday night is date night at Color Clay Cafe from 5-7 pm. An adult couple can paint two pieces for a combined studio fee of $6 (plus whatever your piece costs). Reservations are required, so make sure you book ahead!
Color Clay Cafe 2518 East North Street, Greenville | 864.244.3445
Hollowed Earth Pottery
Sign up for an introduction class together and learn how to throw on a pottery wheel. It’s tons of fun! Hollowed Earth Pottery is located in Hampton Station.
Hollowed Earth Pottery Class
Hollowed Earth 1320 Hampton Avenue, Extension Bay 7, Greenville
Sunset Cruise at Lake Joccassee
Book two to three hours of quiet with a pontoon ride tour of the waterfalls of Lake Jocassee completed with sunset. Want even more beauty? You can also book a full moon tour. Jocasse Lake Tours does tours all year long!
You will laugh so hard that you are crying at Alchemy Comedy at Coffee Underground in downtown Greenville. These comedians are absolutely hilarious as they perform improv. Grab dinner at any of the great downtown restaurants and you’ve got a unique and memorable date night.
Reader-Recommended Romantic Date Night: Greenville, SC
Bonus! We asked our readers for fun and romantic date ideas and they, as usual, had some fantastic suggestions.
Falls Park in Downtown Greenville
Explore the Downtown Areas of the Upstate
The local downtown areas are walkable with great restaurants, shopping, and more. Enjoy golf? Grab dinner in downtown Travelers Rest and then visit the driving range right across from Farmhouse Taco. If books are more your thing, browse M. Judson Booksellers in downtown Greenville.
Our Guide to Greer has restaurant recommendations located in the totally walkable and recently renovated historic downtown.
I love walking around downtown Greenville checking out whatever shops and cafes catch my eye.
Downtown Greer, Downtown Spartanburg and Main Street in Traveler’s Rest also are awesome spots.
The Greenville scene loves Axe Throwing. Our readers recommend it as a great date night. You can try your hand at some ax throwing at Group Therapy and Craft Axe Throwing.
There are usually several venues that regularly offer Parents’ Night Out Events in the Greenville area where your kids will have fun and you can enjoy your night out.
If you need childcare for a romantic date night, Greenville, SC has Drop-In childcare facilities like Giggles Drop-In if you need care during the day!
Want a date and stress-busting activity all at the same time? Sometimes we need physical ways to get out pent-up frustration and stress. And doing that with our significant other could be fun. Here are some Greenville date ideas that are great for busting stress and relieving frustration.
Numerous studies point to pent up anger, stress, and frustration leading to physical problems like depression, gastrointestinal issues, headaches, insomnia, and aches and pains in joints. For me, exercise is a huge help in dealing with stress, but I also like more enjoyable physical activities. I’ve done everything in this list except for the last one!
I think these would be awesome date night activities as well since you can bond with your significant other while smashing a car or throwing a few punches at a bag. If you want more normal date night activities, we do have a big list of date night ideas in Greenville, SC!
Mad Smash
You can quite literally smash up a car or take swings at glass, plates, or anything else that can be destroyed with a bat or golf club. It feels really, really good to do this. Mad Smash is by appointment only.
250 Mill Street, 2nd Floor, Taylors
Axe Throwing
Grabbing an axe and chucking it at a target is a fantastic stress reliever. Craft Axe Throwing and Group Therapyare local places where you can do just that.
Kickboxing
While kickboxing is an awesome workout, it’s also a great way to release frustration. Mad about work? Punch that bag. Stressed about your kids and school? Kick the bag. Just irritated in general? Let. It. Out. For kickboxing here in Greenville, try 9Round. They have multiple locations around town.
Spinning
Spinning is basically biking except on a stationary bike that you can adjust to different levels to make your ride harder or easier. These bikes aren’t from the 80s. They’re slick, durable, and deliver a great sweat session. Bring your partner, water, a towel, and get spinning. You’ll feel awesome afterwards (if you can stand up). CycleBar® offers spinning lessons here in town.
307 East McBee Ave, Suite B, Greenville
Jump Around
While you’re not necessarily hitting things or trying to seriously tire out your body, you’ll definitely have the opportunity to feel like a carefree kid at a trampoline park. It makes for a fun date, jumping around, doing flips or swinging off a trapeze bar if you’re really adventurous. Here’s a list oftrampoline parks in Greenville.
Sky Diving
This is the only thing on this list I haven’t done personally. And I won’t. But one of our writers who has gone skydiving suggested it. I imagine it’s because when you’re about to jump out of a perfectly good airplane by your own free will, you are literally thinking of nothing else and just letting the adrenaline take over. Good luck.
If you are interested in attending a game with Swamp Rabbits hockey, Greenville, SC fans make it worth it! It’s electrifying! The team is always great entertainment, especially Stomper’s antics, and the fans make the experience even more memorable. We have all the details about the current season, in addition to special offerings from the Swamp Rabbits, including themed home game nights.
Swamp Rabbits Hockey Greenville, SC Homestand Events
Nothing beats a themed night! The Swamp Rabbits host several themed nights throughout the season that are unique. These events offer special giveaways and epic happenings on the ice during intermissions. Coming up for the 2025/2026 themed home game nights include:
2026 Greenville Swamp Rabbits Themed Nights
NASCAR Night Saturday, January 24, 2026 – vs. Orlando Solar Bears Celebrate NASCAR with racing-themed activities and a chance to win exciting prizes.
Stick it to Cancer Night Friday, February 13, 2026 – vs. Orlando Solar Bears Honoring those affected by cancer, with special fundraising and awareness efforts throughout the night.
Stomper’s Birthday Sunday, February 15, 2026 – vs. Orlando Solar Bears Celebrate the team mascot Stomper’s birthday with games, giveaways, and special events for kids.
Military Appreciation Night Saturday, February 21, 2026 – vs. Orlando Solar Bears A tribute to military personnel and veterans, featuring on-ice ceremonies and recognition.
Hockey & Hops Thursday, April 2, 2026 – vs. Orlando Solar Bears An adult-focused night with craft beer, food, and hockey action.
Fan Appreciation Day Saturday, April 11, 2026 – vs. Orlando Solar Bears A special event to thank fans with giveaways, entertainment, and post-game activities.
Hockey for Her Sunday, April 12, 2026 – vs. Orlando Solar Bears Celebrating women in hockey and the community, with special programming and giveaways.
The 2025/2026 Greenville Swamp Rabbits Full Season
The Swamp Rabbits will play dozens of home games this season at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Tickets start around $41 for most games, with season tickets and group tickets available. You can view and purchase tickets for the 2025/2026 season on the Greenville Swamp Rabbits ticketmaster site. October 17th, 2025 is the opening night!
Things to Remember Before a Swamp Rabbits Game
The Bon Secours Wellness Arena has a clear bag policy.
Arriving early to the game is a good idea so you can grab any food, drinks, or participate in any pregame activities before finding your seat.
Parking in the parking garages can cause a headache at the end of the game. We recommend uses the lots around the arena, or parking in a garage a little further out to avoid the gridlock. You can find lots in our Guide to Parking in Downtown Greenville.
Younger kids will benefit from headphones, as the arena (and the fans) can get loud.
Be prepared to end up on the big camera! Just in case. The arena cameraman regularly surfs the crowd during intermissions.
Have fun! Even if you have never been to a hockey game, it is a lot of fun. You’ll be a fan by the end of the night.
Get ready to celebrate with everyone’s favorite furry friend! The Greenville Swamp Rabbits are throwing a big bash on February 15, 2026, as Stomper’s Birthday, presented by Big Air Trampoline Park hops into Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Fans of all ages are invited to cheer on the team and join in the mascot mayhem as Stomper turns ten— complete with his mascot friends, fun antics on the ice, and post-game birthday festivities including cake at Hall of Fame Sports Grill. It’s a family-friendly afternoon packed with laughs, celebrations, and Swamp Rabbits spirit!
Have you seen the Greenville Swamp Rabbits in action? What was your favorite part of the game?
If you need date night ideas, Greenville, SC has some of the most fun and romantic options!
Whether you’re planning a date night for a special day or just want to go out for an evening away from the kids, Kidding Around can help with some great date ideas & reader recommendations.
Looking for something romantic to do for your next date in Greenville? We collected ideas and thoughts from our readers and came up with 14+ perfect romantic date options in Greenville for you!
Sometimes we need some physical ways to get out pent-up frustration and stress, right? And maybe doing that with our significant other could be fun. This list of stress-busting dates in Greenville has some ideas for working out some of that stress and frustration together.
Planning an outing for a special occasion? These unique date ideas are all within two hours of Greenville, so you can get a babysitter for the day or ask Grandma to come over and spend the day with the kids and head out on an adventure with your date. Our suggestions include spotting blue ghost fireflies, a brewery tour, places to kayak, and a lot more!
Sometimes when you have a little baby, you need to bring them along on your date night. Maybe the baby doesn’t take a bottle well, or maybe you’d just rather not leave your little one with a sitter. Regardless of the reason these Greenville date ideas will work splendidly with a baby along.
Restaurants in Greenville for Date Night
Restaurants are a traditional date night choice. We have some interesting ideas for you from locally sourced restaurants to places with live music, and even a gourmet culinary tour.
Old Soul Treehouse: This treehouse on Lake Greenwood in Waterloo, SC is completely stunning and the perfect place for a romantic getaway!
Watch! Our visit to Old Soul Treehouse
Planning a weekend away from the house with your significant other? There are some great Bed and Breakfasts Near Greenville that might be just what you are looking for!
Or maybe you want to plan a trip to nearby Asheville, NC, in which case you should check out our Visitor’s Guide to Asheville, NC. You’ll find ideas for things to do and great restaurants.
Seasonal Date Night Ideas: Greenville, SC
No matter the season, there’s something interesting going on in Greenville. The same is true for date night ideas. Check out these lists of date night things to do when you’re looking for something unique.
Are you looking for an idea for your next date night in Spartanburg, SC? We’ve identified some of the most romantic dates in town. The various date options on this list make it possible for Spartanburg couples to enjoy a variety of dates year-round.
Spartanburg’s Most Romantic Dates
Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, and the pressure is on to make the day extra special. Have no fear! You can plan a romantic evening with your love right here in town, no matter your budget. And even better, you can go on dates any time of year, not just Valentine’s Day.
Local Restaurants in Spartanburg are Perfect for Date Nights
Spartanburg has several amazing restaurants that offer delicious meals and date night atmospheres. Depending on your tastes and your budget, here are some of the most popular date night restaurants in Spartanburg.
There are so many [date night options]! City Range has a beautiful fireplace to help set the ambiance. The Kennedy provides a unique chef’s table experience. Longhorn has a killer steak with a fun atmosphere. Renato’s is fabulous for authentic Italian.
Dodi
The Peddler Steakhouse for a nice relaxed dinner.
Deysi
Take It to the Roof
In addition to the popular restaurants listed above, Spartanburg also has a few rooftop dining options for couples. At Bar 1884, you can enjoy a bite to eat, a beverage, and each other’s company under the stars.
Level 10 on top of the AC Hotel has amazing food options and views of the city. If you want an ultra-romantic date, you can reserve the sunset deck for private dining.
Enjoy a Picnic
If you would rather avoid the restaurant scene and save some money, you can always pack a picnic and enjoy it at one of the lovely parks in the area. I suggest Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve or Milliken Arboretum.
Embrace the Arts
Fan of the movie Ghost? You can take a pottery wheel class at Hearts of Clay. They offer various pottery and adult painting classes all year long.
Have Some Drinks
For those wanting to skip a big meal, you can easily plan a romantic date with just drinks in downtown Spartanburg. Coffee fans will love the atmosphere of Little River Coffee Bar. You can enjoy coffee and baked goods and then peruse the bookstore. That sounds like a dream date to me!
If you are a wine lover, Bond Street Wines downtown offers wine flights and serves wine by the glass. Is beer is more your style? Downtown Spartanburg has several great options for you, such as RJ Rockers, Ciclops Cyderi & Brewery, and Holliday Brewing.
Get A Little Sporty
If your idea of romance involves more play and less googly eyes across a dinner table, then you’ll love playing Sparkle City Mini Putt (for free!) or bowling a few strikes at UnderPin Lanes ‘N Lounge. Another downtown hangout, Fr8 Yard, offers a huge screen for viewing sports, cornhole, ping pong, and fire pits. If you feel the need for speed, Speed Factory Indoor Karting is a great place to get an adrenaline rush together.
For my husband’s birthday, we ate lunch at Sidewall Pizza, then bowled at UnderPin Lanes & finished up with a beer at Growler Haus.
Tara
Underpin was really fun!
Rachel
Worth a Drive to Greenville
Greenville has a lot of great date night options, but many of the things you might travel to Greenville for, you can also enjoy in Spartanburg. However, Spartanburg does not have The Chef’s Table Culinary Tour. For the foodies, this is a dream date option that takes couples on a walking tour to enjoy some of the best restaurants in Greenville.
Splurge Ideas
If you want to go all out and plan a super romantic date, you don’t have to travel far. Landrum offers several romantic date possibilities. It’s home to the amazing Red Horse Inn, as well as the pick-up location for limousine wine tours that takes you to various wineries right over the North Carolina border.
Do you have a date night idea to add to our list? Share it in the comments.
Ever heard of Underpin bowling in Spartanburg? Think bowling in Spartanburg sounds like a good family fun night? Perhaps you’ve been blessed with a rare night away from the kids and have no idea where to head once the babysitter takes over. Underpin Lanes ‘N Lounge in downtown Spartanburg is perfect for both occasions.
Spartanburg’s downtown is coming into its own, and we couldn’t be more excited. Until recently, to spend time in an upscale bowling alley you’d have to travel to a larger city like Atlanta. Several years ago Greenville got their own boutique bowling alley in the form of Stone Pin Company.
Now, one of the Co-owners of Stone Pin has been brought on board to bring that same kind of entertainment to the people of Spartanburg.
Not your typical bowling alley, UnderPin is intimately sized with just 8 lanes. This can be helpful to keep the noise level down when you’re enjoying a date night or if you have a child with sensory issues. Even though the alley itself is small, the lanes are regulation size.
The other feature that sets them apart from a typical alley is their menu. Don’t worry; they have all the things you might expect at a bowling alley in the way of food. But, things like nachos and quesadillas are elevated to a whole new level with the use of ingredients like brisket and pork belly. The menu includes burgers, wraps, salads, and a kids menu.
What Readers Are Saying About Underpin
Everybody who visits the alley seems to love it!
We’ve been, great food and atmosphere. Can’t wait to go back.
Karen M.
Super Friendly staff and really cute décor. It is pretty small inside and I’m not sure how I felt about the pins being in wires butttt overall I had a really great experience there.
Morgan W.
Things to Know When You Visit Underpin
If you are planning on making a visit, here’s the info you’ll need to know.
Reservations are only allowed for large parties and private events. If you are thinking of having a large group of friends join you, the alley has a nice semi-private area where your group can hang out with their own lanes. All other guests have first-come, first-serve access to the lanes.
Lanes are rented out by the hour, and those super chic shoes will cost you $4 to borrow. A lane accommodates up to 6 players. Playing on a Friday or Saturday night from 5 pm – 10 pm will cost you more than any other time of the week. The peak rate for those times is $40 per hour on a lane. The rest of the time, lanes are $24 an hour.
Ready for a Christmas date night with your love? Date night this time of year has a little extra magic involved. With Twinkly lights, holiday music, and some unique events to attend, sneaking away for a date night is worth it. We’ve come up with some great ideas to make that special night even more memorable during this time of the year.
For even more holiday fun, don’t miss the Ultimate Holiday Guide to Greenville, SC. It’s packed full of things to do, gift ideas, events, and more!
🌟 Looking for a creative date-day idea or a local experience in Greenville, SC? At The Chef’s Table from Greenville History & Culinary Tours offers an unforgettable way to explore Greenville through delicious food and interesting history.
I’ve lived in Greenville my whole life, and I thought I knew every nook and cranny of downtown Greenville. That is, until I took one of Greenville’s history tours, At The Chef’s Table, with John Nolan. This 2.5-hour walking tour blended the rich history of downtown Greenville with some of downtown’s most delicious restaurants.
It turned out to be one of the best date days my husband and I have ever had! It’s easy, fun, and absolutely delicious, the kind of food tour that will make anyone, from lifelong Greenvillians to first-time visitors, fall in love with the city. We loved the Saturday afternoon tour, but John also offers an At the Chef’s Table Tuesday Night tour as well!
The Storyteller Guiding Greenville’s History Tours
Local author and historian John Nolan has combined two of his greatest passions, Greenville’s rich history and booming culinary industry, into one unforgettable experience. His At the Chef’s Table tour takes guests on a walking culinary adventure through some of downtown Greenville’s best restaurants, complete with fascinating stories, historic photos, and relaxed conversation. After over 18 years of providing historic tours of Greenville, John has gotten really good at his job!
Greenville’s food scene has absolutely taken off in recent years. The city is now home to talented, creative chefs who blend local and international flavors to craft dishes that are as memorable as the stories behind them. All of the stops on the tour feature Table 301 restaurants, known for shaping Greenville’s modern dining culture with innovation and heart. John has created something special and unique, really showcasing how wonderful downtown Greenville is. It’s really interesting to think about the massive transformation the area has gone through in a little over a century.
At The Chef’s Table Tour: A Bite-Sized Preview
Dining at The Lazy Goat
The Lazy Goat: Mediterranean Flavors to Start
Our first stop was The Lazy Goat, and from the moment we walked in, we felt like VIPs. The sous chef personally introduced the menu, describing how each course had been curated just for our group; many items weren’t even on the regular menu.
We started with tender lamb served with harissa sauce, creamy goat cheese, and a perfectly paired wine (I don’t drink wine often, but I trust that the flavors melded well). Then came one of Lazy Goat’s signature dishes: fried goat cheese balls with pistachio. Crispy, tangy, and melt-in-your-mouth perfect, these were so good! The staff shared how the restaurant takes inspiration from Mediterranean flavors with the idea that the flavors are meant to heighten one another. When Kristina went on the tour a couple of years back, her experience had her asking for “Just. One. More. Bite. My eyes were fighting with my full stomach as I stared down the dark chocolate tart at The Lazy Goat.”
It was the perfect way to begin our Greenville culinary experience. We learned about the various clocks that line the wall of The Lazy Goat behind our table, and were reminded to take the time to enjoy the our meal and the people we are sharing it with.
Strolling Through History on the Riverwalk
Between restaurants, John guided us on short, easy walks through downtown Greenville, pointing out pieces of history you’d probably miss on your own. We learned about the original Duke’s Mayonnaise plant, an old cigar factory, and how the area along the Reedy River once had train tracks running right through what’s now the Riverwalk, where artist studios and the Swamp Rabbit Trail collide.
He brought a binder along full of old photos and stories that made it feel like we were walking through time. I have lived in the Greenville area my entire life, and I learned things I’d never heard before, which made me appreciate Greenville’s growth even more. This part of the Greenville history tour made the day feel just as enriching as it was delicious, and John snuck in little tidbits of knowledge throughout each stop of the tour.
Entrance at Soby’s
Soby’s: A Taste of Transformation
Next up was Soby’s New South Cuisine, a literal Greenville staple. One of the most interesting parts about how Soby’s came to be is how many times the building transformed over the past century (I’ll let John tell you more about that). Now, Soby’s is one of Greenville’s top restaurants. Table 301’s vision to revitalize the building that houses Soby’s helped spark downtown’s culinary revival, beginning in the 1990’s, and it’s easy to see why.
Here, we were served one of our favorite dishes on the tour, which included a Southwestern-inspired breakfast dish with the softest short rib and a yummy runny egg; it was so savory! The meal was paired perfectly with the sommelier’s chosen wine. The chef came out to tell us about the ingredients and inspiration, and it was fun learning about why he chose the flavors he did. Our seat at Soby’s was right near the kitchen, so we could sneak a peek at what was going on behind the scenes while we ate.
Shrimp and Grits from Nose Dive
Take a Nose Dive into Elevated Southern Food
A short stroll later, we found ourselves at Nose Dive, where comfort food meets creativity. We were served a true Southern classic, but with a twist. Shrimp and grits, but with a rich, savory gravy that had my mouth watering a little when they sat in on the table in front of me. We had little mini mimosas on the side, one of Nose Dive’s specialties!
While we ate, John pointed out nearby architecture and how the building transformed into what it is today, and how you can still find some of the original building’s massive cabinetry right across the street. It was the perfect blend of storytelling and dining, exactly what makes this Greenville culinary tour such a unique way to see the city.
Dessert at CAMP
CAMP – A Sweet Finish
Of course, my favorite meal was the dessert to end our tour. Every good meal deserves a grand finale, and CAMP delivered. For one thing, CAMP is so gorgeous and modern inside. It just felt so cozy, which I feel like is a very hard combination to achieve, but they did it! We were seated near the kitchen entrance and immediately greeted by the pastry chef. They served us the most delicious warm apple tart topped with apple sorbet and crumble. It was the perfect balance of tart, sweet, and cozy. Between the flavors and the friendly atmosphere, it felt like the perfect ending to a wonderful afternoon. Plus, John even mentioned that CAMP may be one of his favorites. Adding it to the future date night list!
Why At the Chef’s Table Stands Out
What makes At the Chef’s Table special is how personal it feels. Each restaurant welcomed us so warmly and treated John like they were old friends (which I am sure they truly are). The chefs and staff took time to share their stories and inspirations. Then, John tied it all together with the history that shaped Greenville into the food city it is today.
We had a great time conversing with the other couple we were dining with, enjoyed thoughtful wine pairings and a specialty cocktail, and felt like we were seeing Greenville through a whole new perspective. Nothing felt forced, it was truly inviting. It’s easy to understand why over 25,000 guests have taken this tour, and why many do it more than once. Every restaurant’s menu is curated just for your tour, often with off-menu dishes. Plus, John regularly refreshes the restaurants, so if you try it out another time in the future, you may get a totally new experience altogether.
It’s a great time, whether you’re a local looking for a fun date or unique gift experience, a newcomer eager to learn about Greenville’s culture and flavors, or a visitor wanting to taste the best of the city in one afternoon.
Kristina also said that the tours are “perfect for date nights or getting together with friends. It doesn’t matter if you are a local or just visiting Greenville – you will enjoy this and learn just a little more about this wonderful place.”
Know Before You Go
At The Chef’s Table has both a Tuesday night option and a Saturday afternoon option. Both are great for a date night, or would make a fantastic gift to a family member or friend who loves food and culture. For the At the Chef’s Table tour, you should know:
Duration: About 2.5 hours
Walking Distance: Just a few blocks — easy and accessible
Stops: Four top downtown restaurants
Includes: Food tastings, wine pairings, one specialty cocktail, and water
Can accommodate food allergies and special dietary needs if given a heads up.
Cost: Around $79 per person for the Saturday Afternoon tour
More Tour Options with Greenville History & Culinary Tours
John has a van! And he is ready to take you on a food and history adventure throughout Greenville. Aside from At the Chef’s Table, John also offers a couple of other tours you may want to check out that range from $49 – $79 per person. Culinary tours include:
If you’re looking to learn more about Greenville’s history, John also offers shorter tours that are primarily history-based, but he is really good at making things interesting. These include a Falls Park Walking Tour, Historic Neighborhoods driving tour, Photographic Journey of Old Greenville, just to name a few. These tours start around $25.
Give the Ultimate Experience Gift
Want to gift a tour as a gift, but not sure what will fit? You can get a gift card, so that whoever you’re looking to surprise with an amazing experience gift can choose which tour they would enjoy most! I highly recommend this experience as the ultimate gift for the foodie in your life; I have no doubt that they will love it.
Where can you splatter paint on a canvas, throw glow-in-the-dark paint against a wall, custom paint your own shoes, or even decorate a cake? At the brand new Color Me Greenville in Greenville, SC! We tried it out and have all the fun details.
Thanks to Color Me Greenville for having us out so we could write this review!
Color Me Greenville is a brand new business located minutes from downtown Greenville, SC and is the city’s only dedicated splatter paint place – regular paint and glow-in-the-dark paint. My daughters (ages 11 and 14) absolutely loved our time there. The owners are so lovely and the entire concept is fun and whimsical and something you will for sure want to do again.
Glow-in-the-Dark splatter painting
About Color Me Greenville
When Susan McMakin and her husband tried splatter painting in North Carolina years ago, they thought it was awesome and in the back of their mind, considered it may be a cool idea for Greenville. They then tried similar spots in Georgia and decided to start up a dedicated place where people could come and throw paint on a canvas for fun in Greenville. But since Susan is a baker and cake decorator – she owns Couture Cakes, who I’m sure you’ve heard of – she wanted to also add in cake and cupcake decorating as an option so Color Me Greenville was born.
The shop is run by Susan and her daughter, Eleanor, a senior at the University of South Carolina and a creative entrepreneur. Between the two of them, they’ve managed to put together quite an awesome venue off of N. Pleasantburg Drive in Greenville that is completely worth the trip.
The place is fantastic for a group party, birthday, date night, or just a fun family outing.
Splatter Painting
If you’ve never done splatter painting or have any idea what I’m talking about or cannot even draw a stick figure, don’t worry, you’ll do just fine at Color Me Greenville. It’s more about the experience than the finished art (even though the canvases of my daughters turned out absolutely amazing) and the experience is certainly worthy of a wow factor.
Splatter painting is just like it sounds: you literally throw paint at the canvas. You can also shoot it out of a water gun. Or you can use a paintbrush if you like. Or you can use a squishy ball and slingshot. Whatever you choose, I promise you’ll have an absolute blast doing it.
Color Me Greenville splatter painting
We did both the regular splatter painting and the glow-in-the-dark splatter painting, which I’ll get to in a minute. For the regular splatter painting, we wore ponchos and booties for our shoes, gloves, and protective eyewear, which I promptly forgot to put on my eyes and which remained on my head. Whoops.
How it works is that you have a canvas on the wall and a variety of paint toys and paint colors. Susan showed us some options for using the slingshot and water guns, and then we started throwing paint. If you’ve never done this, it feels freeing! There are no rules in splatter painting. You can throw paint right from the cup or bottle or use your hands to paint the canvas or use the water fun. It doesn’t matter. We live in a world of rules, and to have none is a lot of fun.
The splatter painting sessions are 30 minutes, but you will want to stay longer. At least we did. But I think the time limit is actually good because if not, you’ll just throw so many colors at your canvas because it’s so much fun, and it will be all brown. If you like brown, that’s cool, though.
Glow-in-the-Dark Splatter Painting
This is where it gets real at Color Me Greenville. The splatter painting is done under black lights, and all the paint lights up! It was so fun to do this and such a unique experience. My daughters figured out they could put paint on their hands and smash them up against each other’s full-body suits. It was hilarious.
Color Me Greenville glow-in-the-dark splatter painting
Susan told me these sessions are their best-selling ones, and wow, I can absolutely see why. You can do this nowhere else in Greenville. The studio has darkening shades, which pull down, so they can hold these sessions anytime, day or night. The setup is the same, but I think the paint is different. You can book these sessions along with the classic splatter painting or even cake decorating.
Sneaker Painting & Cake Decorating
If you’ve ever wanted to paint your own sneakers, this is the spot to go. They have a ton of items to give your shoes a glow-up like charms, glow-in-the-dark laces, and of course, endless paint colors. Sneaker painting sessions start at $45.
Then there’s cake and cupcake decorating, which is really such a fun night out for date night or with friends or your kids. You’ll be decorating a Couture Cake or cupcake just for you. They also offer lots of different classes, many of which are seasonal or themed. Be sure to check the website for updated information and to get a spot.
Birthday Parties & Group Events
One of the first things I thought of when we started our splatter painting session was how cool it would be to have a birthday party here. It would be so fun for everyone! You can book Color Me Greenville for this very purpose for an hour and can add time in 30-minute increments for a minimum group of six people (even if you want to book it and have less than six people, you will be charged for six people due to having the space all to yourselves).
You can book the splatter paint sessions or cake/cupcake decorating for parties. They allow you to bring in your own food as well.
If you are looking for something specific, just give them a call. They are the nicest people and are open to how to make your time there even better.
Classic splatter sessions start at $35/person, and glow-in-the-dark splatter sessions start at $50/person. Classes vary in price, so just check the website to see which fits best.
When you pull into the parking lot, Color Me Greenville is next to the radio room. They don’t have a sign up yet, but you can see through the window the name, and there’s a painted Maine Coon cat near the door.
Want to see more like this? Color Me Greenville is a great place to visit when you’re looking for something artsy to do, looking for an indoor adventure, or a date night activity. AND, we have lots of content on all those things!
