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Greenville, South Carolina City Guide

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Greenville Meeting Planning

Greenville Skyline

Standing out among the many popular Southern destinations such as Atlanta and Nashville is difficult. Yet the gorgeous South Carolina city of Greenville is doing just that. Rivaling its big city neighbors in beauty and Southern charm, the city offers an advantage of fewer overshadowing skyscrapers and more open green spaces. In fact, the city has spent the past three decades upgrading its cityscape, including a comprehensive renovation of the riverfront Falls Park.

Major renovations are happening on Greenville's meeting and events scene as well. Already one of the nation's largest meeting and convention facilities, Greenville's Carolina First CenterCarolina First Center
Carolina First Center is nearing completion on a $22 million enhancement plan. The renovation will put the center at over 315,000 square feet of exhibit space and 88,000 square feet of conference space. With expert catering, abundant parking and modern technology, the flexible center will be able to accommodate groups ranging in size from 25 to 25,000 people.

Only minutes away, the multi-purpose BI-LO CenterBi-LO Center
BI-LO Center is an ideal complement to the Carolina First Center. In fact, this state-of-the-art sports and entertainment arena has been noted as one of the top 50 such venues in the world. With room for 15,000 guests and additional spaces in luxury suites and club spaces, the center can just as easily host large-scale presentations and events as small corporate outings.

Greenville Liberty Bridge

True to its small town roots, Greenville offers planners more than just immense purpose-built facilities. A multitude of unique venues await to fill any need. Host an elegant cocktail reception at the Old Mill Garden in Falls Park, where the city's iconic Liberty Bridge lights up the night. Add pizzazz to your presentation by inviting up to 65 people to the Upcountry History Museum's theater. The sweeping mahogany staircase, Waterford crystal chandeliers and Italian tile at the 1920s Gassaway Mansion are a picturesque backdrop for black-tie affairs.

Formerly based in textile manufacturing, Greenville's economy has transformed as foreign companies have invested in the area. The city is now home to Michelin's North American headquarters and BMW's only North American manufacturing plant. Educational institutions in Greenville include Furman University, Bob Jones University and North Greenville University.

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About Greenville / Additional Info

Located in the Piedmont region of South Carolina, Greenville is a welcoming city steeped in history and thriving with a vibrant arts and cultural scene. Founded in 1797 as Pleasantburg on land once occupied by Cherokee Indians, Greenville made a name for itself for its role in textiles in the 1870s. In fact, the city's prominence in the industry earned it the name of "Textile Capital of the World." Today, though its economy has shifted focus, Greenville remains a prosperous city with over 600,000 residents in the greater metropolitan area.

Kilgore Lewis House

With over 500 historic sites populating the region, Greenville has certainly not forgotten its storied past. Stop by the Kilgore-Lewis House, a restored 19th century home originally built as a wedding gift from Josiah Kilgore to his daughter. Explore artifacts of wars across centuries, from the Revolutionary War to the Persian Gulf War, at the American Legion War Museum. The
 Upcountry History MuseumUpcountry History Museum
Upcountry History Museum encapsulates three centuries of the region's heritage in its interactive exhibits.

History in Greenville is not limited to museum galleries. From Campbell's Covered Bridge, the only remaining covered bridge in South Carolina, to the Cowpens National Battlefield, an important site in the Revolutionary War, it's easy to explore historic sites in the fresh, clean air for which the region is known.

Perhaps one of the most popular outdoor historic attractions is Falls Park on the Reedy. Often noted as Greenville's birthplace and former home to numerous textile mills, the park invites visitors to hike one of many trails or enjoy a relaxing picnic amidst several scenic garden areas. Or, stop by the iconic Liberty Bridge, undoubtedly the most popular attraction in the park. Supported by cables on only one side, the 355-foot-long bridge is both an architectural wonder and a tourist must-see.

After a long day taking in all the sights, Greenville guests find no better way to kick back and relax than by dining out in one of the city's hundreds of restaurants. From international fare to traditional Southern favorites, its eateries are sure to cater to any taste. For a hearty Southern meal, stop by Smoke on the Water, where smoked meats such as beef brisket, pulled pork and baby back ribs are the specialty. To cap off an evening, beer lovers can sip homemade brews at the Blue Ridge Brewing Company, while wine connoisseurs will no doubt want to make a stop at the Stellar Restaurant & Wine Bar. Whether soaking in the exciting history, breathtaking views or savory cuisine, visitors will no doubt be charmed by Greenville.