GREENVILLE, SC
Nestled in the Blue Ridge foothills of North Western South Carolina, Greenville is the county seat of Greenville County . It is widely considered the capitol of the "The Upstate" of South Carolina. Initially called Pleasantburg, Greenville was named after Revolutionary War hero Nathanael Green. The area was originally designated as a Cherokee Indian territory and colonial law prohibited the entry of settlers. That changed when the Cherokee tribe sided with the British in the War of 1812 and ceded the land in a treaty agreement.
Greenville’s economy has been based on textile manufacturing and it was once known as the “Textile Capital of the World.” It is the site of Michelin and BMW’s American corporate headquarters. Greenville is also the home of Lockheed Martin’s Aircraft and Logistics Center, a major center for aircraft maintenance.
Greenville is conveniently linked to Atlanta and Charlotte via I- 85. The town has two airports, Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU) and Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP). GSP is the busiest airport in South Carolina. In an attempt to ease traffic congestion the cities’ government is currently investigating a proposed light rail system to suburban areas with the downtown.
Once a major retail center, Greenville's prominence waned in the 1960'ss with the advent of suburban shopping centers. Not to be outdone, Greenville implemented a successful revitalization program and was awarded with a Great American Main Street Award by The National Trust Main Street Center in 2003.
Reedy River Falls is located in downtown Falls Park . The park features a pedestrian bridge that crosses over the falls. Falls Park also features gardens and two amphitheaters. East of the Falls lies Cleveland Park. Cleveland Park offers tennis courts, running trails, and Greenville’s largest playground. It is also the location of the Greenville Zoo.
Greenville hosts the International Arts Festival of Greenville, presents a variety of experiences based on both visual and performing arts. The work of artists from around the country is available for purchase. The festival has activities for kids and an International Kitchen served by prepared by local restaurants. Peace Center for the Performing Arts showcases internationally renowned artists and touring companies. It is also home to the Greenville Symphony. Greenville is home to four different theater troupes. Centre Stage, the Greenville Little Theater, South Carolina Children's Theater and the Warehouse Theatre present a wide variety of stage and musical entertainment.
The Greenville County Museum located on Heritage Green has a respected
collection of American art dating back to the Colonial Period, with an emphasis on examples with relationships to the southern United States. The Museum also features more contemporary pieces from artists such as Andy Warhol.
The West End Historic District is the epicenter of arts and entertainment in Greenville. The District is full of unique shops and restaurants where visitors can spend the day browsing and then dining in one of the area's unique restaurants.
Downtown Greenville is home to over 60 restaurants that offer dining for any tastes choices catering to every taste and price range. Most restaurants are locally owned and offer a wide variety of cuisine. Since 1992, over forty-five new restaurants have opened, creating a unique dining scene and created a fresh new downtown atmosphere.
The BI-LO Center is a 16,000-seat sports complex and home to the Greenville Grrrowl ice hockey team. The center often hosts major concerts, ice skating exhibitions, and other entertainment.
A visit to Greenville, South Carolina is sure to be a treat for anyone visiting the Upstate area.
Websites with Information about Greenville, SC
The following sites offer a wealth of information about Greenville, South Carolina, including
maps, driving directions, statistics, photos, natural attractions, activities,
local weather, area guides, accommodations, and visitor guides.
Official City of Greenville, SC Website
http://www.greatergreenville.com/
Greenville, SC Convention & Visitor's Bureau
http://www.greatergreenville.com/visitors/cvb.asp
Greenville Online - The Greenville News
http://greenvilleonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage
Greenville.com
Greenville Information Guide
Greater Greenville, SC Chamber of Commerce
http://www.greenvillechamber.org/
Furman University
http://www.furman.edu/
Greenville Technical College
http://www.greenvilletech.com/
Greenville County Government Online
www.greenvillecounty.org