Darius Rucker’s Favorite Adventures in Greenville

Nestled in the heart of South Carolina's mountainous Upstate, Greenville offers myriad ways to feed your adventurous spirit. Known for its scenic and family-friendly attractions, including its nationally acclaimed downtown, Greenville designed its parks and pathways around the area's natural attractions, making it easy to enjoy the pleasures of the great outdoors. Whether you're sampling the delicious local fare and booming downtown craft beer scene or exploring the Swamp Rabbit Trail and nearby Paris Mountain State Park, Greenville is the perfect place to experience everything the Upstate has to offer.

Stay

Greenville has a wide selection of cozy and unique accommodations to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious escape, an intimate bed-and-breakfast or a campsite under the stars, Greenville has something to suit every need and budget.

Located in the trendy downtown area of Greenville, the 327-room Hyatt Regency offers guests the perfect balance of Southern hospitality and modern amenities. This dog-friendly hotel features a pool, fitness center, on-site restaurant and an outdoor seating area that hosts a variety of events.

If you’re like Darius Rucker and enjoy exploring rural back roads and want a room with a mountain view, head to nearby Travelers Rest for a stay at Hotel Domestique. Reminiscent of a French country chateau, this boutique hotel is perfect for a relaxing getaway. Along with a saltwater pool and on-site yoga classes, guests at Hotel Domestique enjoy a variety of amenities that cater to an active lifestyle.

Play

A long-time golfer, Darius Rucker never passes up a chance to play one of South Carolina’s many challenging and breathtaking courses. Just minutes from downtown Greenville, Cherokee Valley Golf Club gives golfers of all levels a masterfully designed layout with incredible views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Designed by P.B. Dye, son of the legendary course architect Pete Dye, the course’s championship greens, meandering fairways and a breathtaking waterfall on the signature 14^th hole put Cherokee Valley Golf Club in a class of its own.

If you’re not the golfing type and are looking for outdoor adventure, head to nearby Paris Mountain State Park, a favorite destination for hikers and mountain bikers. One of Greenville’s most popular recreation amenities is the 19-mile GHS Swamp Rabbit Trail, which runs along the Reedy River from downtown Greenville to Travelers Rest.

Greenville’s thriving downtown is bustling with activity and entertainment. No trip to Greenville would be complete without a visit to Falls Park, a natural oasis in the heart of downtown. Ranked 10^th on TripAdvisor’s 25 Top Parks in the U.S., Falls Park features a one-of-a-kind curved suspension footbridge with scenic overlooks perfect for enjoying views of the Reedy River and its impressive series of falls.

Dine

Over the last decade, Greenville’s booming downtown has become home to myriad innovative restaurants that have made the city a foodie destination.

Overlooking beautiful Falls Park is Jianna, a modern Italian restaurant that specializes in freshly shucked oysters, artisanal spirits and house-made pasta created daily. Using only the freshest seasonal ingredients from regional farmers, Chef Michael Kramer adds innovative twists to traditional Italian dishes that turn each meal into an unforgettable dining experience.

In Greenville’s West End is Gather GVL, a new restaurant collective that calls itself “Greenville’s kitchen table.” With more than 10 partners, you can find everything from craft beer and burgers to hibachi and poke bowls, all served up in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.

Rich in history and rustic charm, Soby’s has been offering a menu of Southern-inspired cuisine with a focus on locally grown, seasonal ingredients for more than 20 years. Its modern twist on regional dishes and unique dining experience have made it one of the city’s most iconic restaurants.

South Carolina is known as the Birthplace of Barbecue, so it should come as no surprise that Greenville has a selection of restaurants specializing in the “slow and low” barbecue that everyone, including Rucker, knows and loves. When Bucky’s Bar-B-Q first opened, it was just a small roadside stop. With four locations, it's now a staple of Greenville’s dining scene with barbecue so good it has earned a place on the South Carolina Barbecue Association’s list of barbecue worth driving 100 miles to eat.

The craft beer movement has grown rapidly across the Palmetto State, and even Rucker can’t pass up the chance to discover a new local brew. Craft beer aficionados visiting Greenville will enjoy The Brewery Experience, a unique tour that stops at some of the best craft breweries in Greenville for guided tastings with a Level 2 Certified Cicerone—the beer equivalent of a sommelier for wine.

More Darius Rucker Favorites

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