Greenville, the Hidden Gem of the Upstate

Enjoying the great outdoors in Greenville is second nature, and it's easy to escape with Paris Mountain State Park right at the city's edge. This mountainside park draws outdoor enthusiasts of every variety, offering premier biking and hiking trails, swimming, fishing and educational activities for children of all ages.

No trip to Greenville would be complete without a visit to Falls Park, a natural oasis in the heart of downtown that was ranked 10th on TripAdvisor's 25 Top Parks in the U.S. list. Take in views of the Reedy River Falls from the park's iconic suspension bridge, enjoy a show at the outdoor amphitheaters or take the self-guided walking tour and learn the park's history as you go.

If you're up for a bike ride, a jog or a long scenic walk, follow the park's Swamp Rabbit Trail, which boasts plenty of picturesque and foodie-friendly stops all the way to the nearby town of Travelers Rest.

After your adventure on the trail, satisfy your thirst for South Carolina suds at any of the area's plentiful breweries and brewpubs. Swamp Rabbit Brewery is just off the trail in Travelers Rest, and downtown Greenville is home to an ever-growing craft beer scene-like the one you'll find at Yee-Haw Brewing Co.

If you're looking to experience the culinary offerings of the Upcountry, Greenville is a foodie's paradise. From the revered farm-to-table cuisine of Restaurant 17 to the white tablecloths and great views at Larkin's, fine dining and authentic Southern fare are never far away in the Emerald City.

Just a fastball from Main Street you can root for the home team—the Greenville Drive—at Fluor Field, where baseball fans cheer on the city's Class A minor league affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. You'll even get the chance to sing along to "Sweet Caroline" in the eighth inning. If you'd rather catch a show, be sure to visit the Peace Center for the Performing Arts, which features a 2,100-seat concert hall and a wide variety of musical, theatrical and cultural experiences all year long.

Six miles south of downtown you'll find Conestee Nature Preserve—named an Important Bird Area of Global Significance by the National Audubon Society—where more than 200 species of birds have been spotted. This 400-acre park sits along the Reedy River and offers 11 miles of hiking trails through the Upstate's hardwood and evergreen forests.

Outdoors or in, Greenville is the perfect destination for anyone looking to escape the everyday.