If you’re a foodie searching for your next culinary adventure, look no further than Greenville, South Carolina. This unassuming city in the Western Carolinas is a true sleeper hit, boasting an insane number of incredible restaurants tucked into a compact, charming downtown area. From mouthwatering low-country cuisine to creative fusions and decadent desserts, Greenville’s food scene will awaken your taste buds in the most delightful way.
As soon as you arrive in downtown Greenville, you’ll be struck by the whimsical contrast of its small-town vibe and impressive culinary offerings. Quaint side streets lined with historic buildings open up to reveal local gems like Sassafras, the top restaurant on TripAdvisor, serving up sublime takes on Southern staples like shrimp and grits. For a taste of global flavors, don’t miss Soby’s, a dimly-lit den dishing out delectable dim sum.
One of the highlights is undoubtedly Falls Park on the Reedy (top), a lush oasis cutting right through the heart of downtown. Follow the trails along the river, pause to admire the dramatic Liberty Bridge, and refuel at Between the Trees, an upscale eatery with a lovely patio overlooking the falls. For a more laid-back vibe, grab a crepe from the funky Tandem Creperie, tucked away in nearby Traveler’s Rest.
What makes Greenville’s dining scene so incredible is the sheer variety packed into just a few walkable blocks. From James Beard-nominated chefs to unassuming holes-in-the-wall, there’s an authentic taste of almost any cuisine you can imagine. The city embraces its flourishing restaurant culture with annual events like Fall for Greenville, a massive food and music festival.
Even the coffee scene is a cut above, with lauded roasters like Methodical Coffee creating brews worth traveling for. Don’t sleep on the inventive creations either, like the sublime orange-almond-cardamom latte. With cozy underground cafes and artistic coffee shops aplenty, fueling up is an experience in itself.
While the food alone is worth the trip, Greenville has even more to offer adventurous souls. The compact downtown seamlessly blends a thriving arts scene, from theaters hosting Broadway shows to funky art galleries doubling as coffee shops. Outdoor enthusiasts can use the city as a launching pad for hiking in nearby mountain ranges and state parks like Caesars Head.
Conveniently located halfway between Atlanta and Charlotte, Greenville makes for an easily accessible getaway from several major airports. Whether you’re craving creative cuisine, a quirky arts scene, or a launchpad for outdoor adventures, this underrated Southern town deserves a spot at the very top of your travel bucket list.
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It started with an irresistible deal – buy one, get one free ferry tickets to whisk us away to the island. With the clock ticking on their expiration date, we pounced on a cozy boutique hotel booking that promised a front-row seat to Mackinac’s annual transition into its quieter, off-season self.
Gelato: A Sweet Indulgence
As our food tour guide enthusiastically explained, Bologna sits at the heart of a region renowned for some of Italy’s most iconic foods and drinks. Parmesan and prosciutto from Parma, balsamic vinegar of Modena, sparking red Lambrusco wines – all hailing from the villages surrounding this unassuming city. But Bologna has its own celebrated claims to fame – mortadella, the original velvety smooth pork sausage, and tagliatelle al ragù, a plate of thin pasta draped in a meaty, slow-cooked tomato sauce.
At a tiny pasta workshop, we watched as the women behind the counter expertly twisted and folded gossamer sheets of dough into perfect, diminutive tortellini, demonstrating a skill honed over generations. We ended with hearty tagliatelle al ragù in a rustic enoteca, washing it down with glasses of fresh, light Sangiovese – a delightful counterpoint to Tuscany’s brooding, tannic expressions of the grape.
We meandered through the cobblestone pathways and charming squares of the hilltop town of Taormina (top), we were transported to a bygone era filled with history and culture. From exploring the ancient Greek amphitheater offering panoramic vistas of Mount Etna to browsing the quaint local shops brimming with artisanal treasures, each moment was a discovery of Taormina’s captivating past. The tour not only provided a glimpse into the town’s rich heritage but also allowed us to savor authentic Sicilian cannoli and marvel at the architectural wonders that dotted our path. As we traced the footsteps of generations past, our walking tour of Taormina left an indelible mark, weaving together moments of awe and admiration for this timeless Sicilian gem. You can book your 
Wow! The trip was at the end of June and its the middle of October and I have finally finished my recap. As you can tell, it was a very busy trip that covered a lot of Mt. Desert Island. We were able to do all of the things that we weren’t able to do on our short visit last year. We hiked South Bubble Mountain and explored the carriage roads. Chris did several other solo hikes that I still need to get him to write about for you.