d WANDERLUST
Greenville Beckons
Where waterfalls, warm welcomes, and walkable trails shape a South Carolina city in motion.
BY HARLEY JEBENS
On some trips, it’ s the food you remember. On others, the scenery. Greenville, South Carolina, offers both. It also adds something more subtle but lasting: the feeling of being welcomed. During a long weekend a few months ago, my wife, Nina, and I found ourselves taking walks, chatting with strangers, and slowing our pace just enough to notice how naturally this city draws you into its orbit.
We based ourselves at the Grand Bohemian Lodge, located just steps from the cascading Reedy River in Falls Park. Our room looked directly out over the falls from a private balcony— a view that shifted from soft mist at sunrise to a golden glow in late afternoon. Our first day involved a long walk to do some exploring, and we were surprised when someone stopped us just to ask where we were visiting from and then wished us a good stay. But it wouldn’ t be the last time. People in Greenville talk to you— in line, on the trail, while walking their dogs( my wife stopped to pet several, each time sparking friendly conversation). That openness set the tone for the entire trip.
The boutique Grand Bohemian Lodge overlooks the Reedy River( left) and features a huge stone fireplace in the lobby.
The centerpiece of downtown Greenville isn’ t office buildings or retails shops. It’ s scenic Falls Park, a lush greenspace spread out across 32 acres.
Dinner on our first night was at Indaco, an Italian eatery with a woodfired oven and Sunday specials worth planning around. My chicken Parmesan arrived crisp and comforting. Nina chose squid-ink pasta with Broadwater shrimp, smoked tomato,’ nduja, and horseradish crema. For dessert, we shared a cheesecake with honey-fig sauce that I’ m still thinking about.
Waterfalls, Bridges, and a City Rebuilt Around Them
The next morning, fueled by breakfast at
Photos courtesy of Discover South Carolina
18 | NW GEORGIA LIVING MARCH / APRIL 2026