Readers might remember that we had an absolutely wonderful Thanksgiving in North Carolina last year. This year, we repeated it, but with a twist. First we had my in-laws with us and we added a quick trip to Greenville, South Carolina to the itinerary.
Thanksgiving morning began with our traditional watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade on TV and brunch. We jumped in the car and drove to Highlands, NC. This time, we walked the 1/4-mile path to Dry Falls. Because the large amounts of rainfall, the falls were anything but dry. Water roared fiercely down the cliff and a rainbow reflected from the water.
We arrived at the Main Street Inn in Highlands for a scrumptious Thanksgiving buffet. Just like last year, we drove over to Cashiers and visited High Hampton Inn. Then on to Greenville.
Greenville, SC
Greenville is one of the up and coming destinations according to USA Today, but the plan to reinvent the downtown area has been decades in the making.
The first major change was to narrow the four-lane Main Street to two-lanes, add angled (and free) parking spaces and plant numerous trees. With over 100 shops and restaurants, downtown is a major destination so numerous hotels dot the landscape as well.
The Embassy Suites opened a roof-top restaurant and bar which offers a nice view of the city. We ordered hot chocolate and had a quick bite to eat when we arrived that evening. Although we could have sat next to one of the many fire pits outside, we chose the indoor bar area on this chilly night.
The next morning, we walked around downtown near the Peace Center, the city’s performing arts center. In 2010, the Peace Center underwent a $23 million makeover that includes an outdoor amphitheater, plaza and restaurant.
We walked down Main Street a few blocks to the very hip Coffee Underground. Don’t let the name fool you, it’s not just coffee. You catch poetry slams and improv shows most evenings. Reminiscent of Central Perk from the TV show, “Friends,” we sat down on couches while eating a blueberry muffin and biscotti.
One of the main downtown destinations is the Falls on the Reedy. Although the falls supported the textile mills in the 1800’s, the Camperdown Bridge obscured the views during most of the latter 20th century. Fortunately, city leaders demolished the old bridge and the pedestrian-only Liberty Suspension bridge replaced it in 2004.
Taking over 14 months and $4.5 billion to build, the Liberty bridge restored the Falls at the Reedy to Greenville’s focal point.
The 32-acre Falls Park offers multiple views of the waterfalls with benches, gardens and walking paths. It’s also the beginning of the Swamp Rabbit trail that leads to Travelers Rest.
Although much of Greenville’s downtown is new, the city pays tribute to history with the Joel Roberts Poinsett statue. The former SC politician visited Greenville often. Although he served as a Congressman, Secretary of War and the first Minister to Mexico, he is best known for introducing the poinsettia to the United States from Mexico.
After eating a wonderful lunch at Falls Cottage, we watched the ice skaters at the open air rink brave the cold weather. For more information about Greenville, click here.
