Greenville may be at the head of the Upstate, but surrounding it you’ll find a halo of smaller cities that are well worth exploring for both their natural and manmade attractions.
Closest to downtown Greenville, the communities of Easley, Travelers Rest, Greer and Taylors all claim their individual charms. Easley embraces its railroad roots in parks, rail trails and local businesses. The jumping-off point for mountain adventures, Travelers Rest bustles with good restaurants, watering holes and locally owned shops. Folks head to Greer for its revitalized Main Street and lovely City Park, while Taylors honors its textile heritage at the renovated Taylors Mill complex.
Located roughly 30 miles east on Interstate 85 from Greenville, Spartanburg is known for its Downtown Cultural District, its music heritage and a lively writers community. South along I-385, Simpsonville, Mauldin and Fountain Inn form what locals call the Golden Strip. This area of Greenville County, which is experiencing fast-paced growth, earned its nickname in the 1950s when the county extended water lines into the three towns. For residents at the time, having city water was as good as having gold.
West of Greenville, Pickens, Anderson and the college town of Clemson are each worth a detour. Set at the edge of the Jocassee Gorges and near the scenic state Highway 11, Pickens is perfectly located for exploring area parks, trails and waterfalls. In Anderson, the spiffed-up Main Street buzzes with restaurants, art galleries and shops, while nearby Clemson, home to Clemson University, lays out plenty of attractions that merit a visit beyond the campus.
