Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Greenwood, SC

  • Published 2023/04/17

Greenwood, South Carolina, has a lot to offer interested visitors.

It is a city where you’ll find all the warmth and charm of a little neighborhood combined with the lively, energetic vibe of a major metropolis.

Most tourist attractions in Greenwood are related to culture and history.

Still, some locations and activities provide enjoyment, leisure, and entertainment for locals and tourists interested in history and beautiful attractions.

Its dynamic Uptown is home to various exciting stores, galleries, family-owned restaurants, bars, and boutiques, as well as plenty of green space to relax.

Greenwood has a ton of opportunities not only for indoor activities but for outdoor fun as well, including parks and golf courses.

Here are the best things to do in Greenwood, SC:

Tour the Emerald Farm

Exterior of Emerald Farm store

Malachi Jacobs / Shutterstock.com

Emerald Farm is a thriving dairy farm that allows visitors to reconnect with the fundamentals of nature.

Explore around 75 acres of lovely grassy meadows covered with enormous sheltering oak and fruit trees.

See peacocks, goats, ducks, sheep, chicks, geese, and honey bees, among other creatures.

Hundreds of youngsters visit the Emerald Farm every year to learn more about farm animals and pet them.

Stroll through their stores and check out their Emerald Farm Goat Milk Soap and other handmade body goods.

The Health Food Store also sells nutritious snacks.

Whatever the occasion, they offer the ideal location for your next party or get-together.

Celebrate weddings, birthday parties, anniversaries, and even host educational tours.

Explore the Greenwood Railroad Historical Center

Founded in the 1970s, the Center preserves railroad histories in the neighborhood and across the country from the “Golden Age” around 1900 to 1950.

This Historical Center is the biggest static railroad exhibit in upstate South Carolina.

It is dedicated to gathering, conserving, and explaining the railroad heritage of Greenwood and the neighboring areas.

Explore all seven restored antique train cars and return to the good old era of railroads.

They provide a fully guided tour of the restored climate-controlled carriages and locomotives.

Tourists can request locomotives to tour, like the 1906 Baldwin No 19 engine, and they also give an overview of how it works.

Visit the Railroad Historical Center and learn more about train cars and railroads.

Play Golf and Snack at the Greenwood Country Club

The Greenwood Country Club, which began as a golf club in 1927, is among the oldest private clubs in the country.

It’s also the only private country club in Greenwood, South Carolina.

The golf course, which famed golf course architect George Cobb created, offers a demanding challenge to golfers of all skill levels.

The Greenwood Country Club has a cutting-edge tennis facility with ten illuminated tennis courts, five hard courts, and five clay courts.

The course is open for play, and the rebuilt greens are in fantastic shape.

Snacks and refreshments are available for purchase as well.

Greenwood Country Club’s courteous, accommodating staff will make your visit both enjoyable and memorable.

Enjoy a Meal with a Beautiful View at Montague’s

Buddy Matthews and J.H. Thompson gladly opened the doors of Montague‘s on January 17th, 1985.

The business started with a simple goal: to create a welcoming gathering spot where locals could enjoy a drink, excellent cuisine, and a pleasant laugh.

Montague’s Restaurant is the place to go when you want exceptional food and high-quality service.

You may stop in for dinner or meet with your coworkers any day of the week for a relaxing cocktail and delightful appetizer during Happy Hour.

Montague’s can also help you create a beautiful atmosphere for your upcoming occasions.

This old-school American restaurant with a cocktail bar is lined with rich wood features.

You can hold graduation parties, birthday celebrations, or any other significant event at their restaurant.

Check Out High-Quality Art at Main & Maxwell

Founded in 2016, Main & Maxwell is a woman-owned and managed business that provides a wide range of high-quality art and hand-crafted products.

Over 60 artists and crafters from the nearby area and South Carolina are represented in this gallery.

They aim to help the community by showcasing South Carolina arts, crafts, and culinary goods made locally and regionally.

Visit Main & Maxwell, a one-of-a-kind gallery.

Taste Something New at Danish’s Indo-Pak Cuisine

Do you want to try something different?

You can find Danish’s Indo-Pak Cuisine in Greenwood, South Carolina.

Danish’s Indo-Pak Cuisine serves a variety of cuisines, including Indian-Pakistani and Italian meals, in a cozy, homey setting.

The cooking processes and fresh ingredients result in a dish that is both a gourmet treat and meets today’s healthy eating requirements.

Herbs, spices, cooking skills, religious beliefs, and cultural background all have a role in rounding out Indo-Pak cuisine.

The restaurant specializes in flounder, tilapia, and crispy prawns.

While searching for a restaurant to dine in Greenwood, try something unusual at Danish’s Indo-Pak Cuisine.

Spend a Relaxing Evening at the Inn on the Square

Greenwood’s only full-service boutique hotel is the Inn on the Square.

It is a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel in Uptown Greenwood, South Carolina, housed in a historically significant property.

The Inn on the Square has been meticulously refurbished to retain its traditional elegance.

It also provides guests with the best in luxury while remaining faithful to the original architecture and historical integrity.

They provide great hospitality in a warm and friendly setting with state-of-the-art amenities supplying everything guests and tourists want for a pleasant stay.

They include a full-service restaurant, lounge, lovely guest rooms, complimentary breakfast, a 24-hour fitness facility, friendly staff, and spectacular event locations.

They’re also dog-friendly, so bring your four-legged family members along.

Order a Delicious Meal at the Mill House and Good Times Brewing

Fantastic beer, pizza, and companionship make for a great experience at the Mill House And Good Times Brewing.

Its foundation stone was laid in the backyard of a house in the Harris Mill hamlet.

In the fall of 2014, the brewery founders built a three-barrel brewery behind the Mill House.

The Mill House is known for its brick-oven pizza, while Good Times Brewing is a brewpub that serves house-brewed craft beer and cuisine.

The phrase “Good Times” refers to the adventures, challenges, and company they cherish.

These things inspired the Mill House and Good Times Brewing, and they wish to share them with everyone who drinks their beer.

Visit the Mill House and Good Times Brewing and have a great time during the weekend.

Buy Fresh Products at the Uptown Market

Do you plan on buying healthy vegetables and ingredients for a nutritious meal?

You may find fresh and local items at the Uptown Market in Greenwood.

This market encourages a healthy community along with a healthy diet.

Depending on the season, you can buy kale, cabbage, potatoes, tomatoes, cauliflower, beets, brussels sprouts, and much more.

On Wednesdays, shop for locally farmed meat, fresh produce, cheese, poultry, baked products, soaps, and gourmet food made with local ingredients.

Look for new items to buy and take home.

Search for Unique Items at Rainbo Antiques & Interiors

Are you interested in adding a valuable antique to your collection?

Rainbo Antiques & Interiors is a family-owned and operated business specializing in hard-to-find antiques.

They are a local one-stop-shop for all your antiques, furnishings, and home décors, whether you are seeking a piece of classic furniture or antique jewelry.

Rainbo Antiques & Interiors meticulously curates each item to guarantee that their clients can find unique items they won’t find anywhere else.

Customers worldwide have visited the store since 1961, hoping to uncover that one piece of antique treasure they’ve been hunting for.

To uphold the standards set by its founder, Evelyn Dodgen, they have vast industry experience and exhibit exquisite antiques and décor.

Rainbo Antiques & Interiors is a must-see in Greenwood, featuring one-of-a-kind home décor items such as crystal chandeliers and hand-crafted furniture.

Go on a Dinner Date at Break on the Lake

Break on the Lake is situated on the shores of beautiful Lake Greenwood.

Their inviting restaurant promises a peaceful dining experience, breathtaking views, great beverages, and fantastic food.

From the time you arrive, their courteous service and spectacular lakeside views will meet your expectations.

From starters to soups to salads, their cuisine is presented in a pleasant setting ideal for a family gathering or simply a romantic night.

They have an extensive menu of delectable seafood and steaks, an incredible assortment of hand-crafted drinks, and even happy hour promotions.

Come to Break on the Lake for a delicious seafood meal.

Host an Event at the Sundance Gallery

Sundance Gallery is Greenwood’s venue for current events in a setting that can fit a whole guest list.

Upstairs, you’ll find skylights, hardwood flooring, hopper windows, artwork, and many unique details that make the room welcoming and memorable.

With extra courtyard rental, you may host an event for up to 275 people.

You can hold large receptions on both levels of the Sundance Gallery.

The Sundance main gallery upstairs can seat around 150 people for just a small feast.

Smaller dinner events of 20 people are also possible in the gallery, which is quite the intimate setting.

If you’re searching for a perfect venue to host large and small events, this may be the perfect place for you.

Learn More about History at Dr. Benjamin E. Mays Historic Preservation Site

The Benjamin E. Mays Historical Preservation Site is on the grounds of the former Brewer School, founded in 1872.

Typically, people associate the American Civil Rights Movement with Martin Luther King, Jr.

Yet, in certain instances, researchers believe that Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays is why Martin Luther King, Jr. received the recognition he did.

This historical location preserves the life and memory of Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays, a civil rights pioneer, author, minister of christenings, and son of an enslaved person.

Several structures preserve and present Dr. Mays’ fascinating life, including his ancestral home, a former school, and a significant museum.

Due to its extensive historical significance, this is a must-see sight in Greenwood.

Watch a Game and Grab a Snack at the Sports Break

For nearly 30 years, Sports Break has become a Greenwood restaurant staple, recognized for high-quality cuisine, entertainment, and enjoyment.

Since its beginning in 1990, superb cuisine, courteous service, and a delightful ambiance have been on the menu.

They are committed to offering a fantastic casual dining and entertainment experience with refreshing beverages and live music.

Sports Break provides delicious cuisine and a fun time while watching your favorite sports team on one of their televisions.

This is the place you are looking for if you want to have a fun time while eating fantastic food.

The friendly staff of Sports Break will ensure that you have all you need for an enjoyable stay.

Bring the family for lunch, watch the game, or hang out with pals at Sports Break.

Feed the Flocks Waterfowl at the Grace Street Park

The Grace Street Park on Merrywood Drive is a charming place to visit, with its centerpiece pond inhabited by several species of Canadian geese and ducks.

The pond features a feeding station for the flocks of waterfowl, as well as a small pier.

You can stroll on a trail around the pond, and there are park benches as well for viewing the pond’s aeration fountain.

The Grace Street Park provides a rentable pavilion with picnic tables, which are accessible to the public if the pavilion is unrented.

Other park attractions include a playground and two separate fenced areas for small and large dogs.

Hike on the Rock Creek Trail

The Rock Creek Trail is a beautiful wooded trail accessible from Rock Creek Boulevard near the Self Regional Healthcare Express Care facility.

This trail stretches for just .09 mile over a gravel and sand surface

The Rock Creek Trail is flat, making for an easy stroll.

A walk along this trail crosses several bridges across its namesake creek.

Besides its canopy of gorgeous trees, the Rock Creek Trail offers the sight of a lovely lake and many blooming local plants.

Browse the Studios and Gallery of the Arts Center at Greenwood

Let creativity be a guidepost to your vacation, with a visit to the Arts Center at Greenwood.

You’ll immediately feel the vibe of the muses upon your arrival at this center’s location on Main Street.

The Arts Center at Greenwood, after all, is housed at the city’s elegant Federal Building.

This arts center boasts 25,000 square feet of space for its artist studios, an art gallery, a clay studio, and art classrooms.

Its gallery offers a vibrant rotation of exhibits displaying the works local, regional, national, and international artists.

These featured artists work across all forms of media for eclectic opportunities at appreciation.

In April each year, the cultural activities at the center level up further as it participates in the annual Greenwood Art Walk.

Watch a Show at the Greenwood Community Theater

Established in 1954, the Greenwood Community Theater is a revered cultural institution in the city.

This theater, located on Main Street, is a family-oriented institution developing local creative talents.

An advocate of inclusivity, the Greenwood Community Theater is noted for its Penguin Project.

Through this project, the theater provides the opportunity for differently-abled young artists.

Each season, the Greenwood Community Theater offers five to seven shows ranging from contemporary plays to kids and classic musicals.

Catch the South Carolina Festival of Flowers

An award-winning event, the annual South Carolina Festival of Flowers is held throughout the month of June.

Its trademark is the Safari Topiary display on Main Street at the Uptown Greenwood Square.

This highlight of the South Carolina Festival of Flowers draws crowds with its colorful garden sculptures of animals like ducks and elephants.

Other festival features include exhibits about Greenwood’s history, wildlife, and the solar system.

The festival, in addition, holds a juried arts and craft show, as well as a garden symposium.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Relax at Lake Greenwood State Park

Lake Greenwood State Park is a 914-acre park in Greenwood County, South Carolina.

You can find it in Ninety Six, South Carolina, 21 minutes from Greenwood.

The park is divided into peninsulas that surround the 11,400-acre Lake Greenwood.

Greenwood County donated the property to the state park in 1938, during the Great Depression.

Enjoy the picnic tables, camping with convenient lake access, boat ramps, and a fishing pier.

There is also a little hiking track that winds through the woods.

Likewise, you can try boating, kayaking, fishing, biking, hiking, picnicking, camping, and seeing historic sites at the state park.

The location is also great for wildlife viewing.

Whether you enjoy participating in outdoor activities or simply relaxing, you will find something to do at this park.

Final Thoughts

Despite the fact that many of Greenwood’s attractions are related to history, the residents have added their own touches to keep the tours and attractions engaging.

There is just not enough time in one weekend to see and experience what Greenwood offers.

You’ll want to come back again and again after your first visit.

Take an unforgettable trip to Greenwood, South Carolina.

Book your trip today!

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