If you’re thinking of spending a few days with your better half in South Carolina’s Greenville, you’ve come to the right place.
I’m covering everything you need to know before you go, such as where to stay, eat, and what to do.
While this city might not often pop up on the radar for romantic getaways, you’ll just have to look a bit closer. It’s the lesser-known and unexpected destinations that are full of surprises.
That said, here’s how to spend 3 Days in Greenville, SC, for couples.
Do You Love the Outdoors? Try this ultimate South Carolina travel guide for outdoor adventures.
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Planning Essentials for Your Greenville, SC Getaway
Let’s get into some of the most essential factors before planning your Greenville trip.
Where is Greenville?
Greenville is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the heart of South Carolina’s Upcountry.
Athens, Georgia, is the closest major city, followed by Columbia, South Carolina.
How to Get to Greenville
Greenville is home to two international airports. Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) is located on I-85, approximately 15 minutes from the heart of Downtown Greenville.
Then, there’s also the busy Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU), which sits three miles east of Greenville.
So, this is where you’ll land if you fly into Greenville. It’s ideally close to the Downtown neighborhood packed with hotels, restaurants, and, most importantly, public transport.
When is the Best Time to Visit Greenville?
The best time for a weekend getaway in Greenville, SC, is in the fall. It’s truly a great time to visit, especially for couples!
I don’t know about you, but the Fall season is also so magical for day outings and date nights.
The colorful foliage is romantic, the city feels sleepy, and it’s the perfect weather to cozy up indoors or explore outside.
Where to Stay for Your Weekend in Greenville, SC
To be frank, the mood of your romantic getaway in Greenville, SC, depends greatly on your accommodation.
A boring and plain hotel just won’t cut it. You need something with a little bit of *je ne sais quoi*.
Hotel Hartness
Treat your partner to an elegant hotel with a full-service spa and free breakfast.
The four-star Hotel Harness promises excellent decor and amenities with an onsite restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool, and chic rooms.
It’s truly a sweet escape for couples and worth the splurge.
Grand Bohemian Lodge
Moving on to another gorgeous abode, the Grand Bohemian Lodge is exactly what you need for a luxurious getaway.
It features a restaurant, gym, and bar, among other stellar amenities. Rejuvenate in the spa, although the ensuites are spas in their own right.
You’ll have beautiful nature views from your room, and couples with pets will enjoy the fact that it’s pet-friendly.
New Luxury Townhouse
Finally, if hotels aren’t really your vibe, you can rent this entire two-bed home in central Downtown Greenville.
Not only are you smack in the middle of many points of interest, but it also provides more privacy and seclusion than the average hotel.
The decor is chic and bright, but the selling point is how cozy and homey it feels. You’ll also have a stunning, fully-equipped kitchen if you’d like to cook some of your meals.
Romantic Things to Do in Greenville, SC, for Couples
Let’s jump straight into these romantic date ideas in Greenville, SC.
Go on a Scenic Drive
How about a romantic drive? Starting from Downtown, you can hop on the Poinsett Highway, a scenic road that leads to gorgeous backcountry roads.
And while you’re on the road, you might as well visit Poinsett Bridge, South Carolina’s oldest surviving bridge.
Turn right onto Callahan Mountain Road, then travel 2.2 miles to reach this pretty Gothic stone arch.
Enjoy a Couple’s Massage
A spa treatment is one of the best ways to unwind and truly get into the mood of vacation.
So, a couple’s massage would do everyone good. Luckily, Greenville has the River Falls Spa that offers a complete luxury experience.
Make sure to reserve your spot online and ask for a couple’s massage in a private suite. Afterward, you two can relax in a fireside tub—absolute bliss!
Ride a Downtown Trolley
Riding one of the Downtown trolleys along Greenville’s main street is an exciting way to see the city. Plus, it’s a free activity, and you’ll also give your feet a break.
The trolleys operate on various routes from Friday through Sunday year-round, and more information is available on this site.
Have an Evening of Live Music
If you’re both music lovers, then you definitely should visit a blues or jazz lounge for a cozy, intimate feel.
The Blues Boulevard Jazz is a great place for this, and it’s situated right on the riverfront. This swanky jazz club serves southern-style dishes and cocktails along with local and national musical acts.
Then, Rainer’s Bar sits just across from Falls Park on the Reedy and offers a laid-back atmosphere with an eclectic room-style setting and craft cocktails. They also do live music and the friendly staff will look after you.
Have a Picnic at the Falls Park on the Reedy
Falls Park on the Reedy is a beautiful 32-acre park adjacent to Downtown just off Main Street.
It’s free to enter and filled with inviting paths that meander around the beloved Reedy River Falls.
It’s a nature lover’s paradise, and you can simply stroll its grounds and admire the river and waterfall.
To make things more memorable, I suggest arranging a cute picnic here.
Bring some wine, cheeses, and chocolates, and enjoy each other’s company as peaceful nature surrounds you.
Catch a Show at the Greenville Theatre
What’s a tried and tested date idea? That’s right: an outing to the theatre.
If you two enjoy fine art, musicals, and drama, then go to the Greenville Theatre. It’s the city’s oldest and largest non-profit theatre, showcasing top-tier Broadway musicals and plays.
You can see the line-ups and buy your tickets from their official site.
Note that they are only open from Monday to Friday, so if you’re planning a weekend getaway, try and go on Friday between 11:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Go on a Romantic Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride
A horse-drawn carriage ride through the charming tree-lined streets is probably one of the most romantic things you can do in Greenville.
Whispering Winds Carriage Co. offers just that.
This family-owned company has over 25 years of experience taking you through Downtown on a white carriage.
Choose the color of your horse, hop on, and take in the city scenery as the horse trots slowly through its streets.
Rides are offered on weekends year-round, and you’ll have to reserve your carriage ride in advance, so keep that in mind.
Test Your Compatibility at an Escape Room
There’s no better way to test each other’s intelligence, teamwork, and, let’s be honest, patience than an escape room. It’s fun, unique, and interactive.
And Escape Artist Greenville won’t disappoint in these departments.
The hosts are top-notch, and they offer premium or classic experiences. Couples do pay a bit more, but the experience is totally worth it.
It’ll take roughly 75 minutes to complete, so don’t go on an empty tummy unless you want to get on your partner’s bad side.
Go Axe Throwing
Some of us don’t want to solve problems, we simply want to let go.
That’s when I suggest going to Craft Axe Throwing and getting rid of all your frustrations.
This exciting activity will get your adrenaline pumping and help your partner relieve all the stress you’ve caused them (wink).
This wonderful venue hosts 16 lanes, additional throwing items like sticks or ninja stars, and cold craft brews to quench your thirst from all the throwing.
Where to Eat & Drink in Greenville
Dining together is an integral part of keeping the romance alive. Here are a few restaurants to treat your partner to.
Rick Erwin’s West End Grille
Book a table for two at this award-winning steakhouse and seafood restaurant.
Rick Erwin’s West End Grille serves exceptional wine and food with a speakeasy vibe to get the conversation going.
The restaurant is on Main Street and operates Monday through Saturday between 04:00 pm and 10:00 pm.
Make sure to look at the dress code on their website before you go.
Trio – A Brick Oven Cafe
If you prefer Italian, head over to Trio – A Brick Oven Cafe instead.
Oozing the familiar retro charm of an authentic Italian joint, this eatery has been operating in Downtown Greenville for over 25 years.
So, they must be doing something right. I’d wager it’s the signature brick oven pizza and the welcoming atmosphere.
Sassafras Southern Bistro
Now you cannot go to South Carolina and not indulge in traditional southern cuisine.
Sassafras Southern Bistro is the place to be for yummy comfort food and true southern hospitality.
The intimate ambiance sets the tone, but hearty dishes like Sassafras Fried Chicken or Key Lime Pie take things to the next level.
Reserve your table from Monday to Saturday (opening times vary).
Pomegranate on Main
If you want to try something you’ve likely never had before, then dining at Pomegranate on Main should be your next date night.
They offer authentic Persian cuisine, complete with Iranian artwork and tasty pomegranate martinis.
This warm brick-walled bistro is also on the bustling Main Street and is open from Monday to Saturday (hours vary).
