Weather in Greenville South Carolina is largely mild with an average annual temperature of 78 degrees. Winters are cold but not frigid, with only three inches of snow falling on average. Greenville has four distinct seasons and is part of USDA Hardiness Zone 7b/8a. The city has short winters, with 59 nights below freezing and only 1.3 days above freezing. The driest month is April, with an average rainfall of 3.36 inches.
If you’re looking for a more active way to spend your day, try a bicycle tour through downtown Greenville. You’ll find multiple bike paths that connect downtown Greenville to the Riverfront and a historic park, the Falls Park on the Reedy. In the summer, you’ll want to cool off at one of the waterfalls. Other areas of the city offer plenty of fun activities for the whole family, including ice skating.
If you’re interested in experiencing local culture, Greenville has a number of activities for families. If you love to walk, the Downtown Trolley will be an excellent way to get around town. The trolley runs a loop route seven days a week and makes several stops around downtown. Rides are free, and you can hop on and off as many times as you like. Make sure to pull a yellow cord to let the driver know you’re off.
The Greenville County Museum of Art is one of the best places to view art. This museum features the world’s largest public collection of Andrew Wyeth watercolors. You can also see harpsichords and early pianos in the Bob Jones University Museum and Gallery. The Greenville County Museum of Art is another great spot to see art, including pieces by Jasper Johns. Regardless of your style, Greenville South Carolina is a great place to visit.
Barbecue lovers should definitely head to Greenville for a taste of upcountry barbecue. There are many restaurants in the area that are recognized as 100-mile barbecue joints. Locals can direct you to great spots for smoked chicken, pork, or burgers. If you’re not a big meat fan, try some of the many fried green tomato joints in town. For those who enjoy farm-to-table food, try Grill Marks and Smoky Dreams Barbeque. These two restaurants offer authentic southern cooking in a modern setting.
Another great place for breakfast is the Clarkes Bistro, which opened in downtown Greenville in 2012. The restaurant offers farm-to-table cuisine that’s inspired by the South. The restaurant started off slowly, as the chef remembers knocking on farmers’ doors to buy fresh produce. The chef said he got side looks as he walked around. However, today, the restaurant is a Greenville staple, serving delicious food and drink.
The area surrounding Greenville was once Cherokee hunting grounds. Colonists were forbidden to settle in it. Richard Pearis, a prominent landowner, purchased 400 acres from the Cherokee around 1780 and built a stately plantation on the Reedy River. He supported Loyalists and was imprisoned in Charleston after the Patriots attacked his plantation. The Revolutionary War helped to bring the country closer together.