As December unfolds, the holiday spirit takes center stage! Streets adorned with twinkling lights beckon shoppers in search of the perfect gifts, while entertainment options add a touch of magic to the season. Amidst the hustle, families unite, creating cherished memories that help define the essence of December—a month filled with giving, joy, and the warmth of shared moments.

There is no shortage of holiday events in the Greater Greenville area. However, we managed to pick out a few notable events and holiday markets, beginning this week, that will give us all a festive place to start! Don’t miss Santa’s meet & greet schedule at the bottom!

-

GREENVILLE HOLIDAY FAIR

The region’s largest selection of holiday arts, crafts, and gifts. More than 350 crafters and commercial vendors! $7 for adults, $6 for seniors. Children under 12 are free. Parking is $5.

Greenville Convention Center 1 Exposition Dr, Greenville, SC 29607

Thursday, November 30 | 10:00 am – 8:00 pm

Friday, December 1 | 10:00 am – 8:00 pm

Sunday, December 2 | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

-

GREENVILLE CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

Free event with food trucks and vendors, live music and a special visit from Santa Claus. The countdown will be with Mayor White and special guest, Jane Robelot from WYFF. Tree lighting is at 6:00 pm

Main Street Greenville 206 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601

Friday, December 1 | 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

-

GREER CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

Free Holiday Craft Stations, Free Train Rides, Roaming Carolers, Musical Performers, Ice Sculpture Demonstration, Greer Relief S’mores and Hot Chocolate, Food Vendors

Greer City Park 301 E Poinsett St, Greer, SC 29651

Friday, December 1 | 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

-

TD SATURDAY MARKET – HOLIDAY EDITION

Shop artisan gifts, seasonal locally grown fresh produce, gourmet foods, and fresh-cut flowers

Main Street Downtown Greenville

Saturday, December 9 | 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

-

KRINGLE HOLIDAY VILLAGE

Shopping, entertainment, food, drink, silent auction, and family fun. Sponsored by Rotary Club of Greenville.

Flour Field 945 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601

Friday, December 8 | 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Sunday, December 9 | 11:00 am – 6:00 pm

Sunday, December 10 | 11:00 am – 6:00 pm

-

SANTA’S GROTTO BAR

Indulge in hot cocoa, apple cider or try a new seasonal drink while you wait for your turn to meet Santa

Spirit & Bower, Grand Bohemian Greenville, 44 E Camperdown Way, Greenville, SC.

Every Friday, Saturday & Sunday in December | 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

⛅ Weather

It is definitely chilly out! Overnight lows are dipping into the 20s and highs are in the 50s this week. Looks like a high chance of rain this weekend, but any rain should clear up by Sunday or Monday!

Nissin Foods Expands Operations with $228 Million Investment in Upstate South Carolina

In an exciting development for South Carolina’s Upstate, renowned global Cup Noodles manufacturer, Nissin Foods, is set to open a state-of-the-art $228 million plant in Greenville County. The move is not only a testament to the company's sustained sales growth but also a significant boost to the local economy.

Nissin Foods, headquartered in Tokyo and established in 1958 by Momofuku Ando, the inventor of the first instant ramen noodle, has experienced remarkable success over the years. The company's flagship product, Cup Noodles, revolutionized the food industry upon its U.S. debut in 1973 by introducing a convenient packaging that allowed users to prepare and serve noodles effortlessly.

Michael Price, President and CEO of Nissin Foods, expressed the company's commitment to expansion, citing South Carolina's Upstate, as the perfect location for their new manufacturing facility. The decision to invest in the Upstate region aligns with the company's strategy to meet the growing demand for its products, resulting in a consistent 27% sales increase in the first quarter of fiscal 2023.

The manufacturing facility, slated to be located at 1170 Bracken Road in Piedmont, will occupy a substantial 640,640-square-foot building. This significant investment is expected to create more than 300 new jobs, providing a substantial economic boost to the local community. Nissin Foods already operates US manufacturing facilities in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and Gardena, California, making Piedmont, South Carolina the latest addition to its expanding footprint.

With operations expected to commence in August 2025, the Nissin Foods expansion project has received approval from the Coordinating Council for Economic Development. The council not only granted job development credits related to the project but also awarded a $250,000 Set-Aside grant to Greenville County. This grant aims to support the cost of necessary building improvements, reinforcing the collaborative efforts to make this expansion a success.

As Nissin Foods continues to thrive and innovate, the Upstate region of South Carolina welcomes this transformative investment, anticipating the positive impact it will have on both the local economy and job market.

⛅ Weather

We had a couple of days in the 80s last week!  This week looks more consistent with sunny skies, highs in the 60s and lows mostly in the 40s.

Ready to get spooky?

There is a wide array of events planned to suit every age and interest! From family-friendly activities to haunted attractions and community gatherings, there's something for everyone to enjoy.  Don't miss out on the spooktacular festivities happening around the Greater Greenville area!

Boo in the Zoo

• Date: Friday, Oct. 20 - Sunday, Oct. 22, and Wednesday, Oct. 25 - Sunday, Oct. 29
• Time: 3 p.m. - 8 p.m.
• Location: Greenville Zoo, 150 Cleveland Park Drive, Greenville, SC
• Description: Greenville Zoo’s annual family-friendly Halloween event features trick-or-treating, specialty areas like Dragon Alley and Ghost Town, and an extinct species graveyard. Dress up and join in the Halloween fun!

Greer Ghost Tours

• Date: Oct. 20, Oct. 21, Oct. 27, Oct. 28, Oct. 30
• Time: Various times
• Location: Historic Greer Depot, 300 Randall Street Suite D, Greer, SC
• Description: Explore Greer’s wild and frightening stories on two different tours. Learn about its history and the tales of its first cemetery on the Trade Street walking tour, and discover more spine-tingling stories on the Cemetery tour.

Boo Bash

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 21
• Time: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Location: Haywood Mall, 700 Haywood Road, Greenville, SC
• Description: Meet the Sanderson Sisters, participate in a costume contest, and embark on a spooky adventure along the Trick-or-Treat Trail at Haywood Mall.

Hampton-Pinckney Porchfest

• Date: Sunday, Oct. 22
• Time: 1:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.
• Location: Hampton - Pinckney Historic District near downtown Greenville
• Description: Enjoy musical performances on historic porches in the Hampton-Pinckney neighborhood. This community event is free for all to attend.

Haunted Car Wash: Scream and Clean

• Date: Fridays and Saturdays starting Oct. 28
• Time: 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
• Location: Whatta Wash South 14, 2788 South Highway 14, Greer, SC
• Description: Experience a haunted car wash tunnel filled with creepy clowns, fog, and spooky lighting. A portion of each wash goes to support a local teenager fighting Lymphoma.

Madworld Haunted Attractions

• Date: Fridays - Sundays (with some extra days) through Nov. 4
• Time: Opening and closing times vary by date
• Location: 147 Country Manor Road, Piedmont, SC
• Description: Madworld promises an expansive and interactive haunt experience with new scenes, more actors, and scares suitable for all ages.

The Great Pumpkin Giveaway

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 21
• Time: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. (or until all pumpkins are gone)
• Location: 512 North Main Street, Fountain Inn, SC
• Description: The third annual FREE Great Pumpkin Giveaway provides pumpkins to attendees. Limit one pumpkin per person. Sponsored by Lilies on Main and Crazy Brent’s Fireworks.

Green Monster Mash

• Date: Friday, Oct. 27
• Time: 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
• Location: Fluor Field - Greenville Drive Ballpark, 945 South Main Street, Greenville, SC
• Description: Fluor Field transforms into a Halloween haven with trick-or-treating, themed neighborhoods, a tractor ride, a movie, and more fun activities for kids of all ages.

Pro Wrestling TURBO Monster Mash 2023

• Date: Friday, Oct. 27
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Yee-Haw Brewing Company, 307 E McBee Ave. Suite C, Greenville, SC
• Description: Pro Wrestling TURBO presents a night of family fun and physical challenge with wrestling matches and exciting championship bouts.

Halloween Laser Shows

• Date: Friday, Oct. 20 and Friday, Oct. 27
• Location: Roper Mountain Science Center, 402 Roper Mountain Road, Greenville, SC
• Description: Enjoy laser shows with spooky Halloween themes at Roper Mountain Science Center before the last two Starry Nights performances in October. Pre-purchasing tickets is recommended to reserve your spot.

First Annual Powdersville Trunk or Treat

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 28
• Time: 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
• Location: Dolly Cooper Park, 170 Spearman Circle, Greenville, SC
• Description: A community event hosted by Amanda McGinty State Farm featuring candy, coupons, and swag items from local businesses and organizations.

Fall Festival

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 28
• Time: 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
• Location: The Church at West Gantt, 1452 White Horse Road, Greenville, SC
• Description: Enjoy inflatables, carnival games, free hot dogs, a cakewalk, hayride, and Trunk or Treat at this free community event.

Halloween at Heritage Park

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 28
• Time: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Location: S.E. Main Street, Simpsonville, SC
• Description: This event features inflatables, face painting, touch-a-truck, local businesses as vendors handing out free candy, and more.

Barefoot Acres Fall Festival

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 28
• Time: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
• Location: 181 Barefoot Acres Way, Fountain Inn, SC
• Description: Bring the kids for trick-or-treating around the farm, a vendor market, hayride, games, music, and food trucks.

Trick-or-Treat at The Children's Museum of the Upstate

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 28 (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.) and Sunday, Oct. 29 (10 a.m. - 12 p.m./1 p.m. - 3 p.m.)
• Location: 300 College Street, Greenville, SC
• Description: Kids can enjoy trick-or-treating at both the Greenville and Spartanburg locations. Sunday's event in Greenville is a Sensory-Friendly Trick-or-Treat, providing a quieter Halloween experience for children and caregivers.

⛅ Weather

We had a little rain shower this morning, but the rest of this coming week should be mostly sunny and dry. Highs are hanging around the 70s with lows in the higher 40s and 50s.

Fall for Greenville: An Annual, Flavorful Extravaganza

Don't miss the links below for a printable map, food vendor list and music schedule

Get ready to experience the culinary and musical delight of Fall for Greenville 2023 from October 13th to 15th. This three-day festival in downtown Greenville, South Carolina, is a must-visit event, offering the perfect blend of food, live entertainment, and family fun.

Taste Tickets and Culinary Adventure

With over 60 restaurants and more than 250 menu items, this festival is a food lover's dream. To sample these delectable dishes, you'll need Taste Tickets, available for just $5 per sheet. Plus, don't miss the special promo on Thursday night at the Kick-off Concert: buy 10 sheets, and you'll receive an extra sheet free.

A Symphony of Sounds

Fall for Greenville 2023 brings you an impressive lineup of live music. Six stages featuring over 80 bands promise to deliver diverse musical genres, ensuring everyone finds something to groove to.

Family-Friendly Fun

The AAA Kids' Area opens at 5 pm on Friday, October 13th, with rides and activities, making the festival an inclusive family event. While you explore culinary delights and enjoy the bands, your kids can have their adventures.

Liquid Refreshment Oasis

With over 50 beer taps and wine vendors, you'll have no trouble quenching your thirst as you explore the festival. Remember, you can use your Taste Tickets to purchase these beverages.

Thursday Night Kickoff Concert

Kickstart your festival experience with the Thursday Night Kickoff Concert on October 12th, from 5 pm to 10 pm. Enjoy festival food and purchase beer and wine using Taste Tickets at the CPI Security West End Stage at Main Street and Augusta Street.

Fall for Greenville 2023 is the ultimate blend of food, music, and family fun. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this event promises an unforgettable weekend. Mark your calendar and savor the taste and sound of Greenville.

Convenient Links

Music Schedule

2023 Food Vendors

Interactive Map

Printable Map

⛅ Event Weather

Friday will be sunny with a high of 74 and possible overnight rain that will clear up Friday morning. Saturday's high will be in the upper 70s and Sunday will be dry with highs in the upper 60s. Monday and Tuesday will cool down with highs in the low 60s. The rest of the week has highs around 70 and overnight lows in the 40s.

Eastside Family YMCA New Outdoor Multi-Sports Complex

If you've been looking for a reason to get active and embrace the great outdoors, look no further than the Eastside Family YMCA in Taylors, South Carolina. With a $2.4 million project that broke ground in February earlier this year, the Eastside Family YMCA has unveiled a stunning new outdoor multi-sports complex.

On September 18th, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the Eastside YMCA, marking the official opening of this incredible new addition. Nestled at 1250 Taylors Rd, the Eastside Family YMCA's outdoor multi-sports complex is a game-changer in many ways.

Here's what you can expect:

• Outdoor Fitness Patio: Stay fit and active while enjoying the fresh air on the outdoor fitness patio.
• Airausium: Experience the thrill of playing sports on a lighted court covered by an open-sided shelter. The airnasium is the perfect spot for volleyball, basketball, futsal, and pickleball enthusiasts.
• Miniature Soccer Pitch + Futsal Court: South Carolina's only one of its kind, this miniature soccer pitch and futsal court promise endless hours of soccer fun. Futsal, a scaled-down version of soccer created by a YMCA in South America, offers an exciting twist to the traditional game.

A Hub for the Community

The Eastside Family YMCA, with its 30-year-old facility, has been serving the community tirelessly. In fact, it now serves more than double the number of members it was originally expected to accommodate. Currently, it provides valuable services to over 4,500 local kids.

With the introduction of this new outdoor complex, the YMCA aims to offer even more recreational activities for both kids and adults. The airnasium's roof will host activities like volleyball, basketball, futsal, and pickleball, providing endless opportunities for active play.

According to Scot Badley, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greenville, this upgrade represents "the start of a multi-phase effort" to provide "a whole new level of service." This commitment to enhancing the community's well-being is a testament to the YMCA's dedication to fostering healthier, happier lives for all.

So, if you're looking for a place to unleash your sporting prowess, bond with family and friends, or simply enjoy some outdoor fun, the Eastside Family YMCA's new outdoor multi-sports complex is the place to be. Head on over to 1250 Taylors Rd. and experience the future of fitness and recreation today!

⛅ Weather

It's been sunny and mild, in the low 80s and that will continue through the week. Next week is forecast to be slightly cooler, with lows possibly dipping into the 40s this weekend.

Check out Josh Hoover-Dempsey's review of Eggs Up Grill in Downtown Greenville on Google Maps!

Make sure to follow Josh on Google Maps to get updates on the hottest spots in Greenville! Not sure how? Click here for instructions. 

Josh's Google Review

"Eggs Up Grill, a beloved breakfast and brunch spot in the heart of downtown Greenville, South Carolina, has recently undergone a complete renovation and reopened its doors to the public. With a fresh new look and feel, the restaurant is sure to impress both longtime patrons and new visitors alike. Upon entering the newly renovated Eggs Up Grill, guests are greeted by a bright and airy dining room with a modern farmhouse aesthetic. The restaurant's signature eggs-shaped logo is prominently featured throughout the space, and the walls are adorned with colorful artwork and photography. The menu at Eggs Up Grill offers a wide variety of breakfast and brunch classics, all made to order with fresh, high-quality ingredients. From classic eggs Benedict to fluffy pancakes and waffles, there's something to please everyone on the menu. On my recent visit to Eggs Up Grill, I was greeted by several members of the staff who seemed genuinely happy to see me and who went above and beyond to make sure I had a great experience. In addition to its delicious food, Eggs Up Grill also offers a variety of refreshing drinks, including mimosas, bloody marys, coffee, tea, juice, and smoothies. Overall, I was very impressed with the newly renovated Eggs Up Grill. The food is delicious, the service is friendly, and the atmosphere is inviting. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a delicious and affordable breakfast or brunch in downtown Greenville!"

Eggs Up Grill

31 Augusta St, Ste B

Greenville, SC 29601

6:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Monday - Friday

7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Saturday & Sunday

Exciting New Businesses Coming to Greenville's University Square Redevelopment

Greenville County's University Square redevelopment project is poised to bring a wave of exciting new businesses to the area. This ambitious project aims to revitalize the heart of Greenville and create a vibrant hub for entertainment, dining, and commerce. Pins Mechanical. Fairway Social and Agave Bandido are now planned to join the Greenville County Square redevelopment.

These new businesses join a lineup of exciting tenants in the University Square redevelopment project. Whole Foods and The Perch Kitchen & Tap are already on board, offering grocery shopping and dining options. Additionally, Lime One Capital is expanding its headquarters to Greenville County Square, creating 300 new jobs, boosting the local economy. The first phase of the development, the Greenville County Administrative Complex, opened its doors on July 17th, 2023, marking a significant milestone in the project's progress.

Greenville's University Square redevelopment is breathing new life into the city's core, providing a diverse range of entertainment, dining, and job opportunities. These new businesses are sure to add to the vibrant atmosphere and draw both new and existing residents, as well as visitors to this exciting destination. Keep an eye out for their openings in the coming years and get ready to experience the best that University Square has to offer.

Keep reading for more details on the newly announced businesses!

Pins Mechanical

Pins Mechanical is a unique bar and arcade venue that's set to become the entertainment anchor of University Square. With plans to occupy an impressive 24,000 square feet of space, Pins Mechanical promises an array of entertainment options. This venue will feature duckpin bowling, over 40 pinball machines, yard games, and a wide selection of craft beer and cocktails. With its quirky and fun atmosphere, Pins Mechanical is sure to be a hit with both locals and visitors. The opening is expected in 2026, and it already has successful locations in Georgia, Ohio, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Pennsylvania.

Fairway Social

Fairway Social is a full-service restaurant and bar concept that combines virtual golf and sports-themed entertainment. This exciting addition to University Square will span 9,100 square feet and offer golf simulators, putting courses, arcade games, and more. Fairway Social caters to all ages and skill levels, making it a perfect spot for family outings or a night out with friends. The introduction of Fairway Social adds a dynamic dimension to the entertainment options in Greenville. With two existing locations in Georgia, their expansion into University Square is highly anticipated.

Agave Bandido

Agave Bandido, hailing from South Florida, is set to bring a taste of contemporary Mexican cuisine and craft tequila cocktails to University Square. Occupying 7,000 square feet of space, this restaurant and tequila bar will offer an authentic dining experience in a stylish setting. The menu will feature a range of Mexican dishes prepared with care and precision, and the bar will serve up craft cocktails that complement the cuisine. Agave Bandido's expansion to University Square and Georgia demonstrates the growing popularity of its offerings.

⛅ Weather

Autumn is coming!! Highs are hovering right around 80 for the next week with lows in the highs in the low 60s with mostly or partly cloudy days predicted.

Every year Restaurant Week comes along and reminds us how amazing our local dining options are. Greenville, South Carolina has been recognized many times for its foodie enticing cuisine. Travel & Liesure even ranked Greenville, SC in their top 10 Best Food Cities in 2023!

Beginning August 24th, 2023, and running through September 3rd, 2023, Restaurant Week includes a wide variety of participating establishments ranging from fine dining to pubs. The event encourages exploration of various cuisines at discounted prices in Greenville and the surrounding areas, like Travelers Rest, Greer, and Simpsonville.

Support local businesses while satisfying your inner foodie, exploring new places and trying new menu items at your favorite restaurants. 

For a list of all the participating restaurants, check out their website.

☀️August Weather Update 

As we approach the end of August, we are getting a blast of heat with temperatures at or near 100 on Friday! However, this heat spell won't last long. Thunderstorms are possible Sunday night and come Monday the temps will go back down our normal for this time of year - mid to high 80s. 

Downtown Greenville, South Carolina is about to welcome a new addition to its vibrant culinary scene - Bricktop's. The American restaurant chain is set to open its doors on August 29th in the former Brooks Brothers location at 1 N. Main St. With an eclectic menu that focuses on American bistro cuisine, diners can expect a range of delicious options. What sets Bricktop's apart is their separate sushi menu, featuring rolls with mouthwatering ingredients like crab, tuna, and shrimp. This addition adds a unique twist to the already diverse dining options in downtown Greenville.

Whether you're visiting for lunch or dinner, Bricktop's ensures that there is something for everyone. Their regular menu boasts a variety of dishes, including salmon, trout, steak, meatloaf, and chicken. For those looking for something lighter, salads and appetizers are also available. The restaurant's commitment to offering a diverse range of options ensures that all tastes are catered to.

Bricktop's is not entirely new to the dining scene, with locations already established in cities like Charlotte, North Carolina, Nashville, Tennessee, and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, among others. The addition of a location in downtown Greenville further solidifies the city's reputation as a hub for exceptional dining experiences. So, mark your calendars for August 29th and be sure to visit Bricktop's at their new location!

August Weather Update

This week is primarily sunny with highs hovering around 90 degrees and lows in the high 60s. This weekend reflects more of the same with chances of thunderstorms at less than 10%.

Adding technology to a house can offer several potential benefits for both sellers and potential buyers. Here are some reasons why adding tech to a house might be advantageous:

• Increased Appeal: Incorporating modern technology can make your house stand out from the competition and attract tech-savvy buyers who value convenience, efficiency, and the latest amenities.
• Higher Perceived Value: Homes with smart technology are often perceived as more valuable and desirable, which can justify a higher listing price and potentially lead to better offers.
• Faster Sale: Upgrading a house with tech features can make it more appealing and lead to a quicker sale, as buyers might be more willing to make an offer on a house that's already equipped with the technology they desire.
• Competitive Edge: In a competitive real estate market, having technology-enhanced features can give your property the unique edge to help it stand out among similar listings.
• Energy Efficiency: Smart home technologies, such as smart thermostats, lighting, and appliances, can make the house more energy efficient. This can be an attractive feature for buyers who are environmentally conscious and want to save on utility bills.
• Convenience and Comfort: Smart home devices can enhance daily living by providing convenient features like remote control of lights, thermostats, security systems, and more.
• Security and Safety: Smart security systems, cameras, doorbells, and locks can improve the safety and security of the home, which is a major selling point for many buyers.
• Future-proofing: By integrating technology, you're making the house more future-proof, ensuring that it remains relevant and appealing as technology continues to evolve.
• Wider Buyer Pool: While not all buyers may be specifically seeking out tech features, having them in place can appeal to a broader range of potential buyers, increasing the likelihood of a sale.
• Higher Return on Investment (ROI): Depending on the tech upgrades you choose; they could potentially offer a good return on investment by increasing the overall value of the property.

It's important to note that not all tech upgrades will necessarily add value to your home or lead to a higher resale price. The key is to carefully choose technology enhancements that are relevant, practical, and appealing to potential buyers in your market.

Before making any tech additions, it's a good idea to research the local real estate market, contact local real estate professionals, and consider the preferences of your target buyers to determine which tech features are likely to provide the greatest benefit for resale.

☀️August Weather Update 

This week brought us back into the 80s for highs, partly cloudy most days with a chance of scattered storms on Thursday and 90-degree temps are anticipated to return this weekend.