27 Mar A Furman Student’s Take on Greenville
Prior to enrolling at Furman, I had virtually no knowledge of Greenville, the city I was about to call home for the next four years. At home in Atlanta, I was used to having the entertainment of a big city at my fingertips with Atlanta Braves games, the Georgia Aquarium, and the laser show at Stone Mountain. Unfortunately, this also meant dense traffic and a fast pace of life that slowed for no one.
In comparison, Greenville is a breath of fresh air. While still maintaining the happening downtown that I desire, Furman’s campus is mere minutes away from beautiful mountains and bike trails. Speaking of downtown, it seems that a new bar or restaurant opens there almost weekly. In addition to strolling through Falls Park, some of my favorite places include Coffee Underground, Passerelle Bistro, and Up on the Roof. Each of these establishments embodies the charm that makes Greenville special. One drive down Main Street under the lights in the trees is enough to make anyone fall in love with this city.
Travelers Rest is a smaller town that’s also a quick commute from Furman and is growing steadily thanks to the Swamp Rabbit Trail. Connecting downtown Greenville, Furman, and TR, the trail is a great place to get some fresh air and exercise. Plus, it is littered with shops, cafes, and breweries that provide a unique experience and ensure that each ride on the 20-mile trail is fresh and new. Sushi Yama and Swamp Rabbit Brewery are great places to stop and grab a bite to eat or a beer to quench your thirst. Heading north of Travelers Rest, you find Hotel Domestique, started by the legendary cyclist George Hincapie. This gem is tucked into the mountains of TR and offers spectacular views at sunset.
I will always be partial to Atlanta. Yet, if I had chosen to go somewhere other than Furman, I would have missed out on one of the South’s most unique and thriving cities. From the bustling nightlife of downtown to the charm of Travelers Rest, I can truly say that there is no place like Greenville.
About the Author
Drew Hutchinson is the marketing intern at Coldwell Banker Caine for the spring semester of 2018. He is a native of Atlanta, GA and a senior at Furman University.
