5 Best Things to Do in Greer, SC

By VI Staff on December 24, 2019

Greer is one of upstate South Carolina's most charming small towns, originally settled in the late 18th century by Scottish pioneer families, including town namesake James Manning Greer. Today, the town is home to the only North American manufacturing site of luxury European car retailer BMW, offering a plethora of family-friendly attractions. Visitors can pick their own peaches, nectarines, and plums at Fishers Orchard or learn about the city's history and culture at the Greer Heritage Museum, housed within its 1935 Post Office building. Lovely Pelham Mill Park preserves a National Register of Historic Places-listed cotton mill constructed in the 19th century.

1.Fishers Orchard

Fishers Orchard was founded during the Great Depression by area settlers Annie and Ruben J. Fisher and began growing and selling fresh peaches in 1968. Today, the orchard is still operated by members of the Fisher family, selling more than 50 peach varieties throughout the year at three locations throughout the Greer region. Visitors can pick their own peaches from the orchard's pick-your-own facility at Fisher Road, which is generally heavily stocked during the peak growing season between June and September. Nectarines and plums are also sold at the orchard's farm stand locations on South Buncombe and Locust Hill Roads, along with delicious farm store goods such as fresh apple cider, homemade jams and jellies, local honey, and relishes crafted from produce grown directly on the farm.

Greer, SC 29651, Phone: 864-895-2892

2.Pelham Mill Park

Pelham Mill Park is a lovely urban oasis near Greenville Spartanburg Airport, preserving the National Register of Historic Places-listed Pelham Mill facility, which was constructed in 1816 by Rhode Island immigrant Reverend Thomas Hutchings. The 144-spindle cotton mill was designed after existing New England mills near Hutchings' former residence, constructed along the banks of the Enoree River. Though it was damaged in three historical fires, the mill's architectural remains are preserved today at the park, overseen by the Greenville County Historic Preservation Commission. Walking trails meander the rustic 14-acre park, which is also home to a dog park that guests can bring their four-legged friends to for off-leash play experiences.

2790 E Phillips Rd, Greer, SC 29650

3.Greer Heritage Museum

Greer Heritage Museum is the premiere cultural museum of the greater Greer region, housed within the city's former 1935 Greer Post Office building, constructed during the Great Depression by the Works Progress Administration. The museum preserves beautiful architectural elements of the historic building, which was also used as the region's City Hall building throughout the late 20th century. Museum visitors can view the building's original post office service window, which has been restored to its historic condition along with elements like its terrazzo floor, civil service bulletin boards, and original shade skylight. A beautiful lobby mural, Cotton and Peach Growing, was painted by local artist Winfred R. Walkley in 1940, depicting the region's agricultural history. Rotating special exhibits highlight the region's cultural and economic history, dating back to its pioneer days.

106 S. Main Street, Greer, SC 29650, Phone: 864-877-3377

4.Clock of Greer

Clock of Greer has been one of Greer's favorite restaurants for more than half a century, originally opened in 1958 and operated by Greek immigrant Arthur Chulkas since 1974. The restaurant offers two locations throughout Greer today, including its original downtown Clock Restaurant location and a casual Clock Express location on Wade Hampton Boulevard. Visitors can enjoy classic American diner fare throughout the week, including hot roast pork and turkey platters, country-style steak and gravy, and Calabash chicken or shrimp platters. A plethora of hearty sandwich and burger selections are also served, ranging from triple club sandwiches and Philly cheesesteaks to smothered barbecued pulled pork and gooey, classic American cheeseburgers. All meals can be accompanied by classic milkshakes and signature sides like homemade hush puppies and onion rings.

603 West Poinsett Street, Greer, SC 29650, Phone: 864-877-5768

5.Barista Alley

Barista Alley is an eclectic local hangout in downtown Greer, opened in 2017 by Andrew Carter. The lively cafe offers full-service coffee shop and crêperie services throughout the week, specializing in handcrafted menu items prepared with locally-sourced ingredients. Diners can choose from classic espresso-based beverages ranging from lattes to nitro cold brew, accompanied by a selection of plant-based milks and housemade flavor shots such as lavender, honey, and agave. Sweet and savory crepe options range from classic Nutella or ricotta cream crepes to health-conscious options like the Instagram-worthy #namastefit crepe, which mixes egg whites, chia and flax seeds, and crushed walnuts with fruit and agave syrup. Fresh fruit smoothie bowls are also served, along with a selection of daily-prepared house pastries.

125 E Poinsett St. Greer, SC 29651, Phone: 864-655-5180