A weekend getaway in the middle of winter is the best way to invest in your marriage!
Just taking time to be intentional and spend together after the holidays is well worth it! Getting away from the laundry and just a change of scenery – does a marriage good!
I especially love getaways that are close by so that your time is not spent driving.
We have always loved Downtown Greenville, SC! It is truly a favorite with such a fun and relaxing vibe. People are so friendly and there is so much to do!
Whether you are looking for a weekend to do absolutely nothing, shop until you drop, or enjoy time at the spa – you can find it all in Greenville. Not to mention so many great restaurants to choose from! Like Asheville, it really is a foodie town!
Here are a FEW (literally) of our favorites and some suggestions for a fun weekend getaway:
We decided the most important thing for us to enjoy a fun getaway was to “unplug”. So out of office was on and notifications were turned off. It was so nice not being on our phones or checking them every few minutes. We talked more! We laughed more! We relaxed more!
We splurged a little with Hampton Inn & Suites Greenville downtown Riverplace. We love staying downtown so that we could walk everywhere because driving around is not relaxing for either of us. Since we are Hilton Honors members (its free to join). The hotel is convenient to everything. Free breakfast, wi-fi, beds are comfortable, and friendly staff. The only thing about staying downtown is that they charge you for parking. It was $7 a night. Since parking downtown is very limited and the parking areas charge $10 – it was worth it to us.
Another favorite and will save you a bit is the Embassy Suites Golf Resort. If you love breakfast and an evening snack, Embassy Suites are the best as it is included in your stay. They also have a shuttle that will take you downtown!
To celebrate Valentine’s Day, we had made a few special plans that included Drew & Ellie Holcomb concert at the Peace Center. - you should definitely check them out if you are not already following them! We first heard Drew & Ellie at Windy Gap Young Life and immediately feel in love with their music. And then, just a few years ago they were in a small coffee shop downtown Greenville with maybe a hundred or so people. It was so amazing to see them packing out the Peace Center. It was an incredible concert. I love them together! So much fun! And I may or may not have some exciting news to share about Ellie Holcomb and Brookstone Church. Stay tuned!
So, if I had extra money (besides my love of TJ Maxx) I would definitely love a weekly visit to a Spa! What a way to relax! We discovered the Spa at West End a few years back when I came down for a girl’s weekend. We enjoyed a facial and a massage and, oh my goodness, I highly recommend both. I knew we were going to be doing lots of walking and it had been a busy month so I was fortunate to get an appointment for a pedicure. Oh goodness, was it incredible. Orma was the best (you must make an appointment with her if you’re a local or next time you’re in town). My feet have never felt so good! Boy, can she give a massage!
One of our favorite go to’s in Greenville for special occasions has been Sobys. Always great food and always great service. Definitely a must!
This year we thought we would change it up a bit. Its so hard to decide on one place when there are so many to chose from. That is why I love “Progressive Date Nights”. This can be fun with just you and a significant other, a double date night, or even a group of friends. You start out at one restaurant for an appetizer, entrée at another, and then dessert at another.
Not sure when they started naming all of these restaurants “Gastropubs” (which should tell anyone who is trying to eat healthy to stay away). Nose Dive was fabulous! I absolutely love appetizers which always fills me up then I can never finish my meal. The Soft Baked Pretzel Sticks with the pepper jack cheese fondue and Lusty Monk mustard were to die for! Andy loved the crispy fried oysters. Since we were filling up fast we decided to split the Nose Dive Chicken Fil-ay! It was so good. You can never go wrong with chicken!
We discovered Smoke on the Water a few years ago and everything we have tried is delicious. Great lunch spot but weekends can be super busy. When exploring a downtown we love finding the hidden ‘roof tops’ - such a fun place to unplug - I especially love the lounge seating and fire pits. Up on the Roof was just next door at the Embassy Suites with great views and another great place for those appetizers/small plates.
Also if you love Ruth’s Chris but not their prices – be sure to go early for their happy hour small plate menu. Oh my goodness so so good and it will fill you up! Sliders 1-1-1 are a must! And after a concert and your having a late night craving – and love cheese as much as we do – “Sip” Rooftop was another great place. Open late and check out this menu. Cheese anyone? Need a break from all the walking? For all you coffee lovers or ice cream lovers – be sure to stop in at Spill The Beans. Such a unique place with lots of cozy relaxing seating.
I suggest just dedicating an entire day to do nothing but walk around downtown. Falls Park is incredible and depending on the weather, there is so much to do and enjoy.
Since I love local shops I must share with you a few of my favorites:
The Cook’s Station - so many great finds here! I could literally read their cards for hours and laugh for hours! They have so many unique items and every item you could possible need for cooking!
Vintage now Modern - this store is a must walk through if nothing else to find your inspiration! So many great finds from farmhouse décor to antiques, to lots of other unique items.
My favorite discovery on this trip was the M. Judson Booksellers & Chocolate Moose Bakery. This is truly the cutest bookstore ever! My favorite thing is that there are hand written staff pick finds with notes in every section. Not to mention the cozy décor surrounded by the most yummy sweets ever! Definitely a must!
I always love Mast General - Greenville and we had so much fun after purchasing a new “Chat Pack” which are fun question cards. After you have been married a while – there is always that feeling you know everything about each other or what to talk about! That is why I love these because it takes all the stress away! We ended up spending hours just relaxing and went through the entire pack!
And if you’re a kid at heart or have kids or grandkids – be sure to stop in at O.P. Taylor’s Toy Store! Such a fun place!
Lou Lou Boutiques- this is such a cute boutique and we actually have one in downtown Asheville as well. My favorite find here is their “Foundry” jewelry. I just love it all and its super affordable! And their gift wrapping is so cute!