We’re kicking off our summer road trip series — Hit the Road — with an outdoor adventure-themed trip to Cloudland Canyon State Park in Rising Fawn, GA (in the northwest corner of the state near Chattanooga, TN). As one of GA’s “largest and most scenic state parks” with waterfalls and thousand-foot deep canyons, this spot is a great destination for experienced adventurers + novice nature seekers alike.
Before you start packing your bags, here’s everything you need to know about the area + our insider recommendations. Drive time: ~4.5 hours Est. population: 16,326 (2021 estimate for Dade County, where Rising Fawn is located) Avg. high in June: 81° |
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The views from the Overlook Trail are pretty as a picture. | Photo by GVLtoday
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🥾Things to do Hiking
Whether you’re looking to chase waterfalls or opting to take in the expansive views of the canyons, there’s a trail (seven, actually) for you. City Editor Kyle’s personal favorite is the Two Mile Backcountry Loop, but the Waterfalls and Overlook Trails are not to be missed. Save this map before setting out.
🍽️ Fuel up after hiking Lookout Mountain Pizza Company, 203 Scenic Hwy., Rising Fawn | Thurs., 5-8 p.m., Fri. + Sat., 5-9 p.m., Sun., 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. There’s nothing like a pie to refuel after a day of hiking. This Neapolitan wood fired pizza spot, located just two minutes from the park entrance, offers 10+ pizzas and is even BYOB. |
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Pioneer site No.3 is quiet and cozy. | GIF by GVLtoday |
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🏕️ Cozy campsites + cabins
Cloudland Canyon State Park campsites
There are 150+ accommodations available in the park, from backcountry sites tucked away in the woods to group sites that can accommodate 20+ people. Kyle has camped at both a drive-in campsite (think: for RVs + camper vans) and a pioneer site with seven family members.
Looking for more recommendations? Head to the link below. Plus, stay tuned for the July installment of our Hit the Road series. We’ll be highlighting a 30-mile road trip. |
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What's your favorite day trip destination? |
We need some inspo for our wanderlust. |
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Today - Piedmont Natural Gas Downtown Alive | Thurs., June 23 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | NOMA Square, downtown Greenville | Free entry | Reminisce with the Willy Nelson tribute band Remember Me and try some Greek classics from One Eyed Donkey. 🎶
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Pints & Politics with Conservation Voters of SC | Thurs., June 23 | 4:30-6:30 p.m. | Liability Brewing Co., 109 W. Stone Ave., Ste. D | Free | CVSC fights for SC's air, land, water, and energy through bipartisan political action, making environmental issues a top priority among SC's elected leaders, candidates, and voters.*
Friday - Salsa at Sunset | Fri., June 24 | 6-10 p.m. | Camperdown Plaza | Free | Twist and turn to Latin music as the sun goes down over downtown Greenville at this event hosted by Upstate International.
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Volunteer in the Vineyards | Fri., June 24 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Eagle Mountain Winery, 330 Hwy. 11, Travelers Rest | Free | Help Eagle Mountain Winery prep its vineyards for the harvest by clearing weeds — bring your own garden gloves, shears + water.
Saturday - Greenville Triumph vs. Northern Colorado Hailstorm | Sat., June 25 | 7 p.m. | Triumph Stadium at Legacy Early College, 900 Woodside Ave. | $13+ | Catch a Saturday evening of soccer as the Triumph takes on the Hailstorm. ⚽️
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Travelers Rest Farmers Market | Sat., June 25 | 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Free entry | Trailblazer Park, 235 Trailblazer Dr., Travelers Rest | Shop food, fresh produce, and goods from 60+ local producers and artists. 🌻
Sunday - Greenville Drive vs. Bowling Green Hot Rods | Sun., June 26 | 3:05 p.m. | Fluor Field at the West End | $10+ | Catch Tyler Scheuer balance wheelbarrows, bikes, and ladders on his face in Tyler’s Amazing Balancing Act during the Drive game.
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Concrete Roses | Sun., June 26 | 7 p.m. | Gunter Theatre at the Peace Center | $35 | Vaughn Newman Dance and ZAKI West African Drum & Dance Ensemble honor the resilience in all of us at this night of soulful dance and drumming.
Monday - Noodle Night | Mon., June 27 | 5-9 p.m. | The Commons | Prices vary | Enjoy noodles of all kinds at this weekly Monday night dinner by Chef Alex at Golden Brown & Delicious. 🍝
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Summer Clay Experience | Mon., June 27-Fri., July 1 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | CHILL Art Studios, 125 Lakecrest Dr. | $275 per child | Drop off the kiddos ages 7-11 for this hands-on camp where classes of six will work with teachers to make all kinds of clay creations.
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We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends. |
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We’d never guess that these chic patio chairs are made from recycled water bottles. | Photo provided by Outer |
If you hear the word “wicker” and think of a frumpy, broken piece of furniture, you’re not alone — but thanks to Outer, a company that crafts stylish outdoor furniture with an eye toward sustainability, it’s time to rethink wicker. By using recycled water bottles as source material, Outer has created eco-friendly wicker furniture that not only looks ultra-modern, but is durable enough to last a decade.
Bonus: Each cushion uses triple memory foam for max comfiness.*
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Weather - 95º | Scattered thunderstorms | 50% chance of rain
Open
Eat -
Donut chain Krispy Kreme is softly serving up its new soft serve ice cream in 10 different test markets, and Greenville’s 1215-B Woodruff Rd. location is one of them. Try flavors like Original Glazed, Strawberry Iced Sprinkled, and Chocolate Iced in a variety of milkshakes, cups, and cones. 🍦 (Upstate Business Journal)
History -
3…2…1..action. The Fountain Inn Museum is filming a movie that showcases the history of the area for educational purposes. Professional and amateur actors will portray specific moments from the last three centuries, including when the Cherokee inhabited the area + Reconstruction. The film will be ~15 minutes. 🎬 (WYFF 4)
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A new state historical marker for Southern Bleachery Mill Village was unveiled near Taylors Mill (2 Mill St.). The marker — sponsored by nonprofit Taylors TownSquare, Taylors Mill, and locals Michael + Nannette Iatesta — shares the story of the village on one side and that of the Superintendent House on the other. (Greenville Journal)
Today Is -
International Widows Day, which honors widows across the world. The Modern Widows Club Greenville, a nonprofit community and support group for widows, meets at Unity Park today, Thurs., June 23 at 5 p.m. to spread awareness. The public + widows are welcome, and refreshments will be served at Southernside Brewing Co.
Number -
$3.2 million. That’s how much the National Institute on Aging awarded to researchers at Clemson University to study whether Alzheimer’s disease can be identified early through blood tests. Clemson is seeking volunteers 65+ for a study that will evaluate whether computerized brain training exercises can reduce the risk of dementia. (Clemson News)
- $3,500. That’s the bonus amount Greenville County public safety employees will receive from the federal pandemic relief funds received by the county. County Council members unanimously approved the bonuses on Tuesday. (Greenville Journal)
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$1,848. That’s the average amount Greenville residents pay in monthly bills, according to doxoINSIGHTS (a platform that provides analysis of U.S, bill pay statistics + bill payer behavior). The state’s overall average is $1,783 (11% below the national average), and mortgages and rent were the highest monthly bill categories. 📈
A beauty message from our sponsor -
Want smoother, firmer skin, fewer dark spots, and a glowing complexion? According to Dr. Steven Gundry, this one secret is more effective than any topical cream after the age of 40.*
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Content marked with a * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free. |
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We’ve fall-en in love with our city all over again, thanks to South Carolina ETV.
Greenville was featured on the state public broadcasting network’s Instagram this week, with its post lauding the 32-acre Falls Park as a pocket of nature and natural oasis in the heart of downtown GVL. Featured are the park’s gardens + public art installations as well as the Liberty Bridge, the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail, and of course, Reedy Falls.
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