John Nolan of Greenville History Tours Talks Touring Greenville by Streets and Eats

Check out my chat with John Nolan of Greenville History Tours. We talk about all things Greenville’s past, present and future!

About Greenville History Tours

Nolan started Greenville History Tours about 12 years ago and was the first tour company here in Greenville. The original tour Nolan started with was the West End Walking tour which is a about an hour and gives a general overview of Greenville from the early days of the textile era to things going on now to things that are about to happen. “I love being able to be the frontline of Greenville,” says Nolan. “You know, people come here for the first time and I get to be the cheerleader for Greenville.”

Nolan has since expanded his company with driving and culinary tours. The most popular tour by far is The Chef’s Table Culinary tour; Nolan’s first food tour. Nolan partnered with the Table 301 restaurant group to bring a new way for both locals and visitors to experience Greenville’s downtown. “It’s just a fun three hour, five restaurant sampling and so, I’ve gotten to the point where every one sells out,” says Nolan.

Check out all of Nolan’s tours here: http://www.greenvillehistorytours.com

Mentioned in Video

Greenville History Tours

Greenville Culinary Tours

Table 301

Famous Toastery

Biscuit Head

Le Petit Croissant

Jeff Bannister Talks Greenville and Travelers Rest Food Scenes

In this week's video, Greenville resident and "Chopped Grill Masters" competitor Jeff Rhino Bannister and I discuss our favorite restaurants in Greenville, SC and Travelers Rest, SC. 

About Jeff Bannister

Bannister is currently a resident of Greenville, but is originally from the small South Carolina town of Holly Hills. 25 years ago, he and his family left the country behind and headed here to the city where he started Bovinoche, the whole animal open fire cooking event in Columbia, SC. "We use some very unusual ways to cook animals," says Bannister. "It's whole cows, lambs, a bunch of other stuff." Bannister is known locally amongst the Greenville food scene, but he's known nationally from his TV appearances on shows like the Cooking Channel’s “Man, Fire, Food,” and Anthony Anderson’s “Anthony Eats America,” to Food Network’s “Chopped Grill Masters."

Greenville and Travelers Rest Food Scenes

"Greenville has got a great food scene and Travelers Rest has got one that's even, just...will blow your mind away," exclaims Bannister. Bannister continues to enjoy the rapidly growing food scene here in Greenville, but has been focusing on the one in Travelers Rest as of late; taking advantage of the smaller boutique establishments that push out high quality food and environments.

“That’s what’s so awesome about these local businesses, is the product is such quality and they’re there,” explains Lynn. “You develop this relationship with their food, and their product, but also with them.” Bannister notes that the food scene in Travelers Rest ten years ago was nonexistent in comparison to what it looks like today. With restaurants like Sidewall for pizza, Monkey Wrench Smokehouse for barbecue, the best cocktails in the upstate - according to Bannister - at Rocket Surgery, the cafe at Williams Hardware for sandwiches, and more.

Mentioned in Video

Swamp Rabbit Inn

Greenville One Center

Bovinoche

Sidewall Pizza Company

Monkey Wrench Smokehouse

Rocket Surgery

Cafe at Williams Hardware

Hare & Field

Williamsburg Winery

Fat Canary

Be sure to check out the phenomenal food scenes gracing both Greenville and Travelers Rest if haven’t. Bon appétit!

What's Going On Greenville- a Weekend Guide to the Upstate

It's a big weekend here in the Upstate. The leaves are in their prime and have really shown some spectacular color. Anything activity to do outdoors simply must be done- it's quite nearly sacrilegious to stay inside when the cool mornings and evenings are sandwiching bright, warm afternoons. So whether it's enjoying a picnic and a hike at Paris Mountain State Park or drinking a cold seasonal brew on the deck at The Community Tap, we encourage everyone to seek something beautiful in the greater outdoors. Here's what we're doing this weekend:

Greenville boasts some of the most incredible cycling conditions in the entire country. Undulating hills, epic Tour-De-France style mountain climbs, and peaceful family friendly trails. This weekend, Greenville and the surround Upstate plays host to the 2015 Hincapie Gran Fondo. Styled like a European mass start bicycle ride, Greenville and more specifically Travelers Rest is the literal stomping ground for over 2000 cyclists for the Saturday ride. And what's even better? Hincapie Sportswear's Warehouse Sale, starting at 9 am on Friday morning.

Maybe riding bikes isn't your style. May we suggest Furman University's Homecoming Football game? Situated just outside the city limits, Furman is one of the most beautiful liberal arts schools in the country. Walk along the path by the lake, take in the breathtaking rose garden, or enjoy lunch made with local meats and produce, open to all.

And finally, join us at the Inn Sunday from 4-7 pm for our First Annual Hoptoberfest. Live music, local makers, farm fresh produce, food trucks, and more. We're also giving away a weeknight's stay for the BEST child and pet costume so don't forget to bring the kids and the dogs.

Review of "Cycling Greenville SC" Guidebook by Biking in the Upstate Blogger

Thank you to blogger Tanya DeOliveira of Biking In The Upstate for this review of "Cycling Greenville SC" guidebook: Click here to read full review …

Here is a snippet of the review ... Monday, February 23, 2015

Book Review: Cycling Greenville South Carolina I'm ready for spring! What about you? No better way to shake off the cold winter by dreaming and preparing for the spring riding season. And there's a book out about cycling - road, mountain and recreational - that you will want to put on your must read list!

As I mentioned in a recent post, I had the opportunity to read the book Cycling Greenville South Carolina. Wendy Lynam, local cyclist, owner of the Swamp Rabbit Inn and Greenville entrepreneur, wrote this book because the Greenville area lacked a bicycle-riding tour book. Book available locally and online.

This book is an easy to read and navigate paperback that will have you planning the next group and solo rides in Greenville County and the surrounding area. I consider myself a dreamer when it comes to long distance rides, and this book has me inspired to take on new, longer and challenging routes.

Read the full review here.