A Perfect Day In Greenville, SC - Rainy Day Activities
/Looking for things to do on a rainy day in Greenville, SC? “Raindrops keep fallin’ on my fur… “ As a Swamp Rabbit, a rainy day won’t bring me down; I like things damp. I understand, however, that you human-types feel a bit differently. So just what are some strategies for handling what to do on a rainy day in Greenville? There’s plenty of stuff to do! I’ll start with breakfast ideas and work my way through the day and night until beddy-bye time, okay? Now you can jumble up these activities any old way you like. Rainy days are for being creative! (artwork above "Sea of Umbrellas" by Kendra Baird Runnels).
Firstly, I would say: Get outside! Yep, that’s right. I mean after all, how will you get to show off your cute Wellies and umbrella ensemble if you don’t go outside IN the rain???
So how about we start our day off with some nice hot coffee or a spicy chai latte from one of the three (count ‘em - THREE) cozy coffee houses near the Swamp Rabbit Inn, plus a couple other nearby options.
Bex Coffee and juices too. So cute and cozy, and really, only two blocks from the Inn - you could shuffle there zombie-like with no trouble at all. 820 S Main. Open: Mon - Sat 7:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
West End Coffee An extra two blocks turning right on S Main from Bex and you will be at West End, local coffee roasters to the region and beyond. Excellent brew. 1021 S Main. Open: Mon - Sat 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Village Grind A mile and a half (less than thirty minute walk, 6 by car) will take you to the West Village hot [coffee] spot (psst, it’s where the cool kids are). It’s tiny, but the quintessential place you picture for ‘coffee house’. Wander into the Mill Village Farms Market right across Pendleton on Lois (they have coffee too) and peruse the bright local produce on a grey day. 1263 Pendleton St. Open: Mon - Fri 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sat 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Brew & Ewe Up a few blocks to the north, just past the Peace Center you’ll find Brew and Ewe - Coffee and Woolens - yeah, you “knit wits” know who your are. But what could be better? The logo is even wearing a sweater. Grab a coffee and pastry and browse the lovely assortment of wool shawls, gloves and felted hats. You may find something you can’t live without and leave much more snug. 108 W Broad. Open: Mon - Sat 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sun 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
OR just go for breakfast already at Eggs Up Grill! You can short cut through a parking lot from S Main to Augusta and it's only another block over from Bex. 31 Augusta S. Open: 7 days 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Next, you might want to get the blood moving. Gently at first…
Soul Yoga Only two blocks from the inn you can stretch out at Soul Yoga Studio to get all limber before you jump in the rain puddles. 1116 S Main. See website for schedule.
Then, for something(s) more strenuous…
Pavilion Recreation Complex has an ice rink and all kinds of indoor sport offerings including Bubble Soccer, but call ahead for that one it takes a little planning, but is it worth it! Check out the website for the activity calendar. 400 Scottswood Rd, Taylors.
Westside Aquatic Complex, 2700 W Blue Ridge Dr, and the Kroc Center, 424 Westfield St for some indoor swimming on a rainy day. Why not? Both of these beautiful facilities have several different pool types and options.
Climb at Blue Ridge and Mountain Goat Climbing Gym if climbing is your thing, or maybe a new thing the next rainy is perfect for, both this places will suit your interests and ability level.
Gravitopia Extreme Air Sports is the answer if your little bunnies need entertaining or the adults in your group want to play like kids. This is a fun place. Indulge your inner ninja! They have trampolines, rope bridges, tire swings, and foam pits. Kids Jump every week day from 9-10am when they restrict entrance to ages 6 and under only and an accompanying adult. The adult jumps for free! Check out Family Night, every Monday night your entire immediate family (mom, dad, and kids) jumps for just $35. 48 Brookfield Oaks Dr.
How about some retro fun? Bowling and roller rinks!
Stone Pin in the North Main area is probably the most stylin' bowling alley you ever laid eyes on! Check out their lunch and bowl specials and they are even open late night! Golden Lanes and Golden Skate even has a Tiki Bar to send you back in time. 108 Balcome Blvd, Simpsonville. See website for schedule.
A little farther out of Greenville proper, Roller Sports in Taylors will offer a classic skating experience. 328 W Main St, Taylors. Check their site for seasonal schedules.
More fun and also in the North Main area is the Escape Artist where your group can test your escape skills.
Perhaps you’ll be wanting a snack after that. Of course all the dining options available on sunny days are here for you on rainy days in Greenville, too. But when a chill is in the air our minds turn to soup. So here are some warm brothy suggestions for finding a bowl of liquid gold.
Rainer’s is kind of a perfect name for our theme, eh? Great Sandwiches, soups and desserts in a very Bohemian, arty setting. 610 S Main St A. Open for lunch Mon - Sat at 11 a.m. If you’re not feeling so ambitious and want to settle in, the BAR is open Thurs - Sat 3 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Swamp Rabbit Cafe always a local fave with daily soups on the menu. 205 Cedar Lane. Open: Mon - Fri 7:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sat - Sun 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Menkoi Ramen is feeding the noodle craze in town. If ramen is what heats you up this place is great! 1860 Woodruff Rd. Open 7 days 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., and 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Soby’s on the Side has a soup of the day calendar on the site to clue you in. See if they are making your favorites! 22 E Court St. Open: Mon - Fri 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Sat 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Now that we’ve fortified ourselves let’s turn to cultural and intellectual pursuits…
Greenville County Museum of Art and Children’s Museum of the Upstate The Children’s Museum has a giant indoor play space and lots of unique fun exhibits to keep the kiddos entertained. Check the websites for what local, national, and international artist’s works are on display during you visit. Right next to each other at 420 College St and 300 College St.
M. Judson Booksellers Farm-to-table cafe, Chocolate Moose Bakery with divine cupcakes and a bookstore with author signings, book clubs, pop up suppers, and Saturday story time in the children’s nook we can’t say enough nice things about this place check out their website and see if any of their activities will fit into your plans. 130 S Main.
Joe’s Place - Books, Wine, Coffee, Art, down on S Main shuffle in to Joe’s! Story times, Book clubs, wine tastings, author signings and events like murder mystery night. Another rainy day spot for the bookish at heart. Check out Joe’s calendar of activities.
Is it time for supper yet? Again, any of the many restaurants in Greenville are open rain and shine. Prime spots to watch the rain come down downtown might be Roost, Halls, Passerelle, Ink N Ivy, or Rick Erwin’s. Big windows, all.
Continuing the rainy day culture, a play or live show would be wonderful to end our day… Have a look at their seasonal calendars to find something sure to entertain.
Greenville Little Theatre the community theater founded in 1936, Is great for thoughtful and feel-good, classic fare. 444 College St.
Warehouse Theatre Your go-to for edgy and alternative. 37 Augusta St.
Centre Stage known for their New Play Festival was considered more tame until they added their “Fringe” series. Being around the corner form The Playwright pub makes any easy ‘dinner and play’ evening, no muss no fuss! 501 River St.
The Peace Center hosts the Broadway shows, major musical acts, touring companies of all sorts including dance and the Greenville Symphony http://www.greenvillesymphony.org 101 Broad St.
Are you all tuckered out? Time for a nightcap, flannel Pj’s and blankets? We hope we showed a fun albeit rainy day in Greenville. Dream sweet.
—Percy
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