Greenville, SC
We stroll through the varied wetlands of the Conestee Nature Preserve, then go to the Upcountry History Museum to learn about this region of South Carolina. After lunch at the Maple St. Biscuit Co., we drive to the West End District to see the eye-catching mid-city water feature, Falls Park on the Reedy, followed by a pre-game visit to the Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum.
Conastee Nature Preserve
Located about 15 minutes from downtown Greenville, the Conestee Nature Preserve covers 400 acres along three miles of the Reedy River. In addition to paved and dirt trails, the preserve features one mile of boardwalk winding through more than 50 species of trees.Conastee Park
As we left the nature preserve, we passed by Conestee Park, home of the old Greenville Braves. I hopped out of the car for a quick photo through the outfield fence.
Upcountry History Museum
This museum covers the history of South Carolina’s 15 upstate counties. Outside, a handsome statue of Greenville namesake Nathanael Greene surveys the scene.
Maple St. Biscuit Co.
We drove downtown to replenish some lost calories, and then some, at the Maple Street Biscuit Company.
THE FIVE & DIME: All-natural fried chicken breast, pecanwood smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, and a fried egg, topped with shiitake mushroom gravy.
West End District
The historic West End District of Greenville was the original home of Furham University in 1852 and is now the arts and entertainment center for the city.
Acting!
Falls Park on the Reedy is a 32-acre park in the West End. It was founded in 1967 when the Carolina Foothills Garden Club reclaimed 26 acres of land that had been previously used by textile mills. When we visited, it featured a traveling display by Mexican sculptor Jorge Marin called “Wings of the City.”
Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum
Just across the street from Fluor Field is the Shoeless Joe Jackson museum. We got a great tour of the museum from Executive Director Dan Wallach, who has overseen the museum's recent renovation and reopening.
Dad takes his turn at the Jackson scowl
…and I take mine
Jackson in his later years, aside the very same house
Dan Wallach at the bat