Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1517455
B M & T ••• March/April 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 15 include the expansion of the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport and the development of the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail Extension, connectingdowntown Greenville with nearby Travelers Rest. The Cultural Corridor road-improvement project also expands the footprint of downtown Greenville, to better include the muse- ums, theaters, and main library. The project makes the area safer and more accessible for pedestrians by reducing auto traffic in the area. SAVOR THE FLAVORS OF DIVERSE DINING Known for its friendly atmosphere and genuine southern hospitality, there's always something to do in Greenville's vibrant downtown. There are over 200 restaurants offering a variety of cuisines from throughout the world. One great place for dinner is Soby's New South Cuisine. Whether you have a taste for fried green tomatoes, crab cakes, or a perfectly grilled steak, you'll find it there. Rich in history and rustic charm, the restaurant has mez- zanine seating overlooking the bustling kitchen and dining area. Ask for Table 301 to get the best view. If seafood is your thing, try The Roost restaurant where Chef Zachary Leeper has a gift for creating succulent seafood dishes. Leeper learned his culinary skills working in several James Beard Award winning and Michelin 3-star restaurants from Chicago to Florida. Or maybe have lunch at Passerelle Bistro. The Parisian style bistro features Southern-influenced dishes, served inside or al fresco, overlooking the natural beauty of Falls Park on the Reedy River. Do your tastes run to something sweeter? Then visit the African American-owned Old Europe Desserts Café to sate your sweet tooth. Opened in 2019, the downtown patisserie offers freshly made pastries, macaroons, and locally roasted coffee. GREENVILLE NIGHTLIFE: FROM JAZZ TO CRAFT BREWS Greenville has a lively nighttime scene with a variety of clubs, pubs, and breweries to enjoy. Greenville's most popular after-work spot is The Oak & Honey. It's a unique restaurant experience with cocktails and made-from-scratch sea- sonal fare. If you love beer, try The Trappe Door. Located directly underneath Barley's in downtown Greenville, The Trappe Door features the city's best selection of Belgian and Belgian-style beers with refreshing saisons, malty pales, and funky sours available. The beer-compatible menu fea- tures moules-frites (mussels and French fries) and house-made sausages. Blues Boulevard Jazz is Greenville's premier jazz and blues venue. An upscale establishment with a long list of specialty drinks and a menu of art- fully created tapas and entrées, Blues Boulevard Jazz offers live music Thursday through Saturday. Blu Nite Club is located below Sushi Go on Main Street. This base- ment dance venue is the go-to spot for late-night dancing. The bar is stocked with beer, wine, and cocktails and the kitchen serves up hearty pub fare. IMMERSE IN RICH CULTURE, FESTIVALS, & TOURS Culture and history are the warp and weave in the Greenville tapestry. Here's just a small sampling. Arts in Public Places is the city's permanent collection of more than 120 works of public art including sculptures, statues, murals, architectural ele- ments/structures, and historic pieces. The ongoing efforts enhance Greenville's aesthetic identity. If you love festivals, Greenville is the place to be. There are a ton of events throughout the year, like The Greenville Arts Festival, the Upcountry Shakespeare Festival, the Greenville International Film Festival, and the Greenville Fine Arts Festival. Of course, sightseeing is a must in Greenville. Some of the more popu- lar tours are Greenville History Tours, Greenville Mural Tours, Greenville Civil Rights Tour, Greenville Food Tours, Greenville Segway Tours, Greenville Ghost Tours, Greenville Biking Tours, and the Black History in Greenville Tour (BHIG). RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ADVENTURES Whether you like to watch or participate, Greenville has something for every sport and outdoors enthusiast. From ziplining to golf, ice skating to bike riding: if you do it, Greenville has it. You can also see can see minor league baseball at Fluor Field, pro- fessional soccer at Furman University Paladin Stadium, and NCAA bas- ketball at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. EFFORTLESS ACCESS AND MOBILITY IN GREENVILLE Greenville is easy to get to and to get around. There are over 100 daily direct flights to Greenville/Spartanburg International Airport from 17 U.S. cities including Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Miami, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. And you can choose from airlines like Delta, Southwest, American, United, Allegiant, Silver, and Avelo. Need to get around Greenville? The city has a free downtown trolley service and countywide public transportation. Uber and Lyft are avail- able as are car, van, and bus rentals. Or you could just walk. For more information call Visit Greenville SC at (864) 421-0o00, or visit visitgreenvillesc.com . AC Marriot Exterior Grand Bohemian Lobby.