What are you reading?

It’s one of my favorite questions, but it doesn’t stop there. I need to know what it’s about. Are you enjoying it? Physical book or e-reader? Then I want to know if you listen to audiobooks as well. Are you reading at a coffee shop? Do you have a book nook at your house (jealous!)? Or do you prefer an outdoor setting?

Of course, then I want to know your favorite book, genre, or trope. It’s an endless conversation that will likely lead to me not getting the cookies baked. Or worse, I’ll burn them!

Greenville has plenty of ways to enjoy all of the above: places to buy your next read, dine with authors, meet others to discuss (or not discuss) books, and even explore our precious Mice on Main.

There are quite a few unique options around here when it comes time to pick up your next book. New, used, or in bulk, here are some of the area’s best shops.

M.Judson Booksellers

Located on Main Street, it is owned and operated by true book lovers. Shelves and tables are arranged by genre, with highlighted staff favorites displayed in such a way that every direction you turn, there is something else to catch your eye.

Mr. K’s Used Books, Music & More

They have been around for more than 30 years and offer new and used books, albums, and video games. The location is great too, since it’s in the same shopping center as Greenfield’s Bagels. A bagel, coffee, and a new read make for a perfect morning.

Book Warehouse Outlet

Open only one weekend each month, it features an entire warehouse of books at 70% off retail prices. Bring your own tote bags and a water bottle, because you’ll be in there for hours!

Swoon Booksellers and To Be Read

Will both bring the books to you. (Along that subject, have you read The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek?) Swoon specializes in romance novels and even has a nickname for the pink bookmobile. To Be Read uses social media to keep readers updated on where they’ll be each week, along with witty book reviews.

Flourish Bookstore is just a block away from Pettigru Place. Besides being great neighbors, this used bookstore donates its profits to support families in their adoption journeys.

There are plenty of opportunities to meet authors, attend readings, and even enjoy food and drinks while discussing books. M. Judson Booksellers hosts an ever-growing list of events, from casual signings to off-site lunches. Good Printed Things will take you all over the region with park ranger reads, BBQ cookbooks, and more.

The Village Grind hosts a Silent Book Club every Sunday from 2–5 p.m. Don’t forget to visit Paper Moon Studios & Workshops for its book swap, New Realm Brewing Co. for its Adult Book Fair, and the annual Really Good, Really Big, Really Cheap Book Sale, held each August.

And as if that’s not enough, you can follow Greenville Readers’ Hub for local book clubs, Reading Around the World selections, and audiobook walks.

Of course, we can’t talk about books in Greenville without mentioning our Mice on Main. This bronze mouse scavenger hunt was inspired by the beloved children’s book Goodnight Moon and later became the inspiration for its own book, Mice on Main.

All that’s left is for you to pick your place, pick your poison, and pick up a book.

And I know you didn’t ask, but the answer is “Carl’s Doomsday Scenario” and  “The Escape Room”.

Weekly and Recurring Events

TD Saturday Market
On Saturday mornings from early May through the end of October, two blocks of downtown Greenville’s Main Street transform into a bustling farmers market. The market features more than 75 vendors offering the season’s freshest produce and some of the area’s most original, high-quality crafts. Each week, thousands of visitors flock to the TD Saturday Market for locally sourced products. All food sold must be grown or produced within 100 miles of Greenville, and crafters are encouraged to use locally sourced materials whenever possible.

Downtown Alive
Piedmont Natural Gas Downtown Alive, presented by Spectrum, kicks off the weekend every Thursday evening from March through August at NOMA Square on Main Street. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy live music, food trucks, and beverages. The event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with bands performing two sets at 5:50 p.m. and 7:20 p.m.

Greenville Heritage Main Street Fridays
Jazz, blues, soul, oldies, and more fill NOMA Square during Greenville Heritage Main Street Fridays. This popular weekly concert series runs from March through September and features live performances every Friday evening. The event opens at 5:30 p.m. and concludes at 9:30 p.m., with bands performing two sets at 5:50 p.m. and 7:40 p.m. Seating in NOMA Square fills quickly, so consider bringing a folding or tailgating chair if you plan to arrive later.

Greenville Jazz Collective Sunday Jazz Jam
Sunday afternoons are all about live jazz at the Greenville Jazz Collective Sunday Jazz Jam at Fireforge Crafted Beer. Enjoy a talented house band alongside a rotating roster of some of the Upstate’s finest musicians in Fireforge’s welcoming listening room. Pair the music with great food, craft beverages, and award-winning beers from the Fireforge taproom.

20th Anniversary Small Works Exhibition (All Month)
Explore small-format, 10-by-10-inch works by more than 50 artists at Art & Light Gallery. This annual exhibition showcases an impressive variety of styles and subjects in a uniquely approachable format.

☀️ August in Greenville: Event Guide

From live music and theater to festivals, baseball, and unique local experiences, August offers plenty of reasons to get out and explore Greenville.

🎭 Week 1: August 1 – 9

🎶 Week 2: August 10 – 16

⚾ Week 3: August 17 – 23

🌟 Week 4: August 24 – 31

Whether you make it to Greenville for a concert, play, or to take in the beauty if the Upstate, there is plenty for you to enjoy!  We would love to be a part of that.  Give us a call or click below to check avalibility.