January in Greenville, SC: Things to Do During a Winter Getaway

With the holidays behind us, January is a great time to visit Greenville, South Carolina. Fewer crowds, cool but generally clear weather, and plenty of ways to spend time with your favorite travel buddy make winter a good time for a getaway.

Just like the rest of the year, there is something for everyone. Whether you enjoy outdoor adventures, shopping, learning something new, or simply finding a cozy place to enjoy a good meal, you’ll find plenty of ways to fill your days.

Enjoy Greenville’s Waterfalls and Winter Scenery

The waterfalls are just as beautiful in winter, and with fewer leaves on the trees, some are actually easier to see. For those who enjoy a longer, moderate hike, you can go looking for Raven Cliff Falls.  Issaqueena Falls is a better choice for those of us who prefer a more leisurely stroll.

There are plenty of waterfalls throughout the Upstate, and we’re sure we can find one that suits your interests and activity level. In fact, several can even be enjoyed without leaving your car! Take a look at our waterfall driving tour for ideas on how to spend a scenic day exploring the area.

Indoor Activities for a Chilly January Day

Looking for some indoor fun? Topgolf offers a weather-protected way to spend an afternoon, but that’s not the only game in town. Greenville has award-winning escape rooms and the Upstate Pinball & Arcade Museum for a little retro fun. You can also visit Sparetime for bowling or The Picklr Greenville for indoor pickleball.

If you’d like to wind down after an active afternoon, treat yourself to some self-care at SweatHouz or Float.

Shopping, Antiques, Art, and Local Markets

If you’re more interested in getting your steps in, may I suggest shopping?

There are slew of familiar, high-end stores nearby to keep you busy, but why not try something a little different? Greenville has wonderful vintage and antique shopping, art galleries and districts along Main Street and beyond, and markets and one-of-a-kind shops.

Some of our favorites include Mast General Store, M. Judson Booksellers, and Cottage Grove Vintage. For a one-stop shopping experience where you never know what treasures you might find, try near-by Westside Market or the Market at the Mill in Pickens.

Missing the fun of a Saturday morning farmers market? You can still find local flavors, handmade goods, and regional artisans at the Greenville State Farmers Market, Frosty Farmers Winter Market, or Buzzy Bee Market.

Learn Something New During Your Visit

January is also a good time to try something new. Head to Heritage Green to explore Greenville’s art, history, and music museums. Take a cooking class at The Cook Station, a cocktail class at 6 & 20 Distillery, or a floral design class at Hyssop & Honey.

Does learning about the finer points of fermented grapes (aka wine tasting) count as educational? Absolutely! North Hampton Wine + Dine is right around the corner, but there are a number of other wineries in the surrounding area worth exploring as well.

Cozy Restaurants and Fireside Dining in Greenville

Now that we’ve filled your days with all sorts of activities, let’s talk about dinner. There’s nothing quite like a warm, crackling fire while enjoying a delicious meal.

We love sending guests to Soby’s any time of year, but its brick fireplace is an especially nice attraction during the winter months. Inside the Grand Bohemian, you’ll find a large central fireplace in the lobby, along with additional fireplaces in two of its restaurants, Between the Trees and Spirit & Bower.

If you prefer dining outdoors, several Greenville restaurants offer heated patios and fire features. Visiting Gather GVL lets you choose between 13 different restaurants like Hen Dough or The Wok Lobster.  Or you can enjoy a cityscape view at Up on the Roof.

Beyond downtown, The Peddler, Whistlestop at the American Cafe, and Saskatoon Lodge are all worth the visit.

With so many things to do, you may need to extend your stay!

Give us a call or book directly below once you’ve figured out which dates work best for you. We look forward to welcoming you to Pettigru Place Bed & Breakfast.

January 2027: Greenville Events & Things to Do

January 1–10, 2027

January 11–17, 2027