If you have been to an Uncharted conference before you know that these conferences provide very little downtime. Attendees will spend their time fully immersed in the content and the community. You won't want to miss much because there are so many opportunities to learn and grow. This may be a concern if you have decided to purchase a guest pass for your spouse or another guest to attend the conference with you. With the Uncharted guest pass we will host your guest at the opening banquet and our evening events. But what will your guest do when you are learning amazing things all day long? Have no fear! Greenville is a beautiful, vibrant city with plenty going on day or night. The following are some ideas that will get your guest excited to start writing their daily itinerary.
Eating Great in Greenville
Attendees will receive breakfast and lunch each day of the conference which leaves your guest wondering where they will have those meals. Greenville's culinary scene is absolutely out-of-this world and there is no lack of delicious food in sight. The Westin Poinsett offers 24 hour room service and dining service at the Spoonbread restaurant located off the lobby. However, if you'd like to explore Greenville's culinary scene there's no lack of delicious food nearby. Breakfast, lunch or dinner, these are some of Uncharted members favorite go-to restaurants:
Breakfast– If you take a left out of the Westin Poinsett and a short walk down Main Street you will soon be at Crepe du Jour – a must-try when you are in Greenville. This creperie serves sweet and savory crepes as well as some really excellent coffee to start your day. Not feeling a crepe? Just a couple blocks away, a less than ten minute walk, you will find The Maple Street Biscuit Company. Here, you will find a variety of different biscuit menu items as well as other choices like chicken and waffles. They feature fresh biscuits, great sausage gravies, homemade jams and jellies, all-natural chicken and fresh squeezed orange juice.
Lunch and Dinner– Connected to the hotel you will find The Nose Dive restaurant. Serving up urban comfort food and craft cocktails, you will not be disappointed. This restaurant features a unique open air atmosphere and what could be better than a great restaurant right next to the hotel? Just down Main Street, Tupelo Honey is a must-try. Their menu features delicious choices with southern roots that keeps UVCers coming back each year. Another restaurant mentioned often by Anchor Gang members is The Lazy Goat. This Mediterranean-themed restaurant uses a made-from-scratch approach to their meals and has a super relaxing atmosphere.
If you have all day to explore the cities culinary options, Greenville offers a variety of Culinary Tours. Different tours include a breakfast tour, a dessert tour and even a cocktail tour! This will allow you to experience several of the unique restaurants in Greenville.
Exploring and Being Active in Greenville
There is so much to see and do in Greenville. Your guest will have no problem finding entertainment just by taking a walk around. Just down the road from the Westin is one of the most beautiful places in Greenville. Falls Park on the Reddy is a public park that offers so much to see and explore. There you can explore the inviting trails and see the Liberty Bridge which almost looks like it is floating on air.
Greenville also offers a ton of shopping at the many local shops downtown. If you explore you will find unique shops with items that you won't find anywhere else. One of the must-visit stores on the main strip is the Mast General Store. This historic building has been restored to its beautiful original condition. They carry all different types of things from apparel to toys. They also have a large selection of bulk candy!
Another interesting way to explore Greenville is the take a Greenville Glides Segway Tour. Rent a Segway and explore the city alone, or you can sign up for one of their tours and experience Greenville in a whole new way. The company suggests booking your tour in advance as they often sell-out.
One of Uncharted attendees' favorite places for a morning run or just an afternoon stroll is the GHS Swamp Rabbit Trail. This trail is 22 miles long and was opened in 2009. The trail follows the Reddy River. Take a long-run or a short walk and enjoy the scenery as you stroll along this beautiful trail.
Family Friendly Activities
Maybe you are bringing the kids and are looking for family friendly activities for the day? Greenville offers plenty around the city. Hop in an Uber or take the 23 minute walk to the Greenville Zoo! We know that more than likely conference guests will be animal lovers. What better place to check out than the zoo. The Greenville Zoo promotes conservation efforts and values caring for wild animals and natural habitats.
One of the most interactive, free activities to do as a family in Greenville is the Mice on Main hunt. Some would say that this is the best way to explore Greenville with the kids. There are nine small, bronze mice placed around Main Street from the Westin Poinsett to the Hyatt Regency. The clues given online will help you to find the mice. The kids and adults will have a blast.
Another activity for the family is seeing a show at the nearby Peace Center. This beautiful performing arts center has shows all year long. The center hosts broadway musicals as well as many other performers every week. Check out their schedule before the conference and get tickets to a show you and the family would love to see!
Take a Short Drive
If you happen to have a rental car with you or maybe you made the trip to Greenville in your own vehicle. There are a few places that are not too far away that are great for a day trip. If you travel to Traveler's Rest, South Carolina there is a lot to see in do in the quaint little town. The Swamp Rabbit Trail runs through Traveler's Rest so if you decided to take a long run or bike ride down the trail you may find yourself here anyway. Check out Paris Mountain State Park or stop into the Swamp Rabbit Brewery and Taproom for a bite to eat before exploring some of the shops around town.
Another beautiful place that is only a short car ride away is the Furman University campus. The campus is beautiful and you could stroll around for hours. However, you'll definitely want to jump in the car to take the fifteen minute drive, as the campus is quite the hike away from the Westin.
For More Ideas Ask Anyone!
We hope this has given you and your guests a few ideas on how to keep busy while you are fully immersed in the amazingness that is Uncharted Veterinary Conference. However, if you feel like you need more ideas then don't be afraid to ask. Some of our attendees will be traveling to Greenville for the fourth time for Uncharted alone and may have visited Greenville before. The Uncharted team would be more than happy to give you suggestions of other places to eat or things to do. Greenville has so much to offer that we have no doubt your guest will be entertained all day long.