Upstate, South Carolina is a great place to live. I've heard people say that there is nothing to do in this area; and I have to say, I am guilty of saying this at some point as well. So, I did some research and racked my brain on things to do in the upstate. Here are 29 fun, inexpensive things to do in Upstate, SC;
1. Eat snocones at Pelican's Snoballs.
Pelican's has over 100 flavors of snoballs. Not only is it cheap ($2 for a kids cup, which is plenty for an adult as well) but these snoballs are heavenly. You can grab your snoball and enjoy time at their colorful picnic tables outside, and play a game of cornhole. They have snoballs for dogs too!
2. Explore downtown Greenville.
Downtown Greenville is stunning. It has many good places to eat, go shopping, and sight-see in Falls Park. Or, if you are looking for a quick place to get coffee or ice cream, DT Greenville has several places perfect for this. A few of my favorites are: Marble Slab, Coffee Underground, and Moe Joe's.
3. Bike, walk, or run the Doodle Trail.
The Doodle Trail runs from Pickens to Easley, and is a great place to get some exercise. There is a place to rent bikes at the beginning of it in Pickens, as well.
4. Painting classes.
Groupon will often have painting classes for sale for pretty cheap. These classes are neat, you learn something new, and you get to take home your artwork to display. This could make a fun night with anyone.
5. Go to the movies.
There are movie theaters all throughout the upstate; and new and great movies are coming out all the time. It's just better at the theater.
6. Make a trip to Paris Mountain.
Paris Mountain State Park has fishing, camping, and trails. Or, you can just go for the view over Greenville.
7. Go to Table Rock.
Table Rock State Park has several trails that are all beautiful. If you are up for it, you can hike Table Rock. The almost 7 mile trail is tough, but the view is totally worth it. They also have a lake beach area that is fun to hang out at.
8. Go to Glassy Mountain.
Glassy Mountain in Pickens is a 10-15 mile walk downhill to a breathtaking view. The sunsets are beautiful here.
9. Visit Aunt Sue's.
A great stop before or after a mountain trip; good food and even better ice cream.
10. Get ice cream at various places.
This is a good idea for a cheap date night or night out with friends/family. There are tons of ice cream places in the upstate, both chain and local. Check out some of the locals, you won't be disappointed.
11. Visit a local farmer's market.
Easley, Greenville, and Anderson all have great Saturday-morning farmer's markets.
12. Visit Tip Top Cake Shop in Easley.
They have the cutest, and very good tasting cupcakes and cakes for your sweet tooth.
13. Explore downtown Anderson.
Downtown Anderson features restaurants, shops, and Carolina Wren Park. The park is pictured above, with one of it's free movie nights.
14. Go bowling.
Bowling alleys are located in many upstate cities and can accommodate big groups for cheap fun.
15. Go shopping.
Even if you don't buy anything, Haywood and Anderson Malls are good shopping centers, and are located near many other shopping areas.
16. Go river tubing.
17. Go to Gravitopia or Skyzone.
18. Go rock climbing.
19. Visit Clemson University.
The campus is beautiful, and downtown Clemson is neat. It has cute shops and good eats. The '55 Exchange ice cream shop located on campus has some of the best ice cream on the planet.
20. Go to the lake.
Keowee, Hartwell, and Jocassee; take your pick.
21. Visit the Botanical Gardens.
The SC Botanical Gardens are gorgeous. Great place for a photoshoot, too.
22. Go to Sweet Treats.
Sweet Retreat, also known as Sweet Treats, features go-carts, mini-golf, batting cages, laser tag, an arcade, and really good ice cream.
23. Go to Frankie's Fun Park.
All kinds of fun.
24. Go to the Fish Hatchery.
The Walhalla State Fish Hatchery is a fun place to visit, especially if you love fish. You can feed the fish and watch them go crazy, and be amazed by how many there are.
25. Get a massage.
This one is more for the ladies, but men can enjoy it too. There are various massage and spas around, and Groupon will often have at least one marked down.
26. Experience various karaoke nights.
Applebee's and Wild Wings both have karaoke nights, and I'm sure other places do too. Whether you are there to participate or watch others, you're in for a sight.
27. Eat at local and chain restaurants.
The upstate has some great restaurants, with Japanese, Chinese, Italian, Greek, American, Mexican, and Tex-Mex places, and many more. There's a restaurant for whatever you're in the mood for.
28. Go to Pretty Place.
Pretty Place Chapel is stunning. If you haven't been here before, you're missing out. Make sure to check their hours before you go, though.
29. Go to a sporting event.
Clemson University football, baseball, basketball, volleyball, soccer, and other sporting events are all super fun. Other colleges with fun sporting events include: Southern Wesleyan University, Anderson University, North Greenville University, Wofford College, Furman University, and Spartanburg Methodist College. There are many high school sporting events as well.
