The 1-Hour Crossed Roads Greenville History Walking Tour
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The 1-Hour Crossed Roads Greenville History Walking Tour

Active
1m - 1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The biggest difference is customization. We change it up as we walk depending on what you tell us. No other tour in Greenville lets you customize every detail. We also know more about modern Greenville, SC, than anyone else in town. Every day our guides read and study more about the area. Crossed Roads Tour guides all grew up in the area. We have special insights that the many tours coming from outside simply cannot have.

And the final difference, is honesty. We'll actually tell you whether a restaurant is good or bad, and whether an activity is worth doing. Even if that means upsetting a particular restaurant or business, we'll give you the truth.

Available options

The 1-Hour Crossed Roads Greenville History Walking Tour

What's included

In-person Guide

Detailed itinerary

1

Crossed Roads Tours provides the best tour in Greenville, South Carolina, because we customize it for you. No other operator in the area does this. We talk with you about what you want specifically and then change our tour based on that.

All of the below events are actually optional. We travel to different areas based on your feedback, and we'll actually ask you during the tour if you're enjoying this particular path or would like to change it.

2

The Huguenot Mill and Loft is an incredibly beautiful historic building. Expertly maintained, it was originally where the French Protestants created a new life for themselves. They became a huge part of our textile industry, and now you can check out the incredible exterior. (It now serves as private offices and a wedding spot, so we need to remain outside).

3

The Camperdown Plaza area hosted many of Greenville's prominent textile mills. Today it hosts an incredible selection of art and fun things to do.

4

This iconic statue actually has it's own page on TripAdvisor. Poinsett did a huge number of things we'll go over on the tour, but the biggest thing for Greenville was acting as our early PR guy. In his role as a Secretery of War, and in many of his other roles, he told a massive number of people about Greenville. Without him, we wouldn't have been able to grow into a real city, as no one would have heard of us. We'll save the rest of his achievements for your tour.

5

Connolly's Irish Pub is both a piece of history, and one of the more popular bars in current Greenville. It has a very unusual history over the years. Rumors are that it was a brothel in the early 1900s, and a pharmacy a bit later on. The mural on the side gives it a bit of extra extra info for your tour, showing you a look at Greenville in the early 1900s.

6

The old American Cigar Factory is quite beautiful from the outside, which is how you'll see it. It mostly used as office space, and no longer has the huge amount of cigars being made there anymore. Still, it is an important part of Greenville History because according to some sources, the workers made around 1 million cigars a month. It provided a strong livelihood for both men and women in Greenville during the 1900s, although many reports say that the weavers were mostly female.

7

Coffee Underground is the most popular coffee spot in Greenville, SC. It's also an awesome view of what the historic tunnels that run under Greenville look like. To this day there are dozens of sealed-up tunnels under the city, used during the bootlegging days. This store is open almost all day, so you should be able to go inside and check out the history.

8

Brown Street was the center of a lot of early music history, including the roots of jazz. It also contains several cool restaurants, including a piano bar, for you.

9

Max Heller was our former mayor, and a champion of both the desegregation and the revival of Greenville. He's known for bringing a lot of life and unity to the city. We don't want to spoil his entire history for you here, so look forward to it on the tour.

10

Blu Lounge and Club was originally the Blue Martini, a famous club and speakeasy in the early 1900s. We'll see the exterior, discuss what happened there in history, and perhaps even hear about the ghosts that still haunt it.

11

This entry is for the war monuments and memorials located on this section of main street. It contains dedications to groups from the Civil War to around World War 2. While this is an ugly side of history, it is important to most people who would enjoy a tour like this. If the topic of the Civil War offends you, please let us know and we can try to make some accomodations.

12

This cemetery contains a large amount of Civil War graves, as well as an insight into the unusual burial conditions of early Greenville. We may even have time to discuss ghost sightings or check out an unusual gravesite.

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Important information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Look for a man in front of the Westin Poinsett with a sign. Your guide will sit on the fountain directly outside the front doors. Parking can be found directly behind the Westin Poinsett in the Poinsett Garage, and there is also the nearby Laurens Street Garage.

About Greenville

Greenville, South Carolina, is a vibrant city nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Known for its revitalized downtown, stunning falls park, and thriving arts scene, it offers a perfect blend of Southern charm and modern amenities. The city's walkable streets, diverse culinary scene, and proximity to nature make it an appealing destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Falls Park on the Reedy

Falls Park on the Reedy is a stunning urban park located in the heart of downtown Greenville. The park features a beautiful waterfall, lush gardens, and scenic walking paths, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and outdoor activities.

Nature/Park 1-2 hours Free

Greenville Zoo

The Greenville Zoo is a small but well-maintained zoo that houses a variety of animals, including lions, giraffes, and primates. It's a great place for families and animal lovers.

Zoo/Animal 1-2 hours $12 for adults, $8 for children (3-12)

Peace Center

The Peace Center is a premier performing arts venue that hosts a wide range of events, including Broadway shows, concerts, and comedy performances. The center's beautiful architecture and excellent acoustics make it a must-visit for culture enthusiasts.

Theater/Performing Arts 2-3 hours Varies by event

Swamp Rabbit Trail

The Swamp Rabbit Trail is a 22-mile multi-use trail that connects Greenville to nearby towns and natural areas. The trail is perfect for walking, biking, and running, and offers scenic views of the Reedy River and surrounding landscapes.

Nature/Outdoor Activity 1-4 hours Free

Greenville County Museum of Art

The Greenville County Museum of Art is a renowned institution that showcases a diverse collection of American art, with a particular focus on Southern artists. The museum's beautiful building and thought-provoking exhibits make it a must-visit for art lovers.

Museum/Art 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Shrimp and Grits

A classic Southern dish featuring creamy grits topped with sautéed shrimp, often served with a rich, flavorful sauce.

Main Course Contains seafood and dairy

BBQ

Slow-smoked meats, such as pulled pork and ribs, served with traditional Southern sides like coleslaw and baked beans.

Main Course Contains pork and may have gluten in sauces

Fried Chicken

Crispy, golden-fried chicken, often served with mashed potatoes, gravy, and collard greens.

Main Course Contains gluten and poultry

She-Crab Soup

A creamy soup made with blue crab meat, crab roe, and a touch of sherry, often served with a side of oyster crackers.

Soup Contains seafood and dairy

Popular Activities

Hiking Biking Kayaking Zip-lining Picnicking Reading Yoga Meditation

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to November

Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the city. The fall foliage in the surrounding mountains is particularly stunning.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: English
  • Widely spoken: Spanish
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone (ET) (GMT-5)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Greenville is generally a safe city for visitors, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:
  • • Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
  • • Use reputable tour guides and taxi services.
  • • Keep your valuables secure and out of sight.

Getting there

By air
  • Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from downtown
By train

Greenville Amtrak Station

By bus

Greyhound Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Greenlink offers affordable and reliable bus service throughout Greenville. The system includes several routes that connect major attractions, neighborhoods, and business districts.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Greenville North Greenville West End

Day trips

Cleveland Park
2 km (1.2 miles) from downtown • Half day

Cleveland Park is a beautiful park located just outside of downtown Greenville. The park features a lake, walking trails, a disc golf course, and a playground, making it a great spot for outdoor activities and relaxation.

Caesars Head State Park
40 km (25 miles) from downtown • Full day

Caesars Head State Park is a stunning natural area located in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The park offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Paris Mountain State Park
16 km (10 miles) from downtown • Full day

Paris Mountain State Park is a scenic park located just outside of Greenville. The park offers hiking trails, a lake for swimming and fishing, and picnic areas, making it a great spot for outdoor activities and relaxation.

Festivals

Euphoria Greenville • Late September Fall for Greenville • October Winterfest • December

Pro tips

  • Visit Falls Park on the Reedy early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds.
  • Explore the Swamp Rabbit Trail on a bike or by foot for a scenic and relaxing way to see the city.
  • Attend a performance at the Peace Center for a taste of Greenville's thriving arts and culture scene.
  • Sample the local cuisine at one of Greenville's many farm-to-table restaurants or food trucks.
  • Take a day trip to nearby Caesars Head State Park or Paris Mountain State Park for stunning views and outdoor recreation.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 18-120
1
Childs
Age 4-10
0
Infants
Age 0-3
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 10
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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