Good afternoon, Greenville.
Fall is on our minds, Greenville — cooler evenings and pumpkin everything are closer than you think. In today's issue: a fun road trip, some Italian delizie, and more.
Let's dive in.
FOODIE SCENE
Put Gio's Pastry Shop on Your Upstate Bucket List
For owner Maria Natale, Gio’s Pastry, Caffé & Italian Market brings her family’s Abruzzo roots and Northeast upbringing straight to downtown Fountain Inn. What started as a home-baking fundraiser for her pit bull’s knee surgery quickly grew into a beloved regional destination and multi-year Best of the Upstate winner.
Gio's serves up authentic staples alongside nostalgic Italian-American classics, from take-and-bake dinners to bakery favorites:
Take-and-Bake Options: Prepared pasta dishes, classic beef meatballs, and gluten-friendly chicken meatballs.
Sweet & Savory Favorites: Limoncello bars, tiramisu, scratch-made soups, and Sicilian arancini.
The Verdict: The cannoli is authentic, right down to the shell texture — but it's the imported goods, from cheese and cured meats to bread from Long Island, that have people driving hours just to stock up.
COMMUNITY CORNER
County Square's $1 Billion Redevelopment to Begin Next Phase
Greenville's $1 billion County Square redevelopment is entering a new phase, with construction and leasing milestones lining up as the massive downtown project heads toward vertical construction.
Retail Roster Taking Shape: Confirmed tenants include Whole Foods, Williams Sonoma, and Pottery Barn, with roughly 200,000 square feet already leased and 36 more retail deals in negotiation.
Townhomes Selling Fast: 16 of the 21 phase-one townhomes are already pre-sold, with vertical construction starting this month and occupancy targeted for the second quarter of 2027.
Greenville Insider Dinner Club
🍽️ Take a quick quiz about your personality, interests, and food preferences.
✨ Get matched with five other locals who fit your vibe (food preferences, budget, life stage, etc.).
📍 Your table of six meets for dinner on Thursday, September 10 — the exact restaurant is revealed that morning.
🎬 FEATURED EVENTS
Thursday
🏟️ StartupGVL Night at the Drive: Join NextGEN and Greenville's ESOs as they take over Fluor Field, with startups along the concourse and a Village Launch market near the 500 Club. 6:30 PM.
🎭 Pippin: Stephen Schwartz's Tony-winning musical follows a young prince chasing glory, love, and power before finding meaning in the everyday, at Mauldin Cultural Center. Thurday-Sunday, times vary.
🖼️ Small Works Exhibition: Art & Light Gallery marks its 20th anniversary with over thirty gallery-roster artists showing work in the annual exhibition. Thursday–Saturday.
Friday
🎤 Godfrey at The Comedy Zone: Showtime and Netflix comic brings his acclaimed stand-up to Greenville for a weekend run. Friday–Sunday, times vary.
🍷 Lowcountry Boil at City Scape Winery: Shrimp, sausage, potatoes, and corn boil with live music, two glasses of wine, salad bar, sides, and dessert. 6 PM.
🎤 Fortune Feimster: Takin' Care of Biscuits at Peace Center: Confessional comedy, new stories, and undeniable Southern charm from a stand-up standout. 7 PM.
🖌️ Paint Your Pet: Vino & Van Gogh: This pet-portrait session welcomes furry and feathery friends alike, guided by artist Meghan Verret. 6:30 PM.
Saturday
🎵 Tinsley Ellis at The Mockingbird: The Atlanta blues-rock guitarist brings his down-and-dirty slide guitar fix to The Mockingbird's intimate room. 7:30 PM.
👗 GVL Vintage Market: A 90s-themed vintage market hits Camperdown with local vendors, food, drinks, and live music. 5 PM.
🍷 Wine on the Terrace: Red Horse Inn's adults-only night in Landrum pairs live music with sunset views over the Blue Ridge foothills — settle in, sip, and let the evening slow down. 7 PM.
🌿 SC Pawpaw Festival: Blue Oak Horticulture in Taylors celebrates North America's largest native edible fruit, a genuine best-kept secret. 2 PM.
Sunday
🚲 Bikes at BridgeWay: Roll in on two wheels for a bike show, raffles, and live music at BridgeWay Brewing — games and beer keep the crew entertained between rounds. 2 PM.
🎤 LIVE MUSIC
Thursday
Smileys on the Roxx | The Steppers | 6:30 PM
Smileys on the Roxx | Bobby’s Boyz | 10 PM
Blues Boulevard Jazz | Raybandz Saxz | 8 PM
Noma Square | Gimme the Gig Winner | 5:30 PM
Friday
Smileys on the Roxx | Eric Weiler | 6:30 PM
Smileys on the Roxx | Sweet Gravy | 10 PM
Blues Boulevard Jazz | Reggie Graves | 7:30 PM & 10 PM
Gather GVL | Bobby Power | 6 PM
Noma Square | Soultown Revue | 5:30 PM
Poe Mill Music | Marvin King Revue | 8 PM
Radio Room | Happy Landing | 8 PM
Doc’s Tavern | The Def Leppard Experience | 8 PM
Fireforge | Reedy River String Band | 7 PM
Saturday
Blues Boulevard Jazz | Adam Hawley | 7:30 PM & 10 PM
Radio Room | Blacktop Mojo | 8 PM
Smileys on the Roxx | Matt Phillips | 6:30 PM
Smileys on the Roxx | Flipside | 10 PM
The Mockingbird | Tinsley Ellis | 7:30 PM
Sunday
Smileys on the Roxx | Simple Syrup | 6:30 PM
Smileys on the Roxx | Forrester | 10 PM
🏈 ⚾ Sports
Greenville Triumph vs FC Naples | GE Vernova Park
Saturday | 7 PM
Greenville Drive vs Rome | Fluor Field
Thursday-Sunday | Times Vary
GREENVILLE INSIDER WEEKLY PICKS
🍂 Fall Preview: Fall for Greenville returns Oct. 9–11 with 80+ bands, 60 restaurants, and 50+ beers on tap downtown.
🐾 No Cage, No Problem: Dog Culture's Culture Sleepovers is a kennel-free, open-boarding option for pups, with a trained team on-site overnight.
🛋️ Local Finds Under One Roof: Westside Market brings furniture, art, vintage finds, and gifts from local sellers together in one spot.
🍹 Happy Hour Hack: Lefty's West End runs weekday specials, 4–6 PM, with $6 margaritas and $6 draft beers.
🛶 Lunar Paddle: Glide under the full moon with glow gear and lakeside s'mores at Saluda Lake Landing, Friday-Saturday 8 PM.
🎉 Last Salsa Sway: Salsa at Sunset wraps its season Friday, 6:15 PM, with live music and dancing at Camperdown Plaza.
🍞 Knead to Know: M. Judson's bread-making class teaches you the process — you'll finish the baking at home. Sunday, 2–3 PM.
🛍️ Swap 'Til You Drop: Statemint pop-up consignment shop runs Thursday–Saturday, times vary — sell what you don't wear, score new-to-you finds.
📣 Get Seen Here: Want your business in front of 13,700 Greenville locals every week? Reach out about advertising with Greenville Insider.
📅 Mark Your Calendar: 100+ makers hit the Indie Craft Parade Sept 12-13, with craft stations and a free photobooth.
GET OUT OF TOWN
Escape to Georgia's Apple Capital
About 3 hours from Greenville
Known as Georgia's Apple Capital, Ellijay pairs mountain trails and a historic downtown with a rich orchard tradition. Late summer through fall brings warm pies, fresh cider, and quick mountain escapes.
Beyond the orchards, Ellijay sits right where two rivers meet — making it a great spot for tubing, kayaking, and mountain biking. The walkable downtown square is packed with antique shops, cozy bakeries, and local cafes to explore.
What to Do, Eat & Stay
Pick Fresh Apples: BJ Reece Orchards opens its 200-acre farm for u-pick season starting this Saturday.
Sip Foothill Wines: Chateau Meichtry pours local wines with views right in the Appalachian foothills.
Hike to Waterfalls: Walk easy-to-moderate river paths nearby to take in scenic North Georgia views.
Dine on the Roof: Catch panoramic mountain and downtown views over dinner at The Roof.
Stay on the River: Book the Ellijay River House for chef-made breakfasts before hitting the trails or water.
REAL ESTATE
FOR SALE | 4 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 2322 SQ FT | $489K
Stunning, 2-year-old custom home on nearly half an acre with no HOA. Features include four bedrooms, three baths, a main-level primary suite, a gourmet kitchen with a pot-filler and walk-in pantry, 9' ceilings, tray ceilings, custom trim, and cozy electric fireplace.
Thanks for tuning in. We’ll see you next Thursday!
