Suggestions on my first visit to Greenville (fit in, sales)

[alikair]

I will be visiting Charlotte, Greenville, Asheville, Knoxville and maybe if I have the time Chattanooga this upcoming thanksgiving weekend.
A total of about 7 days.

I have learned a lot from asking questions on this forum and reading other people’s post.

Now is time for me to see first hand if I would like to move here.
One of my biggest concerns is the people, and more importantly will I fit in.
I am very much looking forward to experiencing this “southern hospitality”. But I am also concern that some of the towns, especially Greenville may be way to religious for me.
Even though I do not attend church, I like people that do.
But with statements like, “Greenville is the belt buckle of the Bible-belt” That maybe a little hardcore for me.

I plan on visiting some restaurants and walking around the main streets, and hitting the malls.
I also read that a lot of stores are closed on Sundays?

Other thing that is important to me is the great outdoors. With a big emphasis on the rivers. My hobbies are fishing and kayaking. Love whitewater, nothing crazy, class 2 or 3 tops.
Things like zoos or museums or tourist attractions, I will probable pass on unless they’re something really special.

Open to any suggestions on what to see and do. Thanks!

PS I will post this message in other cites as well.

[cjchris]

Hi,

I am really interested in responses to this post because I feel similarly.

Religion is a big concern for me because my family (from Va and NC) are very religious and fear I am going to hell because I do not attend church and have a Buddha statue in my flower garden

I hope folks in Greenville are overall very open to those who hold all kinds of religious views.

Visiting: My husband will be there next Sunday, and it never occurred to me that many of the shops might be closed. This leads me to ask, are wine and beer sales prohibited on Sundays?

Looking forward to responses...

Christine

[g-man430]

I was born, raised and still live in Greenville. I don't attend church and voted for Obama. Who knew...

-Wine and beer sales are allowed in the City of Greenville I believe. The only places closed on Sunday's are a few local retailers and Chick-Fil-A.

[alikair]

Thanks for the suggestions. I noticed there looked to be a picture high in the mountains that over looked Greenville. Anyone know where that is? also, is there a way to get a view of some of the more well known rivers? without actually floating down one?

[flgargoyle]

Go to sciway.net. Scroll down the left side to 'Sports, Recreation'. Under that, you will find, well, sports and recreation! Under rivers, there's quite a bit about the Chattooga River, which is right on the border. AFAIK, that's probably about it for white water without going to NC. There are some smaller trout streams up in that area as well. As ga9email said, you'll definitely want to drive along Hwy 11- that's where all of the mountain access is. There are enough hiking trails to keep you busy for some time, and many waterfalls to see. That's what attracted us to the area in the first place. We wanted country and mountains, but we need to be near a city for work. I love western NC, but there's no work in my field. In Greenville, there is enough industry (at least after the recession is over) but the mountains are close at hand.

Truth in advertising: I don't live in Greenville (yet) but we visit often since we own property in the upstate. I've only seen one person spouting religion on the sidewalk in our numerous trips there, and I've never had anyone ask what church I go to. To me, downtown Greenville is markedly different in that regard than the outlying rural areas. I was once told by a local that if you were brought to downtown blindfolded, and weren't told where you were, you would have a hard time guessing. I agree. On any given day you will see people of other races, nationalities, and most likely, religions, all interacting and getting along just fine.

[jac]

I keep hearing this comment by people afraid that Greenville may be too religious. Other than a few people asking where I went to church, no one has ever mentioned religion to me in the 3+ years I have been here. When I lived in Oregon, I always had people knocking at my door to discuss their religious beliefs with me. Oh, and many cities in the south claim to be the buckle of the Bible belt.

As for your trip, you are taking some of my favorite drives and visiting some of my favorite cities. We just went to Flat Rock, NC yesterday to pick apples. It is just such a beautiful area. Be forewarned that the mountains here are very different than what you are accustomed to in Oregon. They don't loom quite so large here, but they are still very beautiful. One place you may be interested in visiting is the Ocoee Whitewater Center in Ducktown, Tn. They won't be racing in November, but it is an interesting place to visit.

[alikair]

I need to point out, I don't mind being around church folks at all. I just don't want it to be overwhelming. Like if the super bowl was coming to Greenville and everywhere you went, it was the talk of the town

See the difference? Heck, my brother who is a Jehovah Witness lives with me, and other then a debate on religion once in a while, were good.
Now If I lived in a house full of JW'S whoa, there might be a problem LOL!

[PhotogGal]

I have noticed since living here that some stores don't open until 1:30 on Sunday, allowing time for their employees to go to church. Others may be closed entirely. It doesn't mean that the whole town shuts down, however.

[emilybh]

Originally Posted by alikair

Thanks for the suggestions. I noticed there looked to be a picture high in the mountains that over looked Greenville. Anyone know where that is? also, is there a way to get a view of some of the more well known rivers? without actually floating down one?

I think you are seeing the Blue Ridge mountains of NC in the distance.

[tealexis]

We moved down here 8 years ago. We are both northerners and are of retirement age. People here are very pleasant. Not too in a hurry. And friendly. Lots of people have transferred here from all over, mainly the northeast recently. We've thought about moving elsewhere but where else can you find this size home for the price? No where.