We left Savannah heading north on I95 through miles and miles of trees. So many trees, so many colors. Many of the trees here leaf out in shades of orange, salmon, red, and yellow.
The drive was scenic with evidence that spring has sprung in this part of the land.
We found our way to Ivy Acres RV Park and while our site was far from level this view out our window made up for it.
Time was well spent swinging under the tree.
There is a lake to enjoy.
Blooming trees and paths to explore.
Even though your spot might not be perfectly level if you are ever in the Greenville area Ivy Acres is a perfect place to stay.
Our day in Greenville was full of so many blossoms I couldn't stop ooohing & aaahing.
Greenville is a small city of about 65,000 that has a lot going for it besides its proliferation of blossoms and blooms. Greenville has several colleges and universities including Furman University, North Greenville University, Greenville Technical College and branches of Clemson University and the University of South Carolina. I am sure that all this education and favorable wages and tax benefits has influenced companies like Michelin to move their headquarters here as well as Lockheed Martin, 3M, Honeywell, Caterpillar and General Electric to have large facilities in the area.
Plus they have baseball. It is home to the Greenville Drivers, a minor league team affiliated with the Boston Red Sox. Modeled after Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, Fluor Field at the West End boasts its own “Green Monster,” a 30-foot high wall in left field, equipped with a manual scoreboard. The dimensions all around the outfield wall are to the same specifications as Fenway Park, including “Pesky’s Pole” in right field. Sadly they were playing out of town while we were there so no game for us. And no opportunity for photos other than the sign.
It has a bustling downtown area with businesses, hotels, shops, and restaurants.
With all that Greenville has going for it this is the hands down winner for me.
This scenic area is known as "The Falls on the Reedy."
Hidden away by a mid town bridge for over 40 years the beauty was lost.
In the mid 80's the Carolina Foothills Garden Club and the City of Greenville started a cooperative movement to restore the area and make it a centerpiece for the city.
Reality for the project came in 2002 when the bridge was removed.
Falls Park was developed to include 20 acres of gardens showcasing Reedy River Falls.
The construction of a 355-foot-long, 12-foot-wide, curved pedestrian suspension bridge gives dramatic views of the falls and the gardens.
My fear of heights is getting under control slowly by slowly. I was able to walk across the suspension bridge, staying in the middle, and enjoy the view and snap a few pictures.
The landscaped gardens are filled with flowers, bushes and trees.
After seeing the park I fully understood a story I had read about a couple who were traveling through and checked into a hotel. The clerk told them to not miss The Falls on Reedy. They walked across the street and took the stairs down to the Park. After spending a few hours strolling through the park and along the continuing Swamp Rabbit Trail they were smitten. The next morning their first stop was the local Real Estate Agent.
I can certainly understand their falling for Greenville. If I was looking for a home in the south it would be on the top of the list.
Spring flowers in abundance. I am guessing that every season of flowers is well represented.
A last look at the falls from the other side of the river and a nice walk back to the car and a very enjoyable day in Greenville came to a close.
Rubbing "Il Porcellino's" nose is said to bring good luck and a return trip to "Il Porcellino." I'd like that.
“It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want—oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!”
Mark Twain