The town of Easley is a short 25-minute drive outside of downtown Greenville. It is a great spot to check out when you are looking for good food, places to explore, and play, all within a short drive of the hustle and bustle of downtown.
Where to eat:
If you’re in the mood for breakfast or brunch in downtown Easley, there are some great places all within walking distance of each other. Start out at Old Post Coffee Shop, which was originally the post office from the 1940s and was renovated into a beautiful wedding venue downstairs and an organic coffee shop upstairs. Or if you’re more into coffee and donuts, take a quick drive over to The Silos for Southern Fuel Coffee & Eats, who specialize in both hot & frozen coffees, iced coffees, and bagel sandwiches. You Drive Me Glazy Donuts, is right next door with their rotating menu of mini donuts, with flavors like apple pie, cinnamon sugar, and more! For a heartier breakfast, Iron Horse Steamers is your go-to! They make their own bagels, so anything from a schmear to various types of savory and sweet breakfast sandwiches can be found here along with soups and salads for lunch as well.
For lunch or dinner, you can’t go wrong with Tropical Burger in downtown. They’re on their second location now, but their Colombian twists on classic burgers, creative fry sauces, delicious tater tots, and desserts cannot be beaten! Amici’s in downtown Easley is also a hometown favorite, they are family-owned and operated and also host music and sometimes comedy acts as well. The Pint Station is about a block away and you can cater pizza or food from Amici’s, so enjoying a local brew with some local food is easy! Real Pizza is a great place to go for those with allergen sensitivities as they offer both gluten-free and dairy-free options for their pizzas. Classic options that have been in Easley for ages include Winslett’s Produce and The Huddle if you want a taste of what the locals eat!
For a little something for everyone, we’ll head back to The Silos, where you can dine at Inky’s Philadelphia Cheesesteaks (anything from Reubens, cheesesteaks, meatball subs, and other pub fares), Silos Brewing (beer, hard seltzers, and snacks), Indigo Kitchen (fantastic Indian food including vegan/vegetarian options), along with newly opened Loaded Gourmet Tater Bar. There are many, but for one of the most popular Mexican restaurants in Easley, you have to check out Mr. Cactus Mexican Restaurant off of Rte. 153, Calhoun Memorial Hwy. This place is so packed every other Friday when they host a local DJ that if you don’t arrive by 5 pm sharp, there is a line waiting out the door until at least 7 pm. Lastly, Element is a fantastic high-end restaurant right outside downtown that is inside a converted house with a rotating menu that changes based on what’s seasonal. All great options any time of the year!
Don’t forget something sweet! Good Karma Ice Cream is best known for its crazy, over-the-top milkshakes, cotton candy ice cream burritos, huge ice cream and brownie sandwiches, and even has non-dairy/vegan options as well. Both Pistachio Cakery and Tip Top Cake Shop are great spots for not only bigger cakes, but cupcakes, muffins, and more if you’re looking for something to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Where to Explore:
The downtown Easley area is quaint, with great shops, restaurants, and there’s always something going on. The amphitheater hosts music and farmer’s markets in the spring and summer, and the side streets are lined with twinkling lights. The nearby Easley Area Museum hosts events to better understand the local history and the Upcountry region. Note that the railroad bisects downtown. This is truly a town that grew up along the railroad. Some great shops for local goods include Circa Makers & Merchants, MRKR Designs (newer to downtown), and Poor Richard’s Booksellers, to name a few.
For local historic sites, notice the signs within the downtown vicinity. Two of the bigger sites are found within a short driving distance of downtown in nearby Pickens, SC. Table Rock State Park Historic District is architecturally significant, as it is one of the most lasting examples of the construction of a state park by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Pinnacle Lake was the focal point of construction back in the day. Other examples of the CCC’s work include Table Rock State Park Dam, the lodge, cabins, trails and picnic shelters, and the warden’s building. It was listed in the National Register on June 15, 1989.
Although mills had existed on this site as early as the 1790s, Hagood Mill (the current one we see today) was built in 1845 by James Hagood. It remained in the Hagood family and continued to operate until 1966. During that historic period, the mill and the neighboring store were gathering places for county residents. Hagood Mill and the surrounding property were donated to the Pickens County Museum in 1973. Today, visitors to the mill can camp, attend various historical, art, or music-related events, and see what life was like at the mill. Don’t miss the petroglyphs, which were discovered in 2003, and are now on display for the public.
Where to Play:
We’re taking “play” both literally and figuratively here, by checking out a local play at the Foothills Playhouse! FHP was established in 1981 by a group of dedicated individuals known originally as the Easley Community Theatre. Over the last 40 years, it has evolved into the Foothills Playhouse and changed locations from place to place, finally in 1991 ending up at West End Hall, where it still resides.
For those who love sports, make sure to check out three of the best parks in Easley for outdoor lovers. Red “JB” Owens Recreational Complex has a great disc golf course, a little free library, and the “Born Learning Trail” – with stations for younger children that are set up across the field, a trail where you learn as you go! Hagood Park has two separate playgrounds, one for ages 2-5, and an upper playground, for ages 5-12, great for families with children of all ages. It also has a basketball court and two volleyball stations, along with two separate fenced-in dog parks. Lastly, there’s the start of the Doodle Trail, an 8.5 mile rails-to-trails path that runs from Easley to Pickens, with its evergreen train car that has the history of the trail and the nearby railway. There’s also a children’s park and great gardens which bloom in the spring and turn into lovely foliage in autumn. Lots of families, walkers, and bikers alike flock to this local spot!
From great bites and brews to history, and shopping spots to where to take your dogs on vacations, there’s so much to see on your next trip to Easley. Check out another great weekend trip article for visiting Travelers Rest from Upcountry SC.