FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

It’s the Food and Beverage Scene in Greenville, South Carolina, That’s Star-Worthy

by Kelly Magyarics

Sep 15, 2023

© Courtesy of VisitGreenvilleSC

Daily

Though the city is not not included in the Michelin Restaurant Guide, the food and beverage scene makes it more than worth a visit to this charming, totally walkable, often underrated Southern city. (Its tourism slogan, “Yes, THAT Greenville,” speaks to how it flies under the radar.) Coupled with the opening last year of the Grand Bohemian, a gorgeous resort designed in a luxe-lodge style situated right next to waterfalls, and a unique pedestrian bridge, Greenville is a great option for an epicurean weekend getaway. Here are five must-try spots in this southern city:

Spirit & Bower

Sink into a distressed leather wingback chair in this sexy, sumptuous subterranean cocktail lounge located on the lower level of the Grand Bohemian, the place for rare Bourbons, seasonal cocktails, and Southern-inspired small plates with a view of the Reedy River Falls. The first page of their leather-bound drink menu cautions about cenosillicaphobia, or the fear of an empty glass, but there’s no chance of that happening here. Bar manager Chip Shaner’s Boulevardier gets a flavor boost from black walnut bitters, while a flight of Basil Hayden pours showcases the brand’s straight, toasted and dark rye whiskeys. Nosh on crispy pork rinds dipped in pimento cheese  topped with roasted red peppers and pickled cauliflower, or tuck into gold leaf- and caviar-topped deviled eggs. It’s about as perfect a hotel bar as you can get.

Jones

The Jones Oyster Co. © Courtesy of VisitGreenvilleSC

The Jones Oyster Co.

Wildly popular since opening this past January, this 40-seat casual seafood joint only accepts walk-ins; diners start queuing up outside the brick building (a former furniture store) before 11:00 a.m. for a chance to sample executive chef Brant Tesky’s all-day, bivalve- and shellfish-focused menu of perennial favorites. Every table gets a sample of the addictive smoked Carolina fish dip with red onions and club crackers, but don’t worry if your table quickly devours it, as it’s also an option on the starters and shareable section of the menu. Beyond that, it’s really hard to choose—and even harder to go wrong. A board lists available varieties if you want your oysters raw and chilled, but don’t pass over plump grilled Gulf oysters with garlic butter, herbs, parmigiano-reggiano and pecorino-romano cheese. The lobster roll tucks chunks either chilled with mayo or warmed and topped with melted butter into a top-split bun, while Low Country fried rice topped with claw crab meat, fried rice and crispy garlic is a can’t-miss signature dish. Wines and beers are selected to match the menu, cocktails skew fruity and tropical and oyster shooter options include one with cucumber vodka, lime and mint.

CAMP

© Kelly Magyarics

CAMP

A seat at the chef’s counter is the best spot at this restaurant named for the city’s Camperdown neighborhood, the perfect front-row location to watch the culinary team inject global flavors into the Modern American menu. While figuring out your small plates ordering strategy, sip A Porch Swing in Spring, a beer-tail with blood orange vodka, clove and peppercorn syrup and citrus juices, topped with a splash of Allagash White. Skewered, tender pieces of marinated skirt steak pintxos arrive atop garlic aioli and crispy potatoes, gambas bathe in a fragrant fennel broth with espelette butter, and peanuts add a surprising crunch to cilantro-topped pork and shrimp dumplings. Pastry chef Chef Lindsay Beck’s from-scratch desserts include campfire crème brûlée made with smoked chocolate and served with a mezcal marshmallow.

cocktail

Swordfish Cocktail Club © Courtesy of VisitGreenvilleSC

Swordfish Cocktail Club

Look for the swordfish outside on the door of this cocktail lounge named for the password to the speakeasy in the 1932 Marx brothers film Horsefeathers; inside the dimly lit space, you’ll undoubtedly find the best libations in town thanks to co-owners Bradly Hagan and Evan Leihy. A fun “Preface” menu offers amuse-bouche-sized portions of beer, bubbly or vermouth. Classic cocktails like the Bee’s Knees, Scofflaw and Jack Rose are joined by house sips like the Trade Minister, a delicate Martini riff with Beefeater Gin, Lillet Blanc, pamplemousse liqueur, orange flower water and orange bitters; or the New Japanese, an Old-Fashioned riff with Suntory Toki, horse orgeat, bitters and lemon. If you’re feeling generous, $7 will buy a round of post-shift drinks for the staff; hang around long enough, and you may end up rubbing elbows with chefs, somms and bartenders, as the bar is a big industry hangout.

The Last Samurai

CAMP © Courtesy of VisitGreenvilleSC

Camilla Kitchen

Located within M. Judson, Greenville’s independent bookstore in the historic downtown courthouse building, is this café and restaurant that’s also the site for literary-themed events including wine and book pairings, suppers with author talks and teacher happy hours. The restaurant’s Gallery also hosts Big Wine Nights, where biodynamic wine distributor Mission Grape highlights new winemakers, with guests seated at a communal table enjoying a multi-course menu of seasonal dishes and ingredients from chef Teryi Youngblood Musolf. (A recent dinner paired the Loire-inspired offerings from Napa’s T. Berkeley Wines with saffron mussels, arugula and goat cheese salad; prosciutto and peas; and seared duck breast.) It’s a convivial way to spend an evening getting to know the locals (and other visitors).

 

 

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
eFlyer Reviews
May 21, 2025

Hotel Nice Beau Rivage Review

In the city Henri Matisse once called home — and where Musée Matisse holds his largest collection — Hotel Beau Rivage has a special connection with the artist, who first visited the hotel in 1916 and painted famous sea views from his room 89 in 1917. Today, framed Matisse prints — many brightly colored cut-out collages from the artist’s JAZZ collection — decorate its walls. Hotel guests also benefit from a partnership with the museum.

Royal Air Maroc Introduces Groundbreaking Safety Video: A Captivating Invitation to Discover Moroccan Heritage

Royal Air Maroc continues to elevate the passenger experience with the launch of its new in-flight safety video — a cinematic journey that seamlessly blends essential safety instructions with a celebration of Moroccan cultural heritage.

eFlyer News
May 21, 2025

TAP Air Portugal Begins 3 Routes from United States

This summer, TAP Air Portugal launches three routes from the United States. On May 14, the airline began a new, non-stop service from Boston (BOS) to Porto (OPO), which operates Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday with an Airbus A321-LR aircraft.

eFlyer News
May 21, 2025

Etihad Airways Launches Etihad for Business Platform, New Route from Charlotte

Etihad Airways recently debuted Etihad for Business, a new platform designed to elevate and simplify business travel management for companies of all sizes. This program provides customized benefits based on each company’s specific requirements, giving access to:

Royal Air Maroc Marks Five Years with oneworld: Strengthening Connectivity Between USA and Africa and Expanding Global Reach

Royal Air Maroc proudly enters its fifth year as a member of the prestigious oneworld alliance. Since joining in April 2020, RAM has demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a dynamic airline that enhanced its digital services and expanded its network. The airline plans to grow its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, reinforcing its global presence.

eFlyer News
May 21, 2025

Raffles Hotels & Resorts to Debut in Mexico in 2029

Raffles Hotels & Resorts will debut in Mexico with Raffles Estera East Cape Resort & Residences in 2029, marking the hotel brand’s entrance in North America. Set to occupy a stretch of unspoiled beachfront in Los Cabos’ East Cape community, which extends from San José del Cabo to Los Barriles, the resort and residences will feature 60 guestrooms and 46 branded residences in the first development phase.

Slideshow
May 19, 2025

6 Roman Walls to Put on Your Travel List

It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through these Roman walls with us.

Seoul: Your Next MICE Destination

Seoul has rapidly become a leading global MICE hub, known for its rich culture, advanced technology and strong economy. As the capital of South Korea, it offers a strategic location in East Asia and a booming cultural influence through K-pop, K-movies, Korean cuisine and K-dramas. With its vibrant atmosphere and business-friendly environment, Seoul is increasingly the top choice for MICE organizers and corporate travelers seeking connection and collaboration.

Hotels
May 18, 2025

Aman Announces Global Aman Club Expansion

Aman Club continues its global expansion with the introduction of Aman Club at Aman Nai Lert Bangkok. This invitation-only club offers a lifetime of privileged access across Aman’s hotels and resorts as well as Aman’s future 10 properties currently in development in the Americas, Europe and the Middle East.