DGDI  sent out an email blast yesterday to share the pdf file of the US Airways feature on Downtown Greenville.  Pretty awesome.  Not only does the feature find its way into the hands of 5 million travelers this month (yes the title of this article is accurate) it is the first time a downtown has been featured by US Airways. Ever.

We’re proud to have kicked this effort off.  Even more pleased that many people and many groups jumped in to see this article delivered in a way that represented Downtown Greenville as the cool, innovative City it is.  Art. Music. Business. Outdoor Life.  Food.  We sell ourselves best as a community when we all work as a team. So much more to do…so many more conversations to have.  Let’s make them happen…

 Here is the link to the US Air feature on Greenville.  Share with friends. brag.

http://www.usairwaysmag.com/city_profiles/city/greenville/

Our choices had been narrowed down to Charleston or Asheville North Carolina, and my husband and I flew down from Ottawa to spend some time in each fair City to gauge the economic, business and arts climate.. all of which were incredibly important to us. Education, health care (you know the drill) were all a priority; especially since we had a nine year old whose gifts and needs had to be taken into consideration. Although we enjoyed our time in each community, and let’s be truthful, we spent a lot of time looking at neighborhoods, schools, talking to people about performing arts and their facilities- looking for options for us to continue our love of hiking, cycling and kayaking. Each community had their strengths certainly, but neither grabbed us in a way that said; “this is the place you need to be.”

Ron arrived in Greenville in early spring on a business trip. Imagine my surprise when he called to tell me about this little town neither of us had considered before. Again, I went back to my geeky research and was surprised by what I found. Growing up in Canada, and traveling as I have throughout the world, I never, ever expected to find a “community gold mine” in upstate South Carolina. I don’t mean to be critical, I am simply being honest.

A very wise man recently told me: People think of three things when they think of the South; Atlanta Georgia, Charleston South Carolina and Mayberry. As open a mind as I have, I have to say he is right. Greenville South Carolina is not Atlanta, nor is it Charleston, and it is far far from being Mayberry. But just what is it that we found in Greenville that let us know we had found home? An unbelievable downtown. International, cosmopolitan feel. Global business mind set, proactive passionate community. Leading educational facilities and teachers. Incredible arts and culture, cycling community second to none (anywhere) crazy restaurant scene, stunning quality of life, outrageously affordable housing. Where do I stop?

I guess that’s the point. I don’t need to stop singing the praises of Greenville South Carolina do I? I hope that this blog will help uncover the hidden gem that Greenville is for all of those who are searching for a place to relocate their companies, families, lives.

“If you’ve not taken time to enjoy art, you have another great chance to do so with the realism exhibits at the Greenville County Museum of Art. Long held in high esteem in the art community, the Greenville County Museum is featuring various realistic perspectives in its winter exhibit…” Read all comments here.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution just wrote a great article about Greenville, SC as the perfect one-tank trip for people in the area. Especially for those who haven’t visited in a while. The revitalization of the downtown area surprises everyone who hasn’t been in the last 10 years or so. The spring time is the perfect time to visit so plan a weekend and make the trip, you’ll be glad you did.