West End Walking Tour

This tour begins at the very birthplace of Greenville—Falls Park. The same allure of the gorgeous 40-foot natural waterfall that casts a spell on Falls Park visitors today must have had the same impact on the first colonial settler, Richard Pearis, when he arrived in c.1769. Less than a handful of American cities can boast such a waterfall in the heart of downtown. Visitors receive a chronological history of our city beginning with a view of the falls from the newest icon of the city’s cityscape—the award-winning pedestrian Liberty Bridge. At the foundation walls of an 1816 grist mill built by Vardry McBee, guests will learn about the factors that caused this small trading post town to grow into the textile center of the world.


Other highlights of the tour include discussion of some of the oldest buildings still existing along the banks of the river, including the 1882 Huguenot Mill and the Gower, Cox and Markley Carriage factory buildings that are now used for dining and entertainment. On the other side of the river banks, visitors will soak in the magnificent features of the $137 million Riverplace development with its unique mix of restaurants, offices, condominiums, artists’ open studios, a 30-foot cascading waterfall feature, hotel and more.


A stroll back up Main St. into the West End discusses a famous Greenvillian, Charles Townes. You will also (beginning July 2017) be able to now end your tour with a delicious complimentary sweet treat from one of the West End's most delicious stops...Le Petite Croissant!
  
**Highlights of sites on the tour include:** 
• Ruins of an 1816 grist mill built by the "Father of Greenville", Vardry McBee
• The 1882 Huguenot Mill - learn how Greenville became the "Textile Center of the World"
• The 1857 Gower, Cox and Markley Carriage factory building, once the largest carriage company in the South
• Riverplace - stroll the river walk while learning about the beautiful complex of fine restaurants, shopping, condos, open artist studios, and more overlooking the Reedy River that has sparked a revitalization of the Historic West End
• The bronze memorial to Charles Townes, a Greenvillian who became the inventor of the laser


This tour is $12 plus tax per person.

This event has passed; please visit our main Events page for upcoming events.

  • Presented By: Greenville History Tours
  • Recurrence: Recurring weekly on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
  • Location: Downtown Greenville
  • Address: Meeting point: Falls Park on the Reedy, 615 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601
  • Phone:

    (864) 567-3940

  • Time: Every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday @ 6pm
  • Price: $12