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.
Tour participants 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.
Highlights of sites on the tour include:
While scheduled tours are limited, please feel free to request additional tour days/times by contacting us via the "Contact GVLTours" link.
Tour participants 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.
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
- The statue of "Shoeless Joe Jackson" - learn about the fascinating rise and fall of one of the greatest baseball players in history
While scheduled tours are limited, please feel free to request additional tour days/times by contacting us via the "Contact GVLTours" link.
What Is Not Included?
Customary guide service gratuity of 15-20% is not included in the price of the tour.
Meeting Location
Historic West End @ main entrance to Falls Park (Greenville, SC)
(Exact meeting location details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.)
- What is a Historic West End Walking Tour?
- This historic walking tour will give you a thorough overview of the development and history pertaining to the West End portion of the city. Since much of the city's early history centers around the waterfall in the West End, this tour gives a sweeping history of the city's earliest settlement but also touches on recent major developments along the Riverplace area. Historic buildings, 19th century ruins, statues of famous Greenvillians, and also some of Greenville's modern achievements will be covered on this tour.
- Where do I go on a West End Walking Tour?
- The tour begins with various stops in Falls Park, continuing up the beautiful river walk to the Riverplace complex, then up to S. Main St. to the corner of Augusta St. The distance is equivalent to about 4-5 short city blocks.
- How long in advance can tickets be purchased?
- Tickets may be purchased until 1 hour before the start time of the tour.
- What kind of places do we go to on the tour?
- In the stunningly beautiful Falls Park area we will visit the Liberty Bridge for a bird's-eye view of the 40 foot Reedy River waterfall and stroll along winding paths of gardens and rockscaping and the river walk up to the modern Riverplace complex at the heart of the city. Many historic photos will be shown along the way.
- What should I wear?
- Casual clothing for the current season is appropriate. Since it is a walking tour, we encourage you to wear comfortable shoes.
- What is the minimum and maximum capacity for culinary tours?
- All tours have a minimum requirement of 2 people and a maximum limit of 25 people. The first tickets sold for the tour will require a minimum of two tickets. All tickets thereafter may be purchased in single or multiple amounts.
- Are there age restrictions for the tours?
- No, there are no age restrictions for walking tours. Children ages 3 and younger are free and do not require a ticket. There is a limit of two free children (ages 3 or younger) with each paying adult.
- Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
- While the West End Walking Tour does have sloping sidewalks and stairs on its route, nearby elevators are available for use as an alternative to stairs.
- Are tours offered in inclement weather?
- If weather is moderate, we will most likely run the tour. If the weather is severe enough that we are forced to cancel, we will be happy to reschedule the tour for as soon as the weather clears or offer you credit to come back on a future tour. Please contact the tour operator directly for questions about continuing in inclement weather.
- Can you accommodate private group tours?
- Private group tours of up to 25 people outside of regularly scheduled tour times can be arranged with advanced notice of one week, based on availability. If interested, click on the "Contact GVLTours" link to make a request.
- Do you offer gift certificates?
- Gift certificates are not offered at this time. Feel free to purchase tickets as a gift for a friend, though!
Refund/Rescheduling Policy
- Non-refundable, cannot be rescheduled.
- Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded and cannot be rescheduled because your space is being guaranteed at the event.
Weather Policy
- Activity may be cancelled due to severe weather.
- The activity usually runs in light rain and other moderate weather conditions, but the seller may cancel the activity up to an hour before the start time in the event of severe or unsafe weather conditions. If the seller cancels the event, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule tickets (subject to availability) or receive credit for a future event.
Other Policies
- Children ages 3 and younger may attend without a ticket.
- Children ages 3 and younger may attend the tour for free and do not need a ticket; however, we do ask for a limit of two free children ages 3 and younger per paying adult.
Greenville History Tours
Greenville History Tours' owner and guide, John Nolan, is author of the city's only visitor-friendly guidebook, A Guide to Historic Greenville, SC and ready to give you a dynamic and memorable walk through the historic West End of Greenville.
Whether you are a visitor to the city on business, a family with children, a new resident of the Upstate, or a native Greenvillian, your guide will be able to share both in-depth history and also contemporary developments that will be of interest to all.
Whether you are a visitor to the city on business, a family with children, a new resident of the Upstate, or a native Greenvillian, your guide will be able to share both in-depth history and also contemporary developments that will be of interest to all.
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