Conway and Greenville Named Among America’s 40 Most Charming Small Downtowns

Scenic view of a charming downtown in South Carolina with beautiful architecture and a river

Conway and Greenville, South Carolina, September 15, 2025

News Summary

Conway and Greenville, two beautiful towns in South Carolina, have been featured in HGTV’s list of the 40 most charming small downtowns in America. Both towns are celebrated for their unique character, vibrant local culture, and picturesque surroundings. Conway is known for its historic district, scenic Riverwalk, and vibrant culinary scene, while Greenville offers a mix of natural beauty and delightful attractions like the interactive ‘Mice on Main’ scavenger hunt. This recognition emphasizes their appeal to locals and visitors alike as summer comes to a close.

Conway and Greenville, two picturesque towns in South Carolina, have recently been recognized by HGTV in a list highlighting the 40 most charming small downtowns in America. This accolade showcases the unique qualities and character of these towns, making them attractive destinations for both locals and visitors as summer nears its end.

Key Attributes of Conway

Conway has been described as “packed with Southern charm,” reflecting its inviting atmosphere and rich cultural heritage. The town is noted for its historic district, which features beautifully preserved buildings representing various architectural styles. A prominent highlight of Conway is its Riverwalk trail, which allows residents and tourists to enjoy the scenic views along the Waccamaw River.

In addition to its natural beauty, Conway boasts a vibrant culinary scene that celebrates local flavors. Visitors can explore an array of dining options that feature everything from traditional Southern cuisine to innovative dishes. The town is also adorned with nine “larger-than-life” murals that contribute to its artistic ambiance and provide perfect photo opportunities, showcasing the creativity of local artists.

Attractions in Greenville

Greenville was recognized for its exceptional combination of natural beauty and Southern charm. The town’s downtown area features a variety of cafes, boutiques, gardens, and art galleries, all resonating with a dynamic atmosphere that draws visitors year-round. One of the town’s standout attractions is the whimsical “Mice on Main”, an interactive scavenger-hunt experience for families and tourists.

This unique feature consists of bronze mice figurines inspired by the beloved children’s book “Goodnight Moon.” Visitors can search for these cleverly hidden mice along Main Street, making it an engaging activity that encourages exploration and interaction with the local community.

Selection Criteria and Purpose of the List

HGTV created this list to spotlight the most inviting places among the country’s small towns, emphasizing those that provide a lively atmosphere for people seeking enjoyable experiences. The criteria for selection included factors such as vibrancy, history, architecture, shops, and local culture. The recognition of Conway and Greenville not only highlights their charm but also enhances their visibility as potential destinations for last-minute “staycations” as summer wraps up.

Conclusion

Both Conway and Greenville exemplify the unique qualities that make small towns special, offering a blend of cultural experiences, natural beauty, and a strong sense of community. This recognition by HGTV is a testament to the hard work and dedication of those who live and work in these vibrant towns, inviting visitors to explore everything they have to offer.

FAQ Section

What towns in South Carolina were named among the most charming small downtowns in America?

Conway and Greenville were recognized by HGTV for their charm and vibrancy.

What criteria did HGTV use to select the towns?

The selection was based on vibrancy, history, architecture, shops, and local culture.

What are some highlights of Conway?

Conway features a historic district, a Riverwalk trail, a vibrant culinary scene, and nine large murals.

What makes Greenville unique?

Greenville is known for its combination of natural beauty and Southern charm, featuring cafes, boutiques, gardens, art galleries, and the interactive “Mice on Main” attraction.

Why is this recognition significant?

This recognition helps showcase these towns as potential travel destinations for visitors, particularly for last-minute summer outings.

Key Features Chart

Town Highlights Special Features
Conway Historic district, Riverwalk trail, vibrant culinary scene, nine murals Southern charm, artistic ambiance
Greenville Cafes, boutiques, gardens, art galleries Interactive “Mice on Main” scavenger hunt

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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Additional Resources

STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE

The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

Picture of STAFF HERE GREENVILLE

STAFF HERE GREENVILLE

The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
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