Hotel at a Glance: Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndham, Woodruff Road

This hotel places guests less than a 15-minute drive from downtown Greenville and the Greenville Zoo, home to African elephants and giraffes. Dozens of restaurants are within walking distance, and a free shuttle can ferry you to Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport and nearby attractions.

• Recent accolade: 2014 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
• Free continental breakfast with sweet pastries, muffins, and fresh fruit
• Sink into a pillowtop mattress and surf free WiFi in your guest room.
• Shop till you drop at the Shops at Greenridge, just a mile up the road.

Greenville, South Carolina: Booming Downtown and Natural Beauty in the Upcountry

Red maples and willow oaks fringe Greenville's historic downtown area, creating a canopy of sorts over the pedestrian-friendly Main Street. This idyllic setting helped earn the city a nod on Forbes' list of America's Best Downtowns as well as on Outside's Best Towns list of 2013.

When they're not immersing themselves in one of the 200 events held downtown each year, visitors can dine al fresco on international cuisine and browse an assortment of boutiques and toy stores. The Greenville County Museum of Art houses an impressive array of American visual art, including the world’s largest public collection of Andrew Wyeth watercolors.

From downtown, you can stroll to Falls Park on the Reedy to see two waterfalls spilling over jagged rocks and into the river. For the best view, stand atop the curving Liberty Bridge, which appears suspended in midair right above the water. Greenville is also full of tree-lined paths that follow rocky river banks and bubbly creeks, providing a nice setting for bike rides and walks. Keep an eye out for wildlife when you're out; it's not unusual to spot lizards, squirrels, and birds.

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