GREER, SOUTH CAROLINA (Mark)

If having a large city park right next to the historical downtown appeals to you, Greer, South Carolina should be on your list to visit.

Greer was settled in the 1700’s by the family of James Greer, and became much more important when the Southern Railroad Line connecting Atlanta to Charlotte was run through the town. 

This line is still important as Greer is now an Inland Port.  Shipping containers from Charleston are moved directly to the rail lines and brought to Greer before being unloaded.  Manufacturing, including the BMW factory here in tow, benefits.  The BMW factory employs about 9,000 people, and another 12,000 people in component factories that supply BMW.  The signs may be fading, but the rails are still used by multiple trains every day.

Two blocks from the railroad lines this building stands tall,

and across the street another sign fading into the brick it was painted on. I have a love of these old ghost signs.

Inside of this building was an antique store that Cheri spent a significant amount of time in.  She took me inside to show me several pieces of furniture.  The level of craftsmanship displayed on the ornate carving is hard to describe.  Cheri said it is now her favorite antique store.

Below is a corner of a building currently in use as a restraint.  Hopefully the rest of the building is sturdier than this portion!

After spending several hours walking around and through the town we went into Los Portales Restaurant and had some of the best guacamole imaginable., also very tasty chiliquiles and chile poblano