Welcome to Greenville, where you’ll experience North Texas with a twist! We’ve changed a lot over the years, from the days when cotton was king, to a time of robotics, aerospace technology, and manufacturing. Learn more here…
While we had planned on working with the Lee Street Jamboree this year for family fun and live entertainment, due to recent health challenges the city has cancelled the Jamboree. Still you can come and enjoy the fresh air of the countryside and experience the wide open countryside of Hunt and Rains County.
Enjoy a Great Greenville Getaway
By P.A. Geddie
Exploring Greenville, Texas, these days, visitors find plenty to enjoy for several days.
First, while Landon Winery no longer serves meals, it does serve excellent wines and in an inviting and beautifully-restored historic building. They do have chocolates and cheese boards and they team up with Mac’s American Grille across the street for full dining deliveries. But for some, just sipping wine and visiting with a friend in this gem of a landmark is a wonderful way to enjoy a couple of hours in downtown Greenville. They also often have live music. 2508 Lee Street, (903) 454-7878, www.landonwinery.com
Mac’s American Grille is another experience all its own. The kitchen and grill with flames blazing are visible from the dining room. The menu features burgers, sandwiches, soups, salads, wood-grilled steaks, and desserts. There’s a full bar and an artsy, contemporary vibe throughout the building. It’s a good idea to call for reservations on weekends. 2501 Johnson Street, (903) 494-5007
While looking at food options, keep the County Line award-winning Ain’t Just Pie in mind for soups, quiches, salads, lunch specials, desserts and pies of course. This is a good choice for breakfast too — they open at 8 a.m. and close at 3 p.m. 2205 Lee Street, (903) 455-4314, www.justpie.net
New downtown is Empty Glass Steakhouse and Saloon. 2808 Lee Street, (903) 494-5038
A great dining place for lunch is Pizzo’s Sicilian Cafe inside Uptown Forum, 2610 Lee Street, (202) 270-4276, www.uptownforum.net. They serve delicious paninis, calzones, soups, salads, and pastas. This is a favorite local downtown hangout where Chef Ang (Angela Marie Melia) takes special care with every customer. (903) 455-2233
While at Uptown Forum, check out the shopping in this three-story historic building: Lenore Cole (art, jewelry, soaps, candles), (903) 453-8003, www.lenorecolecandles.com; The Wind, The Willow Bookstore, (903) 455-2665, and At The Top Art Gallery.
More downtown shopping should include Jesse’s Girl Boutique & Salon, 2613 Lee Street, (903) 494-5069, www.jessesgirlboutique.com; Nine Zero Three Boutique, 2218 Lee Street; Greenville Floral & Gifts, and The Muddle, a great little antique shop.
For something really different check out Forbidden Gallery with unusual collectibles and a Bad Movie Rental Club. 2717 Lee Street,(903) 458-5572
Also while in Greenville venture out from downtown a bit to visit Vintage and Lace, 7716 Wesley, (903) 413-1770. They are open until 6 p.m. and feature a variety of vendors with great home furnishings and clothing options.
Take an afternoon to go visit the Audie Murphy American Cotton Museum. Much of the museum is dedicated to local World War II hero and movie star Audie Murphy. There’s also a turn-of-the-century Main Street area, and a popular section for visitors is the oddball stuff like the “hair wreath,” a famous wooden leg, a baseball autographed by June Allyson, and a vintage hair curling machine. 600 Interstate 30 East, (903) 450-4502, www.cottonmuseum.com
Besides live music at some of the restaurants and Landon Winery, Greenville has two dynamic downtown venues with great shows.
The Greenville Municipal Auditorium has national touring acts most weekends like The Hitmen, Johnny Rodriguez and Johnny Bush, Shades of Buble, The Marksmen, and John Conlee, as well as the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and other entertainment. 2821 Washington Street, (903) 457-3126, www.showtimeatthegma.com
The Texan Theater also has shows most weeks in an intimate room complete with four-course dinners. Some of its upcoming shows includes Ian Moore; the Freedom Folk Music Festival with Susan Gibson, Jana Pochop, AJ Johnston, Hannah Kirby, Johnny C. Lately, and Tony Ramey; Music of Cream; Femmes of Rock; and Reverend Horton Heat. The Texan is also home to the local’s favorite Hump Day Happy Hour taking place every Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. It features local artists and musicians. 2712 Lee Street, (903) 259-6360, www.texantheatergreenville.com
Guests looking for ideas for Sunday before driving home might try the Ashen Rose Pub for brunch. The Texan Theater usually shows a free movie on Sunday afternoons on their big screen and visitors can order food from the Texan Coffee Shop and delivered to their table. Many weekends, they have special events happening so check the calendar and get more information on www.travelgreenvilletx.com.
