Last weekend I met one of my sons and his family and my granddaughter who was having her Prom photos taken in the Ampitheater near the bridge over the Reedy River.  Afterward, we walked to a place to eat near the Fluor Baseball Staium.  It is amazing how this area has developed since the suspension bridge (an architectural marvel in itself) over the river has been in place.  In fact, all of downtown is growing in leaps and bounds.  There is always something to do for almost anyone who wants a place to go/things to do. Restaurants are plentiful and varied.  We have festivals, events, fund and fun raising events , musical events like Rythm on the River, a Jazz event once a week and an open Farmer's Market in the middle of downtown during the summer months up to 11/1//08.  Falls Park that is around the suspension bridge and the Reedy River is a great place for picnics or just to enjoy with friends or family.  There is also a Bark in The Park doggie park not too far from downtown where people bring their dogs to run free and play.  We also have conventions in the downtown and surrounding area and those prove popular and bring in lots of revenue for hotels, restaurants, etc.

Greenville has become a model for other cities who want to revitalzie their downtown areas and come to visit and learn how our city did it.  I think our Mayor Knox White deserves a most of the credit, there were many others who began the process prior to Mayor White being elected.  They helped pave the way and many business leaders and civic leaders have worked together for years to help Greenville become the city that is now is.  Mayor White became Mayor at a time when we were primed to grow; he took it and ran with it by putting plans put into place and actively working develope the city.  He made that happen.  Kudos to Mayor White.

 If you ever visit, don't miss seeing our downtown.  People who visit seem to really like what is happening here.

 Have a good week!