We had the good fortune of connecting with Olivia Reynolds and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Olivia, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?
My son is almost two. I think the most important and impactful thing I’ve done as a parent is be as present with him as I possibly can. Every day I make this decision to involve him in my day to day life and let him explore the world instead of telling him no!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a local mom and digital creator on Instagram, based in Greenville, SC, where I share local events and happenings in the Upstate South Carolina area. As a wife and mom of one, I focus on family-friendly activities and resources that make life easier and more fun for other parents. While I have a full-time job in marketing, this Instagram account is my creative outlet and a way to connect with my community.

What sets me apart is my deep local connection and authenticity. I’m a mom first, so everything I share comes from a place of experience. My goal is to help other parents discover new things to do and ways to make the most of what our area has to offer. I’m most excited about the relationships I’ve built with local businesses and families; it’s amazing to watch my content help grow small businesses while supporting local parents.

My journey to where I am professionally has been about balancing work, motherhood, and my passion for creating digital content. It hasn’t always been easy to juggle everything, but I’ve learned to manage my time and prioritize what matters most. One of the biggest challenges has been carving out time for my Instagram content amid the demands of my full-time marketing role and family life. I’ve overcome those challenges by setting boundaries, building routines, and leaning into my support system, whether that’s my family or the local community.

A key lesson I’ve learned is the importance of consistency and passion. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, but staying focused on why I started helps keep me going. I also remind myself that it’s okay to grow at my own pace.

I’m passionate about supporting local families and businesses, and my story is one of balancing passions—whether it’s parenting, my career in marketing, or my love for the Upstate SC community. My Instagram is about sharing those everyday moments and connections that make life more enjoyable.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Downtown Greenville

Lunch at Tupelo Honey: Start with a Southern-inspired meal at this cozy spot. Their biscuits and fried chicken are a must!
Walk around Falls Park on the Reedy: After lunch, we’d take a stroll through Falls Park, a scenic spot with waterfalls, gardens, and the iconic Liberty Bridge. It’s the heart of downtown and a great intro to Greenville’s beauty.
Dinner at Soby’s: Finish the day with dinner at Soby’s, a local favorite for upscale Southern dining with a twist.

Day 2: Art and Culture

Morning at the Greenville County Museum of Art: A visit to this free museum will show off regional and American artwork, including works by Andrew Wyeth and Jasper Johns.
Lunch at Swamp Rabbit Café: A laid-back spot on the Swamp Rabbit Trail, perfect for a healthy, local farm-to-table meal.
Bike the Swamp Rabbit Trail: Rent bikes and ride along the 22-mile trail, stopping by Furman University’s campus for a quick tour and gorgeous lake views.
Dinner at Halls Chophouse: An elegant steakhouse with amazing views of the Reedy River and a great wine selection.

Day 3: Day Trip to Travelers Rest

Breakfast at Tandem Creperie: This charming café in Travelers Rest serves the best crepes. It’s a local gem!
Visit to a local farm or winery: From Split Creek Farm for a goat cheese tour to wine tasting at Wellborn Winery, we’d spend the afternoon soaking up the countryside.
Dinner at Farmhouse Tacos: A casual spot to end the day with inventive tacos and margaritas.

Day 4: Scenic Views and Outdoor Fun

Morning Hike at Paris Mountain State Park: A moderate hike with beautiful views, especially in fall when the leaves are turning.
Lunch at The Anchorage: After hiking, we’d head to The Village of West Greenville for lunch at The Anchorage, known for its farm-to-table fare.
Explore The Village of West Greenville: Check out art galleries, local boutiques, and grab coffee at The Village Grind.
Dinner at Larkin’s on the River: A riverfront dining experience to relax and enjoy the evening.

Day 5: Foodie Tour of Greenville

Breakfast at Biscuit Head: Start the day with a Southern breakfast, known for giant biscuits and unique toppings.
Coffee at Methodical Coffee: For the best coffee in town, Methodical is a great spot to sip and hang out.
Lunch at Willy Taco: Head over to Spartanburg for a fun and flavorful Mexican fusion lunch.
Greenville Craft Brewery Tour: Greenville’s craft beer scene is growing, so we’d spend the afternoon visiting breweries like Birds Fly South, Liability Brewing, and Fireforge Crafted Beer.
Dinner at Jianna: End the day with Italian fare at Jianna, featuring fresh pasta and an incredible view of Falls Park.

Day 6: Family Fun and Relaxation

Visit to Greenville Zoo: A morning at the zoo is always fun, especially for families.
Lunch at Smoke on the Water: For classic Southern BBQ in a relaxed setting.
Relax at Unity Park: Spend the afternoon walking through Unity Park or have a picnic by the Reedy River.
Dinner at Stella’s Southern Brasserie: A favorite for modern Southern comfort food.

Day 7: Shopping and Wrapping Up

Shopping on Main Street: Take time to visit local boutiques, Mast General Store, and grab gifts or souvenirs.
Lunch at Papi’s Tacos: A fun spot for quick street tacos right by the river.
Afternoon Tea at The Lazy Goat: A relaxed final afternoon with a scenic view of the river.
Farewell Dinner at Urban Wren: This wine bar and restaurant is the perfect spot to end the trip with a modern, upscale meal.

In my view, some of the most fun and exciting places to check out in Greenville include Falls Park, The Village of West Greenville for its artsy vibe, and the Swamp Rabbit Trail for outdoor activities. I also love our food scene—so many incredible local restaurants to explore, from Southern comfort to international cuisine. The people of Greenville are friendly, and there’s a strong sense of community, especially when it comes to supporting local businesses and events!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband and my son who inspire me every day!

Instagram: gvlmomblog

Other: social.via.olivia@gmail.com

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSouthCarolina is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.