Greenville and the broader Upstate region had plenty to cheer about this week as the 2026 Best of the Upstate awards celebration brought the community together to recognize the local businesses, people, and places that make this corner of South Carolina shine.

Greenville Online hosted the festive event, inviting residents to celebrate the winners across a wide range of categories that reflect the vibrant life of the Upstate. The gathering was a chance for neighbors, business owners, and community members to come together, share in the excitement, and recognize the very best the region has to offer.

The Best of the Upstate awards are an annual tradition that puts the spotlight squarely on local favorites — from restaurants and retailers to service providers and community institutions — as chosen by the people who live and work here every day. Winning a Best of the Upstate honor is a meaningful distinction, reflecting genuine appreciation from fellow community members rather than outside judges or critics.

This year’s celebration drew attendees eager to see which local gems earned top honors and to toast the winners in person. The event served as a reminder of just how rich and diverse the Upstate’s local business community has become, and how much pride residents take in supporting homegrown talent.

Whether you were there to cheer on a favorite neighborhood restaurant, a trusted local shop, or a standout service provider, the 2026 Best of the Upstate celebration was a feel-good moment for the entire region — a collective pat on the back for the businesses and individuals who work hard every day to make Greenville and the Upstate a great place to live.

Congratulations to all of this year’s winners, and thank you to everyone who voted, attended, and helped make the Upstate the vibrant, thriving community it is.

Sources: Greenville Online