TOWN Magazine Celebrates 15 Years of Upstate Storytelling

The glossy lifestyle publication has evolved with Greenville's growth, earning accolades for its artful design and community-focused content.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:10pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

TOWN magazine, launched in 2011 by a team of veteran journalists and designers, is celebrating its 15th anniversary. The monthly publication, known for its bold oversized format and thematic issues, has chronicled the growth and culture of Greenville, South Carolina and the surrounding Upstate region over the past decade and a half. Under the leadership of founding editor Jack Bacot and subsequent editors Blair Knobel and Leigh Savage, TOWN has earned numerous awards for its innovative design, photography, and editorial content that spotlights the area's artists, creatives, chefs, and community leaders.

Why it matters

TOWN's evolution mirrors the rapid transformation of Greenville from a mid-sized city to a thriving destination. The magazine has played a key role in celebrating the Upstate's cultural renaissance, promoting its burgeoning arts scene, culinary innovations, and community spirit. As Greenville has grown, so too has TOWN's influence, establishing itself as the premier lifestyle publication for capturing the character and stories that define this dynamic region.

The details

TOWN was launched in 2011 by Jack Bacot, who had previously led the now-defunct G magazine. Bacot approached Mark Johnston, CEO and publisher of Greenville Journal, with the idea for a new high-quality lifestyle magazine to reflect the city's growth. Bacot assembled a talented team including managing editor Blair Knobel and art director Paul Mehaffey, both of whom had fine art backgrounds. From the start, the magazine's mission was to be a 'cheerleader' for the Upstate, highlighting its cultural, social, and lifestyle elements through thematic issues and surprising stories.

  • TOWN launched its first issue in April 2011.
  • Jack Bacot served as editor for the first two years until 2012.
  • Blair Knobel and Paul Mehaffey led the magazine for the next ten years until 2022.
  • The current team, with Leigh Savage as executive editor, Laura Allshouse as creative director, and Anna Walker as associate art director, is steering TOWN into its next decade.
  • TOWN celebrated its 100th issue in July 2019.

The players

Jack Bacot

The founding editor of TOWN, who previously led the now-defunct G magazine. Bacot assembled the initial editorial team and established the magazine's mission to be a 'cheerleader' for the Upstate region.

Mark Johnston

The CEO and publisher of Greenville Journal, who partnered with Bacot to launch TOWN and trusted the creative vision of the editorial team.

Blair Knobel

The managing editor who succeeded Bacot and, along with art director Paul Mehaffey, shepherded TOWN for the next ten years, overseeing several design changes and the magazine's evolution.

Leigh Savage

The current executive editor leading TOWN into its next decade, committed to continuing the magazine's role as a platform for celebrating the Upstate's arts, people, and culture.

Paul Mehaffey

The art director who worked alongside Knobel, helping to craft TOWN's artful and award-winning design over the years, including a major redesign in 2020.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Greenville was growing and the market was pushing for a glossy magazine at the time.”

— Mark Johnston, CEO and Publisher, Greenville Journal

“We were cheerleaders promoting the Upstate.”

— Jack Bacot, Founding Editor, TOWN

“TOWN is a wonderful blend of arts, people, and culture. [The magazine] exceeds my expectations with every issue.”

— Mark Johnston, CEO and Publisher, Greenville Journal

“My vision for TOWN is to build on the incredible foundation the magazine has established over the past 15 years. We want to continue being the place to go, whether in print or online, to meet the people who are shaping this community, from artists and creatives to chefs and leaders. We're here to tell the stories that matter and to reflect the talent and character that define this place.”

— Leigh Savage, Executive Editor, TOWN

What’s next

TOWN plans to continue its mission of celebrating the Upstate's vibrant culture, people, and creative spirit through its award-winning editorial content and design. The magazine will also explore expanding its digital presence to reach an even wider audience interested in the stories and personalities that define the Greenville region.

The takeaway

Over the past 15 years, TOWN magazine has evolved alongside the rapid growth and transformation of Greenville, South Carolina, establishing itself as the premier lifestyle publication for chronicling the Upstate's cultural renaissance. Through its artful design, innovative storytelling, and unwavering commitment to the community, TOWN has become an indispensable voice in capturing the character and energy that make this region so unique.