Spartanburg, South Carolina, Journey Information

South Carolina is full of cities that mix Southern hospitality, scrumptious meals, and a contact of pure magnificence—and Spartanburg is not any exception.

Positioned between Charlotte and Atlanta, Spartanburg is an under-the-radar gem that gives all of the makings of an awesome weekend getaway: scenic parks, walkable downtown streets, glorious espresso, and burgeoning culinary and craft beer scenes. What actually units it aside, although, is its stability of small-town heat and big-city power.

I not too long ago spent a couple of days exploring this vibrant Southern metropolis and located myself amazed by its vigorous native occasions, minor league baseball video games, tucked-away trails, and regionally impressed eating places.

Spartanburg was additionally named one in every of the finest locations to retire in South Carolina—which implies you’ll be able to count on precisely what I discovered: a pleasant, welcoming ambiance, exceptional affordability, and a stability of power and leisure. Whether or not you are into mountaineering, patios with string lights, or sipping one thing peachy at a neighborhood brewery, Spartanburg delivers with coronary heart.

This is every little thing that you must plan your individual unforgettable South Carolina escape.

Easy methods to Get There

When you’re flying in, the closest airport is Greenville-Spartanburg Worldwide (GSP), positioned about half-hour from downtown. GSP affords direct and fairly priced flights to and from main hubs like Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Denver, Miami, and extra.

Spartanburg can be simple to succeed in by automotive. It is about 1.5 hours from Columbia, lower than 1.5 hours from Charlotte, and roughly three hours from Atlanta. I made the scenic drive from Virginia, passing by means of scenic foothills and stretches of farmland.

Know Earlier than You Go

Spartanburg is walkable, inexpensive, and filled with character. Whereas it is rising quickly, the town hasn’t misplaced its small-town soul. Everybody I met, from baristas to bookstore homeowners, was genuinely form and happy with their metropolis.

Zach Fox, director of communications for Spartanburg, agrees, saying, “Spartanburg, significantly downtown, is a really welcoming place. It blends some big-city choices with small-town appeal.”

For individuals who love the outside, like myself, it is a good suggestion to pack comfy sneakers. There are scenic trails, peaceable gardens, and well-kept parks both inside strolling distance or only a brief drive from downtown.

Final however not least, in the event you’re a beer lover or foodie, come hungry and thirsty as a result of Spartanburg is aware of learn how to serve up taste.

Finest Time to Go to

Summer season is filled with power, from out of doors concert events to baseball video games, and the brewery patios are buzzing. When you’re trying to hike or calm down in a backyard, spring and fall are equally beautiful, with delicate climate and blooming wildflowers or altering leaves.

Fox says his favourite time in Spartanburg is the autumn, when the crisp, cool air lastly rolls in after the new, humid summer season—a refreshing change that makes these first few weeks particularly pleasing.

Finest Issues to Do

Chill out at Cleveland Park.

This lakeside park affords strolling trails, shady bushes, and peaceable views. It was the right spot to unwind after a busy morning of exploring downtown.

Watch a Spartanburgers Minor League Baseball sport.

Seize a seat at Fifth Third Park and revel in a night of baseball below the lights. The house crowd brings loads of power, and the family-friendly ambiance makes it a enjoyable cease whether or not you are a sports activities fan or simply in it for the snacks.

Beat the warmth at Streaking Birdies.

When you’re trying to escape the solar, however nonetheless wish to keep energetic, head to Streaking Birdies. This indoor golf spot, positioned throughout from the AC Lodge, options high-tech simulators and a enjoyable vibe that makes for a superb time, whether or not you are training your swing or simply enjoying for laughs.

Assist native companies at Hub Metropolis Bookshop and Little River Espresso Bar

This unbiased bookstore is a downtown favourite, full of titles by Southern authors and charming items. It is an awesome place to chill off, browse, and help Spartanburg’s literary scene.

Proper subsequent door is Little River Espresso Bar. There’s nothing fairly like pairing a superb guide with a scrumptious cup of espresso, so I extremely suggest combining the 2.

Buy groceries downtown.

From fashionable clothes and out of doors gear to handmade items and teas, Spartanburg’s walkable downtown space is full of outlets price exploring. The combo of boutiques lends the realm a artistic, welcoming power.

Fox says, “I normally suggest a stroll by means of downtown Spartanburg, particularly as a result of I got here to [the city] at a time when downtown was actually on life help. Many storefronts had been nonetheless empty, and there weren’t many individuals round. That has positively modified over time.”

Finest Locations to Keep

AC Lodge Spartanburg

Stylish and centrally positioned, the 10-story AC Lodge Spartanburg within the coronary heart of downtown made a super residence base throughout my go to. It contains a rooftop restaurant with gorgeous views of the town and the curated artwork assortment all through the property provides a considerate, artistic contact. Among the best perks is the out of doors pool, an ideal solution to cool off within the South Carolina summer season. Plus, the property’s location is only a brief stroll from espresso outlets, eating places, and the baseball stadium.

Spartanburg Marriott

The Spartanburg Marriott has an out of doors pool and an American restaurant with loads of seating outdoors, plus it is only a brief stroll from downtown, making it an total handy keep.

Finest Locations to Eat

The Kennedy

I like it when a spot affords upscale, scrumptious meals with out feeling too formal, and The Kennedy hits that candy spot. Each dish is a winner, however what actually stood out to me had been the cocktails, cheddar biscuits, and hen parmesan.

FR8yard

As an enormous fan of biergartens, I used to be excited to take a look at FR8yard, identified for its vigorous ambiance that welcomes adults, youngsters, and canine alike. Fox says it is one in every of his favourite spots, sharing, “They’ve an awesome collection of drinks and a few actually stable bar meals. On prime of that, they’ve stay music nearly each evening, and when there is not a efficiency, they usually escape a big projector for film nights or present huge sporting occasions.”

Blue Moon Specialty Meals

Begin your day with a flavorful breakfast at this connoisseur market and cafe. I liked the house-made sauces and Southern specialties, particularly the quiche.

Cribb’s Kitchen

Cribb’s Kitchen is a should for burger lovers. This contemporary bistro affords a various menu that includes elevated sandwiches and hearty Southern classics, together with deviled eggs and fried inexperienced tomatoes, all served in a pleasant setting.

Fox says one in every of his favourite methods to spend a day in Spartanburg is combining a couple of native favorites: catching a Spartanburgers sport, stopping by FR8yard both earlier than or after, after which wrapping up the day with dinner at Cribb’s Kitchen.

Rockers Brewing Co.

For craft beer lovers, Rockers Brewing Co. is a neighborhood favourite famend for its progressive brews and alluring taproom. It is an awesome place to unwind and pattern Spartanburg’s finest beers.