Spartanburg, South Carolina, Journey Information

South Carolina is stuffed with 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 provides all of the makings of an amazing weekend getaway: scenic parks, walkable downtown streets, glorious espresso, and burgeoning culinary and craft beer scenes. What actually units it aside, although, is its steadiness 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 domestically impressed eating places.

Spartanburg was additionally named one in all one of the best locations to retire in South Carolina—which suggests you may anticipate precisely what I discovered: a pleasant, welcoming ambiance, exceptional affordability, and a steadiness 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.

Here is the whole lot it’s worthwhile to plan your personal unforgettable South Carolina escape.

Find out how to Get There

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

Spartanburg can also be simple to achieve by automobile. 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, reasonably priced, and full of persona. Whereas it is rising quickly, the town hasn’t misplaced its small-town soul. Everybody I met, from baristas to bookstore homeowners, was genuinely variety 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 allure.”

For individuals who love the outside, like myself, it is a good suggestion to pack comfy footwear. 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, when you’re a beer lover or foodie, come hungry and thirsty as a result of Spartanburg is aware of the way to serve up taste.

Greatest Time to Go to

Summer season is full of power, from outside concert events to baseball video games, and the brewery patios are buzzing. For those who’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 time—a refreshing change that makes these first few weeks particularly satisfying.

Greatest Issues to Do

Calm down at Cleveland Park.

This lakeside park provides strolling trails, shady bushes, and peaceable views. It was the proper 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.

For those who’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 great time, whether or not you are practising 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, stuffed with titles by Southern authors and charming items. It is an amazing place to chill off, browse, and assist Spartanburg’s literary scene.

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

Buy groceries downtown.

From fashionable clothes and outside gear to handmade items and teas, Spartanburg’s walkable downtown space is stuffed with retailers value exploring. The combo of boutiques lends the world a inventive, welcoming power.

Fox says, “I normally suggest a stroll by means of downtown Spartanburg, particularly as a result of I got here to (the town) at a time when downtown was actually on life assist. Many storefronts have been nonetheless empty, and there weren’t many individuals round. That has undoubtedly modified through the years.”

Greatest Locations to Keep

AC Lodge Spartanburg

Stylish and centrally positioned, the 10-story AC Lodge Spartanburg within the coronary heart of downtown made a perfect dwelling 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, inventive contact. Among the best perks is the outside pool, an ideal option to cool off within the South Carolina summer time. Plus, the property’s location is only a brief stroll from espresso retailers, 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 exterior, plus it is only a brief stroll from downtown, making it an general handy keep.

Greatest Locations to Eat

The Kennedy

I like it when a spot provides 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 have 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, children, and canine alike. Fox says it is one in all his favourite spots, sharing, “They’ve an amazing collection of drinks and a few actually strong bar meals. On high of that, they’ve dwell music virtually each night time, and when there is not a efficiency, they usually escape a big projector for film nights or present large sporting occasions.”

Blue Moon Specialty Meals

Begin your day with a flavorful breakfast at this gourmand market and cafe. I cherished 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 provides 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 all 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 fanatics, Rockers Brewing Co. is a neighborhood favourite famend for its revolutionary brews and alluring taproom. It is an amazing place to unwind and pattern Spartanburg’s finest beers.