Spartanburg, SC Visitor’s Guide

We love doing business in Spartanburg, and are blown away by all there is to do for a community of its size. Whether you want to visit “the sites” as a true visitor to the city, or if you are a resident?  This guide is for you.

We are a mold removal company that likes to highlight the great areas where we live, play and work and incorporate that into our website.  However, finding fun and engaging things to do by searching the internet can be taxing and sometimes feel like collecting hundreds of puzzle pieces. For some cities this is the only option.  But not for Spartanburg. We realized there is one resource online, VisitSpartnburg.com that is very thorough, and is the only place to start. They have already assembled the pieces and put it in one place!

We noticed that their Spartanburg, SC Visitor’s Guide doesn’t get much traction. To help, we have re-printed the content below

spartanburg south carolina city skyline with sunset
downtown spartanburg
The Guide

THINGS TO DO IN SPARTANBURG

Need a bite to eat after traveling all day? Want to make plans for this evening? Still looking for a place to stay? Well, we’re happy to tell you you’ve come to the right place for ideas and inspiration. Over the last decade, Spartanburg has grown from a quaint downtown and charming town into a thriving destination with a remarkable array of places to grab a bite to eat, be entertained, or just relax and have a good time. With so many options to choose from, we thought this guide of local favorites would be helpful as you map out your visit. Just remember: we’re growing more and more every day, so by the time you’re reading this there will be even more to see, do, experience, and eat than just the places we mention here. We hope you enjoy your stay! Be sure to tag your vacation photos with #OneSpartanburg so we can follow along with your adventures. Now let’s get planning.

front counter and lady with stack of books at hub city bookshop in spartanburg, sc
hub city bookshop

 

ARTS & CULTURE

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES

Marvel over local talent as you peruse the gallery of The Art Lounge and connect with local artists as you explore Artists Collective Spartanburg. Or, sign up for a curator led tour at the Spartanburg Art Museum — the only art museum in the Upstate that exclusively exhibits contemporary art. Prefer the fine arts? Step right this way to the nationally acclaimed Johnson Collection (you know, no big deal) whose works can be found peppered throughout our cultural district at places like the TJC Gallery, AC Hotel Spartanburg, public libraries, and more. A gallery in its own right, drop in to Hub City Bookshop (named one of the best independent bookstores in the South by Southern Living) to hear a reading from a nationally touring author or curl up in a chair with a locally-published book.

THEATERS & PERFORMING ARTS

Offering nearly 400 events each year, the Chapman Cultural Center and its partner organizations are the heart and soul of our thriving cultural district. The programming runs the gamut, so grab tickets to a play or musical presentation by the Spartanburg Little Theatre or Spartanburg Youth Theatre, relax to the soothing sounds of the Spartanburg Philharmonic, or catch a dazzling dance production by Ballet Spartanburg. You won’t believe how much talent they’ve managed to gather under one roof.

IN THE STREETS

man playing guitar on sidewalk in spartanburg, sc
spartanburg cultural district

Some cities celebrate their war heroes, others their sports stars, but in the Hub City, it’s all about musicians. With 200 years of music-making history under our belts, our love for this art form runs deep. Of course, we have lots of places to see live music, but before you jam out with current artists at joints like Blues Boulevard Jazz or Growler Haus, spend some time walking the Spartanburg Music Trail to learn all about the country, gospel, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll musicians who got their start in Spartanburg. True to our roots, you’ll find music on every corner of downtown Spartanburg, with a diverse array of musicians energizing the streets for 30 weeks of the year. OUTDOOR

  1. The Art Lounge
    The front gallery features over 20 local artists.
    1410 Skylyn Drive
  2. Spartanburg Art Museum
    A regional museum promoting contemporary visual arts.
    200 E St John Street
  3. Artists Collective Spartanburg
    Featuring emerging and established local artists.
    578 W Main Street
  4. TJC Gallery
    Showcases the rich history and diverse cultures of the American South.
    154 W Main Street
  5. Hub City Bookshop
    A revolutionary independent bookstore operated by the non-profit Hub City Writers Project.
    186 W Main Street
  6. Spartanburg Little Theatre
    Shows are performed entirely by local actors, singers, dancers and musicians.
    200 E St John Street
  7. Spartanburg Youth Theatre
    The only “for youth, by youth” theatre in SC.
    200 E St John Street
  8. Spartanburg Philharmonic
    The 65-member orchestra performs a wide range of musical pieces.
    200 E St John Street
  9. Ballet Spartanburg
    A regional dance company that produces a four program season.
    200 E St John Street
  10. Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium
    Showcasing the best in Broadway, comedy, and musical entertainment
    385 N Church St

 

ADVENTURE

PARKS

Experience more than 7,000 acres of Spartanburg’s natural beauty at Croft State Park, a former World War II Army training facility that now offers camping, horse trails, bike trails, and hiking for all visitors. Pack a picnic and take the family to the perfectly manicured Cleveland Park to enjoy a scenic stroll around the lake, large open areas to play ball, and a phenomenal playground for the kids.

bearded man mountain biking in croft state park
croft state park

 

TRAILS

Lace up your shoes and hit the ground running at the Mary Black Rail Trail, a two mile long trail which also features workout stations along the path and South Carolina’s only NFL Play 60 course. Looking for a little more tranquility from your trails? Head over to the Cottonwood Trail, an urban preserve providing habitat for a myriad of plants and animals just outside of downtown.

WATER

Want to cool off after your outdoor adventures around Spartanburg? Rent a kayak or paddle board and explore the beautiful mountain views and calm waters that highlight a trip around Lake Cooley. If flowing rivers are more your thing, join the Tyger River at any one of the eight access points across the county and enjoy fishing, boating, or floating at your leisure.

man kayaking in the misty lake cooley near spartanburg
lake cooley
 
121 MILES OF TRAILS IN SPARTANBURG COUNTY

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Spartanburg is home to a variety of festivals and events. Depending on when you visit, you may catch our streets and parks filled with even more life and activities than normal. Not here on a festival weekend? Meet us in Morgan Square for seasonal open-air dining, live music series, or even ice skating in the winter!

SPRING FLING This three-day extravaganza features multiple stages, marketplaces, food, rides, and other family-friendly entertainment. There’s even a professional criterium bike race tearing through the heart of downtown.

man basting pork bbq in spartanburg
hub city hog fest

HUB CITY HOG FEST Bring your biggest appetite for this delightfully delicious barbecue festival full of food, drinks, and live music.

SPARTANBURG SOARING Join kite enthusiasts, young and old, at this annual festival featuring local food trucks, a makers market and live music.

SPARKLE CITY RHYTHM AND RIBS FESTIVAL Enjoy all the BBQ, brisket and classic summer treats you can eat, then relax on the lawn for live music.

RED, WHITE & BOOM Barnet Park is the place to be for 4th of July festivities. Indulge in burgers & hot dogs, sing along to live music, and revel in the spectacular fireworks show.

MELTING POT MUSIC FESTIVAL This eclectic event offers all-day fun with stages for live music, artist demonstrations, and an “Instrument Petting Zoo.”

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL Explore world cultures through food, music, dance, folk art, hands-on activities and an incredibly diverse Parade of Nations.

UPSTATE PRIDE SC Celebrate the LGBTQ+ community with a vibrant festival and march during Upstate Pride Week.

HUB CITY BREW FEST Taste dozens of brews from across the Carolinas, and meet the brewers behind the beer.

DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS Get into the spirit with carolers dressed in Victorian garb, festive Christmas music, living window displays & horse-drawn carriage rides

shrimp bread dish at heirloom restaurant
heirloom restaurant

EAT & DRINK

BREAKFAST

We recommend starting your day with a sweet or savory breakfast from Eggs Up Grill or Downtown Deli & Donuts. If you’re on the search for caffeine, take your pick from Bella Latte, Little River Coffee Bar, Spill the Beans, Starbucks, or Pharmacy Coffee. You can’t go wrong — we promise.

LUNCH

Once lunch time rolls around, snag a sushi burrito or poke bowl at Pokenori where everything is fresh and made right in front of your face, order the Pork Belly and Scallops at Bar 1884, or grab a sandwich at Blue Moon Specialty Foods. And who said you had to wait until 5:00 for an ice-cold beer? Kick off your afternoon with a tasty, locally-brewed beverage at Ciclops Cyderi & Brewery.

DINNER

Spend the warmest part of the day at FR8yard, a unique outdoor Biergarten and social hub located right on Main Street, then enjoy an unforgettable dinner. Our favorite spots are The Kennedy which features an amazing Chicken Fried Quail, Sophia’s with delectable pasta dishes, Heirloom which is home to mouth-watering Shrimp and Grits, or treat yourself to City Range and feast on the ribeye and asparagus.

DRINKS

For your nightcap? Try something on tap at Spartanburg’s famous RJ Rockers Brewing Company, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere in the Marriott’s Mesh lounge, or take in the views of the mountains with a hand-crafted cocktail from Rick Erwin’s Level 10 at the top of the AC Hotel.

BEYOND DOWNTOWN  

sunset in center of main street picture in downtown landrum south carolina
downtown landrum

 

LANDRUM

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Landrum features delectable dining such as Stone Soup, Southside Smokehouse, and Soulisa’s Fine Thai Dining alongside abundant antiquing and a self-guided tour of quilt patterns known as the Foothills Quilt Trail. Take a day away from city life to explore the beautiful mountain views and charming qualities that make Landrum a vacation from your vacation.

mural highlighting woodruff city on side of building in downtown woodruff sc
downtown woodruff

WOODRUFF

At Spartanburg County’s southern end, Woodruff is bursting at the seams with small town charm. Enjoy the city’s growing downtown and catch a live performance at the new Block 224 Event Center right on Main Street, or head to McKinney Park to take a walk in the fresh air, or get the kids to burn off some energy. Grab a drink and relax at Rotties 221 Biergarten before getting dinner at Claudio’s Bistro, a new upscale steakhouse with a refined atmosphere.

 

HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES

Spartanburg is bursting with opportunities for you and your family and friends to stay active. Whether it’s visiting a museum, viewing and creating art, conducting science experiments, or enjoying nature — you’re sure to have a good time.

Strawberry Hill

Sit back, relax in a rocking chair, and enjoy ice cream made with fruits picked fresh from the farm.

Spartanburg Science Center

We haven’t met a kid yet that doesn’t love to play with the robotic arm and visit the Animal Room.

The Children’s Museum of the Upstate – Spartanburg

Hangout in the Duke Energy Treehouse and check out the Go Go Spartanburg exhibit.

Sparkle City Mini Putt

Borrow a putter and golf ball (for free!) from participating downtown businesses and revel in a fun-filled afternoon.

BMW Zentrum

The nation’s only BMW museum — it chronicles the past, present and future of BMW in a one-of-a-kind building

cropped photo of bmw emblem on the hood of a bmw
bmw zentrum

 

PLACES TO STAY

For places to stay we recommend you do your typical internet search.  Check out the bed and breakfasts if that is your thing; otherwise the accomodations are all very typical

Written by Mold Busters – Written by Mold Busters Greenville – https://www.moldbustersc.com/spartanburg-mold-removal/