SPARTANBURG, SC

SPARTANBURG, SCVISITORS GUIDE2020VISITSPARTANBURG.COM

SPARTANBURG? MORE LIKE.WE’RE-GLAD-YOUCOULD-MAKE-ITBURG.Need a bite to eat after traveling all day? Want to make plans for thisevening? Still looking for a place to stay? Well, we’re happy to tell youyou’ve come to the right place for ideas and inspiration.Over the last decade, Spartanburg has grown from a quaint downtown andcharming town into a thriving destination with a remarkable array of placesto 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 localfavorites would be helpful as you map out your visit. Just remember: we’regrowing more and more every day, so by the time you’re reading this therewill be even more to see, do, experience, and eat than just the places wemention 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’sget planning.

Contact InformationSpartanburg Convention& Visitors Bureau105 N Pine StreetSpartanburg, SC 29302P: (864) 594-5000

Ballet SpartanburgHub City BookshopARTS & CULTUREBURSTING WITH CREATIVITYMUSEUMS AND GALLERIESMarvel over local talent as you peruse the galleryof The Art Lounge and connect with local artistsas you explore Artists Collective Spartanburg. Or,sign up for a curator led tour at the SpartanburgArt Museum — the only art museum in the Upstatethat exclusively exhibits contemporary art.Prefer the fine arts? Step right this way to thenationally acclaimed Johnson Collection (youknow, no big deal) whose works can be foundpeppered throughout our cultural district at placeslike the TJC Gallery, AC Hotel Spartanburg, publiclibraries, and more.A gallery in its own right, drop in to Hub CityBookshop (named one of the best independentbookstores in the South by Southern Living) to heara reading from a nationally touring author or curlup in a chair with a locally-published book.THEATERS & PERFORMING ARTSOffering nearly 400 events each year,the Chapman Cultural Center and its partnerorganizations are the heart and soul of our thrivingcultural district.The programming runs the gamut, so grabtickets to a play or musical presentation by theSpartanburg Little Theatre or SpartanburgYouth Theatre, relax to the soothing sounds of theSpartanburg Philharmonic, or catch a dazzlingdance production by Ballet Spartanburg. Youwon’t believe how much talent they’ve managed togather under one roof.

Spartanburg Little TheatreIN THE STREETSSome cities celebrate their warheroes, others their sports stars,but in the Hub City, it’s all aboutmusicians. With 200 years ofmusic-making history under ourbelts, our love for this art formruns deep.Of course, we have lots of placesto see live music, but before youjam out with current artists atjoints like Blues Boulevard Jazzor Growler Haus, spend sometime walking the SpartanburgMusic Trail to learn all about thecountry, gospel, soul, and rock ‘n’roll musicians who got their startin Spartanburg.True to our roots, you’ll find musicon every corner of downtownSpartanburg, with a diverse arrayof musicians energizing thestreets for 30 weeks of the year.Spartanburg Cultural District1The Art Lounge2Spartanburg Art MuseumThe front gallery featuresover 20 local artists.500 E Main StreetA regional museumpromoting contemporaryvisual arts.200 E St John Street3Artists Collective Spartanburg4TJC Gallery5Hub City BookshopFeaturing emerging andestablished local artists.578 W Main StreetShowcases the rich historyand diverse cultures of theAmerican South.154 W Main StreetA revolutionary independentbookstore operated by thenon-profit Hub City WritersProject.186 W Main Street6Spartanburg Little Theatre7Spartanburg Youth Theatre8Spartanburg Philharmonic9Ballet Spartanburg10Spartanburg Music TrailShows are performed entirelyby local actors, singers,dancers and musicians.200 E St John StreetThe only “for youth, byyouth” theatre in SC.200 E St John StreetThe 65-member orchestraperforms a wide range ofmusical pieces.200 E St John StreetA regional dance companythat produces a fourprogram season.200 E St John StreetTake a tour of Spartanburg’smusical heritage. Start atthe corner of Main Street /S Daniel Morgan Ave

51PARKS INSPARTANBURGCOUNTYCroft State ParkGlendale ShoalsCroft State ParkLake Cooley

OUTDOOR ADVENTURETIME TOKICK ITINTO HIGHGEARPARKSCottonwood TrailExperience more than 7,000 acres of Spartanburg’snatural beauty at Croft State Park, a former WorldWar 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 perfectlymanicured Cleveland Park to enjoy a scenic strollaround the lake, large open areas to play ball, and aphenomenal playground for the kids.TRAILSLace up your shoes and hit the ground running atthe Mary Black Rail Trail, a two mile long trail whichalso features workout stations along the path andSouth Carolina’s only NFL Play 60 course. Lookingfor a little more tranquility from your trails? Headover to the Cottonwood Trail, an urban preserveproviding habitat for a myriad of plants and animalsjust outside of downtown.NFL Play 60 Course121MILES OF TRAILS INSPARTANBURG COUNTYWATERWant to cool off after your outdoor adventuresaround Spartanburg? Rent a kayak or paddle boardand explore the beautiful mountain views and calmwaters that highlight a trip around Lake Cooley. Ifflowing rivers are more your thing, join the TygerRiver at any one of the eight access points acrossthe county and enjoy fishing, boating, or floating atyour leisure.

FESTIVALS & EVENTSYOU’RE GONNA NEEDA SECOND CALENDARSpring / SummerHUB CITY HOG FESTBarbecue reigns supreme in the South, so onlythe best-of-the-best can win the annual Hub CityHog Fest barbecue competition. Bring your biggestappetite for this delightfully delicious festival full offood, drinks, and live music (and don’t worry, extranapkins will be provided).SPARTANBURG SOARINGJoin kite enthusiasts from all over the world at thisannual International Kite Festival hosted by theChapman Cultural Center. Or, if you’d rather leave thekites to the kids, feel free to simply grab lunch fromlocal food trucks, visit the makers market, and enjoy thelive music.SPARKLE CITY RHYTHM ANDRIBS FESTIVALThere’s no better family bonding experience thansharing a meal where everyone’s got sauce drippingdown their chins. Enjoy all the BBQ, brisket and classicsummer treats you can eat, then relax on the lawn forlive music, talent competitions, and more.RED, WHITE & BOOMSPRING FLINGMore than just an event, this community gatheringis a 35 year old tradition. Spring Fling is a three-dayextravaganza featuring multiple stages, an arts &crafts marketplace, local food, classic cars, rides, andother family-friendly entertainment. There’s evena professional criterium bike race tearing throughthe heart of downtown, dubbed the fastest night inSpartanburg, complete with a tailgate party for visitorsand locals alike.Barnet Park is the place to be for 4th of July festivities.Indulge in burgers, hot dogs, and other classicAmerican fare, sing along to live music, and revel in thespectacular, late-night fireworks show (it’s a blast)!

Fall / WinterMELTING POT MUSIC FESTIVALThis eclectic event offers all-day fun with 3 stages forlive music, 30 vendors, artist demonstrations, a craftbeer garden, three beer trucks, street performers, an“Instrument Petting Zoo” (yes, you read that right), anda kids zone for all the little mini-Mozarts out there.INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALDICKENS OF A CHRISTMASWith carolers dressed in Victorian garb, festiveChristmas music, living window displays, horse-drawncarriage rides, ice skating on Morgan Square, andthe lighting of the Christmas tree at Denny’s Plaza,Spartanburg’s signature yuletide celebration is joyfuland triumphant!Travel the globe without ever leaving the UnitedStates at our annual International Festival. Exploreworld cultures through food, music, dance, folk art, andhands-on activities. Just be sure to plan your itineraryaround catching the Parade of Nations, which is aparticularly incredible display of diversity.LIVE MUSIC SERIESHUB CITY BREW FESTAt Hub City Brew Fest, beer-lovers can taste dozens ofbrews from across the Carolinas, and meet the brewersbehind the beer. While you’re there, treat yourself tosome deliciously crafted food and discover new music.Downtown Spartanburg is the place tobe for live music Thursday, Friday, andSaturday evenings from Spring to Fall.Come have a drink and dance the nightaway as local and regional musiciansperform at Jazz on the Square and Musicon Main in Morgan Square and SynergyMusic Series in Barnet Park.UPSTATE PRIDE SCMUSIC ON MAINCelebrate the LGBTQ community in Spartanburg withthe Upstate Pride SC Festival and March. Promotingequality and acceptance of people no matter whichgender expression or identity, Upstate Pride hosts avariety of events open to everyone during Pride Week.SKATING ON THE SQUARECome glide along our open-air ice rink in the heartof Downtown Spartanburg. Listen to your favoriteChristmas music, warm up with a hot cup of cocoa, andmunch on some popcorn as you celebrate the season.APRIL – JULYThursday evenings from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.JAZZ ON THE SQUAREAPRIL – MAYFridays evenings from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.SYNERGY MUSIC SERIESMARCH – OCTOBERSaturdays at various times

PokenoriNu-WayThe Farmer’s TableThe KennedyRJ RockersHeirloomBar 1884Renato in CentroCity Range

Level 10EAT & DRINKTIME TO PACK YOURSTRETCHY PANTSBREAKFASTWe recommend starting your day with a sweet orsavory crepe from The Crepe Factory or PEAKCafé. If you’re on the search for caffeine, take yourpick from Bella Latte, Little River Coffee Bar, Spillthe Beans, Starbucks, or Pharmacy Coffee. You can’tgo wrong — we promise.LUNCHOnce lunch time rolls around, snag a sushi burritoor poke bowl at Pokenori where everything isfresh and made right in front of your face, orderthe Pork Belly and Scallops at Bar 1884, or grab asandwich at Blue Moon Specialty Foods. And whosaid you had to wait until 5:00 for an ice-cold beer?Kick off your afternoon with a tasty, locally-brewedbeverage at Ciclops Cyderi & Brewery.DINNERSpend the warmest part of the day at FR8yard, aunique outdoor Biergarten and social hub locatedright on Main Street, then enjoy an unforgettabledinner. Our favorite spots are The Kennedywhich features an amazing Chicken Fried Quail,The Peddler with a Prime Rib as big as your face,Heirloom which is home to mouth-watering Shrimpand Grits, or treat yourself to City Range and feaston the Ribeye and asparagus.DRINKSFor your nightcap? Try something on tap atSpartanburg’s famous RJ Rockers BrewingCompany, sip on a glass of wine at Cork and Beans,enjoy the relaxed atmosphere in the Marriott’sMesh lounge, or take in the views of the mountainswith a hand-crafted cocktail from Level 10 at thetop of the AC Hotel.