Discover Spartanburg: A Vibrant Community to Call Home
Spartanburg, located in upstate South Carolina in sight of the Blue Ridge mountains, is a growing and increasingly vital city with a rich history, seven local colleges and universities, an award-winning regional healthcare system, a vibrant downtown, welcoming neighborhoods, and a lively arts & culture scene. Spartanburg’s textile manufacturing tradition has evolved into a diversified economy with remarkable strength in manufacturing and distribution, major international presence and reach, and entrepreneurship and innovation as values.
Thies Properties’ homes offer residents easy access to everything this dynamic area has to offer.
Shrimp and Grits from The Kennedy
Photo via thekennedysc.com
Award-Winning Restaurants & Local Favorites in Spartanburg
Spartanburg’s food scene is diverse, vibrant, and growing — with several local favorites earning regional and national recognition. Here are some standout spots you won’t want to miss:
- The Kennedy – An upscale, modern-American restaurant known for its creative dishes, stylish atmosphere, and craft cocktails.
- Willy Taco – A lively Tex-Mex-inspired eatery known for its inventive tacos, margaritas, and eclectic decor.
- Flock Shop – A casual eatery serving some of the best fried chicken in town, along with southern sides and craft cocktails.
- Blue Moon Specialty Foods, Blue Moon Bodega – Beloved local market/cafe with two locations offering on-site dining, fresh and frozen meals to go, and specialty food items.
- Fr8 Yard – South Carolina’s first fully outdoor beer garden, offering a laid-back atmosphere, casual eats, and live music.
- Rockers Brewing Co. – A local craft brewery with a great selection of beers and a welcoming atmosphere for friends and family.
- Little River Roasting Co. – A local coffee roaster with multiple locations throughout Spartanburg, including Little River Coffee Bar (an artsy coffee shop near Morgan Square), Fretwell (a coffee, dining, and event space) and Pharmacy Coffee (a beautifully designed downtown coffee shop in the Montgomery Building).
- Beacon Drive-In – Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, this iconic spot has been serving southern classics since 1946. Known for its legendary chili cheeseburgers and sweet tea, The Beacon is a true Spartanburg institution.
- Sophia’s – Superb family-run Italian restaurant downtown on Morgan Square.
- Sugar-n-Spice – “The shrine on South Pine,” this family-run diner specializes in burgers, fries & onion rings, and Greek dishes.
- Nu-Way Lounge & Restaurant – Spartanburg’s oldest bar and music venue. Award-winning hamburgers.
Parks and Outdoor Spaces
Spartanburg is home to beautiful parks, green spaces, and nature trails that provide opportunities for residents to stay active and enjoy the outdoors.
- The Daniel Morgan Trail System – A growing network of pedestrian and biking trails, known as “The Dan,” running through Spartanburg and readily accessible from many Thies Properties homes.
- Cleveland Park – A popular park on Asheville Highway, near downtown, featuring walking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, and a seasonal splash pad for kids.
- Barnet Park – A 7-acre downtown park with walking paths, picnic spaces, and an amphitheater that hosts concerts and community events.
- Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve – A peaceful, 10-acre botanical garden with scenic walking trails and educational programs.
- Glendale Shoals – A picturesque park and nature preserve located along Lawson’s Fork Creek. Glendale Shoals features historic ruins, a scenic waterfall, and walking trails, making it a favorite spot for photography and outdoor adventures.
- Tyger River Park – A premier sports complex featuring baseball and softball fields, walking trails, and picnic areas.
Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve
Photo via www.hatchergarden.org
Chapman Cultural Center
Photo via chapmanculturalcenter.org
Theaters, Event Spaces, and Cultural Attractions
Spartanburg has a thriving arts and culture scene with theaters, museums, and event venues that bring the community together for concerts, performances, and festivals.
- Chapman Cultural Center – The heart of Spartanburg’s cultural scene, offering art galleries, performances, and educational programs.
- Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium – A large venue that hosts concerts, Broadway shows, and community events.
- Twitchell Auditorium and Daniel Recital Hall – These facilities at Converse University offer performances ranging from Spartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra concerts to faculty and student recitals.
- Indigo Hall – A beautifully restored event venue in downtown Spartanburg that hosts weddings, corporate events, and community gatherings.
- Hub City Railroad Museum – A museum dedicated to Spartanburg’s history as a transportation hub, featuring interactive exhibits and fun for all ages.
Schools and Higher Educational Institutions
Spartanburg County is home to excellent public schools and renowned colleges and universities, offering residents a wide range of educational opportunities.
Public Schools (District 7 – Serving downtown and east side Areas):
Colleges and Universities:
- Wofford College – A nationally-ranked liberal arts college with a Division 1AA athletic program that is a favorite of local sports fans.
- Converse University – Perhaps best known for its strong arts and music programs, Converse offers many undergraduate majors and graduate programs at its historic campus and online.
- Spartanburg Methodist College – A two-year liberal arts college.
- USC Upstate – A branch of the University of South Carolina system offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
- Sherman College of Chiropractic – One of the leading chiropractic colleges in the country.
- Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) – A medical school that trains future physicians and has a mission to address needs in underserved regions.
- Spartanburg Community College – SCC offers associate degrees and more than 70 programs of career-oriented instruction.
Converse University
Photo via www.converse.edu
The Criterium
Photo via www.spartanburgcrit.com
Events and Festivals
Spartanburg is known for its lively community events and festivals that celebrate food, music, and culture.
- The Criterium – A popular downtown bicycle racing series held each spring.
- The Hub City Hog Fest – An annual barbecue festival benefiting local nonprofits, with live music, barbecue competitions, and craft beer.
- Dickens of a Christmas – A holiday festival that transforms downtown Spartanburg into a Victorian-era Christmas village complete with carolers, horse-drawn carriages, and festive treats.
- Cocktail Masters – A premier cocktail competition showcasing the talent of local bartenders and mixologists.
- Hub City Brew Fest – A craft beer festival featuring breweries from across the region, live music, and food trucks.
Transportation and Travel
Spartanburg offers residents convenient access to transportation, making it easy to get around the city or travel to other destinations.
- Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) – Located about 25 minutes from downtown Spartanburg, GSP offers flights to major cities across the U.S.
- Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport – A busy general aviation airport for private and corporate travel.
- Amtrak Station – Spartanburg’s downtown Amtrak station offers passenger rail service on the Crescent line, connecting the city to destinations such as New Orleans, Atlanta, Charlotte, and New York City.
- Greyhound Station – Located downtown, providing long-distance bus travel to various cities across the country.
- Spartanburg Bus System (SPARTA) – The city’s public transportation system offers affordable and convenient routes throughout the city and surrounding areas.
Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP)
Photo by Courtney Myers via gspairport.com
Hub City Bookshop
Photo via www.hubcity.org
Shopping and Local Businesses
Spartanburg offers a mix of national retailers and local businesses providing residents with plenty of options for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Shopping Destinations
- Hillcrest Marketplace – A popular shopping area on Spartanburg’s east side with grocery stores, boutiques, and dining options.
- WestGate Mall – A large shopping mall in Spartanburg featuring a variety of stores, restaurants, and a movie theater.
- Academy Sports + Outdoors – A sporting goods store with a wide selection of outdoor gear and apparel.
- Gaffney Outlet Marketplace – Located just a short drive away, this outlet mall offers popular brands at discounted prices.
Local Spots to Explore
- Market on Main – A downtown market featuring fresh produce, local goods, and handmade items.
- The Local Hiker – A locally-owned shop offering outdoor gear and apparel for hiking and camping enthusiasts.
- Art Lounge Featuring Burg Apparel – A unique art gallery and boutique offering Spartanburg-themed clothing and merchandise.
- Hub City Bookshop – An independent bookstore that supports local authors and hosts community events.
- The Spice and Tea Exchange – A specialty shop offering spices, teas, and culinary gifts.
- Hub City Farmers Market – A seasonal Saturday morning growers’ and makers’ market at Harvest Park in the Northside neighborhood.
P.O. Box 6805
Spartanburg, SC 29304
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