Spartanburg aka Sparkle City Guidebook :)
Food scene
We lived in Southeast Asia for many years and this Vietnamese spot is hands down the best in the southeast. Tell them D Ross sent you for 10% off depending on whos working. The Pho is amazing, Stir Fry is fire, and the Banh Mi beef sandwhich for $5 cant be beat! The fresh spring rolls are a great appetizer :)
The Lemongrass Kitchen
121 Dunbar StWe lived in Southeast Asia for many years and this Vietnamese spot is hands down the best in the southeast. Tell them D Ross sent you for 10% off depending on whos working. The Pho is amazing, Stir Fry is fire, and the Banh Mi beef sandwhich for $5 cant be beat! The fresh spring rolls are a great appetizer :)
After living in Thailand we were pretty much ruined when it comes to Thai food in America. Chef Ae is the exception! Try the Green Curry w/ duck. They also have a lot of other non-thai options but we cannot speak to that as we get the same thing eaech time! Enjoy :)
Chef Ae's
288 Magnolia StreetAfter living in Thailand we were pretty much ruined when it comes to Thai food in America. Chef Ae is the exception! Try the Green Curry w/ duck. They also have a lot of other non-thai options but we cannot speak to that as we get the same thing eaech time! Enjoy :)
This place has been around for a loooooong time and for a very good reason. The best sushi in the region and great deals for lunch for those who are budget conscious but want a great meal.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Miyako Sushi Group
118 Magnolia StThis place has been around for a loooooong time and for a very good reason. The best sushi in the region and great deals for lunch for those who are budget conscious but want a great meal.
Spartanburg staple that has been around foreeeeeeever. Recently moved to main street in downtown so super easy to find :)
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Peddler Steak House
2000 Poinsett HwySpartanburg staple that has been around foreeeeeeever. Recently moved to main street in downtown so super easy to find :)
We love to visit The Kennedy for date nights or when we have friends in town for a nice dinner as the menu is always changing, the cocktails are unique, and the setting is gorgeous. Designed by our friend Jeff Goshorn a local designer :)
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Kennedy
221 E Kennedy StWe love to visit The Kennedy for date nights or when we have friends in town for a nice dinner as the menu is always changing, the cocktails are unique, and the setting is gorgeous. Designed by our friend Jeff Goshorn a local designer :)
RJ Rockers Brewing Company opened in 1997.
In Feb 2018 they added a kitchen, converted some warehouse space to seating, added heating and air conditioning.
They have taken the Rockers flavors the community loves and have created approachable beer-inspired food. Each dish was born in the brewery, crafted in the kitchen, and delivered into your hands.
If you’re thirsty and hungry, you might as well EAT WHERE THE BEER IS.
They have live music on the brewery side every Thurs, Fri, Sat night.
Palmetto Trail Ale and Son of A Peach are our personal favorites :)
21 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
RJ Rockers Brewing Company Taproom and The Silo
226-A W Main StRJ Rockers Brewing Company opened in 1997.
In Feb 2018 they added a kitchen, converted some warehouse space to seating, added heating and air conditioning.
They have taken the Rockers flavors the community loves and have created approachable beer-inspired food. Each dish was born in the brewery, crafted in the kitchen, and delivered into your hands.
If you’re thirsty and hungry, you might as well EAT WHERE THE BEER IS.
They have live music on the brewery side every Thurs, Fri, Sat night.
Palmetto Trail Ale and Son of A Peach are our personal favorites :)
Spartanburg’s second brewery, established in September 2015!
#MakingAbsurdTheNorm brewing cyder and beer from around the world with 30 taps, including local and regional guest taps
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ciclops Cyderi & Brewery
197 E St John StSpartanburg’s second brewery, established in September 2015!
#MakingAbsurdTheNorm brewing cyder and beer from around the world with 30 taps, including local and regional guest taps
WILLY TACO is a high-energy, casual dining concept serving fresh and funky, chef-driven twists on Tacos, Tortas, and much more!
We have over 80 tequila and mezcal offerings, domestic and craft beer, and offer some cool takes on Margaritas and other amazing cocktails!
The high energy atmosphere is family-friendly at all times plus, our patio is dog friendly for friendly dogs!
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Willy Taco
930 E Main StWILLY TACO is a high-energy, casual dining concept serving fresh and funky, chef-driven twists on Tacos, Tortas, and much more!
We have over 80 tequila and mezcal offerings, domestic and craft beer, and offer some cool takes on Margaritas and other amazing cocktails!
The high energy atmosphere is family-friendly at all times plus, our patio is dog friendly for friendly dogs!
Nature
When we are stressed or the three kids are just a bit too much and need to go outside this is our go-to spot! Easy access, paved walking trail, and absolutely gorgeous for a nature bath :)
Imagine a place where nature's charm meets the thrill of learning, and stunning scenery provides a sanctuary for wildlife. It exists, right here, beyond the bustle of Spartanburg.
Hatcher Garden has delighted, educated, and inspired visitors for generations. Join us for an event, lend a hand, or just come stroll and unwind. Our gardens are here for you to enjoy from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year, free of charge.
20 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hatcher Garden-Woodland Preserve
832 John B White Sr BlvdWhen we are stressed or the three kids are just a bit too much and need to go outside this is our go-to spot! Easy access, paved walking trail, and absolutely gorgeous for a nature bath :)
Imagine a place where nature's charm meets the thrill of learning, and stunning scenery provides a sanctuary for wildlife. It exists, right here, beyond the bustle of Spartanburg.
Hatcher Garden has delighted, educated, and inspired visitors for generations. Join us for an event, lend a hand, or just come stroll and unwind. Our gardens are here for you to enjoy from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year, free of charge.
Once an army training base, Croft State Park covers more than 7,000 acres of rolling, wooded terrain just a few miles from downtown Spartanburg.
The park offers over 20 miles of biking and hiking trails, a playground, picnicking and camping, as well as fishing and boating in one of two lakes.
Camp Croft
Once an army training base, Croft State Park covers more than 7,000 acres of rolling, wooded terrain just a few miles from downtown Spartanburg.
The park offers over 20 miles of biking and hiking trails, a playground, picnicking and camping, as well as fishing and boating in one of two lakes.
This is the most popular walking and cycling trail in Spartanburg County, and one of the finest rails-to-trail projects to be found anywhere.
Completed and opened in 2004, the Mary Black Rail Trail is a 2-mile long trail just south of downtown. Bikes are available for rent from the B-Cycle station at the trailhead at Henry and Union streets. Adjacent to the state-of-the-art YMCA that opened in 2012, the Rail Trail also passes by the City's first dog park, the appropriately named Rail Tail, whose entrance sits just across from Duncan Park on Union Street.
City bicycle police patrol the Rail Trail regularly, and on most days, dozens of people can be found strolling, jogging, biking, and skating on the trail from just before sunrise to well after dark. Watch out for announcements of special events on the trail throughout the year!
Mary Black Rail Trail
Mary Black Rail TrailThis is the most popular walking and cycling trail in Spartanburg County, and one of the finest rails-to-trail projects to be found anywhere.
Completed and opened in 2004, the Mary Black Rail Trail is a 2-mile long trail just south of downtown. Bikes are available for rent from the B-Cycle station at the trailhead at Henry and Union streets. Adjacent to the state-of-the-art YMCA that opened in 2012, the Rail Trail also passes by the City's first dog park, the appropriately named Rail Tail, whose entrance sits just across from Duncan Park on Union Street.
City bicycle police patrol the Rail Trail regularly, and on most days, dozens of people can be found strolling, jogging, biking, and skating on the trail from just before sunrise to well after dark. Watch out for announcements of special events on the trail throughout the year!
The Glendale Shoals Preserve was donated to SPACE in 1993 by Billy Tobias. The land consists of thirteen acres and is located at the old Glendale Mill on Lawson’s Fork Creek. The property is scenic, with a waterfall that cascades over a dam, and has a significant plant, animal, and birdlife. When the water is low, walk across the shoals, skip some rocks, and enjoy the view.
In addition to the scenic value of the property, the history of this area is significant. In the 1800s the area was known as Bivingsville and was the site of a large cotton factory, the Glendale Mill, which also supported a local mill village.
Glendale Shoals Trail
Glendale Shoals TrailThe Glendale Shoals Preserve was donated to SPACE in 1993 by Billy Tobias. The land consists of thirteen acres and is located at the old Glendale Mill on Lawson’s Fork Creek. The property is scenic, with a waterfall that cascades over a dam, and has a significant plant, animal, and birdlife. When the water is low, walk across the shoals, skip some rocks, and enjoy the view.
In addition to the scenic value of the property, the history of this area is significant. In the 1800s the area was known as Bivingsville and was the site of a large cotton factory, the Glendale Mill, which also supported a local mill village.
Over 5 miles of trails offer runners and naturalists a break from city traffic.
It provides a place for citizens to run, walk, kayak, canoe, and to enjoy other recreational outings.
This urban greenspace has many unique and outstanding features including several wetlands, open spaces, geological formations, and offers habitat for deer, wild turkey, fox, beaver, raccoon, numerous birds and reptiles, wildflowers, and trees.
Edwin M. Griffin Nature Preserve
Beechwood DriveOver 5 miles of trails offer runners and naturalists a break from city traffic.
It provides a place for citizens to run, walk, kayak, canoe, and to enjoy other recreational outings.
This urban greenspace has many unique and outstanding features including several wetlands, open spaces, geological formations, and offers habitat for deer, wild turkey, fox, beaver, raccoon, numerous birds and reptiles, wildflowers, and trees.
This campus sits on 600 acres of beautifully manicured greenspace - one of the largest corporate green spaces in the Southeast and a nationally recognized arboretum – that was once a peach orchard.
Milliken Arboretum does contain a system of official trails, but there are no trail maps at the parking area, and the trails often blend in with the large mown grass areas.
Milliken Arboretum
This campus sits on 600 acres of beautifully manicured greenspace - one of the largest corporate green spaces in the Southeast and a nationally recognized arboretum – that was once a peach orchard.
Milliken Arboretum does contain a system of official trails, but there are no trail maps at the parking area, and the trails often blend in with the large mown grass areas.
Things To Do
The BMW Zentrum is a 28,000-square-foot visitor’s center that showcases the company’s heritage of engineering, innovation and commitment to social responsibility.
Fascinating exhibits will take you through BMW’s rich history in aircraft, motorcycles, and automobiles; plus a unique look “inside” the automobile manufacturing process with a “virtual factory tour” – watch a BMW being made from the car’s perspective. Come experience the ultimate roadside attraction.
42 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
BMW Zentrum
1400 SC-101The BMW Zentrum is a 28,000-square-foot visitor’s center that showcases the company’s heritage of engineering, innovation and commitment to social responsibility.
Fascinating exhibits will take you through BMW’s rich history in aircraft, motorcycles, and automobiles; plus a unique look “inside” the automobile manufacturing process with a “virtual factory tour” – watch a BMW being made from the car’s perspective. Come experience the ultimate roadside attraction.
Hollywild Animal Preserve provides refuge, protects, and preserves captive populations of non-releasable wildlife.
They care for approximately 300 endangered, wild, and domesticated animals, many of which have been “ZooperStars” of movies and commercials throughout the history of the preserve.
If you are around during Christmas they have an amazing drive-through experience to view Christmas lights and feed the animals.
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque de animales Hollywild
2325 Hampton RdHollywild Animal Preserve provides refuge, protects, and preserves captive populations of non-releasable wildlife.
They care for approximately 300 endangered, wild, and domesticated animals, many of which have been “ZooperStars” of movies and commercials throughout the history of the preserve.
If you are around during Christmas they have an amazing drive-through experience to view Christmas lights and feed the animals.
TCMU-Spartanburg is designed for children ages 5 and under.
All of the exhibits were developed on a smaller scale to meet the physical needs of early learners, meaning counters are built for their height, crawling areas are padded for infants, and interactives are provided for their interests.
Exhibits also incorporate learning goals and educational standards for children birth to age five.
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Children's Museum of the Upstate - Spartanburg
130 Magnolia StTCMU-Spartanburg is designed for children ages 5 and under.
All of the exhibits were developed on a smaller scale to meet the physical needs of early learners, meaning counters are built for their height, crawling areas are padded for infants, and interactives are provided for their interests.
Exhibits also incorporate learning goals and educational standards for children birth to age five.