This Charming Metropolis Is One of many Greatest Locations to Retire in South Carolina

South Carolina is crammed with cities that mix Southern hospitality, scrumptious meals, and a contact of pure magnificence—and Spartanburg isn’t any exception.

Positioned between Charlotte and Atlanta, Spartanburg is an under-the-radar gem that provides all of the makings of a fantastic 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 vitality.

I lately spent a number of days exploring this vibrant Southern metropolis and located myself amazed by its full of life native occasions, minor league baseball video games, tucked-away trails, and regionally impressed eating places.

Spartanburg was additionally named certainly one of the greatest locations to retire in South Carolina—which implies you possibly can count on precisely what I discovered: a pleasant, welcoming environment, outstanding affordability, and a steadiness of vitality and leisure. Whether or not you are into mountain climbing, patios with string lights, or sipping one thing peachy at a neighborhood brewery, Spartanburg delivers with coronary heart.

This is every part it is advisable plan your personal unforgettable South Carolina escape.

Methods to Get There

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

Spartanburg can be simple to succeed in by automotive. 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 via 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 house owners, was genuinely type and pleased with their metropolis.

Zach Fox, director of communications for Spartanburg, agrees, saying, “Spartanburg, notably downtown, is a really welcoming place. It blends some big-city choices with small-town allure.”

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

Greatest Time to Go to

Summer season is full of vitality, from out of doors concert events to baseball video games, and the brewery patios are buzzing. When you’re trying to hike or loosen up in a backyard, spring and fall are equally pretty, with gentle 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 season—a refreshing change that makes these first few weeks particularly gratifying.

Greatest Issues to Do

Calm down at Cleveland Park.

This lakeside park affords strolling trails, shady timber, and peaceable views. It was the right spot to unwind after a busy morning of exploring downtown.

Watch a Spartanburgers Minor League Baseball recreation.

Seize a seat at Fifth Third Park and revel in a night of baseball underneath the lights. The house crowd brings loads of vitality, and the family-friendly environment 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.

When you’re trying to escape the solar, however nonetheless need 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 very good time, whether or not you are working towards your swing or simply enjoying for laughs.

Help native companies at Hub Metropolis Bookshop and Little River Espresso Bar

This unbiased bookstore is a downtown favourite, crammed with titles by Southern authors and charming items. It is a fantastic place to chill off, browse, and help Spartanburg’s literary scene.

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

Buy groceries downtown.

From fashionable clothes and out of doors gear to handmade items and teas, Spartanburg’s walkable downtown space is crammed with outlets price exploring. The combination of boutiques lends the realm a artistic, welcoming vitality.

Fox says, “I often suggest a stroll via downtown Spartanburg, particularly as a result of I got here to [the city] at a time when downtown was actually on life help. Many storefronts had been nonetheless empty, and there weren’t many individuals round. That has undoubtedly modified over time.”

Greatest Locations to Keep

AC Lodge Spartanburg

Stylish and centrally positioned, the 10-story AC Lodge Spartanburg within the coronary heart of downtown made an excellent dwelling base throughout my go to. It incorporates a rooftop restaurant with gorgeous views of the town and the curated artwork assortment all through the property provides a considerate, artistic contact. Among the finest perks is the out of doors pool, an ideal method to cool off within the South Carolina summer season. Plus, the property’s location is only a brief stroll from espresso outlets, 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 total handy keep.

Greatest Locations to Eat

The Kennedy

I find it irresistible when a spot affords 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 had been the cocktails, cheddar biscuits, and rooster parmesan.

FR8yard

As a giant fan of biergartens, I used to be excited to take a look at FR8yard, recognized for its full of life environment that welcomes adults, youngsters, and canine alike. Fox says it is certainly one of his favourite spots, sharing, “They’ve a fantastic choice of drinks and a few actually strong bar meals. On high of that, they’ve reside music nearly each night time, and when there is not a efficiency, they usually escape a big projector for film nights or present huge sporting occasions.”

Blue Moon Specialty Meals

Begin your day with a flavorful breakfast at this gourmand market and cafe. I beloved 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 affords a various menu that includes elevated sandwiches and hearty Southern classics, together with deviled eggs and fried inexperienced tomatoes, all served in a pleasant surroundings.

Fox says certainly one of his favourite methods to spend a day in Spartanburg is combining a number of native favorites: catching a Spartanburgers recreation, 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 modern brews and welcoming taproom. It is a fantastic place to unwind and pattern Spartanburg’s greatest beers.