Spartanburg Is One of many Finest Locations to Retire in South Carolina

South Carolina is full of 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 gives all of the makings of an important weekend getaway: scenic parks, walkable downtown streets, wonderful espresso, and burgeoning culinary and craft beer scenes. What actually units it aside, although, is its steadiness of small-town heat and big-city power.

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

Spartanburg was additionally named one in all 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 power and leisure. Whether or not you are into climbing, patios with string lights, or sipping one thing peachy at a neighborhood brewery, Spartanburg delivers with coronary heart.

This is every little thing that you must plan your personal unforgettable South Carolina escape.

The right way 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 achieve by automobile. 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 by way of scenic foothills and stretches of farmland.

Know Earlier than You Go

Spartanburg is walkable, reasonably priced, and full of character. Whereas it is rising quickly, town hasn’t misplaced its small-town soul. Everybody I met, from baristas to bookstore house owners, was genuinely form and happy with their metropolis.

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

For individuals who love the outside, like myself, it is a good suggestion to pack comfy 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, for those who’re a beer lover or foodie, come hungry and thirsty as a result of Spartanburg is aware of how you can serve up taste.

Finest Time to Go to

Summer time is full of power, from outside concert events to baseball video games, and the brewery patios are buzzing. When you’re trying to hike or chill out in a backyard, spring and fall are equally pretty, with delicate 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 pleasing.

Finest Issues to Do

Calm down at Cleveland Park.

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

Watch a Spartanburgers Minor League Baseball sport.

Seize a seat at Fifth Third Park and revel in a night of baseball underneath the lights. The house crowd brings loads of power, 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 Resort, options high-tech simulators and a enjoyable vibe that makes for time, whether or not you are training your swing or simply taking part in for laughs.

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

This impartial bookstore is a downtown favourite, full of titles by Southern authors and charming presents. It is an important 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 e-book with a scrumptious cup of espresso, so I extremely suggest combining the 2.

Buy groceries downtown.

From fashionable clothes and outside gear to handmade presents and teas, Spartanburg’s walkable downtown space is full of outlets value exploring. The combination of boutiques lends the realm a artistic, welcoming power.

Fox says, “I often suggest a stroll by way of 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 positively modified through the years.”

Finest Locations to Keep

AC Resort Spartanburg

Stylish and centrally positioned, the 10-story AC Resort Spartanburg within the coronary heart of downtown made a really perfect residence base throughout my go to. It incorporates a rooftop restaurant with gorgeous views of town and the curated artwork assortment all through the property provides a considerate, artistic contact. Probably the greatest perks is the outside 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 outdoors, plus it is only a brief stroll from downtown, making it an general handy keep.

Finest Locations to Eat

The Kennedy

I adore it 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 an enormous fan of biergartens, I used to be excited to take a look at FR8yard, recognized for its vigorous environment that welcomes adults, children, and canine alike. Fox says it is one in all his favourite spots, sharing, “They’ve an important number of drinks and a few actually stable bar meals. On high of that, they’ve reside music virtually each evening, and when there is not a efficiency, they typically escape a big projector for film nights or present massive sporting occasions.”

Blue Moon Specialty Meals

Begin your day with a flavorful breakfast at this connoisseur market and cafe. I cherished 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 setting.

Fox says one in all his favourite methods to spend a day in Spartanburg is combining a couple of native favorites: catching a Spartanburgers sport, 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 fans, Rockers Brewing Co. is a neighborhood favourite famend for its modern brews and welcoming taproom. It is an important place to unwind and pattern Spartanburg’s greatest beers.