Things To Do
Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve
A peaceful 10-acre public botanical garden with walking paths and wildlife.
Croft State Park
Offers 7,000 acres for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, and boating on Lake Craig.
Glendale Shoals Preserve & Waterfalls
Features a scenic waterfall, old mill ruins, and hiking trails along the Lawson Fork Trail.
Chapman Cultural Center
The hub for local arts, hosting the Spartanburg Art Museum (contemporary art), Spartanburg Science Center, and local theatre performances.
TJC Gallery (The Johnson Collection)
A notable collection of Southern art, often free to view downtown.
Hub City Railroad Museum
Located in a historic train depot, offering a look into the city's rail history.
BMW Zentrum
Located nearby in Greer, SC, this museum showcases BMW's history, engineering, and classic models.
The Childrens' Museum of the Upstate - Spartanburg
Interactive, educational exhibits designed for young learners.
Speed Factory Hi Speed Indoor Karting Spartanburg
High-speed indoor go-karting for all ages.
Craft Axe Throwing
A fun, indoor activity for groups.
Downtown Spartanburg
Morgan Square. Downtown's central hub, surrounded by restaurants and breweries.
Health in Hand Downtown Spartanburg
Mary's favorite place to get locally pressed juices, smoothies, and salads.
Wade's Restaurant
It won the prestigious 2024 James Beard America's Classic Aware for the Southeast! Mary's favorite restaurant to eat "Meat and Three." A classic southern dining concept where you select one main meat and three sides. Sides are often indulgent, including starches (mashed potatoes, potato salad, etc) and casseroles. They have the best yeast rolls! They also have the option to get a plate with four veggies, without the meat. Mary's favorite meal here is the turkey and dressing with green beans and Mac and cheese.
The Beacon Drive-in
It's featured on season 1, episode 11 of Diners, Drive-In's and Dives. A historic drive-in restaurant (opened in 1946) famous for its "A-Plenty" style. Burgers, BBQ, and fried fish are piled high with fries and onion rings. It's also well known for its sweet tea! You tell your order to "the shouter" where they yell your order to the kitchen. Famous dishes here include: "The Chili-Cheese A-Plenty", "Sliced Pork A-Plenty", and "The Pig's Dinner" (a loaded banana split).
Sake Sushi And Hibachi
If you are craving sushi, please check this place out! This is where Mary's father tried sushi for the first time when he turned 74!
Cottonwood Trail
Mary's favorite trail to walk and run on; she's put many miles on this trail! It's located in Edwin Griffin Nature Preserve a 115 acre urban retreat offering an easy escape into the woods. Throughout the preserve, markers identify more than 50 species of trees. The preserve also features a disc golf course. Pets are welcome on the trails, but must be kept on a leash.
Rockers Brewing Co. & Restaurant
This brewpub opened its doors in April 1997. One of its well-known handcrafted beers is "Son of a Peach", an unfiltered American wheat ale brewed with real peaches. "Strawberry Bomb" is another seasonal/ fruity wheat ale. It uses over 100 pounds of local (Strawberry Hill) strawberries in the recipe. Fall and winter favorites are the "Gruntled Pumpkin"-spiced pumpkin beer and "Flannel"- a seasonal red ale.
FR8yard
This bar offers great burgers, a good beer selection, and live music. It's a family-friendly atmosphere with various games and activities available. The outdoor biergarten setting features a large screen for sports and movies.
The Dan River Trail
It's a popular trail that Mary and her father often walk, featuring beautiful scenery and allowing dogs as long as they are kept on a leash.
SCPL Planetarium
A community planetarium at the public library offering educational shows about space and astronomy for all ages.
Willy Taco
Known for a "Funky, fresh" Mexican fusion menu with tacos, bowls, and quesadillas.
Cowpens National Battlefield Visitor Center
Site of 1791 American Revolution battle on 842.5 acres with a visitor center and informative trails.
Hobo Hollar Farms
Mary's mother Loretta loves to pick local produce from this shop. Farm to table. You have to try the boiled peanuts!
