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The Perfect Spot for a Book, Coffee, & Treat in Downtown Spartanburg

Posted on by Jennifer Curry | No Comments

Local mom Jennifer Curry reviews the Hub City Bookshop and Little River Coffee Bar in downtown Spartanburg. These two wonderful businesses are conveniently located right beside each other and provide the perfect place to read, drink coffee, and eat a treat! For more ideas of things to do in downtown Spartanburg see our guide.

Located in the heart of downtown Spartanburg in the historic Masonic Temple resides three thriving businesses. Anchored by the award-winning Hub City Bookshop, these local businesses have become a focal point for the booming downtown movement by creating a spot for local residents and families to gather, share ideas, and shop.

Hub City Bookshop Spartanburg SC

Hub City Bookshop

Hub City Bookshop is more than just a local independent bookstore. They are known for the wide range of regional books and creative nonfiction titles published through Hub City Press. Known for supporting local authors as well as quality pieces, Hub City Bookshop has gained quite a reputation in the literary community.

It all started 20+ years ago, when three local Spartanburg writers (John Lane, Betsy Teter, and Gary Henderson) met to discuss the area’s struggles since the close of the textile mills. Rather than dwelling on the current difficulties, they formed the Hub City Writers Project (modeled after the Federal Writers Project). Together, they published the Hub City Anthology. The book was a success.

After, Hub City Writers Project continued to publish works specific to place – by people in the region about the region under Hub City Press books.

Hub City Bookshop Spartanburg SC

In the meantime, the only local independent bookstore in Spartanburg closed, so the three founders approached the mayor to see about forming a local independent non-profit bookstore (with all the proceeds going to support creative writing education and independent book publishing). He agreed. A location was decided upon, and two other local businesses joined alongside the Hub City Writer’s Project to create a space for local events, coffee, and desserts. They made history.

Now that you understand the history and significance of our local bookshop, you should know that it is truly a wonderful store that offers a diverse range of books and book related products. In addition to featuring the Hub City Press works, they also sell popular bestsellers, new releases, children’s books, young adult books, regional authors, and more. If they do not have it in the store, they can order it for you.

Hub City Bookshop Spartanburg SC

Little River Coffee Bar

Another unique local business in the Masonic Temple is the Little River Coffee Bar. The establishment is known for selling Little River Roasters coffee – a local business that is socially and ethically responsible. From knowing the farms where the beans come from to roasting it locally, Little River Roasters is a Spartanburg favorite.

Since this coffee shop not only serves the best local coffee and cold brew, the fact that it is attached to a bookshop and bakery makes it stand out. The Coffee Bar has several different sitting options – perfect for individuals working or for groups of friends wishing to chat. In addition to serving excellent coffee, they also host open mic nights and other events.

Looking for more great coffee in Spartanburg? Here are some of the best coffee shops in Spartanburg, SC.

A Great Place for Parents and Kids

Hub City Bookshop and Little River Coffee Bar are great local businesses your family will enjoy supporting. Families can take time to peruse the outstanding collection of children’s books and young adult books at Hub City Bookshop. They applied and received a grant from the James Patterson Foundation for $6000 allowing them to increase the size of their children’s section (guaranteeing there will be a book your reluctant reader will love).

Families can purchase a book knowing they are supporting a local nonprofit, and then head next door for coffee and treats. These businesses are what make Spartanburg special and more reasons for you to love where you live.

What’s your favorite local business in Spartanburg?

Books on Broad

Looking for other bookstores? Here are 10+ Bookstores Near Greenville, SC.

Check Out This Scoop – Hub City Scoops, that is!

Posted on by Juliet Wright | No Comments

“I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!”  If you’re a parent, never have truer words been spoken.  Going to an ice cream shop is one of the hallmarks of a happy childhood.  There is just something about staring at vats upon vats of delicious frozen possibilities and colorful toppings that makes a kid scream with delight, and let’s face it – parents have their own inner shout of glee, too.  If you are looking for a sweet treat and that iconic ice cream parlor feel, check out Hub City Scoops on Main Street.

Here’s the Scoop

Located downtown in a bright cheerful space, Hub City Scoops atmosphere is clean and inviting. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the products and happy to answer questions and provide samples and suggestions.

Hub City Scoops’ menu provides plenty of tantalizing choices.  Rotating about 28 flavors of super premium ice cream, options include traditional cups, cones, milkshakes, coke floats, and sundaes.  There are also unique offerings, such as their ice cream flights with a side of waffle cone chips, ice cream cookies, and dessert nachos.  The Hub City Scoops Facebook page and Hub City Scoops Website, list the hours of operation and a complete menu with photos of specialty treats, and the flavors of the day allowing you to make a mental list of must-try samples.

Genius!

So, the next time you’re in the market for a sweet treat or special outing, don’t hesitate to give this family-friendly shop a try!

Hub City Scoops also offers birthday party options! Beginning at just $125 for a party with 10 people, they include set-up and clean-up, ice cream, and more!

Try a Scoop for Yourself

Hub City Scoops
138 E. Main Street
Spartanburg, SC 29306
864.586.1100

Monday – Saturday 11 am – 9 pm
Sunday 12 – 8 pm
Hub City Scoops Facebook

Have you visited Hub City Scoops yet?

More Ice Cream!

Amazing Grazin' Ice cream at Famoda Farm

Ice Cream and Frozen Treats near Spartanburg, SC, and across Upstate, SC

Five Playgrounds in Spartanburg, SC Your Kids Will Beg Not to Leave

Posted on by Erika Morelli | No Comments

Ready to get outside and play? Spring has been taking its time making its debut in the upstate, but the warmer weather is finally creeping its way in. You’ve read about the wonderful playgrounds that Spartanburg and the surrounding area has, but after a long winter of planning indoor activities, here is a reminder of some of the best playgrounds in Spartanburg you can revisit, or check out for the first time.

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Hatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve: Take A Garden Walk in Spartanburg, SC

Posted on by Maria Bassett | No Comments

Have you enjoyed Hatcher Garden in Spartanburg, SC? Just a couple miles off of I-26 in Spartanburg, among shopping and restaurants on the busy main thoroughfare of John D. White, Sr. Blvd, is a 10-acre botanical garden and woodland preserve. 

The beautiful space is full of ponds, waterfalls, wildlife, trees and gardens with a wide variety of leafy and flowering plants. Hatcher Garden is open free to the public and should definitely be on your list of places to visit in Spartanburg.

Hatcher Gardens
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Roller Skating Rinks Near Greenville, SC

Posted on by Kidding Around | No Comments

Are you looking for local roller skating rinks near Greenville and Spartanburg, SC? For those of us that were born in a year starting with a “1”, chances are you have some kind of childhood memories involving a skating rink. Tik Tok is making the art of rolling around on skates cool again, and luckily there are roller skating rinks in Upstate, SC where you can show the young ‘uns how it’s done. 

This article includes:
Roller Skating Rinks Near Greenville, SC
Roller Skating Rinks Near Spartanburg, SC

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Saturday Mornings at the Hub City Farmers’ Market

Posted on by ChristinaGoshorn | No Comments

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE  – The Hub City Farmers Market will continue to operate Saturday Mornings from 9 am – 12 pm.
Changes you can expect at the farmers market, per their website –

  • Farmers Market
    The Saturday Farmers Market is continuing to operate every Saturday beginning April 4th at Northside Harvest Park from 9 AM-12 PM. We are taking extra precautions to make the market as healthy as possible for our customers, vendors, and staff.

  • Mobile Market
    The Mobile Market is operating six multi-hour long stops in Spartanburg neighborhoods beginning April 6th. The weekly schedule can be found online.

  • Urban Farm
    Because students are not able to visit the farm for their Seed to Table activities, we are filming nutrition education videos every Tuesday and Thursday and will post them on our Facebook page and website.

  • Healthy Hero Vouchers
    We are distributing $10 Healthy Hero Vouchers at our Farmers Market and Mobile Market for individuals and families that are struggling because of COVID-19.
    Students who watch the Seed to Table videos on our Facebook page are also eligible for a Healthy Hero Voucher. Please visit our booth at the Farmers Market or at a Mobile Market stop to receive the voucher.

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Go Fly a Kite at Spartanburg Soaring!

Posted on by Jennifer Curry | No Comments

Do you love free fun outdoor festivals? Spartanburg Soaring is the perfect event for the whole family. You’ll find kites of all shapes and sizes, live music, free activities, vendors, food and so much more! We can’t wait to see all the kites at Spartanburg Soaring this year!

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Stewart Park in Spartanburg Has a Fun Playground and Splash Pad

Posted on by Jennifer Curry | 1 Comment

Ever been to Stewart Park in Spartanburg? If you’re looking for new parks to explore in the Upstate, this is one to put on your list. I recently visited a new-to-me park, Stewart Park, and I have everything parents need to know! This Eastside Spartanburg park offers both a fun playground and a splash pad.

For even more park reviews, see our Things to Do Outside in Spartanburg page.

Stewart Park in eastside Spartanburg County

Where is Stewart Park?

Stewart Park is located around the corner from the iconic Beacon Restaurant on Beacon Street in the Highland area of town. Since it is nestled in an area with houses and apartments, it is possible not even to know it is back there.

What you will find at Stewart Park

Stewart Park is a wonderful product of City of Spartanburg Parks and Recreation. The city renovated this park in 2012, and now our children get to reap the benefits! The park has a great playground, as well as a swing set with baby swings, and a splash pad! Given that I visited during one of the hottest days of the summer, I was thrilled to see the splash pad was up and working.

Additionally, this park is home to a baseball field, basketball courts, a paved walking trail, and a covered picnic pavilion. When we checked out this park, every area was in use by someone, which showed us this local park is well-loved by the community.

basketball courts at Stewart Park in Spartanburg Country

What parents need to know about Stewart Park

We visited Stewart Park on a very hot Tuesday afternoon around 4:00 pm, and it was packed! There were tons of children playing on the playground and enjoying the splash pad. However, there is plenty of room, so no one was running into one another. With its location, many locals simply walk to the park, so I imagine this is why it appeared to be busier than other parks we have visited.

The park does not have an actual restroom facility, but it does have portable toilets (aka porta-potties). Fortunately, they are located pretty close to the playground, so if your kid has a potty emergency, you can get there quickly. But, you will not find a diaper changing area.

The playground area of the park is not fenced in, and the park does lie between two streets. However, the actual playground is located at the bottom of steep hill, so little ones are still protected from running from the playground to the street.

On our visit, my kids who are 4 and 7 years old fit right in with the ages of the kids playing. Plus, there were older kids (pre-teens and teenagers) hanging out at the basketball court and walking the paved track. The park serves all ages.

The most exciting feature is definitely the splash pad! The splash pad is activated by the touch of a button. You may have to wait a minute or two for the water to come up after you push it, but once it does, the kids will have a blast! The splash pad is a great feature, especially because Stewart Park is not a shaded park. If you want shade, you will have to sit at the pavilion (which does border the playground).

splash pad at Stewart Park in Spartanburg

Plan a trip  to Stewart Park

Stewart Park
Beacon St, Spartanburg
Visit the Stewart Park website.

Splash Pad is open Memorial Day through Labor Day (8 am – 7 pm)

We list additional parks with splash pads on our list of splash pads & water parks near Spartanburg.

Have you taken your kids to Stewart Park yet? What other parks in Spartanburg should parents know about? Let us know in the comments!

parks and playgrounds spartanburg greenville

Looking for other parks in the Upstate? We’ve got your Park Guide to all the parks and playgrounds near Greenville and Spartanburg.

Greenville Guides

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