• Int'l Ballet April 2024
  • CCES Feb 2024
  • SCCT April 2024
  • Five Oaks April 2024
  • Prisma Health Jan 2024
  • YMCA Apr 2024

Author Archive

5 Places that Anyone Who Loves Nature Will Want to Visit Spartanburg, SC

Posted on | No Comments

Are you looking for the perfect outdoor space in Spartanburg? We gathered together our 5 favorite spots to enjoy nature with our children. Our list includes a garden, a park with a gazebo, and a park that overlooks a lake.

Things to do in Spartanburg, SC

Looking for more fun things to do in Spartanburg?

Be sure to check out our Spartanburg guide!

It may be the four true seasons Spartanburg has to offer, but my family loves to spend outdoors together. We feel fortunate to live in a place with so many great outdoor activities, beautiful scenery, and great temperatures. Now that Spring has truly arrived, we are spending more and more time outside.

No matter what part of Spartanburg County you live in, you will find beautiful outdoor spaces for your family to explore. Whether it is a park, a lake, a garden, or a boisterous downtown restaurant, there is something outdoors for everyone. For even more fun ideas of things to do outside see our giant list of things to do outside in Spartanburg.

outdoor spaces in Spartanburg Hatcher Gardens

Cleveland Park

Located right in the center of Spartanburg is Cleveland Park. This park is a quiet gem in the middle of the city with a lake, swings, a playground, and walking trails. There is plenty of spaces for picnics and room for kids to roam and explore. In addition to the accessible playground, the park is a beautiful setting. So much so that it is frequently used for special events and weddings.

141 N. Cleveland Park Dr.
Spartanburg, SC 29303

Admission: Free

Hatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve

We love Hatcher Garden & Woodlawn Preserve on the Westside of Spartanburg. Located off John B. White Sr. Boulevard, you might have even passed it without realizing it was there. If so, you have been missing out! This is a free public garden, once again, right in the middle of Spartanburg – you might even say “hidden.” The gardens have beautiful trails to explore with waterfalls, flowers, butterflies, observation decks and more.

820 John B. White Sr. Blvd.
Spartanburg, SC 29304

Admission: Free

Anchor Park at Lake Bowen

There are several wonderful lakes to visit around Spartanburg County, but even if you do not own a boat, Lake Bowen’s Anchor Park is a welcoming outdoor space in North Spartanburg. With an excellent enclosed playground that overlooks the lake, you can enjoy great views while your kids run free. Plus, there are picnic tables and grills available. It is also a great spot to find the geese, so be prepared to get up close and personal with some feathered friends as you walk around the park.

8515 Hwy 9
Inman, SC 29349

Admission: Free

Croft State Park

Did you know that Spartanburg is home to one of the largest South Carolina State Parks? Croft State Park, on the Eastside of Spartanburg, is only five minutes from downtown. This state park is huge! It has miles of trails for exploring whether by foot, bike, or horse! Really – it even has equestrian trails.

In addition to all the outdoor trails to explore, there is also a huge lake for fishing and other water activities. Plus, families can extend their visits by camping on site. The park also hosts events regularly like the monthly Music in the Woods event. It is free for those under five years of age and only $3 for adults and $1 for children 6-15 years old.

450 Croft State Park Rd
Spartanburg, SC 29302

Admission: $3 for adults | $1 for children 6-15 | Free for 5 and under

Cottonwood Trail

Cottonwood Trail is a nature preserve that protects a wonderful outdoor space near downtown Spartanburg. Recognized as an “urban green space,” Cottonwood Trail allows visitors to spend time outdoors while remaining close to the city.

The trail is clearly marked and is easy for even the littlest hikers, and they will love trekking across the various footbridges. While on the trail, you should expect to see plenty of wooded areas and wildlife, but you should also spend some time visiting the other connected trails that are part of the preserve, such as the Wetlands Trail.

Accessed off Beechwood Drive (off Fernwood Drive)
Spartanburg, SC 29307

Admission: Free

For those looking for other outdoor spaces in Spartanburg, don’t forget that Downtown Spartanburg also offers plenty of outdoor dining options, as well as Sparkle City Mini Putt.

What’s your favorite outdoor location in Spartanburg?

The Ultimate Guide to Spring in Spartanburg, SC

Posted on | No Comments

Searching for things to do in spring in Spartanburg? Spring is in the air! The flowers are blooming and the birds are chirping. The kids can play outdoors! Spartanburg comes to life in the spring with family-friendly events, Easter Egg hunts, and more.

If you are looking for ways to have fun with your family this spring in Spartanburg, you’ve come to the right place. Want to play outside? We’ve got it. Want to know about local Easter events? We’ve got the information. Want to know about some day trips for spring break? We’ve got some ideas for those, too.

Here’s a guide to all things spring in Spartanburg. Have fun!

Spring in Spartanburg, SC
(more…)

15 Day Trips with Teens Near Greenville, SC

Posted on | No Comments

Are you looking for a fun day trip for teenagers? Need a way to spend a day with your teen near Upstate, SC? These are a great way to spend some quality time exploring together or just having fun. Here’s our list of the 15 best day trips for teens & tweens near Greenville!

Activities for Teens Near Me: Greenville, SC

Looking for more things to do for teenagers? Ways to get them involved in the community? We’ve got your Ultimate Guide for Teens in Greenville, SC!

(more…)

The Most Romantic Dates in Spartanburg, SC

Posted on | No Comments

Are you looking for ideas for date nights in Spartanburg, SC? We’ve identified some of the most romantic dates in Spartanburg. The various date options on this list make it possible for Spartanburg couples to enjoy a variety of dates year-round.

date night ideas in Spartanburg, SC

Spartanburg’s Most Romantic Dates

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, and the pressure is on to make the day extra special. Have no fear! You can plan a romantic evening with your love right here in town – no matter your budget. And, even better, you can go on dates any time of year – not just Valentine’s Day.

Local Restaurants in Spartanburg are Perfect for Date Nights

Spartanburg has several amazing restaurants that offer delicious meals and date night atmospheres. Depending on your tastes and your budget, here are some of the most popular date night restaurants in Spartanburg:

If you’d like to find out a little more about some of the most romantic restaurants in Spartanburg, don’t miss our list!

There are so many [date night options]! City Range has a beautiful fireplace to help set the ambiance. The Kennedy provides a unique chef’s table experience. Longhorn has a killer steak with a fun atmosphere. Renato’s is fabulous for authentic Italian.

Dodi

The Peddler Steakhouse for a nice relaxed dinner.

Deysi

Take It to the Roof

In addition to the popular restaurants listed above, Spartanburg also has a few rooftop dining options for couples. At Bar 1884, you can enjoy a bite to eat, a beverage, and each other’s company under the stars.

Also, Level 10 on top of the AC Hotel has amazing food options and views of the city. Plus, if you want an ultra-romantic date, you can reserve the sunset deck for private dining.

Enjoy a Picnic

If you would rather avoid the restaurant scene and save some money, you can always pack a picnic and enjoy it at one of the lovely parks in the area. I suggest Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve or Milliken Arboretum.

Embrace the Arts

Fan of the movie Ghost? You can take a pottery wheel class date night at Hearts of Clay, which offers various pottery and adult painting classes all year long.

Have Some Drinks

For those wanting to skip a big meal, you can plan a romantic date with just drinks in downtown Spartanburg easily. Coffee fans will love the atmosphere of Little River Coffee Bar, where you can enjoy coffee and baked goods and then peruse the bookstore. (That sounds like a dream date to me!)

If you are a wine lover, Bond Street Wines downtown offers wine flights and serves wine by the glass. And if beer is more your style, downtown Spartanburg has several great options for you, such as RJ Rockers, Ciclops Cyderi & Brewery, and Holliday Brewing.

Get A Little Sporty

If your idea of romance involves more play and less googly eyes across a dinner table, then you will love playing Sparkle City Mini Putt (for free!) or bowling a few strikes at UnderPin Lanes ‘N Lounge. Another downtown hangout, Fr8 Yard, offers a huge screen for viewing sports, cornhole, ping pong, and fire pits. If you feel the need for speed, Speed Factory Indoor Karting is a great place to get an adrenaline rush together.

For my husband’s birthday, we ate lunch at Sidewall Pizza, then bowled at UnderPin Lanes & finished up with a beer at Growler Haus.

Tara

Underpin was really fun!

Rachel

Worth a Drive to Greenville

Greenville has a lot of great date night options, but many of the things you can travel to Greenville for, you can enjoy in Spartanburg. However, Spartanburg does not have The Chef’s Table Culinary Tour. For the foodies, this is a dream date option that takes couples on a walking tour to enjoy some of the best restaurants in Greenville.

Splurge Ideas

If you want to go all out and plan a super romantic date, you don’t have to travel far. Simply traveling to Landrum will open several romantic date possibilities. Landrum is home to the amazing Red Horse Inn, as well as the pick-up location for limousine wine tours that takes you to various wineries right over the North Carolina border.

Do you have a date night idea to add to our list? Share it in the comments.

Guide to Date Night in Greenville, SC

Looking for more great date night ideas near Spartanburg? We’ve got your ultimate guide to date night near Greenville, SC.

Downtown Spartanburg, SC: Things to Do This Christmas Season

Posted on | 4 Comments

Wondering what there is to do for Christmas in Spartanburg, SC? Spartanburg mom Jennifer has a family-friendly Christmas itinerary for Downtown Spartanburg. Read on to discover places to shop, eat, and play in Downtown Spartanburg this holiday season. 

The small-town charm of Spartanburg is best felt at Christmas. Downtown Spartanburg comes to life with twinkling lights and festive Christmas décor. If you are looking for ways to spend your time when the kids are out of school or to entertain out-of-town guests, look no further than a trip downtown.

(more…)

Shop Local: Visit These Locally Owned Shops in Spartanburg, SC

Posted on | 1 Comment

Are you looking for places to go shopping in Spartanburg to support local small business owners? Spartanburg is home to many unique small businesses offering everything from special services to food products to clothing to pet products. For those of you wanting to shop on Small Business Saturday or shop local any day of the year, we’ve compiled this list of 40+ local Spartanburg businesses to guide your wallet.

Imagination Station Spartanburg SC

Gifts & Toys for Kids

Imagination Station
A downtown Spartanburg specialty toy store

Playthings Aplenty
A Spartanburg favorite on the Eastside of town offering a wide variety of unique toys and sensory play items

Showoffs Kids Boutique
A kids clothing shop on Reidville Road in Spartanburg

Clothing and Unique Gift Boutiques

Inside Irwin’s
Adjoined to Ace Hardware on the Eastside, this is a specialty store offering decor, women’s accessories, children’s, and gift items

Palmetto Twist
Women’s clothing store (plus monogramming) in Boiling Springs

Southern Charm Gifts and Boutique
Located in Inman, this store offers women’s clothing and gifts for fans of all things Southern

The Kindred Spirits
Marketplace with all things one of a kind and handmade in downtown Spartanburg

Southerndipity
This Spartanburg boutique offers one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your list.

Market on Main
This market has local jewelry, treats, arts, furniture, and everything in between and features more than 30 artisans; they also host DIY classes

Pink on Main
Located in Spartanburg, Pink on Main is a clothing and accessory store with inventory that includes Lily Pulitzer and Mommy-and-me matching sets.

Arrowhead Design Company
A website and advertising firm in Spartanburg that also offers screen printing!

Two Doors Down

A woman’s boutique in downtown Spartanburg with seasonally rotating clothing

Spartanburg dining

Gifts for Foodies

Palmetto Olive Oil Co
Offers premium olive oils and balsamic vinegar (You can visit the downtown storefront for tastings)

Blue Moon Speciality Foods
Offers flavored seasonings, sauces, and marinades, as well as fresh food and gift baskets. You can also find Spartanburg fav’s Those Pickle Ladies at Blue Moon! If someone in your life loves pickles, you must give them a jar of flavored pickles from this Spartanburg favorite

Little River Roasting
Local coffee shop in downtown Spartanburg. You can purchase coffee and gift cards

Hub City Bookshop store front

Gifts for the Book and Art Lovers

Hub City Bookshop
A local independent bookstore in downtown Spartanburg with books for all ages

Paint It Up
Commissioned paintings as well as art classes for locals

Friends of the Library Store
Located in Headquarters Library, this store offers unique items from local merchants, as well as gently-used and rare books

The Tangled Web
Local Spartanburg comic book store with comics, games, and more

The Art Lounge
Custom framing store in Spartanburg

Sparkle City Snaps
Artist Nick Trainor offers one-of-a-kind photos in Spartanburg

Gifts for the Nature Enthusiasts

Botanical Brew
This neighborhood coffee and plant shop is in Lyman

Home and Garden Classics
A Southern lifestyle store that is home to rite at Home (fine stationery), Sugah Cakes (bakery), and The Brides Club of Spartanburg (Bridal Registry). It also sells interiors, kitchen accessories, and more.

Coggins Flowers & Gifts
Send flowers from this local Spartanburg florist for the perfect gift

The Local Hiker
Located in downtown Spartanburg, this store offers hiking, camping, and backpacking gear

The Urban Planter
Unique plant shop in downtown Spartanburg offering house plants, art pieces, and more

go kart spartanburg

Local Experience Gift Ideas

Speed Factory Indoor Karting
Gift recipients of all ages will appreciate a lap around the track at this indoor karting facility.

Experience Gifts in Spartanburg

Forget the packages and buy a gift that doesn’t take up space or need batteries! See 50+ Experience Gifts in or Near Spartanburg for great ideas.

Other Local Favorite Spots For Picking Out Holiday Gifts

Artists Collective
A Holiday Artists market from November 7th – December 23rd.

Paisley Paw
For the pet lovers in your life, Paisley Paw is a pet boutique offering gifts that will make pet owners and their four-legged friends happy

Stone Lighting
Lighting store in Spartanburg

Oops Clothing Store (SC local)
The Oops! Co. is a South Carolina company that offers deeply discounted clothing with new shipments daily

For more local Upstate places to shop, plus holiday deals in the Upstate, check out the Greenville Shop Local Guide.

Best Neighborhoods for Trick-or-Treating in Spartanburg, SC

Posted on | No Comments

Looking for a safe place for your kids to trick or treat in Spartanburg? Local mom, Jennifer, tells us about the right way to trick or treat in a neighborhood that is not your own. Read on to find suggested Spartanburg neighborhoods for trick-or-treating and guidelines. 

(more…)

Disc Golf is a Perfect Fall Family Activity

Posted on | No Comments

Are you curious about the disc golf signs you see posted at local parks? If so, we are here today to tell you all about disc golf in Spartanburg and disc golf in Greenville. If you are looking for a fun outdoor family activity, we’ve got all you need to know about playing disc golf in the Upstate.

disc golf at Spartanburg parks
Tyger River Park

Looking for even more fun things to do outside? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Activities.

What is Disc Golf?

Disc golf (also known as frisbee golf) is an outdoor sport involving plastic discs, metal baskets, and an outdoor course. Players try to throw their discs into the metal baskets in the least amount of throws possible. For instance, whoever ends up with the lowest number of throws is the winner. Basically, disc golf follows the rules of golf.

Why Disc Golf is a Great Family Activity

Disc golf is a great family activity because it is a sport that families can play and enjoy together! It is also an easy way to encourage your family to be healthy as the game requires walking and other physical efforts. Plus, it can only be played outdoors – making it a unique way to get some Vitamin D.

My family of four includes two adults, a 7-year-old and a 4-year-old. We like to play disc golf because it is something we can play together, and it gets us out of the house. My 4-year-old is not quite old enough to play the game, but she still benefits from exploring nature while we move from one hole to the next on the disc golf course. While we play, she looks for leaves, sticks, and bugs.

Meanwhile, my 7-year-old is learning how to play the game and not feel defeated when it takes him more throws to land his disc in the basket than his parents. Since it is a game where you must wait your turn, it opens up many teachable moments and leaves room for plenty of conversations. We talk and joke as we walk from hole to hole and as we wait for our turns.

Disc Golf

Where You Can Play Disc Golf in Greenville and Spartanburg?

Greenville and Spartanburg have many places to play disc golf. Even better – you can play disc golf for free at most of these parks! As long as you have some discs on hand and see a course, you can play.

Where to play disc golf in Greenville:

Where to play disc golf in Spartanburg:

You can find out specifics at Disc Golf Course Review by searching for the course location.

My family enjoys playing disc golf at Tyger River Park the best. It is a very family-friendly course with the first nine holes being shaded, and we only play the first nine holes rather than all 18 holes. This means it does not take as much time, which is important when you are playing with children. Plus, it is also at a park that is familiar to us.

Holmes Park

Where You Can Purchase Disc Golf Supplies

One of the best reasons to play disc golf as a family is because it is budget-friendly. As long as you have the basic disc golf supplies (i.e., discs), you don’t have to spend any more money! However, disc golf should be played with disc golf discs – not standard frisbees. Disc golf discs are designed for the sport and to fit into the baskets.

Just like the game of golf has many different types of putters, disc golf has many different types of discs. But, beginners only need a starter set that includes a driver, mid-range, and a putter. For the first few times, you really only need a driver disc.

Thankfully, you can buy these at local sports stores such as Academy and Dick’s. We’ve had a lot of luck finding used discs in excellent condition at Play It Again Sports in Spartanburg.

Things to Remember

If you are new to disc golf, here are some things you need to know:

  • Have a bag that can hold water, bug spray, and discs.
  • Don’t forget to wear sunscreen.
  • Always stand behind the person throwing the disc.
  • Disc golf follows basic golf etiquette (such as waiting your turn and allowing faster teams to play through).

Has your family played disc golf? What is your favorite disc golf course in Spartanburg? Let us know in the comments!

Things to Do Outside Near Greenville, SC

Looking for more outdoor fun? Here’s a list of 30+ things to do outside near Greenville, SC.

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

Posted on | 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.