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Posts Tagged ‘Restaurants’

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

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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.

Forget Fast Food Chain Chicken Sandwich Wars. Here’s Where to Get Your Chicken Sandwich Fix in Greenville, SC

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Looking for the best fried chicken in Greenville, SC? Think local. I’d much rather spend my time and money at a local restaurant and enjoy a chicken sandwich, knowing that the owners thoughtfully consider their ingredients and that my purchase goes right back into the local economy. 

Greenville has a bunch of awesome places to get chicken sandwiches – and our readers told us exactly where to go. So skip the drive-thru and head to one of these local gems.

Complete Restaurant Guide to Greenville, SC

Looking for more spots to dine? Check out The Kidding Around Greenville Ultimate Guide to Restaurants

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5 Best Places to Cool Off with a Milkshake in Greenville, SC

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Looking for the best milkshakes in Greenville, SC? Who doesn’t love sipping on these creamy, delicious treats? Finding them is not usually difficult, but we wanted to find out who served up the best milkshakes in Greenville, SC.

Yummy hand-scooped ice cream mixed with milk and possible fruit or other treats will never sound like a bad decision! So round up the kids, hop in the car and head out to enjoy one of these decadent dairy treats – and tell them Kidding Around sent you!

milkshakes greenville sc

Kidding Around Readers Top 5 Picks For Milkshakes In Greenville, SC

  1. The Ice Cream Station in Simpsonville is a favorite with readers. This outdoor shop next to the train tracks downtown has milkshakes, and a fan favorite is their Dole Whip.

Ice Cream Station in Simpsonville. Tasty and affordable!

Amy C

2. Grill Marks is a favorite with readers for not just milkshakes but their juicy burgers too!

Grill Marks is delicious. And their shakes to match are so tasty

Lacey
Milkshake and chicken wings

3. Pink Mama’s Ice Cream is another fan favorite. Their Travelers Rest location is located next to the Swamp Rabbit Trail and is a great break from walking the trail.

Pink Mama’s Ice Cream! Yummy ice cream and awesome customer service! She ROCKS!

Dawn P

4. Good Karma Ice Cream This is the second year in a row our readers have overwhelmingly mentioned Good Karma! They serve 32 flavors of Hershey’s ice cream – and readers love it!

I get the Instant Karma where they use cold brew coffee instead of milk and then use a coffee based iced cream. They have a couple to chose from. Amazing! And a great excuse as to why I can not share with my kids, haha!

McKenzie

Good Karma is our go-to to get a sweet tooth fix! Lots of Ice cream flavors. They are very creative with their milkshakes and ice cream desserts. Never had something we didn’t like

Nikki Wheeler

5. Cook Out got an overwhelming vote from our readers this year!

There are many locations and ton of options and they are thick and delicious!

Theresa

Milkshake Honorable Mentions in Greenville, SC

Readers also recommended the following places as their favorites and shared why with us.

Dillard’s Farm in Greer for ice cream made in North Carolina and fresh local peaches (available in the summer).

<div class="listing-testimonial"><p>Dillard’s I’ve cream in Taylor’s/Greer the ice cream is delicious and the staff are very friendly too</p><cite>Nora J</cite></div>

Hunter Farms

Hunter Farms for fresh Strawberry shakes when they are open (which they are now)

Lisa F

The Pickwick Pharmacy

The Pickwick has the best chocolate malts in town!

Kristy R

Kidding Around is always seeking to be your go-to for the best kid-friendly recommendations in Greenville. We’ve discussed the best places for ice cream, snow cones, and much more.

Complete Restaurant Guide to Greenville, SC

Before you head out for milkshakes, why not grab lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants near Greenville, SC?

This article was originally written by Melanie Coblentz and has been updated by the Kidding Around Team.

Where You Can Find the Best Milkshakes in Spartanburg

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Searching for ‘best milkshakes near me’? Love a good milkshake? We here at Kidding Around were tasked with the difficult (self-imposed) job of seeking out the best milkshakes in Spartanburg, SC. Grab one of these great milkshakes in the lovely Hub City.

Rocky Moo best milkshakes Spartanburg SC
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Something Delicious for Everyone at Cartwright Food Hall in Greer, SC

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Have you been to Cartwright Food Hall in Greer, SC yet? Are you looking for hours and menus for Cartwright Food Hall? Downtown Greer has previously enjoyed the delicious food from Cartwright Food Hall vendors at outdoor Greer events for some time before the Food Hall opened.

But now residents and visitors get to enjoy it year-round. We have the scoop on the vendors and everything waiting for you at Cartwright Food Hall. It does not disappoint.

This article includes:
What is Cartwright Food Hall?
Menus for Cartwright Food Hall
Hours for Cartwright Food Hall
Flying Fox Coffee
Empanada Shack and Breakfast
Mi Irie on Trade
Mo Mo’s Sushi and More
White Wine and Butter
Trade Street Taproom

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Try These Favorite Ice Cream Shops in Upstate, SC

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Are you looking for the best Greenville, SC ice cream? Local mom Kristina Hernandez has you covered with this list of recommended ice cream shops in Greenville County and Spartanburg County. Her list includes an ice cream shop connected to a peach stand, an old-fashioned soda counter at a local pharmacy, and a downtown ice cream parlor that sells rolled ice cream.

Greenville has lots of great ice cream places and now that it’s super hot every day, there is nothing better than a cold cone full of creamy goodness in your favorite flavors, layered with toppings and fudge, if that’s how you roll.

Best ice cream shops in Greenville and Spartanburg, SC.

This article includes:
Greenville’s Best Ice Cream
Vegan Ice Cream
Spartanburg’s Best Ice Cream

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Is Spartanburg the Hot Dog Capital of the South? I Think So!

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If you are looking for good hot dogs in Spartanburg, SC we have you covered! With several popular spots, we are listing our reader’s favorites. Chime in and let us know if we missed your favorite hot dog space in Spartanburg.

As a hot dog aficionado, the high number of places to get a fancy frank makes me happy. Once upon a time, I visited Old Salty Dog in Florida, a place featured on Man Vs. Food, just to try the famous hot dog. It’s “salty dog” is a hot dog dipped in a beer batter that is deep-fried and served in a bun, and it is topped with onions, mushrooms, sauerkraut, bacon, and a whole lot of cheese. Get in my belly.

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5 Fantastic Places for BBQ: Greenville, SC

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Craving some great BBQ? Greenville, SC has been named one of the best cities in the nation for barbecue – yet another reason why this place is so great. But wow, Kidding Around readers have lots of opinions on the BBQ scene in this town and were quick to give props to their favorite eateries when asked. So we figured – hey, why not have a list of our readers’ favorite places to enjoy one of the best kinds of cuisine in the south. So here it is. Discover the slow-cooked perfection that is the best BBQ: Greenville, SC-style.

Having sampled a good deal of BBQ here, my own favorite is Bucky’s, but I can’t wait to try these others!

BBQ Greenville, SC
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The Picnic Greenville, SC Guide: 10 Spots for Picnic Food & Where to Eat it

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Are you wanting to plan a picnic? Greenville, SC has dozens of restaurants that offer picnic-worthy food for takeout. Summertime means dining outdoors and dining outdoors equals picnics. We’ve gathered 10 of the best options for procuring picnic provisions in Greenville, SC. These places will provide you with things to eat and drink, whether your picnic is happening lakeside, poolside, or at the park. We also have some of the top tips for planning a picnic, so that your outside meal goes perfectly.

Picnic: Greenville, SC restaurants for takeout picnic items, and tips for planning a picnic.
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