Are you searching for things to do in Spartanburg, SC? You have definitely found the right article. We have all the info on every park in Spartanburg, a huge list of free things to do, lots and lots of things to do outdoors, special things to do for the holidays and every season, and lots more. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find something fabulous to do in Spartanburg, SC on this list.
Are you looking for great restaurants in Spartanburg, SC? Are you wondering where Spartanburg locals eat? We’ve got you covered with a list of some of the most popular restaurants in Spartanburg for breakfast, lunch and dinner and by category like family-friendly, date night, and “getting work done while enjoying a meal” places.
Restaurants in Downtown Spartanburg, South Carolina
The downtown Spartanburg area has so many options when it comes to dining. There’s a little bit of everything including Asian, American, Mexican, pizza, pub-style, and more. There’s a little bit of something for everyone, no matter what you are craving.
Health In Hand When something light and nutritious is all you feel like having, Health In Hand is the spot! You can grab an organic salad, a wrap, yogurt, fresh squeezed juices, acai bowls and other breakfast options.
Little River Coffee Bar | Pharmacy Coffee This locally owned family of coffee shops not only serves up a delicious cup of coffee, they also have an in-house bake shop that makes delightful treats.
Mon Amie Morning Cafe Some days you just want breakfast for lunch, or you’ve had a late start to the day. Mon Amie serves from their breakfast menu all day. Not sure what you want? That’s ok; at 10:30 am, they add a lunch menu to the offerings.
Papa’s Breakfast Nook The classic greasy spoon, Papa’s serves up no-frills breakfast 24/7. Grits, bacon, eggs, and all of the things you want when you’re looking to pull up to a hearty breakfast meal.
Burgär The owners of Burrito Hub have expanded their success to burgers. Burgär is located downtown and is a great spot to grab a bite before you hop on a Blue Duck E-Scooter to see the city!
Cribb’s Kitchen Cribb’s Kitchen is a favorite for lunch, and even more popular among those who brunch! Boozy milkshakes and decadent American fare will have you making a visit to this place regularly.
Willy Taco (Multiple Locations) Ameri-Mex cuisine is extremely popular in the Upstate and Willy Taco is the favored spot for this Mexican-inspired style menu. Tortillas topped with all kinds of fun combos make this a unique dining experience.
Blue Moon Specialty Foods This restaurant and market serves breakfast and lunch items that are made from scratch, and perfect on the go. You can also grab a casserole for dinner while you’re there – to make mealtime easy the entire day!
The Kennedy If you’ve ever wondered what a dining experience in a big city was like, book the Chef’s table at The Kennedy. Chef Jamie Cribb and his staff will make you forget you are in Spartanburg. It’s like dinner theatre for foodies, and one of the most memorable meals I’ve enjoyed in the Hub City.
The Tulip Tree People think they need to head to Greenville to eat from a fancy Chef-driven menu. It’s just not true, and The Tulip Tree is one of the restaurants helping to dispel that myth.
Monsoon Noodle House When you’re craving Thai, the kids want orange chicken, and no one can agree – Monsoon Noodle house offers a little of everything, and it’s all delicious! Their Tom Kha Soup will make you feel better if the winter blues have got you down. The outdoor dining on Morgan Square is right outside the restaurant, and you can enjoy your soup while you watch the ice skaters put on a show on the seasonal rink.
Heirloom: A Milltown Eatery | Westside Spartanburg The menu at Heirloom is locally sourced southern cuisine. It’s the perfect spot to go when you want delicious food, without heading to the downtown area.
Dray: Bar & Grill| Downtown (adjacent) Spartanburg If you are looking for a place to spend a rare night away from the kids, this is the place. Check the Dray: Bar + Grill Facebook for upcoming events, like movie nights, where the menu is created to go along with the theme of the movie. It will make for a unique date night experience, with very little work on your part!
Fr8Yard | Downtown Spartanburg Ok. You might be scratching your head that this snuck in under “romantic restaurants”. Hear me out. While it is definitely not the most romantic spot in town, if you are looking for a fun date night location – this fits the bill. Weeknights are less busy, so it lends to being able to hear your date.
Or maybe you’re a single parent looking for a place to meet up with that person you met online. It’s well-lit and has street-side parking making it the perfect first-date spot. If you need a friend to rescue you, the scenario of running into someone here you know isn’t all that far-fetched.
Flock Shop | Downtown Spartanburg A Nashville Hot chicken spot might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of kid-friendly. Suggesting the obvious places would be a waste, so for parents that have been afraid to try something new with littles in tow, hear me out. They have an affordable kid’s meal, outdoor dining, and here’s the huge PLUS; they are located right next to a park. You can run them around while you wait for a table and then maybe they’ll fall asleep at the table. BOOM – instant date night.
Wade’s | Downtown Spartanburg Old fashioned homestyle cooking, “meat and three”, southern comfort food, whatever you call it – Wade’s is the spot to get it and enjoy a meal with your child. The only time this popular restaurant isn’t full is when it’s closed. They have a great kid’s menu, and it’s very affordable! Oddly enough it seems that its proximity to Spartanburg Regional Hospital makes it a popular meal for post-partum moms, craving a plate full of non-hospital fare!
Best for Business
Mesh Lounge (Spartanburg Marriott)| Downtown Spartanburg Mesh offers plenty of space to spread out your laptop and paperwork while meeting up with out-of-town associates. There’s a quiet outdoor area also if the meeting is more laid back.
Spill The Beans | Downtown Spartanburg Ample seating and plenty of coffee, make this an ideal location to get things done!
Burrito Hub | Downtown Spartanburg Taco Tuesday at Burrito Hub is one of the most delicious, wallet-friendly meals you’ll find in Spartanburg! Hugo Montanez is bringing the joy of eating authentic tacos to Spartanburg with the food at Burrito Hub. For most people it only takes a single visit to get completely hooked on the delicious street tacos and other menu items.
Duncan Family Restaurant | Duncan A traditional “meat and three” style restaurant, the Duncan Family restaurant offers large servings at low prices. If you time your meal right, you can watch the trains go by during dinner!
Flavorshack Chicken & Ribs | Duncan If you haven’t been to Flavorshack in Duncan yet, you have no idea what you are missing! This locally-owned chicken shack offers patrons huge servings of chicken and more!
Take Out
Monster Subs | Westside Spartanburg Subs piled high with fresh meat and veggies are Monster Subs specialty. Stepping into this Spartanburg sandwich shop is probably the closest thing you’ll get to experience a proper NY sub shop, without leaving the Upstate.
Thinking about heading to the Boiling Springs Christmas Parade? We have all the information on the parade, plus nearby restaurants where you might want to grab breakfast before the parade or lunch afterward.
The 2023 Boiling Springs Christmas Parade has been cancelled due to weather
Christmas parades are a huge part of the holiday season for families. They’re a time for communities to show off their talented members and for children to get that first glimpse of Santa Claus. One of Spartanburg’s most popular parades is the one that takes place in Boiling Springs.
This year’s Boiling Springs Christmas parade will start at 10 am on Saturday, December 2nd, 2023. The Parade will line up at Highway 9 and Blalock Road at SubWay, and end behind the Clock Restaurant on Double Bridge Road. Attendants will be on hand to direct the line-up for overflow attendees in the Parade.
They are expecting a very large participation in the 2023 Boiling Springs Christmas Parade and are advising people to come early to get a good place along the route to see the parade and for the kids to collect the candy that will be tossed off many floats.
Parade organizers thank the volunteers, law enforcement officers, Boiling Springs Fire Department, parade participants, and those who come out to enjoy and support their efforts.
KAS Reader Boiling Springs Christmas Parade Advice
Bring a bag for all the candy that gets thrown at you!
KAS Reader, Danielle
Where to Eat Along The Parade Route
If you are looking for a
place to grab a bite before, during or after the parade, these are just a few
of the options Boiling Springs has to offer.
Subway – 2634 Boiling Springs Road (The starting point of the parade)
The Clock Restaurant – 3597 Boiling Springs Road (The ending point of the parade)
Taco Grill – 3442 Boiling Springs Road
Firehouse Subs – 3605 Boiling Springs Road
Bertolos of Boiling Springs – 2640 Boiling Springs Road
Dining After The Parade
The 8.6 Pho – 4082 Highway 9
Thai Y’all – 3720 Boiling Springs Road
Manny’s Restaurant – 2520 Boiling Springs Road
The parade goes on rain or shine, so make sure to come prepared. Hot chocolate in a thermos is a time-honored way to keep everyone warm during parade season!
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.
Wondering where you can purchase a fabulous pie in Greenville, SC for your holiday meal? Greenville and Spartanburg restaurants are offering some delicious holiday pie options. Plus, our readers chimed in with their favorite local pies to help you fill your holiday dessert table!
Wanting to get competitive and play some laser tag? Greenville, SC has a couple of awesome laser tag arenas! Spend an hour or two on a random weekend or book a laser tag experience for an exhilarating birthday party. Most of the following establishments are priced reasonably and include everything you need for an unforgettable time playing laser tag in the Upstate of South Carolina.
Where to Play Laser Tag Near Greenville, SC, and Spartanburg, SC
225 Entertainment Boulevard, Greenville If you haven’t been to Main Event yet, then we think you may want to visit this entertainment facility in the near future with your kids. You can enjoy much more than just laser tag at Main Event in Greenville, SC. They also have a bowling alley, arcade games, bar area, billiards, and dining.
45 Park Woodruff Drive, Greenville Frankie’s Fun Park has laser tag for 6-year-olds and up. For only $9 per player, you can enjoy an intense battle of laser tag, surrounded by fog, in a two-level arena. Frankie’s also has arcade games, bumper boats, mini golf, and more for you to enjoy for an entire afternoon.
822 Congaree Road, Greenville Spare Time has laser tag arenas where fog and music pump through the room while you enjoy a 15-minute adventure. During your visit, you can also enjoy their bowling alley, arcade games, pool tables, escape rooms, dining areas, and more.
510 State Road S-37-341, Walhalla Sweet Retreat is a family-friendly establishment in Walhalla. Their multi-level laser tag arena is over 3600 square feet of entertainment and exhilaration. Sweet Retreat also has an arcade, go-karts, mini golf, and more.
1100 Factory Shops Boulevard, Gaffney This guide on where to play laser tag in the Upstate wouldn’t be complete without a mention of The Big E in Gaffney, a fully equipped entertainment facility for the whole family. Their laser tag features innovative technology in a multi-level arena with black lights, fog, and music. Each game lasts 12 minutes. You’ll also find arcade games, bowling, mini golf, and more at The Big E Gaffney.
If you’re looking for a mobile laser tag experience that will come to you, look no further than SC Outdoor Laser Tag. They will provide all equipment and staff for your private event. They’ll set everything up and run all of the laser tag-related activities.
Upstate Laser Tag is another option for your mobile laser tag needs. They’ll bring the equipment and convert your backyard, front yard, or local park into an energizing laser tag experience.
Which laser tag arena is your favorite? Are we missing any?
Learn why Main Event is the perfect place for fun in our KA review!
Do you wish there was an affordable way to expose your preschool children to all different types of live music without risking having to listen from the lobby? Let us tell you about Spartanburg Library’s Music Sandwiched In free music series. Whether you work downtown and would like some live music to re-energize you for the second half of the day, or you are looking for a fun lunchtime experience to enjoy with your little ones, we have the details here.
What is Music Sandwhiched In?
Did you know that for over 25 years, The Spartanburg Philharmonic and The Spartanburg Library have been providing the opportunity to enjoy lunch to live music free of charge? The series called “Music Sandwiched In” got its start in 1997 when the current headquarters library location was dedicated. Every other Wednesday from 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm, people of all ages find themselves enjoying all types of music, from German Oompah band music to an electric cello and violin duet.
If you don’t have time to pack a lunch, don’t worry. Lunch is available for purchase when you get there. Or you could treat yourself to a yummy dessert to go with your bag lunch.
My son and I stumbled onto this one afternoon as we were leaving the children’s library. As we were exiting the library I could hear singing and laughing coming from the Barrett room. My interest was peeked and as I poked my head into the room, I heard a familiar tune. Selections from The Chapman Cultural Center’s production of “The Music Man” were being performed. I was thrilled, for several reasons but mostly because now my son could see what characters were being spoofed on his favorite cartoon. He loved it and so did I.
I’m so excited to share this experience now with my young daughter. Being two, she has a mind of her own and ticketed events are still a risk for us. With “Music Sandwiched In”, we can go stress free, without worrying that I will have to walk away from a ticketed seat, if she gets cranky.
Take your kids to Music Sandwiched In
Spartanburg Headquarters Library 151 S. Church Street, Spartanburg
Looking for the best coffee shops in Spartanburg, SC? We asked our readers where the best cup of joe is served, and our readers had a clear favorite!
Little River Roasting
Tired parents have been depending on coffee to get them through the day since the 15th century. This life-sustaining elixir is easy to make at home, but don’t things always taste better when someone else makes them for us? Our readers feel very strongly about this lifeline beverage and they wasted no time letting us know where they love to go for their coffee in Spartanburg, SC.
188 West Main Street, Spartanburg SC 29306 | 864.582.1227
KAS readers love their coffee, and the majority seem to love it from Little River Coffee Bar! Located next to downtown’s favorite bookshop, it’s the perfect place to grab some coffee and get some work or reading done.
Little River Coffee Bar
“Little Roasting Coffee, has some of the best coffee I have every had, and I lived in San Francisco.”
Dawn
“Little River Roasting Coffee Bar because it’s the best tasting coffee around, and I can hit up the book store while drinking.”
If you prefer to make your own coffee, you can still enjoy our reader’s favorite coffee at home. They roast their own beans and you can visit the roasters to pick up some freshly roasted coffee!
“I love little river coffee roasting center and cafe. It’s right off the rail trail and fresh yummy coffee is $1. You can get your bag of coffee there. Always three of four options and make it your way coffee bar. And they even have non dairy creamer options. I love this place. Small, cozy, friendly and wonderful coffee.”
Just at the edge of town in Greer, there are a few great options. Grab your beverage of choice and then take a walk to City park to sit on a bench swing in front of the fountain.
Now that you know where a good cup of caffeine can be found in Spartanburg you can grab some and conquer the world! Hot, iced, frozen, or black, these baristas will have you covered.
Did we include your favorite place to grab coffee?
Looking for more coffee?
Coffee Flights Await at Unlocked Coffee Roasters in Greenville, SC
The Perfect Spot for a Book, Coffee, & Treat in Downtown Spartanburg
There is something special, a unique vibe, about outdoor dining. Greenville, SC, and Spartanburg, SC have dozens of restaurants that make their outdoor dining spaces worthwhile. No matter the temperature outdoors, there’s a restaurant outdoor dining option to keep you comfortable. Our list includes Greenville and Spartanburg area restaurants with heated outdoor dining, shaded outdoor dining, and simply the best in the area! Now, go enjoy your lunch and dinner in the open air with outdoor seating!
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 (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.
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.
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!