For years, Spartanburg was the place many of us drove through on the way to somewhere else. We want you to know that, that is no longer the case. Honestly, it should have never been the case, but you don’t know what you don’t know, right?
Thirty minutes up I-85, you’ll find a flourishing art scene, an increasingly impressive food culture, boutique shopping, miles of walking trails, live music, and enough locally owned businesses to fill an entire weekend.
Recently, we spent two days exploring the Hub City. Somewhere between incredible coffee, gallery hopping, dinner downtown and an evening concert, we realized something. We’ve been overlooking one of the Upstate’s best weekend getaways. Here’s how we spent our weekend…
Friday Afternoon: Check In & Slow Down
We began with an afternoon visit to The Johnson Collection, one of the Southeast’s finest collections of American art. Even if you’re not an expert (hello, it’s me, I’m not an expert) the collection is beautiful and an unexpected cultural treasure tucked into downtown. Afterward, we walked over to the AC Hotel Spartanburg, where more artwork from The Johnson Collection is displayed throughout the property.
The Sweet Suite
After touring The Johnson Collection, we checked into our suite at the hotel. Everywhere Greenville360 Travels, the accommodations keep getting better and better. At AC Hotel Spartanburg, we reached the pinnacle of lodging. We opened the door expecting a typical hotel room. Instead, another door slid open to reveal an entirely separate living space. Turns out, the cozy room with two queen beds was not all the hotel had for us. The adjoining room, complete with two large TVs, a comfortable couch and chair, nice kitchen section with microwave and fridge, had windows lining the walls. All the natural light gave the suite an open, outdoor feel, MINUS the heat! The (not so) little extras made all the difference.
One feature we’ve never come across in our travels sent AC Hotel Spartanburg over the top. The suite had one and a half baths! Trust us, once you’ve experienced two bathrooms in a hotel suite, you’ll wonder why every hotel doesn’t do it. It’s one of those luxuries you never knew you needed until you have it!
Exploring Downtown
After relaxing (aka, napping) for a couple of hours in our new Happy Place, we made our way to Pharmacy Coffee. Coffees in hand, meandering in and out of cozy shops was the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon. If you’re searching for a unique gift, or your next best read, Hub City Bookshop is a must. The spot is a charming reminder that some of the best discoveries are found in the pages of a good book.
Next up, we made our way to Music on Main. “Spartanburg’s most anticipated concert series” comes alive every Thursday from 5:30 to 8:30 through the month of August. Check out their line-up here!
Appetizers & Drinks at Blue Moon Bodega
No Spartanburg evening is complete without a stop at Blue Moon Bodega. We grabbed drinks and a few appetizers while enjoying live music. Sitting there reminded us why this place has become such a staple in the community. Equal parts neighborhood market, wine bar and gathering place, Blue Moon has a way of making everyone who walks through the door feel like family. Chilling on the patio was the perfect transition between an afternoon of exploring and dinner. Stay tuned for more on this special spot!
Dinner At Sophia’s
Every great weekend deserves a memorable meal, and Sophia’s served one up! The atmosphere was warm and welcoming without feeling stuffy. The service was exceptional. Every plate that arrived at the table tasted as good as it looked. While we could suggest any number of items on the menu, we’re only going to insist on one: do NOT skip the tiramisu! Thank us later.
Saturday: Breakfast, Trails & Fresh Air
Our morning started at Fretwell. Whether you’re ordering breakfast or simply enjoying a cup of coffee, it’s the kind of neighborhood gathering place every downtown wishes it had. After devouring a sausage, egg and cheese biscuit, we walked directly onto the Mary Black Trail. The paved trail winds through parks, public art and neighborhoods, offering a completely different perspective of Spartanburg than you’ll get from Main Street. It’s peaceful and scenic.
Two other trails to note: Rail Yard Community Park has become a family favorite, while Duncan Park offers beautiful scenery and walking paths. Spartanburg has certainly invested a lot to create public spaces that appeal to all ages.
Lunch at the Flock Shop
Flock Shop seems a rather odd name for a restaurant. Pulling into the parking lot, the message behind the name was clear. It refers to chicken. This place is the epitome of the ole adage, “Don’t judge a book by its’ cover.” Expecting a typical burger joint, chicken style, we were pleasantly surprised with the up-scale menu.
The old gas station vibe offers indoor and outdoor seating. Our friend, Big Dave (the one who eats) told us to be sure to order the shrimp and grits. It comes with collard greens on top. Wait… don’t make that face… It was fantastic! And what better way to get in your daily dose of greens!
We came to Spartanburg expecting a weekend away. We left with a list of places we still want to visit, restaurants we want to try again, and the feeling that two days simply wasn’t enough. The best getaways don’t have to take you hundreds of miles from home. Sometimes they’re just up the interstate, waiting to surprise you. Spartanburg did just that.
And we have a feeling it just might surprise you, too!