11 Cool Things You Didn’t Know About Spartanburg, SC
There’s only one Spartanburg, SC, and inside its borders is a collection of cool things you might not expect to find. Whether you’re new to the region or visiting, the following list will help you uncover the unique, lively area that is Spartanburg.
In This Article
1. Historic Mill Yards
Spartanburg County was at the center of the South’s textile industry for a century, with the area’s railroad connections and proximity to cotton cultivation transforming the local economy beginning in the late 1800s. Many of these old textile mills and villages have now been revitalized into apartments, retail shops and offices, such as Drayton Mills, a luxury apartment complex with a connected marketplace.
2. Morgan Square
A cool aspect about Spartanburg, SC, is the history of its downtown square. Though it was established in 1787, it has kept pace with the changes of the city. Over the years, it has transitioned from a dusty open lot to a brick-paved courtyard crossed by streetcar tracks to a wide-open roadway and parking lot to a pedestrian main street. The square is named for the Revolutionary War monument at its center that honors Gen. Daniel Morgan at the Battle of Cowpens.
3. Multiple Municipalities
Did you know Spartanburg County has 13 municipalities? Each has its own unique personality, appealing to a variety of residents. Many of these, like Cowpens, Wellford, Duncan, Landrum, Greer, Inman and Chesnee, got their start as railroad towns. Greer is known for its charming downtown, where it regularly holds community fairs and events. Other municipalities, like Cowpens and Landrum, are known for their top-notch antique shops.
4. Chapman Cultural Center
Designated a Cultural District by the South Carolina Arts Commission, downtown Spartanburg offers a multitude of artistic experiences. Chapman Cultural Center houses many of the premier arts and cultural organizations of the area, such as Spartanburg Little Theatre, Spartanburg Art Museum and Spartanburg Science Center museum and classroom, to name a few.
5. BMW
Spartanburg is home to BMW Plant Spartanburg, which is responsible for producing the X series of BMW vehicles. The facility, which opened in 1994, produces up to 450,000 vehicles annually. The Spartanburg location also features a “Driving Experience” track, which is ideal for speed exercises and fast turns, striking the perfect balance between useful and exciting.
6. Wade’s Restaurant
Wade’s Restaurant offers Southern cooking at its finest. With an ever-changing menu and a meat-and-three-style dining experience, this establishment has been a Spartanburg staple for over 75 years. Residents love its variety, quality and customer service, not to mention its affordability. In 2024, Wade’s won the highly competitive James Beard Foundation’s America’s Classics Award for the Southeast.
7. Hub City Bookshop & Press
This nonprofit organization has made a name for itself in the publishing industry, amplifying underrepresented Southern voices for 30 years. Initially, it began as a writer’s project, and the bookshop followed as a natural complement. Hub City Bookshop & Press hosts writing workshops, author events and more in a unique building, a 1927 Masonic temple. Local and regional authors have found a home and support system in this cool Spartanburg, SC, space – both in the shop itself and the residents who support it.
8. The Pharmacy Coffee
This cool coffee shop is one of Little River Roasting Co.’s four locations in Spartanburg, SC. The parent company, which has been around for over 20 years, was Spartanburg’s first coffee roaster. The Pharmacy Coffee is in the historic Montgomery Building, which opened in 1924 and was the city’s first skyscraper. The building sat empty for many years and was about to be torn down when it was purchased and renovated, offering retail spots to local businesses. Little River Roasting Co. was first in line, and they’ve turned that location into a signature spot for those who enjoy quality ambiance with their coffee of choice.
9. Parks and Trails
Outdoor enthusiasts have an ample supply of cool destinations when it comes to recreation in Spartanburg, SC. One is Airport Park, an airport-themed park in front of Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport, a general aviation airport. Other options include Vic Bailey Subaru Bike Park and the Panthers NFL Play60 course, which caters to kids and families along the Mary Black Rail Trail, the city’s most-used outdoor amenity. The Daniel Morgan Trail System, affectionally referred to as “The Dan” by residents, is a 55-mile trail that spans natural and urban areas alike.
10. Spartanburg Northside Initiative
For many generations, Spartan Mills stood as the textile mill closest to the heart of the city, but its closure in the late 1990s left the surrounding neighborhood in decay. The Spartanburg Northside Initiative is working to reverse that, undertaking one of the nation’s most ambitious neighborhood revitalization efforts. Its “inside out” approach to community transformation pairs public and private partnership with longtime residents to bring more housing and amenities to the area with the goal of reducing poverty and increasing quality of life and access to opportunities.
11. Higher Education Options
Another cool thing about Spartanburg, SC, is its proximity to higher education institutions. There are niche options, like Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine and Sherman College of Chiropractic, for those looking to specialize in a specific profession as well as more general options for those wanting a wider selection. Converse University, Spartanburg Community College, Wofford College, Spartanburg Methodist College and University of South Carolina Upstate all call this region home.
This article is sponsored by OneSpartanburg Inc.