The Palmetto States' 'Hub' Just Might Be the 'Biggest Little City' In South Carolina

Jeff Walker, Travel Writer

When it comes to cities in South Carolina, Charleston receives the bulk of the accolades, mainly due to tourism magazines, i.e., Conde Nast and Travel & Leisure, consistently ranking the Holy City number one. With its overall history, architecture, hospitality, and southern charm, it's no wonder Charleston tops their lists.

However, there are several communities in the 'palmetto state' worthy of visiting and or staying in for a long weekend or more. Although you can vacation year round, Myrtle Beach with it's miles of beaches, hotels, theatres, and amusements thrive for family fun from mid spring until early fall, with Hilton Head being a more relaxed family or couple getaway.

Greenville offers up Paris Mountain State Park, BMW Zentrum (information center & museum displaying vintage cars, motorcycles, concept automobiles & more), the downtown Liberty Bridge overlooking Falls Park on the Reedy. It's also home to Furman University and less than 45 minutes from Clemson.

Columbia has the State House, South Carolina football, the Lady Gamecocks, Riverbanks Zoo, Sesquicentennial State and Congaree National Park. The aforementioned all offer various museums, yearly festivals, and host minor league baseball teams.

Still there is one South Carolina city that has gone overlooked until the past decade. Spartanburg, nicknamed 'the Hub City' referring to its many transportation routes including railway lines connecting Spartanburg with cities throughout the region, has often been overshadowed by nearby Greenville. 

But people who live and work in Spartanburg, and the surrounding suburbs will tell you South Carolina's 'biggest little city' with a population of around 40K has a lot to offer visitors who want to spend a long weekend or more in this significant upstate gem. Whether you embrace history, sports, nature, or are just a foodie, Spartanburg has a plentiful mix of things to do or provide to out of town travelers.

The city has played a crucial role in several American wars including the Revolutionary, Civil, and World War 1. History buffs might relish in a few landmarks including the downtown Historic District featuring Daniel Morgan Monument (Revolutionary war hero General Daniel Morgan), surrounded by late 19th and early 20th century commercial architecture. 

Hub City Railroad Museum, provides vintage train memorabilia, models and a restored caboose in a historic depot with a gift shop. Additional historical sites include the Walnut Grove Plantation, an 18th-century farmhouse just outside Spartanburg in Roebuck open to the public for tours and during annual festivals. Ride the rail at https://hubcityrrmuseum.org/ 

Nature lovers might appreciate Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve (named for its founders Harold & Josephine Hatcher), a former eroding gully transformed into a thick woods and flower garden, providing a haven for birds and other wildlife. Soak in the beauty at https://www.hatchergarden.org/

Additionally, the Cottonwood Trail, a 116-acre urban preserve and trail system is part of Spartanburg Area Conservancy aka SPACE, and is just minutes from downtown, and is considered a buffer system for the fast-growing region, providing habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals. Enjoy the hike at https://www.spartanburgconservation.org/cottonwood-trail

Spartanburg is the home to several colleges including three renowned for academics and athletics, Wofford, Converse University, and USC Upstate.

With its hot and mild weather year round Spartanburg plays host to a wide range of festivals and celebrations throughout the year. 'The 'Dickens of a Christmas', A Victorian event held annually in downtown begins on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, welcoming in the holiday season.

Visiting Spartanburg in September, enjoy the annual Greek Festival. Enjoy Greek food and cultural activities held each year at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. The annual Hub City Hog Fest is a popular two day event (usually early April) showcasing the talents of 40 plus BBQ teams. It's a carnivore lovers delight!

Folks in Spartanburg celebrate the Fourth of July with a bang at Barnet Park, a premier outdoor facility with a two mile paved walking trail, 1K square foot picnic pavilion, and the Zimmerli Amphitheater complete with 1100 fixed seats and additional seating up to 4900 for outdoor concerts and festivals.

One of the most anticipated annual events in downtown Spartanburg surrounds Morgan Square (the city's hub). From early April until late July the square hosts Music on Main every Thursday (weather permitting) from 5:30-8:30pm. This three hour family friendly block dance party includes live music from some of the hottest bands around, with restaurants and bars aligned along the square extending their services outside.

Visiting Spartanburg in early May, take part in the annual Cribbs Kitchen Burger Cook-Off sponsored by Cribb's Kitchen on Main @ 226B W Main Street. The event attracts more than a dozen local restaurants as they compete to win best burger and have their signature burger listed on Cribb's menu for the ensuing year. The event usually takes place the first Sunday in May.

If you're spending a long weekend in Spartanburg and love fresh produce and health food, than Hub City Roots host the Hub City Farmers Market 8am-noon Saturdays from April through early December at Northside Harvest Park (498 Howard St). A companion Downtown Sunday Market is held in the fall 12-4pm along Main St. and features artisan vendors, food trucks, and family-friendly activities! Safe to say Spartanburg utilize the downtown to its fullest.

I'm fully aware that not everyone who ventures out of town samples the local eateries where they are visiting. Some people are not adventurous. Some stay in their comfort zone, relying on fast food and familiar chains to satisfy their hunger.

That said, downtown Spartanburg, including thoroughfares surrounding Morgan Square and along Main Street are littered with incredible restaurants offering a vast array of dining options. Whether you crave seafood, burgers, BBQ, Mexican, Italian, Asian, or locally owned coffee shops, the Hub City caters to a myriad of taste sensations.

When it comes to seafood the natives flock to Isla's On The Square, a coastal kitchen serving killer cocktails, with a second story oyster bar. Although they are over 200 miles from the Atlantic coast, surprisingly they get fresh seafood delivered everyday. If you're going full tilt I would begin with their Silver Dollar Crab Stuffed Mushrooms or Cheddar Corn Fritters before diving (pun intended) into their main entrees. They'll make the taste buds pop. 

I'm a big fan of shrimp & grits, and theirs is truly unique. A decent arrangement of jumbo shrimp, grilled corn & chives in a medley of tomato and chorizo gravy served over a warm fried grit cake. Awesome! An additional seven seafood entrees as well as Herb Chicken and Cognac Pork Tenderloin for non shellfish eaters.

Isla's is known for their signature cocktail The Hudson, a smooth blend of Toasted Barrel Elijah Craig bourbon with hints of orange and burlesque bitters. 24 taps including 18 craft beers alongside an espresso martini. All this great food and drink in a rustic setting reminiscent of a old fishing boat with an epic view of Morgan Square. Cast your line at https://www.islasonthesquare.com/

Barbecue is a Carolina staple, and when locals gather they usually meet at Smoking Butt Heads, named the 2024 South's Best New Barbecue Joints by Southern Living. Located in an 135 year old building at 111 W. Main St (corner of Church), Butt Heads smoke about every meat known to man, including house-made sausage and pastrami, and serve them up as sandwiches or on a platter.

Their Sweaty Pig is slow smoked pulled pork topped with fried jalapenos, spicy coleslaw and hot sauce on a toasted bun. Have a cold beverage, preferably a ice cold beer handy. Butt Heads serve up six premium signature burgers all made from Waygu beef. The Full Heifer is a twin patty delight blanketed under American cheese, veggies, bacon, and special sauce (trade secret).

Butt Heads resembles an industrial saloon, with a huge bar, plenty of big screen TVs, plays classic pop and rock music in the background. On weekends they host live music in their spacious second floor venue. Love BBQ? Enjoy Smoking Butt Head and soak in their shrine wall to a decade of Kansas City award winning BBQ accolades. Revel in a meat lovers paradise at https://smokingbuttheadsbbq.com/

Outside of Boston very few Irish pubs in America embrace the essence of old Ireland. Not so at 117 W. Main in Spartanburg. If you want to experience true Irish fare than drop in Delaney's Irish Kitchen & Pub. They are as close to a Dublin watering hole than any I've ever experienced. Wrap your teeth and gums around a Kilkenny Cheesesteak, a Guiness Brat, or a Paddy's Melt.

The Irish are not faint hearted when it comes to food. If you want to tempt your palate and go full Blarney Stone then feast on three of Delaney's Irish staples, i.e. Bangers & Mash, Fish & Chips, and Corned Beef & Cabbage. You''ll sense you've dined on the Emerald Isle. Have a cold beer ready, because these dishes come piping hot. Delaney's is every bit an Irish sports bar, pouring up 44 draughts on tap, offering up another 100 plus beers in bottles and cans. Whether you lean towards IPAs, lagers, ambers, porters, or stouts, they have a brew for every beer aficionado. 

Open 11-11:30 Mon - Sun, Delaney's offer a weekend brunch until 2pm that includes a Hangover Pie (a breakfast version of Bangers & Mash w/ scrambled eggs, bacon & sausage gravy), and a half pound Belfast Breakfast Burger topped with egg, bacon, tomato, and onion with slathers of mayo and Guiness mustard on a brioche bun. Hungry types need apply. Delaney's support live music on the square Wed-Sat. For more on these hub city patriots visit https://www.delaneyspubsc.com/

As I so often do for my fellow northern natives (NY, NJ, PA), when travelling I usually seek out the best NY style thin crust pizza. In Spartanburg, the general consensus from locals is Venus Pie Pizzeria (400 E Main). A hub city staple since 1995, Venus don't concern themselves with pasta or subs, rather they focus their attention on hand-tossed out of this world thin-crust pizza sold by the pie or by the slice alongside killer calzones.

Trust me, you're going to need two hands to 'hold & fold' their signature foot long slices. Maybe try their pizza turnover, more commonly known as a calzone, a blend of mozzarella & herbed ricotta and your choice of any 2 toppings. You'll leave fully satisfied. Hell yes, you can enjoy your handheld delight with a cold brewski, because pizza and beer go together like a burger and a shake. Fly to Venus at https://www.venuspie.com/

I had the pleasure of dining at Peddler Steak House known for their amazing aged steaks, fresh seafood, chops and chicken entrees, all charcoal grilled to perfection. Peddler is where you go to relax and savor a meal. You'll pay a little more for dinner but once you take that first bite you'll appreciate the dining experience. However, unlike upscale steak houses that charge extra for sides, at Peddler you can enjoy a 16oz NY Strip with an over-sized baked potato and a wedge salad for under $50. Their 18oz Bone in Cowboy Rib Eye with all the fixings list for just $57.

Sip on premium wines from around the world by the glass or bottle. Two of their signature cocktails include the Peddler’s Mule (Tito’s vodka or Larceny bourbon, ginger beer, lime juice, on the rocks) and the Chocolate Revolver a delightful blend of Bulleit bourbon, Kahlua, orange bitters, splash of house-made simple syrup, all served up with a flamed orange twist. The ideal after dinner liqueur. No additional fee for the magnificent ambiance at Peddler. Owner operator Heather Mathison is carrying on a family tradition that began back in 1970. Check out this Morgan Square landmark at https://peddlerspartanburg.com/

While I did not have an opportunity to enjoy every variety of food & beverage during my four days in Spartanburg, sadly I missed out on one of my go to dinner choices. Locals in the restaurant industry, as well as residents agree, when it comes to authentic Italian dishes, Sophia's is their first choice. Judging by their extensive menu including pasta, entrees, salads, and desserts I tend to agree. And wouldn't you know it, they are on Main St. near Morgan Square. Enjoy a trip to the old country at https://www.sophiasrestaurantsc.com/

No visit to Spartanburg would be complete with visiting two iconic destinations. A downtown institution since 1969 Krispy Kreme recently relocated from their original location. However, the new address isn't hard to find, since it sits directly across the street from the original with its familiar Krispy Kreme design. 

Whether the older building will eventually be torn down or become a city landmark, doughnut and coffee lovers can still satisfy their sweet tooth and caffeine fix at 354 N Church St. Explore the local menu at https://site.krispykreme.com/sc/spartanburg/354-n-church-st?ysource=1MTE4OTgwNTQtNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3D

Craft beer lovers might want to spend some quality time at Rockers (formerly RJ Rockers) Brewing Company. Founded as a brewpub by Mark R. Johnsen in 1997, Rockers sits nicely at 226-A W Main St., two blocks off Morgan Square. Aside from brewing up some of the most preferred handcrafted beers in the south, current owner John Bauknight has transformed the downtown facility into a restaurant, event space, and a private and public underground club called Streaking Birdies (a haven for golfers).

Open 3 to 10pm Tues - Fri, 11-10pm Sat, and 11-6pm on Sunday, Rockers is the place to enjoy great beer, good food, live music, practice your golf swing, and buy killer merchandise all under the same roof that used to house a former Dodge car dealership. If you appreciate quality beer, are fascinated how it's crafted, or just want to hang out in the coolest place in downtown Spartanburg then drop by Rockers. Brew up a storm at https://rjrockers.com/

While Rockers is a great place to hangout, the FR8yard (freight-yard), South Carolina's first totally open-air biergarten & restaurant is just as welcoming and awesome. Boasting 16 taps, numerous craft & domestic options, wine, and craft cocktails, FR8yard is an all-occasion space for families to come together for a killer time. Feast on house-ground sausages, watch the 20ft jumbo-tron, and groove to live music on one of the best stages in all of Spartanburg. 

Locals agree, the FR8yard is the place to be. It's totally unique and sits below the street in an open carved out pit. The answer is yes, damn straight it's located in the heart of downtown at 125 Main, two blocks east of Morgan Square. Come hang, weather permitting at https://www.fr8yard.com/

I chose to stay at the Four Points Sheraton I dubbed the 'highway hub' of Spartanburg, due to its access to I-26, I-85, and I-85 Business which provides several exits into downtown and surrounding attractions. The Sheraton is less than 10 minutes from downtown and is easily the nicest hotel just off the highway. 

The hotel itself is a classic modern throwback, with an oversized atrium that includes a circular lounge, a covered indoor heated pool, and an exercise facility rivaling most paid gyms. The interior rooms are small suites with balconies that overlook the atrium. Super friendly and knowledgeable staff at no additional charge. https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/spafp-four-points-spartanburg/overview/?scid=f2ae0541-1279-4f24-b197-a979c79310b0

While Oak 1831 Kitchen may sound like another Yellowstone spinoff, at Four Points Sheraton it's a relaxed somewhat upscale restaurant catering to everyday delights and southern cravings for breakfast and dinner. I had their hearty namesake breakfast platter, an American diner classic, complete with two eggs, choice of ham, sausage, or bacon, as well as side hash brown potatoes, and toast or biscuits. Enjoy sleeping in. No worries. They serve early morning fare from 6:30-11am, so you'll still have time to enjoy Mamie's Brioche French Toast or Peanut Butter & Banana Pancakes (sounds like an Elvis special).

The dinner menu (5-10pm) takes southern up a notch. We're talking down south or in this case upstate favorites such as a BBQ Rib Plate, Short Ribs & Grits, or their signature Southern Ribeye, a 16oz choice hand cut ribeye, served with fried Brussels flakes and sweet potatoes medley. You can't go wrong with their smashburger or the Sparkle City Burger bedecked with bacon and pimento cheese under a dollop of Carolina slaw, on a warm brioche bun. Eating light, do yourself a flavor favor and try the Crispy Brussel Sprouts, perfectly fried and drenched in garlic parmesan and cream sauce. Totally awesome baby!

You can get several of the dinner items at the circular bar (5-10pm) out in the atrium, as well as several handhelds and specials. Pair your food with cocktails and beers on tap. Not sure which local beer to partake, then try a flight and sample four potentials. The surrounding sofas and coffee tables are ideal to relax with a glass of wine, while keeping up on the latest sports. Saved room from southern sweets, maybe order Carolina Fried Peach Hand Pie or the Southern Fried Bread Pudding. You're on vacation, it's okay to indulge in the local fare. Begin your southern cuisine journey at https://www.oak1831.com/

Spartanburg is home to several name hotel brands, and depending on your need, access to your preferred destinations, and wallet is no doubt how you'll decide on your stay. There are few in the heart of the downtown district, and primarily you'll pay more for their locations. However, you'll be close to a lot of the downtown allure. Four Points' sister hotel AC Hotel Marriott is a deluxe location but you'll typically pay as much as $150 or more per night to stay in downtown. It's all about where you feel comfortable and if you want the savings to use elsewhere.

 I would be remiss if I didn't mention Spartanburg's recent addition. Fifth Third Park is the new home for the Hub City Spartanburgers, the city's High-A minor league baseball team affiliated with the Texas Rangers. The new ballpark seats approximately 5000 people, and can host concerts and other events, as well as college baseball games. Just three blocks west of Morgan Square you can hear fans cheer when the home team hit a home run or complete a double play. Furthermore you can sit at Rockers Brewing (across from the park) and pretty much keep up with the all the action. 

While the colleges have their own venues, when big name entertainers including pop, rock, and country acts, as well as the occasional travelling Broadway show come to town, they all grace the stage at Spartanburg's Memorial Auditorium (SMA). A showcase of the south since 1951, SMA is a luxurious 3200 seat concert venue carrying an old school feel. The Hall, SMA's recently renovated slightly smaller general admission event space holds up to 1800 guests and allow visitors that vibrant high-energy club experience carrying a dance hall vibe. Home to professional wresting and boxing on a regular basis.

 Ticket holders for a performance in the main auditorium can enhance their experience by opting for early access to The Alcove, SMA's versatile pre-show lounge. For whatever reason you're in Spartanburg for, if your evenings are freed up then check out all Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium has to offer at https://www.crowdpleaser.com/

Downtown Spartanburg SC centers around Morgan Square positioned nicely all sides of West Main, Magnolia, Church, and Dunbar Streets, with the heartbeat of the entire city extending four or five blocks in either direction. City planners were smart enough to block off  Main St. along both sides of the square to allow for outside dining for the half dozen or more eateries that align the park. Although Spartanburg is a small city, the Montgomery Building and Denny's corporate offices, along with several church steeples provide a pleasant cityscape.

One of my favorite things about the Hub City is you can park on the street for free, and even the few parking garages are inexpensive, just $4 during business hours. I hope and pray they can keep this practice up. Surprisingly Spartanburg is a very clean city. Several local business owners told me they have ambassadors hired by the city to ensure they keep the downtown areas super clean. They are doing a bang up job. The city is well manicured, has several courtyards where people can enjoy lunch outdoors.

Furthermore, Spartanburg is often referred to as 'Sparkle City' due to a local band called the Sparkletones who rose to national fame in the 1950s. However, six decades removed from the band's fame, Spartanburg just might be more aptly re-branded 'Sparkle City' because it's a sparkling gem in the upstate of South Carolina.