CITY SPOTLIGHT:

Your guide to Spartanburg, South Carolina

civil war reenactment

Know Before You Go: About Spartanburg

In the northern part of South Carolina at the foothills of the majestically alluring Appalachian Mountains, you'll find plenty to explore.

In Spartanburg—situated in the northern part of South Carolina at the foothills of the majestically alluring Appalachian Mountains—you will find plenty to keep you interested, whether you’re a wellness lover, fashionista, art buff or foodie. There are quite a few seasonal events and attractions, as well, not to mention the gorgeous weather, warm hospitality and local venues that makes this town so intriguing.

Warm Summers, Snowy Winters

At an elevation of 816 feet, Spartanburg has a mild temperature year round. Summer temperatures, especially in July and August, are in the high 70s with a few days spiking in the low 90s. At night, it's all about short sleeves or a sleeveless shirt since average highs are in the 60s. Snowfall typically arrives by the beginning of December and may last until early April. January and February can see three inches per month. Snow changes to rain in late April, and through September you might get up to four inches per month. Even with all that rain, nearly half of the summer days still see at least partial sun.

From Bootleggers to BMW

You've got to love a place with a distillery called the Motte and Sons Bootlegging Co. Real bootlegging is still illegal, but this place is totally legit. Come tour the factory, taste some of their firewater and maybe even take some home. Like the distillery, much of Spartanburg centers on history, from Croft State Park, which sits on an old military training ground, to the Walnut Grove Plantation that was raided by the British during the Revolutionary War. If you have the need for speed, you can take a special tour at the BMW Zentrum, a 28,000-square foot visitor’s center showcasing BMW’s history. Check out Fantasy Island, a family amusement center that has bumper boats and go-karts, as well as an arcade and a miniature golf course.

A Blend of Manufacturing and Tourism

During the 1800s, Spartanburg was a busy railroad hub and a textile industry leader. Fast forward to the 20th century and you have a major auto company, BMW, as one of the leading employers. BMW bridges the manufacturing/tourism gap by running tours of its plant and by the famous Zentrum museum.

Planes and Pedal Power

If you're flying in, the closest airport with scheduled flights is the Greenville-Spartanburg International. With all the sightseeing you're apt to do, it's easiest to just go with a rental at the airport and drive the 20 miles into town. If you prefer to bus it, Greyhound has a station just a couple blocks off Main Street. To get around town, hop on the SPARTA public transit service or try the bike rental service known as BCycles, which has five stations throughout the city with roughly 40 bike rentals available at automated kiosks.

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Things to Do in Spartanburg

Spartanburg has a unique blend of the old and the new that visitors are sure to enjoy.