Spartanburg’s dining scene is both refined and approachable, offering a range of culinary experiences that highlight local flavors with a modern twist, creating a vibrant food culture.
Discover Spartanburg
When you stay at Clevedale Historic Inn & Gardens, you’re not just visiting a historic property — you’re stepping into the heart of one of South Carolina’s most vibrant communities. Known for its thriving arts scene, award-winning dining, and Southern charm, Spartanburg offers a blend of history, culture, and modern experiences that’s sure to make your stay unforgettable.
The Clevedale Guide:
Highlights of Spartanburg, SC
Here are just a few local highlights that our guests love to explore:
Culinary Delights
Downtown
Isla’s on the Square – A casual spot serving fresh seafood and small plates, plus cocktails, beer, and wine.
Sophia’s – A charming restaurant with a focus on fresh, locally inspired cuisine.
The Kennedy – A chic, upscale restaurant offering a seasonal menu with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and inventive cocktails.
Ali Baba – A beloved spot for Mediterranean flavors and authentic dishes.
Bond Street Wines – A sophisticated wine bar and retail shop with a carefully curated selection of wines from around the world, perfect for a relaxing evening.
Carriage House Wines – A premier wine shop offering expert selections and tastings.
Small Cakes – A delightful bakery specializing in gourmet cupcakes and sweet treats.
Euphoria – Euphoria is more than just a cocktail room. It’s where small plates tell big stories, handcrafted cocktails spark conversations, and every visit feels like a unique Southern experience.
Limeleaf – Intimate and stylish Asian restaurant boasting a diverse menu of authentic Thai fusion dishes plus a full bar.
Cocobowlz Spartanburg – Downtown Spartanburg’s top smoothie, juice, and acai “bowlz” bar.
Westside
Heirloom – A farm-to-table restaurant with a focus on Southern traditions and innovative flavors.
Cribb’s Tyger River – A local favorite known for its creative dishes and relaxed atmosphere.
Taste of Thai – Authentic Thai cuisine featuring bold flavors and traditional recipes.
Keg and Cellar – A popular destination for craft beer lovers, featuring an extensive selection of brews.
Health and Hand Tyger River – Spartanburg’s premier wellness cafe, offering a wide array of organic acai bowls, raw smoothies, nutritious fare, cold pressed juices, and other health-conscious delights.
Eastside
Dudley’s – A cozy spot offering delicious comfort food and Southern hospitality.
Draybar – A stylish bar and eatery known for craft cocktails and elevated pub fare.
Gerhard’s Cafe – An unforgettable dining experience featuring authentic and unparalleled hospitality.
Mon Ami – Casual and vibrant daytime French cafe offering crepes, quiche, burgers & elevated egg dishes.
Thai Basil – Authentic and Rustic Thai Cuisine highlighting Thailand’s flavors enhanced by fresh herbs and aromatics.
Arts and Culture
Spartanburg is a hub of creativity and inspiration, with galleries, theaters, parks, and cultural centers that bring the community’s artistic spirit to life.
Chapman Cultural Center – The cultural heart of Spartanburg, offering art exhibitions, live performances, and educational programs year-round.
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium – A historic venue that hosts concerts, Broadway shows, and community events, bringing top-tier entertainment to the Upstate.
Barnet Park – An outdoor amphitheater and park located in the heart of downtown Spartanburg, known for hosting major events and festivals, including the Carolina Country Music Fest.
Hub City Art Scene – Explore local galleries, murals, and studios throughout the city. Spartanburg’s public art installations reflect the city’s creative energy and unique character.
Ballet Spartanburg – A premier dance organization offering performances and educational programs.
Spartanburg Little Theatre – A local gem providing community-driven theatrical productions.
Spartanburg Philharmonic – A celebrated orchestra bringing world-class music to the region.
Converse Music – A center for musical excellence featuring performances from students and professionals alike.
Artist Co-Op/Collective – A vibrant community of artists showcasing diverse works in various mediums.
Sports and Outdoors
For guests seeking outdoor fun or a family-friendly activity, Spartanburg offers several options to enjoy the local sports scene.
Local Trails, Parks & Nature Preserves
The Rail Trail – A 2-mile multi-use trail perfect for walking, jogging, or biking, connecting downtown Spartanburg to Fretwell and several local parks.
Mary Black Foundation Rail Trail Dog Park – A fenced-in dog park along the Rail Trail, ideal for guests traveling with pets.
Croft State Park – One of South Carolina’s largest state parks, offering 20 miles of hiking trails, fishing, camping, and equestrian facilities.
Glendale Shoals Preserve – A picturesque nature preserve featuring waterfalls, historic ruins, and easy walking trails.
Cottonwood Trail – A 115-acre nature preserve with trails through forests, wetlands, and meadows.
Wadsworth Trail (Westside) – A scenic trail offering a peaceful walking and biking route.
Milliken Arboretum Loop – A beautifully landscaped walking trail in a corporate arboretum, perfect for a relaxing stroll.
Local Sports Teams
Hub City Spartanburgers – Spartanburg’s Minor League Baseball team is bringing excitement, community spirit, and big-league action to our city with thrilling games, family-friendly entertainment, and a state-of-the-art home at Fifth Third Park.
Fitness & Recreation Facilities
Willis Road YMCA – A community fitness center featuring sports facilities, recreational activities, and premier tennis courts.
Hot Spot Skate Park – A skateboarding facility with a concrete bowl, rails, ramps, ledges, and bleacher seating.
Craft Axe Throwing – An exciting, interactive activity perfect for date night, team-building, or a fun group hangout.
Streaking Birdies – Indoor golf simulator and teaching center in a relaxed atmosphere.
The Clubhouse – A sports and wine bar offering small bites, sporting events viewing, and indoor golf.
Cycling & Bike Parks
Vic Bailey Subaru Bike Park – A one-of-a-kind bike park with jumps, pump tracks, and trails for cyclists of all skill levels.
Palmetto Trail – The state’s largest hiking and biking trail, stretching over 500 miles from the mountains to the coast.
A Thriving College Town
Spartanburg is known as “College Town USA,” home to seven higher education institutions that bring youthful energy, innovation, and diversity to the community. Whether you’re visiting a student, attending a college event, or simply exploring campus life, there’s always something happening in this vibrant college town.
Wofford College – A nationally ranked liberal arts college known for its rigorous academics and beautiful historic campus.
Converse University – One of the oldest women’s colleges in the country, now co-educational, offering a strong focus on arts and leadership.
University of South Carolina Upstate (USC Upstate) – A comprehensive regional university that serves students from across the Upstate region and beyond.
Spartanburg Methodist College – A private two-year college with a focus on affordable education and transfer programs.
Sherman College of Chiropractic – A world-renowned institution specializing in chiropractic education and holistic health.
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) – A medical school with a mission to train future doctors to serve rural and underserved communities.
Spartanburg Community College (SCC) – Offering career-focused programs and technical education to support local industries and workforce development.
