Take a Fall Road Trip to Spartanburg
Autumn in the South means cooler temperatures perfect for outdoor adventures, gorgeous views of the colorful forests, and filling up on comfort foods. This fall, pack up the car, hit the open road, and discover something new with a road trip to Spartanburg.
Located off I-26 and I-85, Spartanburg is conveniently located for those looking for a getaway with plenty to see and do.
Explore The Outdoors
Kayaking, hiking, and biking, oh my! Spartanburg knows outdoor adventure means spending time on the gorgeous waterways, exploring the miles of trails, and speeding through the trees on two wheels.
Croft State Park
Whether enjoying the outdoors on foot, bike, or even horseback, Croft State Park has over 20 miles of trails that take you through this former WWII training facility. Located 20 minutes from downtown, take time, and reconnect with nature during your visit. The adventures don’t stop with the trails though, Lake Craig offers kayakers a great way to get out on the water for prime leaf-peeping.
Rail Trail
Packed full of outdoor recreation, the Mary Black Rail Trail is a two-mile trail just south of downtown. Featuring the area’s only Panther’s Play:60 course, trailside exercise equipment, and the newly opened Vic Bailey Subaru Bike Park, get the blood pumping on your terms. Ramp it up with the thrills of soaring through the air on your bike, or keep it casual with a stroll outside of the city, take advantage of the cooler weather with this urban trail.
Looking for more outdoor recreation ideas? We’ve got you covered. Stay active during your road trip and check out these adventures waiting just for you.
Leaf Peeping
Each fall, the Blue Ridge Mountains are blanketed by shades of yellow, orange, and red providing gorgeous views for locals and visitors alike. With peak fall foliage in early to mid-October, start planning your road trip now to see it for yourself.
Landrum
Bursting with small-town charm and prime spots to check out the fall foliage, Landrum is a must-stop destination during your road trip. Located off of I-26, the charming downtown is full of antique shopping in the shadows of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Drive through the back roads and make your way towards Tryon for some of the best leaf-peeping views in the Upstate.
Hatcher Garden
Recently named a TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice destination, Hatcher Garden is a quaint and peaceful way to see the colors of fall during your visit. The Thomas W. Bartram Trail offers visitors a charming walk through the revolutionary-era flora and close views of the fall foliage. With benches scattered throughout the garden, take time to pause and soak in all of the natural beauty that this season brings.
Spartanburg’s parks and arboretums offer gorgeous views of the fall foliage. For all leaf-peeping lovers, check out our full list of parks to add to your itinerary during your road trip.
Sink Your Teeth Into This…
There’s something about Southern cooking and fall weather that just makes sense. Be sure to sink your teeth into comfort foods during your road trip to get the full Spartanburg experience.
Wade’s Restaurant
If your idea of southern comfort food is a meat and three, then head to Wade’s and discover why this restaurant has been a Spartanburg staple since 1947. From its baked ham to turkey and dressing, Wade’s is serving up dishes that’ll make you think it’s Thanksgiving, every day. With no shortage of sides to choose from, we recommend the sweet potato soufflé, mac and cheese, and the turnip greens for a delicious comfort food experience. Don’t forget the slice of pie to finish your meal and treat yourself to something sweet.
Stone Soup
Pair made-from-scratch meals with gorgeous views of the Blue Ridge Mountains when you check out Stone Soup Market and Café. Conveniently located off of I-26 in Landrum, this restaurant is a delicious destination for lunch or dinner. While currently running a limited menu, enjoy favorites such as the fried green tomato, shrimp & grits, and tomato pie during your visit. Featuring specialty foods and local goods, the Market is a great place to pick up ingredients to take your homemade meals to the next level, or keep it simple and pick up a casserole to-go.
Spartanburg’s dining culture doesn’t stop at comfort food. From international flavors to traditional eats, there’s a restaurant for your cravings.
Take a Sip of Autumn…
Along with a handful of craft breweries offering freshly-brewed beer, Spartanburg is home to cideries serving up fall flavors, courtesy of a variety of apples, in a glass.
Fat Ass Heifer Cidery
Head to Fat Ass Heifer Cidery for a taste of traditional ciders to a unique, hoppy, IPA-style cider brewed on site. Fat Ass Heifer’s menu is jam-packed with refreshing, crisp ciders and the location is a picturesque scene in the fall. Named after a troublesome cow, the family-owned farm in Campobello has acres of apples used in a variety of ciders like the Sassay Black Baldie, the Ozark Moutain Kin and the Lowline Dirty Heifer. With gorgeous views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Fat Ass Heifer Cidery is a great spot to sit back and enjoy the crisp air with a crisp cider in hand.
Ciclops Cyderi & Brewery
Spartanburg County’s first cidery, Ciclops Cyderi & Brewery brews beer and cider on-site in its German-style brewery, directly across the street from the Chapman Cultural Center. The decor at Ciclops is welcoming, with hall-style tables, open seating and a lounge area designed to encourage people to strike up conversations as they drink.
Have a favorite fall spot you didn’t see mentioned here? Tag us on social using #OneSpartanburg to let us know! For more tips on planning your Spartanburg road trip, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.
