Discover the Mills of Spartanburg
Spartanburg’s storied past as a textile town is on display with many mills still standing today. While it’s been decades since some of these mills have produced any textiles, they are finding a new purpose as places to discover during your visit. From Drayton to Arcadia and Glendale, discover the renovated mills throughout Spartanburg.
Drayton Mills
Originally built in 1902, Drayton Mills underwent a massive transformation in 2014. Beautiful, original brick buildings and a charming “marketplace” feel make Drayton Mills a must-visit stop for any Spartanburg getaway. In place of the original weaving machines, visitors of Drayton can now enjoy a coffee shop, craft brewery, and two restaurants.
Get your visit kicked off with a jolt of caffeine made locally at Bella Latte, and take some time to soak in the ambiance of this brick-walled coffee shop. Need lunch plans? Head to Pi-Squared for a slice of Detroit-style pizza, and take it outside to enjoy the views of Drayton Mill Pond. Cap your lunch off with a relaxing walk along the Drayton Mills Trail, a 2-mile paved path taking you through the historic grounds. While this microbrewery specializes in West Coast-style IPAs, its tap list has a variety of brews for you. Finish off your visit to Drayton Mills at Dray: Bar+Grill for fresh, farm-to-fork flavors and that quintessential Southern hospitality.
Arcadia Mill
Just a short drive west of Downtown Spartanburg sits the former Arcadia Mill, now home to Mayfair Art Studios. Built in 1902, this former textile mill is finding new life with the local arts community. With open exhibitions and a growing events calendar, get a glimpse of the arts and culture scene of Spartanburg the next time you’re in town.
Spartanburg’s appreciation and dedication to local artists is on full display with the Mayfair Art Studios. Opened in 2020, this eclectic art space allows local amateur and professional creatives to collaborate and work on their passions. Meet some of the resident creatives during an open studio experience known as First Fridays. Occurring the first Friday of each month, this showcase allows local artists to display their works and allows visitors to peek into the creative process of each artist. If you’re not in town during one of these events, the ongoing exhibitions at Mayfair Art Studios currently feature works from renowned artists Carl Tait and Harold Krisel. Beyond First Fridays and the ongoing exhibitions, check out the events calendar to see what events you can enjoy including yoga classes, markets, and artistic workshops.
Glendale Shoals
Once one of Spartanburg’s oldest mills, Glendale Mill is now Glendale Shoals Preserve, 13-acres of land that features a scenic trail and picturesque waterfall. While the main mill building was destroyed in a 2004 fire, what remains is a beautiful, relaxing getaway outside of Downtown Spartanburg.
Lace-up your comfy shoes and hit the Glendale Shoals Trail for a quick, 1-mile loop that’s good for hikers of all ages. Journey through the ruins and observe the natural flora and fauna that call this preserve home. After your exercise, cool off and reconnect with nature along Lawson’s Fork Creek and enjoy the sights and sounds of the cascading waterfall underneath Glendale Bridge.
As mills throughout Spartanburg gain a new lease on life, take time to discover something new this year. With no shortage of picture-perfect opportunities at any of these revitalized mills, snap your next selfie and use #OneSpartanburg for your chance to be featured on our channels. If you don’t already, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest for more to explore during your getaway to Spartanburg.