Resolving To See More Spartanburg in 2018
I despise New Year’s resolutions – and they don’t like me so much either.
Somewhere between subtracting weight and adding exercise, between sleeping more and drinking less, I always seem to fall flat.
Last year, I tried to make no resolutions. It meant I didn’t fail at any. But it also left me lacking motivation.
This year, I think I’ve finally found the answer to my resolution woes.
I’ve decided to make five simple promises to myself about how I would take better advantage of everything Spartanburg has to offer.
Let me explain.
Try a new restaurant every month: There’s never been a better time to be a foodie in Spartanburg County. Between the new restaurants opening every couple of weeks downtown, Spartanburg’s two chef ambassadors and Spartanburg’s first official Restaurant Week in mid January, the opportunities to enjoy great dining with friends and family have never been better. By promising to eat at at least one new restaurant each month, I should have a more refined and delighted palette in no time.
Get out(doors) more often: Spartanburg’s outdoor recreation options has no rival in South Carolina. Sadly, I have neglected them for too long. In 2018, I will absolutely spend more time outdoors. I’m going to take the time to walk the Mary Black Rail Trail, bike the Hub City Connector or spend a weekend day enjoying Croft State Park. When I’m in the mood for spectating, I’ll head over to Tyger River Park, especially in July for the USA Softball Championships.
Learn something: If you can’t be a lifelong learner in Spartanburg, then you’re doing it wrong. With a great library system, so many outstanding colleges (Wofford College, USC Upstate, Converse College, Spartanburg Community College, Spartanburg Methodist College, VCOM, and Sherman College of Chiropractic) and historic sights, markers and monuments galore, there’s no reason not to engage your mind. But I’m most excited about taking my family to the Children’s Museum of the Upstate’s new Spartanburg location. There are also great self-guided tours to learn about Spartanburg’s textile history, music history and Revolutionary War history.
Enjoy the nightlife more often: If you haven’t been to Spartanburg lately, this one might surprise you. Yes, Virginia, Spartanburg has a nightlife. And I’ve been missing out. I definitely plan on spending some time at the new rooftop bar at Miyako Sushi Group and over at the new Rick Erwin’s Level 10 restaurant, atop the new AC Hotel. Of course, when there’s a big game to watch with friends, we’ll head over to MESH at the Spartanburg Marriott or the new FR8yard. If you need tips for other places to enjoy the nightlife, check out Underground Spartanburg.
Stay the night – at least once: Even if you have a comfy bed to sleep in, it’s sometimes nice to get away for a night. And Spartanburg’s hotel options continue to grow and impress. The new AC Hotel in downtown looks amazing, but soon I’ll be able to check in and check out the Residence Inn Westgate; Hilton Garden Inn Westgate and Home 2 Suites in Duncan. Of course, there are two cozy B&Bs to enjoy, with the Clevedale Historic Inn and the Inn on Main. For a weekend trip or a staycation, I’m covered.
Research suggests that most of us have long-forgotten and lost our resolutions by March or April. But with this great starter list for Spartanburg adventure, I know I’ll enjoy checking items off my list all year long. If you’re looking to add some resolutions to your list, help yourself to some of mine. I look forward to seeing you around Spartanburg.
