Exercise Your Mind in Spartanburg
Sure, taking time off work is great for unplugging and resting your overstimulated brain, but not everyone is content to sit on the couch for hours on end watching TV. So while binge-watching all the episodes you’ve been waiting to see does sound pretty fantastic, we know that learning something, keeping your mind engaged, and exercising parts of your brain that you may not often get to flex can make for some incredibly fulfilling and inspiring vacation time.
If you’re looking for a getaway that’s equal parts resting and rousing, Spartanburg is just that!
Chapman Cultural Center—Your One-Stop-Shop
With nearly 400 yearly events, the Chapman Cultural Center—along with all of its constituents—is a one-stop-shop for nearly every part of your brain: the artistic parts, the logical parts, the nostalgic parts, you name it!
Their mission of “developing, strengthening, and promoting the scope, excellence, and educational role of the arts, humanities, and sciences” is reflected in the comprehensive programming put on by the Chapman Cultural Center, as well as by all of its partner organizations including:
- Artists’ Guild of Spartanburg
- Ballet Spartanburg
- Spartanburg Art Museum
- Spartanburg County Historical Association
- Spartanburg Little Theatre
- Spartanburg Philharmonic
- Spartanburg Science Center
- Spartanburg Youth Theatre
- and more!
Check out the Chapman Cultural Center’s upcoming events calendar. You can filter their programs by keyword, event type, event category, age group, and partner organization so planning your itinerary is easy as pie.
Historical Museums and More In And Around Spartanburg, SC
Would you like to experience a live reenactment of a Revolutionary War battle followed by a delicious meal at a farm-to-table restaurant? Or spend an exhilarating day learning about the past, present, and future of BMW (and even taking a spin around the test track), then winding down in the evening with some live music at a local bar?
The Spartanburg, SC area is largely modernized, but there are many, many historical sites and museums dedicated to preserving and celebrating the people, places, and events that shaped not only the local community, but the nation itself. So if you’ve already been to DC to see the Declaration of Independence, Philadelphia to see the Liberty Bell, and Keystone to see Mount Rushmore, it’s time to take a historic tour of Spartanburg to see:
- American Legion Post 28 Military Museum in Spartanburg, SC
- BMW Zentrum Museum and Visitors Center in Greer, SC
- Cowpens Railroad Depot in Cowpens, SC
- Hub City Railroad Museum in Spartanburg, SC
- Pacolet Area Museum in Pacolet, SC
- Spartanburg Regional History Museum in Spartanburg, SC
See more museum information and historical attractions here.
The Libraries of Spartanburg County
Getaways always seem to have little pockets of extra time you didn’t quite plan for. Maybe your sunrise hike went faster than expected and you have a few hours before your lunch reservation, or you didn’t need an afternoon nap like you thought you would and you’re not expected at your next activity until the evening hours.
Sure, you could spend that time mindlessly scrolling through Instagram, or you could head over to the library to enjoy pop-up crafting sessions, an afternoon movie, or a holiday-themed party—no library card required! These events are fun for all ages, so you’re sure to find something to entertain your five year old or even captivate your tween.
- Boiling Springs Library in Boiling Springs, SC
- Chesnee Library in Chesnee, SC
- Cowpens Library in Cowpens, SC
- Cyrill-Westside Library in Spartanburg, SC
- Headquarters Library in Spartanburg, SC
- Inman Library in Inman, SC
- Landrum Library in Landrum, SC
- Middle Tyger Library in Lyman, SC
- Pages on Pine Book Store in Spartanburg, SC
- Pacolet Library in Pacolet, SC
- Woodruff Library in Woodruff, SC
Here’s a convenient list of Spartanburg County public libraries, along with their locations, hours, contact information, and programming.
Don’t let your brain turn to soup just because you’re on vacation! We’ve got a plethora of places to keep your mind, body, and soul in shape here in Upstate South Carolina.
Where are your favorite places to stay sharp in Spartanburg? Share all your favorite must-visit attractions with #OneSpartanburg for a chance to have your photos featured on our social media accounts (and obviously follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest if you don’t already)!