Spend a Rainy Day in Spartanburg
By: Florence Cope, for OneSpartanburg, Inc.
When the weather is sunny and warm, Spartanburg has loads of incredible outdoor trails, parks, and sports venues to attend. However, don’t be bummed out if a storm washes those plans away. There are many options to escape the rain and have fun inside. Enjoy a relaxing day at a coffee shop, browse boutiques, view art galleries, and taste delicious food while staying dry.
Comfy Coffee Shops
Start your gray morning off right with a hot cup of joe at any of our local coffee shops. The Pharmacy Coffee offers several specialty drinks featured in the revitalized Montgomery Building. The bright blue and white décor will make you feel like you are in a warm place away from the rain, and you can enjoy watching the raindrops fall through the huge windows. Our recommendation? Get the Beekeeper Latte, it will conjure visions of a hot summer day that is soon to come all while keeping you warm.
Another fantastic option for coffee and breakfast is the Little River Coffee Bar, located in the Masonic Temple downtown. Sit at the counter and enjoy freshly baked scones and muffins with your espresso, and then walk right next door to the Hub City Bookshop which has a varied selection of local and global best-sellers. Check their calendar for any special events which would include book readings and author meet-and-greets! There’s nothing quite like cozying up with an exciting new book and a blanket to forget about the bad weather.
Spas and Boutiques
If you’re in full relaxation mode, treat yourself to some time at one of Spartanburg’s local spas and salons. At the Purple Orchid Spa and Salon, enjoy a stress-relieving massage from a selection of various specific or full body massages.
If retail therapy is calling your name, enjoy the boutiques and specialty stores that line the downtown streets. Two Doors Down Boutique offers trendy and moderately-priced women’s clothing and is perfect for picking out a new outfit for your next day in the sun.
The Local Hiker is another option to pick out some new threads, and even some rain gear if necessary! A hub for clothes and supplies for hikers, campers, and overall outdoor enthusiasts, the store is a must-see.
Competition with Friends
If you are looking for something more high-speed and want to get competitive, go wild and throw some axes at Craft Axe Throwing. Attempt to throw the axe directly into the bullseye, or at least have fun trying. The establishment offers a fully stocked bar and TVs throughout and can host large groups if you want to go with your whole gang.
Show off your racing skills at Speed Factory Indoor Karting. Each race is about 15 to 20 minutes and prices start at $20 and go down with each additional race. The redesigned interior features graffiti walls that blur as you zig and zag around the track.
Bowling has to be at the top of the list of rainy-day activities, and Spartanburg has its very own bowling alley downtown! If you’re looking to knock a few pins down and maybe even a drink or two, UnderPin Lanes ‘N Lounge is the place to go. Located in a former historic department store, the reinvented space now houses eight lanes and lots of fun décor, drinks, and food along with bowling balls.
Local Art Museums and Galleries
Art museums are the absolute perfect place to spend when the weather is no good. Spartanburg is home to quite a few beautiful exhibits that allow you to admire paintings and sculptures and more, as well as places where you can be the one to get creative with the paint brushes and clay.
Located in the Chapman Cultural Center, Spartanburg Art Museum has rotating exhibits that engage all ages of people who want to visit. It is chock-filled with inspirational and thought-provoking exhibits and admission is free. The installations are often changing, so something new can mesmerize you every time you stop by.
TJC Gallery (The Johnson Collection) is located directly in Downtown Spartanburg. The Johnson Collection offers a distinct look into the history and cultures of the American South. The Collection has an impressive repertoire of art from a variety of decades that all have unique histories and backgrounds.
The Artists Collective is home to 32 studios featuring the work of more than 50 local artists in sculpture, painting and more. There’s a gallery shop and artists’ work can be purchased online, and there are monthly workshops available for anyone looking to embrace their artistic side.
Creative Outlets
If creating art is more appealing, there are plenty of neat art classes offered at the Spartanburg Art Museum that are oriented toward kids, teens, or adults. No experience is necessary, sign up to learn some new art skills such as making handmade paper, ceramic mugs, and origami books.
The Children’s Museum of the Upstate is a wonderful place for young ones six and under to learn about Spartanburg through exhibits such as “Farm to Table Fun,” “Duke Energy’s Treehouse,” and “Spartanburg Water.” Ticket prices vary based on state residency, child’s age, and financial need.
Drinks and Dinner
Once you’ve gotten your fill of activities, it’s time for a drink to start the rest of your evening. There are several local breweries, such as Rockers Brewing Co. & Restaurant, Ciclops Cyderi & Brewery, and Holliday Brewing to try. Help yourself to the flavors of South Carolina with a delicious peachy beer from Rockers, their best-seller, “Son of a Peach.”
If you’re feeling hungry enough, head on over to any one of the numerous cozy Spartanburg restaurants that will keep you warm and dry. The Peddler Steak House is a landmark restaurant that is known for its incredible food and elite dining experience. Housed in a large downtown space, enjoy your meat and potatoes in the heartening ambiance.
Sophia’s Restaurant offers authentic Italian cuisine and a delicious dessert selection. Our favorites are the Penne alla Vodka and Chicken Parmigiana and you can’t skip dessert so make sure to treat yourself to the Tiramisu or the cannoli.
For something a bit more affordable, you can’t go wrong with Spartanburg favorites like Willy Taco and Sugar-n-Spice. Wherever you end up, you are guaranteed a delectable meal and terrific service.
Local Shows
To end the evening, take in a performance by The Spartanburg Little Theatre, Spartanburg Philharmonic, or Ballet Spartanburg, all housed in the Chapman Cultural Center. Shows vary from season to season, so be sure to check the calendar, but if you manage to visit when a show is playing, it is well worth it.
If something more casual is your style, find indoor live music at bars and venues around town. Blues Boulevard offers smooth jazz which is the perfect atmosphere to end a rainy day. Witness some local live bands and enjoy tasty drinks and apps at Delaney’s Irish Pub and Main Street Pub.
Whether you plan to roam the local breweries, bookstores, and coffee shops, or have a more energized day of axe throwing, live music, and bowling, Spartanburg has plenty to keep busy and keep the rainy blues away.