Spartanburg, South Carolina, is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The city, a former railroad center, is nicknamed "Hub City" for a good reason--there's plenty to see and do here.
The Chapman Cultural Center in downtown Spartanburg is home to several theater companies, the Spartanburg County Museum of Art, the Regional History Museum, Ballet Spartanburg and several other science, arts and history groups (see Resources).
Named for the Spartan militia who defended the city in the Revolutionary War, Spartanburg is a draw for history buffs. Visitors to the nearby Cowpens National Battlefield can learn about the key Revolutionary War victory there in 1781.
Visit the nearby BMW Zentrum, the car manufacturer's only museum in the United States. Plant tours are available (call (888) TOUR-BMW).
The Spartanburg area is known for its peaches and strawberries. Many local farms allow visitors to pick their own. Among them, Peach Country allows peach picking in June through August. Molly's Farm offers strawberry picking mid April through June 1. (pickyourown.org/SC.htm.)
The Hollywild Animal Park near Spartanburg features 70 acres with deer, zebras, emus and other free-roaming animals (see Resources).
