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Around Upstate South Carolina . . .
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While you're driving through the Greenville-Spartanburg area in the reckless pursuit of golfing nirvana, you might begin to feel somewhat awed by the sheer volume of industry. On I-85, construction crews busily prepare new interchanges and add lanes in an effort to support all the traffic produced by the area's pulsing industrial base. People work hard here. When their work is done, they like to play. And many of them play golf on the fine selection of aforementioned courses. Visitors to the area might wonder what there is to do besides view factories from arterial roads or play golf. Well, you might be surprised at the variety of attractions here--we were. Downtown Greenville has undergone a fine renovation, and you'll find all sorts of eclectic opportunities for dining and drinking. The NFL's Carolina Panthers spend summer camp at Wofford College in Spartanburg. There's dirt track stock-car racing at the speedway in Gaffney. But perhaps most importantly, minor league icehockey has arrived in Greenville; the Greenville Grrrowl began play in the rock 'em-sock 'em East Coast Hockey League in the 1998-99 season. Here are just a few other activities you might find interesting. The Greenville Braves, Double-A minor league affiliate of Major League Baseball's Atlanta Braves, play at Greenville Municipal Stadium on Mauldin Road, Greenville, (864) 299-3456. The season runs from April through September, and tickets are $5 to $25. Take Exit 46 off I-85 to reach the ballpark. If you strike out at the stadium, a real hit, especially with the kids, is the Greenville Zoo, 150 Cleveland Park Drive, Greenville, (864) 467-4300. You'll find 14 acres of exotic animal kingdom, featuring lions and other big cats, miniature deer, kangaroos, tortoises and myriad wild beasts roaming about in a natural setting. Go ahead and make your day (and your kids' day too) with a visit to Dirty Harry, the boa constrictor. The zoo is open year round; ticket prices are $4 for adults and $2 for kids 3 to 15 years old. Another educational attraction is Roper Mountain Science Center, 504 Roper Mountain Road, Greenville, (864) 281-1188. All types of fun and scientifically oriented activities await the entire family, including observatory/planetarium shows, hands-on exhibits and nature trails. Go to the intersection of I-385 and Roper Mountain Road. The center is open to the public every second Saturday of each month and on Friday nights for "Starry Night," a special presentation for astronomers. Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for children (5 and younger get in free). For more information about activities and events in the Greenville area, contact or stop by The Greater Greenville Convention & Visitors Center, 206 N. Main Street, Greenville, 233-0461. Or you may also call or write Discover Upcountry Carolina Association, P.O. Box 3116, Greenville 29602, (800) 849-4766. Northeast of Spartanburg, Cowpens National Battlefield was the site of one of the more important battles in American history. On a grim January day in 1781, Gen. Daniel Morgan and his militia beat up a group of British soldiers in less than an hour. The National Parks system site includes a visitors center, auto trail, walking trail and picnic area. Cowpens National Battlefield is at 4001 Chesnee Highway near Gaffney, (864) 461-2828. It's run by the United States Department of the Interior. If you're a member of a YMCA, you can get in shape for longer drives at the Spartanburg YMCA, 226 S. Pine Street, Spartanburg, (864) 585-0306. This branch is the largest single-unit YMCA in the Southeast and features two indoor pools, basketball and handball courts, Nautilus equipment and a cardiac-rehab center. For more information about Spartanburg, call the Spartanburg Convention and Visitors Bureau at (864) 594-5050.
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There's no shortage of places to eat in the Greenville-Spartanburg area. As we've indicated repeatedly, Upstaters are a hard-working lot who like to play golf. They also enjoy food, as evidenced by the plentiful locally owned eateries where local folk have feasted for years. You'll find all your favorite chain restaurants (we haven't written many of these up) plus an excellent variety of ethnic- and regional-fare establishments including Chinese, Italian and down-home, country-style favorites. Yoder's Dutch Kitchen It may come as some surprise to you that one of the top 10 Pennsylvania Dutch restaurants in the country is right here in the thriving submetropolis known as Abbeville. Yoder's declares itself a "nice place to bring your family or friends"--except on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, when the restaurant is closed. There's a smorgasbord-style dinner buffet, so if you're particularly hungry, you can indulge to your stomach's content here. Also try the lunch buffet Wednesday through Saturday. In addition to the tasty Pennsylvania Dutch treats, you can purchase whole pies, apple butter and cinnamon-nut rolls. The Blue Ridge Brewing Company Walk in the door, head straight for the bar and ask yon fair bartender for a pint of Colonel Paris Pale Ale, an outstanding hand-crafted beer the likes of which you won't find anywhere else in the Upstate. Then look around to discover that this relatively new establishment has an Old World feel and a trendy, well-to-do younger clientele--although beer lovers of all sizes, shapes and ages seem to enjoy themselves here. Sample other fine pints, including Dove Field Wheat, Strumhouse Scottish Red Ale and the Rainbow Trout Amber Ale. There's an abundance of food as well--basic appetizers, soups, salads and sandwiches, plus some interesting pub-type entrees including pan-seared trout and a half-rack of brewhouse ribs. There's pizza too. For brewpub lovers, this is heaven. Peter David's Fine Dining Peter David's offers an elegant atmosphere--white linen and beautiful decor--at affordable prices. Dinner items include fresh seafood, beef and veal, and there's a value-priced wine selection. Peter David's is a member of the Blue Plate Society. Little Pigs Barbeque Owner Barbara Sprouse and her staff want you to enjoy what she calmly refers to "the best barbeque in town." This popular establishment serves plates and sandwiches in the traditional way, replete with fries, slaw, hush puppies and all the essentials of the essential barbeque experience. But there's fare here for non-pork eaters too: homemade chicken salad, hamburgers, hot dogs, chef salads, barbeque chicken, roast beef, club sandwiches and fish plates. Country Earl's Chompin' &
Stompin' You'll get good, hearty down-home cookin' here at Country Earl's, in addition to a full evening of country entertainment. Perhaps you'll hear a rendition of co-author Scott Martin's favorite country song, "All My Ex's Live in Texas." Indulge in fried chicken, beef tips, chicken and gravy and all your favorite fixin's. And enjoy various bands, clogging exhibitions and all types of dancing to work off your meal. Tour-bus groups are welcome to come chomp and stomp. Le Baron Restaurant Le Baron's tag line invites you to "Discover the difference between eating out and real dining pleasure." This enormous restaurant, with banquet facilities for up to 500 hungry souls, offers a full menu featuring fresh seafood, charbroiled steaks, succulent prime rib and a host of veal dishes. There's live entertainment on Saturday evenings as well. And if you need catering services, call Le Baron's catering service, Sophie's Choice. Who chose that name? Longhorn Steaks On U.S. Highway 29 near Hillcrest Mall, this version of the popular chain offers all that you've come to expect from a Longhorn. Begin your meal with a beer and some sizzling appetizers, then delve into a thick and juicy steak cooked to your specifications. If steak is not your cup of tea, devour a chicken dish or try Longhorn's famous salmon. Round out the meal with a beer or a Texas-size bowl of ice cream. Papa Sam's Breakfast Nook Papa Sam's serves breakfast 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The menu includes standard early morning fare such as pancakes, waffles, eggs cooked to order, biscuits, toast, orange juice, grapefruit juice and even some sandwiches. But the item you must order is the famous (on E. St. John Street at least) Trashcan Omelette. This work of art is stuffed full of ham, American and Swiss cheeses, mushrooms, onions, peppers and probably anything else you could possibly want. Adjacent to the breakfast-seating area of the restaurant, a bigger dining room features a full menu of prime rib, steaks, seafood and other more filling items. Papa Sam's also is home to the famous (again, on E. St. John Street) Monster Burger, which is as enormous as its name implies. Stefano's Authentic Italian
Cuisine Stefano's proclaims itself Spartanburg's premier Italian restaurant. It's certainly worth a visit if you love Northern Italian cuisine. This large restaurant specializes in banquets and catering. You'll find your favorite pasta dishes as well as some unique recipes featuring chicken, veal and fresh fish. Wash down your Veal Valdostana with a bottle of Valpolicella, and top it off with tiramisu.
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With all the business activity in the Greenville-Spartanburg area, it's important to book a room before you arrive, particularly for a weekday visit. Try to call four weeks before your arrival. Westbrook Motel The 18 rooms at the Westbrook Motel are reasonably priced. They include air conditioning, wall-to-wall carpeting (a rarity in these parts, we're told) and color TVs with free HBO and ESPN. And if your travels take you to beautiful Abbeville for a week or more, the hotel offers special weekly rates. Hyatt Regency Greenville Enter the spacious atrium lobby and you'll immediately be at ease in this outstanding downtown hotel. There are 327 guest rooms, many with fine views. There's also a pool, health club and a full-service business center. It's probably the most expensive place to stay in Greenville, but it's also the most pleasant and plush. In-room amenities include cable TV (complete with ESPN) and a coffee maker. Holiday Inn Express This 74-room Holiday Inn Express is off I-385 and U.S. Highway 291, two blocks from the Palmetto International Exposition Center and close to McAlister Square Mall. Breakfast is included in your room rate. Amenities include fax and other business services and cable TV in each room. The Phoenix The 183-room Phoenix is a full-service inn with outdoor dining at the Courtyard Grille, plus romantic dining in the Palms Restaurant. There's dancing and entertainment in The Bar. The Phoenix exudes a much more intimate setting than the typical motel. In-room amenities include cable TV plus full bathroom en-suite. Pettigru Place In the heart of downtown Greenville, Pettigru Place offers five individually decorated guest rooms, each with private bath and television. A full gourmet breakfast is included in the room rate. Holiday Inn Greenwood The Holiday Inn Greenwood offers 100 recently remodeled rooms as well as a courtyard with a pool and decks. It's a good value as well, particularly if you make use of the corporate, group and special weekend rates; kids and teens stay free. A free full breakfast and local calls are included in your room rate, and fax and copy services are available. Relax in Simon's Bar and Grill after golf or take in the bountiful Sunday brunch before you venture forth onto the links for your afternoon round. If it's raining on your golfing parade and you and your foursome are stuck inside, the in-room televisions offer cable with ESPN. Best Western Spartan Inn &
Conference Center This comfortable and accessible Best Western enjoyed a complete renovation just four years ago and is popular among the business-traveler set. This hotel offers 122 rooms with free cable TV. There's a business center, banquet and meeting rooms, a tennis court and an outdoor pool. Corporate rates are available. After your busy day of golf and/or business, retire to Bigoli's Restaurant and Lounge. Courtyard by Marriott Designed by business travelers for business travelers, as the chain's saying goes, Spartanburg's version of the well-known and liked Courtyard concept is perfect for the person who is coming to the Upstate to close a deal. But it's also an excellent place for the golfer. The restaurant offers a great breakfast buffet and serves a solid sandwich and dinner menu. Choose a guest room or indulge in a suite at this 108-room lodging. Courtyard has a reputation for good value. Holiday Inn North The Holiday Inn in Spartanburg is a good place to stay and eat. There are 122 recently renovated rooms and suites, each with cable TV with HBO, ESPN and CNN. There's a business center for the corporate traveler as well as meeting rooms. The hotel offers corporate rates. If you're in town for business, unwind on the tennis court, by the pool or in Bleachers! Sports Bar and Grill. Residence Inn by Marriott The Residence Inn chain tends to cater to long-term guests: Weekly and monthly rates are available. Residence Inn Spartanburg offers 88 one- or two-bedroom suites, each with a fully equipped kitchen, a living room with a fireplace and cable TV with HBO. A complimentary breakfast and access to a swimming pool are included in the room rate. |
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