SCVB Blog

Watch a promotional video highlighting Chapman Cultural Center's Cultural Arts Festival in Spartanburg, SC.

The Spartanburg Little Theater presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Andrew Lloyd Webber's modern classic is brought to life at the Chapman Cultural Center from March 8 to March 17, 2013. The Biblical saga of Joseph and his coat of many colors comes to vibrant life in this delightful family musical.

Joseph, his father's favorite son, is a boy blessed with prophetic dreams. When he is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and taken to Egypt, Joseph endures a series of adventures in which his spirit and humanity are continually challenged. Set to an engaging cornucopia of musical styles from country-western and calypso to bubble-gum pop and rock 'n' roll, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat emerges both timely and timeless.

If you haven’t been to Landrum, SC, you need to add it to your list of places to visit this year, especially since Landrum is the unofficial peach capitol of the world. The City of Landrum was founded in 1880 and incorporated in 1883. Located just west of Interstate 26 between Spartanburg, South Carolina and Asheville, North Carolina, Landrum is nestled against the backdrop of the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. Residents and visitors alike enjoy drives along scenic roads, strolling through unique antique and specialty shops, and dining in Landrum’s eateries.

The BMW Zentrum is the visitors center and museum adjacent to the manufacturing facility that reflects and displays BMW's heritage of engineering excellence, innovation, and commitment to social responsibility. Four separate but integrated galleries are contained within the 28,000 square-foot facility.

The 17th BMW Art Car, the 1976 Frank Stella 3.0 CSL, is currently on display at the BMW Zentrum Musuem through March. The expressionist, Frank Stella, was highly influenced by abstract creativity that enabled his work to be exhibited in the Museum of Modern Art at the early age of 14. During Stella's BMW Art Car conception, the American artist switched gears from his usual random style of painting and sought inspiration for the vehicle's technical aura. The result: a black and white square quid with an evenness and precision reminiscent of oversized graph paper. The design consists of pattern-like, dotted lines that run across the bodywork. Stop by the BMW Zentrum and have a look at Stella's stunning transformation of the 3.0 CSL.

Since 1975, through BMW's Art Car program, artists throughout the world have been commissioned to turn BMW automobiles into art signifying a particular period. Many of the cars by the likes of Warhol, Lichtenstein, Esther, Rauschenberg, Hockney, and Holzer have been exhibited in renowned museums throughout the world including the Louvre, the Guggenheim Museums, and the Shanghai Art Museum. Over the nearly 40 years of the BMW Art Car Program, 18 cars have been added to the collection; the most recent is the BMW M3 GT2 by Jeff Koons that was unveiled in 2010.

The Zentrum hours are Monday - Friday from 9:30am - 5 pm. Admission to the BMW Zentrum is free.

If you haven’t been to Cowpens, SC, you need to add it to your list of places to visit in 2013! Cowpens is Americana at its best! Located just minutes outside the city limits of Spartanburg, Cowpens is nestled in the mid-eastern section of the county. With about 2,000 people residing in the area, Cowpens is the quintessential small town! With antique shops and locally owned restaurants lining Main Street, one may find themselves falling in love with this charming town.

Stop in for a freshly baked beignet at Baguette & Co. after browsing through the treasures found at Vintage on Main. Take a walk through the Veterans Memorial Park to learn more about those who served on the USS Cowpens CVL 25 (also called the Mighty Moo) and other branches of military service. Looking for some fresh produce while in town, get it at locally owned Abbott Farms Produce Stand. Located just off Interstate 85 at the Cowpens exit, you will find Cowpens-grown fresh peaches, apples, preserves, jams and jellies. Pick up a few Cowpens souvenirs while you are there! During your visit, make sure to check out locally handmade jewelry and crafts at Sheila’s Unique Gifts or if you are an antique lover, be sure to visit Lillie’s and  Eight Gates to find the perfect treasure. Schedule a visit to the Cowpens Depot Museum which is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. Just outside of the depot, an actual railcar is permanently placed on display so that guests can learn more about the area’s rich history. End the day with a delicious slice of pizza and sweet tea at Town Grill, a favorite restaurant among the locals.

During the month of January, Cowpens will celebrate the 232^nd anniversary of the decisive American victory over the British at Cowpens National Battlefield. Located just down the road from the town’s center, the Battlefield will host a weekend of special events on January 18-20. You do not want to miss the Revolutionary experience that Cowpens has to offer! Click here for more information on this special event.

If you are looking for a place to ring in the new year, look no further than the Spartanburg Marriott’s New Year’s Eve Celebration! On December 31^st, the Marriott’s Heritage Ballroom will be transformed into an elegant fantasy, complete with a band that will lure you to the dance floor, unlimited food and beverage options throughout the evening, midnight champagne toast, a balloon drop, party favors and special twilight refreshment offerings.

The fun begins at 7:30pm with a delectable menu including hand carved beef tenderloin, freshly prepared sushi, colossal king crab legs and more.

At 8:30pm, the band will crank up and keep you rocking through the night. “Summer Daze” is a variety dance band that plays the most requested dance hits from the 60’s up to today’s top 40 hits.

The cost for this event is $89 per adult. If you have a group you would like to ring in the New Year, grab a table for everyone. The cost is $669 for a table of 8 or $799 for a table of 10.

You can also purchase a room package, which includes 2 tickets to the event, breakfast for two and accommodations. The cost for this package is $299.00.

 For more information or for reservations, call 864-596-1211 or email Crystal Thomas at crystal.thomas@marriott.com.

If you have never seen a production by Spartanburg Little Theatre, then now is the time! Debuting January 11, Spartanburg Little Theatre presents, “Chicago.” You won’t want to miss this Broadway hit premiering on the David Reid Theatre stage at Chapman Cultural Center.

Based on the book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, “Chicago” is a fascinating tale of excitement. In roaring twenties Chicago, chorus girl Roxie Hart murders a faithless lover and convinces her hapless husband, Amos, to take the rap...until he finds out he's been duped and turns on Roxie. Convicted and sent to death row, Roxie joins forces with Velma Kelly, another merry murderess, and the two vie for the spotlight and the headlines in search of the American dream: fame, fortune, and acquittal. A sensuous tale of sin, corruption, and all that jazz, Chicago features a dazzling score, knock-out dancing, and show-stopping favorites like “When You’re Good to Mama,” “Cell Block Tango,” and “Razzle Dazzle.”

Spartanburg Little Theatre began in 1946 with growing interest through lectures about various phases of theatre and conducting one-act plays. In 1949, the movie theater at Camp Croft became available to Little Theatre productions. The Little Theatre is the proud sponsor of the Spartanburg Youth Theatre, the second oldest theatre for youth in South Carolina. After 50 years and countless productions on the stage at the Camp Croft Playhouse the Spartanburg Little Theatre moved to the new Chapman Cultural Center in September 2007. The new theatre there was named the David W. Reid Theatre – in honor of David Reid – the founding father of The Spartanburg Little Theatre.

Click here for tickets and show times. Ages 13 and up only.

The Holiday Lights Safari at Hollywild Animal Park has become an annual tradition for individuals and families living throughout the Southeast and visitors from as far away as California, Alaska, and Canada. It’s not often that you have the opportunity to drive through nearly 100-acres magically decorated with millions of twinkling lights, dazzling holiday themes, light sculptures, a life-sized Nativity, plus herds of live animals that will eat out of your hand!

The 22^nd annual Holiday Lights Safari features a drive through area with millions of lights decorating trees and pathways, lighted shapes including castles, animals, and even Noah’s ark.  The enchanted forest allows visitors to drive gently through herds of deer and safari animals while feeding the animals from their car windows and “The Walk” offers visitors the opportunity to park and walk around and visit with animals, warm themselves by bonfires, take a pony ride through a lighted forest, enjoy cocoa and snacks and have their photo taken with Santa. 

Holiday Lights Safari is now open and runs nightly, including holidays, through Sunday, January 5, 2012. Hours are from 6-9pm with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Regular admission is $6 per person with no per car rates.   Group rates are available for groups of 15 or more.