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SCVB Blog

Unwind at Jazz on the Square

  Monday, August 27, 2012

As the summer draws to an end and fall approaches, it is the perfect time of the year to relax outdoors and savor the cooler temps. The City of Spartanburg, the Spartanburg Downtown Association and presenting sponsor QS/1 are once again bringing live Jazz music to downtown Spartanburg with Jazz on the Square. 

Jazz on the Square is held each Friday in September & October. Fans are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair and relax while listening to some of the area's best musicians. Concerts are held from 5:30 to 8 pm at the fountain in Morgan Square. Each week features a different jazz group.

The open venue and free admission provides visitors and locals alike an opportunity to enjoy downtown Spartanburg’s beautiful surroundings while listening to great musicians.

Beverages are available for purchase (Anyone wishing to purchase an alcoholic beverage must be 21 years of age and must show a valid ID.)

After the concert, be sure to stay downtown and enjoy a great dinner from one of the many local restaurants!

For a complete schedule or for more information, please visit http://www.cityofspartanburg.org/index.cfm?PageID=280.

Celebrate the Fall Harvest

  Monday, August 27, 2012

When autumn arrives around Inman, South Carolina, it is time to celebrate the Harvest! The 31st Annual Inman Harvest Day Festival, Inman’s premier outdoor street festival, is always the last Saturday in September.

Thousands of folks look forward to shopping for hand-crafted items, enjoying savory food in the food court, having fun in the kids’ area, seeing antique tractors and equipment, great entertainment, and a lot of fun in between. Admission is FREE and open to everyone!

Artisans and craft makers from all parts of the Eastern United States and local merchants will be present to display and sell their merchandise. Local farmers and produce vendors will be spread throughout the festival along Main Street, Mill Street, and Blackstock Road. A food court with all food vendors is located on Blackstock Road that is furnished with tables and chairs.

Parking is available in the surrounding areas and parking lots. Special designated areas are set up for resting, water, and restrooms.

The Inman Harvest Day Festival began as a modest social gathering in 1981, and over the years has grown into a spectacular event where visitors and local residents come together to enjoy what the local farmers bring to market, to see and purchase arts and crafts that are seldom seen elsewhere, and it gives children a fantastic opportunity to have fun playing games and enjoying the many rides.

 Inman hopes to see you September 29th for the Inman Harvest Day Festival. For more information, visit http://www.inmanscchamber.org/harvest-day/.

Apple Season is Here!

  Monday, August 27, 2012

With fall right around the corner, that means our orchards are now loaded with apples! What could be better than bringing your family to the farm and enjoying a day of fun picking apples right off the tree? One of Spartanburg County’s most-visited orchards is Nivens Apple Farm and apple-picking season is in full swing there.

To celebrate apple season, Nivens will be holding an Apple Fest on September 29th from 10am-6pm. There will be bluegrass and gospel music, barbeque, an apple recipe contest, and you can enjoy hayrides around the nearly 40-acre farm, try to find your way through the corn maze, mine for gems and find the perfect pumpkin in their pumpkin patch.

At Nivens you can find a large variety of apples including Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Red Jonathan, Winesap, Rome, Granny Smith, Gala, Mutsu, Fuji, Cameo, Pink Lady, Jonagold, Ginger Gold and Arkansas Black. When arriving at the farm to pick your own apples, come by the farm store first. They will provide bags for your apples, as well as apple-picking sticks if you need one.

Before you head home, stock up on apple cider, apple butter, jellies, relishes, candy or caramel apples, pies or bags of apples. That way you can enjoy the apple farm even when you get home.

Nivens farm is open Monday-Saturday from 8am to 6pm, and Sunday from 1pm-6pm through November. For more info, visit www.nivensapplefarm.com or call 864-576-4195.

You can find the farm at:

130 Orchard Drive
Moore, SC 29369

Rails, Trails, Tails and Choo-Choos

  Tuesday, July 24, 2012

If you think trails are only for runners or cyclists, think again. One of Spartanburg’s most utilized trails now offers something special for man’s best friend and for children. 

If you are a visitor who likes to bring along your pooch when you travel, there is now a new park for your dog to play. The Rail Tail Dog Park recently opened and is conveniently located beside the Mary Black Rail Trail off Union Street.  The Rail Tail Dog Park is a half-acre park that includes three different ground coverings (playground mulch, granite dust on the agility course, and grass), a swing, benches, picnic tables and a waterspout with a water bowl. Plans to install human and dog water fountains, build a shade structure, and add a dog agility course are also in the works.

Another new addition to the Mary Black Rail Trail is the Trains on the Trail. Spartanburg is often referred to as the “Hub City” because at one point trains ran from east to west and north to south with stops in Spartanburg, making it the hub of transportation. Now you can take a walk on the Rail Train to see five bronze sculptures of the various cars that rode the local rails in years past: a switcher car, tram, streetcar, caboose and steam engine. The five sculptures form a children’s scavenger hunt with clues available on either end of the trail. You can pick up a brochure from the kiosks on either end of the trail that contain a children's story written for the sculptures as well as clues to finding the five trains and short historical information. 

 You can access the Rail Trail at 325 E. Henry St., Spartanburg, SC 29302.

*Credit: The Underground Guide to Spartanburg

Smithsonian Exhibit Travels to Landrum

  Thursday, July 19, 2012

Between August 4th and September 16th, Landrum, South Carolina will host a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition. The exhibit entitled New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music, will explore aspects of American roots music. The interactive traveling exhibit will be housed at the Landrum Library and will feature photographs, recordings, instruments, lyrics and artist profiles. Also throughout the six week program period, the library will host concerts, a street dance in downtown Landrum, lectures and more – which are all free and open to the public. 

The exhibit explores the history of American music from slave music to sacred music, to protest music, to jazz and bluegrass. Visitors may take a walk through American history to see how the music comes as a result of the events occurring during those periods. 

This exhibit will be open during regular library hours. See below for a list of scheduled events during the New Harmonies exhibit.

While you are visiting the exhibit, be sure to take some time to explore downtown Landrum.  Stroll thru their antique shops and grab a bite to eat in one of their restaurants that are guaranteed to satisfy your hunger. For more information on Landrum, visit www.cityoflandrum.com.
 

Scheduled Events

Sunday, August 5, 2012
Opening Reception, 3:30 p.m.
Landrum Library

John Fowler - Appalachian Stories and Music
Master harmonica player, storyteller and ballad singer, Fowler co-hosts a weekly old-time radio show on WNCW-FM.

 

 

Saturday, August 11, 2012
Outdoor Concert, 7:00 p.m.
Landrum Library

David Holt - Music and Stories from the Southern Mountains
Four-time Grammy Award winner, Holt is host of public television's Folkways and PRI's Riverwalk: Classic Jazz from the Landing.

 

 

Sunday, August 12, 2012
Lecture, 3:30 p.m.
Landrum Library

Dr. Tracey Laird - Cultural Preservation: A Southern Louisiana Case Study
Dr. Laird, Charles Loridans Associate Professor of Music and Chair at Agnes Scott College, focuses this program on Cajun and zydeco music.

 

 

Thursday, August 16, 2012
Outdoor Concert, 7:00 p.m.
Landrum Library

Brushfire Stankgrass Trio
The trio's music which includes the influences of hip hop, jazz and reggae, has been called “quintessential modern mountain music.”

 

 

Saturday, August 18, 2012
Concert, 7:00 p.m.
Jackson Grove United Methodist Church

Miller and Rowe Consort
Michael Miller, a classical guitarist, and David Rowe, who plays the hammer dulcimer, incorporate original compositions, classical, Celtic, old-time and hymns into their program.
Sponsored by the Susan Patricia Hodge Foundation

 

 

Thursday, August 23, 2012
Outdoor Concert, 7:00 p.m.
Landrum Library

The Trophy Husbands
Presenting an eclectic repertoire embracing Americana and folk/rock, this group from the Tryon, NC area is noted for its great harmonies and unique arrangements. The four-piece ensemble consists of Doug Dacey, vocals and guitar; Stan Halbcat, vocals and upright bass: Andy Costine, vocals and guitar; and Lee Holroyd on drums.

 

 

Saturday, August 25, 2012
7:00 p.m.
Downtown Landrum

New Harmonies Street Dance
Bruce Greene, featured artist, preservationist and nationally recognized old-time fiddler, is joined by musicians Doug Rostick, Danny Henderson and Robert Burns.
Sponsored by the City of Landrum and the Landrum Area Business Association

 

 

Sunday, August 26, 2012
Lecture/Demonstration, 3:30 p.m.
Landrum United Methodist Church

Dr. Warren Carson - Folk Roots of Contemporary Gospel Music
Dr. Carson, professor of English and assistant vice chancellor of academic affairs at USC Upstate, presents a short history of gospel music with a small choir demonstration.

 

 

Thursday, August 30, 2012
Outdoor Concert, 7:00 p.m.
Landrum Library

Gaye and Phil Johnson - Music in the Traditions of Southern Appalachia: Guitar, Mandolin and Dobro with Harmony Vocals
Songwriters and storytellers, the Johnsons offer a unique blend of Western swing, cowboy, blues, folk, bluegrass and country music.

 

 

Thursday, September 6, 2012
Outdoor Concert, 7:00 p.m.
Landrum Library

East Tennessee State University Student Pride Band
East Tennessee State University Student Pride Band will perform bluegrass and oldtime music. ETSU offers B. A. degrees and minors in bluegrass, old time and country music.

 

 

Friday, September 7, 2012
Concert, 8:30 a.m.
Landrum High School Auditorium

East Tennessee State University Student Pride Band
The East Tennesse State University Student Old Time Pride Band will perform at Landrum High School Auditorium playing old time and country music. ETSU offers B. A. degrees and minors in bluegrass, old time and country music.

 

 

Saturday, September 8, 2012
Performance & Lecture, 4:00 p.m.
Landrum United Methodist Church

Southern Appalachian Chamber Singers - The Music of Early America: A Focus on Folk Hymns in the Shape Note Tradition
Featured during Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston, most singers are Mars Hill College choir alumni and music faculty.
Sponsored by the Susan Patricia Hodge Foundation

 

 

Sunday, September 9, 2012
Concert, 3:30 p.m.
Landrum Library

Gingerthistle - Roots Music of the South
Ben Seymour and Becky Cleveland, the husband-wife team known as Gingerthistle, trace traditional folk music from the Blue Ridge Mountains back to Celtic roots.

 

 

Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Lecture & Performance, 7:00 p.m.
Landrum Library

Jay Lichty
North Carolinian Jay Lichty builds one-of-a-kind custom handmade acoustic guitars and ukuleles. A musician all of his life, Lichty was a home builder until the downturn in the economy. After handcrafting a ukulele in his new-found free time, he took a guitar-building workshop and his new career began.
Sponsored by the Mary F. Kessler Fund at Polk County Community Foundation

 

 

Thursday, September 13, 2012
Concert, 7:00 p.m.
Landrum High School Auditorium

Fire Cracker Jazz Band
The band captures the joyous energy of jazz roots, paying homage to early 20th century jazz including that of Dixieland and New Orleans.

**All concert listings at the Landrum Library will be held outside so please bring your lawn chair or blanket for seating. No alcoholic beverages allowed on library property.

Sweet Success

  Thursday, July 19, 2012

The secret is out about Kim Nelson’s Daisy Cakes. After appearing on ABC’s Shark Tank last year and with the help of Barbara Corcoran, Daisy Cakes business continues to sky rocket. Daisy Cakes is based in Pauline, SC and has been featured on NBC’s Today Show, ABC Nightly News, QVC, US Weekly and Forbes.com, along with other national media outlets. What makes these cakes so special?

Owner, Kim Nelson says she learned to bake cakes at the strings of her two grandmothers and her great Aunt Daisy’s aprons. She says their secret was simple - hand-sifted flour, farm-fresh eggs and every cake hand iced with sweet cream frosting. All of her cakes are still made the old fashioned way and use the recipes that have been handed down from generation to generation.

Daisy Cakes’ most popular cake is the carrot cake, made with a pound of carrots, golden raisins and a hint of cinnamon. There’s also red velvet, chocolate, coconut, lemon and the original yellow cake with chocolate icing. Her latest appearance was on the NBC Today Show where she shared some cooking tips as she prepared a peach cake and peach foster with ice cream using Spartanburg-grown peaches.

These days it seems everyone wants to taste a slice of Kim Nelson’s cakes. Her cakes are available online and can be shipped directly to your home. In fact, her cakes have been sold and shipped to all 50 states now. Daisy Cakes went from selling 2,000 cakes in 2010 to 18,000 in 2011. Just to put it in perspective, after appearing on Shark Tank, Nelson had 2,000 orders for her cakes in just 2 days.

To order your own Daisy Cake, visit ilovedaisycakes.com. The hard part will be deciding which one to order!

Attention All Football Fans!

  Thursday, June 28, 2012

 

It’s time for kickoff! The Carolina Panthers return to Spartanburg and Wofford College for their 18th annual summer training camp on Saturday, July 28. This is your opportunity to see NFL football up close and personal!

Spartanburg will celebrate with the Panthers Kickoff 2012 Party Saturday, July 28th from 4:30-6:30 p.m. and 8:30-9:30 p.m. at Gibbs Stadium, taking a break for fans to watch the first practice of the season from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the stadium.

The event will feature the second annual Mayor’s Ball Run, with participation from all 14 of Spartanburg’s municipalities; performances by the Panthers’ TopCat cheerleaders and mascot Sir Purr; live music from the popular Back Nine band; along with face painting, door prizes and much more. Spartanburg Mayor Junie White will kick off training camp officially at 6:30 p.m. from the stage. Admission is free!

Young fans between the age of six and 13 will have the special opportunity to register to be selected as a Panther Pal. This allows them to watch part of practices from field level and then spend time with a player or small group of players after practice. Each day's experience is unique and dependent on player schedules and availability as determined by the Panthers. Children can register for their chance to be a Panther Pal at the Team Spartanburg tent. This opportunity will be available at practices Monday-Friday.

On Sunday, July 29, the Panthers will host Play 60 Day for youngsters, featuring eight youth football stations, three inflatables, TopCats, Sir Purr and more. The free event will be from 5 to 7 p.m.

“T-Shirt Tuesdays” – with free T-shirts thrown out to fans by players – will be held on July 31 and Aug. 7 and 14.

All training camp practices are free and open to the public and parking is free as well. Unless otherwise noted, practices will be held on the practice fields.  The following is the training camp schedule for 2012: (Please note practices are subject to change in time, date and location without notice)

Saturday, July 29 – 6:30-8:20 p.m. (Gibbs Stadium)

Sunday, July 29 – 6-8:20 p.m.

Monday, July 30 – 6-8:30 p.m.

Tuesday, July 31 – 10:30 a.m-12:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 1 – 6-8:30 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 2 – 6-8:30 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 3 – 6-8:30 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 6 – 6-8:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 7 – 6-8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 8 – 6-8:30 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 9 – 6-8:30 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 10 – 2:45-5 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 13 – 6-8:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 14 – 6-8:30 p.m.

 Fans of all ages will not want to miss this rare opportunity to witness NFL football up close!

Fireworks Will Light Up the Sky on Fourth of July

  Monday, June 25, 2012

 

A colorful fireworks show will light up the night sky on Wednesday, July 4 at Spartanburg’s annual Independence Day celebration – Red, White, and Boom. The event will be held at Barnet Park beginning at 6 pm (Gates open at 5 pm).

 “We are pleased to be able to bring this family-friendly celebration to the Spartanburg community and the entire Upstate,” said City Special Events Manager Mandy Merck. “There will be lots of patriotic music, food, kid’s activities, and of course, a huge fireworks finale at the end of the celebration. We are very excited to be having this event for the second year actually on July 4th.”

Patriotic music will be provided by the Spartanburg Jazz Ensemble and the Spartanburg Community Band. Then put on your dancing shoes for music by The Half Dozen Brass Band, an exciting New Orleans style jazz group from Athens, GA.

Kids can also enjoy unlimited climbing, jumping, and sliding fun on inflatables from Will and Kris Amusements. (There will be a $10 charge for a wristband to enjoy the inflatables.)

Food and drinks will be sold inside the park. Visitors can enjoy Coca Cola and Budweiser products, refreshing lemonade, Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, Papa John’s Pizza, Carolina Italian Ice, BBQ sandwiches, sweet roasted corn on the cob, PhillySteak sandwiches, chicken or beef pita, chicken on a stick, hamburgers, hotdogs, French fries, funnel cakes, deep fried Oreos, fried chocolate chip cookie dough and more.

General admission for Red, White and Boom is $5 per person – with children ages 6 and under being Free. Advance tickets can be purchased at any Bruster’s Real Ice Cream location in Spartanburg (3 locations) Carolina Alliance Bank (downtown Spartanburg) and Spartan Federal Credit Union (Charisma Drive). Tickets will also be available starting at 5 pm on July 4 from the Barnet Park box office adjacent to Converse Street.

Visitors are reminded that there is nearby parking in the St. John Street Parking garage – next to the Chapman Cultural Center.  There are also other parking facilities (Dunbar Street, Magnolia Street and Kennedy Street) within a short walk to Barnet Park.  All parking is free in city-owned facilities.

For more information, please visit the City of Spartanburg's website.

Antique Bikes on Main Event Rolls into Town

  Monday, June 25, 2012

 

If you are an antique motorcycle fan, we have just the perfect event for you in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The 8th Annual Antique Bikes on Main motorcycle rally will be held on July 28 & 29, 2012 in downtown Chesnee.

Join thousands of motorcycles and enthusiasts at the Free Swap Meet all weekend. The 2nd Annual Prayer Ride leaves Chesnee United Methodist Church at 1:00 PM Saturday to visit area churches before returning to Downtown Chesnee for music and fellowship into the evening. Sunday is the official Antique Bikes on Main rally. Motorcycles of all makes and models will fill the city, with priority parking along Main Street by decade for all older machines. Gasoline Alley will also be held on Sunday in front of Chesnee Classic Cycle, displaying various race bikes.

Come see restored show bikes, everyday riders and unrestored favorites. There are no fees or time requirements to participate. Bring your bike, in any condition, and be part of the festivities. This has never been an All Harley event. All bikes are welcome, new and old. Antique Bikes on Main is family friendly, open to all and free to the public.

For general information, vendor registration and lodging discounts being offered by local Spartanburg hotels, visit www.AntiqueBikesOnMain.com or call (864) 590-2141.

Kick Off Peach Season at the Southern Peach Festival

  Monday, June 25, 2012

 

Did you know that at one time Spartanburg County alone produced more peaches than the entire state of Georgia? In 1948, South Carolina out-produced California to lead all states in peach production. Spartanburg County, alone had over three million peach trees and more than 240 peach sheds in 1951. Peach trees can still be found all over Spartanburg County and July is the perfect time of the year to get your own basket of sweet, ripe and juicy peaches. To celebrate peach season, Strawberry Hill USA is holding its very own Southern Peach Festival – an entire weekend of down-home Southern fun!

The fun begins on Thursday, July 19th with the Miss Strawberry Hill USA Pageant. On Saturday, July 21st the festivities kick off at 9am. Spend the day on the farm enjoying live music, BBQ, fresh churned ice cream, hot dogs, carnival rides, games and arts and crafts. There will also be a peach eating contest for the peach lovers and a peach bake-off. At 5pm you will be able to unwind and relax to live Gospel music. On Sunday, the fun continues at noon with a car show, more live Gospel music and of course the day wouldn’t be complete without some fresh churned ice cream!

Strawberry Hill USA is located at 3097 Highway 11 West in Chesnee. For more details call 864-461-7225 or visit www.strawberryhillusa.com.

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