What once was a murmur has become a full-fledged beating heart. Visit a park, take a summer dip in an interactive fountain, shop, dine, relax and unwind. Spartanburg’s downtown nightclubs, restaurants, corporate headquarters and hotels have transformed the area into a bustling hub for both work and play. The electricity generated by Spartanburg’s burgeoning downtown district captures the spirit and buzz that has taken hold in the community. Like many downtown districts around the Southeast, there was a time that downtown Spartanburg had become an empty shell. In the community’s rise as a prominent destination city, downtown is now a pearl in the eyes of many Spartanburg residents. Much of what happens downtown surrounds BARNET PARK. Located adjacent to the Renaissance Park complex, Barnet Park boasts scenic walkways, sculptures and an interactive water fountain. Families enjoy the park year-round for walks and cooling off in the summer, while those who work downtown can enjoy an al fresco break in the day for lunch or a cup of coffee. The ZIMMERLI AMPHITHEATER, a state-of-the-art covered outdoor arena, features live music, including performances by the Greater Spartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra. The growth and attractiveness of the downtown area has also made it home to many of the area and nation’s major corporations. Downtown is alive with over a thousand employees from large companies including Denny’s National Headquarters, QS/1 Data Systems, Advance America, White Oak, and Extended Stay America. In addition, numerous law and accounting firms now call downtown Spartanburg home.