In early October, Walnut Grove hosts “FESTIFALL.” Crafters adorned in period clothing demonstrate blacksmithing, basketry, candledipping, doll making, dyeing, quilting, soapmaking, weaving and more. Visitors can also enjoy a reenactment of a 1780 raid on Walnut Grove when “Bloody Bill” Cunningham, an American deserter, tried to capture the house and murder the patriots holding the fort. Another place to gain a sense of Spartanburg’s history is THE PRICE HOUSE. Built near Woodruff by Thomas Price in approximately 1795, Price obtained a license to operate a “house of public entertainment.” The classic brick home served as the community Post Office, General Store, and lodge for travelers.

Each April, the Price House hosts the “TASTE OF THE BACKCOUNTRY FESTIVAL,” in which visitors can enjoy food cooked over an open flame. Artisans are also on hand to give presentations on life in the early 1800’s. Antique buffs flock to the event as appraisers from around the region offer appraisals.

Those wishing to see life as it was during the Revolutionary Era for a family of more modest means will want to visit THE SEAY HOUSE, located on Darby Road. The Seay House is a surviving example of a small rural farmstead that existed prior to the development of Spartanburg. The Seay House is open on a limited basis, so check with the SCHA before planning your visit.

Spartanburg has made a commitment to preserving historical structures in the downtown area as well. With history in mind, the SPARTANBURG COUNTY MUSEUM’S DOWNTOWN WALKING TOUR winds through the city, providing information on various historical homes and landmarks in the downtown area.

Another tour worth taking is a stroll through turn of the century life in the HAMPTON HEIGHTS DOWNTOWN DISTRICT. Founded in the 1880’s and built on a tract of farmland, Hampton Heights was originally settled by upper-middle class professionals who built large Victorian Queen Anne style homes. Now an inner-city neighborhood, residents have joined together to renew the area and preserve the homes and the sense of history that goes with them.

THE GLEN SPRINGS HISTORICAL DISTRICT also offers visitors a snapshot of life during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Spartanburg once was known as the "unofficial summer capital of South Carolina" because of the large number of people who visited the area, seeking out its famed healing waters. A walking tour of the district reveals the architecture and the history of the area.

Moving ahead to the 1900’s, THE COWPENS DEPOT AND MUSEUM is a showplace for relics belonging to the crew of the USS Cowpens, a famous World War II aircraft carrier. Housed in a 100-year-old freight depot, the museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.