Maximize Your Time in Spartanburg with Patricia Byrd
Get the most of out of your time in Spartanburg. Explore our restaurants, outdoor amenities and more after your meeting, event or conference, and use this guide to some hidden gems around Spartanburg from Patricia Byrd, OneSpartanburg, Inc. Director of Destination Services.
Of the conferences/meetings you’ve hosted in Spartanburg, which are you most proud of, and why?
A: All are important, but the South Carolina Governors Conference on Travel & Tourism (2017) and Southeast Tourism Society Connections Conference (2021) are near the top. Both of these events gave us the opportunity to showcase Spartanburg to our industry peers. I still receive complements on how well we executed the Governor’s Conference. The word of mouth about the destination is infectious. People are amazed on how much the destination has changed in the last 20 years, 10 years, and even since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
What Spartanburg off-site group activity do you most often recommend?
A: It depends on the group, but I love to recommend of our outdoor venues like FR8Yard; outdoor music series like Music on Main, the BMW Performance Center for the Ultimate Driving and team building experience.
What’s your favorite way to spend your leisure time?
A: Walking one of our great trails. I kicked off 2022 with a First Day Hike at Croft State Park.
Tell us about a Spartanburg restaurant you consider a ‘hidden gem’?
A: It’s not so much a hidden gem, but Rick Erwin’s Level 10, atop the AC Hotel Spartanburg downtown, offers offers spectacular views along with an awesome dining experience.
How do you stay connected with peers and colleagues in the industry?
A: Participating in membership organizations like Meeting Professional International Carolinas Chapter (MPI-CC). I currently serve as an ambassador for the organization where I get to welcome new members and introduce them to other members. attending meetings and networking events; phone; email and social media channels.
Is there a recent event or conference held in Spartanburg you think was particularly successful?
A: The AME 7th Episcopal Piedmont South Carolina Annual Conference was held in Spartanburg from Oct. 21-23, 2021 with around 300 people in attendance at the Spartanburg Marriott. The event had excellent COVID protocols, as all attendees had to be vaccinated, were tested daily on-site and masked during the event.
Tell us about a Spartanburg restaurant you consider a ‘hidden gem.’
A: Hmm, there are so many choices, it’s hard to narrow it down. Since we are supposed to have 3 meals per day here are my top 3, with options for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Breakfast – Strawberry Hill USA: If you don’t mind a short ride to Strawberry Hill USA, one of my favorites is their pancakes with fresh peaches or strawberries, when in-season, with whipped cream. With fruit picked on site, it’s truly a farm-to-table dish.
- Lunch – Blue Moon Specialty Foods: Well, you can get both breakfast and lunch at Blue Moon. I love their quiche with a side of fresh fruit salad. It’s a hot, local spot for a quick bite, seasoned with their signature Yep Shake and sauces. It’s also a great place to get made in Spartanburg gifts.
- Dinner – Heirloom: A Milltown Eatery: What can I say, Heirloom has delicious, southern classics with a modern twist. A meal here is true experience of the senses as the restaurant pays homage to our textile mill history by utilizing locally-sourced ingredients. The menu changes often to ensure in-season offerings. The Shrimp & Grits Pork Belly with Carolina Gold Risotto are must-haves.
If you’re looking beyond food to get the most authentically-Spartanburg experience possible after your next meeting, conference or event, check out these itineraries showcasing various aspects of our community that make it so visit-worthy.
