What to Do Inside When It’s Cold Outside
South Carolina is known for its hot and humid summers, but winter and cold temperatures do find their way to the Palmetto state.
In Spartanburg, the cold weather can be combatted with layers, heaters, dinners and drinks around the fire (or a well-placed heater) and a plethora of fun indoor activities for all ages.
Museums + Art Galleries
A “Small Museum with Big Art,” the Spartanburg Art Museum, inside the Chapman Cultural Center, houses a rotating set of exhibitions and a permanent collection. The diverse, contemporary exhibits bring the museum to life, showcasing a level of local and regional art you’d expect to find in a bigger city.
The Spartanburg Art Museum is open T-W, 10 AM-5 PM, Th, 10 AM-7 PM, Fr, 10 AM-5 PM, Sat., 11 AM-4 PM.
Opened in 2011, The Art Lounge specializes in custom framing and showcases the work of 20 local artists. Named the 2019 Independent Small Business of the Year by Independent We Stand, The Art Lounge helps local artists sell their work so they can continue creating.
The Art Lounge is open M-Th, 10 AM-5 PM, Fr, 10 AM-4 PM
The Artists Collective Spartanburg
The Artists Collective is home to 32 studios featuring the work of more than 50 local artists in sculpture, painting and more. There’s a gallery shop and artists’ work can be purchased online, and there are monthly workshops available for anyone looking to embrace their artistic side.
The Artists Collective Spartanburg is open Tu-Sat., 10 AM-4 PM.
A private art collection dedicated to showcasing the cultural evolution of the American South, The Johnson Collection features important works by female and African-American artists among rotating exhibitions and exclusive pieces.
The Johnson Collection is open W-Sat., 12-4 PM and on the third Thursday of the month, from 5-8 PM, for ArtWalk.
Located in a dynamic arts incubator in the Arcadia village of Spartanburg, inside a historic mill building, Mayfair Art Studios brings together a community of artists.
The Chapman Cultural Center initiative features artist studios and unique space for creatives to work and embrace entrepreneurship by selling their creations.
Mayfair Art Studios is open 10 AM-7 PM Mon.-Fri., and 9 AM-3 PM Sat.
Some Friendly Competition
The Speed Factory, with its vibrant, graffiti-coated aesthetic, lets you test your top speed with lap and timed options for your treks around the indoor track. Ten-minute packages and track rentals are available. A $5 membership fee is required to drive at the Speed Factory but no other additional license or fees are required.
Speed Factory Spartanburg is open M, 2-9 PM, W-6-9 PM, Th, 2-9 PM, Fr, 2-10 PM, Sat., 12-10 PM, Sun., 2-8 PM.
Behind Spartanburg favorite Rockers Brewing Co, the premise of Craft Axe Throwing is simple – throw an axe at a large, wooden board and see how close you can get to the bullseye. Throwing lane reservations are available, as are walk-in plays. Craft Axe has a bar inside, too.
Craft Axe Throwing is open M-Th, 4-9 PM, Fri-Sat., 12-11 PM, Sun., 2-9 PM.
Housed inside a former department store, UnderPin offers eight, neon-accented bowling lanes, a set of arcade games and a full bar with first-class cocktails and a selection of craft beers. As you roll, don’t be surprised if you catch the whiff of delicious barbecue coming from Initial Q.
UnderPin is open T-Th, 4-11 PM, Fr, 4 PM-1:30 AM, Sat., 12 PM-1:30 AM, Sun., 12-10 PM.
Kid-Friendly
The Children’s Museum of the Upstate – Spartanburg
The Children’s Museum of the Upstate offers exhibits developed on a smaller scale to meet the needs of early-learners, children age 5 and under.
Note: To ensure a safe environment, you’ll need to book an entry-time ticket to access the museum. Get yours here.
Big Air Spartanburg Trampoline Park
Near the Westgate Mall, the high-flying Big Air Trampoline Park will help your kids (and you) work out some energy as you (literally) bounce off the walls. Big Air offers plenty of jumping surfaces, trampoline dodgeball and slam dunk courts, obstacle courses, foam pits, a climbing wall and more.
Big Air Trampoline Park is open M-T, 3-8 PM, W-Th, 10 AM-8 PM, Fri., 3-10 PM, Sat., 10 AM-10 PM, Sun., 1-7 PM.
Eat Your Way Around Spartanburg
Whether you’re looking for some food to warm you up, or aiming to have a nice meal in the comfortable temperature of a restaurant, Spartanburg has you covered. Find a full listing of restaurants, broken down by-cuisine, here.