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Spartanburg, SC is known as Sparkle City or Hub City and was once the center of the thriving Southern textile industry and the peach-growing industry. Spartanburg is home to many different businesses but what many people don’t know is that it is also home to a multitude of black owned businesses within and right outside the city limits. But what if you spent a whole weekend in Spartanburg? Could you get through just visiting black-owned businesses? Let’s put this question to the test.
Starting off our weekend, you would fly into South Carolina arriving at Grenville-Spartanburg International Airport. Surprisingly, this is where you will meet your first black-
owned business. You can arrange for Atchison Transportation Services to pick you up from the airport and take you to the beautiful Clevedale Historic Inn and Gardens. This bed and breakfast is owned by Paul and Pontheolla Abernathy and they welcome all the new faces that want to enjoy the historic inn.
After all that delicious breakfast it’s now time to hit the streets of Spartanburg. You can start off by shopping at the black-owned Not Your Average Thrift Store. For the men, if you are visiting for a conference or
need a suit you can check out James and James Collection located on N. Church in beautiful downtown. They are a one-stop-shop for everything from men’s wear to accessories. Spartanburg is also home to a boutique children’s clothing store Caitlyn's Closet the one-stop shop for little trend setters. The owner of this boutique has an eye for fashion and a passion for bringing high quality brands to our area. Obviously, we can’t forget about the ladies, if you want to treat yourself to a day of beauty I recommend visiting The Art of Hair Studio, LLC. The team at The Art of Hair Studio is skilled in natural hair, braids, color and so much more.
The great thing about Spartanburg is that it is family friendly. You can take the whole family to Paint Your Partner, a black-owned studio, for fun and painting.
To wrap up your nights in Spartanburg, here are a few places you can grab some dinner and relax with some drinks or even grab a sweet treat: Kingston Homestyle Kitchen located Downtown Spartanburg, Mustard Seed BBQ, Charlene's Home Cooking, The Seafood Spot, and if you are strolling through Downtown stop by Small Cakes: Cupcakery and Creamery. We are also proud of our sweet and savory food trucks. If you have the time stop by and sample dishes from Unique Tastes or Sweets on the Run.
Spartanburg is also rich in history and black people have contributed so much to the fabric of this beautiful city. At the Regional History Museum , you will find materials related to the Civil Rights movement, printed interviews with ex-slaves captured by the Works Progress Administration in the 1940s, as well as the legislative desk of Spartanburg’s first black female representative, Brenda Lee, who served in the S.C. House from 1995-2005. On the south side of town, is Duncan Park baseball field, now this field has so much history that goes with it, but the biggest thing must be that from 1928-1952 this field was home to the Spartanburg Sluggers of the Negro League. Also, right near there is the historic “Old City Cemetery” on Cemetery Street, used by the African Americans of this area beginning in 1900. Explore and see the grave sites of some of Spartanburg’s most prominent black citizens, including Mary H. Wright (1862-1946), a teacher who taught for 65 years and was one of the main proponents of education for black children in Spartanburg County. Phyllis Goins (1860-1945), a legendary midwife, is buried there, as is Spartanburg’s first city councilman Thomas Bomar (1864-1904).
We look forward to a time when businesses are fully opened, and our itinerary reflects this ideal. For now, some restaurants, bars, shops, attractions, and cultural institutions may be temporarily closed, have delivery/takeout/outdoor dining/online shopping only or have shortened hours. Be sure to check on their status before your visit.
The Spartanburg Black-owned business community has a lot to be proud of and each day we are uncovering more and more Black-owned gems within our community. If you are a Black-owned small business and would like to connect to our growing network please contact us. Hope you enjoy all the black owned businesses and historical sights when you visit the beautiful city of Spartanburg, South Carolina.