Spartanburg is truly a hub! Once dubbed “Hub City” for its railroad industry, Spartanburg today is a center for so much more. From its thriving art and music scene, to its active, outdoor culture, Hub City offers something for everyone!
Spartanburg is something special – we have the goings-on of a big city, wrapped up in the friendliness of a small town. Come see why our students and faculty love where they live!
Things To Do
A College Town in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with convenient access to the best the region has to offer, Spartanburg’s eclectic vibe is something Converse students love most. Some of the highlights are:
- Morgan Square, a graceful city-centric park hosting holiday ice skating, Jazz on the Square, College Town parties, and even a giant ferris wheel.
- In 2024, Southern Living named Spartanburg as one of its “Best Cities On The Rise.”
- Artists can revel in a variety of art galleries, Hub City Bookshop, Spartanburg Art Museum, and the Artists Collective.
- Entertainment venues like the Spartanburg Philharmonic, Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium, the Chapman Cultural Center
- Spartanburg was recognized by the League of American Bicyclists as the first Bicycle Friendly Community in South Carolina in 2007, even making the list of best U.S. cities for biking.
See all Spartanburg has to offer at www.visitspartanburg.com.
Outdoor Adventures
It’s easy to enjoy the outdoor life in Spartanburg. Bring your kayak and hiking boots to explore our blueways and greenways, try the Sparkle City mini putt, or grab your bike and trek miles of roads and trails. Croft State Park and the Swamp Rabbit Trail are just a few of the many parks and trails found in the area.
Designated a Bicycle Friendly Community, Spartanburg is home to several B-Cycle stations with rentable bikes, including one right here on the Converse campus – making it easy to explore outdoors!
Are scooters more your style? Converse was the first university in South Carolina to sport Blue Duck scooters on campus.
Places to Eat
From steakhouses and southern fare, to burger joints and barbecue, Spartanburg is home to unique restaurants to suit every taste and price range.
- Ciclops Brewery & Cidery
- Converse Deli
- Cribb’s Kitchen on Main (accepts Converse Flex Dollars)
- Delaney’s Irish Pub
- Eggs Up Grill(accepts Converse Flex Dollars)
- Firehouse Subs
- Health in Hand Juice and Smoothie Bar
- The Kennedy
- Lime Leaf
- Little River Roasters
- Monsoon Noodle House
- Papa John’s (E. Main St. location accepts Converse Flex Dollars)
- Planet Smoothie
- Pokenori(accepts Converse Flex Dollars)
- RJ Rockers
- Spill the Beans
- Sully’s Steamers (Spartanburg location accepts Converse Flex Dollars)
- Venus Pie Pizzeria
- Willy Taco
Local Hotels
- AC Hotel Spartanburg (Converse rate)
- Comfort Suites at Westgate Mall
- Courtyard Greenville-Spartanburg Airport (Converse rate)
- Fairfield Inn Greenville-Spartanburg Airport (Converse rate)
- Hampton Inn & Suites Spartanburg I-26 Westgate Mall
- Hilton Garden Inn (Converse rate)
- Spartanburg Marriott (Converse rate)
Area Attractions
Converse University is centrally located in the heart of Upstate South Carolina. Within a three-hour drive, you can enjoy:
- Award-winning cities of Greenville, SC and Asheville, NC
- Commercial and regional hubs of Atlanta, GA and Charlotte, NC
- Blue Ridge Mountain towns, like Blowing Rock, NC
- Lake communities of Keowee, Jocassee and Hartwell
- Recreational pursuits including hiking, biking and fishing
Upstate Businesses
Converse is surrounded by vibrant, business-centric communities. Our region:
- Is home to more than 400 corporations, including Michelin, BMW, General Electric and Milliken.
- Has added more than 25,000 jobs since 2010, and is recognized as home to a leading talent-driven workforce.
- Boosts engaging community cultures with a regular schedule of events, activities and things to do.
- On average, has a cost of living 10% less than the national average.