Spartanburg, South Carolina is one of the state's infamous gems – it has a peculiar mix of elegance, contemporary, and vintage that is welcoming to those who visit or stay. Those of us who live here know what tools have to be utilized to be successful in a town like this and would not change anything about our quaint yet bustling abode. Even though we complain about never possibly having a thing to do in our seemingly "boring" city, there is no pace we would rather call home. The town is all its own and the people speak a different type of language, but it is what makes Spartanburg more than just a stop, but a destination.
Here is but a few facts that make Sparkle City...well, sparkle.
1. The Beacon is its own greasy religion.
Since 1946, the Beacon has been the hub for those of Hub City. With its fair share of visits from presidents to celebrities, the restaurant has made quite a name for itself over the years – a deep-fried one at that.
2. No restaurants (besides Sarku and Chick-fil-A) ever stay open at the Westgate Mall Food Court.
Everything from wings to Philly cheese steaks to tropical smoothies (I am still not over this) have paraded their way through the Food Court of Westgate Mall, but only the strong have stayed afloat.
3. 100.5 is the only station that is EVER playing music... ever.
WSSL 100, we salute you.
4. There are railroad tracks on every street.
Want to hear a ear-splitting horn at 2:00 in the morning? We've got you covered.
5. The Wofford Terriers are our own NFL/NBA/MLB/WBNA teams.
Everyone's blood runs black and gold.
6. Sugar and Spice really does has everything nice.
My mouth is watering just thinking about their chicken tender and fry combo.
7. Every single person in Spartanburg has taken a picture in front of the "Love Where You Live" sign.
If you type in #Spartanburg on Instagram I am sure you will see a smorgasbord of posts.
8. The Marshall Tucker Band is from ol' Hub City.
My mom encouraged me to include this one.
9. Dorman is always shining in all its glory with every trip down I-26.
I might be biased as a Cavalier, but we have the best school in the state.
10. The Foster's Tavern located on Union Street is haunted.
There is a rumor that all of the toilets flush every night at 12:00 in the morning.
11. Everyone and their momma works at the BMW Factory.
...and drives them too.
12. Wade's restaurant is a Sunday afternoon must.
Can I get two fried chicken legs with 2, 4, and 7, please?
13. The Clock Tower is our own personal Big Ben.
It is most definitely not London, but we have our own type of redneck class.
14. JC Stroble's "CALL IT" could put any of us to sleep.
Chili cheese a' plenty.
15. We go to Greenville when we are looking for a night out.
Even though we have the cutest shops and restaurants, there is something about Greenville that seems to make it so much more appealing.
16. There are two Krispy Kremes, but the "Hot Now" sign only works at one.
We need to petition to have the old one back and running.
17. Spartanburg Regional's wait time is always a day and a half.
I mean I only have a small laceration that require stitches, no biggie.
18. The Panther's Training Camp calls Spartanburg home.
That's right, Cam Newton spends his days strolling down the streets of Wofford.
19. Every single high school student has taken prom pictures at First Presbyterian.
There is probably a whole stockpile of corsage and boutonnière petals that have fallen onto the ground.