The secret is out on Spartanburg.

Once a quiet stopover, the city is buzzing with a palpable energy fueled by massive downtown investment and a proud local community.

A remarkable construction boom has introduced the new Fifth Third Park, home of the Hub City Spartanburgers baseball team, alongside new hotels and residences.

The downtown area is now a vibrant, walkable hub.

Visitors can explore the serene Cleveland Park, browse the beloved Hub City Bookshop, or enjoy the burgeoning culinary scene at spots like The Kennedy and FR8yard.

A pint of the famous Son of a Peach ale at Rockers Brewing Co. has become an essential local experience.

This isn't just growth; it's a renaissance, establishing Spartanburg as a premier destination in the Southeast.

A tidal wave of development is reshaping the heart of Spartanburg, fueling unprecedented growth and creating thousands of local jobs.

Since 2017, construction projects have injected a massive $1.77 billion into the countywide economy.

This boom now supports an incredible 13,706 jobs, a figure that surpasses the entire workforce at the county’s largest single employer, BMW Manufacturing.

Transformative projects are powering this renaissance, including the new Fifth Third Park and the complete redevelopment of the former Spartanburg Herald-Journal site.

Mayor Jerome Rice emphasized that this growth translates directly into tangible benefits for all citizens, from better infrastructure to more support for first-responders.

The city’s tourism sector is also soaring, with hotel occupancy climbing over 71%—outperforming several peer cities.

According to OneSpartanburg, Inc., this isn't just a momentary surge; it’s a sustainable foundation for a thriving community.

The holiday spirit is building in Spartanburg County with a new initiative to encourage shopping local.

A community-wide effort is now underway to create the definitive Spartanburg Gift Guide, a curated collection celebrating local talent.

The guide will showcase unique treasures from our friends and neighbors, including handcrafted jewelry, artisanal foods, and bespoke apparel from Downtown Spartanburg boutiques.

When you buy from a local maker, you invest in a local family and strengthen the fabric of the Hub City economy.

This is a call to action for the business owners who make our community shine.

An open invitation is extended to local shops, cafés, and makers to submit their information to be featured in the highly anticipated guide.

The goal is to make it easier than ever to support Spartanburg and give a gift that truly keeps on giving back to our city.

A cherished Spartanburg tradition, Merry Clippermas, is celebrating its tenth anniversary this holiday season.

For a full decade, the event has provided free, professional haircuts to local children and families, ensuring they feel confident and cared for.

Hosted at the C.C. Woodson Community Center, this heartwarming gathering is a collaboration managed by the City of Spartanburg Parks and Recreation.

The milestone highlights the enduring generosity of local stylists and volunteers who donate their time and skills each year.

More than just a haircut, the event has become an essential part of the holiday calendar, fostering a powerful sense of community, dignity, and festive cheer.

All are invited to celebrate this decade of giving back on December 7th at the community center.

Your Spartanburg County Public Libraries card is now your key to exploring the great outdoors.

A new partnership allows residents to check out a South Carolina State Parks Pass from any library branch, granting free vehicle entry into all state parks.

This makes visiting incredible local spots like Croft State Park more accessible than ever for everyone in the community.

With high demand expected, you can call or visit your local branch to place a hold using just your library card.

Once a pass becomes available, you'll have seven days to use it—perfect for a weekend adventure.

The program is a fantastic opportunity for Spartanburg families and individuals to connect with the natural beauty of South Carolina without the cost of admission.

A new chapter in law enforcement has begun for Spartanburg County.

Bill Rhyne took the oath of office, becoming the first new sheriff to lead the county in twenty years and promising a culture of accountability.

A veteran of public safety, Rhyne described the role as a calling he had to answer.

His new command staff marks a historic moment with the appointment of Captain Michelle Johnson, the first woman ever to hold such a position in the county.

To immediately foster transparency, Sheriff Rhyne announced plans to release quarterly financial updates to the public.

He also created a new Director of Budget and Finance position.

These decisive steps are intended to strengthen the bond between law enforcement and the community they serve by prioritizing openness and fiscal responsibility.

Governor Henry McMaster has signed a sweeping executive order targeting "junk food" purchases made with public benefits in South Carolina.

The new policy restricts SNAP recipients from using EBT cards to buy items officials deem to have low nutritional value, such as candy, some energy drinks, and sugary beverages.

The stated goal is to ensure taxpayer dollars support nutritious meals.

However, the rollout sparked immediate local confusion, particularly over sweet tea, which is banned if it contains five or more grams of added sugar.

While the governor defended the policy as a common-sense measure, advocacy groups like the SC Appleseed Legal Justice Center have fiercely opposed the new rules.

Critics argue the order is based on a flawed assumption that low-income families are incapable of making sound decisions without government intervention.

For now, local families face a new and complex landscape at the grocery store checkout.

Parking headaches in downtown Spartanburg are officially a thing of the past.

A game-changing free valet service has launched to make your evenings out at Morgan Square smoother and more enjoyable.

Conveniently located at the corner of Dunbar and Magnolia Streets, the complimentary service runs from Tuesday through Sunday.

Simply pull up, hand over your keys, and you are mere steps away from top downtown destinations.

This means less time circling for a spot and more time dining at local favorites like Delaney's Irish Pub, the new Isla's on the Square, or The Peddler Steakhouse.

This fantastic initiative perfectly complements the city’s vibrant growth, inviting residents and visitors to explore the best of downtown Spartanburg without the usual stress.