Spartanburg Facts
Fact 1: Spartanburg isn't called the Melting Pot of South Carolina for no reason! Today, the county is an internationally recognized business and cultural center and claims the highest per capita international investment in the United States. More than 115 foreign firms that represent 15 countries are doing business in Spartanburg County.
Fact 2: Looking for a place to live? Why not Spartanburg? After all, this area was noted in Money Magazine as being one of the "Four Booming Locales Where You Can Find A Job And Live Easy."
Fact 3: Doing business in Spartanburg couldn't be easier! This community, known for its strong pro-business climate, is located at the intersection of two of the most traveled interstates in the nation, I-85 and I-26.
Fact 4: Touchdown! Spartanburg County really scored when the owner of the NFL Carolina Panthers decided to bring the summer training camp to Wofford College. Practice sessions, which are open to the public, bring more than 20,000 spectators – a record breaking number.
Fact 5: Even though international business plays a major role in the economy of Spartanburg, the hometown favorite is still textiles. The textile industry is the largest employer of any industrial segment in the county.
Fact 6: Can you explain exactly what a Zentrum is? Sure, the Zentrum, German for "center," is a visitors' center operated by BMW. The company's only North American manufacturing facility is located in Spartanburg County and hosts both tourists and residents in this area for public tours of BMW's production site. Complete with a Gallery of BMW art cars and works, design displays, gift shop and café, this attraction is sure to please any car novice!
Fact 7: The Beacon has been serving up the best burger and sandwich plates in Spartanburg for over 50 years! It has been reported that the Beacon serves more iced tea than anyone. A favorite among politicians, the Beacon has hosted Elizabeth Dole, John McCain and George W. Bush during the 2000 Presidential Campaign alone! After the Beacon was recently sold by its original owner, the city decided to pay tribute to this Fast Food King and renamed the street the Beacon is located on to John B. White, Sr. Boulevard.
Fact 8: Colleges and universities dot the Spartanburg area like peaches on a peach tree. Wofford College and Converse College are just two of the many fine institutions located here. Wofford College was the first independent college in South Carolina to receive a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. Converse College is a four-year liberal arts college for women with a professional school of music. The all women's college has been recognized as one of the top-tier colleges and universities in the South.
Fact 9: Y not exercise while in Spartanburg? The largest family single-unit YMCA in the Southeast is located here as well as many other fitness centers. Plus, with an annual average temperature of 60 degrees and infrequent snowfall, take the opportunity to hit some balls on one of the 16 golf courses that Spartanburg offers.
Fact 10: There are many luxuries that being the "melting pot of South Carolina" bring to Spartanburg – the most important being food! Many restaurants offer authentic Southern cooking including fried chicken, turnips and creamed potatoes. But many ethnic restaurants spice up this Southern city with an international flair!
