News Summary
Local historian and travel guide Chumley Cope promotes discovering the Carolinas through short day trips to towns like Laurens and Newberry. Cope, leader of Explore Up Close, underscores the charm and historical significance of these destinations. He highlights options such as scenic drives, museums, and cultural sites, including the Earl Scruggs Center in Shelby and the Newberry Opera House. Visitors are encouraged to explore local eateries, enjoy architectural gems, and experience the unique adventures each town has to offer.
Spartanburg – Local historian and travel guide Chumley Cope advocates for the exploration of the Carolinas through short day trips, highlighting the accessibility and charm of various regional destinations. As the leader of the travel company Explore Up Close, Cope emphasizes the unique adventures that both local and international travel can offer, particularly focusing on small towns and their historical significance.
Cope identifies Laurens County as an excellent starting point for day trips, easily reachable via Interstate 26 from Spartanburg or Interstate 385 from Greenville. This town features a historic square where visitors can explore a courthouse currently undergoing renovation, along with a variety of local restaurants and the delightful Verdin’s Too garden shop. At the Laurens County Museum, attendees can view Native American artifacts and a collection of 30 historic quilts, as well as rotating exhibits that delve into the area’s rich heritage. During the holiday season, the courthouse square becomes a festive attraction with a beautifully decorated Christmas tree and seasonal displays.
Nearby, West Main Street boasts scenic walks past peaceful churches and historic homes, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the local atmosphere. For history enthusiasts, the Battle of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site offers a less recognized but significant Revolutionary War site, featuring a battlefield trail, a diorama, and seasonal swimming opportunities at Horseshoe Falls. Cope notes that this site has much to offer visitors interested in the history of the area.
Just across the North Carolina state line lies Shelby, known for its enchanting town square and historic architecture. Cope describes Shelby as a “real gem” and highlights the Earl Scruggs Center, which celebrates the legacy of Bluegrass musician Earl Scruggs. Located in the former Cleveland County Courthouse, the center houses instruments owned by Scruggs’ family and exhibits on the economic and cultural history of the region. Additionally, visitors can enjoy performances at the Don Gibson Theatre, a venue with a capacity of 400 seats that hosts various musical acts.
A visit to Shelby would not be complete without experiencing the Banker’s House on North Lafayette Street, recognized for its striking Second Empire architectural design. This historic property stands as a testament to the area’s rich architectural heritage.
Moving further through the Upstate, Newberry is accessible via I-26 and features the historically significant Newberry Opera House, which has hosted numerous musical talents since its reopening in the 1990s. The opera house has significantly contributed to the thriving downtown, fostering the growth of new restaurants, hotels, and shops. The Old Newberry County Courthouse visitor center, another site of interest, showcases notable Greek Revival architecture along with its controversial bas-relief artwork.
The Newberry Museum offers both permanent and rotating exhibits that share local community stories, while the city is also home to a Japanese garden established in 1930, which has been maintained and updated over the years. Cope encourages community exploration as a means to glean inspiration and a fresh perspective from these smaller towns.
For those seeking scenic drives, Cope recommends Highway 11 (Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway) known for its breathtaking views and nearby attractions. Highway 288 presents another picturesque journey connecting Slater-Marietta with Highway 178, ultimately linking back with Highway 11 near Table Rock. Travelers are advised to stop at local eateries like Pumpkintown General Store and Café, famous for its Southern breakfast and lunch offerings.
Cope suggests exploring Fairview Road, which transitions from suburban to rural landscapes, providing enjoyable scenic views. Noteworthy stops along Fairview Road include Fairview Presbyterian Church, potentially the oldest church in Greenville County. Moreover, Cope encourages adventurers to opt for two-lane roads throughout the Upstate, allowing them to appreciate beautiful countryside vistas and create lasting memories from their travels.
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Additional Resources
- GoUpstate: Spartanburg Historian Touts Travel Gems in the Carolinas
- Wikipedia: Carolinas
- GoUpstate: Upstate Roads Somewhat Less Traveled
- Google Search: Travel Day Trips Carolinas
- GoUpstate Home
- Google Scholar: Travel History Carolinas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: United States
- Google News: Travel in South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY
The NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewberry.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Newberry, Newberry County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Newberry Opera House performances, Newberry Arts Fest, and the Newberry County Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and agriculture that power the local economy such as Amick Farms and Newberry Mills. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
