Free Upstate Travel Guide & Mobile App

Explore Upstate with free travel guides. Discover regional history, expert tips, proposed trips, and audio guides on web or mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Upstate
Upstate photo 2
Upstate photo 3
All photos

Explore Upstate South Carolina for Greenville culture, Blue Ridge foothills, waterfalls, lakes, Revolutionary history and distinctive Southern food.

Upstate South Carolina occupies the north-western corner of the state, rising from the rolling Piedmont around Anderson, Greenville and Spartanburg to the forested Blue Ridge foothills of Pickens and Oconee counties. It is a region of contrasts: compact, energetic cities sit within easy reach of waterfalls, reservoirs, mountain overlooks and long rural horizons. The ten-county area commonly known as the Upstate includes Abbeville, Anderson, Cherokee, Greenville, Greenwood, Laurens, Oconee, Pickens, Spartanburg and Union counties.
Read more about Upstate
Greenville is the region's principal urban centre, with a walkable downtown, the Reedy River running through Falls Park and a lively cultural calendar. Its restored Main Street leads towards the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a multi-use route extending north towards Travelers Rest and the grounds of Furman University. Spartanburg has a strong arts, design and automotive identity, while Anderson, Greenwood and Abbeville provide smaller-scale historic centres, local museums and access to the lakes and countryside of the southern Upstate.
The landscape becomes more rugged towards the north. Table Rock and Caesars Head State Parks provide some of the region's best-known mountain scenery, with hiking routes, exposed granite formations and views across the dramatic escarpment. In the far north-west, Lake Jocassee and the Jocassee Gorges combine clear mountain water, steep woodland and secluded coves; access is more seasonal and dispersed than in the cities. Sassafras Mountain, South Carolina's highest point, stands near the Pickens County border and offers a broad outlook over the Blue Ridge.
Upstate history is visible in Cherokee and Revolutionary War sites, textile-mill communities, historic courthouses and African American heritage landmarks. The Battle of Cowpens took place in what is now Cherokee County, while Ninety Six National Historic Site in Greenwood County preserves a significant Revolutionary-era landscape. Later, cotton manufacturing transformed towns along the region's rivers, leaving mill villages and industrial buildings that have found new uses as apartments, studios, restaurants and cultural venues.
Food and drink reflect both South Carolina traditions and the region's contemporary growth. Barbecue, fried catfish, pimento cheese, biscuits, peach products and locally brewed beer appear alongside international restaurants and chef-led dining in Greenville, Spartanburg and other larger towns. Outdoor recreation ranges from paddling and fishing on mountain lakes to road cycling, hiking and waterfall walks. Distances are modest by American standards but rural attractions are spread out, so a thoughtful itinerary combining a city base with the northern mountains or western lakes works best.

Getting to and around Upstate

How to get there

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport is the principal air gateway and serves the central Upstate from its location near Greer. It has domestic connections and onward links through larger US hubs. The region is also reachable by interstate highways including I-85, I-26 and I-385, while Amtrak's Crescent serves stations in Spartanburg and Clemson. Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina and Asheville Regional Airport are outside the Upstate but may be useful for some itineraries; Columbia Metropolitan Airport is another possible South Carolina gateway.

Transportation

A car is the most flexible way to combine Upstate cities with state parks, battlefields, waterfalls and lakes, many of which are separated by rural roads and have limited public transport. Greenville and Spartanburg offer local bus networks, taxis and app-based rides, and Greenville's Swamp Rabbit Trail is useful for cycling between parts of the city and nearby communities. Amtrak provides a limited intercity rail option, but trains are not a practical way to tour the wider region. Mountain roads can be winding and should be driven cautiously in poor weather.

Top city travel guides in Upstate

The cities of Upstate, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Upstate

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Upstate

Upstate attractions range from urban public spaces and museums to mountain wilderness and Revolutionary War landscapes. Greenville's Falls Park on the Reedy is the region's best-known city attraction, combining gardens, river views, a pedestrian bridge and access to the Swamp Rabbit Trail. Spartanburg offers museums, galleries and automotive heritage, while Anderson, Greenwood and Abbeville have local collections and historic districts that illuminate the inland South Carolina story. In the north, Table Rock and Caesars Head state parks provide hiking, rock scenery and Blue Ridge viewpoints; Paris Mountain State Park offers an accessible escape close to Greenville. Lake Jocassee and the Jocassee Gorges are suited to boating, fishing, paddling and woodland exploration, although facilities and access are more limited than in the cities. History-focused travellers can visit Cowpens National Battlefield and Ninety Six National Historic Site, both important Revolutionary-era landscapes. Waterfalls, covered bridges, farms, rail trails and former textile communities add variety, while Clemson's university setting contributes gardens, cultural facilities and sports-related attractions without defining the entire region.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Upstate

Falls Park on the Reedy, centred on the Reedy River in downtown Greenville, is the Upstate's most recognisable civic landscape; its pedestrian Liberty Bridge frames the waterfalls and links the city centre with landscaped riverbanks. In the mountains, Table Rock is a prominent granite outcrop and natural landmark, while Sassafras Mountain provides the highest elevation in South Carolina and broad views across the Blue Ridge. Caesar's Head, with its exposed rock and escarpment outlooks, marks the transition from the Piedmont to mountain country. Historic landmarks include the reconstructed siege works and battlefield landscape at Ninety Six National Historic Site in Greenwood County and Cowpens National Battlefield in Cherokee County. Former textile mills and mill villages around Greenville, Spartanburg and Anderson preserve the physical evidence of industrial expansion, even where buildings now serve new purposes. In the southern Upstate, courthouse squares and historic commercial streets in Abbeville and other established towns show how inland trade and local government shaped the region.

Show more landmarks

Explore Upstate on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Upstate

Upstate dining combines South Carolina staples with a growing metropolitan food scene. Barbecue, particularly pork served with regional sauces, appears in casual restaurants and roadside establishments, alongside fried chicken, catfish, biscuits, pimento cheese, collard greens and other Southern accompaniments. Peach products and locally grown seasonal produce are common in farm shops and markets, while the foothills and lakes support restaurants serving trout and other freshwater fish. Greenville has the broadest concentration of contemporary, international and chef-led dining, with Spartanburg, Anderson, Clemson, Greenwood and smaller towns offering their own cafés, bakeries, diners and independent restaurants. Rural inns and local barbecue restaurants provide a more traditional experience, while breweries and food halls reflect newer tastes. Menus and businesses change, so visitors should check current arrangements locally rather than relying on old listings, particularly outside the main city centres.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Upstate

Evening life in the Upstate is concentrated in Greenville, Spartanburg, Clemson and the larger town centres rather than spread evenly across the countryside. Greenville's downtown has the widest choice of pubs, breweries, cocktail bars, wine bars and restaurants, with live music and cultural performances adding to the evening scene. Spartanburg also has independent bars, breweries, music venues and arts programming, while Clemson's student population creates a more seasonal, youthful atmosphere during the academic year. In smaller towns and rural districts, evenings generally centre on traditional pubs, local restaurants, taprooms and occasional live music rather than nightclubs. The region has a strong craft-beer presence, but drinking is not essential to its nightlife: theatres, galleries, concerts, sporting events and evening walks through revived downtown areas provide alternatives. Hours and entertainment schedules vary considerably by venue and season.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Upstate

Evening life in the Upstate is concentrated in Greenville, Spartanburg, Clemson and the larger town centres rather than spread evenly across the countryside. Greenville's downtown has the widest choice of pubs, breweries, cocktail bars, wine bars and restaurants, with live music and cultural performances adding to the evening scene. Spartanburg also has independent bars, breweries, music venues and arts programming, while Clemson's student population creates a more seasonal, youthful atmosphere during the academic year. In smaller towns and rural districts, evenings generally centre on traditional pubs, local restaurants, taprooms and occasional live music rather than nightclubs. The region has a strong craft-beer presence, but drinking is not essential to its nightlife: theatres, galleries, concerts, sporting events and evening walks through revived downtown areas provide alternatives. Hours and entertainment schedules vary considerably by venue and season.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Upstate

Shopping in the Upstate is most varied in Greenville and Spartanburg, where revitalised downtown streets combine independent boutiques, bookshops, galleries, homeware stores and food businesses with larger national retailers. Anderson, Greenwood, Abbeville, Laurens and other market towns offer a slower-paced mix of antiques, gifts, specialist shops and courthouse-square commerce. Farmers' markets and farm stands are useful places to look for peaches, preserves, honey, baked goods, seasonal vegetables and other South Carolina produce, although their days and locations vary. Craft galleries and studio shops may feature pottery, woodwork, paintings, textiles and locally made gifts, particularly near the foothills and lake communities. Brewery merchandise, regional food products and books on Appalachian, Cherokee, Revolutionary and textile history make more meaningful souvenirs than generic items. The region is not primarily a luxury-shopping destination, but its combination of downtown independents, outlets and local produce gives each main centre a distinct retail character.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Upstate, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Upstate essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the US dollar (USD), as throughout the United States. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, shops, restaurants, petrol stations and major attractions, although a small amount of cash remains useful for rural vendors, some parking facilities, farmers' markets and informal food stands. Tipping is customary in table-service restaurants and for several service occupations; check the bill before adding anything, as some venues include a service charge or automatic gratuity.
Safety
Use ordinary precautions in towns, at trailheads and around vehicles, particularly after dark or when leaving valuables in a parked car. In the mountains, follow marked routes, carry water and allow for heat, storms, slippery rocks and limited mobile reception. Swimming and boating conditions vary on the region's lakes, and waterfalls can have strong currents and unstable edges. Summer heat and thunderstorms can be intense, while winter ice is possible at higher elevations. Observe posted rules in parks and never climb over safety barriers.
Emergency Situations
Dial 911 anywhere in the Upstate for police, fire or ambulance assistance; the number is part of the national US emergency system rather than a regional service. Tell the operator your exact location, especially on remote trails, lake shores or forest roads, and provide a trail name or parking area if known. For outdoor emergencies, park rangers, county emergency services and local rescue teams coordinate responses. In a serious medical situation, do not rely solely on mobile mapping or an assumed park address.
Do's and Don'ts
Do keep to marked trails, respect private land and follow Leave No Trace principles in forests, parks and around lakes. Do queue patiently, speak quietly in historic sites and ask before photographing people or private events. In restaurants, tipping service staff is customary, and casual dress is common outside formal venues. Do not enter abandoned mills, restricted archaeological areas or closed trails, and do not assume that every lake or waterfall is safe for swimming. Drinking alcohol in public places or parks may be restricted by local rules.
Local Tips
Plan the northern mountain area separately from the southern Upstate because travel times increase on winding roads. Greenville is a useful base for Falls Park, the Reedy River corridor and nearby foothill excursions, while Spartanburg works well for inland heritage and cultural visits. Visit state parks early on busy weekends and check reservation or parking arrangements before travelling. For a broader sense of local life, combine a downtown food stop with a farmers' market, historic mill district or small town courthouse square rather than relying only on major attractions.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHey[Hey]
GoodbyeBye[Bye]
YesYup[Yup]
NoNope[Nope]
Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem[Please/No problem]
Thank youThank ya[Thank ya]
Excuse me/SorryExcuse me/Sorry 'bout that[Excuse me/Sorry 'bout that]
How are you?How ya doin'?[How ya doin'?]
Fine. And you?I'm good. And you?[I'm good. And you?]
Do you speak English?Ya speakin' English?[Ya speakin' English?]
I don't understandI ain't followin'[I ain't followin']
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu, please?[Can I see the menu, please?]
I don't eat meatI don't eat no meat[I don't eat no meat]
Cheers!Cheers![Cheers!]
I would like to pay, pleaseCan I pay, please?[Can I pay, please?]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![Help!]
Go away!Leave me be![Leave me be!]
Call the Police!Call the cops![Call the cops!]
Call a doctor!Get a doctor![Get a doctor!]
I'm lostI’m lost[I’m lost]
I'm illI ain't feelin' good[I ain't feelin' good]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...[I wanna buy...]
I'm just lookingJust lookin'[Just lookin']
How much is it?How much's this?[How much's this?]
That's too expensiveThat's too high[That's too high]
Can you lower the price?Can ya bring it down some?[Can ya bring it down some?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What time is it?[What time is it?]
It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock[It's one o'clock]
Half past (10)Half past ten[Half past ten]
MorningMornin'[Mornin']
AfternoonAfternoon[Afternoon]
EveningEvenin'[Evenin']
YesterdayYesterday[Yesterday]
TodayToday[Today]
TomorrowTomorrow[Tomorrow]
1One[One]
2Two[Two]
3Three[Three]
4Four[Four]
5Five[Five]
6Six[Six]
7Seven[Seven]
8Eight[Eight]
9Nine[Nine]
10Ten[Ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's the ...?[Where's the ...?]
What's the address?What's the address?[What's the address?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya show me on the map?[Can ya show me on the map?]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next bus?[When's the next bus?]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket to ...[A ticket to ...]

History of Upstate

Cherokee Country and Indigenous Homelands

Before European colonisation, the area now called the Upstate formed part of the homelands and travel networks of the Cherokee people. The Cherokee town of Keowee, near present-day Lake Keowee, was an important centre in the wider region, while rivers and mountain routes connected communities across the southern Appalachians. Colonial settlement, warfare, treaties and forced removal dramatically altered Cherokee life and territorial control. The name Keowee and other regional place names remain visible reminders of this earlier history.

Colonial Settlement and the Backcountry

During the eighteenth century, European and African settlers moved into South Carolina's inland backcountry along river valleys and trading routes. Small farms, mills and crossroads communities developed beyond the coastal plantation economy, producing a society more varied in denomination and background than the low country. Abbeville, Ninety Six and other settlements became important local centres. The region's later town networks and agricultural landscapes grew from these early routes, although colonial expansion took place through the dispossession of Indigenous communities.

The Revolutionary War in the Upstate

The inland South Carolina backcountry was a major theatre of the American Revolutionary War, with bitter conflict between Loyalists and Patriots. Ninety Six was the site of a fortified British post and an important 1781 siege, while the Battle of Cowpens in January 1781 produced a significant American victory in what is now Cherokee County. The war disrupted farms and communities across the region, and its legacy is preserved at Ninety Six National Historic Site and Cowpens National Battlefield.

Cotton, Railways and Town Formation

After the Civil War, cotton production, rail connections and commercial agriculture reshaped the Upstate. Railways linked inland towns with wider markets, encouraging the growth of depots, warehouses, banks and textile businesses. Towns such as Anderson, Greenville, Greenwood and Spartanburg became regional trading centres, while Laurens and smaller communities developed around agriculture and transport. The expansion brought economic opportunity but also entrenched racial inequality, segregation and exploitative labour systems that shaped life well into the twentieth century.

The Textile Mill Era

From the late nineteenth century through much of the twentieth century, textile manufacturing became a defining Upstate industry. Mills were built along rivers and near railways, particularly around Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson and surrounding towns. Mill villages combined workplaces, housing and company institutions, creating distinctive communities for workers, including many African American workers who faced unequal conditions and opportunities. The industry declined sharply from the late twentieth century as production moved overseas, but mill buildings, villages and museums continue to influence the region's architecture and heritage.

Civil Rights and Social Change

The Upstate shared in South Carolina's long struggle against segregation and racial exclusion. African American communities built churches, schools, businesses and civic organisations despite discriminatory laws, while the civil rights movement challenged segregated education, public facilities and employment. Institutions such as the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind in Spartanburg and local African American heritage sites reflect parts of this history. Contemporary Upstate cities continue to interpret these experiences through museums, historic districts, public programmes and community memory.

From Textiles to Advanced Manufacturing

The late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries brought a substantial economic transition. Textile employment contracted, but the region attracted automotive, engineering, logistics, life-sciences and advanced-manufacturing investment. BMW's manufacturing plant near Greer became a prominent symbol of this shift, while Greenville, Spartanburg and Anderson expanded their education, healthcare, cultural and technology sectors. The transformation has brought population growth and new international connections, alongside continuing debates about development, transport, housing and the preservation of historic mill and rural landscapes.

Upstate in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Neighbouring regions of Upstate

The closest regions to Upstate, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

South Carolina
More of the region

Explore more of South Carolina

Explore South Carolina: A blend of historic charm, natural beauty, and southern hospitality. From Charleston's cobblestone streets to Myrtle Beach's sandy shores, adventure awaits.

Explore South Carolina
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Upstate, South Carolina

Discover the heart of Upstate, South Carolina with Evendo, a free, comprehensive app-based guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and much more.

  • Comprehensive guide to attractions, landmarks, and local experiences
  • Detailed information with images, descriptions, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Explore Upstate, South Carolina like never before! Download Evendo, the free app-based travel guide, and unlock a world of attractions, landmarks, and local secrets.

  • Insights into Upstate's history and travel essentials
  • Curated local tips for a truly immersive experience
  • 'Near Me' feature for discovering what's around you
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases
  • Global coverage with information on over 7,000 destinations worldwide

Planning a trip to Upstate, South Carolina? Let Evendo be your guide to this beautiful region. As a traveler, navigating a new destination can be overwhelming, but with Evendo, you'll have all the information you need right in your pocket. From the majestic Table Rock State Park to the culturally rich Greenville County Museum of Art, explore Upstate's best attractions with ease. Discover local dining gems like Soby's New South Cuisine or sip on craft brews at Quest Brewing Company.

Evendo provides detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities. Each location features images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, making travel planning seamless. Easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences, eliminating the hassle of multiple searches.

Our app offers insights into the history of Upstate, essential travel tips, and curated local advice to ensure you make the most of your visit. With features like an intuitive navigation system, a 'Near Me' feature to discover nearby attractions, and global coverage of over 7,000 destinations, Evendo transforms your travel experience.

Download Evendo today and explore Upstate, South Carolina like a local, all at no cost. It's the only travel companion you'll ever need, whether you're planning your next adventure or a quick weekend getaway.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.