Tubers float down the calm waters of the Pacolet River during a summer outing with Vintage View Adventures, which offers lazy river tubing just minutes from downtown Spartanburg. Photos courtesy of Vintage View Adventures
For many Spartanburg residents, the perfect summer day usually means packing the car and heading toward the mountains or the coast. But what if one of the Upstate’s best summer escapes was only a few minutes away?
Tucked along the scenic Pacolet River, Vintage View Adventures has quietly grown into one of Spartanburg’s most unique outdoor destinations, offering everything from lazy river tubing and kayaking to private riverside lounges that encourage guests to slow down, unplug and spend the day outside.
What started as a simple idea has become something much bigger.
“Vintage View Adventures literally started with a kayak, a van, and a deep belief that Upstate South Carolina deserved a better day outside,” the owners Brandie & Christine Le Clair said. “As former summer camp professionals, we fell completely in love with the beauty and peace of the Pacolet River, and we knew the rest of the Spartanburg community needed a way to experience it, too.”
The business began with weekend kayak trips out of Pacolet, but just four summers later has transformed into a 16-acre outdoor destination designed to make spending time on the river easy and accessible for everyone.
“We’ve poured our hearts into building a welcoming, inclusive space where everyone belongs, whether it’s your first time touching a paddle or your fourth summer floating with us.”
Unlike many river trips that require coordinating multiple vehicles or riding a shuttle back after the float, Vintage View has eliminated the logistical headache.
Visitors check in at the main property on Phifer Line, receive a safety briefing and their equipment, then head out for a relaxing trip down the Pacolet River.
The signature Lazy River Tubing experience takes guests on roughly a two-hour float through calm water surrounded by towering trees and peaceful scenery. There are no rapids on this route, making it ideal for beginners, families or anyone simply looking to unwind.
Then comes one of the business’s biggest draws.
“When you reach the end of the float, our ‘Party Barge’ picks you up and tugs you right back upstream to our main property,” the owners explained. “No hot shuttle buses or coordinating second cars required.”
Once back, many guests choose to stick around instead of heading home.
The property offers games, open green space and rentable Riverside Lounges that function as private base camps along the river. Each lounge includes a hammock, picnic table, fire pit with cooking grate and firewood, plus plenty of shade for an afternoon outdoors.
“It’s more than just a river trip,” the owners said. “We offer a place to gather.”
That attention to the overall experience is intentional.
Drawing on their summer camp backgrounds, the team has worked to create what they describe as nostalgic, unplugged fun while maintaining a strong emphasis on safety. Every employee receives Red Cross Basic Water Safety and American Canoe Association Paddle Sports Safety training, while most staff members also maintain CPR and first-aid certifications.
Vintage View also offers something for nearly every type of visitor.
Families with young children often enjoy the calm Lazy River Tubing experience, while thrill-seekers can opt for Adventure Tubing through Class I and II rapids on select weekend afternoons. Kayaking offers another way to explore the river, and the property regularly hosts family reunions, birthday parties, church groups, summer camps, corporate retreats and bachelorette celebrations.
Even four-legged family members get to join the fun.
While dogs aren’t permitted on tubing trips for safety reasons, they’re welcome on hourly kayak rentals and can relax with their owners at the Riverside Lounges.
For the owners, however, the most rewarding part isn’t just seeing people enjoy the river. It’s giving Spartanburg residents an outdoor experience close to home.
“Our absolute favorite thing is providing a local ‘reset button’ for our neighbors,” they said. “You don’t have to drive hours into the mountains to have an incredible, immersive river day- it’s right here in Spartanburg’s backyard.”
They’re equally passionate about investing back into the community.
“We intentionally buy from local businesses, partner with regional organizations, and reinvest into our local ecosystem. When folks spend a day with us, they know their money stays right here where our heart is.”
The fun doesn’t stop with daytime floats. Throughout the summer, Vintage View hosts themed events including Glow with the Flow Fridays, Full Moon Firelight Floats and the increasingly popular Taps and Tubes and Pints and Paddles experiences that blend live entertainment, community and time on the river.
For anyone still debating whether to give it a try, the owners offer one simple piece of advice.
“Don’t overthink it- you belong here.”
Their recommendation for first-time visitors? Book the Lazy River Tubing trip, add a cooler tube for your favorite drinks, wear secure water shoes instead of flip-flops, pack sunscreen and a water bottle, and let the Pacolet River handle the rest.
Sometimes the best summer adventures aren’t found hours away. Sometimes they’re floating quietly through Spartanburg’s own backyard.
Plan Your Visit: Vintage View Adventures is located at 250 Phifer Line in Spartanburg. Reservations for tubing, kayaking, Riverside Lounges and special events can be made online at www.vintageviewvacay.com, where visitors can also find FAQs and an updated events calendar. Follow Vintage View Adventures on Facebook and Instagram for river reports, seasonal events and booking information throughout the summer.
