There’s a moment- usually somewhere between the end of a long week and the start of bedtime routines- when I realize just how full life is right now. I’m a working mom of three, a wife, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, and someone who somehow always has one more thing on the to-do list. And yet, here in Spartanburg, there’s this steady rhythm that reminds me to pause and enjoy it.
This past weekend, that pause looked like a night out. A group of us- moms who are usually coordinating schedules instead of cocktails-found ourselves tucked into the new speakeasy under the Montgomery building: The Zeplin. It was dimly lit, a great spot to try a new cocktail, and for a few hours, we weren’t answering questions or cleaning up spills. We were just… there. Laughing, talking, catching up on life beyond school calendars. After, we made our way to The Kennedy, where the cheddar biscuits and mussels lived up to the hype and the chocolate spoon bread was the kind of dessert you think about for weeks.
I was home before 11. Still tired. Still a mom the next morning. But it filled a cup I didn’t realize was running low. That’s the thing about Spartanburg. It gives you space to be everything you are- without having to go far to find it.
My husband and I chose to stay here to raise our family, and over time, I’ve realized it wasn’t just about convenience or familiarity. It’s about community. It’s about knowing there’s always something to do, somewhere to go, or someone to call- whether you need a night out or just a simple way to make a day feel special.
Mother’s Day here has never looked just one way for us. Some years, it’s brunch and mimosas at Mon Amie Morning Cafe. Other years, it’s picking up all the classics from Wade’s Restaurant and heading home after church, plates piled high and everyone gathered around the table. There have been gift cards to Bond Street Wines, afternoons spent shopping downtown, and casual evenings with pizza and a glass of happy hour wine at Gerhard’s Cafe.
And then there was the year we decided to skip “traditional” altogether. All the women in my family agreed- we didn’t want reservations or schedules. We wanted to be outside. So we handed the cooking over to the men and spent the afternoon in the backyard while they made a low country boil. It was sunny, just cool enough to be comfortable, kids running around, music playing. Simple, easy, and perfect. That’s what I love about this place- there’s no one way to celebrate.
You could spend a Saturday morning at the Hub City Farmers Market, building a little basket of local favorites for your mom (or bringing her along, which my kids always vote for—they love strolling, snacking, and picking out something special). You could stop by a cute shop like Inside Irwin’s or Market on Main and find a thoughtful gift that feels personal. Or you could make a whole day of it.
There are events like the Mother’s Day Build-a-Vase Flower Bar at Scarlett’s Boutique and Home, where you can create something beautiful together—choosing fresh stems, arranging them just right, and leaving with more than just flowers. And just down the road, the Mother’s Day Market & Tea at The Gathering Farm offers a slower kind of celebration—sipping tea and enjoying an afternoon that feels intentional.
Or maybe the best gift isn’t something you buy at all. One of the most meaningful gifts I’ve ever given- and received- has been photos. Using a local photographer to capture a season of life that feels fleeting while you’re in it. It’s something my own mom treasures, and now, I understand why. The days are long, but the years are short and having something to hold onto matters.
Motherhood is not always easy. It’s loud and busy and, at times, overwhelming. But here in Spartanburg, it’s also supported, celebrated, and understood.
And maybe that’s why we stayed. I feel like there’s always a way to make space for joy- whether it’s a night out with friends, a slow morning at the market, or a backyard full of people you love. However you choose to celebrate this year, I know it will be perfect.
