Boasting a revitalized downtown, Anderson celebrates its past while generating progress with a dynamic mix of local restaurants, retailers, and venues within the city center.
It was engineer William C. Whitner’s ingenuity that led to Anderson’s distinction as the first city in the US to enjoy a continuous supply of electricity—and sparked its nickname. A bronze sculpture of Whitner stands in Generator Park, one of the pieces of public art scattered throughout downtown.
To see more, follow Anderson Arts Center’s SculpTOUR, then challenge yourself to find all 24 bronze birds hidden downtown as part of the installation Carolina Wrens: A Bird’s-Eye View of Downtown Anderson. Go out(side) for entertainment at Carolina Wren Park, which hosts everything from local music to Shakespeare in the Park. There’s a splash pad for kids here, too.
Electric City Playhouse and The Market Theatre Company are your tickets to live theater. To admire the work of local artists, tour Bay 3 Artisan Gallery at the Anderson Arts Center, or stroll through the Wren Pavilion Art Gallery. The Greater Anderson Musical Arts Consortium presents an annual Masterworks Series and performance by the GAMAC Chamber Orchestra, Chorale, and Children’s Chorus, as well as the Anderson Symphony Orchestra and Electric City Big Band.
Drink up the casual vibe at Carolina Bauernhaus, a farmhouse brewery and winery that serves handcrafted ales, ciders, and meads. Find eclectic brews on tap at Magnetic South, and weekly changing craft offerings at pub and taproom Brews On Main.
Toast to Southern hospitality and nosh on hand-cut fries at Anderson’s oldest downtown pub, The Local Uptown. Celtic classics reign at McGee’s Irish Pub, where ingredients for daily specials come from the owner’s farm.
Doolittle’s is popular for dinner and drinks, while SummaJoe’s is all about local seasonal ingredients. Indulge in fine dining in a 19th-century hardware store at Sullivan’s Metropolitan Grill. For kickin’ chicken fried chicken, visit Earle Street Kitchen and Bar. Sample French-accented cuisine at cozy Bradbury Bistro, and head to Maki for good sushi. The city view complements small plates and cocktails at Up On The Roof.
To satisfy your sweet tooth, drop by CocoBon Chocolatier for handmade bonbons, Figs Café & Farmacy for craveable ice cream, and eCity Java for cheesecake, brownies, and other goodies.
Don’t forget to shop local. The Kitchen Emporium & Gifts lays out a smorgasbord of kitchen supplies and gourmet items, while “modern boho chic” gifts and home accessories fill Finch + Fern. Spoil your best furry friend with a treat from Bark International and update your own style at Maren + Main, Collectique, and Love Threads.
