The revitalization of downtown Anderson is generating plenty of buzz.
The Electric City pays homage to its past while sparking progress with a dynamic mix of local restaurants, retailers, and venues within the city center. Generator Park celebrates William C. Whitner, whose ingenuity led to Anderson’s distinction as the first city in the United States to enjoy a continuous supply of electricity.
A bronze sculpture of Whitner’s likeness is among an abundance of public art throughout downtown. Check out Anderson Arts Center’s SculpTOUR collection and explore the city via an installation of bronze birds titled 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 ticket to live theater. Tour Bay 3 Artisan Gallery at the Anderson Arts Center or stroll through the Wren Pavilion Art Gallery to see the talent of local visual artists. GAMAC—the Greater Anderson Musical Arts Consortium—presents an annual Masterworks Series and performances by the GAMAC Chamber Orchestra, Chorale, and Children’s Chorus as well as the Anderson Symphony Orchestra and Electric City Big Band.
Exploring Anderson
Suds are definitely up downtown. Carolina Bauernhaus is a farmhouse brewery and winery that serves handcrafted ales, ciders, and meads made with locally sourced ingredients—be sure to order a charcuterie board, too. Find unique crafts on tap at Brews On Main.
Drink to Southern hospitality, plus hand-cut fries, at Anderson’s oldest downtown pub, The Local Uptown. Enjoy authentic Celtic favorites at McGee’s Irish Pub, where farm-to-table specials are sourced from the owner’s own family farm.
Doolittle’s is popular for dinner, drinks, and blue-plate lunch specials. SummaJoe’s is all about fresh, seasonal ingredients. Indulge in fine dining in a historic setting at Sullivan’s Metropolitan Grill. Earle Street Kitchen and Bar puts a Southern twist on creative dishes—don’t miss the chicken-fried chicken.
CocoBon Chocolatier specializes in handmade confections; other sweet spots include Figs Cafe & Farmacy and eCity Java.
Shopping local is a delight in downtown Anderson. The Kitchen Emporium & Gifts offers a smorgasbord of kitchen supplies and gourmet items. Spoil your best friend with something from Bark International and find cute clothes at Maren + Main, Collectique, and Love Threads.
