Gaffney (and Cherokee County)
Gaffney and Cherokee County
Gaffney is the seat of Cherokee County located in the northeastern portion of Upstate South Carolina, just an hour from Charlotte. One of its most famous landmarks is the Peachoid, a 135-foot tall water tower that resembles a peach to honor Gaffney’s rich peach farming history. The area is also home to the Cherokee Speedway, Gaffney Outlet Marketplace, Gaffney Station Farmers Market, and three national parks which commemorate its role in the Revolutionary War. The area has lovely, affordable homes, including homes constructed between 1890 and 1930 in Gaffney’s Historic Residential District. The Town of Blacksburg, also located in the area, offers more options for housing and retail.
Facts + Figures
- Food Scene
- Arts + Culture
- Outdoor Activities
- Business Climate
- Education
Food Scene
Known for its peach farming, Gaffney is home to an annual peach festival and the famous “Peachoid” water tower. Beyond its rich farming history, Gaffney and Cherokee County boast a diverse food scene that includes all the classic cuisines and more. From established taco joints like El Michoacan, affectionately referred to as the silver taco by locals, and Bronco’s to dessert hotspots like Sunny’s Donuts to local staples like Daddy Joe’s Beach House BBQ and Grill and Clock of Gaffney, Gaffney and Cherokee County will not disappoint. The Gaffney Station Farmers Market is also a great spot to shop for and taste locally produced products. Want to browse more restaurant offerings in Gaffney and Cherokee County? Visit Gaffney’s full list of restaurants and search by category.
Arts + Culture
Cherokee County’s rich history centers on its pivotal role in the Revolutionary War. Cherokee County is the only county is the United States that has a portion of three national parks. These parks commemorate the actions of Patriot forces who fought for independence — the only county with this distinction in the nation. Among its other historical attractions are the “It Happened Here, It Happens Here” exhibit, which includes historical artifacts and an interactive floor map; the Cherokee County History and Arts Museum, which hosts community events, educational tours of world-class exhibits and interactive components; and three districts that are included on the National Register of Historic Places.
If you’re looking to do some shopping, the Gaffney Outlet Marketplace has you covered with its 75 outdoor shops. If live entertainment is more your style, head to the heart of downtown for a performance at The Gaffney Little Theatre, which offers a variety of entertainment throughout the year including plays, musicals and special theatrical events. Other cultural attractions include:
Outdoor Activities
Home to three national parks, Cherokee County is inviting for those seeking fresh air, wide-open spaces and experiences rooted in history. Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail spans 330 miles through three other states (Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina) and is rooted in late 1700’s history. Nearby Kings Mountain National Military Park includes monuments, a visitors center and amphitheater commemorating the battle of Kings Mountain, while Cowpens National Battlefield offers expert guided battlefield tours and reenactments surrounding the anniversary of “the only successful double envelopment in the American Revolution.”
The City of Gaffney itself is home to eight parks packed with fun for the whole family — from a game of tennis at Thompson Park to a run around the walking paths at Joe Dean Knuckles or a night out enjoying the summer concert series in Jolly Park.
Business Climate
Gaffney and Cherokee County’s strong business climate is thanks in large part to the area’s strategic location and skilled workforce. The region’s close proximity to the Port of Charleston, the Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport and large metropolitan areas like Greenville all make up a strategic location for businesses in Cherokee County. From local, family-owned businesses to large corporations, Cherokee County’s top industries are manufacturing and trade, transportation, and utilities. Cherokee County’s major employers include:
Education
Cherokee County has more than 20 institutions that make up the Cherokee County School District, ranging from traditional elementary schools, middle schools and high schools to alternative adult education centers.
Cherokee County’s local higher education institutions include Limestone University and Spartanburg Community College’s Cherokee County Campus. Limestone University is a four-year institution that offers liberal arts and graduate education, including an MBA program. Spartanburg Community College offers more than 70 certificate and associate degree programs in its state-of-the-art facilities that sit on 74-acres of land. Learn more about Cherokee County’s schools:
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