Things To Do
- Revolutionary War Activities
- Gaffney Little Theater
- Relax in Our Parks
- Local Realtors
- Expand Your Education
- Tour National Parks and Historic Districts
- Museums and Galleries
- CAVA
There are numerous annual events that celebrate our local Revolutionary War history. For more information about these activities you can contact the Gaffney Visitors Center and Art Gallery at 864-487-6244.
The mission of Gaffney Little Theater is to enhance the performing arts in the heart of the community through education, participation, opportunity and outreach. The theater has showcased both local talent and out-of-town artists for many years. Four to six shows are presented each season, and all are open to the public.
Check out the Gaffney Little Theater marquee at 131 East Robinson Street to learn about upcoming events, or call (864) 489 – 4589 for more information.
The City of Gaffney has eight parks packed with fun for the whole family. From relaxing to the tranquil sound of the water feature at the John Q Little passive park to a challenging game of tennis at Thomson park. Maybe you like to enjoy watching your children play, then we have five parks with play grounds that will put a smile on your child’s face. Picnic shelters are located in four of parks for parties and family gatherings (see details below). Our beautiful parks are the perfect place for your wedding, check out the John Q Little, Joe Dean Knuckles, and City Park and picture your wedding with the back drop of colorful flowers and spectacular landscaping offered in these three parks. Perhaps you like to stay fit or enjoy a leisurely walk with friends, then visit the Joe Dean Knuckles and McCluney parks for a brisk walk or casual stroll around the walking paths. For your convenience rest room facilities are located at parks with picnic shelters.
Park and Picnic shelter reservations
For information and reserving a picnic shelter or park for a wedding please call 864-487-8507.
Park Rangers
Our friendly and courteous staff of Park Rangers patrol our parks to provide safety and assist visitors in any way. To contact the Park Ranger on duty call 864-761-6061 explain who you are, what park, and what way they can be of assistance. For emergencies dial 911.
Our Mission
The City of Gaffney is dedicated to providing safe, beautiful, and fun filled parks that can be enjoyed by the whole family. We are motivated to the future in planning and growth of our parks.
CHRIS PATTERSON REALTY, LLC 225 E. FLOYD BAKER BLVD. (864) 488-1979
L & L REALTY 313 W. MEADOW ST. (803) 489-5554
PARKER REALTY 600 A CHEROKEE AVE. (864) 489-3461
R.M. DUNCAN REALTY, INC. 320 S. LOGAN ST. (864) 488-9901
REG WYLIE REALTY, INC. 125 SPRING VALLEY ROAD (864) 489-2277
SHELTON PROPERTIES 208 N. LOGAN ST. (803) 489-6285
WALL, JOHN & ASSOCIATES REALTY 207 W. MEADOW ST. (864) 487-5555
Bold initiatives are what define Limestone University. It was the first women’s college in South Carolina—and one of the first in the United States—upon its founding in 1845. Male students, who could not afford the cost of travel to distant colleges, were admitted in 1903. When working adults discovered the need to return to the classroom to hone new skills, Limestone launched its Block Program with after hour class schedules. At the dawn of the computer age, Limestone was at the cutting edge with its virtual campus.
Today, students from throughout the world enjoy classic Southern hospitality on this beautiful campus, which includes 10 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. With a 13-1 student teacher ration, every student receives personal attention from teachers who care about them. Limestone offers Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Social Work degrees in 21 and 46 undergraduate concentrations. Limestone also offers a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA).
But you don’t have to be on the main campus to earn your Limestone degree. Limestone Extended Campus has sites all over the state, and online courses are offered in abundance throughout the year.
For the past 167 years, Limestone has made a tremendous impact on Cherokee County and continues to do so through unique educational opportunities and capital campaigns. There are over 100 scholarships available to Cherokee County students and students from Cherokee county also receive over $300,000 in academic, athletic, and fine arts scholarships. In addition, the University is an integral part of the Cherokee County economy. There are 700 day students, 150 evening students and 230 employees. Limestone has an annual budget of $25 million and a payroll of $9 million.
Limestone University prides a full calendar of events in the arts and athletics. A member of NCAA Division II, the Saints field 22 intercollegiate teams. The men’s lacrosse team is a two-time national champion and the women’s team has been a national semi-finalist two of the last three years. Most of the teams are members of the Carolinas-Virginia Athletic Conference, an elite league in Division II competition.
The theatre and music departments sponsor entertaining and enlightening performances with world-class musicians and well-known productions. Most of the events take place in Fullerton Auditorium, one of the finest performance facilities in the Southeast. Limestone’s art department sponsors student shows throughout the year at the Eastwood Library and Granberry Art Center as well as workshops with award-winning artists.
Spartanburg Community College, Cherokee County Campus
SCC is proud to serve Cherokee County! We opened our Cherokee County Campus doors in April 2007. This 62-acre campus is conveniently located near Interstate 85 and downtown Gaffney, providing the citizens of Cherokee and surrounding counties the opportunity to pursue education and training close to home.
The Cherokee County Campus offers a full array of general education courses including mathematics, English, social sciences, humanities, fine arts and natural sciences. The Transitional Studies Department also allows students to take prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, and algebra that may be necessary for acceptance into SCC’s curriculum programs. Students can also fully complete the Mechatronics Certificate I, the Radiation Protection Technology Degree, and the Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degree programs on the campus depending upon the student’s concentration.
Programs are targeted at the jobs skills needed for success both today and in the future that will be in the Cherokee County area. Most jobs will require at least a two year technical degree. The campus also offers contract training for corporations and other businesses in the area, as well as open enrollment continuing education courses. The campus also proudly houses the Cherokee County Development Board, so that SCC can work together with the economic development leaders in the community to establish growth and success for the future of the area. Feel free to contact SCC-CCC at 864.206.2700 if you have any questions.
Tour National Parks and Historic Districts
The City of Gaffney is the seat of Cherokee County, which proudly boasts that “freedom was won here” and “freedom still lives here.” The county includes three national parks which commemorate the actions of Patriot forces who fought for independence from British rule.
The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail
Right here in Cherokee County is the final portion of the 330 mile trail, which hundreds of frontier militiamen traveled in 1780 across the Appalachian mountains to join up with Patriot forces in South Carolina. Free, illustrated maps of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail are available from the Gaffney Visitors Center at 210 West Frederick Street.
Travel along the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway (S.C. Hwy.11) from Gaffney to the Cowpens National Battlefield, where on January 18, 1781, Daniel Morgan led an army of frontier militia and Continentals to a brilliant victory over the much larger force of British regulars commanded by Banastre Tarleton. The battlefield, managed by the National Park service, includes a monument to the men who fought in the battle and an excellent visitors center which provides informational programming. Expert guided battlefield tours are available throughout the day. Each year on the weekend closest to January 17, the park celebrates the anniversary of the battle with firing demonstrations and a living history encampment. On the weekend closest to Independence Day, fireworks and other activities are free and open to the public. See the website for hours of operation and schedule of special events.
Kings Mountain National Military Park
Follow the Overmountain Victory Trail through historic downtown Gaffney to the site of the battle that Thomas Jefferson described as “The turn of the tide of success.” There, on October 7, 1780, the Patriots won a decisive victory over loyalist forces. The park includes a monument, visitors center and amphitheater. Special informational programs and commemorative events are offered at various times of the year. See the website for hours of operation and schedule of events.
Historic Sites Within the City of Gaffney
Within the City of Gaffney, are three districts that are included on the National Register of Historic Places. The City of Gaffney invites everyone to explore our history. Continue Getting into Gaffney’s history as you explore the historic downtown area with visits to the Michael Gaffney Log Home, the City Hall Park with its historic water fountain, and the new Gaffney City Hall ringing the sounds of the bell suspended in the clock tower of the original City Hall constructed in the late 1800’s. Upon departure from the Historic Commercial District, stroll through the streets of Gaffney’s Historic Residential District, with homes constructed between 1890 and 1930, generally of frame or brick construction with fine examples of Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, Neo-Classical, Victorian, and Bungalow styles. Located on College Drive, nestled in the historic residential district, you’ll want to enrich your historic exploration with a visit to the Cherokee History Museum. The Residential Historic District will lead you to the beautiful Limestone Springs Historic District which encompasses much of the Limestone College campus, Nesbitt’s Quarry (locally referred to as the Limestone Quarry), and the Limestone Springs Baptist Church.
The Cherokee County History & Arts Museum
The Cherokee County History & Arts Museum, located at 301 College Drive, is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The artifact-based facility adds a new dimension to the area’s already rich culture. Over 3,000 artifacts are a part of additional exhibits and displays. With exhibit topics ranging from Native Americans and Geology to Moonshine Runners and Military Service, the museum has captured the attention of travel writers and tourists alike. The museum has been named a Blue Star Museum by the National Endowment for the Arts-Blue Star Family Partnership. For more information visit the website or call 864-489-3988.
Cherokee County Veterans’ Museum
Located at 202 South Logan Street, the Cherokee County Veterans’ Museum houses over 500 artifacts and pieces of memorabilia depicting American military history from the War for Independence to the present. The museum is open on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and Sundays from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Gaffney Visitors Center and Art Gallery
The works of members of the Cherokee Alliance of Visual Artists (CAVA) can be viewed in the gallery, which is open Monday – Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Exhibits change periodically, and all are free to the public. Some works of art are offered for sale, and a gift shop is available within the gallery. A CAVA artist is on site during operating hours to discuss the exhibits or to register students for CAVA sponsored art classes for children or adults. For more information on CAVA shows, memberships or classes, please call 864-489-9119.
CAVA (Cherokee Alliance of Visual Artists)
To encourage and nurture the education, appreciation and creation of all areas of the visual arts and crafts, to promote the artistic works of its members through an on-going marketing effort; to give the general public, as well as students and artists, the opportunity to participate in activities, lectures and events that will provide insight into the importance and impact of the visual arts in our community and throughout history.
Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:30am-5pm, Friday 8:30am-3:45pm, Saturdays 9am-1pm
Address: 210 West Frederick Street, Gaffney, SC 29341
Contact: 864-489-9119