Gaffney began when Irish immigrant Michel A. Gaffney founded a tavern and inn at "Gaffney's Cross Roads." The budding town was strategically located at a crossroads of two major routes, one connecting the North Carolina mountains to Charleston, and the other connecting Charlotte to Atlanta.
Today, you can access Gaffney by Interstate 85, and the city lies roughly equidistant from Greenville, South Carolina, and Charlotte, North Carolina. You can fly into Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport or Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
This ease of access makes Gaffney an ideal stopping spot for business travelers visiting major regional cities, including Spartanburg, South Carolina, about 20 miles away. It's also a great place to stop if you're planning to check out multiple area attractions, whether heading to Charlotte for its museums or to Carowinds theme park. Stop into Greenville, South Carolina, to check out Falls Park or head to the BMW Zentrum Museum where you can see classic BMW models and tour the manufacturing plant.
The Gaffney Outlet Marketplace is one of Gaffney's largest attractions, located within sight of Interstate 85 at exit 90. From housewares and clothing to shoes, electronics, fragrances, and accessories, you can get lost strolling and shopping the 75 outdoor outlet shops all day. The outlets are open seven days a week. If you are looking for a one-stop shop for family clothing, head over to Hamrick's across the street. End your day with a quick bite at the food court or go next door to Fatz, beloved for its specialty calabash shrimp and chicken, or across the interstate for diner fare at Pete's of Gaffney.
Drive beyond the interstate to historic downtown if you're seeking a real small-town Southern experience off the beaten path. Stop into Con Cafe II for a cup of coffee and spend some time browsing locally sourced antiques at Pieces from the Past and the Broad River Shops. Hartzog's offers quaint contemporary curios, gifts, and accessories.
Nothing is more Southern than a classic "meat and three," a home-cooked meal featuring your choice of main entree with savory sides. In the South, of course, banana pudding or peach cobbler counts as a legitimate vegetable side, so make it count while you can. The cobbler showcases Gaffney's famous peaches in all their baked glory at Harold's Restaurant.
Other local favorite eating establishments include Sunny's Donuts, Colonial Fish Camp, and GrandDaddy's BBQ. If you've never been to Waffle House, you must stop at this cult-favorite roadside restaurant for chopped and smothered hash browns or pecan waffles.
If you're seeking entertainment, try to solve a mystery at Holmes and Watson Escape rooms, or check out the latest local production at the Gaffney Little Theatre. Head to Capri Theatre to catch local and traveling music acts in historic downtown Gaffney.
Small town Gaffney will surprise you with the breadth of its offerings. From battlefields to outlet malls, and fresh peaches and down-home diners to antiquing, you'll find that Gaffney offers many satisfying and authentic Southern experiences.
When should you visit Gaffney, South Carolina?
Gaffney's Southern climate makes for hot, humid summers, and cold, wet winters. If you plan on visiting the battlefields, consider late August through early October. Given the warm temperatures, the leaves don't start to change colors until October, but the wait is worth it. A visit to the Kings Mountain National Military Park is better when you're surrounded by gorgeous autumn leaves.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Gaffney, SC:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts displaying average price trends by star rating class in Gaffney, SC. Analyze these line graphs to evaluate the least expensive dates to book a room in Gaffney for your upcoming travels.
What luxury hotels are near Gaffney, SC?
4 Star Average Prices: $115.00
Head over to Spartanburg, a little less than 20 miles down the road from Gaffney, for an excellent stay in the heart of "Hub City." The Spartanburg Marriott is a luxury hotel conveniently located to Interstate 85 and Wofford College. This gorgeous property has the charm of an oversized Southern mansion, from its sprawling portico with lounge seating to its green lawns and outdoor pool and spa tub. Inside, arched hallways painted with delicate cloud motifs are strung with lanterns, which continues the welcoming, classical effect.
Each guest room offers a refrigerator and smart television, as well as a cozy pillow-top bed and premium bedding. You'll also enjoy free wireless internet access throughout your stay. Dine on the property at Sparks (one of three on-site restaurants), visit the cafe, or indulge in room service during select hours. Wake up to a buffet breakfast for a surcharge.
What are the budget hotels around Gaffney, SC?
3 Star Average Prices: $102.02
The Quality Inn in Gaffney offers some of the most competitive and affordable rates among budget hotels in Gaffney. When you check into your room at this budget hotel, you'll be pleased to see a refrigerator and microwave to help you save more money on light meals and snacks versus dining out. You can also make your own cup of coffee or tea using the in-room coffee maker.
Daily housekeeping keeps everything tidy throughout your stay, and the free daily breakfast buffet will make sure you're energized for a day at the outlet malls or exploring the historic battlefields in the area.