Small but so cultured

When the regional textile mills closed down, Newberry, S.C., was hit hard, but lately it’s making a comeback as an off-the-beaten-path tourist destination. Taking full advantage of its history, architecture and natural surroundings, Newberry today offers an impressive array of arts and culture for such a small city.

The downtown area has many sites on the National Register of Historic Places, and just outside the city limits, the landscape provides ample opportunity for vineyards and orchids to thrive, as well as places to peel off the stresses of the week.

Newberry Opera House

Recognized by the League of Historic American Theaters as the “Outstanding Theater of 2008,” this opera house — with its iconic clock tower — is the centerpiece of Newberry. Built in 1881 and recently renovated for several million dollars, it boasts a stage that is home to performances by Grammy-winning artists and top-notch classical music and Broadway productions. Upcoming shows include concerts by Doc Watson and the Modigliani String Quartet, and a touring production of “Dixie’s Tupperware Party.” 1201 McKibben St., 803-276-9993, www.newberryopera house.com

Carter & Holmes Orchids

Orchid hunters and armchair botanists will go giddy when they see the number of football-field-length greenhouses on the Orchid Safari walking tour at this nursery in Newberry. Greenhouse tours are only given to groups of 10 or more by appointment. This makes Carter & Holmes a popular destination for garden clubs, church groups and bus tours. The large sales area is open to anyone who happens to stop by. Admission free; tours are $5 per person. 629 Mendenhall Road, 803-276-0579, www.carterand holmes.com

Lynch’s Woods Park

Located on the state’s scenic Palmetto Trail, which connects the mountains to the coast, the 276-acre park features horse, hiking and biking trails as well as primitive camping and picnic spots. Located at the intersection of the U.S. 76 bypass and the U.S. 34 bypass. www.newberry -college.net/chorn/Lynch’s

Enoree River Vineyard

“Enoree” is a Cherokee word that translates as “riverbanks overflowing with muscadine”; the name refers to the abundance of muscadine vines found in the area. So it’s no surprise this new vineyard specializes in the production of muscadine wine. The owners invite visitors to take a stroll on the walking trail that skirts the vineyards. The winery is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. 1650 Dusty Road, 803-276-2855, www.enoree riverwinery.com

Wells Japanese Garden

The garden was originally part of a private residence created in 1930. It was donated to the city in 1971 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Though it fell into disrepair in the ensuing decades, the garden is currently being restored and maintained by the Newberry Council of Garden Clubs and is open daily. It contains ponds, Japanese-style landscaping and bridges, as well as a variety of exotic flora. Located on Lindsay Street behind City Hall. www.scgreat outdoors.com/park -wellsgarden.html

If you go

How to get there

Newberry is about 200 miles from downtown Atlanta. Take I-85 north to Exit 32 and go southeast on S.C. 8/418 to I-385. Head southeast on I-385, which will turn into I-26. Take Exit 74 and turn right on S.C. 34, which will take you into Newberry.

Stay

Newberry-Opera House Inn. Conveniently situated next to the opera house in downtown Newberry. $107-$147. 1201 Nance St. 803-276-6666, www.hamptoninn.com

Barklin House. Bed-and-breakfast in a classic Queen Anne-style house with a wraparound porch. $85-$125. 1710 College St., 803-321-9155, www.barklinhouse.com

Eat

Delamater’s. American-style menu with a European flair. Entrees $9-$23. 1117 Boyce St., 803-276-3555, www.delamaters.com

Pharaoh’s Pizza. Italian and Greek specialties, sandwiches and salads. Entrees $6-$15. 1729 Main St., 803-276-6777

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