Love a good bagel? Delicious New York style bagels and sandwiches that are made fresh daily is what you’ll find at Greenfields Bagels & Deli off of Laurens Road in Greenville, SC. Plus, it’s kosher. They have 18 bagel topping options, including omelet bagels, along with a large selection of deli sandwiches, salads, vegetarian options, soups, smoked fish, and sweet treats! Learn more directly from owner Robin below.
Looking for a little Upstate, SC day trip? The town of Simpsonville, SC is a great place to spend the day with great parks, cute downtown area and excellent restaurant options. We have a suggested itinerary for a day in Simpsonville, plus a list of things to do, places to eat and even places to stay if you’re staying longer than a day.
The residents of Simpsonville, SC are in a great location for getting around the Upstate. Located near both major highways and one of Greenville’s major retail hubs, Simpsonville is the perfect place for busy families to settle down. With an abundance of places to dine and things to do, it’s no wonder new communities are sprouting up all over Simpsonville.
Looking for more places to spend the day with your family? Here’s our list of Day Trip Towns, just a short drive from the Upstate.
With all the entertainment, shopping and dining options in Simpsonville it’s easy to spend the day in this town and not have a need to leave. If you aren’t sure where to start the day, we have a sample itinerary to get you started!
Starting the day : We suggest grabbing breakfast at a favorite of one of our readers:
OMG! Authentique French Creperie. SO GOOD. I don’t like crepes, but theirs are AMAZING. I always take out of town visitors there. They have weird hours though, so make sure you check online before you drive over!
Carolina R.
After breakfast: Head over to the zip line & playground at City Park, or enjoy the seasonal farmers market!
If the weather isn’t cooperative, you can enjoy a matinee showing at the local IMAX theater.
For lunch: Stroll up the street to all the restaurants and shops of Main Street, and grab a frozen treat afterward at the Ice Cream Station.
If you are enjoying a day out without the kids a stop at a Sweet Sippin’ event would be a great way to end the day. They offer all kinds of different food and drink pairing events, live music events, game nights and more.
Upstate Pinball & Arcade Museum
Things To Do In Simpsonville, SC
Upstate Pinball & Arcade Museum: Play 50+ nostalgic pinball and arcade games for one low price- no coins needed! Family fun for all ages.
Head to one of the Simpsonville Parks: Simpsonville has a bunch of parks that offer everything from zip-lines to Frisbee golf and even a train ride!
During summer months you can participate in the Park Hop Scavenger Hunt that includes area parks. Kids have the chance to earn prizes with this free program.
Heritage Park | 861 Southeast Main Street This park is part of the Heritage Park Amphitheater that hosts festivals, concerts and other events throughout the year. We also like this park because of all the shady seating options for parents to sit in while the kids play on the large playground. There is also a a miniature steam engine train that guests of the park can enjoy for just $3 per ticket (kids under 2 ride free with a paying adult).
City Park | 100 Park Drive City park is a favorite among locals for its large ADA compliant playground and all the seating it provides parents. There’s a Frisbee golf course, restrooms, picnic shelters, a special sensory playground and more.
College Street Park | 330 West College Street This small neighborhood park offers guests a merry-go-round, swing set, jungle gym and baseball and basketball facilities.
Southside Park & Discovery Island Water Park | 417 Baldwin Road Southside park offers multiple playgrounds, picnic shelters and is home to the seasonal water park. Open Memorial day through Labor day.
Simpsonville Farmers Market| 405 East Curtis Street (temporarily located at Simpsonville City Hall, 118 NE Main Street)
Held every Saturday from mid May through the end of September, 8 Am – Noon. In the past there have been 30 plus local vendors at the market, selling everything from seasonal produce, locally roasted coffee, artisan cheese, soaps and more.
One of the newest library branches in The Greenville Library system, this location has it all. The kids area is enclosed and even has it’s own covered outdoor play area. Teens have there own space and grownups can check-up on their email with the free WIFI. Patrons with a valid library card can even check out a laptop for use on site.
A favorite of our readers, Stella’s is a great place to grab a gourmet meal.
Upscale, Stella’s Bistro is some of the best door I’ve ever put in my mouth. The service is beyond excellent and the seasonal menu means there are always new things to try.
Greenville’s most popular locally owned pizza chain has another location in Simpsonville. Be sure to sign up for their awesome birthday club. It’s free and you receive a free pizza on your birthday!
This hidden gem of Simpsonville is tucked away in the basement of a castle. OK, maybe not really a castle, but pretending is fun right? Once you enter, you’ll forget that you didn’t cross a moat to get in. The intimate size of Unterhausen. the German beer and the delicious Bavarian food will have you wondering how it took you so long to discover this place.
I’d be doing you a great disservice if I didn’t include one of the Upstate’s best places for BBQ, just because it sits a few feet outside the town limits. Located across from Heritage park, Bobby’s BBQ is a family owned restaurant that is unique for a few reasons. They pride themselves on the quality of their food. But that’s not why I find them especially unique. One visit to this place and you will see, that everything they do is done with love and care for the community they feed. Let me ask you, how many BBQ places have you seen offer a vegan option? That’s right, I said Vegan, at a BBQ place. For most Pit-masters that would be blasphemy. Bobby’s offers guests a vegan jack fruit “pulled pork” style sandwich, because they know that not everyone eats meat. And that’s OK at Bobby’s.
Something else I love the Nelson family for, is not even on the menu.
How many times have you been caught out and your infant has a wardrobe emergency that threatens to ruin your trip out? Like a messy bathroom-type emergency. Most parents have experienced that type of “what do I do now?” moment. Owner Sarah Nelson had this happen and decided if she ever owned a business she’d do something to help parents. In each restroom at Bobby’s is a cart, stocked with zip-lock bags separated by size with a diaper and a change of clothes.
Any place can serve food. Most places can serve good food. But when a place shows patrons it cares about people to the extent that the Nelson family does… Well, they’ve found a customer for life in me. The fact that they serve up pulled pork tacos doesn’t hurt either.
Where To Stay In Simpsonville
Use this map from STAY22 below to find hotels and vacation rental homes available in Simpsonville, SC.
This section contains affiliate links from STAY22.
Here are some of the common seasonal events that happen annually in Simpsonville:
Fair at Heritage Park | May This 11 day county style fair includes rides, food, live music and other attractions.
Simpsonville Independance Day Celebration | June A free celebration with live music and fireworks at Heritage Park
Simpsonville Labor Day Festival | September
Halloween at Heritage Park | October A free and safe way to celebrate Halloween for thousands of kids in the Upstate. The event offers kids candy, inflatables, games, performances and special visits from kid’s characters.
Have you heard about Leave No Trace? Aimed at minimizing human impact on nature, the seven principles of Leave No Trace give us some concrete habits to incorporate into our time outdoors. KAG contributor, Liene, has some specific do’s and don’ts so that families can “Leave No Trace” when they adventure outdoors.
Are you looking for things to do in Spartanburg, SC? These are the events happening in Spartanburg now. Find events in Spartanburg this weekend, or plan things to do all month long.
These Spartanburg events are listed by date. Simply click on each event for more information.
Are you planning to visit Clemson University? Whether you are visiting your Clemson University student, checking out the campus as a prospective student, or coming into town for an event or Clemson University game, we have a guide to help you and your family enjoy the area. In this guide, you will find suggestions for where to stay, things to do, and where to dine near Clemson, South Carolina
Do you have a preschooler? It is a full-time job to keep them entertained and making sure they are getting the best education. This guide offers a list of things to do with a preschooler in Greenville, SC and the Upstate, plus classes, preschools, and resources for your family. Your preschooler will love these activities and you will love making memories.
The Greenville area offers a lot of summer camp options and it can be difficult to sort through them to find camps that are open to preschoolers. So, we made this list of Preschool Summer Camps because there are some really fun options for the 4 and under crowd when it comes to summer camps! Don’t miss them.
Every day is a good day at Shipshape Farm! Come on out to the farm this summer and have an old-fashioned, tech-free, good time. We will be getting our hands dirty with critters, gardening, games, projects, and just playing around! The theme for each camp is based on a classic Children’s book. Shipshape Farm makes everyday moments into memories!
Thank you Shipshape Farm for sponsoring this article.
Things to With Preschoolers Indoors Near Greenville
Indoor Activities in Spartanburg, SC: We haven’t forgotten about our neighbors! We have a list for indoor activities for preschoolers in Spartanburg.
Tot Times: Tot times are a designated time reserved for younger children. Places such as museums, bounce house, gyms, and more offer tot times.
Story Times in the Upstate: Storytimes are an important part of cultivating a love of reading. These events are usually free and make reading fun!
Children’s Museum of the Upstate: Greenville is home to the Children’s Museum of the Upstate. It is one of the largest museums and one of the first to be Smithsonian affiliated. The exhibits are hands-on, and they offer special educational programs.
From art to rock climbing there are opportunities for your preschooler to take a class in Greenville. Some are year-round and some are seasonal, but they all offer enriching experiences.
Greenville Zoo: Are you visiting the Greenville Zoo? Read this article to ensure you make the most out of your visit.
Zoo Tots: Zoo Tots for preschoolers is an educational and fun. It is geared towards preschoolers and offers sensory play while also meeting a zoo animal!
Hiking with Preschoolers: There are a lot of excellent hiking trails near Greenville, SC, but if you’re hiking with young kids, the trails on this list would be a great place to start.
Trains: Does your preschooler love trains? Greenville, SC has spots to watch trains, trains to ride, and train-themed spots to play.
Ultimate Guide to Preschools: Are you looking for a preschool in Greenville or anywhere in the Upstate? Sort Upstate preschools by programs, location and hours.
Private Schools: Is it time for kindergarten? If you’re looking for the best private school K5 or kindergarten option, this list will help you sift through all the options with location filters.
Find more content perfect for families with preschool-age kids in Greenville, SC
10+ Story Times: Greenville SC’s Fun Way to Instill a Love of Reading in Your Kids
The Ultimate Guide for Families With Preschoolers in Greenville, SC
50+ Fun, Free, and Unbelievably Cheap ($5 and below) Things to Do in Greenville, SC
Greenville Zoo: Take Your Toddler or Preschooler to Zoo Tots in Greenville, SC
Eat and Play at These Kid Friendly Restaurants: Greenville, SC
10 Great Ideas for Next Time Dad Has the Kids in Greenville, SC
What do you and your preschooler like to do in the upstate? Tell us below in the comments.
Do you want to enjoy beautiful views with no hiking at scenic overlooks near Greenville, SC? How about a driving tour of completely stunning overlooks, pull-offs, and scenic spots across the South Carolina Upstate? If that sounds amazing, we thought so too! So here it is, your No-Hiking Driving Tour of Gorgeous Scenic Spots Near Greenville, SC from KAG Contributor, Liene.
Scenic Views Without the Hike
While my family loves a good hike (and there’s no shortage of them in the Upstate!) we sometimes find ourselves looking for those stunning views – but with little to no hiking. Whether it’s because we have an out-of-town guest visiting who might have less experience on the trail or not physically capable of tackling local hikes, or because I was pregnant or adventuring with an infant, we found a dozen sites that we could pull right up to for that spectacular vista – with just a short walk! Head out to one or two of them, or take an epic driving tour of all of them for a taste of the SC Upcountry.
Wildcat Branch Falls
After breakfast at one of the many cute spots in Traveler’s Rest, head north to Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway 11 and drive west. The first stop is Wildcat Wayside, the old rest stop for travelers on their way to Asheville.
With over a mile of trail that loops into the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, this trailhead can be a popular spot; be careful pulling in and out of the roadside parking area. However, you won’t have to go far to see the star attraction, as the 30ft waterfall is visible from the road. The shallow pool at the base is a popular swimming hole on hot summer days!
Address: 5500 Geer Hwy, Cleveland, SC 29635
Wildcat Wayside
Bald Rock Heritage Preserve
After driving a little over ½ mile west on Highway 11 you’ll head north on Highway 276, then in 2.8 miles you’ll come to the roadside parking for Bald Rock Heritage Preserve. This 165-acre Preserve is home to several rare plants, as well as panoramic views stretching from Table Rock to downtown Greenville. Access to the granite outcrop is across the wooden footbridge.
In another 4.6 miles’ drive north on Highway 276 you’ll reach the Caesars Head State Park Visitor Center. There is ample parking here, as well as restrooms, picnic tables and a gift shop. Take the short, 0.1-mile trail to the overlook featuring a wonderful view of Table Rock and the reservoir.
Address: 8155 Geer Highway, Cleveland, SC, 29635
Caesars Head State Park in the clouds
Grant Meadow Overlook
From Caesars Head, retrace your steps back to Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway 11 and continue west. Just under a mile after Aunt Sue’s Country Corner look for Grant Meadow Overlook to your right. This scenic pull-off is newly open, an Upstate Forever conservation easement protecting the 57-acre property that includes the meadow and streams to the north.
Behind them, the focal point – Table Rock. Take a minute to read the historical marker that tells the story of the granite dome, or just soak in the view from the bench before continuing on to Table Rock State Park.
Table Rock Mountain rises 3,124 feet above sea level and can be seen for miles. But if you want to get up close without the strenuous 7+mi hike, just head to the Table Rock Viewpoint within Table Rock State Park.
To access the pull-off you’ll need a State Park Pass (or to pay admission); it is located about halfway between the Table Rock Nature Center and Gaines Lodge parking areas. If the Park is full or you don’t have a Park Pass, head instead to the Table Rock State Park Visitor Center on Lake Oolenoy, where you’ll find restrooms and a gift shop, plus rocking chairs on a wide porch with a prime view of Table Rock.
Address for overlook: 182-346 Table Rock State Park Road, Pickens, SC 29671 Address for Visitor Center: 158 E Ellison Lane, Pickens, SC 29671
Sassafras Mountain
From Table Rock State Park it’s another 4 miles or so to the intersection of Highway 11 and Moorefield Memorial Highway, where you make a right to drive north 7.5 miles to Rocky Bottom, SC. Make another right on F. Van Clayton Memorial Highway (Sassafras Mountain Road) and take it all the way to the end to Sassafras Mountain Observation Tower. This is the highest point in South Carolina!
From the parking lot to the tower is just over a tenth of a mile, but the short stroll is worth it as on a clear day you’ll have 360-degree mountain views of North & South Carolina and Georgia.
Address: 1391 F Van Clayton Memorial Highway, Sunset, SC 29685
Jumping Off Rock
This next stop requires a bit of time, and patience, as it requires a long drive down a gravel road. Once you are back on Moorefield Memorial Highway, go north 0.9 miles to Horse Pasture Road. This road is open year-round, but will close due to hazardous weather conditions: see SCDNR for updates. High clearance is recommended for the 9.6-mile drive to the overlook, but not required.
On your way in you’ll pass several Heritage Preserves and Wildlife Management Areas, with multiple waterfall hiking trails and Foothills Trail trailheads located on Horse Pasture Road.
Look for a small pull-off with an obvious trail, it’s only a couple hundred feet to the view. Jumping Off Rock is the first of several stops located in the Jocassee Gorges region in this driving tour that features views of Lake Jocassee; if you opt to skip it you’ll get similar views from the Bad Creek Overlook.
Address: 448 Horse Pasture Rd, Sunset, SC 29685
Long Shoals Wayside Park
Once back on Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway, look for the intersection with Roy F. Jones Rd. After driving 1.4 miles west on Highway 11 you’ll see the entrance to Long Shoals Roadside Park. There are picnic tables located right next to the parking area, but this stop does require a short climb to reach Little Eastatoe Creek. While not as long as the walk to the Sassafras Mountain tower, it is a little steeper – it descends about 100ft.
From Long Shoals Park drive west on Highway 11 for almost 10 miles. Turn right on SC-130 N and continue for 10.1 miles. Bad Creek is the site of the largest hydroelectric station operated by Duke Power and includes 7,500-acre Lake Jocassee, a 375-acre upper reservoir, an underground powerhouse and a one-mile-long tunnel bored through the mountain bedrock connecting the reservoirs and powerhouse.
The site is open to the public year-round, however, visitors must abide by the Bad Creek visitor regulations posted at the electronic gate at the entrance to the site, which is at the turn off SC-130 N onto Bad Creek Road.
Proceed carefully on Bad Creek Road. for 3.6 miles until you come to the entrance to the parking lot for the Bad Creek Visitor Overlook. This overlook has more breathtaking views of the emerald Lake Jocassee, with a backdrop of the mountains of the Jocassee Gorges.
Address: Bad Creek Visitor Overlook, Bad Creek Road, Salem, SC 29676 GPS Coordinates: 34.995363, -82.992124
Note: Just to the north is the North Carolina border and Whitewater Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the east. We’ve chosen not to include it in this guide as the hike to the viewing platform is about 0.6 miles and involves stairs for the best view; this is also a fee area. However, it is close enough that it is definitely an option if interested. The waterfall can be viewed at the end of the paved 1/2 mile path without the stairs!Read more about Whitewater Falls in our driving tour of stunning waterfalls!
Wigington Overlook
Once back on Whitewater Road drive south for 0.7 miles, then turn right and head west on Oscar Wigington Memorial Highway. This short connector route between SC-107 and SC-130 offers a fantastic bird’s-eye-view of Bad Creek Reservoir and the Carolina foothills from the Wigington Overlook, which is 1.4 miles from Whitewater Road.
Address: Oscar Wigington Memorial Highway Scenic Overlook, State Rd S-37-413, Tamassee, SC 29686
GPS Coordinates: 35.001087, -83.043677
Sloan Bridge & Chattooga Pull-Offs and Picnic Areas
Continue west on Wigington Highway until you reach Highway 107, Falling Waters Scenic Byway. Just north of the intersection is the Sloan Bridge Picnic Area, with restroom facilities and picnic tables. 2.3 miles south is Fish Hatchery Road, which leads to the Walhalla State Fish Hatchery, another picnic area, and a popular spot for fishing.
Sloan Bridge address: Sloans Bridge Access, Tamassee, SC (GPS Coordinates: 35.003620, -83.054143) Walhalla State Fish Hatchery address: 198 Fish Hatchery Road, Mountain Rest, SC 29664
Burrell’s Place Pull-Off
One mile south of Fish Hatchery Road is a memorial site for five service members who were killed when a B-25 Army Air Corps plane crashed into a mountaintop at night on March 10, 1943. At the Burrell’s Place Pull-Off, visitors can find a memorial marker with the names of the servicemen. 1/3 mile further is a wide spot in the road that has room for a couple of cars, with a view of Cantrell Mountain and the Upstate beyond.
GPS Coordinates: 34.964861, -83.078429
Russell Farmstead (Chattooga Town)
After cruising the rest of Falling Waters Scenic Byway, you’ll reach Highway 28S. Make a right and continue towards the SC/GA border, and in 7.5 miles you’ll reach the pull-off for Chattooga Town, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
The Russell house was a busy Appalachian farmstead in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and served as a stopover for travelers headed north to NC to escape the hot South Carolina summers. A fire destroyed the main house and three outbuildings in 1988, leaving only a chimney of the main house, but the foundations are visible and an interpretive sign on the site details the layout of the farmstead.
Retracing your steps to Mountain Rest, SC, you’ll take Chattooga Ridge Road to Long Creek Highway; the next destination is where Highway 76 crosses the Chattooga. Just before the river there is a 10-minute parking pull-off with room for about 6 cars, and a walkway that leads to an overlook of the Chattooga River and the bridge. If you would prefer a closer look at the river, park at the US Forest Service Chattooga River Access site across the way, though that will require a short walk.
The fastest way back to Greenville from the Chattooga River is through Clemson on Highway 123, though if you’re looking to take the scenic route (or headed to our starting point in Traveler’s Rest) you’ll want to take Highway 11. We often detour through Pickens to stop for food, or watch the sun set from Glassy Mountain.
Pack that bag of gear & snacks, and hit the road this spring with the Kidding Around Greenville guide to scenic viewpoints and pull-offs. Make sure to tag us in your photo posts to let us know which scenic pull-offs and overlooks near Greenville, SC that you enjoyed most!
Are you looking for summer jobs for teens? Greenville, SC has dozens of options! We have tips for teens from a fellow teen about finding a summer job, plus a list of local businesses looking to hire teens for summer jobs in Greenville and the Upstate.
Looking to buy some healthy fruit and vegetable starters at a local plant nursery? Greenville, SC has several that have plants ready for your garden. We’ve got all the info so you can visit a locally owned Greenville, SC plant nursery to grab some plants and start that garden.
Do you have an old car seat to trade in?If you’ve got an old car seat around collecting dust, you can participate in the Target car seat trade-in or Wal-Mart car seat trade-in. All you have to do is trade it in, and the respective store will give you coupons or gift cards. Read on to learn how these programs work. The next Target car-seat trade-in event is coming up April 2024.
