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Celebrate the Best that Our Town has to Offer at Fall For Greenville

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Are you looking for the best outdoor festival in Greenville? Fall For Greenville is an annual tradition and a celebration of our city that you don’t want to miss! Local mom Kristina gives us the details you need to plan a visit to this year’s annual Fall For Greenville!

The 2023 Fall for Greenville event starts October 13th, 2023, and runs through October 15th, 2023. There is also a kick-off concert on October 12th, 2023 if you’re too excited to wait!

Greenville has focused a significant amount of time and energy on making the small city a paradise for people who love to eat good food. And who doesn’t love good food?

Fall for Greenville is not only one of the region’s hottest food festivals but also one of the nation’s best fall festivals, according to Country Living. Cheers to that!

Want to check out more fall festivals? Here is our list of Fall Festivals near Greenville.

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This Unique Date Amounts to a Four-Course Meal at Four Different Greenville Restaurants

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Need a unique date night idea? How about a great night out with friends? Or maybe you just love good food. Today KAG contributor Kristina Hernandez is telling us about a unique tour you can take in Downtown Greenville, called At the Chef’s Table Culinary Tour. On this tour, you’ll enjoy great food, learn about the food and people who prepare it, and hear unique tidbits of Greenville’s history.

Thank you to John Nolan for providing this tour in order to allow us to share a review with you.

Just. One. More. Bite. My eyes were fighting with my full stomach as I stared down the dark chocolate tart at The Lazy Goat, the last of what amounted to a five-course meal of Table 301 restaurants in downtown Greenville. Over two hours earlier, I had met other excited participants for John Nolan’s At the Chef’s Table Culinary Tour at Soby’s on the Side, ready and willing to experience the highly-rated walking food tour.

I made it this far and just gave in, savoring just one last bite of the delicious dessert.

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Don’t Miss Boo In The Zoo This October At The Zoo In Greenville, South Carolina

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Looking for a family-friendly Halloween event that even the littlest spooks in your family will enjoy? Mark your calendar because the annual Boo in the Zoo in Greenville, SC is coming up, kicking off on October 18th, 2023. We’ll give you all the details and some hints on what to expect so your family will be ready to enjoy this awesome event!

Halloween Guide, trick or treat in Greenville, SC

Check out our complete Halloween Near Greenville, SC list of great places to trick-or-treat, Halloween events, and more!

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Where to Grab a Healthy and Fast Meal in Greenville, SC

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If you don’t have time for a meal in a restaurant but still want to feed your family a healthy dinner, then these healthy restaurants Greenville, SC has to offer will complete your dinner menu! Believe it or not, you can get a fast, yet healthy, meal right here in Greenville.

Local Mom Lindy put together this list of local spots for a quick and healthy meal that even your kids will like.

Healthy places to eat in Greenville, South Carolina
Taco from Papi’s Tacos

I recently wrote up a list of alternatives to the fast-food drive-thru’s and it was so popular that Kidding Around Greenville readers wanted a list of even more quick-service restaurants with healthier food options. So below are some of your favorite spots for a quick bite with kids (a couple of these even have a pickup window!). Note: We did not relist the places that made our first list of healthy drive-thru spots. Be sure to check that out too as almost all of the places on that list offer dine-in too.

Healthy Restaurants: Greenville, SC Quick Places for Dining In With Kids (that don’t have drive-thrus)

Asada

903 Wade Hampton Boulevard, Greenville, SC
864.770.3450

Located off Wade Hampton, Asada is an authentic Mexican joint that gets rave reviews from our community for everything from the more familiar burrito to the exotic yucca balls. Their brunch looks tempting too!

Clean Eatz

3608 Pelham Road Suite C, Greenville, SC
864.605.7999

Want something quick, super duper healthy, but also full of flavor? Then Clean Eatz is a place you HAVE to try. They have burgers, wraps, build-your-own bowls, and more. I highly recommend building your own bowl, because there are so many options to make your meal. Their Chocolate Covered Strawberry protein smoothie is the perfect amount of sweet. They even have a healthy kid’s menu, with things like pizza rolls and turkey burgers.

Farm Fresh Fast

860 South Church Street, Greenville, SC
864.518.1978

As one of the most highly recommended healthy restaurants Greenville, SC has to offer, Farm Fresh Fast is where it is at! Busy families can subscribe to a meal plan with delivery, so you’ll always know where dinner (or lunch or breakfast) is coming from. If you just need something quick one night you can call ahead to order a single meal for pick-up, or just drop by their restaurant on Church Street for a meal. You don’t have to be a subscriber to eat here. Farm Fresh Fast uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients, for farm-fresh food, fast.

We loved Farm Fresh Fast, simply because the food was quick, healthy, and tasty! Learn more in our KA review of Farm Fresh Fast.

Moe’s Southwest Grill

Multiple Locations

Ironically based out of Atlanta (aka the South EAST), Moe’s is nonetheless pretty good as far as this born and raised Southwesterner is concerned. Much like Chipotle, there are many build-your-own options, but you get unlimited chips and a free salsa bar. So not as good for dieting, but delicious! You can also get birthday freebies and welcome free queso when you sign up for their email club.

O-CHA Tea Bar

300 River Street Ste 122, Greenville, SC
864.283.6702

Though their focus is tea, their dining menu is delicious with many vegetarian options in addition to some amazing pastries. O-CHA Tea Bar is very kid-friendly – when I nursed my baby there a while back, the owner personally came over to thank me for nursing my child and let me know nursing mothers are always welcomed there.

Tamale from Papi's Tacos
Tamale from Papi’s Tacos

Papi’s Tacos

300 River Street, Greenville, SC
864.373.7274

Downtown along the Reedy River, this “stationary food truck” is owned by fine dining experts at the above Lazy Goat. Kids will love the gelato and enjoy watching the geese in the Reedy River. Papi’s Tacos also has a location in Easley.

Find out why Papi’s Tacos is the place to go in Greenville when you are craving authentic Mexican tacos that are fresh in our KA review!

Sun Belly Cafe

1409 West Blue Ridge Drive, Greenville, SC
404.309.7791

Have dietary restrictions and want something vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free? Sun Belly Cafe has a menu loaded with special diet items, but they do not skimp on the flavor! They have a variety of salads and unique, protein-loaded dishes to try out. If you like spicy, they have a savory Ethiopia Stew Plate that my husband always gets when you go here and literally salivates over. This place is probably not the best for families with picky eaters because they have a more adventurous menu, but there are options on the menu for everyone.

Swamp Rabbit Cafe

205 Cedar Lane Road, Greenville, SC
864.255.3385

It’s a popular local spot, but because of its delicious selections of soups, sandwiches, salads, and most recently pizza, all made with fresh, local ingredients, Swamp Rabbit Cafe deserves a spot in the realm of healthy eating out. We just won’t mention those fantastic scones, cookies, or cinnamon rolls.

Learn why the stecca is the best and you’ll never find cleaner, locally sourced products than at the Swamp Rabbit Cafe in our KA review!

Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe

3604 Pelham Road Ste A, Greenville, SC
864.501.0450

Delicious gyros, salads, platters with chicken or lamb, and great side choices are available for dine-in or call ahead for pick-up. Taziki’s has some unique children’s meals, like chicken pitas. They also have great family to-go meal deals available.

Tropical Grille

Multiple Locations

With several locations in the area, Tropical Grille is perfect for any meal and super convenient. They have enough variety with their Cuban-themed menu to suit everyone in the family, no matter what they like, and the prices are very good for what you get.

Their sauces are also fabulous and they have lots of healthy options. Call ahead for pickup or drop-in for a quick, but delicious, dinner. They have a family option for dinner as well, which can last for a couple of meals.

A couple of the Tropical Grilled locations have drive-thrus, but the majority are dine-in or carry-out.

Yum Bai SC

Food Truck: Schedule frequently changes

This is an excellent food truck option if you are looking for healthy restaurants. Greenville, SC’s own Yum Bai SC offers fusion Asian cuisine, and their consistently parked at some pretty awesome locations and breweries. You can find out where they are going to be located through their regular Facebook posts of their upcoming schedule.

Read our KA review of Yum Bai SC to learn more about their delicious Asian cuisine and get your hands on some of those Lemongrass steaks!

As always let us know if you have any other recommendations. We love hearing from our readers!


Complete Restaurant Guide to Greenville, SC

Learn about all the delicious food that Greenville, SC has to offer in our Ultimate Guide to Restaurants in Greenville!


Here’s How You Can Get Behind the Scenes at The Greenville Zoo

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Note: The Greenville Zoo is not currently offering behind-the-scenes tours. We will update this article if they begin offering the tours again.

Have you heard of Greenville Zoo’s Behind-the-Scenes Tour? KAG Contributor Anna Artz and her family attended a behind the scenes tour of the zoo. She’s written all about the experience here, so you’ll know what to expect if your bring your crew.

The Greenville Zoo is a well-loved downtown attraction in our family. Our kids will never get tired of walking around the zoo, from saying hello to the ant-eater and trying to spot the lions and leopards, to waving goodbye to the pigs and goats at the Farm section near the exit.  Whenever the sun is out, a trip to the zoo is always on top of our list. ~Anna Artz, KAG Contributor

What is The Behind the Scenes Tour?

If your family loves animals as much as we do, there’s a special way to visit Greenville Zoo.  The Behind The Scenes Tour of Greenville Zoo offers a rare chance to walk behind the zoo’s exhibits and visit to the zoo’s commissary. Ever wonder what it’s like to be a zookeeper? Or what the different animals at the Greenville zoo eat? Or why a giraffe’s tongue is brown? All of these questions and more can be answered by signing up for this tour.

Our family recently attended a Behind The Scenes tour of the zoo, and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We learned a lot about the inner workings of a zoo and we also gained knowledge about the zoo’s wildlife conservation efforts. Below are some highlights of our visit.

The Commissary

The tour began with a warm welcome from our guide who was accompanied by a docent volunteer. We then proceeded to the zoo commissary. This part of the tour was learning about the contents and preparation of various animal’s diets. We learned that the zoo’s nutritionist feeds the animals organic vegetables and tries to get the best produce for them in the same way we shop for our own vegetables. We got a glimpse of the kitchen and the menus for each animal. We learned that some ate more frequently than others. While the alligators were known to go several months without eating, the orangutans ate four to five times a day. We were also shown the leaf-eater biscuits, a favorite giraffe snack, which was edible even to humans. We were offered a chance to taste a biscuit and my daughter gamely volunteered and ate the whole cookie! She said it tasted like grass.

The Animals

The next part of the tour was a visit to the giraffe barn. We entered from the back, where keepers would usually go. We had one of the zookeepers talk about the habits of the giraffe, and we met Autumn, a Masai giraffe, who came by to say hello. She was so close we could see her very thick eyelashes.

giraffe at Behind the Scenes Tour Greenville Zoo

As we walked behind the exhibits, we observed that many of the exhibits had an area where the animals can enter and be by themselves. Needless to say, we saw the multiple gates and locks for the lion cage. The zookeepers carry lots of keys!

We then moved on to the Asian animal section. One of the zoo keepers opened the gates for us, and led us  behind the leopard exhibit. As we stood next to Emerald, the leopard, we learned that these felines are very good climbers, and we were glad that their area had a steel net above. We were also reminded not to get too close to the cage since a paw could fit easily fit through the fence. We were surprised with how active the animals were. Usually, we find them sleeping in far corner of their exhibit. This time, we were in that far corner and eye to eye with a very awake Emerald.

Greenville Zoo Behind the Scenes Tour

Another set of gates were opened and we came to the last part of our tour, a visit to the two grand Sumatran orangutans, Kumar and Lana. Not only were we impressed by the size and beauty of the orangutans, we witnessed how the keepers trained the animals using sign language. The keeper showed us how they used sign language to ask the animals do things and in return, the animals received a treat.

Kumar, the male orangutan sensed a snack and approached the fence. The zoo keeper then made some signs with her hands and Kumar responded following her direction. This went on for a while, with Kumar, turning to his left, then his right, opening his mouth and so on and so forth. This gave his keeper a chance to  gave Kumar a full body check-up. Not satisfied, at the end of the check-up, Kumar wasn’t quite done.  He looked for more grapes, and expressed this by pushing his blanket through the fence. According to the keeper, he was trying to trade his blankie for more fruit!

Greenville Zoo Behind the Scenes Tour

The whole tour took an hour, but can be longer since the guides and the keepers are happy to answer all of your questions. It was quite a unique experience seeing the animals up-close and interacting with the keepers. Our kids left with much admiration for the zoo keepers and had lots of questions on how to become keepers themselves when they grow up. Our daughter has always talked of becoming a veterinarian. This experience showed her other interesting opportunities for kids who want to work with animals.

Tips for the Tour

  • Bring a bottle of water.
  • Bring a camera.
  • Wear a hat or cap since the tour is mostly outdoors except for the zoo commissary.
  • The tour will involve some walking and standing so wear comfortable shoes.
  • Be prepared to be licked by a giraffe!

Have you been on a Behind-the-Scenes Tour of the Greenville Zoo?

Museum & Gallery at Bob Jones University: Art History for All Ages

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M&G, the Bob Jones Museum and Gallery, is a place to examine cultural and art history for all ages. Though M&G has been closed to the public since 2017, you can still view historic pieces of art from the gallery at various campus locations, off-campus locations, and events throughout the Upstate.

Plus, M&G still offers homeschool programs, specialized tours, and summer camps! As M&G continues to fund for a new location, we can support them through the various art history programs available.

Where to See Collections on View Throughout the BJU Campus

Though the brick-and-mortar Museum and Gallery location is no longer open at BJU, there are several places where you can view Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, American, and religious art throughout the campus at Bob Jones University. The M&G Collection on View has pieces displayed in three campus locations, including:

  • Gustafson Fine Arts Center Atrium: Open Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm
    Tours are available, Open to the public
    European Old Masters painting collection of Luther’s Journey: Experience the History
  • War Memorial Chapel: Open by appointment only
    Tours available
    The Benjamin West Collection: The Father of American Painting
  • Mack Library: Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm
    Open to the public
    Medieval and Renaissance artifacts and art pieces 

You will also find off-campus art displays from the M&G collection at First Presbyterian Church of Greenville from April 4, 2023- October 12, 2023, at the Jerry and Alice Lenz Gallery in Downtown Greenville, SC. These art pieces explore the Baroque era and include 14 paintings as part of the Ponder Anew: Baroque Masters of the Baroque exhibition. The satellite location is used to temporarily house one of the largest collections from M&G while BJU acquires a permanent location for the museum.

The gallery is open to the public on Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. You can also make an appointment by emailing cfraser@firstpresgreenville.org for out-of-public hour visits. 

Kids creating art at the Bob Jones Museum and Gallery

Activities for All Ages

Does history and art make your eyes glaze over? It doesn’t have to be like that! History is rich with incredible and interesting stories and art reflects that intrigue. M&G offers Scavenger Hunts that encompass everything from the signs and symbols in the art that mean something more than meets the eye to be able to identify techniques used by the greatest artists in all of history.

For 2023, Scavenger Hunts are currently held at the Ponder Anew: Baroque Masterworks of the Museum and Gallery exhibit at the First Presbyterian Church of Greenville. You can grab it at the reception desk at First Presbyterian from April until October 12, 2023. 

M&G also offers two print-off seasonal scavenger hunts for Easter and Christmas. These hunts are for all ages and use short audio clips and videos to help the hunter find out more information about the pieces they are hunting for.   

Art Discovery Tours for Kids

There are also specialized Cultural Discovery Tours for kids so they can learn more about art history. These tours are from K – 12th grade, and groups of 10 or more are needed. Tours are free but must be requested in advance.

Currently, M&G offers on-campus and off-campus tours for three different exhibits, including Luther’s Journey: Experience the History (grades 6th – 12th), Benjamin West: The Father of American Painting (grades 3rd -12th grade), and Ponder Anew: Baroque Masterworks from the Museum and Gallery (1st – 12th grade). Homeschool groups and teachers can submit a Specialized Focus Tours form to find out more information about the exhibits.

homeschool days at Bob Jones M & G

M&G Homeschool Days

M&G at Bob Jones University offers a special program for homeschoolers for their Homeschool Days, one that caters to students ages 5 – 14 years old. Lessons are 75 minutes long and are available once per month at the Mack Building on campus.

The Homeschool Days theme for 2023/2024 is American Masters. During their visit, students will learn about American artists, while exploring various art styles, media, and artists themselves. Elementary and Middle School lessons are available, so your kid will be learning on their level. Children will be inspired to dream and imagine what impact they can have on history too!

Homeschool days for 2023/2024 include:

  • September 7 or 8, 2023
  • October 5 or 6, 2023
  • November 2 or 3, 2023
  • February 8 or 9, 2024
  • March 7 or 8, 2024
  • April 4 or 5, 2024

Homeschool Days Class Schedule

Elementary classes for children ages K5- 5th grade are on Thursdays at 10 a.m. and 2 pm or and Fridays at 10 am, noon, and 2 pm.

The Middle School lessons are for children grades 6th – 8th grade, and follow the same order of subject matters on Fridays at 10 am, noon, or 2 pm.

Registration for Homeschool Days

Registration for Homeschool Days begins in August, and you can register for the Fall 2023 classes through the Homeschool Days Fall Registration form. Registration for the second semester for Spring 2024 will open at the end of the year.

Fees are $8.50 for children and $3 for adults. Adults are not required to stay for the lesson but are asked to walk their children into the museum and pick them up after 75 minutes.

For FAQs on the Homeschool Days, see here.

Digital Homeschool Days

If you prefer an at-home program, M&G also offers Digital Homeschool Days. These digital classes are for ages 5 – 14 years old and explore The Age of Antiquity. You must pre-register for the digital lessons and will have access to lessons on Sumer, Assyria, Babylon, Egypt, Hebrew, Greece, and Rome. 

Museum on the Move

If you are looking for a unique way to bring the museum to your classroom or homeschool co-op, then M&G has you covered! They offer art-based STEAM units, whoo hoo! If you choose the in person option, an educator will come to your classroom or group for a 30 – 60 minute lesson. Lessons meet core SC standards, so you don’t have to stress about that. 

You can also choose for grades 1st through 6th, with several lesson options available. You can find more information about the Museum on the Move program and how to register for in person and digital lessons on the M&G Museum on the Move page. 

Kids Create! Summer Camp at M&G

Every summer, M&G at Bob Jones University offers a Kids Create! Summer camp that will have your child exploring the world through art. Summer camps are available for children aged K5 – age 12. Your child will explore the fine arts, create art projects, play interactive games, learn age-appropriate material, and make new friends! Camps are typically a week long in June and are half-day.

Registration for Kids Create! Will open at the beginning of 2024 for the 2024 summer session.

Museum & Gallery at Bob Jones University
864-770-1331
http://www.bjumg.org
https://www.facebook.com/bjumg

Have you ever taken your kids to M & G at Bob Jones University?


The Ultimate Homeschool Guide to the Upstate, South Carolina.

Homeschooling?

Check out our Ultimate Homeschool Guide to the Upstate!


Summer Camps are the Best!

We have a Guide to over 120 Summer Camps Near Greenville, SC. There is something for every interest.

Summer camps in Greenville, SC and Upstate, SC

Farm Fresh Fast: A New Kind of Fast Food

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Ever get so busy you don’t have time to cook? Farm Fresh Fast wants to be there when those days hit, as a quick but healthy (and tasty) meal option. Kidding Around Greenville contributor and local mom, Kristina Hernandez visited Farm Fresh Fast and now she’s telling you just what to expect. File it away in the back of your brain, because you know that “too busy to cook” day is coming soon!

“Here are the duck eggs,” said Daniel Leyman of Lilac Acres Farmstead. He walked into Farm Fresh Fast when I did and was presenting the large eggs to Jonathan Willis, who owns the popular restaurant. Jonathan had found Daniel right before he opened Farm Fresh Fast and was buying the eggs to use for duck omelets.

When Jonathan talked about working with small farmers to source local ingredients for the new fast-food farm-to-table restaurant, he wasn’t joking. Daniel’s farm consists of two acres at his home in a subdivision in Taylors that houses some ducks, chickens, goats, and pigs on his property. So far, Jonathan has found 15 local farmers and works closely with them to ensure he gets the best possible ingredients. We can’t all go looking for great ingredients at local farms but we can eat them at Farm Fresh Fast.

Farm Fresh Fast in Greenville

The concept behind Farm Fresh Fast

Jonathan Willis created a meal planning and delivery service in January 2016 in Greenville that catered to busy families and professionals. As a certified nutritionist and trainer, he had the knowledge to create healthy and tasty food and saw a market in Greenville that would embrace it. And they did.

He accomplished his two-year plan in only eight months and was ready to expand the business to the next level: a fast food restaurant with the convenience of a pickup window and the taste and food straight from the farm.

Healthy and fast food are pretty much never mentioned in the same sentence and Jonathan set out to change that. He also knew that charging high prices for good food wasn’t the way to go and attract a base of customers that would regularly be able to enjoy the restaurant.

With the immense help of his then-fiancée Kaylee Gonzalez, who loves creating healthy alternatives and is a fitness buff herself, he set out to do what no one in the Greenville area has done: start a healthy, true farm-to-table fast food restaurant.

Farm Fresh Fast restaurant in Greenville

The Food at Farm Fresh Fast

Farm Fresh Fast sources 80% of its ingredients from local farmers and their goal is 90%. If tomatoes aren’t in season, they aren’t serving them. When lettuce is in season, the restaurant will have a killer salad in the works.

Jonathan started planning his menu back in the fall and worked with local farmers to start planting then so that he can have what he wants now – spaghetti squash, zucchini, and cauliflower.

A West Virginia native, Jonathan’s own background shines through in the Almost Heaven Fat-Free Cheddar-Stuffed Burger, which uses lean ground beef and pork ($14.99). The bun is made by Upcountry Provisions in Travelers Rest (which my oldest child devoured before I could get to it) and gluten-free options are available. The Seasonal Stir-Fry is another highlight, using only local vegetables to create a satisfying meal ($15.49).

The meals are portion-sized yet filling. After having the Almost Heaven burger, I didn’t feel awful or too full. It was a perfectly sized dish with really good ingredients. Oh, and it was fast too – our meal was out in about 10 minutes.

Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are all available and thoughtfully cooked and prepared.

“What you think about fast food – I want to flip it on its head,” said Jonathan. “Often you order something at a fast food place and don’t expect it to be right. You expect it to be mediocre. We want to be different, efficient, and we want people coming back for more. We are setting high standards for farm-to-table food.”

Vegan Options Are Super Popular

Since it’s opening, Farm Fresh Fast has created a “No Kill Menu”, featuring and Greek Pita Wrap and Buffalo “Chicken” Wrap.

Willis has taken steps to work specifically with the Greenville vegan community, attracting the attention of local news even for his creative menu options that even meat lovers enjoy and that the vegan community are happy to support.

Farm Fresh Fast is food for the whole family

I needed to ask Jonathan the question “will kids like the food?” He answers with a resounding ‘yes’!

Jonathan and Kaylee reiterate that the restaurant is kid-friendly and the pick-up window is especially geared towards busy parents just trying to get their kids something healthy to eat and to do it quickly.

My kids really loved the chicken and my youngest pointed to the cauliflower in the open kitchen, wanting to try it (she ate it all and took some to-go). The restaurant felt homey and welcoming.

“I want to show people what food is supposed to taste like,” she said.

The menu has a rotating list of 20 grab-and-go items available for sale at the counter and at the pick-up window, including Hickory BBQ Pizza, General Tso’s Chicken over Rice, Chicken and Whole Wheat Waffles, Southwest Burrito Bowl, Turkey Chili, and the Spicy Chicken Wrap.

Farm Fresh Fast quick meal in Greenville

The Farm Fresh Fast vibe

The vibe at Farm Fresh Fast is just really cool – the décor is well-thought out, featuring tons of reclaimed wood (that Jonathan went and picked up himself from old barns in the area), hand-laid concrete counters, and lots of repurposed farm items.

There is an abundance of natural light and guests can get an up-close look at the way everything is prepared because the kitchen is entirely open to the dining room through the bar area.

The restaurant is aiming high.

“We want to be a company of the community,” explains Jonathan.

“It’s all about the fiscal eco-system – by eating here and eating local food where we purchase from area farmers, it’s a cycle that benefits the local economy. No one is doing this on a fast food scale.”

And consumers are ready for this. Nationally, mom and pop restaurants are growing faster than chain restaurants. Bloomberg reports that some big-time restaurant chains are shutting down and Americans want something that feels more like home: “Large chains seem rooted in the American experience. But times, and tastes, are changing. Customers these days believe locals have better food, service, deals and even decor, the Pentallect report said.”

Greenville is a good example of this trend as innovative, creative spots are popping up all around town, seeking to make eating out a community experience, which is exactly what Farm Fresh Fast is aiming for.

Plan your visit to Farm Fresh Fast

Farm Fresh Fast is open from Mondays-Thursdays 11 am – 8 pm and Saturdays 11 am – 3 pm.

Farm Fresh Fast
860 S. Church Street, Greenville
864.518.1978

Have you ever visited a farm to table fast food restaurant?

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Bring on the Biscuits, Greenville’s Got a New Culinary Tour

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I’ve got 4 words for you: Breakfast Tour in Greenville. If there’s anything better than breakfast, it’s having breakfast three times in one morning. John Nolan, owner of Greenville History Tours, feels the same. He’s created a culinary tour of three breakfast-focused restaurants in Greenville that will leave you not only content and full, but yearning to schedule time to go back and spend an entire morning at any of them.

Kidding Around Greenville got to try this breakfast adventure and we cannot wait to share it with you.

Culinary Tours

If you are unfamiliar with John Nolan and his culinary tours, they are easily one of the best events in Greenville. It doesn’t matter if you’re visiting town, have lived here for years, or just moved in. John has mastered the art of delivering the VIP experience to guests of some of the town’s best restaurants, all the while regaling guests with tales from Greenville’s past, complete with photos.

At the Chef’s Table Culinary Tour, chefs at the restaurant stops mingle with guests, take them into their kitchens, and share food and drinks. John points out the ruins of textile mills, explains how the town was named, and shows old photos of Main Streets. I got to go on one of these tours and it was incredible. I’ve since taken my husband and the experience was just as good.

So when John reached out and told us at Kidding Around Greenville that he was launching a breakfast tour, I was all in. Breakfast is my ultimate favorite meal of the day. Game on.

breakfast grits

Breakfast Tour

The restaurant scene is exploding in Greenville but the breakfast places aren’t getting much love. This tour highlights some of the best places in the area and wow, are they yummy.

The driving tour starts on Main Street and heads to Southern Pressed Juicery.

Founded and established in Greenville, Southern Pressed Juicery is focused on helping you take care of your health and well-being.

Their menu consists of fresh juices, acai bowls, smoothies, and salads. There’s even a Sweet Treats section with an assortment of doughnuts.

biscuit head greenville

Biscuits Next

We continued on… and before we knew it, John had stopped the van at our next destination, Biscuit Head.

Truthfully, this was the place I was looking forward to the most because…biscuits. I love them. I love making them and I love eating them.

Biscuit Head opened in 2013 and has been busy ever since. Their whimsical design and creative dishes keep guests coming back for more. They even have their own cookbook that patrons can purchase.

We had a divine dish of a poached egg with lime zest, a lime crema, and a grilled chicken biscuit with avocado and mango salsa. The biscuit was so good but what pushed this dish off the charts was the jam bar.

This jam bar was crazy. It was all kinds of homemade jam, like sweet potato chai, peach, and raspberry, plus butters like the s’mores butter. It was just as tasty as it sounds. I can still taste the flavors as I write this. This was my favorite part. I should have asked for another biscuit just so I could try more jams.

And Biscuit Head sells all of their jams to go. Winner.

Oh, and the owners surprised us with a little mimosa to round out the meal. As with everything else they served, it was excellent.

Tacos…or Croissants

The last stop on your tour will either be Papis Tacos or Le Petit Croissant.

Papi’s Tacos has delicious tacos with an incredible view of the Reedy River. Their menu also features nachos and burrito bowls. And for your sweet tooth, you’ll find churros and gelato.

Le Petit Croissant specializes in artisan chocolates and pastries, but they also have a breakfast menu featuring avocado toast, B.E.C. (bacon, egg, and cheese), quiches, and other breakfast sandwiches and croissants.

breakfast tour greenville

Want to go?

Tours take place every Tuesday and Thursday morning at 9 am.

I’d do this again in a heartbeat… especially as a date. As a working parent, I’d also have no hesitation to reserve a spot for a client coming into town or as a breakfast meeting. It’s such an interesting idea for a creative outing in Greenville whether you are a native or just visiting.

It’s also a great way to begin a Girls Day Out or even a special Moms Morning Out or something similar. It makes a fantastic gift for friends as well.

Breakfast is underrated in my humble opinion. John Nolan and Greenville History Tours elevates breakfast the way it should be and delivers a memorable experience at the same time.

To sign up, go to the Greenville History Tours website (you can also register for John’s other great history and culinary tours as well).

Greenville, SC Tours

Want more tours?

We have a huge list of all the foodie, history, nature, and family tours (plus a few really unique options).

Check out the KA Guide to Greenville, SC Tours for more!

Does the breakfast tour sound like a fantastic way to spend a morning to you?

Kids Can Do More than Just Play at Railroad Mini Park

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Have you visited Railroad Mini Park? This modest park is right off Stone Avenue near Downtown Greenville, so it is perfect for a quick play date after school or on the weekend. KAG contributor and local mom, Deborah, recently visited the park and tells us why this park offers more than just play.

What to Expect at Railroad Mini Park

No railroad. No train. This park is named after the street it is near, Railroad Street. Just a quarter mile off Stone Avenue, you’ll find a large grassy area, a full basketball court, and a playground. Park along Becker Street or Scott Street and walk across the grass.

View of the playground at Railroad Mini Park in Greenville, South Carolina

This playground is perfect for children of all ages and will improve balance and strength. The bouncy balance beam is a fun twist to the classic balance beam. No one will have to wait to slide with two slides on opposite sides of the playground. In the center, there are a few games. My boys’ favorite game was the spinner. Spin the arrow and then find that symbol somewhere on the playground.

A large cover keeps much of the playground shaded when the sun is at its highest. Bring a picnic to enjoy at the picnic table under the shade beside the playground. If you don’t want to pack a picnic, drive less than a mile and enjoy Willy Taco, where kids and adults can enjoy deliciously fresh Mexican food and even play a game of cornhole.

Railroad Mini Park sits just half a mile from NorthPointe, home to Harris Teeter, stores and restaurants, apartments, and a large parking garage.

Bring a basketball and other lawn games and your whole family to enjoy the park and maybe do a little shopping too. Yet another day made great in Greenville!

Obstacles on the playground at Railroad Mini Park in Greenville, SC

Railroad Mini Park
32 Becker Street, Greenville

Have you taken your kids to the new Railroad Mini Park yet?


Park Guide to Greenville, SC

Want to check out even more great parks in the Greenville area? Visit our guide to parks near Greenville, SC for info and reviews on tons of local parks!


Pinckney-Fludd Park Has a Climbing Structure Your Kids will Love

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Are you looking for a new park to explore in downtown? KAG contributor and local mom, Deborah, has the scoop on Pinkney Fludd Park and some other exciting ways to enjoy your time downtown. Pinckney Fludd Park offers a fun playground, climbing structure and more, all within a short walk of Heritage Green.

What you’ll find at Pinckney-Fludd Park

The small neighborhood park of Pinckney Fludd is on Pinckney Street just up from the beautiful, historic district of Hampton-Pinckney. The first house in this district was built by William Pinckney McBee, Vardry McBee’s son, before the Civil War, so you can expect mature trees and a wide street in a quiet neighborhood.

Just three minutes away from Heritage Green, this park makes the perfect addition to a day at the Children’s Museum or the Hughes Main Library!

Parking for the Pickney Fludd Park is conveniently located on Pinckney Street right in front of the gate. The park is fully enclosed and includes a basketball net as well as a picnic table and shaded bench. The new playground equipment did not disappoint!

My boys loved trying to climb across the playground without ever touching the ground. They even made it a race by timing themselves. As your children tryout the playground’s climbing structures, they will build confidence, determination, and important motor skills.

The go-round was a highlight to the playground. You can safely spin around in it very quickly, and even when you stop pushing it, it will continue to turn around slowly when children are in it. My son was super excited when he noticed the “space ship.” He called it this because of the clear dome at the top of the slide. These kinds of features really ignite the imagination of a child!

Pinckney Fludd park in downtown Greenville

More to do after you visit the park

After the playground, we decided to drive down to the Greenville Train Station and were thrilled to watch a long train pulling all sorts of military vehicles! Trains and tanks – how can you go wrong!

Last, but not least, this park is only a block from two trolley stops on the Arts West line, or green line. Catch a free ride downtown to the farmer’s market from 10 am – 2 pm on Saturdays.

Or, enjoy our exciting downtown Thursday through Sunday evenings. Be sure to download the Trolley Tracker app so you know exactly when the next trolley will arrive.

Grab a basketball and bring your entire family out for a fun day or evening together!

parks and playgrounds spartanburg greenville

Did you know there are TONS of parks and playgrounds near you? We’ve got the Ultimate List of Parks and Playgrounds Near Greenville, SC.