Have you noticed that murals are gracing the walls of buildings all over the Upstate? We’ve listed out where you can find Greenville, SC murals (and more mural locations in the Upstate). Make an afternoon out of it and go on an Upstate Mural Driving Tour!
We’ve put together six driving tours of murals in Greenville, Travelers Rest, and Spartanburg. You can combine routes as well if you’re in the same area (Google won’t let us add more than ten destinations to each route).
Special thanks to reader Amanda for letting us use one of the photos she took during her driving tour with her family (where they got milkshakes for extra fun during this current coronavirus crisis).
Ready to get out and hike the trails near Greenville, SC? Today, contributor Kristina Hernandez shares some of the best places to hike near Greenville, SC.
For even more hikes, see our complete guide to hikes near Greenville, SC, which has hikes for every age, ability and every type of trail including trails with waterfalls, historic hikes, and more.
Some of my earliest memories as a kid were hiking with my family. It became a fun activity as my brothers and I got older and we got to pick out where we would go and which trails we would explore. I was banned from being the guide when I led us around in circles in the woods and eventually ended up on some unknown road (before GPS). Thankfully it’s pretty hard to get lost nowadays and hiking is still a favorite activity of mine. Because Greenville is so awesome, there are tons of great parks in the area to enjoy the outdoors, burn off some energy, pack a picnic and make a day of it.
When hiking, be sure to be considerate of other hikers, don’t leave trash on the trail, always keep animals leashed, don’t climb around waterfalls or allow kids to play near them as the rocks are and can be slippery and hazardous, and wear proper shoes (like not flip-flops or heels – I’ve seen people wear these when “hiking”), and be aware of your surroundings and wildlife like snakes and birds. For important tips on recreating responsibly, please see this story on the seven Leave No Trace principles.
One thing to note is that since the pandemic hit in March 2020, getting outdoors has now become a thing. National Parks, forests, and state parks are all reporting record-high numbers, which means many of our favorite trails are packed, which is pretty much the opposite of what we have been urged to do by medical professionals (although most agree that being outdoors is a good choice in these trying times). Because we live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and with literally hundreds of miles of hiking trails nearby, it’s truly not that hard to find less traveled trails. We made this Instagram short story on the All Trails app to show you how to search for less-trafficked trails. You can also join local hiking pages or just do your own research online or ask friends who are avid hikers. Happy Trails!
Kidding Around Greenville readers give some of their favorite hiking spots in the area below. One reader is on a mission to see all the beautiful waterfalls within an hour of Greenville. She uses the AllTrails Hiking & Mountain Trails app to find them, and other trails in the Upstate. We also have a list of waterfalls near Greenville to assist our readers.
Looking for family restaurants in Spartanburg, SC? We have a list of restaurants in Spartanburg where kids and parents can enjoy a sit-down meal together. Spartanburg has no shortage of restaurants, but the trick is finding that perfect balance of grown-ish and kid-friendly.
We think we have a few options that fit the bill with great kids’ menus or a perfect family atmosphere. So, pack up the family and prepare to enjoy a nice meal out!
Restaurants The Entire Family Will Love in Spartanburg, SC
La Taverna
120 Dorman Commerce Drive, Spartanburg | 864.576.8600 This is not only one of the most delicious Italian spots in Spartanburg, it’s also the perfect blend of grown-up and family-friendly atmosphere! The menu includes pizza, delicious desserts, and anything your family could ask for in a sit-down meal. Don’t wait for a special occasion to enjoy a meal here, it’s too good to miss. Also, try to save room for dessert!
Monsoon Noodle House
129 West Main Street, Spartanburg | 864.582.0618 Monsoon Noodle House has delicious soups, noodle bowls, and more, plus they offer a kid’s menu. The kid-friendly dishes are familiar dishes that kids will recognize from your favorite Chinese take-out option. However, there are other kid-friendly options on the Monsoon Noodle House menu! My kids like to get the Satay Chicken Sticks (we call them chicken lollipops) and the lettuce wraps. This food is fun and healthy, and I can enjoy a spicy noodle dish, or in the winter, the soup here will cure you of whatever ails you!
1800 Drayton Road, Spartanburg | 864.310.4177 It doesn’t get more family-friendly than patio-side at Dray: Bar + Grill. We’ve had numerous readers tell us that the patio is great, because your kids can run around the large Drayton Mills courtyard while the grownups relax, and no one gets upset! Kid’s meals are also pretty affordable here!
726 South Howard Avenue, Landrum | 864.457.4581 Being greeted by a 6-foot tall hay-bale pig, lets you know right away that a place is family-friendly! Chef Sarah McClure creates delicious meals for her guests, of all ages. Kid’s meals are just $7 each, and that just leaves more money to splurge on dessert!
Do you have any family-friendly restaurants in Spartanburg that your family loves?
Looking for great restaurant for brunch in Spartanburg, SC? There are a lot of restaurants in Hub City with brunch menus. How do you pick one? We asked our readers for their favorite brunch spots in Spartanburg and this list where they guided us.
Here are our readers’ favorite brunch restaurants!
Trying to plan a date night that will allow you to bring the baby along without any fuss? Date nights might seem like a thing of the past once you have a baby, so we are coming to the rescue with this list by Lindy Wilson. We have some great date ideas with a baby for parents in Greenville, SC that are perfect for when you need your tiny human to tag along.
Do you crave a little something spooky around Halloween? Do you love a good ghost story? If you answered yes then you’re going to love this article about South Carolina Investigators of the Paranormal. Our chat with owner Melinda will fill your need for a scare and maybe even transform a skeptic or two into a believer with her tales so read on. If you dare.
Looking to meet other moms around the Upstate, SC? Weput together this great list of places to meet other moms around the Greenville area. If you’re looking for a group of moms to meet at a local park with or a group of moms to exercise with we’ve got the information you want!
If you’re new to the Upstate, you might be searching for a good way to meet other moms in your new town. Or if you’ve been here your whole life but are new to being a mommy you might want some new friends who also have children. No matter what your situation is, making new friends can be challenging and requires some effort. But luckily for all of us moms, there are some great resources that can help you connect with other moms in our area.
Out and About Moms of Greenville
Out and About Moms of Greenville (OAMG) is a local group of over 3,400 Upstate moms from all walks of life with children ages 5 and under. In order to ensure that all moms are welcome joining OAMG is completely free and currently runs through Facebook. Due to the limitations, as well as, for safety reasons members are required to maintain active participation. Active participation is defined within the guidelines you agree to upon joining.
The OAMG administrators hold weekly playdates, as well as encourage each mom to create events that suit her needs and schedule. The administrators for this group consistently offer an up-to-date calendar of private events, local happenings, and deals. This forum allows moms in the Upstate the opportunity to get to know one another, plan and attend playdates, provide emotional support, as well as offer and receive much-needed advice.
Out and About Moms of Spartanburg
Another option for making mom friends and getting out of the house is this Out and About Moms of Spartanburg, the sister chapter to Out and About Moms of Greenville. Moms can join this group by simply asking to be added to the closed Facebook group as long as they live close enough to the Spartanburg area to attend events. In this group, anyone can make play dates. If a mom knows of a cool event around town or has an idea for a playdate, she can create the event. They can host something as simple as meeting at the park to play. Also, there are no limits to what types of activities they do (it even includes things like walking and hiking play dates). There is no fee to join, but they do ask that moms who join the group try to attend at least some of the play dates.
Moms of Preschoolers (MOPS)
Another great resource for moms is the International MOPS group which is short for Moms of Pre-Schoolers. There are several local chapters in the Upstate which are run separately. This group for mothers of children birth to kindergarten hosts in-person meetings, as well as online Mama Meetup video chats.
MOPS does require yearly dues; the amounts, as well as further information on this annual fee, can be found on their website. The Administrators of each local chapter will offer regularly scheduled meetings, monthly play dates, and a monthly mom’s night/day out. Each chapter provides free pre-school modeled child care through the Moppets program for their meetings. Although MOPS is church-affiliated, you do not have to be a member of the church to join.
Hike It Baby Greenville
If you love the outdoors, consider joining Hike It Baby Greenville. These are moms that take their kids on hikes together in the area – perfect for meeting moms of similar interests.
Kidding Around Greenville Community
It goes without saying that Kidding Around Greenville is an amazing resource for all things family related within the Upstate. However, you might not have known that Kidding Around Greenville has its own community on Facebook for its members to connect. Kidding Around Greenville Community is a wonderful forum open to all readers of Kidding Around Greenville!
Boiling Springs First Baptist Church MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)
This MOPS group meets at 9 a.m. in the fellowship hall of Boiling Springs First Baptist Church in Spartanburg on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday every month during the school year. There is a meeting fee. For more information, please check out their Facebook page.
MOMS Club
MOMS Club is an international nonprofit group of “Moms Offering Moms Support” that meets for a variety of group outings and activities. Joining a local moms club group means meeting local moms and their children regularly for playgroups, outings around town, and monthly moms’ nights out. MOMS Club offers a packed calendar that helps get moms out of their homes and into relationships with other moms by creating opportunities to get together with their children in various ways. Their calendar includes everything from zoo outings, baby playdates, park visits, craft get-togethers, community service activities, library events to moms-only trivia nights. Moms get to pick and choose which events they would like to attend – there are no mandatory events.
North Spartanburg MOMS Club
The chapter includes moms living in the following zip codes: 29316, 29349, 29322, 29323, 29330, and 29356. In order to be an active member of the group, there is a $20 yearly fee. For more information about joining this group, please see their Facebook page or contact Northspartanburgmoms@gmail.com.
Spartanburg Stroller Rollers
This group meets to work out together at the Upward Star Center on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. for a one-hour class. The website states, “Being a mom and staying fit is a constant challenge. We strive to bring moms together to encourage one another, get fit, and form lifelong relationships.” There is a cost associated, but your first class is free and there are no contracts (you can cancel your membership at any time). If you have a stroller, check out all the fun these moms are having while exercising with their babies. Note: Spartanburg Stroller Rollers is temporarily closed.
With multiple options, moms can find the groups where they feel most comfortable. Many local moms are active in more than one of these groups! If you are trying to find out where the moms are hanging out in Spartanburg, start with these groups.
Do you have a resource for meeting other moms to add to our list?
Here are some summer fun things to do in Greenville, SC before you leave for college! Greenville has so much to offer young adults, and you want to be sure to experience all of them before you pack your bags. Gather some friends and go have fun this summer in Greenville, SC.
Are you wanting to plan a weekend in Greenville, SC and you aren’t sure where to start? We’ve got you covered with several different itineraries for a weekend getaway, Greenville, SC style. We have ideas for families with young children, big kids, a couples trip, and more. Let us do all the planning for you so you can just enjoy your time together.
It’s finally the weekend and you are planning on making a trip to Greenville, SC. Whether you have young children in your family or you’ve managed to find childcare and have a weekend away with your significant other, we’ve got lots of ideas to keep you and your family entertained once you arrive on Friday. Greenville is truly full of parks, events, concerts, restaurants, and trails and quite the destination in and of itself, which makes finding something to do on weekends more of an adventure than a chore.
Are you looking for ways to look stylish and save money at women’s consignment shops near Greenville, SC? Here is our list of the best women’s consignment stores to visit. Get ready to find great deals!
