Author Archive

Holiday Inn Resort at Jekyll Island was the Vacation We Needed this Summer

Welcome to 2020. The year when we all need a vacation but how and where to vacation is more elusive than ever. Well, I have good news for you. Holiday Inn Resort at Jekyll Island is the perfect vacation. It provides a place where you can truly escape and relax with minimal worries of coronavirus exposure or restrictions.

Our trip was courtesy of Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island.

Traveling to Jekyll Island from the Upstate

Jekyll Island is part of the barrier islands on the southern Georgia coast known as the Golden Isles. It took us about 5 hours to travel to Jekyll Island from the Upstate. Our trip took us through Columbia and then along the South Carolina/Georgia coast.

Jekyll Island is a Georgia State Park, and vehicles are charged an $8 daily parking fee. You only have to pay the fee when you enter the island.

Our Stay at Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island

Living area in one of the suites at Holiday Inn.

Holiday Inn Resort is located right at the coast and offers beach front access directly in front of the hotel.

Each room has outdoor access and individual air conditioner units. We did have to check in via the lobby, but the staff member wore a mask.

The hotel is structured where every room has a double room with an ocean room seating area and balcony/patio and a bedroom. Some of the rooms even have family set-ups with bunk beds. I love double rooms because I have kids and it’s so nice to have enough space to put the kids to bed earlier than adults. Both rooms had TVs.

When we arrived I was excited to find a full-size fridge with a freezer. It’s so nice to be able to pack sandwich supplies to keep kids full and happy at the beach. The room even had dishes, a couple pots and pans, and a portable stove unit. It wasn’t anything fancy but enough where you could also bring food to cook a simple stove-top dinner instead of going out if you wanted.

Our room was very clean on arrival. Be aware though that house keeping during stays is limited due to COVID-19. We only had new towels dropped of our first morning, but the other morning we did have some minimal service included beds being made and trash picked up. I didn’t personally find it to be an issue but it’s good to be mentally prepared that you may be on your own for keeping your room tidy.

The Beach Front at Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island

One fabulous thing about staying at the Holiday Inn Resort is that there is a good deal of beach front right in front of the hotel. We found the beach to be delightfully uncrowded during our stay. There was enough room for almost everyone to have their own beach front area. Even taking into account the additional guests on the weekends, to me it looked like there was enough space to not be crowded.

Other Amenities at Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island

People lounging and swimming at an outdoor hotel pool.

The property had a playground and outdoor pool, both were open.

The pool was limited to the main swimming area. The kiddie pool and the hot tub were both closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. We did swim in the pool and while it was more crowded than the beach, we were able to distance fairly well from others as it was a large pool.

Large wicker beach lounger in grass looking towards the beach.

Chair and umbrella rentals are available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. You are allowed to bring your own shade structures on the beach as well.

White Adirondack chairs surrounding a metal fire pit near the beach.

Adult bike rentals are available at the resort. You can also rent bikes from other vendors on the island if you need other sizes. While most of the rental places were not open on weekdays during our trip, they are now open each day.

The Beach House Restaurant at Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island

Child smiling over a plate of food with palm trees in the background.

We ate two complimentary meals at The Beach House Restaurant. Kids eat free at the restaurant for all meals.

The prices were reasonable and the staff was friendly. Our waitress wore a mask and there was plenty of seating outdoors. We did have to walk indoors to be seated.

Our food was delicious on both the breakfast and the dinner menu. We tried a variety of foods from traditional chicken fingers and chips to salads.

They were serving a limited menu during our stay due to COVID-19 supply issues, but we had no issues still finding something that we all enjoyed eating.

The restaurant is on the property and is in easy walking distance from all of the rooms.

Our Adventures on Jekyll Island

You can find a full list of places to visit (including the scenic Driftwood Beach), where to eat, and tons of fun things to do in our full article about Jekyll Island.

Do you have a favorite place to stay at Jekyll Island? We would love to hear about it in the comments.

AccelerateED Task Force Meeting Summary

Earlier this week, we produced a summary of the DRAFT: AccelerateED Task Force Guidance and Recommendations for the 2020/21 School Year. Today, the Task Force met online to discuss any recommended updates to the draft and to discuss the feedback that they received.

We watched the entire 1 1/2 hour meeting with the goal of telling our readers what was said and what changes have been made to the final draft of the recommendations. You can also watch the meeting on Department of Education website.

Our goal here is to focus on the recommendations most directly related to school beginning in the fall and that were addressed to the public. The meeting also included discussion on state inequities, funding issues, and other public issues that we aren’t able to fully cover here due to length.

I understand that some of the statements here may be controversial. I have tried to keep our coverage limited to quotations and careful summaries without any opinions added. I’m sure it’s not a perfect summary so if you notice something significant that I missed or that should be elaborated on, feel free to leave a comment. I have reordered some of my notes in order to keep the flow of this article easy to follow.

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Hair Salons for a Child’s Haircut

Are you hunting for the perfect place to take your child for a haircut? We asked readers which hair salon for kids they prefer and here’s what they recommend. If you need to get baby’s hair cut for the first time or need a good stylist for a child’s overdue haircut, we have got you covered!

Best Kids’ Salons: Who Has KABOOM?

The KABOOM Awards are Kidding Around’s annual best of contest. Readers say these are the TOP 5 Date Ideas in Greenville, SC

Haircuts for Kids in Greenville, SC

Pigtails and Crewcuts

This is a family favorite! Pigtails and Crewcuts has two locations in Greenville. Appointments are required (you can book online). Sometimes they have same-day, last-minute openings.

Greenville Pigtails and Crewcuts Location

2222 Augusta Street, Greenville | 864.990.0559

Five Forks Pigtails and Crewcuts Location

2815 Woodruff Road, Suite 105, Simpsonville | 864.626.9242

We just took our 1 yr old to Pigtails & Crewcuts for his first haircut, and everyone there was so sweet and good with him. I believe we had Kaylin (KK), and she was the best. She got to know him a little beforehand and talked to him the whole time, so he was comfortable and had a good experience. I would highly recommend it.

Patty

Pigtails and crew cuts for sure. We tried others first and until we started going to pigtails and crew cuts, it was always a bad cut! Now that we changed, Erin always does a great job. Plus she’s awesome with my sons sensory issues too.

Laura J

We’ve always had a good experience at both Pigtails and Crewcuts locations! They’re always very friendly and patient and take the time to give the kids a true hairstyle and not just trim their hair if that makes sense. One of my sons has very thick, fine, straight hair, and the other has some curls, and they have done a great job working with both to get them to fall nicely.

Amanda S.

Black Sheep Barbershop

Black Sheep B arbershop is new to our list of favorite hair salons for kids this year. But it came highly recommended. There are two locations: one in Greer and one in Lyman.

Black Sheep Barbershop – Greer

1205 West Wade Hampton, Greer | 864.,655.4025

Black Sheep Barbershop – Lyman

40 Groce Road Suite A, Lyman | 864.249.0380

We’re always well taken care of at Black Sheep Barbershop!

Brianna R.

We love black sheep barber shop! I have 2 boys and they do a fantastic job!!

Jordan K.

Sharkey’s Cuts For Kids

21 Orchard Park Drive, Greenville | 864.203.3939

Readers once again recommended Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids. Conveniently located off I-385, kids will have fun getting their haircut while sitting in special kid-sized rides and playing many video games or watching movies on big-screen TVs. Every haircut comes with a free balloon and a lollipop.

We love Ashley at Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids – Greenville, SC

Ashley K

I second Ashley at Sharkey’s Cuts for kids my daughter is ASD and Ashely does and amazing job and is patient with my girl.

Emily C

Snip Its

1507 C. Woodruff Road | (864) 329-1251

This kid’s salon not only offers hair cuts and styles for children and teens but they also have spa and glamour parties! Book online.

Snip It’s. They’ve done a great job making the kids feel at ease, recommending hair styles, and being quick. They are set up for social distancing and I felt very comfortable there.

Angela S

My little one is on the spectrum and Amber at Snip-its is the only one he allows to touch his hair. She is so gentle and patient, has weathered many melt downs with such grace, and she earned his trust. So grateful for her. She truly cares about kids and gives great cuts.

Sarah

Brass Beard Barbershop

Readers also recommend Brass Beard Barbershop. It’s an old-school barbershop with two locations: one in downtown Greer and the other is in downtown Landrum.

117 South Main Street, Greer | 864.479.0357

We love The Brass Beard Barbershop in Greer. They are very talented and professional. And my boys love getting their hair cut there.

Pia L.

I took my toddler to The Brass Beard Barbershop for his first cut, and all cuts since. We love it!

Tricia C.

Great Clips

With over 20 locations in and around town, the convenience of Great Clips everywhere is what has our readers buzzing!

They have online check in to save time!” This app is available to all iPhone and Android users.

Kate

Haircuts for Kids In Spartanburg, SC

Industry Junior

122 South Liberty Street, Spartanburg | 864.586.3990

This salon expanded its services in 2019 to open Spartanburg’s first children’s salon. One of our Kidding Around writers went for a visit. Read Jennifer’s review of Industry Junior.

Sweet Tea Salon

378 South Pine Street, Spartanburg | 864.948.9485

A favorite of local moms, their charming salon is often described as cozy and inviting.

Haircuts for Kids In Anderson, SC

Entwined: The Kids Braid Bar

3131 North Main Street, Anderson | 864.356.5879

Styling your kid’s hair is just as hard as finding a kid-friendly haircut. Entwined The Kids Braid Bar (EKBB) makes sure your child receives the right natural hair care, weaves, and braids.

Haircuts for Kids In Easely, SC

Executive Haircuts Salon

103 Pope Field Road, Easely | 864.859.7400

In business since 1999, Executive Haircuts offers a salon experience for both parent and child. Check out their cute brushes and other products for kids.

Some Tips Before You Get That Hair Cut…

If the thought of planning your first trip with your baby still gives you split ends, check out some of these tips:

Try calling it a “trim” instead of “cut” so children aren’t afraid.
Consider the environment and your child’s ability to cope with new places. Bright and fun may be too over-stimulating. Too quiet and calm may not be distracting enough. Some hair salons for kids, like Snip-Its, have TVs at every station. Is that a good thing for your child?
Prepare your child for the big event by talking about it a few days in advance.
Depending on your child, make it something super special and exciting, or down play it and talk about it as just another fact of life.
Go early for the appointment or stop by the actual place instead of calling to schedule. Your child can get a sense for what’s going on and have a chance to process it a little before getting up in the chair.
Take an extra shirt. If your kiddo refuses the cape, you’ll want something for them to change into that isn’t covered in cute little itchy baby hairs!

Where do you take your kiddos for a haircut?

Local Gyms & Instructors Offering Ways to Exercise Outside the Gym

Has your gym shut down? Are you finding it harder to make healthy choices? Right now, it’s more important than ever to care for your health both for the physical and mental benefits.

But, how do you keep healthy when your kids keep begging to make cookies and the activity of choice seems to be binge watching Netflix? Wearing comfy pants for weeks on end presents its own sets of dangers.

If you are like me and connection with others and daily gym habits help you stay active, then you need this list of local places that are providing virtual live classes and online accountability groups for the Greenville/Spartanburg region.

You might even find yourself dancing to a video with a lady in a hot dog costume. I have.

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Our Kidding Around policies concerning the novel coronavirus (COVID-19):

We know that our community is closely following the news about COVID-19 and is worried about how this virus will affect our local area in the coming weeks. At Kidding Around we aim to encourage safety and unity as a community in the face of local challenges. We take that responsibility seriously. We also know that we have a responsibility to encourage appropriate community responses and not to needlessly hurt our community through spreading false fear or encouraging panic. To meet these current and future needs, we are adopting the following policies in our upcoming coverage:

1. We will not sensationalize coverage of the virus.

We will not share information that induces needless stockpiling or fear. You will not find any photos of empty toilet paper shelves on our pages. Instead we encourage our community to think of others and buy what they need and leave the rest for others. This is a time for us to stand with each other.

2. We will continue to focus on providing local information.

We do not have the expertise or ability to make health recommendations including the safety of visiting public places or attending events. Please consult local health recommendations and your physician to assess which events and activities are appropriate for your family.

We will continue to adapt our coverage to local guidelines and public health advice. Currently our response is:

*The publication of a list of public health statements and responses to COVID-19 including local governments, public health offices, local school boards, and local businesses.

*An updated cancellation list that includes local events and local businesses that serve families or children.

*Maintenance of a local calendar and website articles which include both events and services that are being continued and events that are cancelled. We will adjust our calendar, social media and newsletter coverage as needed in response to official local health recommendations.

No matter what, we will still be Kidding Around! We will be helping you have fun with your family and find the resources you need no matter what that looks like in the coming weeks.

3. We will encourage our community to look out for one another.

This is a time where each of us should take any necessary precautions to protect our elderly, medically frail, and at-risk communities.

We will watch for local needs and share them through our networks.

We will continue to support local businesses during this difficult time.

4. We will promote positive and unifying messages.

Thank you for your support. We believe that Upstate South Carolina and the Greenville and Spartanburg regions are amazing places to live and that our community is strong and ready to meet this challenge.

Don’t Miss Promoting Your Birthday Party!

Be listed on the Upstate’s top Birthday Party Guides. Parents are looking ONLINE for birthday parties and Kidding Around is where they are landing. Try searching for birthday party options yourself to see what we mean.

See our Birthday Party Guide.

Why Our Guide is a BIG Deal!

In 2019, the Kidding Around Greenville Birthday Party Guide had 15,919 pageviews on the main birthday party page and over 1,000 additional pageviews on birthday party subpages and listings. The Spartanburg Birthday Party Guide had over 5,500 pageviews.

86% of these pageviews were from Google search from people looking for birthday party options in our area.

People looking at the guide are people looking for birthday party options, not paging through a magazine or website randomly

In our recent Kidding Around survey, 40.5% of our readers said that they find our Birthday Party Guide to be one of our most useful guides!

Free and Paid Options Available

Need help making a decision? Fill out your name and email/phone number on the form or email Bethany@kiddingaroundgreenville.com.

Rates available in PDF format by request.

Greenville Has a New Pet Site! Don’t Miss Our Giveaway!

What is Wagging Around Greenville?

Welcome to Wagging Around Greenville, Kidding Around Media’s newest website!

This brand new website & community is focused on local animals and local animal lovers in the Greenville and surrounding regions! We will include everything from information on local pet events to resources for pet owners. This site will cover all animals with an emphasis on pets, especially dogs.

To learn more about WAG, read this letter from our editor-in-cat, Pippin.

You can follow WAG on Instagram, Facebook, and by newsletter.

Meet Our Team

Meet our first contributor team: Stephanie Baukhages, also known as The Hippie Biscuit, is your friendly neighborhood vegan with a passion for content creation, animals, and food. She’s a mom to a son named Freddy and a rescue mom to two little chihuahua mixes named Poppy & Pepé. She couldn’t be more excited to be part of a community that loves pets as much as she does!

We Have a Big Giveaway for Our New Readers! ($500 in prizes)

To celebrate our launch, we have an exciting giveaway with three winners (thanks to three amazing local partners)! You can enter our giveaway in lots of simple ways, see below, but the most fun way to get entries is submitting a photo to our Howl-o-Ween Pet Costume Contest for a chance to see your pet featured! Note: Submitting your pet photo is worth EXTRA points!

Gift Basket from Rocky Creek Vet ($270 value)

Gift Basket from Rocky Creek Vet ($100 value), includes:

dog biscuits & treats
toothbrush
tennis ball
multiple dog toys
gift certificate for 2 nights elite boarding and a bath!

Gift Basket from K9 Corner ($100 value)

Gift Basket from K9 Corner ($100 value), includes:

Water bottle
Pen
Tennis ball
Magnet
Toy
Zukes treats
Bone
Poop Bag dispenser
Gift certificate of $35.00 (for a spa bath which includes bath, nails, glands, ears and a blow out!)

Swag Bag from Pet Suites of Greenville ($130 value)

Swag Bag from Pet Suites of Greenville ($130 value) includes:

$50 Gift Certificate to use towards anything at Pet Suites
2 Bags of treats
Petsuites Water Bottle
Petsuites water bowl
Two tennis Balls
Two Coozies
Wet can resealable lid

How to Enter our Giveaway

Three lucky Wagging Around Greenville readers will win one prize. We will pick these three winners randomly for each prize from the entries.

This giveaway starts now and ends at midnight on October 31, 2019. Good luck!

You must be 18 or older and live in the USA to enter this giveaway.
You must use a valid email address to enter this giveaway.
You can win points toward winning by following the directions in the Rafflecopter widget below. Each point is one entry towards winning a prize.
You will be required to pick your prize up at the prize sponsor’s location within two weeks of winning to claim your prize.
We will contact the winner via the email address provided within three [3] days of the giveaway ending. The winner will have three [3] days (72 hours) to respond via email. If the winner does not respond within the three [3] days (72 hours), the prize will be forfeited and another winner chosen. Directions for claiming the prize will be given via email. A valid photo ID and/or mailing address may be required.
For a complete list of Wagging Around Greenville’s giveaway policies and terms and conditions, see the Wagging Around Greenville policy page. By entering this giveaway, you agree to comply with Wagging Around Greenville’s terms and conditions.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Is our giveaway widget not displaying? You can find the giveaway at this link.

What types of content would you love to see on Wagging Around Greenville?

Take Your Kids on Magical Trick-or-Treating Adventure at Enchanted Forest

In October, one of Greenville’s top events for safe trick-or-treating is the annual Enchanted Forest at the Pavilion. Our Kidding Around Greenville Facebook fans came to the rescue with lots of great information on why Enchanted Forest is one of the top spots for trick-or-treating in Upstate SC.

For even more safe trick-or-treating options, be sure to check out our Trick-or-Treating List for Greenville!

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Christmas Blitz Day 3: Scarlet Macaw

Day #3 of our 2018 Christmas Blitz is a chance to win a $50 gift card sponsored by Scarlet Macaw!

What is the Christmas Blitz? 5 Days of 5 Prizes during the first week of December all sponsored by local businesses. Read more here.

Scarlet Macaw is locally owned women’s boutique with a southern touch. At Scarlet Macaw you can find:

Women’s clothing
Jewelry
Shoes

Scarlet Macaw is located at:

1950 Augusta Street
Greenville, SC
Website

Giveaway Prize: One winner of a $50 gift certificate to Scarlet Macaw.

This giveaway runs until December 13, 2018 at midnight. Good luck!

You must be 18 or older and live in the USA to enter this giveaway.
You must use a valid email address to enter this giveaway.
One entry per person per day.
We will contact the winner via the email address provided within three [3] days of the giveaway ending. The winner will have three [3] days (72 hours) to respond via email. If the winner does not respond within the three [3] days (72 hours), the prize will be forfeited and another winner chosen. Directions for claiming the prize will be given via email. A valid photo ID and/or mailing address may be required.
For a complete list of Kidding Around Greenville SC’s giveaway policies and terms and conditions, see the Kidding Around Greenville SC policy page. By entering this giveaway, you agree to comply with Kidding Around Greenville SC’s terms and conditions.
If the entry form does not appear, try reloading the site or accessing the giveaway via this link. You may email bethany@kiddingaroundgreenville.com if you still have issues entering.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don’t stop at this giveaway. We have 5 amazing giveaways going on this week that you need to be sure to enter.

Christmas Blitz Day 2: Palmetto Olive Oil Co.

Day #2 of our 2018 Christmas Blitz is a chance to win a $50 gift card sponsored by Palmetto Olive Oil Co!

What is the Christmas Blitz? 5 Days of 5 Prizes during the first week of December all sponsored by local businesses. Read more here.

Palmetto Olive Oil Co. is locally owned and operated. At Palmetto Olive Oil Co. you can find:

Olive oils from around the world
Flavored balsamic vinegars from Italy and Spain
Private tastings
Gift baskets

Palmetto Olive Oil Co. is located at:

2243 Augusta Street
Greenville, SC 29605
Website

Giveaway

Prize: One winner of a $50 gift certificate to Palmetto Olive Oil Co.

This giveaway runs until December 13, 2018 at midnight. Good luck!

You must be 18 or older and live in the USA to enter this giveaway.
You must use a valid email address to enter this giveaway.
One entry per person per day.
We will contact the winner via the email address provided within three [3] days of the giveaway ending. The winner will have three [3] days (72 hours) to respond via email. If the winner does not respond within the three [3] days (72 hours), the prize will be forfeited and another winner chosen. Directions for claiming the prize will be given via email. A valid photo ID and/or mailing address may be required.
For a complete list of Kidding Around Greenville SC’s giveaway policies and terms and conditions, see the Kidding Around Greenville SC policy page. By entering this giveaway, you agree to comply with Kidding Around Greenville SC’s terms and conditions.
If the entry form does not appear, try reloading the site or accessing the giveaway via this link. You may email bethany@kiddingaroundgreenville.com if you still have issues entering.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don’t stop at this giveaway. We have 5 amazing giveaways going on this week that you need to be sure to enter.

Author Archive

Traveling to Jekyll Island from the Upstate

Our Stay at Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island

The Beach Front at Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island

Other Amenities at Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island

The Beach House Restaurant at Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island

Our Adventures on Jekyll Island

Best Kids’ Salons: Who Has KABOOM?

Haircuts for Kids in Greenville, SC

Pigtails and Crewcuts

21 Orchard Park Drive, Greenville | 864.203.3939

Great Clips

Haircuts for Kids In Spartanburg, SC

Haircuts for Kids In Anderson, SC

Haircuts for Kids In Easely, SC

Some Tips Before You Get That Hair Cut…

Why Our Guide is a BIG Deal!

Free and Paid Options Available

What is Wagging Around Greenville?

Meet Our Team

We Have a Big Giveaway for Our New Readers! ($500 in prizes)

Gift Basket from Rocky Creek Vet ($270 value)

Gift Basket from K9 Corner ($100 value)

Swag Bag from Pet Suites of Greenville ($130 value)

How to Enter our Giveaway

Greenville Guides

Family Fun in Greenville, SC