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Kidding Around WNC: A Guide to Things to Do in Western North Carolina

Are you looking to explore Western North Carolina? From the foothills and the Smoky Mountains to the High Country, WNC is packed with family-friendly things to do. Whether you are looking for hiking recommendations, unique towns to spend the day, or waterfalls to awe over, WNC has something for everyone. Our list of places to explore, seasonal happenings, and educational adventures will help your family plan the perfect day trip, or a weekend getaway, to Western North Carolina.

Kidding Around WNC: things to do in Western North Carolina towns

This article includes:
Cities to Explore in WNC
Seasonal Things to do in WNC
Educational Adventures in WNC

Cities to Explore in WNC

Hendersonville, NC

Located just north of the SC state line, Hendersonville has an abundance of things to do. Home to dozens of orchards, snow tubing adventures, and even a fairy garden, this WNC town is worth the day trip! Find everything you need to have a wonderful trip in our guide to Things to Do in Hendersonville!

Brevard, NC

If you’re interested in basking in nature while breaking out the binoculars to search for Blue Ghost fireflies or observe white squirrels, then Brevard North Carolina is the place to go. Check out our handy guide to spend a beautiful Day in Brevard, NC, with recommendations for dining, shopping, and more!

Clyde, NC

Head to Buffalo Creek to stay in a decommissioned caboose on a buffalo ranch! They also have an amazing model train buseum, playground, luxury cabins, and lots of animals. Definitely an awesome family trip.

Caboose rentals in North Carolina — Caboose rentals

Bryson City, NC

Home to the Smoky Mountain Railroad, this historic town offers train rides and rich history to explore while dining, shopping, or hanging out in a yurt! This small town even has one of the most memorable winter events a child could ask for, the Polar Express!

Cherokee, NC

In tune with the natural world, Cherokee is rich in Native American history and culture that can be experienced firsthand. Situated just west of Maggie Valley, the natural beauty carved by the Oconaluftee River makes Cherokee a top WNC destination. Plan a Day (or More) in Cherokee with this handy article, including places to eat, stay, and visit as you immerse yourself in the Cherokee and Oconalufee culture.

Cashiers, NC and Sapphire Valley

Full of natural splendor, the Cashiers area of Western North Carolina offers breathtaking views, hiking, swimming, and waterfalls. It is the Land of the Waterfalls for a reason! We have everything you need to know to have an epic adventure in our Ultimate Guide to Sapphire Valley and Cashiers, North Carolina.

Asheville, NC

Asheville is one of the most popular destinations in Western North Carolina, and for good reason! A day trip can instantly turn into a weekend getaway due to the vast amount of fun activities to explore. Asheville is both family-friendly and romantic, just in case you are looking for a weekend away from the kids. Our Ultimate Guide to Things to do in Asheville has everything from holiday festivities to day trip and date night ideas!

High Country Region

This mountainous region located just north of Asheville is home to Grandfather Mountain and towns such as Boone and Blowing Rock. The region offers otherwordly landscapes, mountainous adventures, and more. If you are an adventurous spirit, the High Country is the perfect place for you!

Seasonal Things to do In WNC

Winter

Visit the NC Arboretum Holiday Lights from November through December
Be amazed by the beauty of Christmas at Biltmore
Be tempted by prize worthy Gingerbread Houses at Grove Park Inn at Christmas
Ride on the Craggy Mountain Jingle Bell Trolley
Search for the spirit of Christmas on the Polar Express
Glide down the mountain at Wolf Ridge Snow Tubing
Go snow sledding at one of these places in WNC

Summer

Take a ride down the French Broad River with Zen Tubing
Get lost in the botanical gardens at Biltmore Estates Gardens

Walking to the water with tubes — Zen Tubing in Asheville

Fall

Be amazed by the colors of fall foliage throughout WNC
Get lost in the Elida Corn Maze
Pick pumpkins right off the vine at Nix’s Pumpkin Patch in Hendersonville
Check out the Shadow of the Bear in mid-October every year
Grab a bushel of apples and some cider doughnuts at one of these WNC orchards
Fall tubing at Black Bear tubing

Pumpkins at Nix — Nix Pumpkin Patch in Hendersonville

Educational Adventures in WNC

Learn and visit with native species at the WNC Nature Center
Pan for gold at Lucky Strike in Marion
Enjoy these Home Schooling Ski Deals
Visit a bonsai garden at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville
Learn about free verse poet Carl Sandburg at his WNC home in Flat Rock
Be amazed by historic planes at the Western North Carolina Air Museum in Hendersonville
Explore one of the largest estates in the US at Biltmore Estate in Asheville
Excite your senses at KidSenses Children’s Interactive Museum in Rutherfordton
Play while learning at the Hands on! Children’s Museum in Hendersonville
Learn about chocolate production while tasting at French Broad Chocolate Factory in Asheville
Play pinball while learning its history at this Vintage Pinball Museum in Hendersonville
Help keep WNC waterfalls clean while learning about nature with Waterfall Keepers

Western North Carolina Nature Center in Asheville

What is your favorite place to visit in WNC?

5 Amazing Bed & Breakfasts All Within 1 Hour of Greenville, SC

Planning a trip to Greenville and thinking about a bed and breakfast? Or maybe you’re a Greenville local looking for a cozy bed & breakfast getaway not too far from home? This fantastic list of 5 of the best bed & breakfasts near Greenville will have you ready to pack your bags. This list is perfect for booking your next couple’s getaway. Let us know what you think!

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Spend A Fall Day At Stewart Farms In Enoree, South Carolina

Have you visited Stewart Farms in Enoree, SC? This family-owned farm has an off-the-vine u-pick pumpkin patch in the fall that is charming and so much fun! The farm is perfect for a family outing because of the number of family-friendly activities there are to enjoy! We ventured off to Enoree, SC to explore the pumpkin patch, enjoy a hay ride through the woods, and get lost in a corn maze to see just how much fun you can fit into a day at Stewart Farms!

Arriving at Stewart Farms

Stewart Farms is located in Enoree, SC, about 40 minutes from downtown Greenville. Once you arrive, you will pass the market to your right. The market store is where you will pay for the activities you participated in or for the pumpkins you picked. However, you pay when you are leaving the farm, not before. An attendant will give you a sheet of paper with all the activities available down on the farm, and they will be marked off as you go through your day. Some tips before you arrive include:

Bring hats, sunscreen, or even a sunshade umbrella. The pumpkin patch and corn maze get hot, even in the fall, and do not have shade.
Parking is free, and is located near the pumpkin patch entrance.
There are plenty of shaded picnic tables, so you can bring your own lunch if you would like, or concessions are available to purchase.
Strollers are recommended for younger children, but we recommend a carrier for babies and toddlers for the wagon ride so you’re not having to hold them still the entire ride.
There are port-o-potties on site.
Stewart Farms has a strict no-pet policy.

The U-Pick Pumpkin Patch

When you walk up to the pumpkin patch, you will be greeted by an attendant who will offer a wagon and sheers to cut your pumpkin off the vine with. Take the wagon! You will need it for the pumpkin collecting you are about to embark on, and it makes things so much easier. The farm has pumpkins of varying shapes and sizes located throughout dozens of rows, so you can choose what works for your fall decor or Halloween decorating ideas. If the rows near the entrance are a little lackluster, head to the back of the patch where there are usually more pumpkins available.

Pumpkins cost $0.60 per lb. Once you’re finished picking your pumpkins, the attendant will weigh your pumpkins and mark your slip of paper to turn into the farm market for payment, and you can haul your pumpkins to your car using the wagon. Remember, do not cut a pumpkin off the vine if you do not plan to buy it. Also, be mindful of the vines when cutting yours off. Keep the patch happy so everyone can enjoy it. The patch closes at dark, so make sure you arrive in time to explore it!

The SC Corn Maize

Ready to get lost in the corn? The Stewart Farms corn maze is a welcome challenge for families to enjoy together. The 2022 maize can be challenging, so make sure you allot enough time to enjoy it. If you have young children, we definitely recommend taking a stroller or personal wagon through the maze, those little legs will get tired. It costs $8.00 for ages 6 and older to go through the 2022 “Old Blue” Corn Maze.

Wagon Rides

The wagon ride through Stewart Farms is charming, making it one of our favorite activities. The wagon is tractor led and pulls a large trailer with seats and gates. The majority of the wagon ride is through the woods, where you can look for fall decorations, Halloween displays, and old farm equipment while taking in the earthy smells, leaves changing color, and cooler weather. The wait to get on the wagon can take some time on busy days, but most of the line forms in the shade and the ride itself is worth it! The wagon ride takes about 25 minutes to complete, so make sure your kids take a snack and bathroom break beforehand. The wagon ride costs $5 per person and is free for children 2 and under.

Nighttime Activities

If you’re looking for some spooky activities to go along with your trip to Stewart Farms, then make sure to go in the evening! The farm offers several nights in October where you can take a Nightime Wagon Ride or explore the Big Boo Haunted Maize. The wagon ride ventures through the woods where you will see lit jack-o-lanterns and spooky Halloween scenes and decorations. The Big Boo Haunted Maize is family-friendly, but it does get a little creepy in the maize at night so it is only recommended for ages 6 and older. The night activities begin at sundown and go on until 10 pm (gates close at 9, farm closes at 10).

Farm Animals to Visit

Stewart Farms has a small section of farm animals that your kids will love visiting. The goats are the most interactive, and the attendant will give your kids some hay to feed them through their enclosure. There are also ducks, pigs, and a cow to meet.

The Courtyard and Concessions

Located at the center of the farm is the courtyard. There are snowcones for purchase from Brain Freeze and a concessions truck that sells food, sweet treats, drinks, and more. There are also 12 shaded picnic tables to enjoy your food at, or you can snag one of the standing shaded tables as well. The courtyard is the perfect place to rest and let your kids get their energy out and run around the field. There are also several photo opportunity spots lined along the cornfields. The Bee Barn is also located in the courtyard, and is a fascinating way to watch the bees maintain their hive!

Stop, Park, and Pay Before you Leave

Unlike some places where you pay beforehand, Stewart Farms has you enjoy the farm activities before paying. Once you leave the activity area and drive out of the parking lot, you will head back to the market store you pass when you first entered. Remember to stop, park, and pay! This is where you will pay for the pumpkins you purchased, and any other activities you engaged in down on the farm. You can also stock up on local goods, home decor, and seasonal flowers at the market before you leave the farm.

2022 Fall Season Admission Costs and Hours

The season runs from September 24th – October 30th

Fridays 4 – 10 pm (Gates close at 9 pm)
Saturdays 10 am – 10 pm (Gates close at 9 pm)
Sundays 1 – 7 pm (Gates close at 6 pm)
Monday – Thursday CLOSED

MAiZE
$8 person plus plus tax – ages 6 and up / 5 and under FREE
Last ticket sold 1 hour before closing
Wagon Ride
$5 per person plus tax / 2 and under FREE
The last daytime wagon ride departs at 6:30
Big Boo Haunted Maize
$12 per person plus tax for anyone ages 6 and up (October 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, & 29 only)
Big Boo is family-friendly, but not recommended for kids under 6
Nighttime Wagon Rides
$7 plus tax for anyone ages 2 and up. (October 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, & 29 only)
The last nighttime wagon ride departs at 9:30
*Prices are subject to change.

Have you visited Stewart Farms?

Stewart Farms
6600 Highway 92, Enoree
864.969.7270

Want more fall fun? Check out our Fall Guide to Greenville | Pumpkin Patches in Greenville | Corn Mazes in Greenville

Cabarrus County Trails: Hiking, Biking, and Paved Walking Trails

Are you looking to explore some hiking and biking trails in Cabarrus County, NC? Cabarrus is home to dozens of trail systems, and explorers are rewarded any time of year with the naturally beautiful landscapes the trails carve their way through. From family-friendly hiking and mountain biking to leisurely strolls and water recreation, Cabarrus County has a nature trail for you to fall in love with!

Located just Northeast of Charlotte, Cabarrus County may be synonymous to some as the hub for NASCAR enthusiasts. However, the natural beauty of the rolling countryside throughout the county balances out nicely against the backdrop of major cities like Concord and Harrisburg. Many of the trail systems listed below highlight the ability of nature and civilization to combine positively, in a way that is beneficial to the natural system while keeping the growth and expansion of nearby cities in mind. So, lace up those boots and check out some of the top trail systems to hike or bike throughout Cabarrus County in the list below!

Natural Trails to Hike and Bike in Cabarrus County

Carolina Thread Trail

Length: 12.6 miles of completed land trails in Cabarrus County
105.1 miles planned for construction
Difficulty: Easy to strenuous
Offers: Running, walking, mountain biking, and hiking

The Thread is a multi-county, regional trail system that offers 11 segments in Cabarrus County alone! There are over 300 miles of land trails to explore and 170 miles of water trails, with stunning views. The public can access launch points throughout the system to kayak, canoe, and participate in other watersports that connect to other land trails across North and South Carolina. The Carolina Thread Trail is expanding, with a master plan to eventually join the current 11 segments in Cabarrus for a total of 105.1 miles of trail in Cabarrus County.

The Buffalo Creek Preserve Trail

Length: 2.1 miles one way
Difficulty: Moderate
Offers: Hiking, walking, mountain biking, running

The Buffalo Creek Preserve Trail is one of The Thread’s featured trails. The trailhead is particularly interesting due to conservation efforts by the Catawba Lands Conservatory, being made up of a restored Piedmont Oak Savannah. The trail continues past streams and wetlands, through working farmland, into serene habitats, and finally through young forests. The trail is also part of the Butterfly Highway, a conservation initiative to create networks of pollinator-supportive plants and habitats.

Trails for Mountain Biking in Cabarrus County

Brown Mill Mountain Bike Trail

Length: 4.25 trail miles
Difficulty: All skill levels
Offers: Mountain Biking

Located just a few miles from Downtown Concord, NC, the Brown Mill Mountain Bike Trail has something for all skill levels to enjoy. There are multiple dips, flow sections, jumps, switchbacks, rock features, and a gravity cavity that make it a premier spot for mountain biking. The trail is suitable for most riders and is perfect for biking multiple laps to hone your skills.

Rob Wallace Park

Length: 3.5 trail miles total
Difficulty: All skill levels
Offers: Mountain biking, walking trails, playground, picnics, fishing

Rob Wallace Park is located in Midland and offers a skills area for beginner to expert mountain bikers to perfect their skills along with balance features and berms. Within the park is the Powder House Trail, a one-mile-long riding trail, as well as the 0.7-mile Quarry Loop.

Paved Trails in Cabarrus County

Hector Henry Greenway

Length: 5.7 miles total
Difficulty: Easy
Offers: Walking, hiking, biking

The Hector Henry Greenway runs along the Rocky River and connects three segments, The Mills at Rocky River, Riverwalk, and Moss Creek. The trails are primarily paved and are considered easy for biking and walking. The Greenway is part of The Thread trail system and offers wildlife viewings, boardwalks, educational displays, and gorgeous views of the surrounding wetlands.

Village Park

Length: Multiple paved trails throughout the 16-acre park
Difficulty: Easy
Offers: Paved walking paths throughout the park

Located in Kannapolis, Village Park offers over 16 acres to explore. There are paved walking paths throughout the park through green space, perfect for picnics and outdoor recreation. The park also offers a splash pad and a ride-on train, the Rotary Express Train, which is a g-24 scale replica. The cost for the train is $1.50 per person and it is open on weekends from April until September. In addition, there are picnic shelters, a carousel, music concert series, and special events at this park to enjoy during your walk or bike trip.

Harrisburg Park

Length: 2.5 miles of trails for hiking and biking
Difficulty: Easy, Moderate, and Difficult trail offerings
Offers: Hiking, biking, playground, amphitheater, splash pad (summer)

Harrisburg Park has over 2.5 miles of both paved and natural trails to explore for both hiking and biking. The Ball Field Loop is considered easy and is approximately 0.5 miles long, perfect for strolling or letting your kids join you on your walk. If you’re looking for something more difficult, the Harrisburg Extension Loop offers 1.5 miles of trails with some moderate to difficult hills to climb as you venture through the forest and across three creek crossings. In addition, the park offers a large playground, a splash pad in summer, and special events at the amphitheater.

Are you ready to explore the outdoors in Cabarrus County?

Happy Kids Playhouse in Pickens, SC is Perfect for Indoor Parties and Playtime

Searching for an indoor space for your kids to play or to host a party in Pickens, SC? Happy Kids Playhouse is just the place! The space is curated for entertaining ages 10 and under, with large inflatable slides, tons of toys, creative play stations, character appearances, and more. Happy Kids Playhouse has everything you need to have a memorable party for your little ones, or even just to enjoy the day with some indoor playtime. So grab your socks and get ready for a day of fun!

Thank you to Happy Kids Playhouse for hosting KAG for a review.

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Pick Your Pumpkin Off the Vine at Nix Pumpkin Patch in Hendersonville, NC

Looking forward to picking a pumpkin at The Nix Pumpkin Patch in Hendersonville, NC? This u-pick pumpkin patch allows you to cut the pumpkin right off the vine. We visited The Nix Pumpkin Patch and had so much fun searching for the perfect pumpkin, visiting their market, drinking apple cider, and making a lot of memories!

The Pumpkin Patch is open from September 17th, 2022 until late November.

The Nix Pumpkin Patch is a family-owned and operated pick-your-own pumpkin patch. Situated amongst a plethora of orchards and farms, you’ll find one of the only u-pick patches in the Hendersonville area. There is just something about cutting your pumpkin right off that vine that makes it so much better!

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Bluey is Coming to you Live at the Peace Center in Greenville, SC

Bluey is coming to Greenville, SC! The wildly popular, Emmy award-winning cartoon featuring the loveable Aussie family of Heelers will be coming to the Peace Center on May 11, 2023.

If you have Bluey-obsessed kids like we do, then attending the theatrical adaptation of “Bluey’s Big Play” will probably become a core memory of their childhood. The production is to feature crafted puppets of the Heeler family and is sure to explore many of the silly and wisdom-loaded themes the Bluey series regularly delves into.

Looking for Bluey LIVE in Columbia, SC? See Bluey at the Kroger Center in Columbia!

What is up with the Bluey Craze?

The Emmy award-winning cartoon was first released in Australia in October 2018 and then to Disney Plus the next year. Bluey is a breath of fresh air in comparison to Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol, and other shows geared toward young children. The show has been dominating the cartoon world since its release and explores themes that are silly, captivating, and even some that pull at your heartstrings! Wisdom about life is woven throughout each episode while highlighting the importance of presence while parenting. Episodes are only 8 minutes long, so they are perfect for parents limiting screen time because you can do a one-and-done episode, or string a few of your favorite episodes into a time block.

Bluey Demonstrates Parenting Goals!

The Heeler family parents, Bandit and Chilli, are parenting goals! They are not perfect parents, but they try their best. Bluey episodes follow unique and positive games of make-believe they create with their young children, six-year-old Bluey, and four-year-old Bingo. Your kids will be emulating these creative games in no time!

Parents relate to the characters just as much as their kids do. My husband and I have been known to implement some of their creativity into our own parenting.

See Bluey’s Big Play Live in Greenville, SC

There are currently three seasons available to stream on Disney Plus, so if you have yet to watch the series you have the opportunity to watch dozens of episodes. For the die-hard Bluey families, be sure to check out the live performance of Bluey’s Big Play coming to the Peace Center on May 11, 2023. Tickets are on sale now! Prices range from $25 – $70 per ticket.

The Peace Center
300 South Main Street, Greenville, SC
864.467.3000

What if your favorite episode of Bluey?

Festividades de otoño de granjas y huertos para disfrutar en Carolina del Sur

¿Estás listo para que llegue la temporada de otoño en el upstate?

Con la transición de las estaciones llega la apertura de huertos de manzanos, huertos de calabazas y festividades de otoño para disfrutar con la familia.

¡Sal y goza de entretenidas actividades antes de que termine la estación!

A continuación encontrarás algunas de las mejores granjas y huertos para visitar:

For English Translation

Durante la temporada de otoño, Stewart Farms ofrece un gran huerto de calabazas, un laberinto de maíz, paseos en carretas e incluso actividades nocturnas espeluznantes durante octubre. La granja está abierta para la temporada de otoño del 24 de septiembre al 30 de octubre. ¡Justo a tiempo para comprar las calabazas perfectas para Halloween! Granjas Stewart 6600 SC-92, Enoree, Carolina del Sur.

Festival agrícola de Denver Downs en Anderson, desde el 24 de septiembre hasta el 13 de noviembre de 2022, organiza su Festival anual agrícola de otoño con más de 35 divertidas actividades para disfrutar con toda la familia. Desde un huerto de calabazas y un laberinto de maíz hasta deliciosas comidas de carnaval, vale la pena el corto viaje de 30 minutos desde Greenville.

¡Denver Downs es el lugar perfecto para pasar el día con tu familia creando maravillosos recuerdos mientras disfrutas del periodo otoñal! Colinas de Denver 1515 Denver Rd, Anderson, Carolina del Sur.

Jeter Mountain Farm ubicado justo al norte de Greenville en Hendersonville, ofrece una huerta de recolección con más de 25 deliciosas variedades de manzanas para recolectar a mano, desde fines de agosto hasta octubre. También tienen un área de juegos recreativos para que participen los niños más pequeños, música en vivo los fines de semana y un ahumadero para barbacoa en la granja. ¡No olvides probar sus deliciosas donas de sidra de manzana antes de irte a casa! Granja de montaña Jeter 1126 Jeter Mountain Rd, Hendersonville, Carolina del Norte

¿Cuáles actividades divertidas te atraen para este otoño?

This post has been translated to Spanish by Ghisela L Eljach, Editor in Chief of InSouth Magazine.

About InSouth Magazine and Ghisela Elijach

It takes determination, consistency and resilience to be a business owner willing to find the need in communities and businesses, yet bridge the gap by being a hub of resources that people need. Having a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a great social awareness makes a difference, especially when understanding the importance of the Latin American culture contribution from a local, regional, and national standpoint.

In 2015, Ghisela Eljach founded InSouth Magazine as a means of communication (printed and digital) with the purpose of reaching the Hispanic population residing and merging in South Carolina.

This publication informs, entertains, and dignifies an underserved community that has so much to give. Additionally, this publication aims to connect both English and Spanish networks providing a means to connect to a new lifestyle, culture and language. Understanding the importance of integration, InSouth strives to value every person in their collective uniqueness in South Carolina, and it takes pride in being the Magazine of Latinos in the Upstate.

Pick up your copy of InSouth Magazine

InSouth Magazine distributes copies at businesses all over the Upstate, including:

Coffee Underground, Greenville, SC
Southern Sister Boutique in Fountain Inn, SC
Barnes and Noble, Woodruff Road
Tropical Grill locations in the Upstate
Anytime Fitness locations in the Upstate

Fall Farm and Orchard Festivities to Enjoy This Season in Upstate, SC

Are you ready for the fall season to arrive in the Upstate? With the transition of the seasons comes the opening of apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and fall festivities to explore with the family. Get outside and enjoy these favorite fall activities before the season ends!

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Top Farms and Orchards to Visit This Fall

Stewart Farms Fall on the Farm

During the Fall season, Stewart Farms offers a large you-pick pumpkin patch, a corn maze, wagon rides, and even spooky nighttime activities during October. The farm opens for the fall season from September 24 until October 30, just in time to grab your perfect pumpkins for Halloween!

Stewart Farms
6600 SC-92, Enoree, SC

Denver Downs Fall Farm Festival

Beginning September 24th, 2022, and going until November 13th, Denver Downs in Anderson, SC hosts their annual Fall Farm Festival. With over 35 fun fall-themed activities to enjoy, this event is fun for the whole family. From a pumpkin patch and corn maze to delicious carnival foods, it’s worth the short 30-minute drive from Greenville. Denver Downs is the perfect place to spend the day with your family making wonderful memories while enjoying the fall season!

Denver Downs
1515 Denver Rd, Anderson, SC

Jeter Mountain Farm Apple Orchard

Located just north of Greenville in Hendersonville, North Carolina, Jeter Mountain Farm offers a you-pick orchard with over 25 apple varieties to hand pick from beginning in late August. They also have an adorable play area for smaller kids to enjoy, live music on the weekends, and a BBQ smokehouse on the farm. Don’t forget to grab their delicious apple cider doughnuts before heading home!

Jeter Mountain Farm
1126 Jeter Mountain Rd, Hendersonville, NC

What fun activities are you excited about this fall season?

Smokin Wings & Things: 130+ Chicken Wing Flavors in Greenville, SC

Have you tried the wings at Smokin Wings & Things in Greenville, SC? If you are a chicken wing lover, then this is the place for you! They offer over 130 flavors of smoked or fried wings, plus a kid-friendly menu that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Whether you like your wings dry-rubbed or sauced, they have a flavor for you to savor!

Chicken Wings and Sauces

Smokin Wings & Things is the brainchild of Chef Jesse, who has opened multiple locations throughout the Upstate to satisfy the needs of all the wing-loving people around town. Not only are there over 130 flavors to choose from, but the wings are also meaty and literally fall off the bone. I tried the six-piece meal with Honey Maple BBQ, and it was perfect! The crust of the chicken was crunchy, while the meat came clean off the bone.

My 10-month-old daughter even had a taste of the wing (the unsauced part of course) and she tried to steal my whole plate! The sauces range from mild to extremely hot, so if you were ever wanting to try some Carolina Reaper homemade wing sauce, this is the place to challenge your taste buds.

Other Items on the Menu

Aside from wings, Smokin Wings & Things has items such as pulled pork, turkey legs, hamburgers, hot dogs, lots of sides, locally made desserts, and homemade cakes to choose from. During our visit, I even overheard a couple who were passing through town say that their meal contained the “best pulled pork I have ever had in my life!” We tried a slice of the strawberry cake, and it was delicious! Moist and full of flavor, my oldest daughter was in cake heaven.

Their kid’s menu offers kids combo meals that will satisfy even the pickiest eater, including chicken strips, wings, corndogs, and more. There are tons of mild sauces to choose from, so they can even experience different flavors each visit, even as a dipping sauce on the side.

Meal Deals Throughout the Week

Smokin Wings & Things offers several meal deals and specials throughout the week, as well as a family meal deal bundle every day that includes 20 traditional or boneless wings (2 flavors) with a large fry and a gallon of sweet tea for $32.00. Check out the other meal deals to make whichever night you crave wings a little easier on the wallet.

Smokin Wings
1054 East Butler Road Suite A, Greenville, SC
864.558.0051
Hours: Monday – Wednesday 11 am – 9 pm
Thursday – Saturday 11 am – 10 pm
Sunday 11 am – 7 pm

Smokin Wings
205 West Blackstock Road, Spartanburg, SC
864.707.5454
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10 am – 8 pm
Sunday 12 pm to 6 pm

These Escape Rooms in Upstate, SC Will Have You Racing to Beat the Clock!

Are you looking for a fun, yet challenging escape room to master in Upstate, SC? With unique storylines and challenging puzzles, escape rooms have steadily been growing in popularity over the last decade. We gathered a list of escape rooms throughout the Upstate that are perfect for date nights, birthday parties, teambuilding exercises, and other group events. Time to pause that mystery podcast you’ve been listening to for hours and unlock your inner Sherlock Holmes to solve all the clues before time runs out!

This article includes:
Greenville County Escape Rooms
Spartanburg County Escape Rooms
Pickens County Escape Rooms
Anderson County Escape Rooms

Escape Rooms: Important Things to Know

Before heading to the escape room venue, it is highly recommended (and sometimes required) to book your appointment ahead of time.
Many of the escape rooms in the Upstate have an age limit or require a parent to accompany any minor. Some rooms are not recommended for children due to the theme.
Please contact the escape room you wish to attend for additional rules, pricing, booking an appointment, and information about their location.

Greenville County Escape Rooms

Escape Artists Greenville- Downtown– 209 East Stone Avenue, Greenville | 864.509.9305
Offers 6 private escape rooms of varying levels of difficulty. Requires at least 2 players to complete (some rooms require a minimum of 4 players). Players under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, with some themes being inappropriate for younger players. Read our Kidding Around review of Escape Artists Greenville to see if Bethany beat the clock!

Best for kids: Yuletide Magic Maria took her kids to do Yuletide Magic during their Greenville Staycation.

Escape Artists Greenville- Hampton Station– 1320 Hampton Avenue, Bay 11C, Greenville | 864.509.9305
Offers two 60-minute private escape rooms. Escape rooms require a minimum of 2 players, with an 8-player maximum.

Breakout Games– 614 North Main Street, Greenville | 864.326.0190
Offers 8 private escape rooms with varying difficulty levels. Require a minimum of 2 players to play. Open to all ages (under 14 must be accompanied by an adult).

Trapped in the Upstate– 556 Memorial Drive Extension, Suite D, Greer | 864.416.1539
Offers 6 private escape rooms that require at least 2 players. Puzzles range from 45 to 60 minutes. The minimum age to play alone is 13. Children under 10 are welcome, but some puzzles are not appropriate for younger players due to difficulty and theme. Read our Kidding Around review of Trapped in the Upstate for more details.

Servus VR– 928 South Main Street, Greenville | 864.509.1077
Offers 14 virtual reality escape games. Games require at least 2 players, with options for 2 player, 3 player, and 4 player games. Games run for 60 minutes.

Spartanburg County Escape Rooms

Escape Room Adventures and Virtual Reality– 1220 John B White Sr Boulevard, Spartanburg | 864.586.5086
Offers 6 escape rooms of varying levels of difficulty. Games require a minimum of 2 players. In addition, several VR escape games are available. Recommended age is 12 and older. Anyone under 18 must have a parent sign a waiver, and under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Escape Room Adventures requires an appointment.

Robert's Relic Room — Trapped in the Upstate, Greenville SC

Pickens County Escape Rooms

Seneca Escape Zones– 115- C Eagles Nest Drive, Seneca | 864.557.9663
Offers 3 escape rooms of varying levels of difficulty. A minimum of 2 players is required for each game. Puzzles are designed for ages 10 and up. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Book an escape room before attending the location.

The Escape Quest– 277 Market Street, Seneca | 864.626.5995
Offers 3 escape rooms of varying levels of difficulty. 2 players are required for 2 of the three rooms offered. Recommended party size is 4 – 8 players. Booking ahead is highly recommended, walk-in gameplay is not guaranteed. Each escape room is approximately 60 minutes. Children are allowed as long as accompanied by an adult.

Shockwave VR – 5156 Calhoun Memorial Highway, Easley | 864.307.8861
Offers two multiplayer virtual reality escape rooms for ages 7 and up. Up to 4 players for each puzzle.

Anderson County Escape Rooms

Electric City Escapes– 4103 Liberty Highway, Anderson | 864.328.9908
Offers 4 escape rooms with varying levels of difficulty. Three rooms are appropriate for all ages. The Mystery Parlor is PG13. The games are 60 minutes long. Note: The escape room ‘Down the Rabbit Hole’ will not be open until Summer 2022. Booking online is recommended.

Do you have a favorite escape room in the Upstate?

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