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Author Archive

Travel Guide: Great Family-Friendly Places to Visit in Georgia

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Is your family planning a visit to the state of Georgia? Are you looking for an easy day trip or weekend getaway? Georgia offers everything from Bavarian towns to beaches where you will feel like you are alone on the planet (and everything in-between). We’ve gathered all our Georgia adventures in one convenient spot, to help you decide which destination is right for your family. 

guide to travel georgia

Georgia is split into three regions with distinct characteristics. The North Georgia Mountain Region offers hiking, camping, state parks, and mountain towns like Helen, Georgia. The Piedmont Region is home to Atlanta and its surrounding suburbs, perfect for a weekend trip because of the number of exciting things to do! Lastly, the Coastal Plains Region offers beautiful beaches and rivers to explore, including areas such as Augusta, Savannah, and Jekyll Island. We have gathered reviews of many of these places below!

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10+ Bakers Making Custom Cookies Near Greenville, SC

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Are you looking for the perfect treat that will have your family in awe of your superpower ability of finding cool custom cookies for your next party or celebration? The Greenville and Spartanburg custom cookie bakers can be your secret weapon. We’ve hunted down the local talent who can give you these tiny, unique, and edible works of art, no matter the occasion. See who our readers recommend for your custom cookie needs.

Looking for more great ways to celebrate birthdays in Greenville? Don’t miss Kidding Around’s Ultimate Guide to Birthdays near Greenville.

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Where You Can Find Free School Supplies Near Greenville, SC

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Did you know there are a number of community events giving away free school supplies in Upstate, SC? Do you know of a family who needs help purchasing school supplies this year? A new school year is almost upon us. For most families a trip to the store for new supplies is imminent. A recent study revealed that most families of school-age children in the US spend between $500-700 on new school supplies. This amounts to a whopping estimated 80.7 billion dollars! That’s a lot of composition notebooks!

This article includes:
Free School Supplies Events in Greenville, SC
Free School Supplies Events in Spartanburg County
Free School Supplies Events in Anderson County

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15 Things to do in Greenville Before Leaving for College

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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.

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Salsa Dancing: Experience The Vibes Of South Beach This Summer in Greenville, SC

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Are you looking for a place to salsa dance in Greenville, SC? If you love salsa dancing and wish you could escape to the exotic nightlife of South Florida, you can for just the cost of a babysitter for a few hours right here in Greenville! Whether you are looking for an escape from the kids in the form of a fun date night or a family date night including the kids– we’ve got a free event you have to check out: Salsa at Sunset.

About Greenville’s Salsa at Sunset

The Salsa at Sunset event sponsored by Upstate International & Pura Alegria dance company will get you as close as you’re going to get to Calle Ocho in Miami without traveling for half a day.

This free event is held during the summer months once a month in June, July, and August. An hour-long complimentary salsa dance lesson starts at 6:15 pm and the live music starts at 7 pm plays until 10 pm. In 2021, the event moved from the plaza in front of the Peace Center to the NEW Camperdown Plaza and it’s awesome. The space is beautiful and you can grab cookies from Insomnia or ice cream at Jeni’s right there. So fun.

If there were a way to somehow import the smell of ocean air and fill the airspace in front of the Peace Center with it, you’d never know that you were in the foothills of South Carolina and not Miami.

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Fall in Love Anytime Of Year With This Bavarian Village Atop The Mountains Of North Georgia

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If you’re looking for a change of scenery that feels like you’ve traveled across the world, but only used a tank of gas, then Helen, Georgia is the perfect place to go. This quaint mountain town in northern Georgia is a fun place to visit no matter what time of year you decide to go. Helen offers tubing in the summer, Oktoberfest in the fall, and numerous activities that celebrate German culture. We have all the information you need to plan your trip!

Check out this neighboring town that also makes for a great weekend getaway! Plan a Trip to Blairsville, in the Georgia Mountains

This article includes:
Oktoberfest in Helen, GA
Tubing in Helen, GA
Hiking in Helen, GA
Dining in Helen, GA
Where to Stay in Helen, GA
Other Special Events in Helen, GA

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The Mary Black Rail Trail in Spartanburg, SC

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Are you looking for a new place to stretch your legs out and get some exercise in Spartanburg, SC? Maybe you are looking for a spot that will appeal to kids of different ages & interests? The Mary Black Rail Trail offers residents and visitors to downtown Spartanburg, SC more than just an urban hiking trail.

The Mary Black Rail Trail in Spartanburg, SC
The Mary Black Rail Trail in Spartanburg, SC

The Mary Black Rail Trail

Just under 4 miles in length, this converted train track trail is a popular spot for locals to run, walk, jog and bike in Spartanburg. Convenient access from several different spots makes hopping onto the trail easy.

  • The North Trailhead – 295 East Henry Street
  • The Rail Yard – 353 Forest Ave
  • The South Trailhead – Country Club Road
Along the Rail Trail in Spartanburg, SC
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Spend an Amazing Day at These Recreational Lakes Near Greenville

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If playing in the lake during the hottest months is your idea of summer family fun, then look no further. This list will give you the low-down on tons of recreational lakes only a short drive away. Whether you want to take the kiddos for a swim, teach them how to fish, pull them along for a thrilling knee-boarding excursion, rent a kayak, or spend the weekend camping lakeside, read on.

We have compiled the best list of recreational lakes in the Upstate for swimming, fishing, boating, or camping. The only thing you’ve got to do is gather your troops and decide which one to try next!

If you’re looking for a lake with a sandy beach and place to swim, do not miss our list of Lakes with Sandy Beaches.

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5 Best Breakfast Restaurants in Greenville, SC

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Are you looking for some new awesome breakfast restaurants in Greenville, SC? For a tired parent, the prospect of getting out of bed any earlier than absolutely necessary is totally absurd. The only thing that might make it happen is an epic breakfast cooked (and cleaned up) by someone other than you. We get it! That’s why we recently polled Kidding Around Readers to find out what locally owned breakfast places have the power to get you up and dressed in the morning!

Reader Picks for The Best Breakfast in Greenville, SC

dog/cocoa/avocado toast
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Rent Musical Instruments for Your Student Near Greenville, SC

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Have you been searching for a place to rent instruments for your child? Whether your child is joining an ensemble at school or taking private lessons, renting is a great way to try an instrument. We have compiled a list of places that rent student instruments across the Upstate to help you in your search.

This article includes:
Reasons to Rent Vs. Buy
Where to Rent a Musical Instrument Near Greenville and Spartanburg, SC

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