Are you searching for the place with the best Chinese food in Greenville? If you’re looking for that perfect Peking duck in the Upstate, you’ve found the right place. We went in search of the best Chinese cuisine in Greenville the help of our readers. They had lots to say about this type of dining, but there were some clear favorites!
(more…)
Menu
Author Archive
Get Ready for A Miraculous Journey with Edward Tulane at SCCT
South Carolina Children’s Theatre is thrilled to bring you The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, a play based on the children’s book of the same name by the award-winning children’s literature author Kate DiCamillo (of the Mercy Watson series and The Tale of Despereaux). The story follows a toy rabbit whose capacity for love grows through loss. It is an epic tale of resilience and empathy. The imaginative stage adaptation will run January 27th – February 5th on the SCCT Bell MainStage, and is directed by one of Greenville’s most accomplished directors, Jay Briggs. A skilled cast of 5 actors will bring to life over 20 characters with original music composed by upstate musician David Sims over 80 magical minutes.
SCCT sat down with director Jay Briggs to hear more about what audiences can expect from this magical production.
Directing at South Carolina Children’s Theatre
SCCT: Is this your first time directing at SCCT?
BRIGGS: Yes! This is my first time directing for SCCT, and I was thrilled to accept the opportunity for professional and personal reasons. SCCT is an excellent, well-respected theatre, and I have several personal connections to the organization. As a high-schooler, I took classes with SCCT Education Director Betsy Bisson at Flat Rock Playhouse in North Carolina, and my eight-year-old daughter has been taking classes at SCCT since she was in pre-school.
In my past experiences being a part of and directing theatre for young audiences, I’ve found that it is exciting and vital work. Then, when SCCT Artistic Director Matt Giles sent me the script for The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, the beauty and heightened theatricality immediately caught my interest.
Telling the Story of Edward Tulane
SCCT: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is a popular book. Had you read it before signing on to direct this play?
BRIGGS: I had read some of Kate DiCamillo’s other works, but not this one. While I highly recommend the book, reading it to enjoy this play is not necessary. The theatrical adaptation is beautifully engaging and imaginatively tells the same story.
SCCT: How will the play’s scenic design help tell the story of Edward Tulane?
BRIGGS: SCCT Technical Director Genesis Garza’s scenic design will set our actors in an old attic full of lost treasures and surprising stories. It is a beautiful representation of a child’s imagination, with endless possibilities for magic.
A Theme Families will Love
SCCT: What are the major themes of the story?
BRIGGS: The primary lesson in this play is the importance of resilience and that sometimes love deepens through loss. This is a critical message for young people, especially in light of the past 2-3 years. Kids and families have been through a lot. And there are a couple of different ways to react to the trials we’ve been through – either by closing off and convincing yourself that it is the best way not to get hurt or by keeping your heart open and allowing yourself to grow as a result of tough times.
SCCT: Why do you think families will enjoy this play?
BRIGGS: This play reminds families of what’s truly important – love and relationships through a story of resilience told dynamically with compelling performances, imaginative scenic design, and original music.
(more…)Gifts You Can E-Mail Your Child’s Teacher from Local Businesses in Greenville, SC
Wondering about end-of-the-year gifts for teachers? With a few mouse clicks, you can support local businesses and mark your kids’ teachers off your list. And, if you’re scrambling at the last moment, these are a perfect no-stress solution! All of the gifts below are offered by local businesses and can be purchased and delivered electronically. Also, don’t forget to check out out Dos and Don’t’s of Teacher Gifts!
(more…)Put Christmas Town, USA On Your List of Places to Visit This Christmas Near Charlotte, NC
Are you looking for things to do in McAdenville at Christmas? This town is also known as Christmas Town, USA! Can you imagine living in a town where everyone decorated for Christmas and it was like somewhere out of a Hallmark Channel movie? Well, my friends, such a place does exist and it’s not that far away from the Upstate. If you are looking for the ultimate light display, McAdenville, NC is it. Enjoying it will only cost you gas money to get there, and once you arrive – you won’t believe your eyes.
A few years ago, during the holiday season, we were driving north on I-85 and I noticed a lot of traffic getting off at an exit. It was the small town of McAdenville’s exit and there were even DOT signs directing traffic to exit a few ramps away. I was intrigued, so as soon as we returned home I did an online search of the town. You have to see this epic Christmas light display to believe it!
(more…)10+ Things to Do with Kids Near Concord, NC in Cabarrus County
Have you visited Cabarrus County in North Carolina? Just a short two-hour drive from the Upstate, Cabarrus County offers tons of fun for kids from a historic gold mine you can tour, to a famous NASCAR speedway and NHRA dragway. In this article, we’ll share more than 10 places you can take your kids near Concord plus all the tips you need to make it a family memory you will never forget.
Thank you to Explore Cabarrus for providing lodging and some of these experiences.
This article includes:
Charlotte Motor Speedway
ZMAX Dragway
Reed Gold Mine
Great Wolf Lodge
Concord Mills
SEA LIFE Aquarium
The Speedpark
Lionel Retail Store
The Percantile & Creamery
iFly Concord
Hendrick Motorsports Museum and Team Store
K1 Speed Indoor Karting
Kannapolis, NC: Village Park and More
Sunflour Baking Company
Music Lovers Are Heading to the Family-Friendly Albino Skunk Music Festival in Greer, South Carolina
Albino Skunk Music Festival in Greer, South Carolina has attracted acts like The Avett Brothers. It happens twice a year on a farm in Greer, and if you haven’t been, you’re missing out. If you want to go, you’ll need to act fast! The fall Albino Skunk Music Festival is October 6-8, 2022! SpringSkunk gives music lovers a few months to plan for the May 11-13, 2023 event if you need a little more time to plan.
Find out what makes the weekend-long Albino Skunk Music Festival in Greer unique and why you’ll want to go to this family-friendly event, no matter what kind of music you prefer!
Planning on coming in from out of town for the festival? The Ultimate Visitors and Locals Guide to Greer, SC, can help you plan your trip!
(more…)Celebrating The German Festivities Of Oktoberfest Near Greenville, SC
Looking for Oktoberfest events? There are several places celebrating Oktoberfest in Greenville and across the Upstate for you to enjoy, but do you know why people celebrate Oktoberfest or when the event started? KAG has the in on what, where, and why of Oktoberfest, plus we’re sharing all the local Oktoberfest events so you can celebrate, too!
Looking for more fall fun? Here are over 30 things to do this fall in Greenville, SC.
& Kidding Around Guide To Fall Festivals Near Greenville to Check Out This Year
The Origin of Oktoberfest in Germany
First, let’s talk about how this party got started. Over 200 years ago, a Bavarian crown prince married a princess, which resulted in days of drinking, feasting, and horse races.
I wanted to know why this marriage has been celebrated since October 12, 1810.
It turns out that those horse races were so popular, they decided to do it annually, and that’s why the party continues today. Although, oddly enough, those horse races are no longer a part of the celebration.
To get down to the truth, I consulted my cousin, Frau Roe. She’s a German teacher locally and my go-to for all things Bavarian-related.
Me:
So Frau Roe, Why do we celebrate Oktoberfest? Is it because of racehorses, love, or something else?
Frau Roe:
“Today, it’s more of a festival atmosphere, carnival rides, lots of food, lots of beer, still celebrated in the same spot under all those tents. Many Bavarians wear traditional clothing to celebrate history. (Lederhosen and Dirndl) So, while it has changed a lot over the years, the original reason is still in the hearts of the Bavarians. It’s definitely a celebration of heritage! ”
Now that we know the what and why let’s find out where!
2023 Oktoberfest Events near Greenville, South Carolina
For more local options, Oktoberfest celebrations can be found at numerous places around the Upstate.
- Oktoberfest at The Southern Growl | September 16th at 11:30 am
Bavarian beer, food, and music (event is for those in their 20s-30s) - Oktoberfest at Carolina Bauernhaus (Anderson) | September 16th from 2 pm – 6 pm
Live music from the Ragin’ Cajun Accordion Delight David Donar, brats with haus made kraut, pretzels with beer cheese, beer on tap
- Tetrad’s Marzen, Beers & Brats Oktoberfest 2023 | September 16th from 1 pm – 10 pm
Prizes, Bratwurst, pretzels, live music, beer, and more! - Fireforge 5th Annual Oktoberfest Weekend | September 22nd-24th
Live Music, commemorative mugs, beer & food all weekend long. - Oktoberfest at The Warehouse | September 23rd from 7 pm – 10 pm
Live music, food and drink specials - Oktoberfest at 13 Stripes Brewery | September 25th – October 1st
Oompah band, music, food, and lots of celebration - Pangea Brewing Oktoberfest | September 30th
Food and beer specials and costumes are encouraged! - Oktoberfest in NOMA square | October 6th and 7th
Live music and more in the Square in front of the Hyatt Downtown - Oktoberfest at The Community Tap in Travelers Rest | October 7th from 2 pm – 9 pm
German-style brews on tap, German wines, raffles, and more.
2023 Oktoberfest Events In Spartanburg, South Carolina
- Keg & Cellar’s Oktoberfest | September 29th – 30th from 9 am – 10 pm
Live music, food trucks, 12 German beers on tap - SpartOberfest – Spartanburg’s Oktoberfest | September 23rd
While the 2023 SpartOberfest is canceled, the 10K-5K Pretzel Run is still happening at 8 am.
2023 Oktoberfest Events Across The Upstate of South Carolina
- Walhalla Oktoberfest | October 20th – 22nd
For 40+ years this South Carolina town has been celebrating its German heritage with a weekend-long celebration. German food, American food, artisan vendors, carnival rides, and fireworks on Saturday night, make this a great family-friendly Oktoberfest to mark on your calendar.
The Country’s Longest Running Oktoberfest: Helen, GA
For hard-core Oktoberfest fans, the longest-running celebration in the US is just a short ride to the mountains of northern Georgia.
Helen, Georgia, the alpine town, boasts the longest-running Oktoberfest celebration with a duration of a month. From the end of September through the end of October, the town hosts a celebration that’s been happening for 50+ years. My family loves Helen, and there’s fun to be had year-round there.
Fall in Love Anytime Of Year With This Bavarian Village Atop The Mountains Of North Georgia
Places To Enjoy German Food Year Round In Greenville, South Carolina
- Unterhausen Castle Cellar Pub | Simpsonville
- Schwaben House | Restaurant | Greenville
- Hans and Franz Biergarten | Greenville
Now that you know the what, why and when about Oktoberfest, throw on that lederhosen or dirndl and get ready to celebrate the 213 years of Oktoberfest!
