Greer, SC is the perfect place to live and work. Straddled between Spartanburg and Greenville, residents of Greer have the best of both counties right at their fingertips, plus all the things Greer has to offer! Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this city has a great downtown area, plus loads of unique restaurants, parks, and things to do.
You can explore Greer and walk beneath the glowing lights on Trade Street, grab some ice cream and stroll through Greer City Park in the heart of Downtown Greer, visit the surrounding area to enjoy some disc golf at local parks like Kids Planet, or travel north to enjoy some gorgeous views of the foothills. There are so many things to do in Greer, SC!
In this article, we’re taking you through Downtown Greer and beyond to show you why Greer, South Carolina is an amazing place to be!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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 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
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.
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!
Find more things to do this fall in the Upstate
10+ Family Friendly Bike Trails: Greenville, SC
Upick Tulips at Thompson Family Farms Near Campobello, SC!
Consignment Sales You Cannot Miss in the Upstate near Greenville, SC
25 Fantastic Local Coffee Shops: Greenville, SC
The Premier Guide to Indoor Fun Near Greenville, SC: 60+ Things to Do Inside
5 Things to Do With All That Candy: Halloween Candy Buyback Program: Greenville, SC & More
Did you know Crazy Mason is now open in Greenville, SC? Milkshakes that take on a life of their own are the trend now in frozen desserts, and a new player is now in the Upstate. The Myrtle Beach-based shake shop, The Crazy Mason, is now open in Greenville, SC.
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. Read about the local MOPS group in Greenville from mom Rachel here.
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?
