Have you visited Travelers Rest, SC? The northern Greenville town of Travelers Rest has seen a recent revitalization that is getting the attention of people from all over the Upstate. Wonderful dining options, beautiful outdoor spaces, and affordable living make Travelers Rest a great place to work, live, and play. Our guide lists some of the best things to do, places to stay, and dining experiences to enjoy in Travelers Rest, SC.
Looking for a great little town where you can spend the day, then you’ll love our list of things to do in Landrum SC? Tucked away on the north side of Spartanburg, the quaint, small town of Landrum, South Carolina is worth a visit. Here are some great places to eat, things to do, and even a couple places to stay in Landrum, SC.
Whether you like fishing, kayaking, or just somewhere peaceful and relaxing, you must visit Lake Cooley! South Carolina doesn’t have a shortage of lakes, but finding one close to home can make your day a little easier. We have everything you need to know about Lake Cooley, including how to obtain a fishing license, how to rent a kayak, and more.
You’ll find a day full of fun at these 20+ recreational lakes near Greenville, SC. You can boat, kayak, fish, and maybe even swim at one of these lakes for year round fun!
Lake Cooley is a 330-gallon watershed located in Wellford, just about 10 minutes north of Wade Hampton Boulevard near Lyman and Duncan, SC. This hidden gem is home to the Lake Cooley Outdoor Education Center. The center is a two-story building that includes a classroom filled with live & mounted wildlife. Please contact the Outdoor Education Center to make an appointment to visit. The ground level of the center houses the 40-person rental facility.
Several different styles of kayaks and paddleboards are available for rent on a first come first serve basis. The rates start at ten dollars for a two-hour rental and are currently available Thursday through Sunday. Swimming at the lake is prohibited to the public, so keep that in mind when the temptation to go for a swim arises.
Kayaks can be rented from May 23rd – July 28th from 12 pm – 7 pm on Thursday and Friday, and from 8 am – 7 pm on Saturday and Sunday. From August 3rd – September 1st, you can only rent on Saturday and Sunday from 8 am – 7 pm.
Things you will need to bring include a driver’s license, a credit/debit card or exact change, and a life vest for children under 10 (not provided). Lifevests for children and adults over 10 are available.
If you are fortunate enough to have your own kayak, then you’ll need to purchase a permit decal from SJWD in person Monday through Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. The office is located on Highway 29 in Wellford. The permit is $40 for Spartanburg County residents, is good through December of the year purchased, and is only valid for Lake Cooley.
Our family spent a day on the lake. My son received a kid-size kayak for Christmas, and this was his kayak’s maiden voyage. He used his kayak, and we rented a tandem kayak. If you are bringing children under 10 and plan to use a rental, you will need to provide a life vest for them to wear. They are required the entire time you are on the lake. Also, be sure to allow plenty of time to check-in, fill out waivers, and get fitted for life vests.
Our day on the lake was memorable. Our son took to his kayak like it was second nature and the toddler was surprisingly well behaved. Towards the end of the rental time, she was getting ready to jump off the kayak and go swimming (which is prohibited, even though you might see it happening).
I like this lake because it seems like the boat traffic is minimal. Most of the traffic was kayaks or paddleboards. We did see a few pontoon boats, but they were anchored. We were already planning our next trip to the lake before we even left.
If you are a fishing enthusiast, you’re in luck. There are two fishing piers at the lake and they also offer specialty fishing kayak rentals. Small fish are plentiful around the shore and make the perfect bait for the bass fish that lurk deeper in the lake, just be sure to bring a net. I can’t say I’ve caught one, but the bass have taunted me while swimming past my hook.
A freshwater fishing license can be obtained from the SCDNR website and is only $10 for an annual license. Children do not need a license if with a licensed adult.
Mark your calendars! The Discover Your Watershed event, hosted by USC Upstate each May, is a great way to meet the environmental and conservation groups in the community. There are activities for kids, free giveaways, and the opportunity for everyone to receive a free boating permit from SJWD.
If you pack a picnic or would like to grill at the lake – there are three picnic shelters available for rent as and a picnic pavilion available for rent. There are also restrooms available. Not to worry if you forget snacks or refreshments! The rental area has drinks, bagged snacks, and frozen treats.
As if we haven’t already given you enough reason to head to Lake Cooley, the playground is all the more reason. This is a great, small playground with lake views and right next to a huge picnic shelter.
This lake has everything you could want, and it’s conveniently close. I hope that you decide to check Lake Cooley out this summer. I promise you won’t regret a day on the lake with your family.
Are you ready to visit Lake Cooley (South Carolina)?
Lake Cooley South Carolina
100 Cooley Dock Road, Inman
864.949.1002
Have you ever thought to yourself, “Hmmm, I wonder what attractions offer memberships near me?” Look no further! Are you also looking to save money with a membership or pass to attractions in South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida? You can save money when you visit your favorite attractions multiple times by purchasing a membership. Memberships can range from annual to monthly, per person, or per family.
Places like state parks, amusement parks, museums, and aquariums all offer memberships to help save yourself the trouble of paying each time you go. Some places we’ve included will also get you access to attractions when you travel as a perk through reciprocity programs.
* Prices are subject to change, please confirm with the organization at the time of purchase.
The KABOOM Awards are Kidding Around’s annual best of contest. Readers say these are the TOP 5 Family Memberships in Greenville, SC
This article includes:
South Carolina Attractions with Memberships
North Carolina Attractions with Memberships
Georgia Attractions with Memberships
Tennessee Attractions with Memberships
Florida Attractions with Memberships
National Reciprocity Programs
Greenville & Spartanburg Annual Family Pass $120-$460
Kidding Around Review of TCMU GVL
Kidding Around Review of TCMU Spartanburg
The Children’s Museum of The Upstate Website & Membership Info
Family Annual Membership $105
Kidding Around Review of Upcountry History Museum
Upcountry History Museum Website & Membership Info
Family Annual Membership $90
Kidding Around Review of The Greenville Zoo
The Greenville Zoo Website & Membership Info
Family Membership packages are $159 – $259
Kidding Around Review of The Riverbanks Zoo
The Riverbanks Zoo Website & Membership Info
Family membership packages $219 – $279
Kidding Around Review of The South Carolina Aquarium
The South Carolina Aquarium Website & Membership Info
Household Membership $125
Kidding Around Review of Brookgreen Gardens
Brookgreen Gardens & The Low County Zoo Website & Membership Info
*Family Membership $125-$175 / Teacher’s Family $120
Kidding Around Review of Roper Mountain Science Center
Roper Mountain Science Center Website & Membership Info
EdVenture family membership $149 – $259
Kidding Around Review of Edventure
EdVenture Website & Membership Info
Family Membership $13 per month or $144 per year
Kidding Around Review of Anne Springs Close Greenway
Anne Springs Close Greenway Website & Membership Info
The All Park Passport $99
Kidding Around Guide To South Carolina State Parks
South Carolina State Parks Website & All Park Pass Info
Annual Pass $105 – $325 (per person)
Kidding Around Review of Carowinds
Carowinds Website & Membership Info
Annual Membership $300 per person
Big Air Greenville Website & Membership Info
Annual Membership- $300 per person
Big Air Spartanburg Website & Membership Info
Family Rate Membership $21.99-$24.99 (per person/per month)
Season Pass 7th Inning Splash $65 per person
Season Pass Discovery Island $99 per person
Season Pass Otter Creek $87 per person
Rec ‘N Crew Annual Pass $160 per person
Season Pass $85 per person
Annual pass $299 (per person)
Kidding Around Review of Biltmore Estate
Biltmore Estate Website & Membership Info
Annual Family Membership $89/1 year or $168/2 years
Kidding Around Review of WNC Nature Center
WNC Nature Center Website & Membership Info
Family Memberships from $85-$600
Kidding Around Review of Schiele Museum of Natural History
Schiele Museum of Natural History Website & Membership Info
Family Membership $109/1 year or $208/2 year membership
North Carolina Zoo Website & Membership Info
Family Membership $89/1 year or $169/2 years
North Carolina Aquarium Website & Membership Info
Annual Family Pass $90 per year
North Carolina State Parks Website & Membership Info
Family Membership $159
Kidding Around Review of Atlanta Zoo
Zoo Atlanta Website & Membership Info
Family Membership $320
Kidding Around Review of the Georgia Aquarium
Georgia Aquarium Website & Membership Info
Family Explorer Membership $150-$250
Fernbank Museum of Natural History Website & Membership Info
Annual Membership $59 – $110 (per person – 1 year)
Kidding Around Review of Six Flags
Six Flags Website & Membership Info
Annual Family Park Passport $50 / Annual Historic Site Family Pass $50
Kidding Around Guide To Travel in Georgia
Georgia State Parks Website & Membership Info
Silver Season Pass – $174 (adult) / $164 (child)
Gold Season Pass – $249 (adult) / $239 (child)
Two-Park Gold Season Pass – $269 (adult) / 3-month plan eligible with payments of $86.33 (child)
Kidding Around Guide to Dollywood
Dollywood Website & Membership Info
Single Parent Family Membership $140 / 2 Parent Family Membership $185
Kidding Around Review of Zoo Knoxville
Zoo Knoxville Website & Membership Info
Family Memberships from $110-$180
Kidding Around Review of the Chattanooga Zoo
Chattanooga Zoo Website & Membership Info
Family Membership $195
Family Deluxe Membership $275
Kidding Around Review of the Tennessee Aquarium
Tennessee Aquarium Website & Membership Info
Family Annual Pass – FREE
Family Membership $175+
Family Membership $150 (Pathfinder)
Bishop Planetarium & Museum Website & Membership Info
Family Membership $250-$350
The Florida Aquarium Website & Membership Info
Annual Pass $139.99 Per Person
Sealife Orlando Website & Membership Info
Annual Family Membership $269
Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park Website & Membership Info
Annual Family Membership $169.95+
Brevard Zoo Website & Membership Info
Annual Family Pass $120
Florida State Parks Website & Membership Info
Annual Membership is $92 – $122
Kidding Around Guide to Washington DC
Smithsonian National Zoo Website & Membership Info
I get the zoo pass from the Smithsonian National Zoo. A lot more reciprocal
Anita S.PLEASE NOTE: Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, it is at the discretion of the participating zoos and aquariums as to whether they will be able to honor entrance benefits during this time. Call ahead to confirm before you go.
The zoos and aquariums on the Reciprocal Admissions List that are located in close geographic proximity to each other are not required to offer free or discounted admission to each other’s members, although they may offer an alternative discount. “Close geographic proximity” is determined by each institution.
Science centers and museums located within 90 miles of the science center/museum where the visitor is a member offer free or discounted admission to each other’s members. This distance is measured “as the crow flies,” meaning that it is based on the linear radius, not driving distance. To help determine linear radius distance, use the “Measure Distance” feature on Google Maps.
The North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association is a network of over one thousand art museums, galleries, historical museums, societies, botanical gardens, children’s museums, zoos and more.
We got the state park pass a few months ago. It’s around $100 for a full year, and we are trying to go to every state park this year! Pretty good value. Also- the Greenville zoo membership gets you into a lot of zoos, but for some, you only get half off (riverbanks in Columbia is the best zoo in the state!)
Sarah R.We have riverbanks and western NC nature center – wncnc gets you in roper mountain science center free and used to get you in Greenville zoo free but they just updated and now the zoo is only half if you travel a lot though there’s an entire list of zoos/aquariums/science centers it gets you in to free or half-off
Avery M.If you’ve been on the Swamp Rabbit Trail recently you may have stumbled upon the Cancer Survivors Park in Greenville, SC. This awesome park includes beautiful gardens, an amazing sculpture, and more.
Here’s your ultimate guide to all the parks near Greenville, SC!
Have you met a person who has not been touched by cancer? Cancer is all around us and even the word triggers feelings of fear and sadness in many of us. Maybe you are like Tom Bates who lost his daughter, Lindsey Motley, at 29 to colon cancer. He is the president of the board for the new Cancer Survivors Park. What used to be a narrow, grated bridge connecting Cleveland Park to Falls Park is now a large park filled with waterfalls, gardens, walkways, and art.
The Cancer Survivors Park is providing hope and tranquility amid the darkness of this disease. You will find hope as you walk underneath the butterflies welcoming you to the park. You may have noticed more butterflies around Greenville. Each of these butterflies is a “Butterfly Keeper” paid for by private donors to support the Cancer Survivors Park and designed by Yuri Tsuzuki.
Another picture of hope and the focal point of the park is the amazing Celebration Pavilion. You can see it from Church Street or Cleveland Street without even getting out of your car. Standing under it will allow you a panoramic view of the entire park.
How can you not find tranquility as you walk past the man-made waterfall and enjoy the rushing of the Reedy River throughout the park! Once you cross the Spirit Bridge, you can go to your left and walk down through the Healing Garden to the Reedy River and let the sound of the river wash over you.
When you cross the bridge and go to your right, you will come to the Children’s Garden. A life-size sculpture called Fear Not by Charles Pate Jr. shows a lion comforting a child. It is a warm symbol of the strength a child receives going through cancer.
The main parking area of the park is off Cleveland Street. You can also access the park by parking in Cleveland Park and walking up the Swamp Rabbit Trail towards Fall Park. Another parking option is at the Next building on Church Street. This is a fun entrance as you walk the Boardwalk that weaves down through the woods, past two overlooks, and brings you out at the Turning Point Plaza of the park.
Come visit this park as soon as you can! Your children will love the walkways and water, and you can take some very deep breaths.
Cancer Survivors Park
52 Cleveland St, Greenville
864.255.5010
Have you visited Cancer Survivors Park yet? If so, what part did you like the most?
Have you visited Trailblazer Park in Travelers Rest? With weekly events like farmers markets, concerts, and movies, plus pop-up seasonal events, Trailblazer Park is often full of people enjoying Travelers Rest. Here’s what you’ll find at Trailblazer Park.
This park includes:
As mothers, we’re the guardians of our children’s health and happiness, and their skin is a window into their well-being. From those tiny toes to their rosy cheeks, nurturing their skin health is a top priority. Yet, navigating the landscape of pediatric skin concerns can be daunting.
The newest providers of your local dermatology group, Epiphany Dermatology, are here to assist you! Dr. Jaimie Rodger, PA Ragan Phillips, and NP Rebecca Holt would like to share common skin issues in children and explore why teaming up with a dermatologist is essential for ensuring our little ones’ skin radiates with health and vitality. Thank you to Epiphany Dermatology for writing this article.
Wondering where you can go gem mining near Greenville, SC? Though the Upstate may not be somewhere you can go mining for diamonds, there are lots of native gems that are just as beautiful and can be found not too far from the Upstate. We’ve gathered a few places in the Upstate and Western North Carolina where you can dig into the earth to find gorgeous quartz, rubies, emeralds, and maybe even a sapphire!
We aren’t talking about the kind of gem mining where you are handed a bucket and sit down at a sluice. If that’s the kind of fun you are looking for, no need to search any further than Greenville Gemstone Mine in Haywood Mall and Downtown Greenville, which is a fun experience.
Here, we’re talking about getting out in Mother Nature, getting dirty, and digging through mine piles for gemstones.
I’ll warn you, this is not an activity for the non-adventurous. There will be dirt. Lots, and lots of dirt. However, there will be lots of fun, and memories. Throw a tarp down in the car for the way home and just be prepared to deal with the dirt. Did I mention there would be dirt?
Aside from being prepared to deal with the dirt, you just need to have some tools to bring along. Most of them you’ll have at home already. If this is your first time doing this, I don’t think you should run out and buy anything.
Things you’ll need to bring:
My son was only three the first time I took him gem mining. He had a blast. I was not prepared to deal with all the dirt, which I’m sure you’ve gathered by now. But once you know what to expect, you’ll be good to go.
Diamond Mine Road, Abbeville | 864.934.3744
Rates: Adult (18 and over) $20, Teen (13-17) $10, Senior (65+) $10, Child (6-12) $5, 5 & under are free
Diamond Hill Mine is very rustic. It’s private property that is fenced in, with dump piles from the main veins of the mine. There are places to primitive camp and portable toilets. Aside from that, it’s just you, the dirt, and the hope of finding some beautiful uncut gemstones. It’s tiring work, but it’s not complicated. We left with two buckets full of promising finds the first time we went. You can walk the 6 acre property and find quartz all around, especially after a good rain!
North Carolina is known for being a native sapphire, ruby and opal gemstone source. In the 1890’s Tiffany’s & Co. purchased the entire Cowee Valley to mine gemstones for their jewelry. While North Carolina is no longer a huge source of commercial gems, there are still plenty of gems to be found by visitors to local mines.
331 McKinney Mine Road, Spruce Pine | 828.765.6463
Rates: $25 per day digging permit
484 Emerald Hollow Mine Dr, Hiddenite | 828. 632.3394
Rates: Sluicing, Creeking & Digging Combination Permit-
Adult (12 & over) – $25, Child (4 – 11) $10
5315 Bryson City Road, Franklin | 828.524.4570
Rates: All Day Dig (9 am-5 pm ) – $40, Ages 6 and under are free
6961 Upper Burningtown Road, Franklin | 828.369.9742
Rates: Adult (12 and up) $35, Child (11 & under) $15, 6 & under are free
If you’d like to do a little gem-mining without the digging and the dirty shoes and all that, you can purchase a bag of dirt at Upstate Zipline and take it over to their sluice. Pour out your dirt and run it through the screens in the water, much like panning for gold, to see what gems your dirt contains.
See more on our visit to Upstate Zipline!
Just remember that the dirt will wash away, but the memories you create will last forever!
Have you gone gem mining in Greenville, SC or near the Upstate? Send us your photos!
One of my favorite places to celebrate the outdoors with my kiddos is high atop the Blue Ridge Mountains at Mt Pisgah Campground. The campground is right off the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway (near Canton, NC), and while individual sites are mostly wooded and tucked away, the entire area boasts breathtaking panoramic views of rolling green-blue mountains from horizon to horizon. Picturesque sunrises, sunsets, hikes, picnics, drives, you name it, it all comes with an incredible view.
Here are some of the best places to go camping near Greenville, SC!
As it sits at an elevation of nearly 5,000ft, the entire area boasts much cooler temperatures than here in Greenville. Even in the middle of summer, don’t forget a light jacket. If you’re camping in the fall, enduring the chilly air will bring the payoff of a vibrant colorscape you won’t soon forget. The campground accommodates both tents and RVs with a total of 124 sites, as well as offering drinking water, fire rings, picnic tables, and full service bathrooms.
Some sites can be reserved online and some are first-come first-serve. Campsites are just $20/night. There are no power hook-ups – so plan accordingly. And don’t forget to head down to the campfire circle for fun programs and marshmallow roasting. Ranger-led programs are offered most Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm in the amphitheater at the top of B loop.
Directly across the street, through trails behind the campsites, is a quaint camp store that is always fun to visit, plus it’s got you covered when you think of what you forgot, like lighter fluid, matches, and even coffee if you can’t get that fire going in the morning. The store is open daily from 8 am – 8 pm.
What else can you do? The campground offers hiking straight from the sites. If you’re feeling ambitious (and your kids are too) you can trek about two miles up the summit of Mt. Pisgah to a viewing platform that’s truly worth the effort. Our kiddos have done this many times over the years and have always enjoyed the hike.
Or drive about a mile to the trailhead of Frying Pan Tower trail, an uphill climb to an old fire watch tower with 360 degree views of the mountains.
If you want to take a dip or explore some more just head down the mountain along 276 toward home and you can enjoy Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock, the trout hatchery, Cradle of Forestry, and the Davidson River among many, many others. Head further along the Blue Ridge Parkway and find yourself in Asheville for the afternoon.
One of my kids’ favorite pastimes about this camp spot is simply driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway with the windows down, and screaming their heads off in every tunnel we encounter. A warning dear friends: there are many tunnels on the BRP. Share this tradition if you dare!
Mt. Pisgah Campground
408 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Canton, NC 28716
828.648.2644
Have you taken your kids camping lately?
This article was originally written by Elizabeth Faulkner and has been updated by the Kidding Around Team.
Have you visited the campus of Clemson University? There is much more going on than academics on this beautiful campus situated at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Whether you are visiting Death Valley, exploring the SC Botanical Garden and geology museum, or touring the Clemson University Equine Center, you will find something interesting to do for the entire family! There are so many things to do in Clemson, SC that are kid-friendly and worth a visit to explore.
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