Have you heard about Wildflower Cupcake & Dessert Bar? Cupcakes are amazing little personal size baked goods that can turn your day around. Making amazing cupcakes for the lucky folks of the Upstate could have been enough to allow Local baker Kristen Kay to throw down her apron and call it a day. But for this small business owner, cupcakes and sweet treats are just a means to an end. Find out what Wildflower Cupcake & Dessert Bar does for the Upstate besides curing a cupcake craving!
Baking cupcakes allow Kristen to help people. Kristen is there to lend her talents to transform flour, eggs and sugar into fundraising efforts. Organizations like Let There Be Mom, Valor, The Booth Fairy, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, The Blood Connection, and others benefit when her piping bag get filled with frosting and a finished cupcake (or cookie) leaves the shop.
The way she helps also manifests in providing a person with sensitivities, or diet restrictions that would normally keep them from biting into a delicious cupcake, that opportunity.
One of the questions we get asked quite frequently at Kidding Around is where to find items for people, most often children, with diet restrictions. Every kid deserves a cake, right? Kristen makes every attempt to fill these orders that most places won’t.
vegan/dairy-free
gluten-free
vegan & gluten-free
sugar-free
low carb/Keto
special request option – soy and corn free
Your child all of a sudden decides that Groundhogs day is THE NUMBER ONE HOLIDAY? Head to Wildflower for that celebratory cupcake to honor old Punxsutawney Phil.
If you’re not convinced you need a treat from here in your life yet, I have one more feel-good story for you.
Local floral & Veggie farm Wet Knot Farms suffered a terrible flooding incident in the Spring of this year. The community jumped in to help however they could. Unfortunately, the floodwaters made their edible items non-sellable. The good news is their flower crops made it, and now have a prominent spot in Wildflower Cupcake & Dessert Bar. Waiting in cases to go home with you and your delicious item.
Wildflower Cupcake and Dessert Bar in Greenville, SC
Owners name: Kristen Kay
Do you have a kids menu?
No – it’s all kid-friendly
What are your contactless delivery options?
Curbside pickup
Do you offer outdoor dining?
Yes
What makes your spot unique?
In addition to our normal cupcake, and dessert bar options, we cater to kids and adults with special dietary needs. These are available for walk-in or special orders, and custom decorating is offered in most cases.
What dish is the most popular?
Strawberry Crush
What dish are you the proudest of?
Our carefully thought out and crafted variety of cupcakes, and our signature cookie sandwiches
It’s my first time at your restaurant, what do you suggest we order?
The Banana Pudding Cupcake, Strawberry Crush Cupcake, Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwich, or Key Lime Cookie Sandwich
Where do you love to eat when not at work?
We’re an indecisive group, and enjoy so many local establishments! Smoky Dreams Barbecue is definitely one of those!
Are you a restaurant owner that would like to be featured on Kidding Around’s Local Restaurant Spotlight? Let us know!
What Locals Are Saying About Wildflower Cupcake & Dessert Bar
My friend bought me their gluten-free chocolate peanut butter cupcakes and they were some of the best things I’ve ever put in my mouth.
Alicia Byars
Wildflower Cupcake and Dessert Bar is my go-to place for my daughter who has food allergies! They have been so accommodating & understanding in making “safe” treats for my daughter!
Looking for things to do with your baby in Greenville, SC? Babies are tricky. You can often take them to places not suitable for a preschooler running around yet finding baby-specific activities is harder than general kid ones. Luckily we have a few ideas of fun things to do with your baby in Greenville. Hope you enjoy and please add your own favorites in the comments!
Nothing beats the outdoors so take your baby to the park. We have a list of parks with toddler playgrounds and they’re even fenced for extra safety! Most of these fenced-in playgrounds have baby swings so that even non-walkers can still have fun.
Pictures
So this might not be baby’s favorite, but capture those little grins now. You can do old school portrait studios or hire a freelance photographer to get some cute snaps of you at the park or anywhere you’d like. And if you’re looking for a photographer, we have a list of some of our reader favorites.
The Greenville Zoo
The zoo is full of fun animals to look at for even a baby in a stroller and the zoo playground has comfy chairs making it the perfect place to stop for a feeding.
Cloth Diaper Classes
Tired of running to the store for more nappies? Check out cloth diapers through an informative meeting! The main local group is Greenville Cloth Diaper Group on Facebook and they can point you towards a meeting.
Kroc Center
The Kroc Center in downtown Greenville, SC is a great place to take your toddler all year round to play in the water. They have an indoor water park with beach entry, so your little one can play in the shallows, climb the play structure, and ride down the slide. The pool is heated, but a wetsuit-style swimsuit for younger babies is ideal.
TCMU
The Children’s Museum of the Upstate is fun for all ages but has a special corner for babies on the top floor. Grandma Betty’s Farm is where you’ll find an enclosed space for crawlers as well as story time in their special 5 and under classroom. The middle floor has some mirrors next to the climber that are great for babies, especially those just starting to sit. Downstairs, the Lily Pad has infant seats for water play.
TCMU of Spartanburg is also a great option – it’s included in your TCMU membership. They have wonderful exhibits specifically for kids ages five and under, including a crawling space for babies, water exhibits, and lots of interactive exhibits. It’s $8/person if you’re not a member.
Enjoy the children’s garden, flowers, and pretty paths at Linky Stone Park.
Attend a local playgroup
If working out isn’t your thing, try a moms group in Greenville. True your little one might not be “playing” right now but that’s no reason you can’t spend an afternoon walking around the zoo or getting some coffee with other parents.
The Little Gym
The Little Gym also offers fun classes for babies. Check their schedule for a list of current classes.
La Leche League
If you’re nursing or interested in starting (it’s possible to “relactate” even if you stopped) La Leche League of Greenville is a perfect spot. Attend a meeting and make some new “breast” friends for you and your nursling. Older siblings are welcome at almost all meetings and some are open to dads too (just ask as meetings frequently are moms only for privacy).
Both Haywood and Westgate have a padded play area for little kids. It’s a great way to introduce your baby to playground equipment with less fall risks and no worries about weather.
Bouncing Babies at the library
The Greenville library system has various story times at most locations, including Bouncing Babies especially for young ones. But most story times are still a treat for your baby so don’t hesitate to bring them to whatever fits your schedule.
Kindermusik
Piano Central Studios offers lots of these classes geared toward the youngest of music lovers.
Do you have an activity to add to our list? Share it in the comments!
This post was originally written by Lindy Wilson and has been updated by the Kidding Around Team.
Find More Things to Do for Babies and Toddlers Near Greenville, SC
Have you visited Taylors Mill? Taylors, SC is home to an old mill that is quietly becoming a stand-alone entertainment destination in the Upstate. If you’ve not been to this repurposed mill in Taylors yet, there are so many reasons to go. Here are the restaurants and entertainment venues available at Taylors Mill.
Lansford Canal State Park’s Rocky Shoals Spider lilies bloom by the thousands for just a few weeks. It’s the largest stand of these lilies found anywhere. While this spectacle of mother nature isn’t the only reason to visit Lansford Canal State Park, it is one of the most popular. The Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies only bloom for a few weeks a year. Plus, the state park is home to the largest population of Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies in the world, so it’s a bucket list item for nature lovers. So, we have all the info you’ll need to get a peek at them.
Landsford Canal State Park Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies
Enjoy a Weekend Away While You Explore Landsford Canal State Park With Our Guide To York County, SC
Find a Rocky Shoals Spider Lily: Catawba River
Catching a glimpse of these beautiful flowers isn’t impossible, but it will take a little bit of planning and spontaneity. High water levels thwarted my attempts at seeing the lilies in 2020 at the Catawba and bad weather. Lily season is so short, I just had to make it happen. In 2021, I was determined to share this with our readers! With a little help from the SC State Park Lily Watch Updates page and better weather these past few years, and we finally made it during peak bloom!
I believe the Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies are best viewed up close. For that to happen, you will need to paddle to the middle of the river. The only way to do this is to BYO kayak and be an experienced paddler. Unfortunately, time restrictions didn’t permit me to bring our kayaks on this trip. If you have a kayak of your own and would like a guided tour to join, The Catawba Riverkeeper group offers them for $25 per person. You can choose to participate on dates that include a kayak in your ticket, or bring your own for a cheaper price. 2024 Dates: Saturday, May 25 and Sunday May 26, 2024 – 10 AM and 3 pm | Saturday, June 8 and Sunday June 9th, 2024 – 10 am – 3 pm
If you are going to paddle the river without a tour, be warned that it is not for novice paddlers. This isn’t a “Break in the new paddler” type experience. The Catawba River within the park includes a canal system with Class I and borderline Class II rapids (with sufficient rain, class III is possible). If you are used to navigating the flat water of Upstate lakes, you could find yourself in a bind. For experienced paddlers, the put-in is located at the top of the second parking area after you drive past the playground and take a right.
Trails at Landsford Canal State Park
The Landsford Canal State Park offers some wonderful trails that have visibility of the lilies. The lilies are viewable from a viewing platform on the shore after a short hike. There are two trail options to choose from. The shorter trail through the woods, or the longer more scenic riverside trail. To access the trailhead, you’ll park in front of the playground area and take the path past the cabin and to the right.
The Canal Trail When you come to the Kids In Parks (more on that later) activity station, you will take the trail to the right. The 1.5 mile Canal Trail follows the 200-year-old ruins of a stone canal and mill site that ran to the river and made it commercially navigable from 1820 to 1835. Hence the name of the park. This is a shorter trail to the viewing platform that is level and easy. Hiking from the Kids In Parks sign to the viewing platform is roughly 20 minutes. Due to exposed tree roots, this is NOT a stroller-friendly trail.
The Nature Trail You will want to follow the river and head down the trail to the left from the Kids In Parks sign. Several spots make a great photo along the way next to the river. While this is noted as a longer trail by the State Park website, we found both to be approximately 20 minutes one way. This trail is flat and suitable for a sport stroller if necessary.
The lilies bloom from mid-May to mid-June, depending on the rainfall and the river. To monitor the blooms, head to the Lily Watch Updates page.
Landsford Canal State Park Canal Trail (L) & Nature Trail (R)
Kids in Parks is a Free Program Where Your Kids Can Earn Prizes at Lansford Canal State Park
Kids in Parks recently expanded to several South Carolina State Parks. The program is definitely something your family should sign up for this summer. The program offers a user-friendly website that includes an always-expanding list of nationwide locations considered TRACK trails. It allows families to search for locations near their hometown or even for an out-of-town adventure.
The program includes over 280 TRACK Trails in 12+ states, Washington DC, and the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation, with dozens of locations just a short drive away in North Carolina and several new locations in South Carolina. There are even activities for you to do in your own backyard!
Landsford State Park is a great place to explore year-round. The state park doesn’t offer camping facilities. However, there are picnic shelters, and picnic tables on the river banks. Each have their own charcoal grills. There are restrooms, a playground, and if you are lucky you might catch a glimpse of a Bald Eagle. Plus, it is only a 30 minute drive to Downtown Rock Hill, so you can make an epic day trip.
What’s the first thing your child asks you when they know a doctor is going to perform a procedure? “Is it going to hurt?” From a child’s perspective this notion largely consumes their thoughts and spares little room for feelings of encouragement. Dr. Lisa M. Cherry, Cherry Orchard Pediatric Dentistry, is highly sensitive to this scenario and has incorporated the use of the latest technologies so that she can often confidently tell her patients, “No, it will not hurt.”
Thank you Cherry Orchard Pediatric Dentistry for sponsoring this article.
Have you experienced the overwhelming wonder of the Atlanta Georgia Aquarium? It is truly awe-inspiring, being the largest aquarium in the US! We were able to visit with the Georgia Aquarium Residence Pass, however, you can visit any time by purchasing a day pass. Find everything you need, including Georgia Aquarium reviews, photos, and even parking and hotel information, so you can make your trip an epic adventure.
Where to Stay Near the Georgia Aquarium
Planning an overnight trip? Use the map below to find the perfect lodging near the Georgia Aquarium. Through an affiliate relationship with Stay22, Kidding Around earns when booking through the map and links in this section.
During a previous visit, we stayed at the Renaissance Atlanta Midtown Hotel, which we recommended because of the hotel’s great location and comfort. Another great option is Home 2 Suites Midtown. The CNN Tower, World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Park, the Peachtree Center and a new Ferris wheel attraction are all located within easy walking distance of both of these hotels.
Watch! Our Visit to the Biggest Aquarium in the US!
Our Day Trip to Georgia Aquarium
For our day trip to the Georgia Aquarium, we brought along our five-year-old and two-year-old, because we knew this would be a fantastic memory for them. We purchased our tickets ahead of time with our residence pass, but you can purchase tickets in advance for cheaper than same day tickets through the online portal! Ticket prices for pre-booked dates start at $39.99, but ticket prices fluctuate depending on the day you want to attend, if it’s a holiday or weekend, or if they anticipate large crowds, so keep that in mind!
We also made reservations for the dolphin show and the sea lion show on the same day as our visit. If you are looking to do these two free shows or any backstage events, make sure to pencil those in when figuring out how long you want to stay at the aquarium!
What is at the Georgia Aquarium?
Being the largest aquarium in the US means there is A LOT to explore. You’ll want to carve out at least two to three hours of your day to experience everything, but you could honestly spend longer here. When you arrive at the aquarium, you first will be asked to take a photo by staff that you can later purchase as a souvenir. Then, you’ll immediately follow a quarridore that is lined with a wall of glowing jellyfish! My kids were just ecstatic to see them glowing purple, bouncing around the elongated tank. It was the perfect start to our visit. Finally, you’ll have your tickets scanned at the entrance of the large atrium.
Galleries and Exhibits: Georgia Aquarium
Now, the hard part is usually figuring out what you want to see first! There are 8 major galleries at the Georgia Aquarium, and each is sectioned by theme. So, what animals can you see at the Georgia Aquarium? Over 500 species and over 1 million animals to explore! They have sharks, penguins, beluga whales, dolphins, and even massive whale sharks. It’s not just another aquarium. It’s like stepping into another world. And if you think that sounds melodramatic, consider some of these stats:
With more than 600,000 square feet and 10 million gallons of fresh and salt water, the Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the United States.
The Ocean Voyager exhibit is the largest indoor fish habitat in the United States. It measures 284 feet long by 126 feet wide by 30 feet deep. It contains 6.3 million gallons of water.
The viewing window into the whale shark exhibit measures 60 feet long by 27 feet high.
When we arrived in the huge atrium, we decided to work our way clockwise through the galleries so we wouldn’t miss anything. We started at SHARKS! Predators of the Deep, which was my daughter’s absolute favorite. There were tiger sharks, hammerhead sharks, silvertip sharks, and a sand tiger shark that swam around the 1.2 million gallon tank and through the circling false pilchard fishes. We even saw a hammerhead shark going into the circling and trying to catch one, which we were told was because of electromagnetic signals being released from one of the false pilchards that was older or sick.
Before our scheduled show at Dolphin Coast, We worked our way through the several exhibits on the bottom floor, which took us a little over an hour. You’ll want extended time at the Ocean Voyager Built by Home Depot exhibit. Here, you can ride down a conveyor belt under a 100-foot tunnel. This part is exciting, but make sure little feet stay off the edges of the belt so they do not fall. You can choose to walk beside it as well, which is nice if you want to stop and take a closer look at the rays and fish swimming overhead.
The epic part of Ocean Voyager is the large seating area you’ll find toward the end of the gallery. You can lounge on the stairs under the glow of the huge aquarium, watching the whale sharks swim by. This is a great place to park it for a little bit after a long day of walking around. We sat here for almost 20 minutes listening to the presenter give us facts about what is inside the tank, while also playing a game of who could spot Gulper.
Here is a full list of the exhibits and key features at the Georgia Aquarium, so you can decide where to start!
Aquanaut Adventure– Newer exhibit with alligators, lizards, eels, and a Discovery Zone touch pool
Cold Water Quest – Home to beluga whales, sea otters, African penguins, Pacific octopus, and more.
Dolphin Coast – Dolphins (including the theatre), spoonbill, spiny lobster, and scarlet ibis.
Ocean Voyager– The largest exhibit, offers whale sharks, rays, sharks, tons of fish, and a place to relax.
Predators of the Deep– A variety of sharks with large glass walls to observe from different angles.
Tropical Diver– Coral reef exhibit and gorgeous marine life display.
Truist Peer 225– Arcade, animatronics, and the sea lion show!
Live Shows
Georgia Aquarium Dolphin Show and Sea Lion Presentation
One wonderful thing about the aquarium is that you can get up close and personal with many of the animals, all included in your admission ticket! We had such a fun time at the dolphin and sea lion shows, which are free and run at various times throughout the day.
My 5-year-old and I opted to sit in the splash seats for both shows, and we were giggling the entire time waiting to get splashed, especially when the dolphins sent a wave of water right at us. But don’t worry, the majority of the seats are out of the splash zone.
During both shows, we learned about how they train the animals and what the animals are like in the wild, and we saw a spectacular showcase of their skills. During the sea lion show, we sat closest to Katie, the oldest sea lion resident and watched her and her trainer show off their dancing skills and tricks. My two-year-old was squealing when each sea lion showed off how loud they could be, it was hilarious!
Both the dolphin show and the sea lion show take about 15-20 minutes each, so make sure your little ones go to the bathroom ahead of time so you do not lose your seats. You will also want to arrive about 10 minutes early to get the best seats, they fill up very quickly!
You will want to make reservations the day of to confirm seats for the Dolphin Coast dolphin show and the sea lion show, though they are free to attend.
Quick Facts: Things to Know Before Your Visit
Hours of Operation
The Georgia Aquarium is open year-round, but hours do vary. Visit the aquarium website for specific hours on the day you plan to visit. You are welcome to leave the aquarium after you enter, just make sure you get your arm stamped at the customer service counter before you leave.
Georgia Aquarium Tickets
Ticket Prices
The aquarium uses a timed ticketing system, which means you will be given a time at which you can enter the aquarium. This keeps the facility from becoming overcrowded.
Right now, the Aquarium is offering the Resident Pass to South Carolina residents through May 28, 2024. It means you get unlimited entry (there are some blackout dates, see link) for $64.99 + tax.
Tickets cost more at peak times like weekends and holidays. Be sure to check the website for the date you plan to visit.
General Admission Tickets
When you purchase tickets ahead of time, you get a discount, so remember that! Ticket prices vary by the day you want to attend with the lowest, least busy days having $39.99 admission tickets. You can purchase most Plan Ahead and Save tickets for $39.99, or purchase Anytime General Admission tickets for $64.99. We recommend purchasing ahead of time and looking at their booking calendar to get the best price. You can also purchase an annual membership if you plan to visit more than once.
If you want to do special animal encounters or events, you can purchase tickets to those ahead of time. They do sell out sometimes because of limited ticket availability, so book early. Prices for animal encounters start at $80 per person, and there are age restrictions.
Georgia Aquarium Parking
Parking is available in the attached parking deck and costs $20 per day. The World of Coca-Cola and CNN Tower are within walking distance, so you could plan an entire day of attractions for one parking price. There’s also a nice playground area in Centennial Olympic Park if the kids just need some downtime.
Coastline Cafe: Cafe at the Aquarium
On the second floor you’ll find the new Coastline Cafe, where you can dine in. Most of the food is American food, like chicken nuggets and burgers. It can be pretty expensive to dine here, so we chose to bring along sandwiches to enjoy during our break outdoors on the grass between World of Coca-Cola and the aquarium.
Wheelchairs, Strollers, and Babies
The entire aquarium is wheelchair and stroller accessible. However, strollers are NOT permitted in the Dolphin Coast theater. There is a “stroller parking” area available for use during the show.
You’ll find a private nursing pod for mothers available on the second floor.
Sensory bags are also available at Guest Services if you would like them for you or your child.
Restaurants near the Georgia Aquarium
You are able to leave the aquarium and come back, so why not check out some of the best restaurants near the Georgia Aquarium that are within walking distance? The Atlanta Breakfast Club is just down the street, and has some of the best Southern breakfast food around! Have a kid who will only eat pizza? Then Head to Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria. They have delicious pizza, plus vegetarian and vegan options. You will not want to miss out on the crispy chicken and fries from Rocks!
Tips for visiting the Georgia Aquarium
Bring a stroller or carrier if you have little ones, because there is a lot of walking involved.
Be sure to reserve a dolphin show or sea lion show, it is worth it and great for younger kids.
Pack your lunch and leave it in a cooler in the car to save some money.
If you want to leave and come back to the aquarium, be sure to get your hand stamped.
Don’t forget to use your Georgia Aquarium military discount on their Military Free Days to get free entry and 30% off for your family!
The gift shop has some great stuff, and you have to exit through it, so make sure to budget for a souvenir. Pro gift shop tip: Collect something small from gift shops you visit throughout all your travels like a magnet, postcard, or Christmas Tree ornament. Everyone in your family will know they are on the hunt for the perfect item to add to that collection and you’ll stay far away from the expensive toys, stuffed animals, and apparel.
My Honest Opinion of the Georgia Aquarium: Review
The Georgia Aquarium as a mom of two young kids is so worth it! There is so much to do and see that the trip is absolutely a core memory maker. There are animals at the Georgia Aquarium that you will most likely never see in your lifetime. Plus, the vast amount of scientific research and conservation efforts that is conducted is helping us learn more about these animals to aid in reversing their wild population decline. My kids were in awe, and so was I.
The aquarium staff are friendly and helpful, and we had zero issues throughout the entire day there. It’s a great family vacation idea, because the city of Atlanta has so much to offer. It is worth the 2.5-hour drive from Greenville, SC, and makes the perfect day trip!
Plan your own visit!
Georgia Aquarium 225 Baker Street NW Atlanta, GA 30313 404.581.4000
What was your family’s favorite part of the Georgia Aquarium?
There’s a lot more to do in Atlanta! Check it out!
Have you explored the Greenville County library system? KAG Contributor, Nova, is sharing a rundown of all the things the library offers, and it’s so much more than books! Check out storytimes, craft events, homeschool meet-ups and learning opportunities, plus summer reading and even events for grown-ups. There’s so much happening at the Greenville County Libraries. Best of all, there’s no cost for these programs! We know our readers love free things to do in Greenville!
Looking for amazing cakes in Greenville, SC?The art of cake decorating and baking is often harder than it looks. Great bakers, make the process seem effortless, and that misconception has led to many a reality show. Just like on the show “Nailed It”, oftentimes even bakers can misjudge the difficulty of a cake’s design. That’s when reliable recommendations and photos of past work become so important. We have a list of bakeries in Greenville our readers have recommended.
Oftentimes, the decorating of a cake can be just as difficult as saying no to orders, you aren’t sure you can pull off. If I sound like I know, it’s because I spent several years working in a bakery, and know-how important cakes can be to a milestone event. Check out these awesome local bakeries that will make your guest’s mouths water, and your photos the envy of everyone on Instagram!
Have you been to the Southern Growl and tried their delicious food or craft beer selection? The Southern Growl has grown from a little craft brew shop tucked away in a strip mall to a stand-alone force to be reckoned with in the Upstate. Not just for their craft brews, but with their weekly menu specials. Others have seen their success and tried to duplicate it, but The Southern Growl is GOAT. Find out why, when we “Grill” the folks at this Upstate Brewery!
Everyone can find a menu item to enjoy, even a vegan! The location off Wade Hampton in Greer has a lovely outdoor dining space, with an area for kids ( two and four-legged) to get their wiggles out while you enjoy your menu selection.
The Southern Growl in Greer, SC
Owner name: Matt Bowes
Do you have kids eat free night? No
Do you offer outdoor dining? Yes – Heated, Open Air
What makes your spot unique? The Southern Growl Beer Company’s facility is expansive, yet cozy with an oversized heated patio and enormous lawn. We pour from a huge selection of 70 taps, featuring 24+ beers brewed on our 10 bbl brewhouse, cocktails, wine, ciders, meads, and sodas. The food menu is concise, exceptionally executed, and changes frequently to highlight what we feel are the tastiest sandwiches of every season.
What dish is the most popular? The weekly burger and chicken sandwich specials
What dish are you the proudest of? Two things I’m most proud of are our in-house bakery making all our buns, loaves, crackers, and desserts fresh each day and our house-brewed IPAs, especially “Bury Me In Strata.” The name speaks truth and highlights my favorite hop, Strata.
It’s my first time at your restaurant, what do you suggest we order? TSG Beertenders are seriously knowledgeable and we strive for excellence in all we do. Best advice: Talk to the Beertenders to help you find the perfect beer (or 4 beers with a flight) and sandwich to fit your mood.
Southern Growl is an absolute gem! We frequent it as both a casual hangout and date night spot and it never disappoints. The staff is fabulous at recommendations (and everything really) and the ever-changing menu is superb. Plus there’s a beer for your every mood. Pro tip- the coffee caliente wings are amazing
Monica Pace Greene
Love The Southern Growl! Always an impressive beer selection. And the food is always delicious. We go there a lot! The Staff actually seems to love their jobs too! Sam Chaffin
Yes!! Those coffee caliente wings are my favorite! My husband and I really like Southern Growl.
Maddie Pace
The southern growl is a go to for us. Their covid safety is still happening, which is rare to find these days. Their food is AMAZING, and their takeout growlers are awesome.
Kristen Pace
100% recommend! There is also a green space where kids can run around.
Looking for a little Upstate, SC day trip? The town of Simpsonville, SC is a great place to spend the day with great parks, cute downtown area and excellent restaurant options. We have a suggested itinerary for a day in Simpsonville, plus a list of things to do, places to eat and even places to stay if you’re staying longer than a day.
The residents of Simpsonville, SC are in a great location for getting around the Upstate. Located near both major highways and one of Greenville’s major retail hubs, Simpsonville is the perfect place for busy families to settle down. With an abundance of places to dine and things to do, it’s no wonder new communities are sprouting up all over Simpsonville.
Looking for more places to spend the day with your family? Here’s our list of Day Trip Towns, just a short drive from the Upstate.
With all the entertainment, shopping and dining options in Simpsonville it’s easy to spend the day in this town and not have a need to leave. If you aren’t sure where to start the day, we have a sample itinerary to get you started!
Starting the day : We suggest grabbing breakfast at a favorite of one of our readers:
OMG! Authentique French Creperie. SO GOOD. I don’t like crepes, but theirs are AMAZING. I always take out of town visitors there. They have weird hours though, so make sure you check online before you drive over!
Carolina R.
After breakfast: Head over to the zip line & playground at City Park, or enjoy the seasonal farmers market!
If the weather isn’t cooperative, you can enjoy a matinee showing at the local IMAX theater.
For lunch: Stroll up the street to all the restaurants and shops of Main Street, and grab a frozen treat afterward at the Ice Cream Station.
If you are enjoying a day out without the kids a stop at a Sweet Sippin’ event would be a great way to end the day. They offer all kinds of different food and drink pairing events, live music events, game nights and more.
Upstate Pinball & Arcade Museum
Things To Do In Simpsonville, SC
Upstate Pinball & Arcade Museum: Play 50+ nostalgic pinball and arcade games for one low price- no coins needed! Family fun for all ages.
Head to one of the Simpsonville Parks: Simpsonville has a bunch of parks that offer everything from zip-lines to Frisbee golf and even a train ride!
During summer months you can participate in the Park Hop Scavenger Hunt that includes area parks. Kids have the chance to earn prizes with this free program.
Heritage Park | 861 Southeast Main Street This park is part of the Heritage Park Amphitheater that hosts festivals, concerts and other events throughout the year. We also like this park because of all the shady seating options for parents to sit in while the kids play on the large playground. There is also a a miniature steam engine train that guests of the park can enjoy for just $3 per ticket (kids under 2 ride free with a paying adult).
City Park | 100 Park Drive City park is a favorite among locals for its large ADA compliant playground and all the seating it provides parents. There’s a Frisbee golf course, restrooms, picnic shelters, a special sensory playground and more.
College Street Park | 330 West College Street This small neighborhood park offers guests a merry-go-round, swing set, jungle gym and baseball and basketball facilities.
Southside Park & Discovery Island Water Park | 417 Baldwin Road Southside park offers multiple playgrounds, picnic shelters and is home to the seasonal water park. Open Memorial day through Labor day.
Simpsonville Farmers Market| 405 East Curtis Street (temporarily located at Simpsonville City Hall, 118 NE Main Street)
Held every Saturday from mid May through the end of September, 8 Am – Noon. In the past there have been 30 plus local vendors at the market, selling everything from seasonal produce, locally roasted coffee, artisan cheese, soaps and more.
One of the newest library branches in The Greenville Library system, this location has it all. The kids area is enclosed and even has it’s own covered outdoor play area. Teens have there own space and grownups can check-up on their email with the free WIFI. Patrons with a valid library card can even check out a laptop for use on site.
A favorite of our readers, Stella’s is a great place to grab a gourmet meal.
Upscale, Stella’s Bistro is some of the best door I’ve ever put in my mouth. The service is beyond excellent and the seasonal menu means there are always new things to try.
Greenville’s most popular locally owned pizza chain has another location in Simpsonville. Be sure to sign up for their awesome birthday club. It’s free and you receive a free pizza on your birthday!
This hidden gem of Simpsonville is tucked away in the basement of a castle. OK, maybe not really a castle, but pretending is fun right? Once you enter, you’ll forget that you didn’t cross a moat to get in. The intimate size of Unterhausen. the German beer and the delicious Bavarian food will have you wondering how it took you so long to discover this place.
I’d be doing you a great disservice if I didn’t include one of the Upstate’s best places for BBQ, just because it sits a few feet outside the town limits. Located across from Heritage park, Bobby’s BBQ is a family owned restaurant that is unique for a few reasons. They pride themselves on the quality of their food. But that’s not why I find them especially unique. One visit to this place and you will see, that everything they do is done with love and care for the community they feed. Let me ask you, how many BBQ places have you seen offer a vegan option? That’s right, I said Vegan, at a BBQ place. For most Pit-masters that would be blasphemy. Bobby’s offers guests a vegan jack fruit “pulled pork” style sandwich, because they know that not everyone eats meat. And that’s OK at Bobby’s.
Something else I love the Nelson family for, is not even on the menu.
How many times have you been caught out and your infant has a wardrobe emergency that threatens to ruin your trip out? Like a messy bathroom-type emergency. Most parents have experienced that type of “what do I do now?” moment. Owner Sarah Nelson had this happen and decided if she ever owned a business she’d do something to help parents. In each restroom at Bobby’s is a cart, stocked with zip-lock bags separated by size with a diaper and a change of clothes.
Any place can serve food. Most places can serve good food. But when a place shows patrons it cares about people to the extent that the Nelson family does… Well, they’ve found a customer for life in me. The fact that they serve up pulled pork tacos doesn’t hurt either.
Where To Stay In Simpsonville
Use this map from STAY22 below to find hotels and vacation rental homes available in Simpsonville, SC.
This section contains affiliate links from STAY22.
Here are some of the common seasonal events that happen annually in Simpsonville:
Fair at Heritage Park | May This 11 day county style fair includes rides, food, live music and other attractions.
Simpsonville Independance Day Celebration | June A free celebration with live music and fireworks at Heritage Park
Simpsonville Labor Day Festival | September
Halloween at Heritage Park | October A free and safe way to celebrate Halloween for thousands of kids in the Upstate. The event offers kids candy, inflatables, games, performances and special visits from kid’s characters.
What’s Happening This Month in Simpsonville?
Current Month
November 2025
Acrosmith Gymnastics3130 N. Industrial Drive
$6 per child per session // $10 charge per child for walk-ins
