Cherry Orchard Pediatric Dentistry‘s mission is to make you and your family smile. From the very first moment you walk through their doors, your child will learn to love taking care of their oral health and feel safe and comfortable during their visit.
The Cherry Orchard team builds a relationship with your child at their individual pace, using songs, games, and kid-friendly terminology to create a fun and relaxing experience. As a parent or guardian, you stay informed of your child’s dental health, treatment recommendations, future appointments, and more, so you know what to expect. Cherry Orchard truly takes a team approach in everything they do and treat everyone like family.
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.
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?
Looking for fun things to do in Charlotte, NC? Here’s a list of just a few of the fun things in the Charlotte area. Don’t forget to let us know your favorite things to do in the comments!
Here’s just some of the fun that awaits you in the Queen City! Be sure to check back as we add more first-hand accounts of adventures we have in the Charlotte area.
Are you looking for places to visit in Georgia with family that are exciting, fun, and full of adventure? 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.
Georgia is split into three regions with distinct characteristics. The North Georgia MountainRegion 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!
Family Getaways in Georgia: North Georgia Mountains
Traveling to the North Georgia Mountains? The mountainous region of Northern Georgia offers some stellar hiking, river tubing, camping, waterfalls, and more!
We have lodging information, places to eat, stay, and visit!
If you are interested in exploring true Georgia culture, then Blairsville is the place to visit. With farms to explore, horseback riding, and resorts to relax at, there is something for everyone. Our guide to Blairsville, GA includes information on places like:
Our Guide to Helen Georgia will help you plan out the perfect day in one of the most unique towns in Georgia!
This Bavarian-style town has everything from river tubing, authentic German food, and Oktoberfest celebrations to amazing state parks and historical places to visit. Grab a few pamphlets from the visitors center and then go exploring. Our Guide to Helen, GA includes information on:
Check out Julep Farms to feed the farm animals, enjoy a delicious lunch, play some yard games, and lots more on stunning property!
Tallulah Gorge State Park
Check out our review of Tallulah Gorge State Park to find all the details on making this a perfect day trip.
If you are seeking an adventure in Georgia that will spark awe, then Tallulah Gorge State Park is a bucket list destination. Only a 90-minute drive from Greenville, this state park offers 20 miles of hiking, spectacular waterfalls, and more!
Escape to the islands of Lake Lanier for fun in the sun! You’ll find excellent lodging, a water park, water sports, and so much more! Fins Up Waterpark is new to the area, and it would make a great place to visit during a weekend getaway.
There are lots of places to visit in Georgia in family, but none compare to the immense amount of things to do in the Piedmont region. With Atlanta, Alpharetta, and Athens all within a short drive of each other, you can plan an entire weekend of fun and still not see all of the amazing things this area of Georgia has to offer.
Atlanta is an excellent option for family vacations! There is so much to do that it would take more than a day to see everything. Downtown Atlanta is fairly compact, so some of the places are only a short drive or are within walking distance of one another, and totally worth it! The experiences Atlanta offers are epic and memory-making!
Decatur is located in the heart of Atlanta. Nestled away amongst the sky towering buildings and bustle of the big city, you’ll find flourishing trees, a thriving art scene, and even a nature preserve! Discover over 23 to do in Decatur, GA in our guide, including:
Use our Guide to Alpharetta, GA to plan an excellent family getaway to this suburb of Atlanta.
A popular suburb of Atlanta, GA, Alpharetta has a lot to offer! It is just a 30 minute drive from Atlanta, so you can visit both in a day. Check out our Guide to Alpharetta, GA which includes reviews of the following:
This gem of an area has two Smithsonian-affiliated museums, both of which you need to visit during your trip! There is also a charming downtown, a super fun entertainment complex, a wakeboard and aqua park, a national historic site of an Indian Mound, and beautiful state parks. Check out our full review of Cartersville-Bartow, GA, and be sure to visit these sites:
Step back in time in Newnan’s old town square, peruse local small businesses, shop for clothes and unique handmade goods, visit Senoia, where “The Walking Dead” and many other films were shot, check out the cute Senoia Farmers Market, and hike at Chattahoochee Bend State Park. Read our full review of Newnan-Coweta, GA to start planning your family’s trip and be sure to see these places:
C.J Smith Park (it has a big skate park + playground)
Athens, GA
Our Guide to Athens, GA will help you plan a wonderful family trip to this gorgeous city.
Technically a satellite to Atlanta, Athens is absolutely worth the drive! Hometown to the University of Georgia, this family-friendly city-county has an expansive botanical garden, a beautiful nature park and hiking trail, delicious food, and a native wildlife zoo! Check out our review of Athens, Georgia, including:
If you are headed to Six Flags Over Georgia, check out our review, which includes information on:
Rides
Parking
Food
Cobb County is home to one of the most popular amusement parks in the country, Six Flags Over Georgia! You and your kids will ride roller coaster after roller coaster, while enjoying some of the park’s curated family-friendly activities.
Places to Visit in Georgia With Family: The Coastal Region!
The Coastal Plains of Georgia are a site to see. The natural wildlife, river systems, sandy beaches with unique features, and rich history of the coast offer something for everyone.
The Savannah River Area is located in the northern part of the Coastal Plains bordering South Carolina, so it is rather inland from the coast. However, this area is rich in culture and history so it is definitely worth the 2-hour drive.
Savannah, GA
One of the most unique places in Georgia is Savannah. With a fantastic history, gorgeous scenery, and even a few haunted places (or a dozen) to visit, the city is a wonderful option for a family vacation to Georgia. The Savannah Historic District is even considered one of the most haunted places in the United States, so lovers of the paranormal will love it there.
Though we do not have any current reviews of Savannah, Georiga, we hope to in the future! Until then, check out Visit Savannah to help you plan out a fun trip!
Jekyll Island
If you are looking for an otherworldly experience on the coast, then Jekyll Island is the place. Check out our review of Jekyll Island, which is loaded with things to do and helpful advice on where to stay and places to eat.
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.
Are you looking for a fun and educational place to spend some time with the kids? Greenville, South Carolina is lucky to have a wonderful children’s museum. We will share all the info you’ll need to plan your day at this popular destination for Upstate families.
Planning a visit to Greenville, South Carolina and need a place to stay? We think you’ll love downtown Greenville with all its shopping, dining and fun things to do, and there are some great places to stay, too! This list includes house rentals and AirBnbs, hotels, and Bed and Breakfasts in the Downtown Greenville area.
Disclaimer: This list is intended for informational purposes and none of the contents should be considered a specific recommendation or endorsement from Kidding Around or its staff. All advertisements are marked “sponsored.”
Looking for a vacation home to rent while staying in Greenville? KAG has partnered with StayGVL to make it easier to plan that long-awaited Greenville vacation or staycation! STAYgvl manages a fabulous list of furnished vacation rentals where cozy and convenience meet. Lower priced than most downtown hotels, staying in a vacation rental is a great choice for families who want more breathing room at the end of a busy day. These properties have been carefully curated in prime locations close to downtown Greenville with a list of amenities that are hard to beat.
Even better, Kidding Around Readers will get a fabulous deal at these StayGVL vacation rentals. Use the promo code KAG22 and you’ll receive 10% off your stay.
When Downtown Greenville was in the beginning of it’s
re-birth there were just about two hotels two choose from.
The South is nothing if not hospitable, so Greenville has
stepped up with a bunch of new hotels in the downtown area to welcome all of
the visitors who have decided to explore our beautiful city. In the last few
years that number has grown to accommodate the over half a million hotel room
stays booked in Greenville a year by tourists. Our fair city is the third most
visited in the state according to a recent study. All those travelers have to
sleep somewhere, right?
Everyone is familiar with The Westin Poinsett, the oldest of the hotels in the downtown area, so we are going to focus on all the newer places Downtown has to offer people in the way of a place to rest your head.
This list contains affiliate links.
AC Hotel by Marriot -Greenville
AC Hotel 315 South Main Street, Greenville | 864-720-2950
No Pets Allowed
Smoke Free
AC Hotel by Marriot offers two on-site dining options: Paloma, a Spanish American fusion tapas bar, and a rooftop restaurant called Juniper.
Part of the Marriot family of hotels this hip hotel is perfect for business and family travelers. Aloft is across the courtyard from the popular breakfast eatery Tupelo Honey, and just feet away from several other eateries. You can grab a Starbucks coffee or a drink from the WXYZ bar in the lobby, then take it to the outdoor balcony. Aloft is pet-friendly, and they even have an opportunity for you to adopt a rescue pet if you are looking for a “fur-ever” travel companion.
The Courtyard by Marriott will get you a little closer to the front row seats of a Broadway show at the Peace Center! Just across the street from this beautiful venue, it’s a great place to stay if you are coming into town to catch dinner and a show.
The Embassy Suites hotel is perfect if you want to be lulled to sleep by the sound of the Reedy River. You can enjoy a delicious meal at The Lazy Goat restaurant, then enjoy an after-dinner stroll to the waterfall.
At the Hampton Inn & Suites, you’ll enjoy a free hot breakfast, free wifi and more. For lunch you can walk along the river just a bit to one of Greenville’s favorite taco joints, Papi’s Tacos.
Located near the historic Springwood Cemetery, the Children’s Museum and just up the street from the Bon Secours Wellness Arena, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Downtown Greenville is a convenient location regardless of your travel reasons. Accommodations at the hotel include the signature Express Start Breakfast Bar with complimentary coffee. The hotel also offers guests a fitness center and a seasonally open outdoor pool.
Hilton’s Homewood Suites brand offers guests apartment-style accommodations with studio, one and two-bedroom size suites. Guests are fed a delicious full breakfast every morning with items like a yogurt bar, fresh fruit, oatmeal, grits and hot dishes like eggs, breakfast-style meats and more.
Monday through Thursday nights the hotel hosts a complimentary evening social with beer, wine and small plate dining offerings. Having had the need recently to stay in a hotel for 6 weeks, I can’t say enough about the quality of my experience with Homewood Suites. They really helped our family make a horrible situation a little less of a nightmare.
Home 2 Suites is located on the north side of downtown just a block from the arena. This makes it a perfect choice if you are visiting town for a concert or sporting event. Just a short drive down East North Street will bring you to a meal at Fork and Plough, one of our cities most Insta-worthy meals.
Located in the corner of downtown referred to as NOMA, the Hyatt Regency Greenville is surrounded by an outdoor area buzzing with people during the warmer months. Free live music and events will make it so you can enjoy a mini vacation and never have to leave the hotel area.
This Hotel combo gives you two options is one location. Both locations offer a complimentary breakfast every morning as well as a state-of-the-art gym that is available 24/7, and a seasonally open outdoor pool.
Dining at the on-site restaurant Oak & Honey is popular with the locals. They offer a happy hour from 4 pm – 6 pm, along with a small plate-style menu.
Family friendly – with quiet times being observed from 10 pm to 7 am.
ADA-compliant suite with queen bed and roll in shower, The Owl Room
This locally owned B&B is located just 2 blocks from where the Greenville Drive play. Decorated entirely with items from Ikea, this cute rental is a great way to stay in the heart of downtown and feel like you are crashing with family. You can even rent a bike to go cruising down the Swamp Rabbit Trail, located just down the street.
The currently listed rates are $135 – $200 per room OR $850 – $1200 a night to rent the entire six bedroom house. This includes:
Each room is includes a Kuerig coffee maker with a selection of coffee and tea
Every morning a Kringle pastry is placed out for guests, along with a fully stocked kitchen with food for guests to prepare on their own.
Free parking
Just two blocks from Main Street and the Swamp Rabbit Trail
Children 8 and over are counted as one of the two guests permitted per room
Locally owned with the owners residing in the home, the Bed & Breakfast offers a total of six guests rooms. Due to the home being on the historic register, it’s design is protected from alteration and is therefore non-ADA compliant. It is not wheelchair accessible, so please call ahead with any concerns before making reservations.
The currently listed rates of $168 – $279 per room (plus a $25 non-refundable deposit) include:
Free parking
A full breakfast
High Speed WIFI
A wine and cheese reception in the afternoon
A coffee bar and fridge with drinks
Homemade chocolate chip cookies
Check in time is 4 pm – Check out is 11 am
Some of the rooms include things like Jacuzzi tubs, claw foot tubs, fireplaces, balconies and more.
If you are thinking of visiting Greenville we think you totally should! You will love it here, but be warned most people decide to move here after only visiting a day or two! If you get here and want to see and do all the stuff the locals do, check out the rest of Kidding Around Greenville, we’ve got tons of ideas, suggestions and reviews on local stuff!
Looking for an exciting family vacation spot? LEGOLAND Florida is the perfect destination! Located in Winter Haven, just an hour outside of Orlando, this unique theme park is designed for children ages 2 to 12, offering a fun mix of rides, attractions, and interactive exhibits that are guaranteed to thrill both LEGO fans and families…and maybe even those who don’t consider themselves a big LEGO fan.
Santa decided to treat our family to a Christmas at LEGOLAND Amusment Park in Florida, and we are so glad he did! And of course we want to share our experience with you!
Are you looking for a day trip that combines a history lesson, beautiful scenery, and fun for the whole family? Whether you are looking for activities for a day along the Blue Ridge Parkway or just want a quick respite from the city, this day trip is the answer!
We visited and here’s our review of Emerald Village in North Carolina’s Little Switzerland, including all the information you’ll need to make the most of your day in this “Hidden Gem” off the Blue Ridge Parkway.
About Emerald Village
Set just a few miles off of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the picturesque town of Little Switzerland is so small that most mapping systems don’t recognize it. This resort community was founded in 1909 by a Supreme Court justice. Included in this town’s history is a fight against the Blue Ridge Parkway, which resulted in the narrowest part of the Parkway in North Carolina being found here at just 200 feet wide.
The highlight of a visit to the town of Little Switzerland, and what draws most of its visitors, is the Emerald Village Mine. I learned about this place while browsing through Groupon. I’d been to a ruby mining attraction in Franklin, North Carolina pre-children and husband, and it sounded like a fun day trip adventure to enjoy with the family. The season runs March through November, and we went the last weekend of the 2017 season. It was a cold and rainy day. Luckily most of the Emerald Village activities are indoors or under some sort of cover.
When you first arrive at the Emerald Village, you’ll want to stop at the building on the right where the entrance to the Bon Ami mine is located. This tour includes a history of the mine and access to the mouth of the mine. Bon Ami scouring powder is an all-natural, scratch-free cleaning agent that was made from feldspar, mined here until the mine was closed and production was moved to Illinois.
I have to admit, not having any experience with actual gemstone mines or tours like this, my expectation was very different from what was actually there. The descriptions I’d read led me to believe that the tour included actually going into a mine. This is not the case. The mouth of the mine, just a few hundred feet, is what is accessible. Inside of this area are boards set up with information about the history of the mine along with some of the equipment that was used.
There is a blacklight tour that would definitely be more fun for children. It is conducted several times a year and the current dates can be found here.
The mine tour is not stroller friendly and I suggest wearing your infant (that’s what we did).
A short drive or walk up to the building on the left, will bring you to the Discovery Mill building.
Mining at Emerald Village
The Emerald Village also offers two different types of mining depending on the age of your children and the energy level of your group.
For families with younger children or those less adventurous types, the “gemstone mine” will be where you’ll want to head. With the purchase of a bucket (starting at ten dollars) you can have a seat at one of two different covered water flumes to sift for treasure from the contents of your bucket. Most of the buckets, with the exception of the “native bucket”, are peppered with gems from other mines. This ensures that no one leaves empty-handed.
We split two ten-dollar buckets between the four of us and came away with more beautiful gems than I could count. Unfortunately, we were there right up until closing time, so we weren’t able to utilize the free gem identification service they offer. They will also cut down and set a gem for you on the spot.
A trick that I learned from past gem mining adventures that I taught my son on this trip, was to keep an eye out for what other people discard at the flume. Whether it be impatience, lack of knowledge, or just people being in too much of a hurry – you’ll be amazed by what you’ll find other people let wash down the flume. We sat at the very end of the flume for this reason. We could have had a nice little souvenir collection without even purchasing a bucket, although I don’t recommend that. With assistance, even our two-year-old was having a fun time looking for “beautiful.”
Gold panning is also available at this location, although I was unaware of that until I recently stumbled across that information on their website.
For families with children over twelve and a more adventurous spirit, the Crabtree Emerald Mine option is for you!
In the entire United States, there have only been two significant sources of emeralds. At Crabtree Mine, you’ll be at one of them. For only twenty-five dollars a day (ages 13+) or $5 per day (kids 5-12), you can search the dump piles from the mine that for just under 100 years supplied emeralds to jewelers which include Tiffany & Co of New York.
The task of unearthing gems in the mine piles is not for the faint of heart or casual adventurer. The day permit doesn’t include the tools you’ll need to break rocks and move earth. They are available for rent, however the task at hand is still not an easy one. The hard work could definitely pay off with the pride of being able to find an heirloom quality gem, that will have an exciting origin story!
Housed in the Discovery Mill building is a small mineral exhibit and different gem-related souvenirs for sale. The exhibit is up a flight of stairs, so it is not stroller accessible.
There is an outdoor picnic area and snacks and refreshments are available. Packing a picnic with you is welcome and most likely your best option.
If dining at the mine doesn’t sound like a good fit, back towards the Parkway you will pass several of Little Switzerland’s country dining choices.
While In the area we had planned to also visit the Orchard at Altapass. Unfortunately, the inclement weather prevented this from happening. There are tons of family-friendly events held here. It’s also, the location of a Kids in Parks Trail Track!
Plan a visit to Emerald Village in Little Switzerland
