Miss the local farmer’s markets in the winter? We’ve got the scoop on Greenville’s best indoor farmers market and it’s really a lot more than a farmers market. The Toasty Farmer is no longer an Upstate secret; however, parents in the know have discovered that the family-friendly winter farmers market can be the perfect outing on a dreary winter’s day.
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(2023) FREE Fun & Photo With Santa at Cabela’s & Bass Pro Shops
If you are thinking about bringing your kids to Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s, Santa will be there too! Kick off the holiday season with Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops. Truly FREE, a visit to Santa’s Wonderland includes not only a chance to talk to Santa, but also a free studio-quality printed 4×6 photo. You’ll enjoy free activities, candy cane, games, and more. This is one place where holiday magic is really, actually free, and we love it.
See Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s Santa in 2023
- Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s: Santa arrives on November 4th, 2023!
- Free 4×6 high-quality photo
- Lots of Free fun all season long!
- Reservations are open NOW! Make your reservation to see Santa at Cabela’s!
Saturday, November 4th, 2023: Santa’s Arrival Parade at 5 pm in front of Bass Pro Shop.
November 5th, 2023 through December 24, 2023: FREE photos with Santa at Cabela’s.
Note: The times listed above are for Santa at Cabela’s of Greenville, SC. Times and dates may vary by location, but the offerings will be very similar.
Just check with your local Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shop for their Santa’s Wonderland schedule.
See Santa and Where to Mail Your Letter: Video
FREE Arrival Parade Event
Santa will arrive on a boat straight from the North Pole at Cabela’s & Bass Pro Shops on November 4th, 2023 at 5 p.m.
The arrival event will include:
- Carolers
- Free special giveaways
- Hot chocolate and cookies
- Various vendors
- Free games and activities
Free Photos With Santa and Visit to Santa’s Wonderland: Yes! It’s Really Free!
- Make a reservation in advance.
- Visits include a FREE 4×6 photo with Santa that you will receive on-site.
- A visit to Santa’s Wonderland includes FREE crafts and games
- Use the letterbox to drop off your list to Santa
Want more photos? Purchase Additional Photos with Santa at Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shops
Love your free photo? Copying is prohibited, but you can purchase a photo package for additional photos. They’ll print right in the store. Use your CLUB Mastercard® and you can purchase a special CLUB Members Exclusive Photo Package for just $20.
But, remember, no purchase is necessary to visit Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shops. No purchase is necessary for a free photo with Santa. You can have a great time with the kids and spend nothing at all.
Santa’s Wonderland: What you need to know before you visit with Santa
Kidding Around Guest Contributor Lauren Justus brought her family to Cabela’s of Greenville for a visit with Santa. Here are her parent tips: everything you need to know before you go for your visit with the big man in red.
Plan Ahead
In order to visit Santa’s Wonderland, you are required to make a free online reservation with Santa. It takes just a minute to register and you will receive a confirmation email with your booking date and time.
Reservations are available up to seven days in advance, November 5-December 24, 2023. No walk-ins are allowed at this time.
How It Works
Upon arrival, one of Santa’s helpers will ask to see your booking confirmation. After your photo is taken, each family will receive a complimentary 4 x 6 print as part of their free online booking. There are additional photo packages available for purchase.
Extra Touches
Before our exit, Santa’s helpers provided our children with an individually packaged holiday activity kit full of festive surprises. They were also given a huge candy cane and a “Letter for Santa” printout to send to the North Pole in the coming weeks!
Santa’s Letterbox
There is a letterbox at Santa’s Wonderland so you can send your list! You can take some time to fill out your list right away and mail it, or bring it back to the store to mail when you’re done.
Do some shopping or enjoy the displays
Don’t forget to take a walk through the store before or after your visit so you can enjoy the large aquariums and wildlife displays throughout each store. That’s actually something that’s great to do any day, but even more fun when you’re making a day of it and visiting Santa, too!
Where will your family visit with Santa this year?
The holidays do not always have to be expensive! Check out these Free Things to Do This Christmas Near Greenville, SC!
These Restaurants in Greenville Are Open on Thanksgiving Day: Dine-in or Take-Out and Catering
Looking for some help with food for Thanksgiving in Greenville, SC? Do you find cooking Thanksgiving dinner to be a little overwhelming? Honestly—preparing a Thanksgiving meal is no joke. Making the turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, and various other side dishes can be hard and take a lot of time. Some families choose to totally skip it and go out for dinner or order in and pick up.
Our list has restaurants offering dine-in service, full take-out meals and even restaurants where you can just grab a turkey or a few sides to supplement your own home-cooked meal. There are lots of great restaurant options in Greenville to make your most delicious Thanksgiving dinner dreams come true.
Most of our local grocery stores are also offering Thanksgiving meals, or at least part of them, for pickup.
Looking for more fun things to do in Greenville & Spartanburg for Thanksgiving? Here’s your Thanksgiving Celebration Guide!
A Giant List of Things to Do in Spartanburg, SC
Are you searching for things to do in Spartanburg, SC? You have definitely found the right article. We have all the info on every park in Spartanburg, a huge list of free things to do, lots and lots of things to do outdoors, special things to do for the holidays and every season, and lots more. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find something fabulous to do in Spartanburg, SC on this list.
(more…)A Guide To The Delicious Restaurants in Spartanburg, SC
Are you looking for great restaurants in Spartanburg, SC? Are you wondering where Spartanburg locals eat? We’ve got you covered with a list of some of the most popular restaurants in Spartanburg for breakfast, lunch and dinner and by category like family-friendly, date night, and “getting work done while enjoying a meal” places.
Spartanburg is Full of Amazing Places to Eat
It turns out that we write a lot about food, and Spartanburg has a lot of amazing restaurants to write about!
- Restaurants with Outdoor Dining in Spartanburg, SC
- Chinese Food in Spartanburg
- BBQ in Spartanburg
- Hot Dogs in Spartanburg
- Authentic Tacos in Spartanburg
- Burgers in Spartanburg
- Pizza in Spartanburg
- Milkshakes in Spartanburg
- Family Meal Deals in Spartanburg
Restaurants in Downtown Spartanburg, South Carolina
The downtown Spartanburg area has so many options when it comes to dining. There’s a little bit of everything including Asian, American, Mexican, pizza, pub-style, and more. There’s a little bit of something for everyone, no matter what you are craving.
Breakfast in Downtown Spartanburg
If you want to sleep in, here are some brunch options that readers suggested! The Best Brunch Restaurants in Spartanburg
Health In Hand
When something light and nutritious is all you feel like having, Health In Hand is the spot! You can grab an organic salad, a wrap, yogurt, fresh squeezed juices, acai bowls and other breakfast options.
Little River Coffee Bar | Pharmacy Coffee
This locally owned family of coffee shops not only serves up a delicious cup of coffee, they also have an in-house bake shop that makes delightful treats.
Mon Amie Morning Cafe
Some days you just want breakfast for lunch, or you’ve had a late start to the day. Mon Amie serves from their breakfast menu all day. Not sure what you want? That’s ok; at 10:30 am, they add a lunch menu to the offerings.
Papa’s Breakfast Nook
The classic greasy spoon, Papa’s serves up no-frills breakfast 24/7. Grits, bacon, eggs, and all of the things you want when you’re looking to pull up to a hearty breakfast meal.
Other Breakfast Options In Downtown Spartanburg
Lunch in Downtown Spartanburg
Burgär
The owners of Burrito Hub have expanded their success to burgers. Burgär is located downtown and is a great spot to grab a bite before you hop on a Blue Duck E-Scooter to see the city!
10 Places You Should Head To Right Now For a Juicy Burger in Spartanburg, SC
Cribb’s Kitchen
Cribb’s Kitchen is a favorite for lunch, and even more popular among those who brunch! Boozy milkshakes and decadent American fare will have you making a visit to this place regularly.
Willy Taco (Multiple Locations)
Ameri-Mex cuisine is extremely popular in the Upstate and Willy Taco is the favored spot for this Mexican-inspired style menu. Tortillas topped with all kinds of fun combos make this a unique dining experience.
Blue Moon Specialty Foods
This restaurant and market serves breakfast and lunch items that are made from scratch, and perfect on the go. You can also grab a casserole for dinner while you’re there – to make mealtime easy the entire day!
Other Lunchtime Options In Downtown Spartanburg
Dinner in Downtown Spartanburg
The Kennedy
If you’ve ever wondered what a dining experience in a big city was like, book the Chef’s table at The Kennedy. Chef Jamie Cribb and his staff will make you forget you are in Spartanburg. It’s like dinner theatre for foodies, and one of the most memorable meals I’ve enjoyed in the Hub City.
The Tulip Tree
People think they need to head to Greenville to eat from a fancy Chef-driven menu. It’s just not true, and The Tulip Tree is one of the restaurants helping to dispel that myth.
Monsoon Noodle House
When you’re craving Thai, the kids want orange chicken, and no one can agree – Monsoon Noodle house offers a little of everything, and it’s all delicious! Their Tom Kha Soup will make you feel better if the winter blues have got you down. The outdoor dining on Morgan Square is right outside the restaurant, and you can enjoy your soup while you watch the ice skaters put on a show on the seasonal rink.
Other Dinnertime Options In Downtown Spartanburg
Romantic Restaurants
Heirloom: A Milltown Eatery | Westside Spartanburg
The menu at Heirloom is locally sourced southern cuisine. It’s the perfect spot to go when you want delicious food, without heading to the downtown area.
Dray: Bar & Grill | Downtown (adjacent) Spartanburg
If you are looking for a place to spend a rare night away from the kids, this is the place. Check the Dray: Bar + Grill Facebook for upcoming events, like movie nights, where the menu is created to go along with the theme of the movie. It will make for a unique date night experience, with very little work on your part!
Fr8Yard | Downtown Spartanburg
Ok. You might be scratching your head that this snuck in under “romantic restaurants”. Hear me out. While it is definitely not the most romantic spot in town, if you are looking for a fun date night location – this fits the bill. Weeknights are less busy, so it lends to being able to hear your date.
Or maybe you’re a single parent looking for a place to meet up with that person you met online. It’s well-lit and has street-side parking making it the perfect first-date spot. If you need a friend to rescue you, the scenario of running into someone here you know isn’t all that far-fetched.
For more date night meals and activity, options check out our guide to The Top Romantic Dates in Spartanburg.
Best For Young Kids
For more kid-friendly restaurants in Spartanburg check out:
- Restaurants in Spartanburg Where Kids Eat Free
- Spartanburg Restaurants Your Family Will Love
- Sit Down Restaurants that Kids AND Parents will Enjoy
Flock Shop | Downtown Spartanburg
A Nashville Hot chicken spot might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of kid-friendly. Suggesting the obvious places would be a waste, so for parents that have been afraid to try something new with littles in tow, hear me out. They have an affordable kid’s meal, outdoor dining, and here’s the huge PLUS; they are located right next to a park. You can run them around while you wait for a table and then maybe they’ll fall asleep at the table. BOOM – instant date night.
Wade’s | Downtown Spartanburg
Old fashioned homestyle cooking, “meat and three”, southern comfort food, whatever you call it – Wade’s is the spot to get it and enjoy a meal with your child. The only time this popular restaurant isn’t full is when it’s closed. They have a great kid’s menu, and it’s very affordable!
Oddly enough it seems that its proximity to Spartanburg Regional Hospital makes it a popular meal for post-partum moms, craving a plate full of non-hospital fare!
Best for Business
Mesh Lounge (Spartanburg Marriott) | Downtown Spartanburg
Mesh offers plenty of space to spread out your laptop and paperwork while meeting up with out-of-town associates. There’s a quiet outdoor area also if the meeting is more laid back.
Spill The Beans | Downtown Spartanburg
Ample seating and plenty of coffee, make this an ideal location to get things done!
Make The Most of Your Time With These Itineraries For A Weekend In Spartanburg, SC
Budget Friendly
Burrito Hub | Downtown Spartanburg
Taco Tuesday at Burrito Hub is one of the most delicious, wallet-friendly meals you’ll find in Spartanburg! Hugo Montanez is bringing the joy of eating authentic tacos to Spartanburg with the food at Burrito Hub. For most people it only takes a single visit to get completely hooked on the delicious street tacos and other menu items.
5 Authentic Taco Spots In Spartanburg, SC That Will Make Your Mouth Water!
Duncan Family Restaurant | Duncan
A traditional “meat and three” style restaurant, the Duncan Family restaurant offers large servings at low prices. If you time your meal right, you can watch the trains go by during dinner!
Flavorshack Chicken & Ribs | Duncan
If you haven’t been to Flavorshack in Duncan yet, you have no idea what you are missing! This locally-owned chicken shack offers patrons huge servings of chicken and more!
Take Out
Monster Subs | Westside Spartanburg
Subs piled high with fresh meat and veggies are Monster Subs specialty. Stepping into this Spartanburg sandwich shop is probably the closest thing you’ll get to experience a proper NY sub shop, without leaving the Upstate.
Pizza in Spartanburg, SC: Pizza is always a great take-out option in Spartanburg – and there’s no shortage of places to choose from! See our pizza in Spartanburg list to find your perfect pizza.
Restaurants for the Holidays in Spartanburg
- Easter Restaurants in Spartanburg
- New Years Day and New Years Eve Restaurants in Spartanburg
- Christmas Tamales in Spartanburg
- Thanksgiving Restaurants in Spartanburg
Looking for more great restaurants in the Upstate? Here are some of the best restaurants near Greenville, SC.
2023 Halloween Meal Deals and Kids Eat Free: Halloween Deals Near Greenville, SC
Hooray for Halloween meal deals! With trick-or-treating in the forecast, you will need to know where the best spots are to take little superheroes & princesses out to eat. Here’s our list of everywhere we know from Greenville to Spartanburg that is offering a Kids Eat Free special, free treats, or meal deal on Tuesday, October 31st, 2023.
We do our best to publish accurate information, but readers should always double-check with the restaurants mentioned before making plans. All locations may not be participating in these deals.
Find all the epic Halloween happenings in our Ultimate Guide to Halloween in Greenville, SC.
Halloween Meal Deals and Free Treats
Burgär Restaurant
West Main Street, Spartanburg
From October 27th – October 31st, 2023, kids eat free at Burgär Restaurant in Spartanburg, SC. Kids will receive a free meal per adult.
The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar
942 S Main Street, Greenville, SC
From Friday, October 27th – Sunday, October 29th, 2023, kids who come into The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar in downtown Greenville will receive a free single scoop of ice cream with any $10 purchase.
IHOP
Participating locations in Greenville and Spartanburg
Free Scary Face Pancake at IHOP for kids 12 and under with the purchase of an adult entree. October 24th through October 31st, 2023. Scary Face Pancakes have candy on top, so you’re kids will love it! The deal is dine-in only.
Chipotle
This annual Halloween meal deal is always a popular one. Visit Chipotle on October 31st, 2023 after 3 pm, and scan your rewards member ID to receive an entree item for $6 with their BOORITO deals.
Chuck E Cheese
Greenville & Spartanburg
Free 30 minutes of All You Can Play points for all-age kids in costume (with a minimum 60-minute purchase.) There will be a Haunted House Dance Party at 6:30, 7:30, or 8:30 pm shows with free trick-or-treat candy.
More information about Chuck E Cheese’s Halloween Boo-tacular can be found online.
Sonic
At participating locations
Get 50-cent corn dogs at Sonic all day on Halloween. You can also get ½ priced Sonic Cheeseburgers on October 31st, 2023.
Wendy’s
At participating locations
From September 4th through October 31st, 2023, you can purchase a Frosty Boo! Book from Wendy’s for $1 and receive 5 coupons for a free Jr. Frosty! Proceeds from the books go to a good cause (Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption®). You can purchase the books online or at a Wendy’s location. Coupons can be used through December 31st, 2023.
Kids Eat Free on Halloween: Every Tuesday Deals
These are the kids eat free or cheap deals every Tuesday. These locations are throughout the Upstate. Please contact the location ahead of time to confirm their deals before dining.
Chicken Salad Chick
Offer: One free kid’s meal for children 10 and under with the purchase of an adult meal.
Time: 5 pm – 8 pm Tuesday
2222 Augusta St #6, Greenville
15 Garlington Rd #100, Greenville
3604 Pelham Rd Suite D, Greenville
Cici’s Pizza
Offer: free kids meal with adult buffet purchase
Time: all-day, every day
Age: 3 and under only
583 Haywood Rd, Greenville
Denny’s
Offer: Up to two free kid’s entrées per one adult entrée purchase of $6.00 or more. Offer valid for dine-in only.
Time: 4-10 pm, Tuesday and Thursday
2521 Wade Hampton, Greenville SC 29615
Offer listed as “available at participating locations” on the Denny’s website
Kendall’s Grill
Offer: free kid’s meal on Tuesday nights, Dine -in only.
Time: after 5 pm
Age: offer for children only
1810 West Blue Ridge Drive, Greenville
Low Country Shrimper
Offer: Free kids meal, dine in only
Time: After 5 pm Tuesday
Age: Kids Menu
105 E. Butler Road, Mauldin
Main Event
Offer: Kids eat free with an adult purchase of $8.99
Time: all-day
Age: 12 and under
225 Entertainment Boulevard, Greenville, SC
Find out more about Main Event in our KA Review!
Moe’s Original BBQ
Offer: Kids Eat Free, one child per adult meal.
Time: 4 – Close Tuesday
Age: Kid’s meal
109 West Stone Avenue – Suite B, Greenville
Mutt’s BBQ
Offer: Kids under 3 ALWAYS eat free!
Time: All day, Every Day
101 West Road, Greer
1030 Powdersville Rd, Easley
E. Butler Rd, Mauldin
Schlotzsky’s
Offer: 1 free kids meal with the purchase of 1 adult meal, must order inside.
Time: 5-9 pm
Age: order from the kid’s menu
103 Old Boiling Springs Road, Greer 29650
Smoqued BBQ
Tuesday Offer: Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal
Time: all-day Tuesday
Age: 12 and under
110 East Curtis Street, Simpsonville
The Mason Jar
Offer: Kids eat free every Tuesday with the purchase of an adult meal
202 Trade Street, Greer
The Melting Pot
Offer: Receive 1 free child’s entrée with the purchase of each adult entrée.
Age: Kids 12 and under
475 Haywood Rd Ste 5, Greenville
Discounted Kid’s Meals on Tuesday
Carolina Ale House
Offer: 1 kids meal at $0.99 with the purchase of an adult meal. The deal only allows 2 kids meals per adult entree at the promotional price.
Time: 5-9 pm Tuesday
113 South Main Street Greenville SC 29601
1115 Woodruff Road Greenville SC 29607
Papi’s Tacos
Offer: $2 tacos
Time: all-day Tuesday
Age: all ages
300 River Street – Unit 123, Greenville
5284 Calhoun Memorial Highway, Easley
Pizza Inn
Offer: $1.99 kids meal with per adult purchase
Time: 4:00 pm until close Tuesday
Age: Under 10
2001 Woodruff Rd, Greenville
115 W. Wade Hampton, Greer
Rapid Fired Pizza
Offer: Kids eat for $1.99 with the purchase of an adult drink and entree
Time: After 5 on Tuesday
4100-B Pelham Road, Greenville
2023 Augusta Street, Greenville
1707-F John B White Sr Blvd, Spartanburg
6099 B Calhoun Memorial Parkway, Easley
S & S Cafeteria
Offer: Kid’s Meals are $2.49, dine-in only, and for kids 10 and under.
Time: all day, Every Day
1037 N Pleasantburg Dr, Greenville
Golden Corral
Offer: Kids eat for $3.99 with an adult buffet purchase.
Time: 4 – close
Age: 4-10
Greenville, Spartanburg, and Easley locations
Find all the Kids Eat Free Meals Deals Throughout the Week in Greenville, SC in our handy guide!
The Boiling Springs Christmas Parade is a Spartanburg Favorite [2023 parade is cancelled]
Thinking about heading to the Boiling Springs Christmas Parade? We have all the information on the parade, plus nearby restaurants where you might want to grab breakfast before the parade or lunch afterward.
The 2023 Boiling Springs Christmas Parade has been cancelled due to weather
Christmas parades are a huge part of the holiday season for families. They’re a time for communities to show off their talented members and for children to get that first glimpse of Santa Claus. One of Spartanburg’s most popular parades is the one that takes place in Boiling Springs.
This year’s Boiling Springs Christmas parade will start at 10 am on Saturday, December 2nd, 2023. The Parade will line up at Highway 9 and Blalock Road at SubWay, and end behind the Clock Restaurant on Double Bridge Road. Attendants will be on hand to direct the line-up for overflow attendees in the Parade.
They are expecting a very large participation in the 2023 Boiling Springs Christmas Parade and are advising people to come early to get a good place along the route to see the parade and for the kids to collect the candy that will be tossed off many floats.
Parade organizers thank the volunteers, law enforcement officers, Boiling Springs Fire Department, parade participants, and those who come out to enjoy and support their efforts.
KAS Reader Boiling Springs Christmas Parade Advice
Bring a bag for all the candy that gets thrown at you!
KAS Reader, Danielle
Where to Eat Along The Parade Route
If you are looking for a place to grab a bite before, during or after the parade, these are just a few of the options Boiling Springs has to offer.
Subway – 2634 Boiling Springs Road
(The starting point of the parade)
The Clock Restaurant – 3597 Boiling Springs Road
(The ending point of the parade)
Taco Grill – 3442 Boiling Springs Road
Firehouse Subs – 3605 Boiling Springs Road
Bertolos of Boiling Springs – 2640 Boiling Springs Road
Dining After The Parade
The 8.6 Pho – 4082 Highway 9
Thai Y’all – 3720 Boiling Springs Road
Manny’s Restaurant – 2520 Boiling Springs Road
The parade goes on rain or shine, so make sure to come prepared. Hot chocolate in a thermos is a time-honored way to keep everyone warm during parade season!
Have you been to the Boiling Springs Parade?
There’s lots more parade fun!
Here’s our huge guide to all the Christmas Parades in the Upstate and WNC
