The South Carolina Children’s Theatre offers a Pay-What-You-Can pricing system for select shows to be more inclusive for all members of the community. The next performance is coming up on April 27th, 2024. Get your PWYC tickets now!
Pay What You Can Performances
“We believe everyone should have access to great theatre,” said the SCCT in their announcement on social media. “Ticket prices can prevent us from engaging with the widest possible audience, so we have been listening to our community, gathering feedback, and working hard to eliminate that barrier.”
PWYC tickets will be offered for the April 27th performance of The Spongebob Musical. Visit the Pay-What-You-Can site to purchase tickets for the April 27th
Reserving Your PWYC Ticket
The software that SCCT uses cannot accept anything lower than $1 a ticket for a PWYC performance so that’s the lowest you can pay. Normal tickets are around $20-$25.
“We are excited to provide this new program to create opportunities for ALL patrons to experience the positive impact of our productions,” continued the SCCT announcement.
The SCCT has been a longtime sponsor of us at Kidding Around Greenville and we are just thrilled with this program they are offering and hope that many families take advantage of it since the productions at SCCT are always just so stellar.
Looking for food trucks near Greenville, SC? No matter what type of cuisine you are seeking, there is sure to be a food truck in the Greenville area that has something tasty to satisfy your hunger. Read all about Kristina’s love of food trucks and find a list of some of her favorites in this article.
The advent of the modern-day food truck – a kind of hip repurposed truck that serves up amazing food on the go – can be traced back to Los Angeles in 2008 with the Kogi Korean BBQ truck. The idea of patrons buying food from a mobile unit wasn’t new but what was unique about Kogi, and others that followed their success, was the incredible food they served (Chef and founder Roy Choi was named “Best New Chef” in 2010 by the prestigious Food & Wine magazine – a first for a food truck chef) and the interactive social aspects of a roving kitchen on wheels. Since 2008, the food truck revolution has swept the nation, including Greenville in recent years. In fact, our awesome city has some truly unique and delicious options when it comes to food trucks.
If you’re heading to Disney and all the sights of Central Florida for your family trip, don’t miss the opportunity to trade out the crowds for the natural beauty of the Rock Springs Run at Kings Landing just outside the Magic Kingdom.
I love the outdoors and enjoying all that nature has in store for us because it’s almost always better than I could have imagined. And with hot days and crowds around Orlando, escaping to Kings Landing is an awesome idea if you’re in the area. I was completely blown away by these gorgeous springs.
You’ll feel like you’re in another world here – nature’s very own theme park – and never want to leave.
Paddleboarding at the springs
About Kings Landing and Rock Springs Run
Kings Landing is in Apopka, Florida, a suburb of Orlando and only about 40 minutes from Disney World. It feels a lot further away. Kings Landing is a privately owned entrance point into Rock Springs, where you can access the incredible Emerald Cut or the Wekiva River.
This area of water is a designated National Wild and Scenic River and once you’re out there, it’s easy to see why. The calm, crystal clear water under the shade of huge jungle-like trees is stunning and peaceful.
This is the Florida a lot of people overlook. I grew up going to Florida often to visit my family that lived there and somehow we never took in these natural springs. I only discovered them as an adult and was swept away by their beauty. The natural springs are just amazing because their crystal clear water is filtered through limestone caves and is a constant 70 or so degrees year round.
Manatees congregate at many of these springs during the cooler months. One we visited, Blue Spring State Park, allows swimming during the summer when the manatees are gone. Another one, Ichetucknee Springs and Blue Hole Spring, is an easy day trip from St. Augustine and even Orlando.
Most of the Florida springs allow swimming but you need to be watchful because alligators are common. More on that in a bit.
At Kings Landing, they allow you to rent clear canoes, paddleboards, and kayaks. You can also bring your own and drop in at their site. They also offer camping on their property or you can paddle to a boat-in campsite that you have to reserve through Wekiwa State Park. Group camping is also available next to Kings Landing at Kelly Park’s Camp Joy.
Paddle Trips at Kings Landing, FL
There are a few options for paddling from Kings Landing, from an hour or two to an all day adventure.
We did the paddling trip out to Emerald Cut, which is just a stunningly beautiful paddle through the clear water upstream for a mile. The water isn’t deep in most spots and the bottom is sandy and soft. There are spots to stop and swim and of course, take photos. There is a really cool tree that you can climb and jump from into a small swimming hole. The river is fairly narrow so you have to pay attention to the other paddlers and watch for wildlife.
Paddleboarding at the springs
You’ll go upstream the way out and then downstream on the way back. My daughters and I are fairly experienced paddlers as we have our own paddleboards and go out often during the summer but we had never paddled on a river, which was a little harder due to the current. It took us less than half the time downstream as it did to go upstream. I wish we would have stayed and swam a little more though because the trip back was too fast.
We were told to watch for wildlife and not to approach any animals. We only saw a really cool bird up close but kept our distance. We were just about to the end of the run when a family coming downstream told us a gator was just ahead. We made a prudent decision and turned back. Typically, the staff told us, the gators hang out more on the darker water side, but they absolutely can show up on Rock Springs.
That trip took us a little over two hours.
If you go the other way on the river, you can go as far as 8.5 miles downstream and be picked up and taken back to your car by the Kings Landing shuttle. You have a much higher chance of seeing wildlife there, which we really didn’t want to see. To do the shuttle run, Kings Landing asks that paddlers be experienced since it is about a 4.5 hour trip.
Making Your Paddling Reservation
You don’t need any paddling experience to do the run we did. Paddling a kayak or canoe isn’t hard and you’ll get instruction from the staff. They also offer guided tours if you want to be sure you’re in good hands.
If you choose to rent a vessel, you’ll have four hours total, which is enough time to paddle both the river (not the 8.5 mile trip) and Emerald Cut. Rentals are priced from $49 up to $69. The canoe can fit three people max. You can also select a kayak, double kayak or paddleboard.
If you have your own kayak or paddleboard, the cost is $10/adult and $5/kids. No children ages 2 and under are permitted.
Paddleboarding at the springs
Know Before You Go
Here are a few tips on your trip to Kings Landing:
No pets allowed.
No children under 2 years old allowed.
Pay attention to your surroundings. This isn’t a controlled environment and wildlife exist.
If you’re bringing your own paddleboard or kayak, you must have a life vest and whistle. If you don’t have one, you can rent one.
The crystal clear emerald water will often turn a tea-colored brown after heavy rains due to the tannins in the fallen leaves. We went in April and the water was just like you see in photos.
You must make a reservation. Weekdays are less busy than weekends but reservations are required at any time.
Bring sunscreen, water, and bug spray.
All Leave No Trace principles must be followed.
No glass, styrofoam, or alcohol is permitted.
Just hanging out at the springs
Ready to Paddle?
If you’re ready to get away to a jungle oasis and see the wild part of Florida, make your reservation at King’s Landing online.
Kings Landing is open daily 8 am – 5 pm. All boats must be back to the dock by 4:30 pm.
Are you looking for local produce? Greenville, SC and the Upstate have lots of options for the freshest produce around. Whether you are searching for Greenville farmer’s markets, roadside stands, or CSA farms, we’ve got you covered.
It’s that time of year again when our mouths start to water for watermelon and fresh berries and when our dinner table can easily be filled with fresh, local vegetables. We are very fortunate to live in the Upstate where there are so many options for fresh, local produce near Greenville, SC. The definition of local isn’t a concrete one. But most experts say that to be considered local, the item has to be harvested or made within 100 miles. The benefits of eating local produce are many including better flavor, nutrients, and supporting the local farmers.
LushAcres Farm, about an hour from Greenville, SC, is a pretty fascinating place that has animals, a playground, and lots of fun seasonal activities.
LushAcres Farm is set on more than 300 acres and has been in existence since around 1875. They have a really fascinating history and have combined over a century of farming with agritourism and taking care of children who need it most.
Jumping pad at LushAcres
About LushAcres Farm
LushAcres Farm in Clinton, South Carolina, is an extension of Thornwell, a large non-profit connected to the farm that takes care of foster children, vets and aids foster families, and has two schools on campus. Their mission is to directly prevent child abuse and neglect and make sure every child knows they are loved.
Thornwell began its mission in 1875 when they started housing orphans after the Civil War. During the Great Depression, LushAcres fed its residents and others nearby with the harvests from their crops. And now they support the children in foster care through events at the farm, their farm market, their strawberry patch, and their seasonal activities.
The Farming Side of LushAcres
The farm grows many types of vegetables and fruits like tomatoes, corn, strawberries, pumpkins, and peppers. They have u-pick strawberries in the spring, which are deliciously sweet and juicy due to the soil the plants are grown in.
Strawberries at LushAcres
The farm also has a beef share and raises the cattle from start to finish of the entire process. The cattle are all grass-fed and you can contact the farm to arrange to purchase a beef share.
They raise their own chickens and have a host of other barnyard animals for the public to see like adorable, fluffy alpacas, goats, and even Highland cows.
Be sure to stop by the farm market for fresh produce, meat raised on the farm, and goodies from local vendors like soap, candles, honey, and pickled vegetables.
U-Pick Strawberries
The strawberry fields at LushAcres are gorgeous and the berries look oh-so-good and juicy. The soil is exceptionally rich here so the berries turn out to be sweet and juicy.
The farm is currently open (as of April 12, 2024) for u-pick strawberries. They are $18/gallon. Always check their Facebook page or Instagram or call before you go as the weather can affect their u-pick field.
Also, they do have wheelchair-accessible strawberry picking available. There aren’t many berries yet but the plants are at an accessible height and wheelchairs are able to use the path to get there.
Accessible strawberries at LushAcres
Agritourism at LushAcres
A big part of the LushAcres Farm experience today is their agritourism. The farm hosts a Spring Festival (May 4, 2024 from 10 am – 5 pm), a Fall Festival every Saturday in October, and a Corn Maze After Dark experience near Halloween. They also have u-pick strawberries in the spring and offer field trips for schools.
The farm has a big playground with the biggest and best corn pit I’ve ever seen, a gaga ball area, a big slide and wall climbing spot, tires to run on, basketball hoops, a jumping pillow, and swings made of tires. There’s also a large picnic area.
For those who want a little extra fun, gem mining is available as well. My kids and I had a blast on the playground and I made some snow (corn?) angels in the corn pit. The playground is open whenever the farm market is open so this is a great spot to pick up local food and berries while the kids play!
LushAcres Corn Pit
The barnyard is open as well where you can see chickens, cows, goats, and two ginormous pigs.
Fun fact: they have a therapy cow where foster children who need a little extra confidence when learning to read can go read to. The therapy cow is non-judgemental and loves to hear stories while the kids gain confidence. Win-win.
Visiting LushAcres Farm
You can visit LushAcres when the Farm Market is open, which is Tuesday – Friday from 9 am – 5 pm and Saturdays from 9 am – 1 pm.
LushAcres playground
You can also check them out during special events like the Spring Festival on Saturday, May 4, 2024 from 10 am – 5 pm. Admission is $12/person and kids ages 2 and under are free. They will have local vendors, food trucks, and the playground and strawberry patch will be open.
Proceeds from events and the farm market go right back into supporting the children at Thornwell and their foster care mission. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a foster family, visit Thornwell’s website.
Hours: Sunday-Monday Closed Tuesday-Friday 9 am to 5 pm Saturday 9 am to 1 pm
The Greek Festival in Greenville, SC is one of the most popular festivals and is coming soon – which means awesome food, lively entertainment, and vendors with beautiful, traditional Greek items. The 2024 Greek Festival is happening at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in downtown Greenville, SC on May 17-19m 2024
The SC State Museum is not only huge but so entertaining, educational, and fun! Here’s why you should consider a trip to Columbia, SC to explore it.
The South Carolina State Museum has been on my list as a homeschooling parent (actually, before that since my daughter was supposed to go as a third-grader and then the pandemic hit). I had heard it was cool but did not know the extent of exactly how amazing it would be. So I hauled my kids out there for a truly fun day trip.
Want to take Mom out for a Mother’s Day Brunch in Greenville, SC? The general consensus, according to moms I know (and myself), is that mothers shouldn’t have to cook on Mother’s Day. On that note, we’ve compiled a list of restaurants in the Greenville area that are offering Mother’s Day Brunch or Dinner.
Where are the healthy kids’ menus in Greenville, SC?Can’t bear to put together another meal for your kid that consists of cheese and a carb? Me neither.
As a parent, meals can be a difficult and dreaded time. Ask your kid a million times to finish eating or suggest they try a new vegetable and be greeted with a look that could kill. So we asked our readers for some help – where do they suggest for a healthy restaurants in Greenville for their kids? Here are several local restaurants that fit the bill. Your family will have plenty of healthy restaurant options for the next time you want to eat out with kids.
Looking for an aquariaum or zoo near Greenville, SC? What kid doesn’t love getting up close and personal with a gray wolf, black bear, a giant shark, or a creepy tarantula? Which is why you might be thinking, “where are all the zoos and aquariums near me?” If you live near Upstate, SC, you’ve found the list you’re looking for.
Families can check out all of those animals and more with the many zoos, nature centers, and aquariums all within a two-and-a-half-hour drive or less from Greenville, SC. This list includes zoos and aquariums in Greenville, SC, Columbia, SC, Atlanta, GA, Charlotte, NC, and Western North Carolina.
