Have kids who like to bowl? Kids can bowl free all summer long with the Kids Bowl Free program. They’ll get two free games every day at participating bowling alleys. Plus, the Kids Bowl Free people thought of everything with a heavily discounted Family Pass so the grown-ups can join the kids in the summer bowling fun.
What a great opportunity to make memories this summer without breaking the break. We have done all the research so you can fill out the registration form and start bowling!
Is the Kids Bowl Free program legit? You bet. We have the answers to all your questions about the program so you can plan your summer and register now.
Are you looking for a nail salon in Greenville? Our readers have provided us with all their favorite Greenville nail salons. Look through the list and find the perfect place to get your hands pampered.
If there is a way to get in some quick R&R without going too far, a nail salon is a great choice. Whether it’s just a quick manicure or a relaxing spa pedicure, taking the time to escape for some pampering is a tempting option.
Reader’s Favorite Nail Salons in Greenville, SC
Here are the favorite salons in the area where you are most likely to find a Greenville mom trying to escape everyday madness for a few minutes of alone time:
2435 East North Street #1102, Greenville | 864.268.4103 Oscar Nails & Spa is well-loved by the Kidding Around Community. Their prices are affordable, the salon is well-maintained, and the staff is loved.
Oscars. Because you can make an appointment get excellent service and it doesn’t take too long !
Caron S
Mai at Oscar nails!!! Hands down the best! I’ve been to so many in the area and I do hair and they never last but specially Mai at Oscars knows how to make them last 3 sometimes even 4 weeks for me!!!
59 Woodruff Industrial Lane, Greenville, SC | 864.248.0685 If you are looking for nail design, this is the place. The Sunflower Nails Facebook page is full of examples of fabulous nail art. You’ll see everything from classic designs to bows and literal art on the nails.
I love the atmosphere and people at Sunflower Nails! Shoutout to my favorite nail tech Kathy 💕
Becca V
Came to same sunflower is always my go to! They are very consistent! And very nice staff!
2815 Woodruff Road, Simpsonville, SC | 864.509.1477 Readers say that the staff are friendly and they take their time when doing your nails.
5 Forks Nails. Vee is the BEST! Actually I don’t know that I’ve ever had anyone that wasn’t great! The attention to detail and they take the time to get to know their clients!
401 East Stone Ave Ste A, Greenville, SC | 864.252.4716 Ooh! U’ve Got Nails in Greenville is said to be managed by a talented technician, who will give you more of a spa-like treatment.
Ooh U’ve Got Nails Greenville, Mimi Vang is amazing. Her spa like treatment, professional mannerisms, she is truly an asset to her trade. She goes above and beyond to make sure you leave happy and feel pampered. I won’t go anywhere else and Blessed I found her.
1607 Laurens Road, Greenville, SC 29607 | 864.236.7792 Omnia Nail Studio is a great option based on a reader’s recommendation if you are looking for nail art.
Omnia nail studio. They are always on time and ready to go at your appointment time. They can do any inspiration picture you bring but better. Their attention to detail is top tier. Also their nails last foreverrrrr.
401 River Street, Greenville, SC | 864.438.1465 Our readers say they love Nails on the River because they use non-toxic products and there isn’t the thick, chemical smell that many nail salons have. The salon is appointment only, and you can make an appointment online.
Nails on the River is THE place. Non toxic, no horrific smells, awesome women owned/staff. I hadn’t had a mani/pedi in 4 years bc of issues with toxins, until this place came along
Lorey M H
It’s a very nice and quiet space, I can make an appointment online, and fairly priced.
My go-to is Mary’s Nails. The girls are great at designs. Anything I bring to my nail tech Avon, she can do, but everyone is great! Friendly service and reasonably priced!
I personally like Tips & Toes off Woodruff Rd. They’re clean and professional. You can walk-in or book an appointment online. Also, they serve a complimentary beverage with nail service.
Are you looking for local produce or a farmers market in Greenville, SC ? Greenville 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.
Local Produce: Greenville, SC Farmers Markets
The State Farmers Market on Rutherford Road operates Monday – Saturday from 8 am – 6 pm. They will generally have everything you need, but that’s because they fill in the gaps by ordering from out of state. If you want to stick with local produce, just ask where it came from. There are plenty of local options.
BridgeWay Farmers Market is open May 1st – October 30th, 2025. It will operate every Thursday evening from 4-8 pm at BridgeWay Station.
Saturday Market Downtown Greenville is a favorite for many. This seasonal market opens at the beginning of May, every Saturday from 8:00 am-noon, through October. In addition to produce, a few booths contain local artists’ items.
Traveler’s Rest Farmers Market is at Trailblazer Park and starts on April 26th, 2025, and is open from 8:30 am-Noon. The market runs from late April through September 20th on Saturdays.
Greer Farmers Market is at Greer City Park (301 E Poinsett Street) and will be open Sundays starting in May and lasting through August from 11 am – 2 pm. The market season will begin May 4th, 2025. It has artisans, bakers, makers, farmers, and live music.
Farmers Market at Fountain Inn at 100 Depot Street opens on May 24th, 2025 through September 27th, 2025, and runs every Saturday from 8 am – Noon. Lots of local goodies abound at this farmer’s market. People love it for the small-town feel as well.
Simpsonville Farmers Market is at City Hall (118 Northeast Main Street, Simpsonville) every Saturday from 8 am-Noon beginning on May 10th, 2025 and features local farms, vendors, food, and coffee.
Landrum Farmers Market is at 221 West Rutherford Street in Landrum. It occurs Saturdays from 8 am-Noon beginning from April 5th – December 13th, 2025. They have all kinds of local vendors, artisans, and farmers.
Hub City Farmers Market is at 498 Howard Street in Spartanburg. It happens every Saturday April 5th – December 13th, 2025 from 8 am – Noon.
Easley Farmers Market at N. 1st Street in Easley (next to City Hall). It happens every Saturday May 10th to October 4th (excluding July 5th and August 30th) from 9 am – Noon.
Toasty Farmer happens November – April, 11 am – 2 pm, at New Realm Brewery in Greenville.
Farms with Meat, Dairy, and Local Produce: Greenville, SC
Bethel Trails Farm has pasture-raised beef, lamb, chicken, pork, and eggs. 2302 Friendship Church Roadd, Gray Court
JBO Ranch has amazing fresh produce. The ranch has hours on Thursday and Friday from 12 pm to 6 pm. 10749 Augusta Road , Honea Path
Clemson Area Food Exchange offers pickup options through the Clemson and Seneca areas for local food from area farms. Peruse the website to see what they offer.
Famoda Farm in Taylors, SC has their Grazin Store, where you can purchase Angus beef, family farm meal kits, a variety of meat, eggs, and more. They even have an ice cream shop open most days. 7410 Mountain View Road, Taylors
Fort Powell Homestead in Powdersville offers local salad mix from St. Basil Farm by appointment.
Greenbrier Farms has local meat for sale. Check their Facebook page for the latest offerings and events. 766 Hester Store Road, Easley
Happy Cow Creamery offers milk-derived products from their cows that include chocolate milk, tons of cheeses, and local produce. 332 McKelvey Road, Pelzer
Horseshoe Farm has CSA Farmshare subscriptions available.
Southern Oaks Jerseys feature Jersey dairy cows to produce their items, the dairy they sell contains 20% more protein, 20% calcium, and more butterfat (flavor) than other kinds of milk. They offer their products at local markets. 1458 Highway 20, Abbeville
Providence Farm has local meat, eggs, milk, cheeses, ferments, elderberry syrup, grits, and cornmeal. 110 Walker Road, Anderson
Skyland Farms offers farm-raised meat, local-sourced produce, mushrooms, and eggs. 4124 North Hwy 14, Greer
Split Creek Farm has goat’s milk, goat cheese, yogurt, and fudge available at their Anderson farm. Bonus points because you can see baby goats while you swing by the farm shop on weekends. 3806 Centerville Road, Anderson
The Toasty Farmer – an indoor farmers market during the winter held at New Realm Brewery in Greenville. They have at least one local farmer with produce plus other farms that bring fish and meat. They also have other fantastic vendors – we highly recommend. 912 Main Street, Greenville, SC
Greenville State Farmers Market – open daily year-round and located not far from downtown Greenville. They have some great prices on things like produce and beans. They also carry meat, eggs, coffee, and other goodies. 1354 Rutherford Rd, Greenville
Produce Roadside Stands and Local Stores Near Greenville
Topsoil Kitchen &Market, while not a farm, does work with many local farms to sell their produce and other goods. Plus, they’ve got ready-made meals to order with curbside pickup! 13 S Main Street, Travelers Rest
Taylor Boys Produce has a list online you can choose from that includes fruit and vegetables. Pickup is available at their location in Enoree. 4138 Cross Anchor Road, Enoree
Tomato Vine – open year-round. Follow on Facebook for the most up-to-date inventory of produce. 4120 Old Buncombe Road, Greenville
Dillard’s Peach Stand is now open for the 2025 season with local produce like tomatoes, corn, jalapenos, cantaloupes, and berries – plus peaches of course – once the peach season begins. Only open during the summer.
Fisher’s Orchard on Jordan Road in Greer. They are generally known for their peaches, but during the peach season, they also offer quite a bit of local produce. Only open during the summer. 504 South Buncombe Road, Greer
Bagwell Farms offers lots of summer produce like watermelons, squash, and corn. 1605 Jonesville Road, Simpsonville
Swamp Rabbit Cafe offers a variety of local produce, goods, meats, dairy, and more. They are open year-round, with season produce. 205 Cedar Lane Road, Greenville
Bob & Lisa’s Produce is open seasonally and offers veggies, fruits, jams, and more. 9706 Anderson Road, Piedmont
Sweetheart Farm is a farmstand located in Salem, SC that offers farm-grown produce, flowers, and goods. 250 Mountain View Road, Salem
Storm Acres Farm LLC is a small, family-owned farm in Oconee County where you can find homegrown vegetables, eggs, cut flowers, nuts, and meat. They are open seasonally, with eggs available in winter. 135 Cedar Hollow Road, Seneca, SC
Feed & Seed near Downtown Greenville, SC has a 100% local Harvest Box, where you can grab a seasonal produce box in Spring, Summer, and Fall. They also have holiday boxes in November and December. They also have an additional option that includes local ground beef, eggs, or ground sausage. 701 Easley Bridge Road, Greenville, SC
Online Local Produce that Deliver: Greenville, SC
This is a relatively new and exciting way to buy local produce. You go online to these sites, order the produce you want and they collect from local farms and deliver to an agreed-upon location. Neat, huh?
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.
Restaurant 17 in Travelers Rest is offering a full day Mother’s Day menu from 11 am – 3 pm featuring an elevated brunch menu from award-winning Chef Haydn Shaak.
The Southern cuisine downtown establishment has a huge list of family meals, take & bake meals, and brunch courses to go. You can’t go wrong with whatever you choose here. Open 9 am – 8 pm on Sunday.
AVENUE is serving a buffet Mother’s Day brunch from 10 am – 1 pm. Seating times are 10:30 am, 12:15 pm, and 1:30 pm. The price is $55/adults, $25 for children 7 – 12 and those 6 and under dine free. Coffee, juice, and soda are included in the ticket. The credit card bar will also offer Bloody Marys, mimosas, beer, and wine. Tickets required.
Spare Time is offering a buffet-style brunch on Mother’s Day. Seating times are 9:30 am, 11:15 am, and 1 pm. Price is $26.99/adults and $14.99/kids. Reservations are recommended.
A family-style Mother’s Day Brunch will be served at the Lazy Goat. Reservations recommended. The cost is $45 for adults, $23 for children 7 – 14, and those 6 and under dine for free.
A Mother’s Day Brunch will take place in the Eighteen Hundred Drayton venue located within the Drayton Mills Marketplace. Reservations required. The ticket price includes a New Orleans-Style Brunch buffet and non-alcoholic beverages. A cash bar will be available. Brunch is from 10:30 am – 2:30 pm. The restaurant will serve its normal a la carte menu.
The Patterson’s plans for Mother’s Day 2025 have not been announced as of publication. Located at Hotel Hartness, enjoy a Mother’s Day Brunch from 11 am to 3 pm. Bruch will be served with a traditional menu that has modern, southern influences. Reservations are encouraged!
The new Compass by Margaritaville in Pigeon Forge, TN is the latest addition to the brand’s hotels and one you won’t want to miss if you’re heading out that way. It has both indoor and outdoor waterparks, a huge free breakfast, and amazing family suites.
Thanks to Compass by Margaritaville for hosting us so we could write this review. All opinions are our own.
Any Margaritaville property I’ve ever stayed at has always exceeded my expectations and Compass by Margaritaville is no different. Walking through the lobby is an invitation to drop all your stress at the door and get on island time, even in the middle of the Smoky Mountains just three hours from Greenville, SC.
I loved this new hotel – as did my daughters (ages 10 and 14) – for the waterparks, delicious food, and comfortable and spacious suite. Read on to learn why this could be your next hotel destination in Pigeon Forge.
Can you imagine yourself sitting here with a margarita?
Compass by Margaritaville: The Rooms
We stayed in one of the two-bedroom family suites, which is amazingly spacious. There is a separate room for kids with two twin beds, a dresser, and television. The door even closes.
Down the hall is a table for dining, a Keurig with coffee pods, a counter top, and a mini-fridge. The bathroom is cavernous. There is a beautiful glass shower with a rain shower head, double sinks, and a tub. The main bedroom has two queen beds, a closet, a dresser, and a large television.
The kids room in the family suite
I felt so relaxed here. It was nice to be able to spread out and for the kids and I to each have our own space. The hotel offers a variety of other rooms to choose from but this one was just incredible. It’s decorated in the typical blues and teals of the Margaritaville brand.
Compass by Margaritaville: The Waterparks
There are few things my kids love more than waterparks. They were thrilled to learn this hotel has two of them: one indoor and one outdoor.
Indoor waterpark
The indoor one has a large pool and small waterslide plus a great space for toddlers to run around and play in a pirate-themed splash pad. It’s adorable.
The outdoor waterpark has an infinity pool, those cool chairs where you can sit in the pool and in a lounge chair at the same time, a waterslide, pool, zero entry toddler area, lazy river, and hot tub.
The weather wasn’t particularly favorable when we went but we were determined to try everything out and ended up having such a great time. The lazy river and waterslide were our favorites. Don’t think for a second I didn’t go down the waterslide – I went down several times! It was a blast. I feel like there is something for everyone at these waterparks. Little kids will love the splash pads and zero entry pool while tweens will like the slides and teens can also play on the slides and hang out at the lazy river and infinity pool.
Part of the outdoor waterpark
They have the bar and corn hole turf area right next to the bar so you can order up margaritas, hummus, or pretzels right from the pool. You literally don’t need to go anywhere all day.
The waterparks are open daily 8 am – 11 pm.
Compass by Margaritaville: The Breakfast
Honestly, the breakfast here probably deserves its own story. I took one look and was sad I wasn’t hungry enough to eat everything in front of me. This isn’t your typical hotel continental breakfast.
They have cereal, bagels, French toast, omelets, fruit, yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, bacon, sausage, salsa, some kind of pepper dish, and pastries. They have cranberry, apple, and orange juice plus coffee. Their pancake/French toast bar has every topping you could ever want.
Best hotel breakfast
I didn’t know where to start. The only other hotel breakfast that comes close to this is at another Margaritaville property I fell in love with a couple years ago: Camp Margaritaville in Pigeon Forge. I remember a good hotel breakfast and this one was excellent. I wish I could have tried everything here.
The best part about the breakfast is that it comes free with your stay at the hotel. Breakfast is from 6:30-10 am daily. We ended up eating enough for breakfast that we skipped lunch one of the days there and had an early dinner. That’s how fantastic this breakfast is. I mean, you could probably just stay here for the breakfast and be happy.
Compass by Margaritaville: The Game Room
I caught sight of the arcade game and foosball table before my kids did so it was fun to see their reaction when they finally saw it. They all but ran over to check it out. The game room is right off the lobby of the hotel and besides two arcade games where I taught my kids how to play Tetris, the room also has board games and a shuffleboard table. I had to Google shuffleboard rules so yes, we learned how to play while there. It was fantastic.
My girls indulged in a lively game of Monopoly while I ordered hummus and the Bavarian soft pretzel (since that is by far one of my biggest food weaknesses). Both were delicious and my daughters even ate vegetables with the hummus. Island time worked out well.
We had a great time hanging out with each other and enjoying the comfortable chairs and tranquil atmosphere. Margaritaville has completely nailed this whole relaxation thing.
One other thing to mention is that there is a complete fitness room at the hotel. We didn’t use it because my daughters were too young but I wish I could have gotten in a good workout there. They have weights, treadmills, bikes, and other equipment. You can easily take your workouts on the road here.
Compass by Margaritaville: The Location
Let’s talk location. It’s perfect really. The hotel is right off the main strip in Pigeon Forge so literally within a short distance of most of the cool stuff there like the Island at Pigeon Forge, Dollywood, all the dinner shows, and other attractions.
The hotel is about 25 minutes from the Sugarlands Visitor Center inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park so if you want to go hiking, you’re pretty close to many wonderful trails.
There is also Gorilla Tacos literally right outside the doors of the hotel. I didn’t try it this trip but I have to say the menu looked pretty good. Next time!
Booking Your Room at Compass at Margaritaville
Cost of the rooms depend on size and time of year. I personally think summer is the best due to the waterparks but really, anytime in this area is great.
You can check prices and book your trip at the Compass at Margaritaville website. Be sure to check for special offers.
Inside: One family visits Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show on vacation in Pigeon Forge, TN, and shares their experience, real review, with tips for a great visit.
If cheering on pirates as they perform acrobatic tricks and engage in sword fighting while eating a delicious meal sounds fun, then you’re in for a real treat at the Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee! Kristina took her kids and has the full review.
Quick Summary: Pirates Voyage
Kristina and her kids recently checked it out and had an amazing time! Here’s what you need to know:
Incredible high-diving stunts and sword fights ⚔️
A full dinner menu that even picky eaters loved 🍗
South Pacific Celebration featuring fire artists 🔥
Adorable animal performers 🦭
Tips: Book early, go hungry, and try for side seats!
My kids and I love live theater and enjoy awesome food so why not put those two together and try out the Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show? This was a show I had been wanting to go see for years and on a recent trip to Pigeon Forge, TN, I walked the plank and bought tickets for us. So is it worth the price? Read on to find out.
Part of the show
About Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show
Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show is owned by Dolly Parton, as are many attractions in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. She’s a saint in these parts (I love her, too though). The pirate show is, you guessed it, full of pirates. But there’s so much more than pirates.
There are mermaids and animals and birds and music and tricks. It’s a fast-paced show with lots of action, including several dives into the water which makes up parts of the stage, sword-fighting, acrobatics, and adorable sea lions.
New to the show in Pigeon Forge is the South Pacific Celebration. I think this was actually my favorite part. It includes amazing music, a fire artist, and super cool drums that looked like the drummer was making music by hitting water. It was really neat.
The show overall is about 1.5 hours long.
The Food at Pirate’s Voyage
I know food at dinner shows can sometimes be meh and average. This wasn’t one of those shows. You can view the menu online and they do have accommodations for those with special diets.
We were offered a variety of sodas, sweet tea, lemonade, and water. Our server was fantastic and worked so hard to get everything out on time and served us fast. He had refills available whenever we wanted as well.
Part of our meal at the show
First up was a soft biscuit with creamy vegetable soup that even my vegetable-hating teen loved. The main course was huge: it was fried chicken with a side of corn on the cob, mac & cheese, and ham. That fried chicken was especially tasty and one of my daughters said it was the cheesiest mac & cheese she’s ever had.
Dessert was either an apple turnover or coconut chocolate cake. Everything was delicious. My daughters had to take home some of their meals since it was that big. Overall, this was a great meal.
The Show
We really enjoyed how fast and fun the show is. The storyline is that the two dueling pirates – the Crimson and Sapphire pirates – have to fight to get the dead pirate’s treasure. The audience is split between the two colors and cheer for their pirates to win it all.
I was impressed with the actors because they had to know how to dive (from high places no less), do acrobatics, sing, and dance. They were all so talented.
The South Pacific addition to the show is fantastic. The lights are dimmed as drums play and an actor (maybe an actor – he looked like a legit South Pacific person) came out who looked like he belonged in the movie Moana. He was the fire artist who spun a stick on fire like nobody’s business.
The other actors played drums that looked like they were made by hitting water. There were dancers and more fire. It was awesome.
The awesome pirates
I’m not about to spoil the show for you but sea lions and swimming dogs are involved in Pirate’s Voyage, much to the delight of the audience.
My daughters (ages 10 and 14) and I really enjoyed the high divers and the pirate competition towards the end of the show. Overall, the entertainment value is high at Pirate’s Voyage.
Tips: Enjoying Pirates Voyage
Here are a few tips on getting the most out of the show:
Book early: if you have the date you want, book the show. I waited too long and the value tickets were sold out so I had to pay more for the time I wanted.
Go hungry: you’ll be getting a lot of food so go hungry.
Kids will love this: I saw kids of all ages there. My tween and teen really enjoyed it but I saw small kids there who were awed as well.
Try to get seats on the sides: if you can get seats on the sides of the arena, those would be better than in the corners where we sat. The poles on the stage blocked some of our views.
Tickets to Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show
The show lasts about an 1.5 hours total and you’ll pick up your tickets when you get there.
Ticket prices are not inexpensive. Ages 10+ are considered adults so they pay the adult ticket price and kids are ages 3-9.
Ticket prices depend on the time. During busier times of the year, there are three shows most days: 3 pm, 6 pm, and 8:30 pm. The most expensive show I saw listed was the 6 pm show. Ticket prices start at $59.99 (~$71 with tax) and go up to around $81 (~$95 with tax).
There are also VIP tickets which gets you the best seats at the show, meet & greet with cast members, and a cheering flag. This costs an extra $28/person.
Pirates Voyage also offers Animal Encounters before some of the shows were guests get up close with the animals in the show. The admission for Animal Encounters is $74/person plus tax.
So Was the Show Worth It?
That’s the question, right? The cost was high for this experience but the memories made were worth it. My kids and I really enjoyed the show, the food, and the atmosphere. If you’ve got room in your budget for this amazing dinner show, then go for it!
Looking for a fun and unique adventure for your family that includes kayaking, hiking, or climbing? The Red River Gorge in Kentucky is the place to go.
Ever the adventurer, the Red River Gorge had been on my list of places to visit within driving distance of Greenville, SC for awhile. Some of my hiking friends had been and they loved it so I knew I had to go explore what was so special about this place. And wow, the Red River Gorge is incredible with its sandstone arches, caves, and unique experiences.
I took my daughters (ages 10 and 14) for a few days full of adventure where we hiked, kayaked, and explored so many neat things in the area. We all agreed it was an awesome trip and already can’t wait to return.
Natural Bridge State Park
About the Red River Gorge
The Red River Gorge was formed in a similar way to the Grand Canyon – by a river. And it took a very long time. But the results are incredible. There are about 150 sandstone arches as a result of rivers running through the gorge over millions of years. There are only more arches anywhere in the United States at Arches National Park in Utah.
Much of the Red River Gorge is located within or adjacent to the Daniel Boone National Forest and designated at the Red River Gorge Geological Area. There are sandstone arches, caves, cliffs, and waterfalls. Hiking through this area is so unique due to its geological features. It’s absolutely breath-taking in such a different way than the mountains are to us in the Upstate.
Another cool thing about the Red River Gorge is that it is a designated national archeological area due to the artifacts found within the cliff dwellings, thought to house indigenous peoples.
What to do at the Red River Gorge
There are so many amazing things to do at the Red River Gorge. We went for the kayaking tour at Gorge Underground and for the unique hiking trails. But many people come for rock climbing, kayaking the Kentucky River, exploring the arches, and even zip lining.
Hiking
We tried to fit it as many trails as possible during our three-day trip. Thankfully, there are miles and miles of marked trails within the Red River Gorge and many are very short. I had a list of places I wanted to go before we left and stopped at the Visitors Center for a helpful map to plan them out a little better. Highly recommend this option.
Natural Bridge Trial (Original Trail)
This is a short, two-mile out and back trail that leads to one of the most popular arches in the Gorge. It’s a leg-burner on the way up but totally worth it. There are plenty of spots to stop and take a break so definitely go for it. It’s situated within the Natural Bridge State Park. No dogs are allowed. You can hike this trail or take the SkyLift.
Tight squeeze at Natural Bridge State Park
Double Arch – Courthouse Rock – Auxier Ridge Trail
I thought this was about four miles total but it was closer to seven miles. Whoops. Double Arch is super cool and beautiful and we hung out there for awhile. Then it was onto Courthouse Rock, which had gorgeous views. We followed the Auxier Ridge Trail back to our car but if you don’t want to be a paranoid mess since that trail has significant drops, you could go back down Double Arch Trail to the parking lot. We really liked this trail.
Double Arch
Princess Arch
Princess Arch is a beautiful arch that kind of looks like a house for the Flintstones. It’s a short half-mile round trip hike that you can add onto the Copperas Falls hike as it’s in the same area.
Copperas Falls
While I have seen my share of beautiful waterfalls, this waterfall is pretty close to the top of my list of the most amazing waterfalls I’ve seen. You can walk behind this waterfall as it pours over the ledge of a huge cave. When the water is higher, you can definitely swim but the water is quite chilly. It’s a must-do on your trip to the Red River Gorge and only a 3.1 mile hike that follows the creek to the waterfall.
Copperas Falls
Rock Bridge & Creation Falls
Honestly, after seeing Copperas Falls and all the other waterfalls I’ve seen in my life, I thought this one was going to be lame. I was totally wrong. It was so cool and I wish it were summer when we went because there’s a huge beach and small cave at the waterfall. Perfect for a summer day. And the Rock Bridge is the actual only “bridge” because it goes over water. It is just gorgeous!
Rock Climbing
I don’t go rock climbing but one of our editors here at Kidding Around is an awesome climber and really wants to get out to the Gorge to test her skills. There are more than 4,000 routes on the sandstone cliffs in the Gorge. Here’s an overview of them.
The Gorge Underground
This is an experience that is worth the trip out to the Gorge alone. You can go kayaking or take a boat tour in the miles of waterways in an underground mine. It is one of the coolest things I’ve done and my kids loved it. Read our Gorge Underground review.
Zip Lining & Off Roading
If you’re in the mood for some more extreme adventures in the Red River Gorge, you can choose zip lining at Red River Gorge Ziplining.
There are also off-roading companies that will take you all over the place bumping around till your heart’s content. Find them here.
Nada Tunnel
The Nada Tunnel looks like a smaller version of the Stumphouse Tunnel in Walhalla – except you can drive through it. If you’re like me and have a GPS that loves to give you incorrect directions, you’ll drive through this tunnel no less than four times. It was cool every single time though.
The tunnel is only 12 feet wide, 13 feet high and 900 feet long. You have to wait for any other cars to go through before driving through it. It’s very tight but oh-so-cool. The tunnel dates back to the early 1900s when it was constructed for the Dana Lumber Company.
It only took a year to create through blasting limestone and using tools. This was no easy task but these people were the epitome of hard workers full of grit and determination. The Nada Tunnel is often called the Gateway to the Red River Gorge and is a must-see when you visit.
Where to Eat
There aren’t a lot of options for restaurants but we did try Miguel’s Pizza, which lived up to all the hype I heard about it before we went to the Gorge.
I found it to be tasty and affordable with generous portions. We got a salad and pizza and both were great. We had pizza for at least one more meal.
Miguel’s Pizza
We also had delicious ice cream at the Ice Cream Shop at the Red River Gorge near the Natural Bridge State Park. It was so good and pretty inexpensive. The trading post next door has great fudge.
Where to Stay
There are a lot of options for lodging: campgrounds, cabins, RV parks, and resorts. We rented a bare bones cabin at a campground. It was fine but I think there are better options, especially for the price we paid. Google campgrounds or look at other lodging options at the Red River Gorge website.
A good place to stay that is central to trails and activities is the Natural Bridge State Park Resort. They have campsites and a lodge. There are tons of trails there as well.
Rock Bridge
Need to Know Before You Go
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your trip to the Red River Gorge.
Plan ahead: Do some research beforehand on trails and attractions to make the most of your visit.
Book the Gorge Underground: This is a popular attraction so you need to book ahead of time.
Go to the Visitors Center: The Red River Gorge Visitors Center has a great map to help you navigate trails.
Get groceries on your way in: There are no big stores in the Red River Gorge so be sure to hit up a grocery or supply store before you get to the Gorge.
Join a RRR Facebook group: I learned a lot from Red River Gorge hiking and visiting groups on Facebook.
Watch kids and pets: Some of the trails have steep drops so be aware of where your kids and pets are at all times. And don’t jump fences to get the perfect photo. It’s not worth your life (the local news has stories of people dying doing this).
Spend a few days: We were there for three days and it wasn’t enough. I could have stayed a week at least! I have a list of hikes I want to go back and do and places to camp and enjoy the area. It’s such a hidden gem. Stay as long as you can.
If you’re the adventurous type and always looking for the next amazing thing to do with your family and friends, kayaking in an underground mine in the Red River Gorge in Kentucky should be on your list.
Quick Summary: Gorge Underground
KY’s Gorge Underground takes kayaking to the next level—underground. Picture yourself paddling through a flooded limestone mine, surrounded by crystal-clear waters, cool air, and a sense of mystery you just can’t get above ground.
No experience needed, and the guides are amazing. Whether you opt for a classic kayak, a clear-bottom one, or even a paddleboard, this is a bucket list experience you’ll talk about for years.
📍 Located at 2478 Glencairn Road, Rogers, KY 🧊 Water is a brisk 38°F, so wear layers! 👧 Kids 5+ can join in on the fun. 🎟️ Book your spot
If you’ve thought about what it would be like to go into an old mine, get into a kayak complete with a helmet (for possible falling rocks) and headlamp, and paddle around while not getting lost amongst the five miles of waterways, then the Gorge Underground in the Red River Gorge should be on your list. It’s been on mine for several years and I finally decided just to go. And let me say, that was a fantastic decision.
Watch! Our Kayak Adventure at Gorge Underground
This place did not disappoint. Don’t worry, there’s only a small chance of falling in the water and you need zero experience paddling to do this. Here’s why you should make a trip out to the Gorge Underground, about five-and-a-half hours from Greenville, SC.
About Gorge Underground
Gorge Underground is an extensive mine full of crystal clear, very cold water. There are more than five miles of waterways, and after I got over the initial shock of being there in a mine on a kayak in a pretty dark area, I did have a fleeting thought of exploring those waterways alone. But common sense kicked in, and I didn’t want to be lost in a chilly mine and give the tour guides a bad rap. The tour guides were excellent, by the way.
The limestone mine was an active one in the 1860s. It was eventually flooded, closed in the 1980s, and abandoned. It was bought in 2014 and opened as an underground water adventure experience a year later. Massive rainbow trout joined the waterways in 2017.
Gorge Underground is located in the incredible Red River Gorge, the “Land of Arches” as it is sometimes called. The terrain and topography is totally different from the Upstate. There are cave systems, endless rock climbing opportunities, miles and miles of trails, and beautiful sandstone arches. This was an area I had been wanting to explore for quite some time so I planned an entire trip around going on this kayaking adventure.
Kayaking Underground
This wasn’t my first time in an underground lake. I had taken my daughters to the Lost Sea Adventure in Tennessee and loved it. You get to go on a boat on the lake and see the fish and learn about the caves. But kayaking on your own in an underground waterway maze was a whole other experience.
We booked the Classic Tour, which is an hour long and where you go in regular kayaks. They do have other tours where you can kayak around in clear kayaks, which costs a bit more than the classic tour we did. So once you get there, you’ll be given an extensive safety lesson on your gear – PFD (life jacket), helmet and headlamp, where to stay in the water with your kayak, and what to do if you accidentally take a dip, which was not on my list of things to do there. The water is a very cold 38-40 degrees Fahrenheit. I had to touch it because I couldn’t not touch it. I’ve been swimming in waterfalls, jumped in Lake Jocassee in February, and fell in creeks – those were nothing compared to this water. It was frigid.
Also, the mine is 50 degrees year-round, so wearing layers is a good idea. You don’t want to be cold while doing this adventure. The good news is that you can do this adventure no matter the weather because it is out of the elements (kind of).
Once our safety lesson was done, we got into our kayaks and were pushed out into the mine by our guides, who were wearing special clothing so they could get in the water and help us into our kayaks. What a job. Again, they were fantastic.
Learning about all the things we signed on the waiver
The feeling of doing something that I had been wanting to do for so long felt surreal. To be floating in this underground mine and paddling someplace so unique was just really cool. Sharing it with my daughters was even better. They were awed by the whole thing.
Our tour guide was on a standup paddleboard/kayak and was actually paddling backwards as she gave us the history of the mine and talked about the trout that lived there, how the water fills the mine, and even showed us bats who were on their tail end of migration out of the mine for the season.
There was a part where water was falling through the ceiling and we had to navigate around it. I couldn’t see some of it and ended up getting a little wet – whoops. There is no current and it’s quiet and serene. You can see down some of the massive hallways of water, which certainly ignited my sense of curiosity.
This was well worth the trip. I would 100% do it again because it was just that good. And no one fell in or got lost, yay.
Depth of the Water and Height of the Mine Ceiling
While I’m not claustrophobic in general (although some small spaces like elevators bother me), it’s understandable to think of claustrophobia in a space like this.
From the bottom of the water to the bottom of the ceiling is about 40 feet. The waterways are very wide, I’d say at least 40-50 feet. In the beginning of the tour, the water is very shallow and the ceilings are high. As you paddle on, the water gets deeper and the ceiling becomes lower as you rise with the water. Even so, I couldn’t touch the ceiling with my paddle at any point. Our guide, who was standing up the entire time, didn’t come close to ever touching the ceiling either.
Kayaking in the mine
Personally, I never felt like I was in a tight space or had a fear that the walls or water were closing in. This is a pretty safe adventure in general but certainly comes with some risks, which is why you have to sign a waiver, but claustrophobia likely won’t be an issue. Just call the Gorge Underground if you have questions.
Boats, Crystal Kayaks, and Paddleboards
Gorge Underground has other tours you can choose from, including a group boat tour, a crystal kayak tour in clear-bottom kayaks, and even a standup paddleboard tour. That last one crossed my mind for a second since my daughters and I paddleboard often over the summer, but I knew the water was cold and didn’t want to risk an unplanned ice bath.
The cool thing about the boat tour is that it’s great for smaller kids, so the whole family can enjoy it if the kids aren’t old enough to do the kayak tours.
Need to Know Before You Go
Here are some tips on how best to enjoy your underground kayaking adventure.
Get there early: the Gorge asks that you arrive 30 minutes early to sign waivers and gear up.
Wear layers: I wore light leggings, a short-sleeved shirt, a long-sleeved shirt, and a light jacket. I’m always cold but felt fine wearing what I did. I’m glad I didn’t wear shorts or I would have been cold.
No pets: don’t bring them because they aren’t allowed.
Use the bathroom beforehand: there are porta-potties there but if you need a more sophisticated toilet, find a nice one before you go.
You can tip electronically: the guides have their Venmo codes that you can use to tip afterwards. Cash is also accepted.
Book online: you have to book your tickets online ahead of time. Their refund policy is strict but you can move your tickets for a fee if need be.
Weight limits: the weight limit for a single kayak is 275 lbs and a tandem kayak is 400 lbs.
Booking Your Gorge Underground Adventure
The boat tour is your cheapest option. Tickets are $30/ages 13+ and $25/ages 3-12. Kids must be at least three years old to do this tour.
The classic kayak tour that we did is $55/person Monday-Thursday and $65/person Friday-Sunday. Kids must be 5+ to participate and 13+ to paddle alone. My youngest daughter and I used a tandem (double) kayak, and it was great. This tour is an hour long.
The Crystal Deluxe kayak tour is an hour and a half long, and kids must be at least 5 years old to participate. The cost for this tour is $75/person Monday-Thursday and $85 Friday-Sunday.
The paddleboard tour is an hour and a half long, and you get to go on a clear paddleboard. Tour prices are the same as those for the Crystal Deluxe kayak tour.
Have you used drop-in childcare before? Giggles Greenville, SC convenient location on Pelham Road near Interstate 85 is an excellent option for your childcare needs!
The 4,700 square feet unit features an outdoor play area, their signature indoor tree house, and rooms for different age groups to enjoy activities. Parents are able to drop their children off for childcare, date night, and more, so there is always a safe childcare team when you need them.
Giggles Drop-In Childcare is a KABOOM Award Winner!
Giggles Drop-In Childcare Center previously sponsored this article.
If you’ve stopped in Earth Fare recently – or anywhere in that big shopping plaza on Pelham Road – you may have noticed a giant sign on the end of the building reading “Giggles.” Let’s check it out!
A little about Giggles: Greenville, SC
Giggles in Greenville was opened by Brandon Kimball and his wife, Caroline, after they experienced the convenience and professional childcare during a vacation in Wilmington, NC. They wondered why Greenville did not offer the same services.
“One of the things we liked most about the Giggles model when we first used the service in North Carolina was the flexibility in the pricing options,” said Caroline Kimball. “We loved the fact that we could buy hours in bulk and get our cost of childcare down to as low as $5 per hour. The low prices coupled with the amazing experience for our kids was the main reason we decided to franchise the model and open up the two Greenville locations.”
The Giggles Greenville SC location has been open for a couple of years now and has significantly helped many families. They’ve been open during teacher holidays, holidays where parents needed to work, and late nights when a parent needed childcare.
“This place is fantastic. I’m new to the area and needed part-time help with my twin toddlers at random times for school events and doctor’s appointments. The staff is phenomenal and my kids love going,” raved one mom in a review on the Giggles Facebook page.
The Pelham Road location is perfect for families coming out of the Five Forks or Eastside area, as it’s about 15 minutes from both places. It is located right off of the Pelham Road exit on 85 and in the same plaza as Earth Fare, several other restaurants, Massage Envy, nail salons, and Pet Supply Plus. Sidewall Pizza is a two-minute drive away. Built-in date night right there.
While you can register your child at the childcare center, it is much easier to do it online. Also, be sure to ask the family pediatrician for a copy of immunization records, as they are needed for registration.
Summer Camps at Giggles
Giggles is already registering for their field-trip-based summer camps.
For summer camps, Giggles offers themed weeks, eight hours a day, where kids go to different places daily. The camps are offered for rising kindergarteners through 5th grade and cost $275/week for one child, $500/week for two children. Prices are also available for more than two kids a week. If parents sign their kids up before May 23rd, 2025, they receive a $25 per week discount.
Check out their cool schedule of summer camp field trips. Kids will get to go to Kangaroo Jax and climb on the inflatables, visit unicorns at Hidden Pasture Farms, play putt putt golf, explore the Roper Mountain Science Center, visit with real firefighters at a fire department, get wet at Shipwreck Cove’s waterpark, and so much more! This is only a small sampling of the adventures for summer camps at Giggles.
Did you know that Giggles also offers families the opportunity to rent their facility as a birthday party rental space? You can enjoy the facility for a Sunday birthday party! Though they do not offer any assistance with setting up or hosting the party, you will be able to have private use of the entire facility!
The cost is $200 for up to 15 kids, with a $25 fee for additional increments of 5 children.
Pricing and Hours for Giggles Greenville, SC location
Giggles will be open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 am to 9 pm; Friday from 7:30 am to 10 pm, and Saturday from 10 am to 10 pm. Giggles is only open on Sundays for birthday parties.
The centers will accept kids from 12 months old through 12 years old.
Rates are below and listed on the Giggles website. Giggles offers several packages for one, two, or three children, as well as memberships and date night packages.
Hourly Drop-In Care
$14/hour for 1 child $23/hour for 2 children $29/hour for 3 children $33/hour for 4 children
They also offer pricing in 10-hour blocks up to 150-hour blocks. These are affordable and competitive pricing for the professional childcare services offered. Be sure to follow Giggles of Pelham on Facebook as they will be offering specials, coupons, and promo packages throughout the year.
Are you looking for family-friendly bike trails in Greenville, SC? Maybe you’re looking for scenic bike trails? We’ve got some great places to ride near Greenville!
Greenville, SC has quickly grown into a bicyclist haven since the creation of the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail. With that, more natural and paved biking trails have emerged. Below, you will find a list of some of the best bike trails Greenville and the surrounding area have to offer. Don’t have your own bike? Don’t worry! You will also find places to rent bikes if you don’t have your own.
Biking can involve the whole family – whether the kids are old enough to ride on their own or ride in a trailer or on a bike seat. Here’s our list of family-friendly bike trails in and near Greenville, SC.
