Author Archive

Massive Book Warehouse near Greenville, SC is Heaven for Book Lovers

The Book Warehouse Outlet in Easley, SC is enormous and has all kinds of books, puzzles, games, magnets, cards that are all brand new and all 70% off. We have all the details on how to take advantage of their public sales.

I stumbled upon the first Book Warehouse Outlet sale completely by accident as I was in the area one Saturday in December and saw a sign for a book sale. Being an avid book lover, I took my chances, followed the signs, and arrived in heaven.

There were cookbooks, fiction books, nonfiction books, books about math, books about space, journals, puzzles, games, crayons, notebooks with colored pencils, board books, and awesome gifts. All of them were brand new and all of them were 70% off. What had I stumbled into?

About the Book Warehouse Outlet

The world of book publishing is very complicated. I have some experience in part of the process and I feel like I still don’t know much. From what I gathered speaking with the wonderful people who run the Book Warehouse Outlet, the pallets and pallets of books and other goodies are essentially extras or overprinted items. They are all in perfect condition.

The warehouse is about 300,000 square feet total, although the public doesn’t get to roam around all of it. What they do get to see and walk through is plenty. I’ve been a few times and still have not gone through all the stuff they have. They have more than 1,000,000 books in there.

The warehouse isn’t open to the public daily, only during their public sales, which are not on a regular schedule yet. Your best bet is to follow The Book Warehouse on Facebook or stay tuned to our calendar since we’ll have the sales posted.

Navigating the Warehouse

If you love books, games, puzzles, etc., then you probably won’t want to leave this place. The hours pass by quickly as you roam around the boxes and aisles seeing what they’ve got. Every sale is different since the warehouse is constantly getting in new products so you never know what you’ll find.

They have:

Kids books
Adult fiction
Adult nonfiction
Board books
Bibles
Journals
Puzzles
Magnets
Thank-you cards
Comics
Cookbooks
Homeschool workbooks

Some of the goodies are labeled by genre and as each sale comes and goes, the team at the warehouse has done different things to make everything easier to find. But it still doesn’t look like a regular bookstore and, honestly, I love that. It’s like a big treasure hunt!

The pallets are all pretty much either the same book or game or puzzles or at least similar items. Things are not thrown all over the place – everything is neat and organized and I found it a lot of fun to just browse through everything to see what I could find.

Also, the prices on the books, games, puzzles, etc. aren’t marked up and then 70% off is taken. They are the prices you’d find in any bookstore – except way cheaper!

Tips on Shopping the Book Warehouse Sale

I cannot overstate how huge this place is and how much stuff they have for sale. It’s maybe just a tad smaller than Costco and can be overwhelming. After I went the first time, I told my kids we are taking lunch the next time and spending a lot of time there. It’s that big. Here are a few tips on how to make the most of your time:

Bring a foldable wagon or cart: They don’t have shopping carts there (it would really clog the aisles) so you can bring your own shopping bag or cart. I saw people with those foldable beach wagons and thought it was brilliant. They also had boxes that you could label with your name and leave on the side of an aisle so you could just drop stuff in there and go back to shopping.

If you can’t find the price, ask: The staff here are awesome and incredibly helpful. If you can’t find the listed price, just ask.

Bathrooms are limited: There are only a couple bathrooms so make a bathroom run beforehand if you need to. There are some gas stations nearby.

Bring a lunch: You’re going to be there awhile. Bring some food, eat when you’re hungry, then get back at shopping.

New stuff is added: The warehouse gets new shipments in daily so what you saw at the last sale may not be available at the next one. And they will put out new stuff for the upcoming sales – it’s like finding treasure!

Sundays typically have fewer crowds: The warehouse sales have exploded in popularity and it can get crowded and lines can be long. For an experience with less people, typically Sunday mornings and afternoons have fewer crowds.

The Next Book Warehouse Sale

The Book Warehouse Outlet posts their public sales to their social media pages monthly.

Book Warehouse Outlet
1859 Dacusville Highway, Easley
The Book Warehouse Outlet Facebook page

Where and how to shop to save in Greenville, SC

Looking for more deals?

Here’s Where and How to Shop to Save Monday in Greenville, SC

Explore an Otherworldly Island near Charleston, SC: Boneyard Beach

There is an island outside of Charleston, SC that is home to Boneyard Beach, an otherworldly driftwood forest right on the ocean. Kristina and her kids explored the island with Coastal Expeditions, who provided us media tickets. Here’s why it should be on your bucket list.

I had seen photos of Boneyard Beach on Bulls Island, which is part of the Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge in Charleston, SC, but nothing could truly prepare me for the experience of walking through those old and weathered trees strewn across the sandy beach. It was an experience like no other. And because we here at Kidding Around are always looking for incredible experiences to bring to you, our awesome readers, we had to do this one.

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Homeschool Skate at Roller Sports in Taylors, SC is the Jam

Homeschool Skate at Roller Sports in Taylors, SC happens every Third Friday of the month September-May and it’s a blast for both parents and kids!

The Ultimate Homeschool Guide to the Upstate, South Carolina.

Are you looking for more homeschool resources? Check out our Kidding Around Ultimate Homeschool Guide to The Upstate!

Are you looking to go roller skating in Taylors, SC? The minute I pulled into the packed parking lot at Roller Sports in Taylors, SC for their Homeschool Skate I knew I had stumbled upon some true homeschool thing in the area. I had to park on the grass in the back of the building. What was so cool about this event? I was about to find out.

homeschool skate at roller sports taylors sc

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Gems & Dinos: Bob Campbell Geology Museum in Clemson, SC

Have you heard about the geology museum at Clemson University in South Carolina? The Bob Campbell Geology Museum on Clemson’s campus near Anderson is packed full of interesting gems, crystals, rocks, and even dinosaur fossils. The impressive collection is educational, but tons of fun! You will walk away with a newfound appreciation for all of the things hidden beneath the surface of the earth. It’s certainly worth a visit if you’re in the area.

Bob Campbell Geology Museum Clemson University — Bob Campbell Geology Museum

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Split Creek Farm: Learn all about goats – and even play with them – During a goat farm tour in Anderson, SC

Did you know there is a FREE self-guided goat farm tour at Split Creek Farm in Anderson, SC? Goats and educational opportunities are plentiful at Split Creek Farm in Anderson, SC. Plus, the farm shop sells award-winning goat cheeses and must-eat fudge made from their dairy goat milk. Get outdoors, enjoy some animals, and learn something new!

If there are baby goats involved somewhere around the Upstate, we’ll be there. Goats, especially baby goats, make us so happy! Split Creek Farm is a Grade A goat dairy farm in Anderson, SC that we’ve written about and visited before to the delight of both us and our readers. But they are more than goats. Education is hugely important to the farm and to that end, they have recently designed and installed a new self-guided tour that anyone can take.

We tried it out because, well, goats. And I’m homeschooling and thought this would be a fun adventure.

If you’re looking for more cute animals, see our Adorable Farms and Petting Zoos story.

Educational opportunities at Split Creek Farm

A big part of the vision of Split Creek Farm is the educational component of the farm. They do offer tours in-person, as well as field trips and other opportunities to educate the public on what their farm does, which is a ton. The goats are the backbone of the farm, supplying the milk needed to make their award-winning feta cheese, the delicious fudge, yogurt, and other products. The farm also supports the local restaurant industry and breeds nearly-extinct breeds of goats. They also participate in local and regional goat shows and research.

Sandra and Jessica, the owners of Split Creek Farm, are pioneers in many areas of goat farming and their non-profit helps to provide funds to further the goals of the farm and integrate them even deeper into the supportive local community, bringing the joy of the goats to everyone.

The self-guided goat farm tour

While the farm store is open Monday – Saturday for purchases, self-guided goat farm tours are available only on Friday and Saturday. The farm employs a small number of people and as you can probably imagine, it takes a huge amount of work to run the farm, milk the goats, make the cheese, fudge, and yogurt, clean the pens, collect the eggs, take care of the babies, and care and feed the herd.

As much as Sandra and Jessica would like to take every single guest on a personal tour of the farm, they needed to find a way to make what they do more accessible and understandable for guests and their families. And so was born the self-guided tour with easy-to-read and follow boards around the farm.

The topics are broad and fascinating. Guests will learn about all the different breeds of goats and why they are unique. They will learn about how the cheese is made and where the goats are milked and how that process worked. They will learn about every animal on the farm and why their individual jobs are important to making the farm run smoothly. I’ve personally been to Split Creek Farm numerous times and still learned a lot walking through the tour and reading all the plaques.

For myself and my kids, learning about where our food comes from and what goes into that process often has led to a deeper appreciation for farms and all the work they do. My own love of goats is only compounded every time I learn more about them. And my goodness, they make me happy. And they make my kids happy, which is all the more reason to visit the farm and learn about the goats.

It’s totally free to visit the farm and take self-guided tours. If you come with kids, just be sure to keep a close eye on them as it is a working farm and guests need to be respectful of those rules.

Playing with the goats

Split Creek Farm treats their animals with extraordinary care. I’ve seen both Sandra and Jessica speak to these animals exactly like I speak to my own kids. But the difference is that the goats listen to them! The goats obviously love the owners and employees and the female goats are quite literally what makes the farm run due to the sale of the products made with their milk.

So it’s no wonder the farm is protective of their animals. However, the animals get a lot of freedom and you’ll probably run into goats wandering around and Sam, the border collie, making sure they are where they need to be. There are chickens and two enormous pot-bellied pigs roaming around as well.

As long as guests are respectful of the animals, they are allowed to play with them and pet them. This is glorious. Playing with the goats is just awesome, especially the smaller ones. They are super curious (one really enjoyed munching on my daughter’s hair) and sweet and fun. Sam likes to play fetch with his frisbee and the chickens, well, they do their own thing.

Sometimes the farm will do special events where guests are able to play with the baby goats or have goat yoga sessions. Follow their Facebook page for that info. It’s really fun to play with the goats especially after you’ve done the self-guided tour because, I feel, that you may have a greater respect for them and for what goes on at the farm.

Visiting Split Creek Farm

It’s free to visit the farm and you don’t need to sign up to do the self-guided tours. Just follow all the posted rules, which include no pets. Once you arrive at the farm, you’ll see the space allowed for visitor parking on your left. The first couple of self-guided posts will be on your right near the huge penned goat pasture and on your left near the open barn. You’ll see the others around the farm.

A self-guided goat farm tour is available Friday or Saturday 10 am – 5 pm.

The farm shop is open Monday-Saturday 10 am – 5 pm.

For the latest on events and pictures of their baby goats come late winter, follow Split Creek Farm on Facebook.

Split Creek Farm
3806 Centerville Road, Anderson
864.287.3921

Have you been on a goat farm tour? Let us know what you enjoyed most!

5 Fun Races for Families this Spring in the Upstate

Are you looking for a kid-friendly race in Greenville this season? Check out this list of some of the fun races for the whole family.

Greenville is a great place to go for a run, a jog or a walk. The weather is fairly cooperative, even during the colder winter months, to run outside all year round. But as the trees bloom and the milder temperatures are more predictable, getting in daily exercise is pretty easy and enjoyable. If you have little ones and a jogging stroller, running is a great way to get in a workout and entertain your kids. While you may not be as fast as you are without the jogger, entering a local race is a fun way to enjoy the great weather, meet other runners, and run your way around Greenville.

Everything you need to know for spring in Greenville, SC

There are so many fun things to do this spring in Greenville, SC!

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Greenville’s Ultimate Spring Guide: Things to Do in Spring

Searching for things to do in Greenville. SC this spring? Finally, the weather isn’t freezing and it looks like we made it through the worst of winter. There are even tulips showing their colors and trees flowering. It’s spring and time to get outdoors and enjoy all the great family-friendly events and egg hunts and festivals that come with this time of year in Greenville. We’ve gathered all our best spring content and set it up here so you can find something great to do this spring.

Are you in Spartanburg? Here’s our Spring Guide to Spartanburg.

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Fly Over National Parks and Incredible Scenery at SkyFly in Pigeon Forge, TN

SkyFly Pigeon Forge is a newer attraction in Pigeon Forge, TN that has already won awards for its unique and amazing experience. We’ve got all the details on how to see it.

I really had no idea what SkyFly: Soar America was going to be like when we walked into the building, which is right near the big Great Smoky Mountain Sky Wheel on the Island at Pigeon Forge.

The decor looked like what I’d expect the workshop of some old scientist who was studying time travel may look like with gadgets and goggles. I was intrigued for sure and definitely wanted to try out whatever the ride entailed.

About SkyFly: Soar America

SkyFly: Soar America won the “Best New Attraction” award in 2021 by USA Today Readers’ Choice. They only opened in July 2021 so the award was quite the accomplishment. SkyFly was manufactured and designed by Dynamic Attractions, which also designed and made the super popular Disney Soarin’ attractions all over the world.

Once you purchase your tickets, you enter into a room where you’ll learn about explorer Peter Wilder and his daughter Hannah as they try to get ready their steampunk airship for takeoff. We were the only ones in line for about ten minutes and watched the video of the two characters for a bit to try to imagine what in the world was about to happen. A few other guests joined the line and soon we were taken into the Tram room.

Our guide instructed us where to stand and off we went. Actually, we didn’t go anywhere but the screens on the top of the tram certainly looked like we were moving as we virtually sped through the countryside and came to a stop where the airship supposedly resides.

We exited and got in line to enter the next room, which held the massive, 50-foot spherical screen. I didn’t know that yet though. While waiting, we got some safety instructions from Mr. Wilder and his daughter, which were quite the characters. They seemed a little unprepared for this journey, which was all part of the fun.

Then we were off and entered the ride. And that’s where it got exciting.

Soaring Over America

Once we got situated into our seats, buckles buckled and checked, and bags underneath our seats, it was time to get flying.

As soon as the show started, our seats moved straight up and our feet were dangling in the air, ready to fly. The screen looks like we are going through some big tube and then we’re off high in the sky above Chimney Rock (I was so excited to see such a familiar spot) soaring like the peregrine falcons. It was such a cool sensation.

Next, we took flight along the Blue Ridge Parkway, over the geyser in Yellowstone, glaciers in Alaska, and above the massive Grand Canyon.

Skyfly Soar America — SkyFly: Soar America

We flew over Niagara Falls and even got sprayed with real water and felt the wind. Then it was on to the Grand Tetons, over the beauty of Hawaii, through the Sequoia National Forest, and of course, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We flew low over the flat waters of the Everglades and up high to get a glimpse of the presidents carved into Mt. Rushmore.

It was so cool and you really do feel like you’re flying. The seats move around as you fly so the experience is totally immersive.

The movie is six minutes long but I could have done it at least a couple more times, which you can actually do for a greatly reduced price once you’re done with the first ride.

How in the world did this movie get made? That’s what I kept thinking. SkyFly says that they used drones and helicopters to film it and that there is nothing else like it in the world.

Experiencing SkyFly for Yourself

SkyFly: Soar America is located on the Island at Pigeon Forge and is open Sunday – Thursday from 10 am – 9 pm and Friday and Saturday from 10 am – 10 pm.

Our total time at SkyFly was around 30 minutes but if you have to wait in line, it could be longer. SkyFly says to allow 30-60 minutes once you enter the queue.

Guests must be 40″ to ride and guests between 40” and 55” must be accompanied by an adult. Guests taller than 76″ are not permitted on the ride. If you have a child shorter than 40”, you can watch the movie in an alternative viewing room while your partner rides the ride and then you can switch out. They do tell you that if you have a fear of heights, you may not like the ride and you can watch the movie in an alternative viewing room. I’m not a big fan of heights or flying but had no issues with the ride. I thought it was awesome.

Also, if you’re a pregnant mom, SkyFly does not allow you to ride. SkyFly is fully ADA-accessible and can accommodate. If you have other questions, there is a great SkyFly FAQ section on their website.

Tickets to SkyFLy can be purchased online or in person. During peak hours and seasons, which is pretty much all year except January and early February, they advise you to purchase tickets ahead of time. Adult tickets are $22.99 and kids ages 11 and under are $17.99.

SkyFly: Soar America Website
131 The Island Drive, Suite 1000, Pigeon Forge, TN

Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg Family Guide

Are you looking for more fun things to do in Pigeon Forge, TN? Check out our Kidding Around Guide to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN!

Plan Your Perfect Staycation at the Embassy Suites Greenville, SC with an Indoor Pool, Happy Hour, and Amazing Breakfast

Looking to get away with your family but not actually leave Greenville, SC? Look no further than the Embassy Suites Greenville Golf Resort. It’s the perfect overnight staycation for families.

Thank you to the Embassy Suites for hosting us.

Sometimes it’s nice to take a break from your normal, everyday routine with your family and try something new without traveling far. The Embassy Suites Greenville Golf Resort in Greenville is just the place to go for family relaxation and fun without the gas expense!

Every Room is a Suite

As you may have guessed by its name, every room at the Embassy Suites is literally a suite. There is a bedroom with a door that closes and an adjacent living space.

Each has their own televisions, desk and lights. The main bedroom has either two beds or one king and the living space has a pullout couch for sleeping. I really think this is such a great setup for families because it gives everyone their own space to relax at night, especially for the adults who often put their kids to bed before they are able to turn in for the night.

Embassy Suites room — Sleeping area of our room

You can also watch two different shows due to the multiple TVs if you want. There are movies to rent as well if you want to go that route.

Indoor Pool

We can’t talk about Embassy Suites without discussing the indoor pool. This particular Embassy Suites location has both an indoor and outdoor pool but when we were there during the cooler months, only the indoor pool was open, which was perfection.

The pool has late hours and is honestly such a fun place to hang out together, especially if you’ve got kids who love the water. While I personally love swimming, I’d rather read a book at a hotel pool while my kids enjoy swimming – and this pool is perfect for that. They have plenty of seating in a nice, warm space.

Indoor pool at Embassy Suites — The indoor pool at Embassy Suites

And really, isn’t swimming the best way to wind down for bed and really tire out the kids?

There’s also a great little fitness room with cardio machines and weights. It’s 18+ only so I wasn’t able to use it since I had my kids with me but it looked sufficient for a good workout.

Happy Hour and Snacks

One of the best parts about staying at Embassy Suites is their free happy hour and snacks in the evening.

You get a little card when you check in that gives you two free drinks each night you are there. It’s awesome. I got a glass of wine and my kids got Shirley Temples and we toasted to a fun time together, of course.

Then onto the snack bar. If you have kids, you know nothing motivates them like snacks. They have a snack bar with pretzels and cheese and crackers and other goodies. I liked that it wasn’t all junk foods.

snacks at the Embassy Suites — Snack time

Once we got snacks and drinks, we headed outside to the comfortable seats lining the gas fire pit. It was a pleasant evening and a nice time to hang out before dinner.

The amount of free things they have at Embassy Suites Golf Resort is seriously awesome. It’s not only great for your budget but takes the stress out of finding things to do and where to hang out. The hotel provides it all!

Amazing Breakfast

If there’s one thing you may already know about Embassy Suites is that they have an amazing hot breakfast every morning that is included in your stay.

Every Embassy Suites I’ve stayed at always has the best breakfasts and this one here in Greenville was even better. They had so many options: oatmeal, pancakes, bacon, eggs, made-to-order omelets, lots of coffee, juice, tea, and fruit.

The lobby area in the center of the hotel is huge and filled with plenty of seats and tables, perfect for enjoying a leisurely and filling breakfast.

Honest Mom Review

My daughters and I really enjoyed this hotel for its indoor pool and snacks and drinks at happy hour. Plus, the breakfast was a huge hit. My kids love good food and it was plentiful here. The hotel also has one of those cool glass elevators so my daughters were highly entertained every time we used it. Ah, the small things.

The room was also comfortable and spacious and honestly, you cannot beat the indoor pool. Plus, the hotel is literally ten minutes from my house so it was such fun to have a getaway but without the long drive.

Embassy Suites outdoor space — Outdoor fire pit

I also have to give the staff a shout out. From the check-in desk person to the breakfast chef to the servers at the bar and restaurant, every single person we met that worked at the hotel was kind and considerate and helpful.

I’d highly recommend this hotel if you’re looking for something fun to enjoy with your family locally.

Embassy Suites Golf Resort and Conference Center
670 Verdae Boulevard, Greenville, SC | 864.676.9090
Embassy Suites Gof Resort Website

Things to do on a staycation, Greenville, SC.

Want more staycation ideas? We have a bunch in our Greenville Summer Staycation guide!

Walk Half A Mile Deep Inside a Mountain at Linville Caverns

Does cave exploring sound like a fun adventure? Linville Caverns in North Carolina is one of only a small number of deep caves where the public can explore within a few hours’ drive of Greenville. Kidding Around contributor Kristina explored it with her kids and tells us all about the unique experience.

Kidding Around's Travel Guide to North Carolina

Are you looking for more fun places to travel in North Carolina? Check out our Kidding Around Guide to Travel In North Carolina!

“So you’re standing half a mile straight down from the top of the mountain and about 700 feet inside,” said our tour guide at Linville Caverns. Is it bad my first thoughts were of Lord of the Rings when Frodo and Gandalf and their comrades venture inside the mountain where dwarfs used to live? While nowhere near as cavernous as that particular movie portrayed the inside of a mountain, Linville Caverns is fascinating, interesting, and a tad creepy. So definitely take your family.

About Linville Caverns

The caverns were discovered in the early 1900s when a fisherman noted fish were coming from inside a mountain. He followed the water and found a huge, three-story limestone cavern. The caverns were opened to public in 1937 and have remained a favored destination in Western North Carolina ever since.

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Author Archive

Massive Book Warehouse near Greenville, SC is Heaven for Book Lovers

About the Book Warehouse Outlet

Navigating the Warehouse

Tips on Shopping the Book Warehouse Sale

The Next Book Warehouse Sale

Explore an Otherworldly Island near Charleston, SC: Boneyard Beach

Homeschool Skate at Roller Sports in Taylors, SC is the Jam

Gems & Dinos: Bob Campbell Geology Museum in Clemson, SC

Split Creek Farm: Learn all about goats – and even play with them – During a goat farm tour in Anderson, SC