Ever get so busy you don’t have time to cook? Farm Fresh Fast wants to be there when those days hit, as a quick but healthy (and tasty) meal option. Kidding Around Greenville contributor and local mom, Kristina Hernandez visited Farm Fresh Fast and now she’s telling you just what to expect. File it away in the back of your brain, because you know that “too busy to cook” day is coming soon!
Farm Fresh Fast closed their Church Street location but they still have their amazing food available at their Simpsonville location.
“Here are the duck eggs,” said Daniel Leyman of Lilac Acres Farmstead. He walked into Farm Fresh Fast when I did and was presenting the large eggs to Jonathan Willis, who owns the popular restaurant. Jonathan had found Daniel right before he opened Farm Fresh Fast and was buying the eggs to use for duck omelets.
When Jonathan talked about working with small farmers to source local ingredients for the new fast-food farm-to-table restaurant, he wasn’t joking. Daniel’s farm consists of two acres at his home in a subdivision in Taylors that houses some ducks, chickens, goats, and pigs on his property. So far, Jonathan has found 15 local farmers and works closely with them to ensure he gets the best possible ingredients. We can’t all go looking for great ingredients at local farms but we can eat them at Farm Fresh Fast.
The concept behind Farm Fresh Fast
Jonathan Willis created a meal planning and delivery service in January 2016 in Greenville that catered to busy families and professionals. As a certified nutritionist and trainer, he had the knowledge to create healthy and tasty food and saw a market in Greenville that would embrace it. And they did.
He accomplished his two-year plan in only eight months and was ready to expand the business to the next level: a fast food restaurant with the convenience of a pickup window and the taste and food straight from the farm.
Healthy and fast food are pretty much never mentioned in the same sentence and Jonathan set out to change that. He also knew that charging high prices for good food wasn’t the way to go and attract a base of customers that would regularly be able to enjoy the restaurant.
With the immense help of his then-fiancée Kaylee Gonzalez, who loves creating healthy alternatives and is a fitness buff herself, he set out to do what no one in the Greenville area has done: start a healthy, true farm-to-table fast food restaurant.
The Food at Farm Fresh Fast
Farm Fresh Fast sources 80% of its ingredients from local farmers and their goal is 90%. If tomatoes aren’t in season, they aren’t serving them. When lettuce is in season, the restaurant will have a killer salad in the works.
Jonathan started planning his menu back in the fall and worked with local farmers to start planting then so that he can have what he wants now – spaghetti squash, zucchini, and cauliflower.
A West Virginia native, Jonathan’s own background shines through in the Almost Heaven Fat-Free Cheddar-Stuffed Burger, which uses lean ground beef and pork ($14.99). The bun is made by Upcountry Provisions in Travelers Rest (which my oldest child devoured before I could get to it) and gluten-free options are available. The Seasonal Stir-Fry is another highlight, using only local vegetables to create a satisfying meal ($15.49).
The meals are portion-sized yet filling. After having the Almost Heaven burger, I didn’t feel awful or too full. It was a perfectly sized dish with really good ingredients. Oh, and it was fast too – our meal was out in about 10 minutes.
Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are all available and thoughtfully cooked and prepared.
“What you think about fast food – I want to flip it on its head,” said Jonathan. “Often you order something at a fast food place and don’t expect it to be right. You expect it to be mediocre. We want to be different, efficient, and we want people coming back for more. We are setting high standards for farm-to-table food.”
Vegan Options Are Super Popular
Since it’s opening, Farm Fresh Fast has created a “No Kill Menu”, featuring and Greek Pita Wrap and Buffalo “Chicken” Wrap.
Willis has taken steps to work specifically with the Greenville vegan community, attracting the attention of local news even for his creative menu options that even meat lovers enjoy and that the vegan community are happy to support.
Farm Fresh Fast is food for the whole family
I needed to ask Jonathan the question “will kids like the food?” He answers with a resounding ‘yes’!
Jonathan and Kaylee reiterate that the restaurant is kid-friendly and the pick-up window is especially geared towards busy parents just trying to get their kids something healthy to eat and to do it quickly.
My kids really loved the chicken and my youngest pointed to the cauliflower in the open kitchen, wanting to try it (she ate it all and took some to-go). The restaurant felt homey and welcoming.
“I want to show people what food is supposed to taste like,” she said.
The menu has a rotating list of 20 grab-and-go items available for sale at the counter and at the pick-up window, including Hickory BBQ Pizza, General Tso’s Chicken over Rice, Chicken and Whole Wheat Waffles, Southwest Burrito Bowl, Turkey Chili, and the Spicy Chicken Wrap.
The Farm Fresh Fast vibe
The vibe at Farm Fresh Fast is just really cool – the décor is well-thought out, featuring tons of reclaimed wood (that Jonathan went and picked up himself from old barns in the area), hand-laid concrete counters, and lots of repurposed farm items.
There is an abundance of natural light and guests can get an up-close look at the way everything is prepared because the kitchen is entirely open to the dining room through the bar area.
The restaurant is aiming high.
“We want to be a company of the community,” explains Jonathan.
“It’s all about the fiscal eco-system – by eating here and eating local food where we purchase from area farmers, it’s a cycle that benefits the local economy. No one is doing this on a fast food scale.”
And consumers are ready for this. Nationally, mom and pop restaurants are growing faster than chain restaurants. Bloomberg reports that some big-time restaurant chains are shutting down and Americans want something that feels more like home: “Large chains seem rooted in the American experience. But times, and tastes, are changing. Customers these days believe locals have better food, service, deals and even decor, the Pentallect report said.”
Greenville is a good example of this trend as innovative, creative spots are popping up all around town, seeking to make eating out a community experience, which is exactly what Farm Fresh Fast is aiming for.
Plan your visit to Farm Fresh Fast
Farm Fresh Fast is open from Mondays-Thursdays 11 am – 8 pm and Saturdays 11 am – 3 pm.
Farm Fresh Fast 109 SE Main St, Simpsonville, SC 864-764-9241
Have you ever visited a farm to table fast food restaurant?
Looking for indoor things to do on Hilton Head Island?
If you are planning a visit to Hilton Head, indoor activities may not have been on your to-do list. But, when it’s too hot or rainy, having a backup to the beach is always a good idea.
Here’s a list of things to do indoors from KAG’s Kristina Hernandez.
When it rains, it pours on Hilton Head Island. The island usually has pretty good weather because of the Gulf Stream just outside the island that pushes storms off it inland. But other times, well, you need to find entertainment indoors because the downpours are pretty epic and there’s no way to enjoy anything outside.
But there are quite a few fun Hilton Head indoor activities and things to do if you’re on vacation and it’s raining. From painting your own pottery to playing skeeball and bowling to visiting free museums and learning about the local environment, this list has you covered!
Adventure Cove Arcade
During your vacation to Hilton Head, indoor activities are inevitable for a least some of the day. Arcades are the fix! While Adventure Cove has two great mini-golf courses, they also have a fantastic indoor arcade that has tons of games, including my favorite: skeeball! I may have sneakily grabbed a few tokens from my kids to play that game.
We were lucky and won 500 tickets on one of the games so my kids were thrilled when they got to choose two little unicorns from the prize table. We only planned on spending maybe an hour here but ended up leaving after almost three hours because it was so much fun!
18 Folly Field Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 843.842.9990
The Sandbox Children’s Museum
My kids (ages 8 and 5) absolutely loved this hands-on children’s museum right in the heart of the island. Everything about The Sandbox invites children to use their imaginations and play freely. With two floors of more than 11 hands-on exhibits, plan to spend at least a couple hours here, perfect for a rainy day. They also have free family fun nights in the spring, fall, and winter and Parents Night Out during the summer months.
I visited the Coastal Discovery Museum at the end of our trip but I’d recommend visiting instead at the beginning because you can learn all about the local ecosystem and what you will be seeing on the island. They have a kid’s room with an adorable replica of a loggerhead turtle nest plus books, educational toys, and fish tanks.
There is an enclosed butterfly garden that is freestanding and you can see the cocoons of various species of butterflies. There is a beautiful walking path that goes into the adjoining marsh, lined with oak trees and Spanish moss. Admission is free but they have several tours and events, like a Meet the Critters for kids, that do have fees associated.
70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island 843.689.6767
Kazoobie Kazoos
This is off HHI but nearby and a fun experience as it’s the only kazoo factory that imprints kazoos (like for companies, events, fundraisers) and one of only two in the entire country. They make around 5,000 kazoos per day!
You can take a tour of the factory and then make your own kazoo. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the instrument that dates before the First World War. The tour is really neat – they show you all kinds of different kazoos and whistles (my kids loved this part) and a short video about the history of kazoos. Then you get to see the inside of the small factory and then, of course, make your own kazoo.
12, 4290, John Galt Rd, Beaufort $14.50/adult, $11.50/kids, ages 3 and under are free Tours are Monday-Friday 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, and 2 pm
Port Royal Sound Foundation Maritime Aquarium
You could do this place and Kazoobie Kazoos on one rainy day as they aren’t far from each other. The Port Royal Sound Foundation Maritime Aquarium is totally free and sits on the Port Royal Sound and features all kinds of fish, baby alligators, turtles, and a vast amount of really neat history behind the surrounding waters. It’s not that big, which is great for the smaller kids, but is packed with interesting exhibits and a little area where kids can color.
310 Okatie Hwy, Okatie Open Tuesday-Friday 10 am – 5 pm Saturday 10 am-4 pm Free & Wheelchair Accessible
Station 300
Located in Bluffton, just outside HHI, Station 300 is a bowling alley with an arcade and restaurant. If you visit on a rainy day during the summer, don’t forget to sign up for Kids Bowl Free beforehand as they are a participating bowling alley!
25 Innovation Drive, Bluffton 843.815.2695
More Indoor Things to Do on Hilton Head Island
Art Cafe & Rockfish
Right above Rockfish restaurant, the Art Cafe offers paint-your-own pottery in a laid-back, colorful setting. They welcome walk-ins (though reservations are recommended during busy seasons), and it’s great for all ages. Bonus: grab lunch at Rockfish downstairs afterward.
📍 5 Lagoon Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 🎨 Pottery prices vary; studio fee applies
The Art Café & Wine Bar
Not just for kids — adults can also enjoy paint nights with wine, making this a fun date-night or girls’ night option if you’re traveling with extended family or have access to a sitter.
📍 5 Lagoon Road, Hilton Head Island 🍷 21+ for evening events
Hilton Head Escape Room
Older kids and teens will love solving puzzles and working together in this family-friendly escape room experience. Choose from different themed rooms, and plan ahead — they book up fast on rainy days.
This cozy, locally-owned movie theater is perfect for a low-key break. They show first-run films and have a full bar and café, plus a therapy dog that sometimes greets guests!
📍 33 Office Park Road, Hilton Head 🍿 Comfy seating and great snacks 🐶 Yes, really—a dog! Park Plaza Cinema Website
Hilton Head Library
The Hilton Head Branch of Beaufort County Library is a surprisingly fun stop. They offer storytimes, craft days, and free kids’ activities (especially in summer). Cool off, check out a few books, and let the kids explore.
📍 11 Beach City Road, Hilton Head 💰 Free 👶 Great for little ones and preschoolers
Bonus Nearby Option: Heyward House Historic Center (Bluffton)
If you want to sneak in a little education with your rainy-day fun, head over to Bluffton to explore this 1800s-era home and museum. They sometimes offer hands-on programs or scavenger hunts.
📍 70 Boundary St, Bluffton 📞 843.757.6293 💰 Small admission fee or donation Heyward House Website
7th annual Rising Above Cancer hot air balloon festival and Celebrate Anderson to take place in Anderson, SC over Labor Day Weekend – and it’s free!
There’s certainly something magical about a giant balloon floating peacefully in the vast air, without care and just being beautiful. You can see those and tons more at the Hot Air Affair: Rising Above Cancer Anderson hot air balloon festival on Labor Day Weekend 2025. The festival is only about 40 minutes from Greenville, SC.
Plus, on Sunday evening, Celebrate Anderson is also bringing a huge, FREE concert with Kool & The Gang to the stage, plus fireworks!
These are both happening at the same time, but some things are different, like the kids’ zone areas, so read on.
Celebrate Anderson is happening Sunday Night, while Hot Air Affair is going on!
If you want to go see the balloons and read anything from this story, let it be this: the balloons only fly in the morning and evenings and only when the weather is favorable. If you go at Noon and expect see hot air balloons, you’ll be disappointed. The full schedule is below.
If you read anything about the concerts and remember one thing, let it be this: the concert with Celebrate Anderson is free but you need a ticket, which you can get here.
There is no entry fee for either event, no tickets required for the kids’ zone (except for one activity at the Hot Air Balloon festival), no admission for the live music and all the fun. If you want to get up in the air, you can purchase a hot air balloon ride if the weather is favorable. Keep reading for that info.
About the Hot Air Balloon Festival: Anderson, SC
This festival is the largest hot air balloon festival in the Upstate and more than 30,000 people are expected to attend. It will be held at the Anderson Sports & Entertainment Center and includes three days of family-friendly fun.
The Cancer Association of Anderson is a very small nonprofit in Anderson that supports local cancer patients. They raise all their funds by themselves so this is an important event to raise awareness for the organization and provide funds for them to do their important work.
They use their funds to lessen the burden on Anderson County residents who are battling cancer by providing financial, physical, and emotional assistance.
I talked to Angie Stringer, who works for the Cancer Association of Anderson and is the event director, about how the festival was conceived. She was a cancer patient herself when she worked for Anderson County about ten years ago and had just come out of chemotherapy feeling beat up and exhausted.
“I went outside and saw a hot air balloon floating in the air. It was then that I came up with the idea of ‘Rising Above Cancer.’”
That was seven years ago and Angie is in remission. She still adores hot air balloons.
Festival Schedule, Hot Air Affair: Rising Above Cancer Event
The festival runs from Friday, August 29th, 2025 to Monday, September 1st, 2025. Here’s the schedule:
Cancer Association of Anderson’s 2025 Hot Air Affair: Rising Above Cancer
Monday, September 1, 2025 7 AM – 8:30 AM: Balloon Flights
In previous years, The Kids Zone at the balloon festival had activities like a free petting zoo with face painting, face painting ($), a trackless train ($5/ticket), the Creation Station that is geared more towards special needs children but open to all kids, the Anderson City Fire Safety House, princesses and superheroes, a dunk tank that will be there during limited hours ($), ball toss, plinko games, cornhole, and other outdoor games. Details about the Kids Zone have not been released for 2025, but we expect something very similar.
There are flights and tethers from 6-8 pm and the balloons do a Glow, which is basically lighting up the balloons from the inside using the propane. It looks so neat!
Guests are welcome to come to the festival up to an hour before the balloons are supposed to take place to see the inflation process. This happens in the field across from where all the vendors are located. There will also be some special ballooning competitions happening.
Food and vendors will be there every day of the event. The full schedule is available on the festival’s website.
About Celebrate Anderson
This festival has been going on for over 26 years and has been a community event to celebrate the city of Anderson.
I took my daughters to see Martina McBride a couple of years ago at the Celebrate Anderson event, and it was fantastic! We all love country music, and I grew up on 90s country, so seeing her was really special.
For 2025, there will be one giant disco on Sunday night with Kool & The Gang! Plus, we are working with Celebrate Anderson to give away an awesome prize pack. Enter here. Tickets are free, but you have to reserve them online. There are two types of tickets: standing room only where you cannot bring chairs and lawn tickets where chairs are allowed. Gates open both nights at 5:30 pm. And big news: fireworks close out both shows!
Plus, new in 2025, is a full sunday of fun with Jeep Extravaganza during the day from 10 am – 5 pm, with over 300 Jeeps, prizes, and fun. All benefiting the Area 14 Anderson County SC Special Olympics.
William Floyd Amphitheater in Anderson | Photo courtesy of Celebrate Anderson
Information TBD for 2025: The Kids Zone at Celebrate Anderson. It will be held on the grand lawn of the Civic Center and will feature a carousel, rock climbing wall, swings, spinning tubs, choppers, and a rapid slide all provided by TCS Amusements. All of the rides and parking are free!
They will also have multiple food trucks at the concerts, where you can get food and drinks all evening. No outside food or beverage is allowed, and no backpacks or small bags are allowed either. The venue is also cashless.
Booking Your Own Balloon Ride
There will be opportunities, depending on the weather, to ride in a hot air balloon. They are being offered apart from the festival due to insurance, but at the same location.
We do list the pilots that will give rides. It’s around $300/per passenger, and the flights are about an hour. About a dozen pilots will be doing flights, and money is paid directly to them. The Hot Air Affair Facebook usually lists pilots doing flights a couple of weeks before the event. Their contact information is on there.
There will also be tethered rides. Those rides are around $25/person. These rides will happen only in the morning and evening and will be sold at the informational tent for the festival. Additionally, balloons will only fly in the mornings and evenings, depending on the weather, generally between 6-8 am and 6-8 pm.
What It’s Like to Ride in a Hot Air Balloon
Last year, we rode in the Discovery with pilot Derrick, and it was incredible! I am scared of flying normally and was terrified right when we took off and saw the ground get smaller and smaller pretty fast, but once we were floating, it was really peaceful and fun. I felt totally safe, and my kids absolutely loved it.
The weather was so perfect, and we got to see for miles out to the mountains and Lake Hartwell. The thing about balloons is that you can’t steer them, and they go with the wind, which means you won’t be landing where you took off from. Each balloon has its own chaser car that follows the balloon in the air and then goes to retrieve it (and the passengers) when it lands.
So where do the balloons land? Anywhere they can that is safe. We were looking for a flat, grassy area away from powerlines and livestock, and ended up landing in a lady’s yard. She was really nice and let the pilot and his team get the balloon taken down and all packed back up in the giant bag, and we headed back to the festival. It was the coolest thing!
If you want to book your own flight, see this list. You have to contact the pilots directly to arrange flights. Derrick has been flying in a hot air balloon since he was two years old, and his dad runs Carolina Balloon Fantasies out of Easley. You can book a flight with him. This would be an incredible date night or birthday gift!
Tips on Enjoying the Festivals
As always, be prepared ahead for the festival by reading over these few short rules:
Please no outside food or drinks.
Well-behaved pets on leash are welcome, and owners must clean up after them.
Blankets and chairs are welcome at the Hot Air Balloon Festival and only at the concerts if you have a lawn ticket.
The festival will happen rain or shine, but safety always comes first with balloon rides, and they are completely weather dependent. Basically, don’t promise your kids that they’ll be able to ride in a balloon or see them in flight. If bad weather moves in, you’ll only have tantrums to deal with, and well, that’s no fun. Make it a surprise!
Did you know there’s a ranch in Greenville County with over 35 bison roaming the beautiful foothills? It’s called Big Balls Ranch and you’ll love meeting the bison and the family who runs it! Thanks to BBR for the opportunity to take a tour and learn so much about bison.
Big Balls Ranch has it all: mountain views, bison, the opportunity to get pretty close to these wild creatures, and awesome t-shirts. If you’ve ever wanted to learn about America’s national mammal, this is the place. In fact, it’s the only bison ranch in Greenville County and the largest in South Carolina.
Getting close to the bison at Big Balls Ranch
About Big Balls Ranch
BBR was started by Brent and Robin, who bought the land in northern Greenville County to essentially have a family compound. They have two grown daughters and wanted everyone to be near each other.
But then they went to Yellowstone and were fascinated by the bison herds. Brent especially fell in love with the majestic, wild creatures and set out to learn all about them. Like a kid obsessed with trains or LEGOs, Brent soaked up all the knowledge he could about bison and he and his family volunteered on a small ranch in South Carolina to learn firsthand about how to care for the massive animals.
The family had two years under their belt of caring for bison on that ranch before they brought buffalo onto their land. BBR has a thriving herd of 38 bison, including the new herd of five buffalo that was just last month.
The new buffalo herd
Private tours are a brand new endeavor because the family wants to share their love of bison and help supplement the enormous expense of caring for the herd. Everyone in the family has day jobs but besides being related, they have this common thread of a love of bison and the desire to educate others about the cool animals.
Why Big Balls Ranch?
The name of the ranch certainly elicits a second glance and maybe a raised eyebrow or two. Definitely a laugh. The acronym BBR is actually the initials of Brent and Robin. It’s also a hat tip to Robin’s love of decorating and using all kinds of balls to make things pretty.
Additionally, bison are huge animals, most weighing over a thousand pounds. They can move fast, jump over a six-foot fence, and take out any tourists who try to pet the fluffy cows at national parks. To purposely take up the task of raising bison, caring for them, and getting pretty close to them takes some nerve and heck of a lot of courage and brass. The ranch is aptly named.
Learning about Bison at Big Balls Ranch
I’ve had the pleasure of staying at a bison ranch in North Carolina and learning a bit about these magnificent creatures. But getting a tour from Brent is a whole other level of education.
The man knows bison. He’s like the ChaptGPT of bison. Ask a question and he knows the answer. And he’s going to tell you everything else you didn’t ask because it’s that cool.
The wagon ride at Big Balls Ranch
I’m pretty good at remembering information when I go on tours and write stories. But I thought my head was going to explode at the amount of bison knowledge I was thrown in the 20-minute introduction to the farm and the bison herd. We learned all about the history of the bison and how they were nearly driven to extinction during the mid to late 1800s when the animals were desired for their hides. It was only due to the efforts of private citizens who were determined to save the species and therefore created ranches to raise the animals.
In 2016, bison became America’s national mammal. Today, there are just under 400,000 bison on private ranches and about 31,000 on federally managed land and national parks. But bison did roam all across North America at one time. They were especially important to Native American tribes.
Once Brent unloaded a significant amount of bison knowledge on us, we headed out to the pastures to see the animals up close.
Big Balls Ranch Bison Tour
Big Balls Ranch offers two options for private tours: a wagon that can seat up to 12 people and air-conditioned UTVs that seat up to four. We took the open air wagon, which is pulled by a massive tractor, into the pasture with the larger herd. I wasn’t sure how close we were going to get to the bison but I wasn’t disappointed.
Brent told us that bison are curious animals and the herd he has is very docile. It’s not like we were going to be walking amongst the buffalo but Brent did tell us he has worked closely with the herd for years and they know him. One came right up to him to lick his glove and others came pretty close to the wagon, maybe 10 feet away.
Buffalo at Big Balls Ranch
We saw lots of the baby bison with their moms, which was adorable. We learned that the cows are pregnant for nine-and-a-half months and the births are usually uneventful. The other cool thing about the herds is that they are a matriarchal society. There is one alpha female yet the only thing Brent didn’t know was how she’s picked by the other herd members. That’s it – he knew everything else.
The male bison that fathered all the babies is appropriately named Big Boy. He’s over two thousand pounds and yes, he was huge. I was wondering if the ranch was named after him (it’s not).
The bison peacefully passed us and continued to graze. It was super cool to see them this close.
The Land at Big Balls Ranch
Seeing the bison is really neat and learning about their history and how the herds operate was truly enjoyable. However, the land has to be mentioned here because it’s just God’s country out there. It’s stunningly beautiful.
The ranch is on more than 100 acres and very close to Table Rock and Jones Gap. In fact, one of the views you’ll see is facing Jones Gap. The mountains surround the pastures and since the tours are in the evenings during the golden hour before sunset, the light that hits the mountain peaks, trees, and bison themselves is breathtaking. As a photographer, I couldn’t take enough photos of this place.
Views at the bison ranch
The way that the family moves the herd around to different pastures is sustainable and healthy. They want the bison to graze naturally and have taken an approach to caring for the herd that is as natural as possible. They let the bison roam in large pastures and move them around as needed to let the grass grow again and prevent erosion. The herd is sometimes fed hay but they are mostly grassfed – this is a big reason why the meat the ranch sells is so delicious. You may have seen Big Balls Ranch at some of our local farmers markets since that’s one place they sell the meat.
Honest Mom Review
While having been on a bison ranch before, I had an idea of what to expect at Big Balls Ranch but I was surprised by a lot of the elements. I certainly didn’t expect to learn so much about the animals. And I did not expect to be completely enamoured by the ranch itself and the natural beauty that surrounds it.
My favorite part was getting to see the animals up close. I have a healthy respect for bison and the fact that they are indeed wild, and enormously powerful, animals so it was amazing to see them so close and having Brent there to explain why we are able to get that near to them.
The whole experience of learning about the bison, enjoying the stunning land, and getting to see how one family has chased their dreams was just so cool. And to know that it’s all part of Greenville County was even more amazing.
We had fun!
Booking Your Own Tour
Tours are in the evenings on weekends at Big Balls Ranch and you can easily book them online. Tours last approximately 90 minutes and they are a minimum of $100 for three people (not $100/person but $100 for three people). For each person after the initial three, it is $25 per additional adult and $15/ages 3-12. Under three is free.
While the ranch doesn’t have specific field trips or homeschool days yet, they are open to working with groups to create those kinds of tours so reach out if you’re interested.
Included in the tour is a reel that they will make for you!
You can also purchase Big Balls Ranch t-shirts (imagine all the fun places you can wear that to) and bison meat raised right there at the ranch.
Have you visited Grandad’s Apples? Fall is just around the corner, and your family might be hunting for the perfect apple orchard! We checked out Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such and had so much fun. You’ll find activities for kids at Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such, with beautiful views, and, of course, apples.
U-PICK: U-pick is open. Grandad’s asked that you follow their Facebook page for the latest updates.
Hendersonville, North Carolina is known for its delicious apples and it’s easy to see why on the drive up to Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such. There are a handful of orchards within a few-mile radius and several farm stands all selling the delicious fruit. On my quest to find the perfect apple orchard experience, I headed on over to Grandad’s, which I heard was pretty awesome.
Searching for mini golf birthday parties near you? Do you want to have a birthday party at McPherson Park in downtown Greenville at the mini-golf course but don’t have putters or balls? Now you can rent them!
We love ideas for inexpensive birthday parties and McPherson Park has always been on that cheap birthday party list for it’s free mini-golf course. But you did need to provide your own putters and balls if you wanted to have a birthday party there – until now.
For a truly relaxing resort right on the ocean with lots to do for families, couples, or groups of friends, Kingston Resorts in Myrtle Beach is the perfect choice. Once you park your car and check in, you won’t need to go anywhere for entertainment, food, and relaxation!
Thank you to Kingston Resorts for hosting us so we could write this review.
View from our room at the Embassy suites
Rooms at the Embassy Suites
This hotel is perfect for families especially because every room is spacious and the bedroom is in a separate space from the living area. There are several options for sleeping and they all have a bedroom and a pullout couch in the living space for more sleeping quarters.
There’s a mini-fridge, microwave, table and chairs, a big bathroom, and all the rooms here have big balconies that have full or partial ocean views. We got a partial ocean view that overlooked the pool space. Partial ocean view isn’t accurate – the view of the beach was huge. We could see far down to the pier. It was beautiful!
Included Perks at the Embassy Suites
Having stayed at several Embassy Suites in the past, my kids always remember the breakfast and are thrilled whenever we get the chance to stay at another one of the properties. The breakfast here is amazing. They have so many delicious offerings, both hot and cold, plus made-to-omelets.
We had eggs, bacon, waffles, yogurt, fresh fruit, cereal, grits, and oatmeal. The line was long for the omelets so we didn’t indulge there but they looked good! We had coffee and juice as well and the best part was eating at a table that overlooked the beach. It was beautiful. This is included with your room, which is a big cost savings when you travel. I love the perk of free breakfasts.
Main Pool at Embassy Suites
Also included every night is the happy hour at the bar area, which includes two alcoholic drinks for adults, mixed non-alcoholic drinks like Shirley Temple’s, and a snack bar with veggies, tortilla chips, dip, and other snacks.
The Pools and Waterpark
When you stay at the Embassy Suites, you have access to all the pools at the property plus the sister Hilton property, which includes a beautiful lagoon pool with a sandy bottom and small waterfall.
The big waterpark at the Embassy Suites is by far the largest area for swimming in freshwater. The main pool is enormous. There are a lot of reclining chairs and umbrellas here but they do get scooped up so if you plan to be at the main pool and waterpark all day, I suggest getting there within the first hour they open, between 8-9am.
Waterpark at Embassy Suites
The waterpark at the Embassy Suites also has two big waterslides, which are super fun! My daughters and I went down them I don’t know how many times as we tried to go as fast as possible. It was so much fun. Kids must be 48” tall to ride them and will get turned away at the bottom – or top (way worse at this point so parents do your due diligence and measure your kid at the ruler at the bottom) – so be sure to check beforehand.
If the kids are too small for the big waterslides, no worries because there’s a whole other smaller water play area with four slides and a big splashy tub for them to play in. To be sure I explain everything as accurately as I can to our readers, I tested all these little slides and didn’t get stuck, so that was great. I did get massively splashed on and targeted with the water pistols though. Be forewarned!
The outdoor pool at the Embassy Suites are heated so they are open all year. The waterpark is heated as well but open on limited availability.
Cabanas
There are cabanas all around the Hilton and Embassy Suites pools. They all have TVs, comfortable couches, small tables, and reclining chairs. They are private and oh-so-relaxing.
The Embassy Suites was kind enough to give my daughters and I a cabana rental for the day we were there. I had never used one of these before and now I’m completely spoiled. It was really – like really – nice. It was so relaxing to have this space to hang out in, to have reliable shade and chairs and a comfortable area to enjoy throughout the day. When the waterpark got busy and chairs were nowhere to be found, I was really happy to have had this space.
Cabana at Embassy Suites
While you can order food from anywhere via your phone and have it delivered to your chair, servers make the rounds to the cabanas often and are there to take your order and get you whatever you need. Food doesn’t come with your cabana rental but there are plenty of options to order for delicious food and drinks. We got the hummus plate, nachos, chicken tenders, and chicken club sandwich. I also indulged in a pina colada-type drink and it was refreshing on that hot day!
The cabanas would also be great for families with smaller kids who need to nap or rest up in between playing at the waterpark.
The cabanas can be reserved when you arrive at the hotel or online ahead of time, which would be ideal for those busier summer weekends and holidays. They vary in price by date and location.
Black Drum Brewing and Currents
Black Drum Brewing is the newest addition to Kingston Resorts. It’s a beautiful restaurant with an incredibly delicious menu featuring Southern cuisine and local craft brews.
We got their huge soft pretzel because I can never refuse such an offering. It was delicious. Dinner was a kids meal of mac & cheese and fruit, Carolina Gold pulled chicken with mac & cheese and fruit, a side of mashed potatoes, and a pepperoni pizza. There are four different BBQ sauces to choose from and you need to choose the blackberry one.
Pizza at Black Drum Brewing
Everything was very good but the chicken and pizza were our favorites. Both were flavorful and the servings were huge. There were three of us and we took back leftovers to our hotel room. The place has cozy but welcoming atmosphere and while the doors weren’t open to the pool area, when they are, you’ll get a beautiful view. There’s also cornhole outside to play while you wait.
When you’re at the main pool at the Embassy Suites, you can order from Black Drum Brewing or Currents. Since we had tried Black Drum the night before, we ended up getting our lunch from Currents, which was also really good! The portions weren’t nearly as large though but the chicken tenders, nachos, and chicken club sandwiches were great. The tenders and sandwich came with a side of fruit, cole slaw, or fries. Expect to pay around $18-$20/person for either of these places.
Beachfront Location
Obviously the big draw of Kingston Resorts is its oceanfront location. You cannot get any closer to the beach than if you were laying in the sand. There are multiple beach access points so you don’t need to lug all your beach gear out of the parking lot and down a half mile boardwalk. It’s so close!
We truly enjoyed our evening beach walk right on the water to the pier. It had been storming all day and the clouds finally parted and we got to enjoy a beautiful night walking along the water and taking fun photos. I loved showing my girls the cool shots you can take under the pier and then just walking the few steps back to the hotel and up to our room. It was a terrific way to end the evening.
Having fun at the beach
If you don’t want to lug your beach equipment out to the sand, you can easily rent beach chairs and umbrellas and make your trip hassle free. The other neat thing about the resort is that the beach in front of the hotel is just for those guests. We were there on a really hot day and there was so much space out on the sand, even with lots of people there. It wasn’t crazy packed, which was really nice. And there are lifeguards stationed throughout the beach as well.
Other Experiences at Kingston Resorts
While we wish we could have stayed longer – we want to go for a week next time! – we could not do everything the resort has to offer. Actually, we probably couldn’t even do everything if we had a week here.
There is a full service spa on site. There’s a huge fitness room with classes you can enjoy while on vacation. There are mermaid experiences, tie dye shirt making, slime fun, and tons of other things to do that look like a lot of fun.
Be sure to browse the Kingston Resort website before booking your trip to make sure you see everything that’s available and don’t miss out on the cool stuff they offer.
Kiddie pool and splash area
Honest Mom Review
This was a quick trip for my daughters and I but it was truly one of our favorites. The hotel makes everything so easy – from dining to entertainment to relaxation. I didn’t have to worry about where were going to eat or what things I had to plan for the trip. It was all just there and waiting for us to enjoy.
And you cannot beat the proximity to the ocean. While I’m a hardliner mountains girl, the endless expanse of the water is exceptionally calming. I loved walking on the beach with my daughters in the evening and the views from the room were spectacular.
Lastly, the location of the resort in North Myrtle Beach is very quiet and calm. You are not in the epicenter of the loud boardwalk and entertainment, which I honestly loved. We did do a quick shopping trip on our way home at the Tanger Outlets, five minutes from the resort, but I could hardly call that loud and crazy.
I was so happy with the entire experience at the resort and hope to come back to do it again!
Searching for ‘tot times near me’? Or maybe ‘toddler times near Greenville, SC? Tot Times are awesome for little ones and their parents – kids get to play during a designated time just for them, whether it’s at a museum, bounce house, or gym. And parents know their kids are safe and enjoying the time to get out energy. We’ve rounded up the best places for Tot Times around Greenville – so pick a few and let your mini-hurricane get out some energy.
Looking for the best fried chicken in Greenville, SC? Think local. I’d much rather spend my time and money at a local restaurant and enjoy a chicken sandwich, knowing that the owners thoughtfully consider their ingredients and that my purchase goes right back into the local economy.
Greenville has a bunch of awesome places to get chicken sandwiches – and our readers told us exactly where to go. So skip the drive-thru and head to one of these local gems.
Inside: A list of petting zoos and farms near Greenville, SC where kids can play with animals
Would a fun day be an adventure with your family to a farm or petting zoo near Greenville, SC? It’s hard to resist a photo of your child petting or interacting with a cute animal at a farm or petting zoo.
I know what you are thinking, “are there any petting zoos near me?”
Yes! There are quite a few! We’ve pulled together a huge list of petting zoos and farms where you can interact with animals. These farms and petting zoos are located near Greenville, SC, in Western North Carolina, Northern Georgia, as well as in Charlotte, NC, and the Midlands. So wherever you are, find a petting zoo near you, or a farm that makes a great day trip.
Our list includes places open year-round places to pet animals, plus seasonal farms, and mobile and event-based petting zoos. We have tried to make sure these are places that treat their animals kindly and with respect as well. If we missed any, let us know in the comments.
If you’re wondering “where are farms with animals near me?” the answer is likely somewhere close by. We’ve visited lots and lots of petting zoos and farms and added them to our lists. So yes, you will probably find a petting zoo on this list near you! Use the links below to navigate this list by location.
Cuddle with cows at Moo Cow Farms in Simpsonville. Visits are by appointment only and you get a tour of the pasture with the cows and opportunities to cuddle and engage with mom-fed, hand-feed cows, and potentially help feed bottle-fed babies. Totally awesome.
In Simpsonville, SC
Hours: By appointment only; you can find the most up to date availability here.
Admission: $12/person ages 3+ and includes one treat bag. Kids under 3 years old are free.
Pet and meet bottle-fed babies at Famoda Farm. Visiting this amazingly welcoming farm is FREE. Don’t forget to purchase ice cream from Amazing Grazin’ on-site ice cream or farm-fresh treats and groceries from Grazers when you visit the farm. Spend some time playing at the playground, too.
In Taylors/Tigerville, SC
Hours: Ice Cream: Friday 4pm to 8pm and Saturday 12pm to 8pm (these are the seasonal hours for June through September), Grazers Farm Store: 10 am to 6 pm Wednesday through Friday, Saturday 9 am to 1 pm, and closed Sunday-Tuesday. Hours may change seasonally.
Admission: Farm admission is FREE
Animals: Baby goats and cows, older goats and cows, donkeys, Twinkles the sheep, bunnies
If you love unicorns, Hidden Pasture Farm is the perfect place to take your kids. Plan to spend about an hour there. Be sure to check out the pony rides, they are a true memory maker!
In Fountain Inn, SC
Hours: Open only on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 4pm.
Admission: $12/person, 2 and under FREE. Pony rides are $7 and children must be at least 2 years old to ride ponies.
An alpaca farm that also has goats and chickens. Gloria, the owner, makes hats, scarves, mittens, and blankets from the alpaca’s fleece and gives great tours on the property.
In Townville, SC
Hours: Visitors are welcome by appointment. Admission: Free, donations accepted Animals: alpacas, miniature silky fainting goats, and chickens
Birthday Parties: Yes, they host birthday and other parties with reservations
Home of Red Clay Soap, Double Blessing Farm offers events throughout the year where you can visit the farm and the animals, including baby goats! The farm makes goat milk soap, and you can also sign up for field trips, homesteading classes, learn about the dairy, soapmaking, homeschool events, and more.
This isn’t a petting zoo actually. It’s way better! It’s a llama farm on an apple orchard in Hendersonville, NC where you get to interact with llamas, hike with them, and run with them through an obstacle course.
In Hendersonville, NC
Farm tours and hikes are by appointment but follow them on their Facebook page since they’ll post about upcoming hikes/tours.
Admission: Farm tours are $30/person, Orchard Llama Treks are $70/person.
This adorable farm is beautiful and has lots of great animals you can play with like goats, donkeys, bunnies, and even emus, horses, and cows. And it’s free!
In Nebo, NC (about an hour and 15 minutes from Greenville)
The WNC Nature Center not only has wolves, red pandas, lots of reptiles, otters, and several play areas, they also have a cute little petting zoo that’s included with admission.
In Asheville, NC
Hours: Daily 10 am – 4:30 pm, closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Years Day. Admissions closes at 3:30 pm.
Perhaps the only place that allows guests to get in the field and barn with the goats to play with them. There is also hiking and touring the house.
In Flat Rock, NC
Hours: The grounds are open from sunrise to sunset and the goat barn and pasture are open daily from 10 am – 4 pm. closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.
Admission: Free to enter the estate and play with the goats.
Animals: Goats and baby goats (Spring 2024) are here!
A beautiful drive from Greenville through the mountains to Waynesville in Western, NC, this farm has alpacas and lots of miniature animals like horses, cows, and donkeys. You can feed and interact with some of the animals. Read our review here.
We have a whole list of petting zoos and farms in the Midlands on our sister site Kidding Around Columbia. For all the best petting zoos in that area, you’ll want to head there. There are some pretty awesome options!
Pet, feed, and learn about animals at Goat Daddy’s Farm. We would suggest setting aside at least 1 to 2 hours of your day in order to get the full Goat Daddy’s experience! There is so much to see and learn and even some opportunities for hands-on experiences!
In Elgin, SC
The farm is open for private tours and events ONLY (As of August 2024) from 10 am to 7pm 7 days a week.
Admission: Age 2 and under- free, All other ages the tours start at $69+/person. Prices are subject to change.
Home to many exotic animals, the North Georgia Zoo offers several different encounters with the animals for guests. Admission includes a zoo tour and access to the petting zoo but the personal animal encounters are extra fees. Be sure to look at the age requirements if you are going to book an animal encounter.
In Cleveland, GA
Hours: Open year round but only on weekends some months and during the week others. It’s best to check their online calendar.
Admission: $37.99/adults, $35.99/kids 2-11 which includes admission to the Wildlife and Safari Park; petting farm only admission is $8/adults and $6/kids. personal animal encounters range from $12 up to $450/person.
Animals: Reptiles, birds, camels, wolves, zebras, lemurs, goats, water buffalo, alligators, and monkeys.
Just outside of Charlotte, this farm has lots of animals to see and pet, plus it offers wagon rides. Please note they only accept cash.
In Mooresville, NC
Hours: Hours are Monday- Saturday from 9 am – 1 hour before sunset (please arrive by 5 pm) Sunday from Noon – 1 hour before sunset (please arrive by 5 pm).
Admission: $15/adults, $11/ages 2-11; to include the wagon ride and animal feed, tickets are $21/adults, $15/ages 2-11.
These petting zoos and farms are open on a seasonal basis such as in spring or fall.
Denver Downs
One of the very best farms in the entire Upstate and a fall favorite for so many families in the area due to its award-winning corn maze, fall farm activities kids love, pig races, live entertainment, and a little petting zoo area.
In Anderson, SC
Hours: They are open daily from late September through mid-November for fall family fun; they also host springtime events. You can find specific dates on the Denver Downs website.
Admission: Fall event admission $15/person, Spring event admission $15/person
The Roper Mountain Science Center is part of the Greenville County School System and has a planetarium, science hall, and Living History Farm. They offer animal encounters with sea creatures during special events!
In Greenville, SC
Hours: Afternoon Explorations program starts on September 12, 2024 and is available on Thursdays and Fridays from 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm *excluding days when RMSC is closed for holidays and Greenville County Schools scheduled breaks.
Hours: Summer Adventure program: June – July 2024. Check the Roper Mountain website for upcoming exhibits!
Admission: $15/adult, $14/child, kids under 3 FREE, RMSC members are free
The petting zoo is part of Tweetsie Railroad theme park near Boone, North Carolina.
In Blowing Rock, NC
Hours: Thursday-Monday from 10 am – 6 pm; Extended days and hours from May-October. Be sure to check their calendar for the latest hours of operation. The park is closed for winter, and reopens every April.
Admission: Included with admission to Tweetsie Railroad ($65/adults, $45/kids ages 3-12)
Animals: Goats, llamas, emus, miniature horses, miniature donkeys, and some fluffy sheep called an Olde English Babydoll Southdown Sheep
The family-run apple orchard is a fantastic fall destination with tons of great activities for kids – and they have a petting zoo with gentle goats and a pond where kids can feed fish (bring quarters!).
In Hendersonville, NC
Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Monday through Sunday. These hours are seasonal starting around July and ending in early November. Check their website before you go.
Admission: Free admission to the orchard. If you want to feed the animals, you can pay for a bucket but it’s free to pet them. The petting zoo is open on weekends but you can see the animals if they are out anytime.
If you’d like to plan an event like a birthday party, scout outing, or office event with animals, these places can either host you or will come to your location.
Zuber Petting Zoo
Based in Campobello, SC, Zuber Petting Zoo is a mobile-petting zoo with goats, pigs, chickens, llamas, cows, and more. 864.316.1302 | Zuber Petting Zoo Website
Safe Haven & Educational Adventures, Inc.
Safe Haven is a permanent sanctuary for exotic wildlife that have either been abandoned, abused, lost their home for some reason. They do educational programs, including birthday parties, and bring their animals to educate and be loved on. 864.246.4425 | Rescue Exotics Website
Critter Keeper
Super popular in the Upstate, the Critter Keeper “brings the jungle” to you for parties and events with reptiles and fluffy critters for kids to enjoy. 864.640.2295 | Critter Keeper Website
They have bunnies, alpacas, goats, and guinea pigs and bring all the cute animals right to you. They are located in Greenville. 864.346.6991 | Herbert and Friends Mobile Petting Zoo Facebook
Triple Lake Farm
A mobile petting zoo based in Easley, SC. They have miniature cows, goats, donkeys, and offer pony rides.
Located in Northern Georgia, Sam Path Petting Zoo has zebras, monkeys, camels, kangaroos, and all kinds of other animals perfect for a cute party. 706.717.8837 | Sam Path Petting Zoo Website
Jackson Farm: Sprinkle’s Mobile Petting Zoo
Right across the border in Western North Carolina, Jackson Farm will bring the zoo to you with their mobile petting zoo full of sweet animals like goats, unicorns, and bunnies. 828.273.9586 | Jackson Farm Sprinkle’s Mobile Petting Zoo Facebook
