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Making one-on-one time special with your kids

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Trying to make time to spend one-on-one with your kids and need some ways to make it special? KAG Contributor and mom of two girls, Kristina, has some ideas.

I think most parents can agree that time flies when their kids are growing up. Maybe not in those first months (or years) when sleep is non-existent and the constant routine of sleep-eat-poop is all kids do but certainly once parents regain consciousness and babies start not being babies anymore, they can tell time is flying.

How do you really make the most of the years you have with your kids?

I think about this a lot, for reasons I’ll tell you about shortly, and have found a few things that have strengthened my relationship with my children.



Taking my kids on dates

One-on-one time is so special with my two children, ages 11 and 7. I do a lot with them together but getting time just with each of them and myself is truly special.

To make it happen, I have to be pretty creative because it’s not easy to get that time between my husband’s schedule and my own. During his less busy times of the year, I try to give him a heads-up that I want to take my kids out just one of them and myself so he can also think about doing something with the other one. I’ll ask each of my kids what they want to do (within reason) and then plan it out. This is usually pretty simple honestly. For my one daughter over the summer, she wanted to walk around in downtown Greenville and get bubble tea so that’s what we did. It was so much fun and we got to just stroll and sit on the benches downtown and talk and go to M. Judson’s bookstore and browse the books and cute gifts.

My husband has had a tradition of taking our oldest daughter to see the Jurassic Park and Star Wars movies every year when they come out, usually over the summer. It’s something special to them that I think is really sweet and great to share together.

Vacation Dates

Sometimes finding the hour or two during regular life to take my daughters on a special date is hard but when my family goes on vacation, it’s way easier! One year we went to Hilton Head as a family and I took each of my daughters separately on a kayak and paddleboard tour in the salt marshes. It was such a blast!

Another time, I took each of them window shopping in small beach towns to get ice cream while my husband swapped out with our other kid to spend time with her. It worked out really well.

Tips for Spending Quality Individual Time With Your Child(ren)

Here are some things I’ve found helpful when spending time one-on-one with my kids and quality time with them in everyday life:

Engage them in your regular activities: I try to include my kids in as much of my regular life as possible, like helping out in the kitchen for meals, making grocery lists and shopping, planting and watering our little garden, doing our nails, and even in my own work as I let them read my stories I’ve written or ask them questions about places we go and what’s interesting about them.

Nurture their own interests: My kids’ personalities, interests, and gifts are like presents that I get to open all year long and discover new things about them. One of my daughters loves art and making things so I try to do things with her that involve those activities. My other daughter loves adventurous activities and trying new things so that’s what we do.

Listen to them: I’d say this is a really big one not just for my kids but also for any other relationship. Put your phone down, take out your earplugs, close your laptop and listen to them when they are talking to you and give them your attention. I don’t mean every time your five-year-old says “watch this!” and slides down a slide for the millionth time because that would probably drive me insane. I’m talking about when they want to show you a new drawing or when they come home from school and tell you about their day or talk about a sports game they participated in or an issue with a friend. I remember the people in my life who look me in the eye and make me feel like the only person that matters just because they listen to me. I want to be that person for my loved ones.

Get outside: I am big into hiking, camping, paddleboarding, and anything outdoors and have nurtured that same love in my kids. When we are hiking or doing something outdoors, I just find it so much easier to remove distractions and be more present with my kids. I’m not constantly checking my phone or email when we are outdoors. I feel like I’m more in tune with life, with my kids, and with myself when we are enjoying nature and this has helped us tremendously to have great conversations on the trail or just talk about whatever my kids want without distraction. Especially where we live in the Upstate, getting outside is so, so easy because of the hundreds of miles of trails we have, the pristine lakes, the beautiful waterfalls. It’s an entire world waiting to be discovered by you and your kids.

Show affection: One of my kids’ love languages (look it up – love languages are interesting) is physical touch so if I hug her or hold her hand, I can see an immediate change in her for the better. If she’s having trouble with schoolwork, I’ll sit right next to her where we are touching and nearly every time, it helps her to calm down and focus. My other daughter loves words of affirmation so I’m mindful to tell her what a great job she is doing or how beautiful her artwork looks or how entertaining her written story is. These are ways I know for sure my kids understand how much I love them and ways I can show affection that they will immediately get.

The time is gone before we know it

I said in the beginning of this post that I’d tell you my reasons for focusing so much on quality and one-on-one time with my kids. I remember the times I had with my own mom when it was just her and me and I treasure those memories and photos like my life depended on it. When I was in college, she visited me in Washington, DC and we did a dinner cruise and bike ride all around the monuments. It was such fun. We were able to spend a week together abroad also when I was in college, which was amazing. And she taught me how to cook in our family kitchen growing up and we loved watching The Food Network together and laughing over how much butter Paula Deen was using to cook bacon.

My mom died when I was in my mid-20s and – I don’t think I’m alone here in saying this – it made an enormous impression on my life. I know what quality time with people I love means. I know what time with my mom meant and I’m determined to give that same time and love to my own kids. I mess up often as a parent but I always try to come back to this road of giving my kids the time they deserve and making memories that they will take with them for the rest of their lives.

Things to Do for One-on-One Time

No matter where you live, or what your budget looks like, there are fun things you can do for special one-on-one time with your kids.

Try these ideas for quality time with individual kids:

The effort you make to carve out special moments with your kids is worth it, whether they are toddlers or teenagers.

Live near Upstate, SC? We have plenty of ideas on things to do with your kids for one-on-one dates in the Upstate.

And, we have a whole list of ideas about things to do in the Upstate, including free and very cheap things to do near Greenville.

Amazing Local Produce and Goodies: Harvest Box from Feed & Seed

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Supporting local farmers and makers while making a positive difference in the community is what Feed & Seed in Greenville, SC is all about and you can join in on the fun with their seasonal Harvest Box! 

Thank you to Feed & Seed for letting us try a couple of the summer Harvest Boxes so we could write this review. 

If you’re not familiar with a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, these are fantastic opportunities where farmers directly offer their seasonal produce to customers in weekly share boxes. I was a member of one for a couple of years when I first moved to Greenville ten years ago. The farm has since closed and I’ve missed those share boxes with a passion, so when Feed & Seed offered the opportunity to try their Harvest Box, I jumped right in. 

I had an idea of what to expect – amazing seasonal produce and some surprise vegetables I hadn’t seen before – but I wasn’t prepared for what awaited me in those boxes. 

For other places to participate in CSAs, see our guide to CSAs in the Upstate.

Feed and Seed Harvest Box
Feed and Seed Harvest Box plus the sourdough bread and peach elderberry butter

About Feed & Seed

We have a longer story about Feed & Seed that you can read but the short version is that they are a nonprofit at Judson Mill that is purposely located in a food desert in order to provide a place for the local community to get good, healthy, local food. They take SNAP and EBT, have a grocery area where they sell local produce, meat, dairy, and their own housemade take-and-bake meals, as well as a cafe where you can order breakfast or lunch. I’ve had their Italian sub and wow, I’ve been dreaming of that deliciousness ever since. 

They also work with local farmers to buy their produce and fruit, which is awesome because farmers often can only sell their goods on-site or during the farmers’ market season, which is only about a third of the year or even less sometimes. That’s a small window to stay in business.

Feed & Seed also has a program for Oconee, Pickens, and Abbeville Counties called FoodShare where boxes of fresh produce are sold for $20 cash or $5 EBT. There are 10 pickup locations. These boxes are filled with 10-12 varieties of fresh fruits and vegetables. Anyone can order a FoodShare box. In Greenville, Foodshare Greenville is run by Mill Village Farms.

The Seasonal Harvest Box

Feed & Seed works hard to have solid relationships with not only local farmers but bakers and artisans, which they leverage for use in their Harvest Boxes. 

The Harvest Box is a box of the most delicious goodies that are in season for whatever time of year they are offering the boxes. They have three seasons of six weeks each: spring, summer, and fall, plus Harvest Boxes for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

You sign up for whatever season you want beforehand and then pick up the box every week for six weeks. 

Harvest Box Feed and Seed
Spring Harvest Box

I got to talk to the team at Feed & Seed who puts together the boxes and I think they have too much fun. They were deliriously joyful about creating themes for the boxes where they put together recipes for the ingredients and tell people about the farms where the box goodies come from. They send out an email to all the subscribers early in the week telling them what’s in that week’s box so they can plan out their meals or just get excited to pick it up. 

I absolutely loved those recipes because some of the ingredients I don’t usually buy at a grocery store or farmers market and I needed inspiration on how to use them. 

Every item is from a local farm as well so you can be assured of the excellent quality of the box’s contents. 

My Summer Harvest Boxes

The boxes I got to try from Feed & Seed were the first and last boxes of the summer season so I got a good idea of what they offered. 

Like I said in the beginning of this story, I was not prepared for what I got and I mean that in the best way. 

The first box of the season had strawberries, blueberries, squash, peaches, leeks, Napa cabbage, red onions, marjoram, freeze-dried BBQ carrots (these were delicious, trust me), and some kind of pattypan squash. One of my favorite items was the Spicy Peach Honey from Red Clay Hot Sauce in Charleston. It was incredible – the perfect blend of sweet and spicy.

I had a blast using all of those ingredients to make pork tacos, fruit salad, egg sandwiches, sauteed squash, and lots more. Amazingly I have not run out of the spicy peach honey and put it on everything. 

Harvest Box Feed and Seed
The mushrooms from the Harvest Box and a dish I made from the ingredients

In the last box of the season, I was even more blown away. I didn’t think the box could be any better than that first one but lo and behold, I was wrong. 

The last box of the summer season consisted of a giant watermelon, tomatoes, peaches, mushrooms, blackberries, red potatoes, basil, artisan greens, squash, and peppers. One of the biggest surprises was a loaf of freshly made sourdough bread from Rise Bakery in the West End of Greenville and a jar of Peach Elderberry Butter from Brew Naturals. Oh my gosh, I was in heaven.

I had been wanting to try Rise and that loaf of bread lasted not even 24 hours at our house. It was so good. And the peach butter -whoa. It was perfection on a slice of that sourdough bread (and everything since).

Some of the local farms that provided the contents of the boxes were Dark Spore, JBO Ranch, Tyger River Smart Farm, Mile Creek Farm, Coo Saw Farms, Hartness Living, Hyder Farms, Brew Naturals, and Crescent Farms. 

I used the recipe cards provided for inspiration for recipes and having those great ingredients pushed me to try new ideas in the kitchen, which all turned out pretty tasty. 

Getting Your Own Harvest Box

If you want to be intentional about supporting local farmers and our local economy, this is a really fantastic way to do it. All the contents of the box are curated from local farms and artisans and provide a way for them to keep doing all the good stuff they are doing (and growing). 

You can sign up online for your own Harvest Box, which costs $65/week. They have an option to add on proteins (eggs, sausage, or beef) as well. Pickups are on Thursdays and the fall season runs from September 5 – October 10, 2024. 

It’s hard to say how many people the box feeds in a week. It really depends on what your family likes to eat or how adventurous they are in trying new foods. I was able to stretch the contents of each box easily throughout the week because I didn’t use any one of them as a main dish in and of themselves – I mostly added them to dishes to make the food I was cooking way better. 

Honest Mom Review

I love surprises and the Harvest Box delivered on that aspect. I was truly floored at not only the amazing food in the box but the quality of it and the extras like the Spicy Peach Honey and sourdough bread. I wasn’t expecting those items at all. 

I really enjoyed learning about the local farms as well. I’ve written about a lot of our local farms but hadn’t heard of some of the ones that provided the produce in the box, which was exciting because I love finding awesome places in our area and learning about what they do. 

Overall, Feed & Seed does a remarkable job in curating the contents of the boxes each week by working with local farmers and I absolutely love this mission because it gives families a very tangible – and tasty – way to support those local farms and aid in Feed & Seed’s worthy mission. 

Feed & Seed
701 Easley Bridge Road, Suite 6010, Greenville
864.412.4720

Local Produce in Greenville, SC.

For other places to find local produce, see our Kidding Around® Guide to Greenville, SC Local Produce!

Ever Wanted to Homeschool at Dollywood in TN? You can with their special Homeschooling Days!

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Have you ever thought about homeschooling in Dollywood? Did you know that the famed theme park, Dollywood, has Homeschool Days? The park offers reduced admission and educational programs for epic field trips that are lots of fun! Plus, all the fun of the rides and experience of the attractions.

If you are looking to have an adventure, Dollywood will be offering Homeschool Days for families that are utilizing the homeschool option. The 2025 Dollywood Homeschool Days are August 4 – September 11, 2025. These days focus on mostly science and math – and really, what’s cooler than learning about the laws of physics by riding a roller coaster?

Dollywood Roller Coaster

Be sure to check out the newly installed whimsical area of the park, Wildwood Grove, complete with rides, including a new roller coaster called DragonFly. There is plenty to see and do at the park in addition to the educational programs offered these days.

What Do Dollywood Homeschool Days Include?

Homeschool Days at Dollywood are geared for kids in Kindergarten through 12th and include a new curriculum, Science in the Park, that utilizes the scientific principles that make many of the rides at the park actually happen like velocity and speed.

Wildwood Grove at Dollywood

There will also be lots of visual learning through craftspeople doing glass-blowing, candle making, and forging.

Kids can also learn about the science of birds by visiting the 30,000 square feet Eagle Mountain Sanctuary at the park, which houses the largest collection of non-releasable bald eagles in the country.

Admission & Dates: Homeschool Discounts

Normal admission to Dollywood is $79+ for people ages 10-61 but on Homeschool Days, parents can take advantage of $41/ticket for kids in grades K-12 and $51/ticket for each accompanying adult. Huge savings!

To obtain the tickets, you need to call 888.428.6789 at least 72 hours ahead of your visit. These tickets are not available at the gate. Parking is $20/car so plan for that cost as well.

Homeschool days for 2025 are August 4 – September 11, 2025. The park is not open every day so be sure to look at the Dollywood calendar before planning your trip. Dollywood Splash Country also has homeschool days the same time and tickets are discounted to $37/person.

Where to Stay for Homeschool Days at Dollywood

Use the map below to find great places to stay near Dollywood for Homeschool Days. Through an affiliate relationship with Stay22, Kidding Around earns when you book through the map.

Homeschool Lodging Deals

Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort is a beautiful hotel that offers free transportation to the park. The resort is offering 20% off a standard room for homeschool families Sunday – Thursday.

Our Favorite Places to Stay for Dollywood Homeschool Days

We’ve personally stayed at these places below and can recommend them as wonderful options for families.

Mountain Shire
This is a wonderful hobbit and Harry Potter-themed tiny house village less than 10 minutes from Dollywood. It’s relaxing and so much fun!

Mountain Shire in Tennessee
Gotta play the part

Margaritaville Island Hotel
A stay at this beautiful and trendy hotel will be a relaxing experience. Margarita makers are in every room and balconies overlook either the river or the Island at Pigeon Forge. You can explore the Island, take a ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, grab a margarita at the bar (or in your room) and just chill. Read our review of our stay at this awesome hotel. 

131 The Island Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN

Greystone Lodge By the River
One of the very last family-owned hotels in Gatlinburg, the Greystone dates back originally to the early 1960s and has become the go-to hotel for generations of families. The location cannot be beat as it is steps from the aquarium and across the street from Anakeesta, within walking distance to shops and restaurants. They also have a great pool and free breakfast. It’s perfect for families looking to have a restful and accommodating place to call home during their trip. We stayed there and absolutely loved it

559 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN

Greystone

Foothills RV Park & Cabins
If you are not into tent camping but are still looking for a cheaper option than a hotel, Foothills has bare bones cabins to rent where you bring your own linens/sleeping bags and pillows. This is a good option if you’re really trying to stay within a budget but want someplace clean and comfortable. The location is right on the cusp of Pigeon Forge, very close to Dollywood, and maybe ten minutes from Gatlinburg. Camping cabins are rented April through October and start at $52/night.

4235 Huskey St, Pigeon Forge, TN

The Ridge Outdoor Resort
The Ridge Outdoor Resort is about ten minutes from Dollywood and has two zero-entry pools, a lazy river, a catch & release pond, a deli and laundry facility on-site, two fenced in dog parks, a playground, a game room, and one of the pools has a hot tub. We stayed in one of their two-bedroom glamping tents and it was amazing!

1250 Middle Creek Rd, Sevierville, TN

Glamping tent at the Ridge Outdoor Resort
Some of the glamping tents at the resort

Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Lodge
A water slide, pool, beautiful rooms, on-site restaurant, arcade, and amazing staff make this spot an incredible place to stay. Relaxation and fun are perfectly balanced here. Read our review of Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Lodge to plan your own trip.

149 Cates Lane, Pigeon Forge, TN

Pool at Camp Margaritaville

Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort
Stay in a covered wagon or tipi at this resort in Sevierville, TN for the ultimate pioneer adventure. The resort is close to Soaky Mountain and minutes from Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the Smokies. Read our review here.

660 Gists Creek Road, Sevierville, TN

Smoky Hollow Wagon

Go Lodge

Be blown away by the 17 room game mansion in Gatlinburg! It has more than 300 indoor and outdoor games and sleeps up to 20 people. This is perfect for a multi-family or big friends vacation and about 15 minutes from the main strip in Gatlinburg.

GO Lodge

Camp LeConte
Kicking up the glamping a notch further is Camp LeConte, which offers a treehouse, safari tents, and a retro camper. You can even catch the trolley into Gatlinburg from the campground. Depending on the time of year, the two-person safari tent starts around $128/night. 

Read our Camp LeConte review.

1739 East Pkwy, Gatlinburg, TN

A tent at Camp Leconte

Other Things to Do Nearby

There are a ton of things to do in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is minutes away – and it’s free. Anakeesta, the SkyBridge, PINK Jeep Tours, and lots more are all within a 20-30 minute drive of each other and excellent opportunities for both learning and fun.

Here is our Ultimate Guide to Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, which has lists of all kinds of activities to enjoy during a trip to the area. We also have a guide to nearby Sevierville, TN for some lesser-known, but super fun, things to do and places to eat and visit.

homeschooling days

Love Homeschool Days? Get more of them!
We have a guide for that.

Kidding Around® Guide to Homeschool Days

Will you take your kids to Dollywood for Homeschool Days?

Jeter Mountain Farm: U-Pick Fruit & Flowers, Creamery, Wagon Rides, and a Huge Indoor Play Area

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Planning a trip for apple picking at Jeter Mountain Farm? This gorgeous farm hosts weddings, has seasonal u-pick flowers, fruits, and more plus an enormous indoor play area.



The views from the parking lot of Jeter Mountain Farm are sweeping shots of the nearby mountains, open space, and a beautiful building that seems to fit right into the landscape with its earthy hues of brown and green. The farm is a welcoming spot for families that has nearly two dozen varieties of apples, cider, live music, a wagon ride, and lots of other activities to enjoy.

U-Pick at Jeter Mountain

About Jeter Mountain

Jeter Mountain Farms has an upscale, but welcoming, vibe from the signage to the tap bar. Every employee we met was super nice, kind, and helpful. And it’s beautiful. The first time I was there, I didn’t take a wagon ride so I didn’t see the whole farm and appreciate the beauty. This time I did (I’ll tell you more about the wagon ride shortly).

Jeter Mountain is a family-owned farm and is unique in several aspects. In addition to u-pick apples, guests can pick their own sunflowers, zinnias, elderberries, raspberries, peaches, blueberries, and grapes. They have added to the farm in the past couple of years including a massive market, indoor play area, and coffee shop. This place reminded me of Sierra Nevada Brewery and the Biltmore. In other words, it is gorgeous, the most beautiful orchard I’ve ever been to. They offer u-pick but also have a stunning wedding venue.

Scenes from Jeter Mountain Farm

We had a great day at Jeter Mountain Farm. Check out scenes from our day in the video below.

Cider Donuts, Coffee & Hard Cider Flights

Inside their Cider Barn is a hard cider tap room where adults can enjoy several different varieties of the fall beverage. Jeter Mountain offers pints of cider and flights of four flavors. Prices change yearly and are posted inside the barn.

In addition to the five flavors of Jeter Mountain Hard Cider that most are familiar with (Original, Pink Lady, Granny, Blackberry, and Grape), the orchard is also featuring a rotating seasonal small-batch cider.

They also offer cider slushies outside the taproom and cold apple cider in the market barn.

Jeter Mountain Market

The market has handmade pottery, local apple butter and honey, baking mixes, canned sparkling cider, and t-shirts. I got a half gallon of the cold apple cider and the cashier was very kind and offered me plastic glasses so we could drink it then, which I was thought was quite classy since I was planning to just chug it because I wanted to drink it immediately.

There is a courtyard that is central to the Cider Barn, Market, coffee shop, and cider donut counter. It’s covered and there are picnic benches and live music. The donuts are amazing by the way – perfectly crisp on the outside and oh-so-soft on the inside. I could have eaten a half dozen by myself.

If you’re hungry, you can get a 20-hour smoked pulled pork sandwich at 1813 Smokehouse, which has a brand new location at the orchard as of 2024 with picnic tables and a covered area to wait in line for ordering. They also have two homemade BBQ sauces plus a traditional BBQ menu.

Then there are the bathrooms. These bathrooms are nicer than my house! They are spacious, have gorgeous flower wallpaper and benches. They are located on a hill overlooking the cider barn and courtyard and are huge and beautiful. Usually you don’t notice bathrooms, right? Impossible not to notice them here. 

2025 Additions: Amish-Built Barn, Bakery, and Creamery

New in 2025 is a gorgeous Amish-constructed barn with almost 100 rocking chairs overlooking the orchard, covered areas with seating, a delicious creamery, and a large bakery where you can watch the donuts being made. Yum.

Jeter Mountain ice cream
Jeter Mountain ice cream

Small batch ice cream is made right there using ingredients from the orchard itself. We tried all four flavors in late August – peach, cookies & cream, chocolate, and vanilla bean – and the peach was my personal favorite but all were delicious. They also offer homemade floats if you want to go the old school route.

In the bakery, there are glass windows so you can see the cider donuts being made, which only made me want them more. They are so, so good – crispy and flavorful on the outside and soft and warm on the inside. I’d eat a half dozen by myself if I didn’t have any self-control.

This is a must-visit when you spend a day at the orchard.

Bakery at Jeter Mountain

Tractor Ride & U-Pick Flowers and Fruit

Jeter Mountain claims they are the largest apple orchard in Western North Carolina. While we didn’t fact-check that claim, it seems accurate since there are 6,000 apple trees at the farm, which makes for an expansive orchard. 

Some of the seasonal berries like the blueberries and blackberries, are within walking distance to the cider barn and are sold by pint or pound. You can pick your own apples or fill smaller bags right at the barn of different varieties of apples. The orchard grows 25 varieties and you can see what’s available here.

Since the farm is more than 400 acres and has so many apple trees, you have to take a wagon ride to get to the apple orchard itself and other areas to pick sunflowers and berries. You can only u-pick from the orchard once you’ve paid for your basket/bag. You pay for this at the new Apple Depot near the bathrooms and then you and your family jump on the wagon.

Jeter Mountain Wagon

Once you are helped into the wagon by the very kind staff, you’ll be taken on a beautiful ride through the orchard with various stops at the areas you want to pick. So when we went, guests were able to peaches and zinnias and sunflowers so we stopped first at the flower field and then were dropped off at the peach orchard. We were given instructions on picking peaches and then got to it.

Once we filled our basket, we just waited for the wagon to come back and pick us up. The wagons were running maybe five minutes apart so you won’t be waiting for too long.

This was my first time taking the wagon ride and it was fantastic because I got to see the sweeping views of the orchard and the new plantings of apple trees.. The orchard is perfectly manicured and mowed, with trees all spaced the same distance. It’s very organized, which is kind of an odd way to describe an orchard but that’s how it looks. The wagon was super clean and covered so if you’re allergic to hay, no worries since it’s not in the wagon.

Kids Play Area & Field Trips

The 6,000-square-foot covered play area is perfect for kids. There is a hay mountain, slides, and plenty of things to tire out kids before heading home. The play area is huge. What’re 6,000 square feet, right? Big, like really big. And here’s the best part: it’s entirely covered so kids can play – for free – rain or shine. And there’s a high-top bar with stools that extends the entire length and overlooks the play area so parents can chill out and watch their kids.

Jeter Mountain Play Area

There’s a little house with a chalkboard inside. There are tractor tire trampolines, an enormous haystack with a tunnel underneath, a John Deere-inspired climbing structure with a slide, and my favorite – a basketball hoop play area where you can shoot hoops with your kids. Or by yourself, no judgement.

The play area is right next to the coffee shop and market so you can get coffee and watch your kids play until you decide to pick apples or peaches or whatever it is you want to pick. Or you can do that first, get apple cider donuts, and then let the kids burn off energy before the ride home. I’d honestly say this play area is worth the visit to Jeter Mountain Farm alone.

Jeter Mountain Play Area

U-Pick Pricing {2025}

U-pick peaches include a wagon ride for up to four people and a basket you can keep. A peck of peaches and apples are $32. They have pre-picked fruit available in the market. Your u-pick includes a wagon ride for up to four people.

For blueberries, u-pick are $10/quart and do not include a wagon ride because you can walk to them from the main barn and parking area.

U-pick flowers are $20/cup and allow up to four people to ride a wagon through the orchard and include a reusable Jeter Mountain Farm cup. You can pick as many flowers as you can fit in your cup.

Additional pickers or just to take a wagon ride is $4/per person.

Tips on Visiting

With lots of space to roam and play, the farm has certainly made it an appealing day trip for families. They also offer field trips every Thursday and Friday from 10 am – 2 pm from in September and October. Field trips fill up usually in March so plan ahead.

Additionally, the farm has a pumpkin patch that opens in the early fall.

One thing to note is that pets are not allowed at the U-pick orchards, inside the market, inside the taproom, coffee shop, and wagons. They also do not allow strollers or wagons in the orchards or on the wagon ride. You can park them before you get on the wagon and go to the orchard. They also request that you do not bring your own picking containers.

Jeter Mountain plans to be open through October. Check their website for updated details and hours.

Jeter Mountain Farm
1126 Jeter Mountain Road, Hendersonville, NC
828.513.0404

Grab These Family Meals-to-Go Near Greenville, SC

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Need to pick up dinner tonight in Greenville? These family meals to go in Greenville, SC can help!

Some nights there’s just not enough time to cook a home-cooked meal. When the days are tough, it’s helpful to grab a meal. You will also find some Spartanburg family meal deals listed to keep in mind. Here is a list of local restaurants where you can grab a meal for dinner tonight.

Family Meal Deals, Greenville and Spartanburg, SC
Kaboom awards

Best Family Meals: Who Has KABOOM?

The KABOOM Awards are Kidding Around’s annual best of contest. Readers say these are the TOP 5 Family Meals in Greenville, SC

Greenville Family Meal Deals: Take-Out Options


We do our best to keep this list updated, but as always – please call before you head out and confirm.

Anthony’s Pizzeria

Located in Simpsonville, grab a pizza, and make the whole family happy. Curbside pickup is available.

Bobby’s BBQ

Family To Go Meal includes 1 pound of meat, 4 buns, 2 pints of sides. They are priced starting at $38.

Bobby's BBQ

Black Sheep Catering

Order a take and bake meal from Black Sheep Catering and take the stress out of dinner. Pick up by 3 pm at their cafe in Piedmont. They have a new menu every week.

Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen

Grab a family meal – or bundle as they call it – of chicken tenders, grilled salmon, or house salad. Prices range from $30.99 – $40.99. Bundles come with six honey butter croissants.

Chuy’s

Get a Fajita or Taco Kit for four people, an enchilada kit, or a nachos kit. Need a drink to go with your family meal? Add on margarita mix, and just add your own tequila.

CityRange Steakhouse

Check their website for the latest family meal offerings for both Greenville & Spartanburg. Some recent offerings were braised short ribs, bourbon chicken, chicken tenders, and smothered beef. The menu is all a la carte so you can choose whatever you want to add.

Feed & Seed Co.

Feed & Seed Co. at Judson Mill right outside downtown Greenville has meals to go in its freezers daily. This is a great option for after your kids play at the Play Cafe at Judson Mill or BlocHaven and you need something for dinner fast! Sign up for their newsletter to learn about special deals like Buy One, Get One Free.

Fork & Plough

The farm-to-table restaurant has a variety of offerings for family meals that are offered Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays. Be sure to call in your order by 4 pm. Their menu on the Fork and Plough website.

Good to Go GVL

You can choose from various family meals and weekly specials at Good to Go GVL for your family. Get on their email list to stay updated on their latest offerings. This is also a great option for sending a meal to someone as they deliver!

Mike & Jeff’s BBQ

A family meal at Mike & Jeff’s BBQ comes with pulled pork, three sides, bread, and sweet tea.

Moe’s BBQ

Lots of delicious options for family “Haul it Home” meals that include pulled pork, chicken, and typical sides like baked beans, potato salad, and bread.

Portofino’s

Family meals feed four people and are $60 – and come with a bottle of wine.

Smoky Dreams BBQ

Get a big BBQ family dinner with pork/chicken, sides, buns starting at $44.

Smoky Dreams

Kids eat free deals near Greenville, SC

Don’t forget about our Kids Eat Free list for lots of places to dine around town and still save money!

More Family Meals-To-Go in the Upstate

Here are a few more family meal options we’ve seen in the past that our readers have recommended that are available all the time.

Viva Chicken

This Peruvian Rotisserie Chicken restaurant in Greenville, offers families a great deal on their signature chicken with 3 family-size side dishes for $24.99.

Viva chicken

Tropical Grille

This place was the one that readers recommended the most. They have a family meal for either four or eight people that is really awesome. I personally love Tropical Grille, which is a Cuban fast-food restaurant with a healthy twist. Their perfectly seasoned chicken and pork pair well with rice and steamed vegetables – and don’t forget their sauces, which are all amazing and delicious. A few readers even said that the family meals give them leftovers (yay!). No need to call ahead. Because of the suggestions of our readers, I did my own “research” and tried this out one night and did not disappoint – I had leftovers for the next day.

You can walk in and order these but they suggest calling ahead of you want the pork instead of chicken. See their website for locations.

Tropical Grill

Taziki’s

This place serves up healthy, Mediterranean cuisine that is fast and affordable. Everyone in the family will find something they love here. Taziki’s offers fresh take-home dinners for four people that include a Greek salad, basmati rice or roasted potatoes, and pita chips. You have to call two hours in advance though (or order online) and pick-up after 2 pm so plan ahead. They offer mostly meat options but do have a grilled vegetable option. Prices range from $49.99 up to $99.99 depending on your entrée of choice.

New York Butcher Shoppe

You can either sign up for the New York Butcher Shoppe email, which will give you the week’s menu, or call ahead. The email I got displayed mouth-watering bacon and cheddar stuffed pork chops, which came with French bread and a house salad.

Sun Belly Cafe

A haven for the vegetarians and vegans among us – and really, just those of us who love great food – is the Sun Belly Cafe in Greenville. Follow their Facebook page for their latest menu items and call or text them 24 hours ahead of when you want to pick up.

Henry’s Smokehouse

With three locations spread through Greenville and Simpsonville, Henry’s Smokehouse makes the decision to not cook a breeze. You order what you want online, including bulk items, pick a time and location for pickup, and you’re done. Super easy and very tasty.

Dani’s Delectables

Dani is a local chef who makes amazing family meals. We got to try some of her dinner entrees plus dessert and were totally blown away. She delivers for a fee or you can choose pickup. You must order by Wednesday for the following week.

Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack

Rocky’s offers several family-style chicken platters and family-style sides. And of course, you can grab a gallon of tea and either pint or quart-sized dips to go along with your family meal to go.

Olive Garden

At the time of this writing, the Olive Garden on Laurens Road offers a dinner-only Family Style lasagna meal to go that serves 4-12 people and includes Lasagna Classico made with Italian sausage and pan-seared beef, their Famous House Salad, and breadsticks. The price is $58.99-$89.99 and you can order online for same-day pickup.

Fountain Foods Market

209 S. Main Street, Fountain Inn 

Grab a delicious take-and-bake meal from the new @fountainfoodsmarket on Main Street in Fountain Inn. They are right in downtown Fountain Inn, and we highly recommend their take-and-bake family meals, which are made right there in-house. The variety is amazing, and you can cook them the same day or put them in the freezer for when life is just too crazy and you have no idea what to make for dinner.

We loved their Beef Stroganoff, Chicken Pot Pie, and baked Provolone wedges.

Fountain Foods Market

Spartanburg Family Meal Deals

Tropical Grille

Online ordering can be done for all their locations, including the Spartanburg one.

City Range

The family meal deal serves 4 people and comes with the entree and sides. You choose 2 classic sides (steamed broccoli, blistered brussels, grilled asparagus, house salad, mashed potatoes, Citychips, fried okra, or brown rice). Online orders can be placed for both the Spartanburg and Greenville locations

Dray Bar and Grill charcuterie board

Looking for somewhere new to eat in Spartanburg, SC? Check out the KA Guide to Spartanburg Restaurants

And here are some of the best restaurants in Greenville, SC!

Complete Restaurant Guide to Greenville, SC

Complete Restaurant Guide to Greenville, SC

For more great restaurants in Greenville, SC, don’t miss our Ultimate Guide to Restaurants Near Greenville, SC!

Beechwood Farms Has a Huge Sunflower Field, U-Pick Berries and Pumpkins

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If you’ve only been to Beechwood Farms for strawberries or have heard of them in passing and have thought about going, read on. This place is a hidden gem in the Upstate, SC. 

I have a list of places I want to explore in the Upstate. It’s long. And I get pretty excited when I have the opportunity to check one off the list. Beechwood Farms is one of those places I had not been able to visit and wow, I’ve been missing out. 

Beechwood Farms has u-pick strawberries in the spring, sunflowers and vegetables in the summer, and pumpkins in the fall. They have special events and a fruit and produce stand that is open April through mid-October. But the story behind the farm is just as interesting and beautiful as everything you’ll see when you go. 

Sunflowers at Beechwood Farms

About Beechwood Farms

I was greeted by Donna Tesner when I arrived at Beechwood Farms. Donna runs part of the farm now as a second-generation farmer. Her parents, Elizabeth and Billy Ledford, started Beechwood Farms over 50 years ago and much of her family still lives nearby. Just after she introduced herself, her parents pulled up so I could meet them. Her dad, Billy Ledford, is pure sunshine. His blue eyes sparkled as he regaled me with tales of meeting his wife in high school and starting the farm because he didn’t want to have a boss. His whole family grew up in the area and he’s obviously a proud South Carolinian who loves farming, family, and faith. 

I’ve interviewed enough farmers and written on plenty of farms to understand that farming life isn’t easy or predictable but somehow, the Ledford family made it work. Billy and Elizabeth started out small by growing corn and beans and eventually bought more acres to start u-pick strawberry fields and other crops. They lease out several acres to another family, the Ceron family, who runs the open-air market and sells the fruit and vegetables grown right there on the farm, picked at their prime and perfectly ripe. 

U-Pick Strawberries, Vegetables, and Pumpkins 

I knew of Beechwood Farms because of their u-pick strawberries in the spring. Our readers are always recommending them and rightly so. I’ve had their berries at the TD Saturday Market in Greenville and they are delicious. Strawberry season is very short, only five or six weeks at best, so get ready around April to head over there and get your strawberries. 

Throughout the summer, the Ceron family lets visitors go out into the fields and pick vegetables. It can’t get any fresher than that. They have squash, several different kinds of beans, corn, peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, and cabbage. They also have a vast array of fresh produce in the market to purchase if you don’t feel like picking. 

Produce at Beechwood Farms

During the fall, you’ll get to pick your own pumpkins from the vine. We saw at least three different fields filled with pumpkins of all sizes already in mid-August so they’re coming soon. The best way to stay updated on what’s in season, what’s open, and what hours is through Beachwood Farms’ Facebook page. Things like weather can quickly impact hours and availability. 

The Sunflower Field

Donna runs the sunflower field and her enthusiasm and love for these beautiful flowers is evident. Besides helping to run the farm, she’s a teacher in Greenville County (one of the best her dad tells me, which is not only his opinion as she has been nominated as one of the top 10 teachers in the county), which really plays well into the tour she gives to visitors when they come and visit the farm and pick sunflowers. We really enjoyed learning about all the different things they grow. She will give tours over the summer for school kids (just call and ask about it). 

Donna grows more than 25 varieties of sunflowers. I didn’t even know there were 25 varieties of sunflowers. We visited Beechwood Farms towards the end of sunflower season but there were still lots of beauties out there in the fields from bright yellow to red sunflowers, from small pretty blooms to huge ones the size of my head. 

Beechwood Farms sunflowers

Sunflower Hill overlooks the farm and it’s just beautiful. This is one of those farms that allows professional photographers to do sessions with clients as well. There’s a fee to go but if you’re wondering just how pretty family photos can be in a sunflower field, here are a few gorgeous shots that will probably make you want to book a session stat. It’s by appointment only.

Donna works hard to find the best sunflowers to grow in her field and I think she has done an amazing job. Even though the sunflowers were just about done showing their glory when we were there, the ones that still stood were breathtaking. I can imagine what an entire field of yellow, red, and gold sunflowers looks like when they are all in bloom. 

The 2024 sunflower field is open as of June 20, 2024 and costs $20 per vehicle, which includes one u-pick flower stem. After that, each stem is $2. Dogs on leash are allowed but not inside the farm store. Hours are 9 am – 5 pm.

Visiting Beechwood Farms

The farm is open Monday-Friday 9 am – 5 pm and Saturdays 9 am – 4:30 pm seasonally. They usually open for the season mid-April and close after the first frost, likely mid-October. It’s best to check their Facebook page before you go for up-to-date hours. 

The farm also has some animals to feed and a playground for kids. They have public events throughout their season but again, it’s best to check their Facebook page for when they happen. And since this is a farm, with dirt and bugs and mud and sunshine, consider wearing closed-toed shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting a little dirt on.

They are located in Marietta not far off of Highway 25. If you need ideas of other things to do in the area, our guide to nearby Travelers Rest can help you out.

Have you visited Beechwood Farms?

Beechwood Farms
204 Bates Bridge Road, Marietta
864.836.6075

Lucky Acres Farm: Hug an Alpaca at This Farm an Hour from Greenville

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If you’re looking for a new experience for your family, your school, your scout troop, or just want to hug an alpaca, Lucky Acres Farm in Townville is just the place. We sent Kristina down there to play with the fluffy animals and here’s what happened. 

It took me no more than one day to arrange a visit to Lucky Acres Farm after hearing about them and seeing a photo of the fluffiest alpacas ever. Their curious faces staring back at the camera, ears perked, all fluffy and cute and cuddly. I had to go. I picked up my daughter after school and headed straight down 85 for a little after-school adventure – and I really didn’t want to leave once we arrived!

Alpacas are Really Cool

Alpacas are actually relatives of camels, Gloria told me as we started our farm tour. Gloria is probably one of the sweetest individuals I’ve ever met. She is laid back, happy, all smiles, and stands not much taller than my eight-year-old, which leads me to believe she was made to care for alpacas since she can look them right in the eye at that height. 

Camel relatives? Mind blown. Alpacas are also curious, can be quite moody and playful with each other, but are not aggressive. They don’t like wind or getting wet, chew like a cow, and only have bottom teeth. 

Lucky Acres Farm Alpaca
Alpaca getting some love

Originally from South America, alpacas weren’t imported into the United States until the mid-1980s. They produce super soft fiber, which is as soft as cashmere yet warmer and lighter than wool. The alpacas are sheared every April and their fluffy fleeces are made into hats, scarves, sweaters, blankets, and other creations by Gloria herself on the farm. She is very talented and has a small gift shop where people can purchase her soft creations. 

One thing I loved about this aspect of Lucky Acres Farm is that when the fleece is shorn from the alpaca, it’s put in a bag with the name of the animal on it. After it’s spun, it’s sent back in the same bag and Gloria works her magic, creating mittens or a hat from the fiber of that specific alpaca. She has customers who ask for creations from specific alpacas and Gloria happily obliges. I think this is a unique and beautiful way to tie the farm and their animals into the community and customers.

Alpaca yarn
Alpaca yarn

Alpacas live around 15-20 years and are smaller than llamas, weighing only about 150 pounds as adults. The poor mama alpacas have to carry their babies for an astounding 11 and a half months before they give birth. That is a crazy long time.

More Animals at Lucky Acres Farms

Lucky Acres Farms has been in business since 1996 when Gloria and her husband moved down from upstate New York after he retired. Gloria just loves animals and was smitten with alpacas, so she ended up learning all she could about them before getting several of her own. 

But the farm also has goats, a couple of horses, a little white bunny, and lots of chickens on the farm for the kids to see and touch. The goats are miniature silky fainting goats. I’ve seen videos of fainting goats and, well, it did take some willpower to not try to make them faint. I wanted to be invited back to the farm, after all.

Fainting goat at Lucky Acres Farm
Gloria and the fainting goat

My kids fed the chickens and searched for eggs in the hen house. They really came away with new experiences and knowledge that none of us had before. 

Lucky Acres isn’t far from Greenville at all. Even with traffic we made it in an hour, as the farm is just a few miles off 85. It’s easily a day trip or less. There are picnic tables in the shade and a small playground to have lunch and relax before heading home. 

Tours & Field Trips at Lucky Acres Farm

Lucky Acres Farms is open to the public and Gloria invites anyone to come over and see the animals. School groups, homeschoolers, and anyone else is welcome. While she doesn’t charge anyone to come to the farm, donations are appreciated to help with the upkeep and running of the place. 

The farm is open 10 am – 4 pm most days but just give Gloria a call before you come to make sure she’s there. She is more than happy to give tours and just wants her guests to have a good experience when they visit.

Since it is a farm, it’s wise to wear sneakers or boots, not any kind of sandal or flip-flops. Parents should keep an eye on their kids, making sure they aren’t running into spots where they shouldn’t be. Everyone is welcome to bring a picnic or snack to enjoy at the picnic tables in the shade as well. 

alpaca
Charlie, the youngest alpaca on the farm

Lucky Acres Farms has participated in the Upstate Farm Tour in the beginning of the summer so bookmark that event if you’d like to go see them then. Gloria also sells her hats, scarves, mittens, and other items made from alpaca fleece at area craft fairs or you can order online. And if you’re in the market for goats or alpacas, Lucky Acres Farm does sell them at certain times during the year. 

Stay Overnight at the Farm

Not long ago, Gloria and her husband decided that maybe people would really like to stay at the farm and play with the alpacas while seeing a Clemson game or hiking in the nearby mountains or enjoying Lake Hartwell. Hence the Airbnb on the property came about. 

The spot is perfect for families, couples, or people just traveling through the area. It’s pet-friendly, can sleep four guests, and of course, Gloria is an outstanding host.

My kids and I all immensely enjoyed our time at Lucky Acres Farm and the excellent tour by Gloria. It was hard to say goodbye to the fluffy alpacas because they are just so adorable and friendly and I just wanted to cuddle with them. You will too when you go, promise. 

Will you be planning a trip to Lucky Acres Farm?

Lucky Acres Farm
1024 Milford Road, Townville
864.903.1856

I Tried a Head Spa in Greenville, SC and Here’s What Happened

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Head spas are all the rage right now and Greenville, SC thankfully has a handful of options that perform such services. We tried it out and can personally give you all the details! 

I love having my hair brushed so much that I’ll look up different hairstyles so my daughters can practice on me. Thankfully they love this as well so it all works out. When I began seeing head spas popping up in Greenville and in local Facebook groups, my interest was piqued. What in the world was a head spa and how soon could I try it out? 

Because we love trying cool things and telling our readers about them, here I am with the lowdown on it all went. 

Head spa treatment room
Head spa treatment room

What is a head spa?

A head spa is basically a really long hair washing and cleansing session with a thorough scalp inspection and massage. The benefits of massage are fairly well-known – eases depression and anxiety, promotes relaxation, helps aid with sleep – and those benefits all extend to a scalp massage plus some additional ones are included. These can be things like better blood circulation, prevention of dandruff, easing of itchiness, and  promotion of hair growth.

Head spas originated in Asian cultures, specifically Japan, India, and China, and exploded in popularity due to a viral TikTok video back in August of 2023 out of a head spa in Los Angeles. Ah, social media trends. 

Since then, head spas have been popping up in major cities across the country, including Greenville. There are a handful of them in town and most have very good reviews. I went to the Jewel of the Orient Spa on N. Pleasantburg Road, which at the time of this writing has only been open for four months. 

Scalp Analysis

A head spa will begin with a detailed scalp analysis where the technician will use a small camera apparatus with a light and shine all over your scalp. The camera comes up with photos on a tablet that you hold – at least that’s how it happened with me. It was a little – ok, a lot – strange. The pictures are very, very up close and you can see every little thing on your scalp. I could see a random flake and the hairs that were not the color I wanted them to be. I could see where my scalp was red from itching. It was weird. 

My technician said my scalp looked pretty healthy and not dried out. Yay for shampooing only a few times a week! She then explained what would happen during the treatment. I honestly missed a bunch of it but I can tell you what happened next. 

The Head Spa Experience 

Once we analyzed my scalp, we went to the treatment area where I laid down on a massage table with a basin at one end. It was very comfortable and way better than a hair salon washing station. 

I was started with a brief scalp massage with some heavenly scented oils and then my hair was rinsed and lathered with a coconut shampoo. It smelled so good. Then the technician really massaged my scalp and moved my head around so I faced my right side and then my left and did it again. She applied pressure to my temples and my neck and it felt really good. 

Head spa treatment in Greenville
The treatment room

That took awhile, at least 30 minutes of the hour-long treatment. Then she put a warm cloth over my eyes and broke out what I was hoping to see – the arched water rinser thing. Actually, I couldn’t see it because I had the cloth over my eyes but I could certainly feel it and I knew what it looked like because I had seen photos beforehand (see, I did my research).

You know those splash pads that have an arch and you (or your kids) run through the water that falls down from small holes on the inside of the arch? That’s what this was like except way smaller. 

The arch water thing moved up the back of my head to my forehead and then back down again. The technician meanwhile was using a brush on my head and it was amazing. The strokes of the brush along with the moving water made some kind of magic. 

Once she rinsed out my hair, she put it up in a towel and since I got the signature package, which included a short back and shoulder massage, my masseuse came in and gave me a delightful massage. It was honestly the perfect 90 minutes. 

The After Head Spa Treatment 

After the head spa treatment and massage, we went back to the room where the initial scalp analysis was done. I was given a light blow dry and then she started administering one thing after another to my hair and scalp – there were serums and oils and other things to promote hair growth and reduce frizziness. I tried to keep track of it all, I promise, but I couldn’t. This took about 20 minutes and it was lovely.

After each application, she brushed my hair and it got softer and softer and softer. I felt better leaving the Jewel of the Orient Spa than I did when get my hair done. 

head spa greenville
The scalp analysis and after treatment room

Repeat Head Spa Treatments

I was curious how often people use head spas in their hair care routines and my technician told me that for me, because I don’t have a dry scalp, once a month would be ideal. For other people who have a drier scalp or need more haircare, every two weeks is a good option. 

If you color your hair, the Jewel of the Orient Spa has products that are safe for colored hair they can use. 

Booking Your Head Spa Appointment 

You can book your head spa appointment at the Jewel of the Orient Spa via their booking link online. I chose the Signature Treatment, which was an hour and 30 minutes long and costs $150. Their Routine Scalp Care treatment is an hour long and is $120. They have several other options to choose from as well. 

Most of the other places I checked out online have similar price points. I chose the Jewel Orient Spa because not only did they have amazing reviews but they focused mainly on head spa treatments versus other spas that are more focused on nails and other beauty treatments. But even so, those places also had great reviews for their head spa treatments so it doesn’t seem like you can go wrong anywhere. 

So if you’re stressed or tired or want to take better care of your hair, maybe the viral head spa treatment is just what you need. It was truly a relaxing experience and certainly one I’d do again. 

Jewel of the Orient Spa
1036 N Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville
864.584.2067

The Upstate Rodeo in Landrum, SC is Fun for the Whole Family

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If you’ve never seen a cowboy ride a bull or a cowgirl race her house at full speed around barrels, then you’ve never been to a rodeo! Latigo Farm in Landrum, SC, minutes outside of Greenville, SC, hosts a big rodeo all summer and through the fall and we’ve got all the details on how to take your family. 

Thank you to Latigo Farm for hosting us so we could provide this review.

I’ve been to many rodeos and am always amazed at the sheer courage of the cowboys and cowgirls as they ride bulls and steers, rope calves, and race their horses around barrels and through poles. Latigo Farm in Landrum, SC is hosting the Summer Stampede Series through October every other Saturday night and boy, is it fun to watch! 

Bull riding
Cowboy getting tossed off the bull

About Latigo Farm and Rodeos

Latigo Farm has been in Landrum for decades and the rodeo is held under their enormous covered arena. They are situated on a beautiful piece of land in the foothills and the drive up from Greenville is just gorgeous. When not hosting rodeos, the farm does riding lessons, 4-H clubs, and horse boarding. 

Rodeos originated in the 1800s with the Spanish settlements in California and Mexican rancheros. These rancheros liked to compete to see who was the best at riding horses and bulls and using a lasso. Thus was born the rodeo and the cowboy lifestyle of rodeos continues to grow in the United States as cowboys and cowgirls compete to win money at these events. 

The Summer Stampede Series Rodeo 

I’m from New Jersey but I’ve got plenty of Southern in me and was kicking myself for not wearing my cowboys boots and cowboy hat to this rodeo when we showed up. I would have fit in just fine! Walking in felt like entering the song, Down on the Farm by Tim McGraw. Look it up. 

The arena is huge and the lineup features a lot of different events from bull riding to sheep riding for kids, barrel racing, breakaway roping, and bulldogging (where the cowboy wrestles a steer). Animals are not harmed at these events. It’s usually humans who are harmed if anyone is hurt during rodeos. 

Kids watching rodeo
Future cowboys checking out the action

The rodeo at Latigo Farm is presented by EA Livestock Company and Live Action Rodeo Company. They provide the livestock and do all the emceeing and music.

Speaking of music, oh my gosh, it was fun! They had the best music playing that pumped up the crowd and competitors, everything from country music hits to Guns N Roses. It was all family-friendly and appropriate and just really a lot of fun. 

The night starts at 7:30 pm and the future cowboys and cowgirls (aka pee wees) kick it off with sheep riding. It was really cute. The kids tried to ride fluffy sheep like grown-up cowboys ride bulls. Then they do events with goats, one of which the kids had to run and grab a flag that was on the goat and then run back to the start line. Some kids were really good at this and others looked totally confused but made up for it in their adorable cowboy apparel. 

Kid at a rodeo
This dad was trying to help his kid

The kid portion goes for a while, till around 8:30 pm or so, then the cowgirls get their chance for breakaway roping. This is when they try to rope a calf. They only get one shot and it looks really hard! Kids come back for some junior steer riding and then the cowboys try their hand at bulldogging, which is wrestling a steer to the ground. Only a couple of cowboys managed to conquer the steer when we were there.

The announcer was great because he explained what all the events were and the rules the competitors had to follow. While I’ve been to many rodeos, I couldn’t tell you the first thing about rules so I was grateful for the announcer. 

In between all the events, there is music and a clown that tells jokes. There’s also a cowboy on a horse in the arena most of the time that has to trot around and round up the sheep and calves into pens so there’s usually something always happening inside the arena. It’s really nonstop fun. 

Bull Riding at Latigo Farm

Bull Riding finally kicked off about 9:30 pm and we were pretty excited to see the “most dangerous sport in the world”, according to the announcer. The courage these guys have is unreal. It takes several minutes to get set up inside the pen and there are at least seven guys helping the cowboy to get on the bull and secured with the rope. The rope is wrapped around the rider’s hand and he can only hold on with that one hand. 

Bucking bull at a rodeo
One of the bucking bulls

As soon as that gate opened, all heck breaks loose and wow, those bulls were crazy. The riders needed to last on the bull eight seconds, which probably feels like an eternity when you’re riding a 1,500 pound bull that’s trying to buck you off. Most of the cowboys lasted only a couple seconds before being tossed off. 

The other cowboys and clowns help to get the bucking bull back into its pen and then set up for another cowboy to try his luck. 

Barrel Racing and Pole Bending at Latigo Farm

Barrel racing and pole bending with the cowgirls was after the bull riding and wow, these were just as fun to watch as the bull riders were. 

Both of these events are for the women competitors and they fly on their horses! Pole bending is where a set of six poles are set up in the arena in a straight line 21-feet apart. The girls need to weave their horses at top speed through the poles and then sprint back to the starting line. These girls were totally fearless and I was in awe of their skill. 

Barrel racing
Barrel racing

Barrel racing is similar but with three barrels spread out in a triangle in the arena. The women need to circle the two side barrels, then the furthest, and race back to the starting line. They were so cool to watch and the horses were gorgeous. Actually, all the livestock looked really well taken care of. 

There was a dog in the arena during pole bending who the audience loved because his only job was to go retrieve the cowboy hats after they flew off the heads of the competitors during the event. He was adorable and pretty good at his job!

Every other Sunday, the farm hosts barrel racing for free at 3 pm so if you want to see what part of a rodeo is like, that would be a great option to check out. 

Concessions at the Rodeo 

There are all kinds of vendors at the Summer Stampede Series from jewelry to bags to food and drink. 

We got some nachos ($3) and a lemonade slushie ($3). The prices are pretty affordable, which is appreciated! 

Tips on going to the rodeo

Here are a few tips on visiting the rodeo at Latigo Farm:

  • The rodeo starts at 7:30 pm but you can get there later if you want. The kid events are a little more slow going than the youth and adult events.
  • Admission is cash only.
  • The arena is covered and most of the seats are bleachers and under the arena but there are some that aren’t (if it rains, bring a towel because those seats will be wet).
  • You are welcome to bring your own chairs. 
  • Pets on leash are allowed.  
  • The rodeo happens rain or shine. A big storm would force the event to be on hold. 
  • No outside food, coolers, or alcohol allowed. 
  • If you want a good view for the majority of the rodeo, sit on either side of the area closest to the announcer and gates. You can see the arena for any seat but most of the action happens closest to the gates at the far end of the arena. 
  • There are indoor bathrooms.

Admission & Dates 

Admission is $10 cash for ages 5+. They don’t do any presale tickets. 

If you or your kids want to compete, you can do that. These are the prices and info on how to sign up.

The rodeo kicks off at 7:30 pm and goes to around 11 pm on average. We stayed till about 10:45 pm and my daughters didn’t even want to leave then!

The rest of the 2024 Summer Stampede dates are: 

  • August 3
  • August 17
  • August 31
  • September 14
  • October 12
  • October 19
  • October 26

Latigo Farm
3472 Highway 414, Landrum, SC
Latigo Farms Facebook page

Things to do in Landrum, South Carolina

Discover lots more things to do in Landrum, SC.

Dolphins May Swim Up to Your Kayak: Hilton Head Salt Marsh Tour

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Kayak Hilton Head let us join one of their boat tours this summer for an amazing experience on the water. Kristina shares all about what to expect and why this particular place is excellent for your next family adventure on the coast.

Media tickets were given so we could write about Kayak Hilton Head.

Family friendly things to do in Hilton Head with kids.

For more family fun on Hilton Head, don’t miss our list of our favorite things to do on Hilton Head Island.

I grew up near the ocean but never got to see dolphins, or really any other cool wildlife, up close until I started visiting the South Carolina coast. And wow, the beaches in the state are just beautiful. But then I learned all about salt marshes and the uniqueness of this kind of environment and was blown away! I’ve done amazing dolphin cruises in Hilton Head Island but I am a huge fan of kayaking and wanted to get just a tad bit closer to the dolphins and birds and salt marshes. 

So I went on a two-hour kayak tour with Kayak Hilton Head. To say the experience was unforgettable is an understatement. If any of you followed our Instagram story on the kayak tour, you can plainly hear I lost my mind upon seeing dolphins up close. Sorry. I was excited. 

Experience Matters: Kayak Hilton Head

Kayak Hilton Head is owned by a gracious and chill guy named Dave. He has been running the company for almost 20 years. And he used to work for Disney’s Hilton Head resort, so finding things to entertain kids comes naturally. That kind of experience is worth it when it comes to learning about the area, the salt marshes, and the incredible wildlife and creatures that inhabit it. 

The guided tours take place at Broad Creek, a tidal creek that rises and falls with the tide. It’s a protected area far from the open ocean which means you likely won’t be dealing with high winds and waves – or big sharks. The salt marshes provide habitats for everything from dolphins to manatees to minks to vast oyster beds and all kinds of cool birds. We got to see a Rosa Spoonbill, a pink bird with a beak that looks like a spoon, which it uses to scoop out food from shallow waters. So cool. 

kayak hilton head island

Our guide for the morning kayak tour we went on was Mary, a resident of the island. Mary not only provided an informative narrative tour as we were kayaking but answered our questions about literally everything from how the docks are built to the life cycle of oysters to the best restaurants on the island. She was awesome.

My nine-year-old daughter and I did the tour together and I felt like we were on the best field trip ever – which I’m totally counting as homeschooling. 

We learned about the Loggerhead Turtles and how they travel the world but always come back home to lay their eggs (and how a teacher once tried to take a nest off the island – it didn’t end well).

We learned about how stone crabs are harvested for their meat by taking off one claw and then letting the crab go free because the claw grows back, which is why, if you see a stone crab, they will almost always have lopsided claws.

We learned about the harvesting and growth of oysters as well as the island’s history of being occupied during the Civil War by Union soldiers, who used the salt grass to wrap and preserve the fish they caught. 

And all of the learning was happening while we paddled along, with plenty of space between all of us in the group, in the beautiful water in the salt marsh. 

What We Saw: Our Two Hour Kayak Tour with Kayak Hilton Head

Yes, we got to see dolphins. And it was amazing. All throughout high school I wanted to be a marine biologist. I wanted to swim with dolphins. I wanted to be a dolphin trainer. If it had to do with dolphins, I was in. While none of those paths were in my future, my love of dolphins remains and it’s such a ridiculous joy to see these creatures. 

 

 

One dolphin surfaced right between my kayak and our guide, Mary, surprising us for a second. She told us that many dolphins are recognizable by locals by their unique markings on their dorsal fins. Of course, I wanted to see all the dolphins and learn each one’s name. But we had run out of time on our tour. It went by fast!

As much as I loved the dolphins, I wasn’t expecting to be wow’d by all of the other wildlife we saw. As mentioned above, we got to see the pink Rosa Spoonbill. Mary was really excited to see that bird so I figured it must be extra special. 

We saw lots of little spider crabs, egrets, herons, and jumping minnows. And everything we learned from Mary was just fascinating. The paddling was leisurely as we glided peacefully through the water, just observing the world around us. 

It was easy to forget life for a while, to just enjoy the quiet morning and beauty that surrounded us.

What You Need to Know About Kayak Hilton Head

You’re on the water and outdoors controlling your own boat. Even if you have zero kayaking experience, it’s not hard to paddle away from someone if you want. 

If you’re looking for a good outdoor activity, this is it. 

Also, you are provided with a life jacket and paddle so no need to bring your own unless you want to. They have a basket on land to keep your keys (which I suggest you use – don’t want to lose your keys accidentally in the water). If you want to bring your phone or camera, maybe have a wet bag with you or something waterproof to put them in. I had no problems doing that in our kayak. 

And bring water. It’s hot out there and water is essential. My daughter and I both wore hats and sunscreen as well, which certainly helped us stay cooler and of course, prevent sunburn.

Kayak Hilton Head has both double and single kayaks, which is perfect for families. My daughter and I were in a double kayak together.  I own a sturdy sit-on-top kayak so I was a little nervous to use a sit-in kayak but I soon figured out my worrying was futile. Our kayak was a Wilderness double kayak, one of the best on the market. It was sturdy and solid and a really easy boat to paddle. 

Check-in is 30 minutes prior to your tour time, which gives you enough time to get your gear, use the restroom, and have a Paddle 101 lesson from your guide. We paddled with a cute family who had two little kids, a mom, and a grandma. This grandma had never paddled before in her life but she was a rock star five minutes into our tour. Don’t worry if you’ve never kayaked before.  If grandma can do it, so can you.

Booking a Tour

Kayak Hilton Head books tours all day every day during peak season in summer. Typically, summer kayak tours run at 8 am, 10:45 am, 2:30 pm, and 5:45 pm. Spring and fall tours are usually 9 am, 11:30 am, 2:30 pm, and 5:30 pm. Reservations must be made in advance. 

Dave will tell you the best time to kayak is at 8 am. It’s relatively cooler at that time of day and you have a better chance of seeing dolphins. Seeing dolphins isn’t guaranteed on every tour though. They are wild animals and don’t have a schedule! 

If you reserve your tour online, the cost is $39/adult and $20/child (12 and under). If you don’t reserve online, it’s $49/adult and $40/child. 

Kayak Hilton Head does not have a minimum age to come on the tours and they leave it up to the parents. Just be aware that there is no place to stop on the kayak tour and jump out and stretch your legs or let the kids run around. They will be confined the whole time to your boat.

If you’re looking for other boat tours, Kayak Hilton Head has a shark fishing tour, a sunset cruise, and a beachcombing expedition. 

Kayak Hilton Head
18 Simmons Road, Hilton Head, SC
843.684.1910
Kayak Hilton Head Website
Kayak Hilton Head Facebook

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