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Bucket List: Kayaking in an abandoned mine in Kentucky

If you’re the adventurous type and always looking for the next amazing thing to do with your family and friends, kayaking in an underground mine in the Red River Gorge in Kentucky should be on your list.

Quick Summary: Gorge Underground

KY’s Gorge Underground takes kayaking to the next level—underground. Picture yourself paddling through a flooded limestone mine, surrounded by crystal-clear waters, cool air, and a sense of mystery you just can’t get above ground.

No experience needed, and the guides are amazing. Whether you opt for a classic kayak, a clear-bottom one, or even a paddleboard, this is a bucket list experience you’ll talk about for years.

📍 Located at 2478 Glencairn Road, Rogers, KY
🧊 Water is a brisk 38°F, so wear layers!
👧 Kids 5+ can join in on the fun.
🎟️ Book your spot

If you’ve thought about what it would be like to go into an old mine, get into a kayak complete with a helmet (for possible falling rocks) and headlamp, and paddle around while not getting lost amongst the five miles of waterways, then the Gorge Underground in the Red River Gorge should be on your list. It’s been on mine for several years and I finally decided just to go. And let me say, that was a fantastic decision.

Watch! Our Kayak Adventure at Gorge Underground

This place did not disappoint. Don’t worry, there’s only a small chance of falling in the water and you need zero experience paddling to do this. Here’s why you should make a trip out to the Gorge Underground, about five-and-a-half hours from Greenville, SC.

About Gorge Underground

Gorge Underground is an extensive mine full of crystal clear, very cold water. There are more than five miles of waterways, and after I got over the initial shock of being there in a mine on a kayak in a pretty dark area, I did have a fleeting thought of exploring those waterways alone. But common sense kicked in, and I didn’t want to be lost in a chilly mine and give the tour guides a bad rap. The tour guides were excellent, by the way.

The limestone mine was an active one in the 1860s. It was eventually flooded, closed in the 1980s, and abandoned. It was bought in 2014 and opened as an underground water adventure experience a year later. Massive rainbow trout joined the waterways in 2017.

Gorge Underground is located in the incredible Red River Gorge, the “Land of Arches” as it is sometimes called. The terrain and topography is totally different from the Upstate. There are cave systems, endless rock climbing opportunities, miles and miles of trails, and beautiful sandstone arches. This was an area I had been wanting to explore for quite some time so I planned an entire trip around going on this kayaking adventure.

Kayaking Underground

This wasn’t my first time in an underground lake. I had taken my daughters to the Lost Sea Adventure in Tennessee and loved it. You get to go on a boat on the lake and see the fish and learn about the caves. But kayaking on your own in an underground waterway maze was a whole other experience.

We booked the Classic Tour, which is an hour long and where you go in regular kayaks. They do have other tours where you can kayak around in clear kayaks, which costs a bit more than the classic tour we did. So once you get there, you’ll be given an extensive safety lesson on your gear – PFD (life jacket), helmet and headlamp, where to stay in the water with your kayak, and what to do if you accidentally take a dip, which was not on my list of things to do there. The water is a very cold 38-40 degrees Fahrenheit. I had to touch it because I couldn’t not touch it. I’ve been swimming in waterfalls, jumped in Lake Jocassee in February, and fell in creeks – those were nothing compared to this water. It was frigid.

Also, the mine is 50 degrees year-round, so wearing layers is a good idea. You don’t want to be cold while doing this adventure. The good news is that you can do this adventure no matter the weather because it is out of the elements (kind of).

Once our safety lesson was done, we got into our kayaks and were pushed out into the mine by our guides, who were wearing special clothing so they could get in the water and help us into our kayaks. What a job. Again, they were fantastic.

getting our safety lesson at gorge underground — Learning about all the things we signed on the waiver

The feeling of doing something that I had been wanting to do for so long felt surreal. To be floating in this underground mine and paddling someplace so unique was just really cool. Sharing it with my daughters was even better. They were awed by the whole thing.

Our tour guide was on a standup paddleboard/kayak and was actually paddling backwards as she gave us the history of the mine and talked about the trout that lived there, how the water fills the mine, and even showed us bats who were on their tail end of migration out of the mine for the season.

There was a part where water was falling through the ceiling and we had to navigate around it. I couldn’t see some of it and ended up getting a little wet – whoops. There is no current and it’s quiet and serene. You can see down some of the massive hallways of water, which certainly ignited my sense of curiosity.

This was well worth the trip. I would 100% do it again because it was just that good. And no one fell in or got lost, yay.

Depth of the Water and Height of the Mine Ceiling

While I’m not claustrophobic in general (although some small spaces like elevators bother me), it’s understandable to think of claustrophobia in a space like this.

From the bottom of the water to the bottom of the ceiling is about 40 feet. The waterways are very wide, I’d say at least 40-50 feet. In the beginning of the tour, the water is very shallow and the ceilings are high. As you paddle on, the water gets deeper and the ceiling becomes lower as you rise with the water. Even so, I couldn’t touch the ceiling with my paddle at any point. Our guide, who was standing up the entire time, didn’t come close to ever touching the ceiling either.

kayaking at gorge underground — Kayaking in the mine

Personally, I never felt like I was in a tight space or had a fear that the walls or water were closing in. This is a pretty safe adventure in general but certainly comes with some risks, which is why you have to sign a waiver, but claustrophobia likely won’t be an issue. Just call the Gorge Underground if you have questions.

Boats, Crystal Kayaks, and Paddleboards

Gorge Underground has other tours you can choose from, including a group boat tour, a crystal kayak tour in clear-bottom kayaks, and even a standup paddleboard tour. That last one crossed my mind for a second since my daughters and I paddleboard often over the summer, but I knew the water was cold and didn’t want to risk an unplanned ice bath.

The cool thing about the boat tour is that it’s great for smaller kids, so the whole family can enjoy it if the kids aren’t old enough to do the kayak tours.

Need to Know Before You Go

Here are some tips on how best to enjoy your underground kayaking adventure.

Get there early: the Gorge asks that you arrive 30 minutes early to sign waivers and gear up.
Wear layers: I wore light leggings, a short-sleeved shirt, a long-sleeved shirt, and a light jacket. I’m always cold but felt fine wearing what I did. I’m glad I didn’t wear shorts or I would have been cold.
No pets: don’t bring them because they aren’t allowed.
Use the bathroom beforehand: there are porta-potties there but if you need a more sophisticated toilet, find a nice one before you go.
You can tip electronically: the guides have their Venmo codes that you can use to tip afterwards. Cash is also accepted.
Book online: you have to book your tickets online ahead of time. Their refund policy is strict but you can move your tickets for a fee if need be.
Weight limits: the weight limit for a single kayak is 275 lbs and a tandem kayak is 400 lbs.

Booking Your Gorge Underground Adventure

The boat tour is your cheapest option. Tickets are $30/ages 13+ and $25/ages 3-12. Kids must be at least three years old to do this tour.

The classic kayak tour that we did is $55/person Monday-Thursday and $65/person Friday-Sunday. Kids must be 5+ to participate and 13+ to paddle alone. My youngest daughter and I used a tandem (double) kayak, and it was great. This tour is an hour long.

The Crystal Deluxe kayak tour is an hour and a half long, and kids must be at least 5 years old to participate. The cost for this tour is $75/person Monday-Thursday and $85 Friday-Sunday.

The paddleboard tour is an hour and a half long, and you get to go on a clear paddleboard. Tour prices are the same as those for the Crystal Deluxe kayak tour.

You can purchase your tickets at their Gorge Underground website.

Gorge Underground
2478 Glencairn Road, Rogers, KY
Gorge Underground Website

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Kidding Around® Travel Guide

Drop-in Childcare Kids Love at Giggles: Greenville, SC

Have you used drop-in childcare before? Giggles Greenville, SC convenient location on Pelham Road near Interstate 85 is an excellent option for your childcare needs!

The 4,700 square feet unit features an outdoor play area, their signature indoor tree house, and rooms for different age groups to enjoy activities. Parents are able to drop their children off for childcare, date night, and more, so there is always a safe childcare team when you need them.

Giggles Drop-In Childcare is a KABOOM Award Winner!

Learn more about our KABOOM Award Winners and discover Greenville’s BEST!

Giggles Drop-In Childcare Center previously sponsored this article.

If you’ve stopped in Earth Fare recently – or anywhere in that big shopping plaza on Pelham Road – you may have noticed a giant sign on the end of the building reading “Giggles.” Let’s check it out!

A little about Giggles: Greenville, SC

Giggles in Greenville was opened by Brandon Kimball and his wife, Caroline, after they experienced the convenience and professional childcare during a vacation in Wilmington, NC. They wondered why Greenville did not offer the same services.

“One of the things we liked most about the Giggles model when we first used the service in North Carolina was the flexibility in the pricing options,” said Caroline Kimball. “We loved the fact that we could buy hours in bulk and get our cost of childcare down to as low as $5 per hour. The low prices coupled with the amazing experience for our kids was the main reason we decided to franchise the model and open up the two Greenville locations.”

The Giggles Greenville SC location has been open for a couple of years now and has significantly helped many families. They’ve been open during teacher holidays, holidays where parents needed to work, and late nights when a parent needed childcare.

“This place is fantastic. I’m new to the area and needed part-time help with my twin toddlers at random times for school events and doctor’s appointments. The staff is phenomenal and my kids love going,” raved one mom in a review on the Giggles Facebook page.

The Pelham Road location is perfect for families coming out of the Five Forks or Eastside area, as it’s about 15 minutes from both places. It is located right off of the Pelham Road exit on 85 and in the same plaza as Earth Fare, several other restaurants, Massage Envy, nail salons, and Pet Supply Plus. Sidewall Pizza is a two-minute drive away. Built-in date night right there.

While you can register your child at the childcare center, it is much easier to do it online. Also, be sure to ask the family pediatrician for a copy of immunization records, as they are needed for registration.

Summer Camps at Giggles

Giggles is already registering for their field-trip-based summer camps.

For summer camps, Giggles offers themed weeks, eight hours a day, where kids go to different places daily. The camps are offered for rising kindergarteners through 5th grade and cost $275/week for one child, $500/week for two children. Prices are also available for more than two kids a week. If parents sign their kids up before May 23rd, 2025, they receive a $25 per week discount.

For 2025, Giggles will also be offering full-day preschool summer camp for children under 5 years old!

Check out their cool schedule of summer camp field trips. Kids will get to go to Kangaroo Jax and climb on the inflatables, visit unicorns at Hidden Pasture Farms, play putt putt golf, explore the Roper Mountain Science Center, visit with real firefighters at a fire department, get wet at Shipwreck Cove’s waterpark, and so much more! This is only a small sampling of the adventures for summer camps at Giggles.

Find a lot more summer camp options in Greenville on the Kidding Around Summer Camp Guide.

Host at Birthday Party at Giggles

Did you know that Giggles also offers families the opportunity to rent their facility as a birthday party rental space? You can enjoy the facility for a Sunday birthday party! Though they do not offer any assistance with setting up or hosting the party, you will be able to have private use of the entire facility!

The cost is $200 for up to 15 kids, with a $25 fee for additional increments of 5 children.

Pricing and Hours for Giggles Greenville, SC location

Giggles will be open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 am to 9 pm; Friday from 7:30 am to 10 pm, and Saturday from 10 am to 10 pm. Giggles is only open on Sundays for birthday parties.

The centers will accept kids from 12 months old through 12 years old.

Rates are below and listed on the Giggles website. Giggles offers several packages for one, two, or three children, as well as memberships and date night packages.

Hourly Drop-In Care

$14/hour for 1 child
$23/hour for 2 children
$29/hour for 3 children
$33/hour for 4 children

They also offer pricing in 10-hour blocks up to 150-hour blocks. These are affordable and competitive pricing for the professional childcare services offered. Be sure to follow Giggles of Pelham on Facebook as they will be offering specials, coupons, and promo packages throughout the year.

Giggles Drop-In Childcare
3620 Pelham Road
Greenville, SC
864.252.4252
greenville@gigglesdaycareinc.com

Have you tried out Giggles: Greenville, SC yet?

10+ Family-Friendly Paved and Off Road Bike Trails: Greenville, SC

Are you looking for family-friendly bike trails in Greenville, SC? Maybe you’re looking for scenic bike trails? We’ve got some great places to ride near Greenville!

Greenville, SC has quickly grown into a bicyclist haven since the creation of the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail. With that, more natural and paved biking trails have emerged. Below, you will find a list of some of the best bike trails Greenville and the surrounding area have to offer. Don’t have your own bike? Don’t worry! You will also find places to rent bikes if you don’t have your own.

Summary:

🔧 Bicycle tune-ups and bike rentals in Greenville, SC.
🚲 Info on the 7 BEST bike trails in Greenville/Spartanburg/Pickens (paved & mountain bike trails).
👧 Have little ones? Find local paved paths at parks for them to practice bike riding.

Biking can involve the whole family – whether the kids are old enough to ride on their own or ride in a trailer or on a bike seat. Here’s our list of family-friendly bike trails in and near Greenville, SC.

Looking for more things to do outdoors? Check out our guide of the Best Things to do Outdoors Near Greenville.

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Southeast Travel Bucket List: The Most Unique and Best Places to Visit in the South

At Kidding Around, we love to travel with kids, and these are some of our absolute favorite family places to visit in the Southeastern United States.

Where are the best places to visit in the South? Where are the south’s coolest family travel spots? You need some new southern travel ideas, and this is the list with all the answers. You’ll get the travel bug after reading about these awesome places to put on your vacation bucket list!

Quick Summary: Our “Best Of” Southeast Travel List

Whether it’s racing outhouses in North Carolina, exploring the magic of the Lost Sea in Tennessee, cuddling cows in South Carolina, or kayaking through bioluminescence in Florida, there’s something new and exciting waiting for your family.

Here are a few of our favorite stops:

🛷 Outhouse Races in Western NC
🐻 Shadow of the Bear in Cashiers, NC
🛶 Underground boat tour at Lost Sea Adventure, TN
🐄 Cow cuddling at Moo Cow Farms, SC
🛸 Bioluminescent kayaking near Cape Canaveral, FL

I’m a master at making lists, and I do it for everything – the grocery store, articles I have to write, packing lists for trips, lists on what to cook for holidays, and my ultimate bucket list. I keep a running list of bucket list items that are specifically within the Southeast part of the United States since it’s where I live and can easily drive to. This saves a ton of money on plane tickets.

So I’m here to share that list with you. It’s not a comprehensive list, but it does contain things I’ve done because they were on my bucket list already. Some I’ve done because they were so cool, and now I’m telling you about them because they deserve to be on the list. I included a few others because readers said they’re on their own bucket lists.

My definition of a bucket list place is somewhere that my kids and I will be talking about long after we go and is a unique and interesting experience.

Get ready to make some amazing memories with your family at any of these Southeast bucket list places!

North Carolina Bucket List Adventures

Find the best places to visit in North Carolina with your family. Here are some of the coolest and most unique places we’ve been!

Outhouse Races

This is first on our list because I’m almost positive you’ve never been to an outhouse race, and I’m more than happy to tell you that it’s totally worth doing. Groups construct and decorate their own outhouses and then race them down a mountain in Western NC in February in the snow. It’s the funniest thing to watch, and you can cheer for your favorite outhouse to win!

Shadow of the Bear

Shadow of the Bear happens only twice a year – November and February – in the mountains of Western North Carolina. At sunset, the shadow of Whiteside Mountain in Cashiers resembles a bear. Some people think it doesn’t look like a bear, and it’s quite entertaining to talk to people who are watching it to hear what they think. Get there early to secure a somewhat safe spot to watch along the mountain road.

Linville Caverns

Hike half a mile deep inside these caverns near the Linville Gorge and learn about the history of the area. You may even see a bat. Be sure to check the hours before you go.

Linville Gorge

Often called the “Grand Canyon of the East,” the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area has rugged terrain, deep valleys, and beautiful waterfalls. Not for the inexperienced hiker, the Gorge offers difficult hikes with incredible views and backcountry camping (permits are required). The gorge is part of Pisgah National Forest.

Blue Ghosts and Synchronous Fireflies

For only a few weeks in late May and early June, the amazing Blue Ghost and Synchronous fireflies come out to mate (and sparkle). Walking amongst a sea of small, lighted fireflies near the ground was an incredible experience. This was one of those things I did with my kids that they talked about for years afterward.

We did the Blue Ghost experience at the Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah Forest near Brevard, NC. You have to enter a lottery at Congaree National Park in SC and the Smoky Mountains National Park in TN/NC to view the synchronous fireflies during peak nights.

Stay on a Buffalo Ranch in a Caboose

A stay at Buffalo Creek Vacations in Clyde, NC is really unique because you can sleep on a real decommissioned caboose on a buffalo ranch. The cabooses are very comfortable and just plain cool. And you can see buffalo right from the window and watch them get their breakfast.

Caboose rentals in North Carolina — Caboose rentals

Outer Banks

More than 100 miles of open shoreline await at the Outer Banks in North Carolina. This area has been on my bucket list for a long time. I need to just go!

Polar Express

The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad’s Polar Express runs in November and December out of Bryson City, NC. It has all the trappings of the popular film, from hot chocolate to Santa to inviting guests to wear their pajamas. It’s a huge hit with families. Stay at Sky Ridge Yurts, just a twenty-minute drive from the train station.

Bon Ami Mine and Black Light Tour

Not only can you visit an old mine and hunt for gems, but on select dates throughout the year, they offer a black light tour of phosphorous rock that glows in the dark!

The Biltmore

Built by George Vanderbilt in the late 1880s, the Biltmore House in Asheville is the largest privately-owned home in the country. It’s enormous with 250 rooms, but I personally think the Biltmore Gardens are the star of the show. This is especially true in the spring when there are more than 30,000 tulip bulbs, and azaleas in every color line the garden path to the bass pond and waterfall. Biking the Biltmore, walking the trails, and visiting the winery are all wonderful things to do there.

Mount Airy

If you’re ready for a trip that is full of nostalgia, you have to take your family to Mount Airy, NC. This small town near Winston-Salem is the real-life hometown of Andy Griffith, and the entire town really showcases that! You can take a squad car ride around town, go antiquing, and check out a lot of the things you would see in Mayberry.

Are you looking for more fun things to do in North Carolina? Check out our Kidding Around Guide to Travel in NC!

Kidding Around's Travel Guide to North Carolina

Tennessee Bucket List Adventures

Yep. The places below are some of the most incredible places to visit in Tennessee.

Lost Sea Adventure

Take a tour of these massive caverns outside Knoxville, Tennessee to learn all about geology. But then take a boat tour in the underground lake. It’s as cool as it sounds.

Roan Mountain

At 6,285 feet above sea level, Roan Mountain delivers big views over sweeping peaks. It’s perhaps most famous for the gorgeous rhododendrons that bloom in early summer along its ridges. But really, anytime is beautiful here. It’s pretty chilly though, so bundle up!

Rock City

Located in Chattanooga, TN, Rock City boasts a unique and creative atmosphere with a 4,100-foot paved path that winds around amazing natural rock formations, including narrow pathways through large rocks, scenic look-out points, and an underground cavern. Statues, a rope bridge, clever signs, and more accent the garden.

Dollywood and Dollywood Splash Country

Both of these parks are fantastic, clean, and fun for the whole family. Dollywood has lots of roller coasters, a steam locomotive, wonderful shows, and areas for smaller kids to play and ride. And the waterpark is such fun with mat slides, water coasters, and a huge lazy river.

Go Lodge

This 17-room mansion in Gatlinburg has hundreds of games to play, and each room is designed as a famous game. The living room looks like the game, Clue, the kitchen is Mario Brothers themed, there are bedrooms that are designed after Pac-Man, Chess, LEGOS, and a Las Vegas casino. The Go Lodge is a must-do with your family.

LeConte Lodge

The only way to get to LeConte Lodge on the top of Mt. LeConte is to hike up. Reservations for the rustic cabins are hard to come by, but hikers have loved this place for many years for the views, the hospitality, and the feeling of accomplishment standing atop the mountain.

Travel Guide to Tennessee, with information for family friendly vacations.

Looking for more fun things to do in Tennessee? Check out our Kidding Around Tennessee Travel Guide!

South Carolina Bucket List Adventures

The best places to visit in South Carolina are right here.

Lake Jocassee Wild Child

I learned about the Jocassee Wild Child program in 2021, and I think it’s one of the most fun and educational things to do during the warmer months out on Lake Jocassee. Read my Jocassee Wild Child review to learn why this experience is a must-do for families. The same company also offers kids kayak clinics on the lake, which are so much fun as well!

Holding pond salamanders at Jocassee Wild Child

Vanishing Island

I’ve done dolphin tours with Island Explorer in Hilton Head twice, and I plan to go back because it’s easily one of my family’s favorite things to do. Dolphins are so amazing, and the tour company is fun and knowledgeable. You can also search for sand dollars on Vanishing Island.

Bulls Island

I had seen photos of Boneyard Beach on Bulls Island, which is part of the Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge in Charleston, SC. But nothing could truly prepare me for the experience of walking through the old, weathered trees strewn across the sandy beach. It was an experience like no other.

Daufuskie Island

You can only get to Daufuskie Island near Hilton Head Island by boat. There are no cars on the island, only bikes and golf carts. It sounds heavenly, and I want to go.

Cow Cuddling

I didn’t know you could cuddle cows until I visited Moo Cow Farms in Simpsonville, SC. But you can, and it’s every bit as fun as I imagined! They are usually booked solid at least two months out, so plan accordingly.

Whitewater Rafting on the Chattooga River

As seen in the movie Deliverance, the Chattooga River is the crown jewel of Southeastern rafting and offers the best and most challenging whitewater in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountain region. The Chattooga was named a National Wild and Scenic River in 1974. We recommend Wildwater Rafting for your adventure.

Find Some Ghosts in Charleston

Charleston is a gem of the Southeast for its beautiful architecture, restaurants, and history. But it is also known for its many supposedly haunted places. Take a boat tour or walking tour to learn all about them.

Looking for more fun things to do when traveling in South Carolina? Check out our Kidding Around Travel Guide to South Carolina!

Florida Bucket List Adventures

Castillo de San Marcos

This fort in the country’s oldest city of St. Augustine has a fascinating history behind it. For kids and their parents, the Junior Ranger Program is a must-do. Try to go during the spring, fall, or winter since the summer is particularly brutal and hot.

Blue Spring State Park

Florida has dozens of crystal-clear springs around the central part of the state. Here, uou can see twenty feet to the bottom, go snorkeling, tubing, diving, and even see manatees during the winter. Blue Spring State Park is a beautiful spot near the Eastern side of the state.

Blue Spring Park manatee — Manatee at Blue Springs State Park

Bioluminescent Kayaking Adventure

Off the Space Coast in Florida near Cape Canaveral, is a super cool spot where the water looks like a sea of glow-in-the-dark sparkling stars. And you can kayak through it!

Woman in kayak paddling through biolum waters — Photo Credit: Visit Space Coast

Kennedy Space Center Launch

This is a tricky one to make happen because so many things can postpone or cancel a rocket launch. And some launches happen in the middle of the night! A trip to the Kennedy Space Center is definitely worth a spot on this bucket list, but seeing a launch there is even more amazing. A night launch from the beach lights up the whole sky.

Georgia Bucket List Adventures

Georgia Aquarium

This is one of those aquariums that people always say is worth the trip. It’s huge, has a large variety of marine animals, and is wonderful for both kids and adults.

Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is definitely the place to escape from the world. It is quiet, serene, and beautiful.

Providence Canyon State Park

This unique canyon formed because farmers in the 1800s basically didn’t do a good job of farming. But today, hikers, climbers, casual nature lovers, and backpackers enjoy the stunning cliffs and valleys.

Okefenokee Swamp

I know a swamp doesn’t exactly sound enticing, but I heard about this place because my kids and I were listening to the book Tree Castle Island by Newberry Award winner, Jean Craighead George. We loved the book as it detailed what the magical swamp was like. The name of the swamp translates to “Land of the Trembling Earth,” and you can take kayak tours, guided boat tours, and even a train ride.

Tallulah Gorge

Tallulah Gorge offers breathtaking views of waterfalls, cliffs, and a powerful river. At two miles long and nearly 1,000 feet deep, the canyon is one of the biggest in the eastern United States. You can hike rim trails to several overlooks (beware there are LOTS of stairs), or you can get a permit to hike to the gorge floor. Permits subject to weather and availability. Arrive early if you want one!

I hope you’ve been inspired to start your own bucket list or just steal any of these ideas. Now go make some memories with your family!

Georgia Travel Guide: Family getaways in Georgia

Are you looking for more fun things to do in Georgia? Check out our Kidding Around Travel Guide to Georgia!

Are you looking for more amazing places to travel to in the USA? Check out our Kidding Around Travel guide!

Abandoned Elkmont Ghost Town is Like Walking Back in Time

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is full of history and one of those gems is the Elkmont Ghost Town. It’s easy to get to but many people have no idea it exists, which is why we just had to check it out.

Quick Summary: Elkmont Ghost Town

🌲 Have you ever heard of Elkmont Ghost Town? It’s one of the Great Smoky Mountains’ hidden gems, and it feels like stepping straight into the 1940s!

Just a few minutes from the Sugarlands Visitor Center, you’ll find preserved cabins, mossy stone bridges, and a history that stretches back to 1840. Walk through Levi Trentham’s cabin (he was known as the “Prophet of the Smokies”), wander past the old Appalachian Clubhouse, and imagine life in this vibrant town that once buzzed with wealthy Knoxville vacationers.

You’ll also want to find the enchanting Troll Bridge and, if you’re lucky, catch the once-a-year synchronous firefly show in June!

There is something captivating about the Smoky Mountains. I don’t know exactly what it is but from the very first time I went several years ago, those mountains have called me back again and again.

The misty clouds that settle in the high peaks, the snowy mountain tops in the winter, the intricate wildflowers in the spring, the pounding waterfalls, and the history of early settlers are all fascinating. I’ve done a lot of things inside the park and visited some pretty amazing places (Cades Cove is the best), but one place had eluded me until recently: Elkmont Ghost Town.

Now, if you happen to stop by the Sugarland Visitors Center, not ten minutes from the Ghost Town, and ask the Park Rangers about it, they will correct you. The actual name of the abandoned town is called Daisy Town. However, it is commonly called Elkmont Ghost Town and since I think that name is cooler, that’s what I’m using here.

Elkmont Ghost Town: Ruins of the Wonderland Hotel

History of Elkmont Ghost Town

The history of Elkmont is captivating.

Originally settled in 1840, Elkmont was called “Little River” because it is located in the Little River Valley and right next to the Little River. But in 1901, Colonel Wilson B. Townsend, whom the nearby town of Townsend is named after, bought 86,000 acres of land right there along the river and called his company the Little River Lumber Company. This was at the time of the advent of the railroad system, which Colonel Townend built to transport his lumber to the sawmill in Tuckaleechee Cove, which is about 19 miles away today. It could have been longer in that time.

Anyways, the railroad system ended up transforming Little River into a vacation destination where wealthy families from Knoxville would come to escape the heat. These wealthy families turned part of the town into a resort where the Wonderland Hotel was then built in 1912. It closed forever in 1992 and then crumbled in 2005 followed by a fire in 2016 that pretty much destroyed the rest of it. All that’s left are some steps around the property, rock foundations, and big chimneys.

There are still cabins in the logging town of Elkmont that you can check out.

Why is Elkmont a Ghost Town?

Maybe ghosts live there, I don’t know, but it’s called a ghost town because precisely no living human dwells there any longer.

When the U.S. Government turned the Great Smoky Mountains into a National Park in 1934, many people still lived and worked there. The government gave residents the option to sell and relocate immediately or sell at a lesser value to the government and retain lifetime leases where they could remain in their homes until they died or the lease was renegotiated. All but two leases expired in 1992, and the park was left with around 70 historic buildings. These included homes that people had lived in and a clubhouse for the town.

The last lease ran out in 2001 and with no one living there any longer, the buildings started to deteriorate and probably looked like a ghost town. The National Park eventually decided to preserve 19 buildings and tear down the rest. The ghost town now has restored cabins on a street that looks straight out of a movie from the 1940s. The cool thing is that you can walk through many of the cabins!

Walking through the Elkmont Ghost Town

Most of the cabins are open to the public to walk through. As we meandered down the empty street and ducked into the neat cabins, my imagination wandered as well. What was it like to live in this place as a logging family? What was it like to be in the wilderness amongst such beauty all the time? What was it like when the government bought all the land and you had to either move or lease your own property until death?

The cabins are each unique and my kids and I loved figuring out what each room was used for – was that room a kids’ bedroom? Was this one a dining room? Did the fireplace provide enough heat for the family?

One of the cabins you can walk through is that of Levi Trentham, an interesting figure who was deemed “The Prophet of the Smokies” and “Mayor of Elkmont”. He was a gifted storyteller who initially made his living trapping bears and selling their hides.

When tourists started coming to the park, he found his calling as a guide. He also opened up a small grocery store but legend has it he couldn’t read so to handle accounting, he put nails on the wall for each customer and drew what they ordered on a stick.

One customer got angry, thinking that Trentham had overcharged him because he was charged for a wheel of cheese instead of a grindstone. It turns out that Trentham forgot to draw a hole in the middle of the wheel so it looked like cheese instead of a grindstone.

There are kiosks around the cabins that tell you who they belonged to, when they were built, when the lease ran out, and about the restoration process by the National Park.

The Appalachian Clubhouse is one of the buildings that is not open to visitors except on special occasions but they do have rocking chairs to sit in and information on the front of the building that tells you a bit about the history. Elkmont was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

Nearby Jakes Creek and Spence Cabin

Levi Trentham’s cabin was moved from Jakes Creek, which is very close to Elkmont Ghost Town. From the parking area at Jakes Creek, you can see the cabins.

You can hike along Jakes Creek, which follows the old railroad route from the Little River Lumber Company. It’s a beautiful trail and you can go as far or as short as you like. A very short walk along Jakes Creek to the left leads you to Spence Cabin on the left, which was built in 1928 by Alice Townsend, wife of Colonel Townsend. You can’t miss it – the building is pink.

Spence Cabin was part of the Appalachian Club resort community where the wealthy people from Knoxville would come and visit via the railroad. The cabin sits right along the beautiful Little River and can be rented out from the National Park for weddings, family gatherings, or other types of events.

There’s a kiosk by the river in front of Spence Cabin with a photo of people in the water obviously having a grand old time. This walkthrough history was just so cool. You can keep walking a little ways from the cabin and come across the remains of other buildings that were part of the resort community but they are mostly just chimneys.

The Elkmont Troll Bridge

If you’re on any of the big Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge Facebook groups, the Troll Bridge always comes up. People want to know what it is and where to find it, as did I.

You have to park in the lot for the Jakes Creek trailhead and walk maybe a quarter mile until you find a small spur trail on the right. The trail goes right to the small bridge. We missed this the first time we walked down the trail and spent quite a while backtracking until we found another group and eventually asked them. They directed us towards the bridge and we found it!

The bridge is idyllic with moss covering the stonework in some places and goes over a very small creek. My kids enjoyed coming up with riddles to tell each other so they could pass over the bridge. It was super cute.

Elkmont Campground

The campground at Elkmont is enormous but it’s only open seasonally, March-November. The campground is primitive, meaning it has no showers and few amenities. I mean, you’re going there to stay in the Smokies, not watch TV or play video games. There is also no cell service but the campground is just 25 minutes the Alum Cave trailhead, 5 minutes from Laurel Falls trailhead, 20 minutes to Chimney Tops trailhead and many others. It’s about 30 minutes from Cades Cove.

The sites are really pretty and some have tent pads. Read through all the descriptions of each site before you book because they are not all the same. Also, you need to know that bears are regulars here. You’ll get a lesson on keeping your food stored properly from a Ranger before given your camp tag for your car. It’s really, really important to listen to what they say and store your food correctly so you’re not inviting bears to visit you.

Synchronous Fireflies

Perhaps the coolest thing at Elkmont is the fact that the campground is the location of the synchronous fireflies in June. One way to see them is to enter the annual lottery, which opens in 2025 in early May. May. In 2023, more than 45,000 people entered to win one of the around 1100 vehicle tickets they give away per each night. In 2025, they are giving away 960 vehicle passes total for eight nights. It’s $1 to enter the lottery and if you win, you’ll be charged the $29 application fee.

Or you could book a campsite at Elkmont and skip the lottery and see the amazing fireflies, which is just a short walk from your campsite. I did this and it was completely unreal, amazing, incredible – all the adjectives to describe something that is a must-see at least once in your life.

Another option is to book a campsite the week after the lottery ends. I was told by multiple people (and a couple of Rangers) that you can usually see them at this time without the crowds and without having to enter the lottery.

Directions to Elkmont Ghost Town

Getting to the Wonderland Hotel, Elkmont Ghost Town, and the Troll Bridge is pretty easy. If you start at the Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg on the Tennessee side, take Little River Road traveling west. Look for signs for Elkmont Campground around 4.9 miles and turn left towards the Jakes Creek Trail just before you reach the actual campground. Keep right and park near the gate.

To get to Elkmont Ghost Town, go past the Jakes Creek trailhead parking up the hill and turn right. There’s a parking lot there.

To get to the remains of the Wonderland Hotel, once you turn onto the road leading to the Elkmont Campground from Little River Road, go past the unmarked gravel road until you see one or two small government buildings on your right. Across the street is a small pull-off with a kiosk that has photos and information about the Wonderland Hotel. There’s a short path up the hill that leads to the remains of the hotel. We wandered around up there for a little bit and then got back to the car and drove to Jakes Creek.

One thing you need to know is that while there is no admission to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you do need to purchase a parking pass, which you can get at the Sugarland Visitors Center. Parking is $5/day, $15/week or $40/year.

Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg Family Guide

Need other things to do in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area? We have been several times and have a huge Guide to Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge where you can find information on things to do, where to stay, and where to eat.

Visit our Tennessee Travel Guide.

Zipline Right Over Lake Keowee at Upstate Zipline

Inside: Local families visit Upstate Zipline over Lake Keowee and share their experiences so you’ll know how to plan your trip and what to expect.

If you love adventure or want to try something new for the whole family, Upstate Zipline near Greenville, SC offers that thrilling ride you’re looking for! We checked it out ourselves and have all the details on how to enjoy this new attraction in the Upstate, SC.

Quick Summary: Upstate Zipline

We had a blast at Upstate Zipline near Greenville, SC — and trust us, your family will LOVE it! 🚀

✔️ Zip over sparkling Lake Keowee
✔️ Kids as young as 3 can zip with guides
✔️ New gem mining experience 🪨
✔️ Family-friendly fun, even for your hard-to-please teens
✔️ Full Moon Tours with campfire s’mores 🌕

Upstate Zipline is located at Keowee-Toxaway State Park and designed with nature in mind — no clunky towers, just breathtaking views and serious thrills!

Thank you to Upstate Zipline for hosting us so we could write this review.

Have you ever wanted to zipline over water or speed through the trees for a half-mile while suspended a couple hundred feet in the air? I have! The Upstate Zipline has you covered. In fact, it has the whole family covered as kids as young as three-years-old can zipline here. Plus, they now offer gem mining. So if someone in your group doesn’t want to zip, or you want to add on another fun activity, you can!

Kidding Around has visited Upstate Zipline twice. We’ve sent two writers and their families, so we’ve collectively done the course with six different kids ages 8 to 15. Everyone absolutely loved it, even our hard-to-please teens!

Watch! Here’s our whole trip

We stayed and played at Upstate Zipline. We had a blast and you can see it for yourself!

From registration to communication beforehand to check-in to the actual zipline tour, Upstate Zipline was a memorable and exciting experience, one we are sure families will enjoy.

Zipline over Lake Keowee at Upstate Zipline

About Upstate Zipline

Upstate Zipline’s course is at Keowee-Toxaway State Park in the Upstate, about an hour from Greenville. It consists of 10 ziplines, including two where you zip over Lake Keowee. It’s even cooler than it sounds.

Upstate Zipline is owned by Robert and Joanna Nickell, who have been constructing, inspecting, and imagining the adventures of ziplines for 27 years. They’ve moved all over the country as they have opened new zipline places but fell in love with the Greenville area and decided to relocate here and build a zipline course in 2021.

Robert and Joanna were able to work with South Carolina State Parks to construct the current zipline course at Keowee-Toxaway State Park. If you’re familiar with the park, the location is across the street from where you would go to hike the Natural Bridge/Raven Rock Trail.

There are picnic tables and bathroom facilities where Upstate Zipline is located.

When the course was designed and constructed, it was done to preserve as much of the natural world as possible and not include clunky steel towers or anything that looks like it really doesn’t belong there. What you’ll notice most is how the course is built around the trees and natural topography – which is exactly the way it was designed. The platforms are held up with wires, and not drilled into the trees. So as the trees grow, the course can be altered to accommodate that growth and the trees stay healthy.

The Course

The course for Upstate Zipline is so cool. They have 10 lines, including one that is more than 250 feet off the ground and one that is a half-mile long. You don’t zip across any of the lines twice so all the scenery is new.

There are two guides on your tour, one that receives you on the other end of the line and another guide who sends you off. Both times we visited our guides were totally amazing.

The first four lines are right near the building where you check in and aren’t too high off the ground or long, which is perfect for giving guests a feel for how ziplining works, how to brake properly, and how to watch for the cues from the guides on when to slow down or let your hand off the brake. This will be important later on in the course.

Then comes the really fun part. You’ll zip to a platform, cross a suspension bridge and head right to the half-mile-long zip line. I couldn’t see the other side of it and felt just a tad nervous. But once I got up there and started zipping through the air, it was the coolest feeling. You’re so high and going so fast and it’s just a really neat, freeing feeling. When you go, don’t forget to look all around you. It’s beautiful!!

After that zipline, you get to go on the fastest line in the course so pay attention to your guide and when he/she tells you to brake. It’s easy, don’t worry. That line can get up to 60 miles per hour!

The last two lines are right over Lake Keowee and they are so incredible. The area where you zipline over is a private cove so you don’t need to worry about boats below and you won’t go anywhere near touching the water (although that would be fun!).

Once you zip through the last line, you’ll be brought back to the headquarters of Upstate Zipline in a little bus, about a three-minute drive.

All in all, it took us just over two hours to complete the course. We had about eight people in our group so it may be shorter if you have fewer since the guides need to clip and unclip everyone about a hundred times throughout the course (it may be less but it seemed like a hundred times – safety is of utmost importance).

Safety at Upstate Zipline

Speaking of safety, that is of utmost importance to Upstate Zipline, high above everything else, pun intended. Guides are extensively trained by Universal Zipline Technology, the leader in the zipline industry, on how to use the zipline ropes and clips and what to do in cases of emergency.

The entire zipline course is inspected daily and Robert and Joanna have 27 years of experience in this industry. They also travel and inspect other zipline courses throughout the country, including some we’ve written about at Kidding Around.

Our guides were laser-focused on safety our entire trip. They must have rechecked our gear a dozen times and gave us instructions multiple times as well on how to best enjoy the course safely. They were both really fun to be around with great personalities but it was more than obvious they were paying close attention to us the entire time.

Requirements for Guests

Upstate Zipline is the only zipline place I’ve been to that allows kids as young as three-years-old to participate. They make it safe for these kids because they pair them with a guide for the longer zip lines. The reason most zipline places don’t allow kids this young to go is because they would never make it across the zipline because they don’t weigh enough. By pairing them with a guide, the kids can enjoy the course, making it a true family adventure!

My youngest child is eight-years-old and hardly weighs anything so for half of the course, Preston went with her on those ziplines. She had a blast and I was comforted knowing that my daughter was in good hands.

The other important rule is that for participants that are 5′ 6″ and shorter, they must be 250 pounds or under. Participants that are 5′ 7″ and taller must be 280 lbs or under.

When you check in, you will be weighed (this is absolutely common practice on all zipline and ropes courses).

When you book your zipline adventure, please make note of all of these requirements before purchasing your slot.

Full Moon Tours

We did a daytime tour but Upstate Zipline does offer Full Moon zipline tours for the truly adventurous among us. You’ll do the course by moonlight with headlamps and then you get s’mores and a campfire afterward. This would be such a fun adventure, especially if you’re camping nearby.

Guests who do the Full Moon tour must be 8 years old and advanced reservations are recommended.

Tips on Enjoying Your Zipline Tour

After doing the entire zipline course, we have a few tips:

Bring water. It gets warm out there and having water is key.
You have to wear shoes that won’t fall off so basically no flip-flops.
Wear sunscreen. When the leaves are off the trees especially, you’ll be waiting in the sun on the platforms.
If you plan to have your cell phone with you, make sure to purchase a cell phone lanyard. They are awesome, stretching over your phone so you can still comfortably use it to take photos or videos.
Go to the bathroom before you go on our tour. You can’t get out of your harness to make a bathroom stop during the tour. There are bathrooms where you check in.
Follow the rules and get there a half hour before your tour so you have the time you need to get geared up and go through all the safety instructions.
Book now for the fall. I can’t even imagine how incredible this course will be come October when the leaves change. It’s going to be awesome.

Gem Mining at Upstate Zipline

New this year, Upstate Zipline now offers gem mining. You can enjoy this experience after your zipline tour since you’ll be headed back to the office to get your gear off anyway. Or, if you are traveling with someone who doesn’t want to try the ziplines, they can enjoy some quiet gem mining while you’re out on your adventure.

My kids ages 11 through 15 all really enjoyed gem mining, and I have to say, I was a little surprised. But sifting through the Motherload bag of dirt in the sluices beside the office was actually really fun! And my kids found amethyst, fossils, quartz, crystal points, obsidian, and lots of other cool things. They are still sorting through all their finds and looking up information to help them positively identify the gems. So, you could definitely call this activity both fun and educational.

Purchase bags of mining materials from the Upstate Zipline office. Prices start at $10 and go up to $50 for the biggest bag.

Booking Your Adventure

You can book directly online with Upstate Zipline through their Upstate Zipline website. They do offer group discounts and be sure to sign up for their newsletter and follow them on social media to keep updated on the latest news and discounts.

The zipline tour is $89/person and the Full Moon Tour is $69/person.

New! Stay at Upstate Zipline

That’s right! The camp located within the Keowee Toxaway State Park called Camp Cedar Creek is now operated by Upstate Zipline. They’ve done some awesome things converting cabins to be perfect for families. We stayed in these cabins and had so much fun enjoying the outdoors, kayaking on the lake, and of course, staying minutes from the zipline course!

Get all the details about these cabins in our story: Stay and Play at Upstate Zipline

Find more great places to zipline near Greenville, SC!

Upstate Zipline
138 Museum Circle, Sunset, SC
864.720.4318
Upstate Zipline Website
Upstate Zipline Facebook

For other places to zipline in our region, see our Ziplining in the Southeast story.

10+ Beachy Things To Do and Discover At Huntington Beach State Park

Inside: A visiting family shares all the things to do at Huntington Beach State Park, from camping, the ocean beach, Atalaya Castle and more.

Have you visited Huntington Beach State Park? Are you looking for fun things to do at Huntington Beach State Park? If you’re looking for an all-in-one camping experience that includes the beach, an abundance of wildlife, a castle, a nature center, and opportunities for learning and adventure, Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet is the place. I spent an incredible couple of days there and was planning to return even before I left.

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Creating Beauty from Destruction: The New Playscape at Conestee Nature Preserve

Inside: The heartwarming story of how the new Playscape at Conestee Nature Preserve came to be, plus what you can expect when you visit.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 27, 2024, driving around (if you could drive around) looked like the Apocalypse. How could anything good come out of such destruction? The new playscape at Conestee Nature Preserve answers that question.

How could anything good come from such destruction is a question I often asked myself following Helene.

But a lot of good came out of the disaster – we witnessed the coming together of our community in ways we never imagined. Even writing this now, more than six months later, it still gives me goosebumps. I don’t think we will ever hear the end of the heroic acts and selfless decisions made following the storm.

Quick Summary: Playscape at Conestee Nature Preserve

🌳 A brand-new natural playscape is rising from the very trees that fell during Helene. Designed by TreeHugger Custom Builders, this space is nothing short of breathtaking. Think bridges, walkways, and a throne made from Helene’s downed trees—each piece tells a story of resilience.

🛠️ From twisted branches to log-carved steps, every detail is stunning. Artist Matt McClain turned destruction into art, creating a space that inspires wonder and healing.

🗓️ Opens to the public Saturday, April 12th
🚻 Porta-potties are available near the fenced-in playscape. Bathrooms are near the baseball field.📍840 Mauldin Road, Greenville

Watch! See the Playscape

One of those amazing stories is right here in Greenville at the Conestee Nature Preserve. Nearly an entire playscape was constructed from the fallen trees of Helene. Here’s what happened.

Having the Dream

In 2022, the Conestee Nature Preserve wanted to create a natural playscape for their guests, something that would introduce kids to the wonders of nature in an area that was safe and fun. They started raising money to make their dream a reality.

Fundraising is tough and this large of a project took a significant amount of time and energy to pursue. TreeHugger Custom Builders was hired to create the design and that’s where the magic started to happen.

TreeHugger Custom Builders

Walking into the playscape felt like walking into Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory but without all the sweets. This was a sugar overload for the mind instead. The beauty of the woodwork throughout the structures was immediately apparent and I was hooked.

Branches were twisted to make arches. Exquisite details made the bridge something I was immediately drawn to. The natural steps carved from logs and the planks that ran around the beaver dam were all obviously man-made but looked like they were meant to be there.

Conestee playscape beaver dam — Beaver dam/lodge

Matt McClain at TreeHugger is behind all those structures. His vision of taking the beauty of nature and weaving it throughout this playscape is stamped everywhere. If you’ve been to the Old Soul Treehouse in Waterloo (that we wrote about), you’ve seen his handiwork. Matt’s work is also featured at City Scape Winery, Stone Pin Bowling Alley, and Table 301 here in Greenville.

I wouldn’t even call what Matt does woodworking. It’s art. It will capture your eyes and head straight to your heart. I really do think it’s that beautiful.

Rising from the Storm

When Helene hit and mountains of debris littered the city and the Conestee Nature Preserve itself, Matt decided to make use of all that wood and build it into something beautiful.

Right when you walk into the playscape to your left is the story-telling area with benches and a seat fit for a king or queen. Those benches all came from downed trees. The throne-like structure came from a tree that came down on Pleasantburg Drive. It is shockingly beautiful. Go sit there and talk. Your voice will do neat things when you sit inside of it.

The bridge over the walkway next to the beaver dam is made from Helene trees. The walkways and hawks nests and railings and platforms all came from trees that were felled during the storm.

Taking salvaged material is something of a staple in Matt’s work. He’s been doing it for the last ten years so this project was perfect for him.

The creek that flows through the playscape is totally manmade and does not take water from the Reedy River. The water here is filtered and clean. This is completely separate from the river.

Part of the Healing Process

Matt is a master artist whose work will inspire creativity and imagination no matter what ages run through that playscape.

One of the more prevailing scars from Helene is not only on the land but also on our hearts and minds. Processing the destruction is hard. Seeing crushed buildings and trees fallen on mountains like pickup sticks is like a gut punch every time. What Matt and Conestee Nature Preserve did together helps in this healing process to restore hope and beauty to the landscape. And what a gift that is to the community.

Visiting the Playscape

The playscape opens to the public on Saturday, April 12th. It is almost entirely fenced in and there are porta-potties right now. The Preserve is trying to raise money to build standalone bathrooms but that is costly. There are real bathrooms closer to the baseball field.

The playscape is closest to the parking lot nearest the baseball fields and right next to the community garden.

No pets are allowed at the playscape.

840 Mauldin Road, Greenville
Conestee Nature Preserve Playscape

Learn more about Conestee Nature Preserve

The 25 Drive-In Movie Theater is an Hour from Greenville, SC and is Perfect for Making Family Memories

Put “visit 25 Drive-In movie theater” on your bucket list this year. Drive-in movie theaters still exist and there’s one about an hour from Greenville, SC that is just perfect for making those fun, family memories together.

I went to a drive-in movie (sometimes known as an ‘auto theater’) with my family when I was maybe 12 or 13 years old. It was so fun! We brought blankets and pillows and popcorn, tuned our radio to the channel that broadcasted the audio from the film, and had a blast together. Nowadays, drive-in movie theaters have all but disappeared. But there’s one in Greenwood, South Carolina (a little over an hour from Greenville) that is still showing movies and it’s a great spot to make those lasting family memories.

Quick Summary: 25 Drive-In Movie Theater

🎬 Here’s what you need to know:

Gates open at 7 pm; first movie starts around 8:15 pm
Open Fridays & Saturdays with new movies posted mid-week
Admission: $5 (ages 3–11), $10 (ages 12+), cash only
Concessions available with burgers, nachos, and more
Bringing your own food? There’s a $20 permit fee
Bathrooms and radio rentals available near Screen 1
Pets welcome! (just clean up after them 🐾)

💺 Tip: Bring chairs, blankets, and settle in early for dinner and a show!

📍3109 Highway 25 South, Greenwood, SC
📞 864.942.9871
🌐 More info: http://www.the25drivein.com/

25 Drive-In Movie Theater Times & Dates

The 25 Drive-In Movie Theater, which first opened in 1945, shows movies and Friday and Saturday nights on three screens. The first movie starts around 8:15 pm, the second at 9:50 or a little after 10 pm.

New movies will be posted by Tuesday or Wednesday before the weekend.

Movies range in rating from PG to R so be sure to check out what is showing beforehand to make sure it is an appropriate fit for your family.

Bathrooms are available.

25 Drive-In Movie Theater Admission + Food

The 25 Drive-In Movie Theater offers concessions as well so you can consider it ‘dinner and a movie’. On the menu you’ll find hand-patted burgers, hotdogs, popcorn, nachos, and a lot more! If you want to bring your own food, you’re welcome to do so but will be asked to pay $20 for a food/drink permit.

The cost to go to the movie is $5 for ages 3-11 and $10 for ages 12+, cash only! Gates open at 7 pm.

Tips to Know Before You Go

There is always a double feature, so you can stay for both movies.
You can hang out in your car, but they recommend bringing chairs and blankets to sit outside for more comfort.
You can rent a radio if you want to sit outside of your car so you can hear the movie better.
You’ll find the concessions stand, the bathrooms, and the radio rental area near Screen 1.
There is a $20 fee per vehicle if you want to bring your own food.
There is plenty of space for kids to play, so they are allowed to bring in a frisbee, balls, and other quiet toys.
They recommend arriving an hour early to order food and get settled before the movie starts.
The box office does accept chip cards and cash for payment.
Pets are allowed, but please clean up after them.
Make lots of memories and have fun at the drive-in!

Have you been to a drive-in movie?

25 Drive-In Movie Theater
3109 Highway 25 South, Greenwood, SC
864.942.9871

Looking for more movie theaters in Greenville, SC?

Eden Farms Offers Amazing Trail Rides Overlooking the Mountains near Greenville, SC

Interested in SC trail rides? Eden Farms in SC is a sprawling 160-acre farm overlooking the mountains. Kristina took her kids and has all the details.

Thanks to Eden Farms for letting us do a trail ride so we could write the review!

I’ll take any chance to get close to the beautiful mountains surrounding Greenville and if it involves horseback riding, even better. This is exactly what Eden Farms in Marietta, SC offers to anyone who wants to enjoy their gentle horses, the sprawling farm, and the shaded trails.

About Eden Farms: SC Equestrian Center

Eden Farms, founded in 2001, is family-owned and operated. They have several pastures, three arenas (one of them is covered), and 160 acres of land with views of Table Rock, Caesars Head, and Paris Mountain. You can even catch a view of downtown Greenville on one of the trails.

They are perhaps most well-known for their horse therapy program, Happy Hooves, a nonprofit Therapeutic Equestrian Center that serves people with special needs of all ages and abilities. Since the nonprofit began in 2003, Eden Farms has served thousands of individuals. Happy Hooves Therapeutic Equestrian Center is the only one of its kind in the Upstate and one of five in the state that is a PATH International (formerly NARHA) Premier Accredited Centers. This basically means they have high standards of training and safety.

Eden Farms also offers birthday parties, camps, trail rides, riding lessons, horse boarding, and field trips. Our editor, Bethany, checked out one of their homeschool days in this great video, which includes a tour of the farm, horses, barn, and awesome playground.

Explore on Horseback in Upstate, SC: Trail Rides

I’ve ridden horses before but all in all, I’m still pretty clueless about horses. My kids have only ridden them at events around in a circle. We are all beginners to say the least, which didn’t matter at all when it came time for our trail ride at Eden Farms.

As soon as we got there, Becky, the owner, and her team made us all feel welcome and encouraged. Once I signed all the release forms (which you can do online beforehand to save time), we were off to meet our horses in the spacious barn. By the way, the barn is gorgeous. It is just so pretty and clean! And all the horses we met were very calm and gentle. You could tell they were happy.

When we booked the trail ride, Becky asked our weight and height so she could prepare the correct horses for us. My seven-year-old had a beautiful small horse named Twiggy. My daughter fit on her perfectly. And my oldest daughter at 11-years-old rode Hannah Eve, a gorgeous quarter horse. My horse, Rebekah, was a Belgian. She was huge but very gentle. I immediately could relate to this horse as she loved to eat while we were riding.

Once we got our helmets on and were introduced to our horses, we were taken out to one of the arenas to mount our horses from a wooden stand, which made it really easy. And then we rode around the arena for a few minutes while Becky and our guide instructed us on how to turn, stop, and go on our horses. It was really easy. And then we were off to the trail.

Meandering Through the Forest

My two kids each had their own guide walking alongside them as is the standard at Eden Farms. Kids ages 7-12 can ride but do have a guide with them for safety. I had never seen this before on previous trail rides when I was much younger but it made me feel very safe and secure to have them with my kids even though they were right in front of me. I was pulling up the rear with Rebekah and got to see the joy my kids felt while riding the horses. It was awesome.

The trail we were on was about a mile long and runs through the back of the farm on a dirt path and then up into the nicely shaded woods. But on our way up there, we were treated to beautiful views of Table Rock, Caesars Head, and Paris Mountain. It was just so peaceful. Like I mentioned in the beginning, mountains make me so happy. Seeing them is very calming for me and being able to ride such a sweet and gentle horse while watching my kids enjoy something so thoroughly was very special.

To give the best experience to their guests, Eden Farms only takes out four people at a time on trail rides. Based on my previous trail riding experiences, I had expectations of what it would be like at Eden Farms but it was so much better than what I had imagined. Becky and her team were so attentive and patient and answered all our questions while encouraging us in our handling of the horses. The horses were so well-behaved and gentle. I never felt unsafe or unsteady and really loved the experience. My youngest wanted to know how to trot by the time we were done and now she’s begging me to send her to summer camp there while my other daughter is already planning her birthday party at Eden Farms. It’s definitely a fun and welcoming place.

Booking Your Own Trail Ride

Eden Farms runs trail rides Monday – Saturday by appointment. Over the summer, trail rides go out at 8 am because of the heat. Make it a day trip and head to Table Rock State Park to jump in some waterfalls or hit up a nearby sandy mountain beach. During other seasons, rides are in the morning and early afternoon.

Give Eden Farms a call to schedule a trail ride at 864.898.0043. Kids are welcome and those ages 7-12 will have a guide walking with them on the trail but they will be the ones to control the reins. Kids need to be at least seven years old and riders must be under 225 pounds.

This would make an awesome date activity with your significant other or your kid(s). It’s a fun special occasion activity or just something enjoyable to do with your friends or family visiting as well.

Trail rides are about an hour long and include a safety lesson and helmet. They are $80/person.

Eden Farms
4700 Dacusville Highway, Marietta
864.898.0043

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Eden Farms & Happy Hooves!

Things to Do Outdoors Near Greenville, SC