Looking for a new family adventure? The Blue Ghost Fireflies in Pisgah Forest are an amazing sight you can view through the Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah Forest. KAG’s Kristina Hernandez experienced this unique site, and she’s sharing all the information so you can check it out with your family!
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50+ Nostalgic Arcade Games Are Waiting to be Played at the Upstate Pinball and Arcade Museum!
An awesome arcade that has the best games from the 80s and 90s is located in Simpsonville, SC and we just had to try it out! Thanks to the Upstate Pinball and Arcade Museum for having us come by to do this review.
When I see an old-school Pac-Man machine, I immediately think of my mom and how much fun we used to have to play it (and constantly getting eaten by ghosts). Super Mario Brothers bring back memories I had of my friends and me playing it together in middle school. Yes, I’m dating myself but I don’t even care because there’s a place in Simpsonville where I can now go and play all these retro games and share my own great memories with my kids and make new ones as well.
18 Things to Know About Topgolf Greenville Before Your Fun Family Outing
Have you practiced your putt and drive at Topgolf? Greenville golfers love Topgolf for the combination of entertainment venue, sports bar, and practice area. Though we aren’t golfers by any stretch of the imagination, we had a blast and we know you will too! The facility is incredible and we learned a ton of cool stuff about it, which we are sharing here because seriously, we can’t keep all this to ourselves. Perfect for a date night, or a family outing, Topgolf Greenville is the place to go if you are a golf lover!
1- Topgolf is for the entire family
You can bring your whole family for a fun time at Topgolf to hit balls around, eat, and enjoy the facility. They even have clubs for kids and toddlers, which are as adorable as you are imagining. Parents are encouraged to hang out on the lower level when they bring their kids.
2- Line Dancing was part of the interview process
This made us wish we had interviewed just to have fun and line dance. We heard it was a three-hour interview process and prospective employees had to line dance.
3- There are five huge TV screens at the bar/restaurant
The screens actually span from floor to ceiling in a two-story bar and restaurant. That’s 28 feet of video wall along with over 200 HDTVs throughout the facility. It’s amazing and perfect for anyone who loves watching their favorite team. Probably better than seats right on the field.
4- The golf balls all have microchips
Topgolf spared no expense to make sure their guests have a cool experience and microchipped all the golf balls so you can see on a screen how far you hit the balls and other stats.
5- The employees are ridiculously happy
They all seemed genuinely happy to be working at Topgolf and the smiles they all sported were contagious. We left happier than when we came. The Topgolf Greenville location is regularly hiring. Learn more about their careers at their site.
6- You don’t have to know how to play golf to enjoy Topgolf
They have instructors on-site if you want to learn how to play but the staff there can also give you a couple of pointers before you start whacking the balls. In fact, 51% of Topgolf guests aren’t golfers at all. Our editor, Bethany, can attest to this as her golf game is pretty terrible but she had fun!
7- Topgolf has other games you can play
They have an outside turf area where corn hole can be set up and they also have indoor foosball on every level of their bar/restaurant space.
8- Topgolf is an all-weather facility
It doesn’t matter if it’s sunny, raining, or snowing because you are sheltered when you play and they have heaters and fans to keep you comfortable.
9- There are 72 bays so a lot of people can play/eat
A bay is basically a separate place where up to eight people can hang out at a table and six people can golf. There is a turf launching pad and golf clubs at each bay and a hostess takes care of each bay so you can order drinks and food while playing.
10- The driving range is 215 yards long
Don’t worry, you’re not going to be hitting cars along I-85 with the huge driving range and enormous nets. And your car in the parking lot will be safe too.
11- There are more than 9 games at each bay
Scores are tallied through a touch screen at each bay and kept track of through membership cards (a one-time $5 cost for each golfer). Games can be played by anyone, novice to expert, and include 20 balls each.
12- You pay per hour for each bay, not per person
Pricing for Topgolf is done by the hour per bay, not per game or per person, and depends on the time of day. Before Noon daily, the cost is $30- $35/bay per hour, from Noon – 5 pm, it’s $40-$45/bay per hour, and after 5 pm, it is $50-$55/bay per hour. Friday – Sunday is always the higher of the price range, and Tuesdays offer half-price bay/hr deals all day!
13- Topgolf has summer camps for kids
Send your kid, ages 6-12, to summer camp at Topgolf for a week where they can learn how to play, or at least learn a respectable swing. It’s Monday-Friday from 9 am – Noon and costs $225/child.
14- Birthday parties are all the rage at Topgolf
You’ll probably be Parent of the Year if you have your kid’s birthday party at Top Golf. Birthday party packages come with a lot of perks and include 2 hours of playtime.
15- Topgolf is three stories so you can see for miles when you’re golfing
Being up on the third level is pretty cool. You can see for miles on a clear day and it’s just a fun experience.
16- It costs nothing to rent golf clubs
Most of us non-golfers don’t have a full set of clubs in our garage. Thankfully all Topgolf bays have clubs you can use for free. You can bring your own though if you have them!
17- You don’t need to dress like a golfer to come to Topgolf
As long as you’re not dressed like you’re going to the beach, you’ll be fine. Bethany and I were both wearing cute dresses and we did just fine.
18- There’s an app for that
Topgolf has its own app, where you can track your score, reserve a bay, and even control what you watch in your bay (each one has its own TV).
About Topgolf Greenville
Topgolf Greenville
201 Clifton Court, Greenville
864.315.3351
Looking for more golfing adventures with your family? 3’s Greenville offers a 12-hole golf course, perfect for younger kids to dip their toes into golfing! Thinking mini golf may be a better route? Check out Takeoff Mini Golf, located right beside the Greenville Downtown Airport!
The Park at Flat Rock: Amazing Obstacle Course Playground in Flat Rock, NC
Have you visited the Park at Flat Rock in Flat Rock, NC? We are always looking for fun and entertaining playgrounds for our kids and we hit the jackpot with The Park at Flat Rock.
The Park at Flat Rock is just an hour from Greenville, SC, and in our experience, it’s totally a worthy day trip spot near Hendersonville, NC.
I visit Flat Rock, NC often because my family loves to go to the Carl Sandburg Home for hiking and the opportunity to play with goats. It was on one of these adventures that we came across probably one of the coolest playgrounds I had been to with my kids at The Park at Flat Rock.
This article includes:
About the Park at Flat Rock
What is that super cool playground in Flat Rock, NC?
Things to near The Park at Flat Rock
Quick Review
These Marriage Counselors in Greenville, SC Are Recommended By Our Readers
Looking for a marriage counselor in Greenville, SC? Searching for a good marriage counselor can be stressful but it can also be a game-changer in your relationship. We asked our readers for the best marriage counselors here in the Greenville area and here’s what they said, listed in no particular order.
See 350,000 Blossoming Cherry Trees at this Festival in Macon, GA
The International Cherry Blossom Festival returns to Macon, GA this year – under a four-hour drive from Greenville, SC – and promises to be an amazing experience with gorgeous cherry trees, live music, dog-friendly events, and family-friendly activities.
One of my favorite things about living in Washington, DC was the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Thousands of pink and white blooms lined the Tidal Basin near the Jefferson Memorial and it was always so stunning to see. It was like walking through another world. I had no idea there was a much closer Cherry Blossom Festival than traveling all the way to our nation’s capitol and it’s happening during Spring Break!
In fact, this festival started after William A. Fickling, Sr. traveled to DC, saw a cherry blossom tree that looked like the one in his backyard, figured out it was a match, and then started to propagate them in Macon, GA. The ones in Washington, DC were a gift from Japan in 1912.
Coolest Southeastern Cabins, Dome Homes, and Blue Ridge Treehouse Rentals
Are you searching for unique vacation homes in the Southeast? We gathered Blue Ridge Treehouse Rentals, awesome dome homes, and the best cabins throughout the Southeast, from the mountains to the sea! KAG’s Kristina Hernandez compiled this list to help you out. Here you’ll find the coolest vacation homes situated in the mountains, by lakes, and even near the beach.
Because vacation time is so limited (and costly), I tend to rent houses to save on food costs so we don’t have to eat out every meal. Renting a home can be a bit of a gamble but if you try to choose a house with lots of good reviews, the odds will hopefully swing in your favor. Prices often change with the seasons so a lot will depend on what time of year you book.
As a STAY22 Affiliate, Kidding Around earns when you purchase through some of these affiliate links.
Are you looking for an amazing vacation house rental? Check out our Kidding Around Amazing Vacation Home post!
Blue Ridge Treehouse Rentals and Cabin Rentals
Canopy Blue Treehouse
Blue Ridge, GA
This luxury treehouse is stunning. It’s located in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Northern GA near the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. The treehouse itself is situated on four acres and is over 760 square feet but the deck space is 1200 square feet! Plus, they have a hot tub, fire pit, a swing bed, and gorgeous views. It sleeps six people. Expect to pay at least $365/night with a two-night minimum.
Inn the Ravine Luxury Treehouse in Blue Ridge, GA
Blue Ridge, GA
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia, you’ll be mesmerized by this gorgeous secluded treehouse! You’ll have sweeping views of the Chattahoochee National Forest in this two-bedroom, 1 bath home. There is also a hot tub, fireplace, fire pit, and even an outdoor shower! It is one of the nicest Blue Ridge treehouse rentals in the area, so don’t wait to book it!
Bryson City Treehouse
Bryson City, NC
I love treehouses if you haven’t figured that out yet. This treehouse is in Bryson City, NC, a pretty awesome town on the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park that has hiking, tubing, breweries, and lots of adventure. This 1000 sq ft treehouse sleeps five people and has a huge patio for relaxing or grilling and is more affordable than most treehouses we’ve seen at $170/night.
Tree Tops
Asheville, NC
This gorgeous treehouse located just minutes from Asheville, North Carolina is breathtaking. There are so many unique features, excellent views, and plenty of room for your family and friends to gather. The Blue Ridge treehouse rental sleeps 10, and has the perfect cozy outdoor space for your family to enjoy.
Asheville’s Luxury Treehouse
Asheville, NC
This treehouse is something out of a storybook! The wrap around porch, unique wooden features, and the fact that it is pet friendly, make this treehouse worth the trip.
Oak Ridge Cabin near Helen, GA
Helen, GA
Situated close to Helen, GA, and the tubing park, the Oak Ridge Cabin can sleep six people, has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a hot tub. It has over 300 five-star reviews from previous guests, who note the spaciousness of the cabin and the location. This cabin runs about $177/night or more.
Pilot Cove in Pisgah Forest, NC
Pisgah Forest, NC
These aren’t Airbnbs but they are similar since they have a similar vibe. They are actual homes with kitchens, bathrooms, and even hammocks. The reason Pilot Cove is on my dream vacation home list is because they sit right on the edge of the Pisgah Forest in North Carolina, a gorgeous land with waterfalls, hiking and biking trails, and peaceful quiet. They offer studios, one-bedrooms, and two-bedroom cabins and start at $150/night for the off-season, and $175 for peak season.
Winchester Creek Alpaca Farm
Waynesville, NC
Stay right next to the alpaca pasture at Winchester Creek Farm in this beautiful rental home in Waynesville, NC. It’s just an awesome place to relax, see the animals, and take in the beautiful scenery while enjoying local restaurants, breweries, and hiking. The rental sleeps six people and is around $120-$150/night.
Seaboard Coast Line #0843
Clyde, NC
This is an old caboose that has been converted into a unique vacation rental that sits on a 65-acre bison ranch. It has daily bison feedings, llamas, goats, a playground, and hiking trails. The Pigeon River runs in front of the property, where you can wade in the summer. It sleeps up to 5 people and is pet-friendly. Expect to pay around $200/night depending on season. Check out our review for all the details before your visit.
Glamping Geodesic Dome Tent
Boone, NC
Imagine sleeping in a giant dome, watching the stars at night with your family, and catching trout during the day. You can do all that at this glamping dome outside Boone, NC. It sleeps four, is kid-friendly, and super private as it sits on more than four acres. Rates are between $109 – $140/night.
Sky Ridge Yurts
Bryson City, NC
A yurt is a round tent-like structure with a high ceiling that forms an open dome at the top. Its walls are made of strong, waterproof fabric held up with lattice wood and it’s a typical home for people who live in Central Asia. The “wow factor” was considerably off the charts as soon as I caught a glimpse of Sky Ridge Yurts driving up the gravel road to the yurt village. Prices vary seasonally and they have various sizes of yurts that fit from 3-6 people.
Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort
Sevierville, TN
If you’re looking for a really unique experience, you can stay in a covered wagon or tipi at the Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort in Sevierville, TN, right outside Gatlinburg. It is owned and run by a local family who have created just an amazing resort with four authentic Conestoga wagons that heat and air plus three Sioux tipis. They are adding on more, plus a treehouse! Prices are around $199/night depending on season and wagon/tipi.
Barrel Cabins in Georgia
Helen, GA
Barrel cabins are exactly what they sound like except comfortable. You can rent them at Unicoi State Park in Georgia, about five minutes from the Bavarian town of Helen. Close to tubing, waterfalls, and good food, Unicoi State Park is a great location for a family trip. Prices vary by season.
Southeastern Beach Vacation Rentals
Beachfront Home with Sunset Views
Seabrook Island, SC
Go big or go home with this oceanfront home on Seabrook Island in South Carolina. The huge home sleeps eight people among its four bedrooms. It’s directly across from the golf course and you can see the beach, dolphins, and birds from the decks. Price is around $870/night.
Edisto River Treehouses
St. George, SC
Accessible only by canoe, these treehouses are quiet, comfortable, and a one-of-a-kind experience. To stay in a treehouse, you have to paddle about 13 miles and you can stay and fish and walk. Pricing is $140 – $170 for one night, but price reducing each additional night you stay. Kids have to be at least 11-years-old to participate and you just need to bring food, a sleeping bag, food, and drinking water. Treehouses sleep anywhere from 2-4 people up to 6-8 people. Pets are not allowed.
Isle of Palms Beach Condo
Isle of Palms, SC
With one bedroom, three beds that sleep four people, and a beautiful oceanfront location, this condo is ideal for that lazy beach vacation you’ve been dreaming of. Guests comment on the views and how clean the place is. Nights start at $350 and are higher during the summer.
Daufuskie Island Family Getaway
Daufuskie Island, SC
So this island is at the top of my list of places to visit in South Carolina because it’s such a unique place and is supposedly quite the experience. Why? Because you can only get there by boat. There are no cars on the island so you get around by bike, foot, or golf cart. This home near the beach looks stunning with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Owners will help you set up transportation to the island and golf-cart transportation on the island. This beautiful home on Daufuskie Island will cost you between $435/night.
Modern 1950s bungalow
Edisto, SC
Relax in this beautiful bungalow that sleeps five and is totally renovated. It’s also right across from the ocean on Edisto Beach. You’ll be paying just under $350/night during peak summer season.
Litchfield by the Sea Condo
Litchfield, SC
If you’re looking for a place that has everything – the beach, the pool, great dining, ocean views, tennis courts, and biking trails, look no further than this three-bedroom rental at Litchfield by the Sea just south of Myrtle Beach. Nights start at $636.
St. Augustine Family House
St. Augustine, FL
Situated right outside the nation’s oldest city, this home sits in between the beach and the Matanzas River (the intracoastal waterway), where you can use the home’s dock to launch the included kayaks. The home also has a heated in-ground pool and two bedrooms. It sleeps up to five people. Expect to pay around $499/night.
Lake Vacation Rentals in the Southeast
Lake Keowee Hideaway Home, SC
With four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a location right on the lake, your dream family lake vacation begins here. The crystal clear waters of Lake Keowee await at this home where you can swim and kayak in the warmer months and enjoy sunrises all year long. The home has almost all five-star reviews. Expect to pay $400/night during peak summer months and Clemson weekend games.
Log Cabin at Lake Lure, NC
I have a thing for log cabins. I think they are super cozy and just plain cool. This one at Lake Lure is the stuff my dreams are made of. It has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and is located in a private community with a little sandy beach on Lake Lure. And it has a treehouse! Rates start at $242/night.
Lakefront Home in the Mountains
Both water and mountains! That’s what you get at this lakefront home on Lake Arrowhead in Northern GA. It’s a big house with five bedrooms that sleep 10 people. It also has two kayaks, one paddleboard, two hydro bikes, one canoe, and a water trampoline. You can rent a pontoon boat for an extra fee. It has nearly 200 reviews with a score of 4.9 stars out of five. You can rent it for $450 most nights and a little cheaper during the off-season.
River Pod on the Saluda River
A step up from camping, this river pod at the Saluda Outdoor Center in Easley, SC is great for people who love camping but not necessarily the sleeping-on-the-ground part. Plus, you’ve got tubing here in the summer and entertainment and dining at 13 Stripes Lodge. Rates start at $84/night
Tiny Home on Lake Fairview in Orlando
This tiny home on Lake Fairview in Orlando, Florida sleeps up to three people and has paddleboards and kayaks for guests to use. Rates start at $153/night.
Cabins at Dreher Island State Park
This South Carolina State Park has both villas and camper cabins (bare-bones cabins at a low cost) that sit on the lake. Villas are two or three bedrooms and there are 15 villas and cabins total at the state park. Pets are allowed at five of the camper cabins. Camper cabins start around $45/night and villas are about $118/night but price varies by season.
The Old Soul Treehouse
This treehouse on Lake Greenwood is the perfect place for a romantic getaway. We got to stay there and you’ll definitely want to check out our review!
Do you know of any awesome cabin, dome home, or blue ridge treehouse rentals? Let us know!
Takeoff Mini Golf: Airplane-Themed Mini-Golf Course in Greenville, SC
Have you been to Takeoff Mini Golf in Greenville, SC yet? The only aviation-themed miniature golf course in the Upstate is located next to Runway Park near downtown Greenville. We’ve got all the details.
After a 20-year corporate career, Megan Mishler needed a change, something fun that would allow her time with her two little kids. Her husband, Anthony, has his small plane pilot’s license and after visiting Greenville’s Runway Park, they had their answer: they would open an aviation-themed miniature golf course right next to the park. The dream came true.
For more amazing things to do in Greenville, SC, don’t miss our guide to Things to Do in Upstate, SC.
Takeoff Mini-Golf Course
When Megan and Anthony decided to go with the aviation theme for the mini-golf course, they went all in. Every detail was thoughtfully devised and the experience centers around having fun with your family and friends in a unique and adventurous way.
There are 19 holes (18 plus a bonus!) and each one is a bit longer in length than a standard mini-golf course so you have more space to get those coveted hole-in-ones, or just laugh at how bad you are at mini-golf (ahem, myself).
The lights that dot the course look like actual runway lights, the numbers of each hole look identical to the ones you would see on a runway, there are plane propellers on one of the holes, and the last hole has a real plane beacon that lights up and has a siren if you make a hole-in-one.
The course lights up like a runway at night even and like at next door Runway Park, you can watch small planes land and take off not 200 yards away at the airport.
Kids and Adults Will Love This Place
My kids, ages 11 and 7, loved, loved, loved this place. They had such fun trying out the different holes and watching the golf ball bounce over the humps, through obstacles, and around boulders. They thought the hole where you needed to get the ball into a small water cascade so it could get to the hole was awesome. I mean, I thought it was awesome, too. They loved trying to hit the ball under a big boulder bridge and enjoyed trying to get a hole-in-one on the last, beacon hole.
For the enjoyment of the adults, they have holes that, while tracking with the plane theme, were designed to look like old school games like Plinko and Skee-ball. I freaked out here. Obviously. I love those games! The Plinko one has lights that all light up at night and look like runway lights, and the skeeball one – well, that was hard. I couldn’t get the ball through it where it would come out the other side but I had a blast. I love those thoughtful touches that Megan and Anthony did to make sure every guest, no matter their age, has a great experience.
Takeoff Café
During the hot summer months, you’ll appreciate the 32 flavors plus four house specialties of shaved ice in two sizes: coach and first-class. They also have hot and iced coffee, snacks, ice cream, water, soda, and yogurt drinks available.
Bathrooms are indoors at the café and a shaded pavilion has plenty of seating for guests.
Birthday Parties
If you’re already thinking Takeoff Mini Golf would be a great spot to host a birthday party, you’re right. They have three birthday packages available, starting at $250 that comes with 10 passes to play the course plus either a shaved ice or ice cream treat. Two of the packages offer total turnkey service that includes aviation-themed decorations.
One of those packages though is extra special. Included in this birthday package is the opportunity for the birthday child and two guests to take a Discovery Ride in a small plane with Greenville Aviation to see Greenville from the air, taking off and landing right there at the airport. That package includes 10 passes and ice cream treats, a gift for the birthday child, pavilion rental, decorations, and memories to last a lifetime. That fantastic birthday package costs $475.
Special Events
Glow Golf
Go to Takeoff Mini Golf for Glow Golf. You’ll play with glowing golf balls to a DJ cranking out some seriously good music. You must purchase tickets in advance at $15 per person.
Watch!
2026 Glow Golf Dates
- April 18
- May 16
- July 25
- August 8
- September 5
- September 19
- October 10
Hours and Play Prices
Takeoff Mini-Golf has putters for all ages and balls, which come with your mini-golf ticket. Ticket prices are $11.50/age 13+ and $9.50/age 4-12. Kids 3 and under play for free with golden plastic putters. Expect to spend about an hour and a half playing the course.
Hours are:
Monday-Thursday Closed
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – 10 am – 5:30 pm
Takeoff Mini Golf
28 Airport Road Ext, Greenville
864.263.3456
TReehouse Cafe and Art Studio: Coffee, Lunch and Lots of Art With Kids in Travelers Rest, SC
Art and coffee? Add in some great sandwiches and that’s what you’ll find at the TReehoue Cafe and Art Studio in Travelers Rest. KAG’s Kristina Hernandez stopped by so she could tell our readers all about this unique cafe. Learn about the coffee, food, and activities they offer in this review.
I love coffee, I love art, and I love it when my kids aren’t fighting with each other. So it was definitely love after two full hours of coloring, painting, playing, and eating grilled cheese sandwiches at the TRee House Café & Art Studio in beautiful Travelers Rest.
If you want to support a local small business in town, from my own personal experience with Kristen, the incredible owner, this is the place to do it. I cannot say enough good things about this woman and her love for the community and her guests. If I lived closer to TR, I’d seriously go here multiple times a week.
About TRee House Café & Art Studio
The café and art studio is located where Leopard Forest Coffee used to be (they moved down the street), two doors down from Sidewall Pizza, and right off the Swamp Rabbit Trail. The location is ideal but the true gem is once you walk through the doors.
I’ve been in lots of cafes but none as interesting as this one. There is an entire art bar down the center of the café, strewn with crayons, paint brushes, coloring books, paper, and brightly colored ornaments and painted rocks. There are checkers and a few Mr. Potato Heads. My kids made a beeline for the art bar as soon as we walked in and started coloring and drawing.
That made me happy.
On the far wall, there are shelves full of blank canvases ready for your inspired paintings, plus tons of paint and brushes. The table next to the shelves has been decorated to look like a painter’s palette, which I had to admit I was a bit jealous of because it was so cool. The owner, Kristen, told me she had it made years ago to remind her of her dream to open a café and art studio.
Opposite the shelves is a cozy nook with a fireplace, more buckets of crayons, and comfy chairs. It’s quite inviting. And of course, there is the food and drink part of the café. Gene runs the kitchen and he’s a culinary genius using pretty simple ingredients. I’ve never been disappointed with the food here.
I ordered a grilled cheese with chips for my two kids and I had the Chicken Pesto panini with chips and chamomile tea. The grilled cheese was enormous and plenty for my kids. It was a good size and very tasty, way better than I expected. They also sell bagels, pastries, and muffins.
So what in the world did we do for two hours? Not even everything the café had to offer (which means we are going back, yay!). We painted rocks – the ones that people hide at random places around town, we drew and colored, my kids colored parts of the cardboard house and played inside, they tried hula hooping, played with the Mr. Potato Heads, and I blissfully colored by number Van Gogh’s famous painting “The Starry Night”, which was beyond therapeutic.
The café sells canvases in various sizes that you can paint, along with other projects to paint.
Kristen is an art teacher by trade and she was so engaged with not only my kids but the other kids who were there enjoying the café. She has a seemingly endless amount of patience and encouraged us to try anything we wanted to do. Their Facebook page is the best way to stay updated on what’s happening there, for special events and more.
The café also has wifi available, which I saw many patrons using as they tapped away on their laptops. I was almost unhappy I didn’t bring my laptop to do the same since my kids were so occupied but then I would not have been able to enjoy my own coloring adventure!
Want to go?
For up-to-date info on events and hours, follow the TRee House Café & Art Studio on their Facebook page.
TRee House Café & Art Studio
27 South Main Street
Travelers Rest, SC
864.610.2266
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Open Wednesday through Sunday, 8 am to 5 pm.
Would your kids love a visit to TRee House Café & Art Studio?
🎨 Check out More Places to Make Art Near Greenville, SC!
Save Gas With A Near Greenville Vacation Destination!
Looking to have your vacation near Greenville? Vacation in the Upstate or WNC instead! Need a change of scenery but want to stay under an hour and a half drive from Greenville, SC? With the increase in gas prices and other financial stresses, staying closer to home seems like a better idea every day so we’ve pulled together some great options for you right here. Plan your spring or summer vacation near Upstate, SC.
12 Vacations Less Than 1.5 Hours From the Upstate
Greenville, South Carolina has got to be one of the most perfectly situated towns in the country. You can drive two hours in any direction and be in the rolling hills, on a sandy mountain beach, or in some cute, little town eating ice cream and waxing nostalgic about cream soda. Now with rise in gas prices, it has become a non-negotiable for many families in the Upstate to stay closer to home when considering a getaway.
We can help you out. Every place we list is no further than two hours’ drive from Greenville. We’ll give you as many budget-friendly things to do as possible whether you want to stay for a week or a few days to help you stretch your dollar further and still have a great time.
Through affiliate relationships with STAY22, Kidding Around earns when you book through some of these links.
Best Greenville Vacation Ideas
Vacation in Greenville, SC
We’re starting right here in Greenville because, really, there is just so much to do and you don’t need to spend hardly any gas money to get there.
Where to stay: You can choose a vacation rental or a cool place like the Embassy Suites Golf Resort, which has an indoor pool, free happy hour, and free breakfast.
What to do:
- Take a walk or bike ride on the Swamp Rabbit Trail, get coffee and stecca from the Swamp Rabbit Cafe while the kids play in the enclosed playground.
- Stroll through Falls Park and be a tourist, eat lunch or dinner at Passerelle Bistro overlooking Falls Park.
- Play at Cleveland Park.
- Go to the Greenville Zoo.
- Walk through the Children’s Garden.
- Admire art at the Greenville County Museum of Art.
- Find the Mice on Main.
- Need more ideas? Here’s our list of fun things to do in Greenville, SC.
Distance from Greenville: 0 hours
Vacation in Easley, SC
Easley flies under the radar a lot of the time but there’s a lot to do there and it’s the gateway to the mountains, which yield even more fun activities for families.
Where to stay: Stay in a tiny house at the Saluda Outdoor Center on the Saluda River. During the summer months, this is a great base for your tubing and SUP adventures.
What to do:
- Hit the Doodle Trail, a 8.5 mile paved bike trail that runs through the town. There are some great train-themed playgrounds along the trail.
- Go for a short hike through Nalley Brown Nature Park.
- Tube the Saluda River during summer time.
- Get ice cream in downtown Easley at Good Karma and don’t miss eating lunch or dinner at Tropical Burger. Best. Burgers. Ever.
- Take the kids to Kids Play & Cafe for a fun day of indoor playtime.
- More things to do: Guide to Easley, SC
- Visit a park: Parks in Easley, SC
Distance from Greenville: 15 minutes
Vacation in Pickens, SC
Now we’re really heading out to the more mountainous areas of the Upstate but you won’t only find trails to hit here. There’s a tea company to tour, a working grist mill, and ancient petroglyphs to discover.
Where to stay:
- This nice lake house on Lake Keowee with two bedrooms that can sleep up to five people.
- The three-bedroom, pet-friendly lake house with access to a pickleball court.
- This private cabin with an arcade, hot tub, and game room.
What to do:
- If you’re going on the third Saturday of the month, don’t miss the festival at Hagood Mill Historic Site. They have fantastic events there that are also budget-friendly ($5/ages 10+, free for kids 9 and under). Be sure to check out the museum to see ancient petroglyphs and Native American historic items plus see the working grist mill and buy freshly ground grits.
- If you visit during the summer months, stop by the Happy Berry to pick seasonal berries.
- Hiking trails are abundant at Table Rock State Park, or try the hike to Beech Bottom Falls.
- Catching the sunrise or sunset at Glassy Mountain or Sassafras Mountain should also be on your list.
- Here is a big list of other things to do in Pickens, SC.
Distance from Greenville: 45 minutes
Vacation in Clemson, SC
From local farms to petting zoos to kayaking to gardens, the Clemson area has a lot to offer for a local getaway.
Where to stay:
- The Getaway House – a village of tiny cabins with lots of privacy and comfort.
- Or if you’ve got an RV or tent, head to The Shores of Asbury.
- You can also rent cabins at Upstate Zipline, which is right on Lake Keowee.
What to do:
- Visit Split Creek Farm for some amazing fudge and a self-guided tour to see the goats.
- Shop at Happy Cow Farms and take a tour of the creamery.
- Schedule a tour to see alpacas at Lucky Acres Farm.
- During the fall or spring, spend a day playing at Denver Downs Farm.
- Visit the Bob Campbell Geology Museum and SC Botanical Gardens on the campus of Clemson University.
- Take a hike through Clemson Experimental Forest or try any one of these indoor activities in the area.
- Rent a kayak from Upstate Zipline on Lake Keowee.
- Go play on the aqua course at the Shores of Asbury.
Distance from Greenville: 45 minutes
Vacation in Seneca, SC
The highlights of visiting Seneca are nearby Lake Jocassee and Lake Keowee. These two lakes are stunningly beautiful and perfect if you love water sports, fishing, chilling on a little sandy beach, or chasing waterfalls.
Where to stay:
- This incredible home on Lake Jocassee that sleeps 10 people.
- Or this beautiful lodge, also right on the lake, that sleep 9 people and comes with kayaks.
What to do:
- Rent a boat, kayak, or SUP and tour Lake Jocassee.
- Take a boat tour with Jocassee Lake Tours (they also do fantastic Jocassee Wild Child tours).
- Visit High Falls Park, Mile Creek County Park, Twelve Mile Recreation Area, or South Cove Park, which all have access to Lake Keowee as well as small, sandy beaches. They have small entrance fees. Y
- You can also hike Raven Rock Trail at Keowee-Toxaway State Park (no entrance fee), which has a waterfall and beautiful views of Lake Keowee.
- World of Energy is also a fun, and free, place to check out near Seneca.
Distance from Greenville: 55 minutes
Vacation in Mountain Rest, SC
Smack in the middle of hundreds of waterfalls, adventurers will love this part of the Upstate.
Where to stay:
- Stay at this beautiful, lakefront house that sleeps 12 and comes with kayaks and kid’s games.
- This pet-friendly, riverfront cabin that sleeps 4.
What to do:
- There are so many waterfalls in this area that you could spend days here and not explore them all. Check out Kings Creek, Brasstown Falls, Station Cove Falls, Yellow Branch, and Isaqueena Falls (and Stumphouse Tunnel at the same spot).
- You can play mini-golf at Oconee State Park.
- Chau Ram County Park has a small, sandy beach plus waterfalls and trails.
- The Walhalla Fish Hatchery is a great spot to learn about local fish.
- And for an adrenaline rush, take a whitewater rafting trip down the Chattooga River.
- If you visit in the summer, you can pick fruit at Chattooga Belle Farms.
Distance from Greenville: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Vacation in Columbia, SC
The capital of South Carolina has a lot going for it when you’re looking for a fun few days away as a family.
Where to stay:
- This house that’s within walking distance to five parks.
What to do:
- The Riverbanks Zoo tops the list for most families when they visit Columbia.
- Don’t forget the SC State Museum (homeschool families get in free).
- There’s also South Carolina’s only National Park at Congaree National Park where you can hike and canoe or kayak through the cypress forest.
- Kayaking on Lake Murray is also a fun activity.
- A popular indoor activity is love exploring Edventure.
- You can also take a day trip over to historic Newberry and learn all about history, go antiquing, and see the Wells Japanese Garden.
Distance from Greenville: 1.5 hours
North Carolina Vacation Destinations Near the Upstate
Hendersonville/Flat Rock
Going here for a day trip is a blast but staying for a few days will give you the opportunity to explore all the family-friendly adventures the area offers.
Where to stay:
- This adorable cottage near downtown and the Rail Trail that sleeps
- This historic house near downtown Hendersonville and the Blue Ridge Parkway that sleeps 6.
What to do:
- Visit the Carl Sandburg Home and play with the goats or take a stroll.
- See the sunset at Jump Off Rock.
- Play at the awesome playground at the Park at Flat Rock.
- Do any number of other things we suggest in this guide to Hendersonville.
Distance from Greenville: 1 hour
Vacation in Brevard, NC
Brevard is the epicenter of some of the best hiking trails and waterfalls in Western NC. This is the place to go if you love the outdoors.
Where to stay:
- We absolutely love Pilot Cove for their beautiful cabins and unbeatable location on the edge of Pisgah Forest.
- This beautiful home in downtown Brevard that sleeps 9 is a great option.
What to do:
- Hike, hike, and then hike some more.
- Or take this NC Waterfall Driving Tour where you can see beautiful, roadside waterfalls with no hiking.
Distance from Greenville: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Vacation in Cashiers, NC
Waterfalls, hiking, and small-town charm are the themes of Cashiers and the Highlands.
Where to stay:
- Earthshine Lodge is like something out of a movie and a beautiful spot to stay.
- This bed & brewery boutique bungalow that sleeps 6.
- The Sapphire Valley Resort is also amazing – get the amenity card (a few dollars per person) to enjoy the indoor pool and sauna. This home sleeps 6.
- Or this log cabin rental that sleeps four people and is pet-friendly.
What to do:
- Hike with a llama at Earthshine Lodge.
- Chase the hundreds of waterfalls throughout Jackson County and nearby Transylvania County. The hiking here is outstanding.
- You can also take your kids gem mining – the area is known for its precious gems and stones.
Distance from Greenville: 1.5 hours
Vacation in Charlotte, NC
A major metropolitan city like Charlotte has tons of great things to do with kids without having to travel far.
Where to stay:
- Great Wolf Lodge in Concord, NC is a blast for families.
- Another option is this home on Lake Norman with a beach and sauna.
What to do:
- See our giant Guide to Charlotte for Families for things like indoor skydiving, learning about birds of prey at the Carolina Raptor Center, take a trip to a Native American village at the Schiele Museum of Natural History, and visiting local nature preserves.
- iFLY is a really neat experience if you’re adventurous.
- Hang out at the Reedy Creek Nature Preserve with wildlife.
- Get an adrenaline rush at the Z Max Dragway.
- Ride some epic roller coasters at Carowinds.
- Head to Concord, NC for a day of fun!
Distance from Greenville: 1.5 hours
Vacation in Marion, NC
Known for its gold mining, Marion, NC is an ideal spot to vacation because it’s so close to lots of great things to do in Western NC.
Where to stay:
Stay at Gold River Camp, a glamping resort in Marion where you can truly get away to relax. Kids can gold mine in the river, adults can relax in the hammocks, the whole family can play games in the community area. It’s amazing.
Things to do:
- Go gold panning at Lucky Strike Gold & Gem Mine just down the road from Gold River Camp.
- Go hiking – there are tons of great hiking trails and waterfalls nearby.
- Drive up to Grandfather Mountain for an amazing day trip.
Distance from Greenville: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Vacation in Chimney Rock/Lake Lure, NC
Part of the movie Dirty Dancing was filmed at the lake and they even have an entire festival surrounding the movie in the fall (on hold due to Hurricane Helene) but this area is a lot of fun any time of year.
Where to stay:
- This lovely three-bedroom cabin with access to Rumbling Bald Resort.
- This lakefront cottage with a boathouse that sleeps six people.
- Or this two-bedroom townhome right in the middle of all the action in Lake Lure.
What to do:
- Stroll through the quaint little village under the shadow of Chimney Rock State Park with coffee shops, gem mining, and restaurants.
- Over the summer, swim in the lake at the mountain sandy beach or rent a kayak.
- You can also hike at Chimney Rock State Park, Bearwallow Mountain (a great place to see the sunrise or sunset), or Youngs Mountain.
Distance from Greenville: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Looking for more adventures? See our extensive Travel Guide!
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