Do you have a child at home who loves trains? If you haven’t been to the huge train show at the Mauldin Cultural Center, put it on your calendar for mid-September. This FREE event is a must-see and must-do train spectacular you’re going to love!
NOTE: Because of COVID-19, this train show at the Mauldin Cultural Center has been postponed. They may do it in the Spring of 2022 to check back here!
(more…)The Biltmore Estate in nearby Asheville never disappoints. While the enormous home is a big draw, the estate has exhibits, events, and lots of other entertainment for the whole family. One such exhibit is the Biltmore Gardens Railway, a huge model train exhibit that runs at the Biltmore through September 29th. We sent contributor Kristina up to the Biltmore to check it out.Â
(more…)Are you planning a trip to Washington DC with your family? KAG’s Kristina has some tips about what you should see, where you should stay and even some restaurant recommendations. You can use this information to help you plan your trip!
(more…)Thank you to Primrose School of Simpsonville in Five Forks for sponsoring this content.
Summer learning loss is a real thing, not just something we threaten our kids with if they sit around all summer and play video games. That downtime between school years should definitely be fun and relaxing, but making an effort to continue the learning cycle is key to a child’s success.
The summer camps at the Primrose School of Simpsonville in Five Forks have plenty of options to fit any child’s interest, keep their attention, create wonderful memories, and even sneak in a little STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics).
Geared specifically towards children ages 5-12, the summer camps at Primrose School of Simpsonville at Five Forks, children become engineers, artists, explorers and more as they discover the joys of design thinking, a fun and innovative way to learn. Engineering design challenges, experiments and themed activities await as children unlock new ways of thinking—all while having a blast! Ready for the best summer yet?
(more…)Monster Jam is coming to Greenville this weekend and families are super pumped – as they should be because the show is awesome. Ginormous trucks speed around the arena, smashing cars, flipping over, doing wheelies, and generally living out all our craziest driving fantasies.
But what’s it really like driving those trucks? Even better, what’s it like being a woman and driving Grave Digger? Luckily for our readers, we got to talk to Krysten Anderson ahead of this weekend’s Monster Jam about her experience as a Monster Truck driver and smashing everything from cars to the glass ceiling.
Kidding Around Greenville: What drew you to wanting to drive a Monster Truck? How can a regular person become a Monster Truck driver?
Krysten Anderson: My dad created Grave Digger in 1982 so he’s a pioneer in Monster Trucks and my brothers drive the trucks as well. I’ve always been around Grave Digger so it was a normal thing for me and I didn’t realize how popular it was until I got older. My two older brothers were always into racing and motorsports so it was expected they would drive – but not really for myself. Initially, I was going to go to school for art and wanted to get a job designing the trucks but then Monster Jam called me when I turned 18 and asked me if I wanted to drive Grave Digger – they never had a female drive that truck and to this day, I’m still the only one.
It’s possible that fans can become drivers who have some kind of mechanic inclination. Go to MonsterJam.com and submit a resume with Feld Entertainment. Also, a motorsports degree is being offered at the University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) and Monster Jam has been recruiting from that program, so that’s another way to get into it.
KAG: Do you have a hard time driving standard cars on the highway? Do you instinctively want to drive over the cars in front of you?
KA: I’m kind of a fast and aggressive driver who is strictly business, wanting to get from point A to point B. I drive a Jeep Wrangler so it’s one of the bigger trucks. If I could get in my Grave Digger on the highway, I totally would.
KAG: Monster Jam is fairly male-dominated. What’s it like being a woman in that environment?
KA: Growing up with my dad and three brothers, my whole life has been male-dominated so it doesn’t make me uncomfortable being in this environment and I’m not intimidated. I feel like I can definitely bring the competition. My brothers didn’t treat me like a princess and treated me as one of their own, which really helped me be the female competitor I am today.
I’m in the top four competitors on my tour right now and there are plenty of females taking home big wins on Monster Jam. It’s a pretty good year for the girls.
KAG: Do you date much? Guys are probably either really intimidated or really intrigued, right?
KA: My boyfriend, Tyler, is actually another Grave Digger driver who is touring in California. If I had to date again, I have no idea how I’d break the ice with what I do. Tyler was intrigued and we’ve been dating for three years and he hasn’t been scared away yet.
KAG: What’s the biggest thing you’ve smashed with a truck besides the glass ceiling?
KA: Every time we come out, we always have crushed cars from a Toyota Camry, trailers, SUVs, you name it.
KAG: And what’s the most memorable reaction you’ve gotten from a kid when they find out you’re a Monster Truck driver?
KA: Best reactions are from little girls and their moms. People expect men when they come out to Monster Jam and I love seeing little girls coming through the line with their Grave Digger shirts. The moms that come to me after the show or online to thank me for inspiring their little girls are so meaningful. I love that their little girls see me and are inspired to do things they may not have considered before.
Want to see Krysten driving in person? Monster Jam is at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena on Friday, February 8th at 7 pm and Saturday, February 9th at 1 pm and 7 pm. Tickets available here or at the box office.
Looking for great coffee in Fountain Inn, SC or want to try a delicious flight of coffee? Steam Coffee & Cream is a fantastic place to try! And they are super family-friendly so, a huge bonus. It’s only about 20 minutes from Greenville, SC.
(more…)Thinking about a vacation in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee? KAG Contributor Kristina Hernandez traveled to Pigeon Forge with her family and stayed at the Margaritaville Island Hotel. This hotel has so much to offer, including a spa, roof top pool and onsite dining. Kristina is sharing all the little details about this hotel that made is perfect for her family.Â
Planning a trip to Pigeon Forge? KAG Contributor Kristina Hernandez recently visited Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and came back with this review of Magic Beyond Belief. Read about this family friendly show that’s way more than a magic show. You’ll want to add it to your list of things to see on a trip to Pigeon Forge.
(more…)Looking for things to do in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee? We sent KAG Contributor Kristina Hernandez to Wonderworks to check out all the exhibits and activities. She had a blast with her kids and is telling us all about the rides, 4D movies and activities like rock climbing, a ropes course and a bubble lab! Read on to find out why you should put Wonderworks on your Pigeon Forge itinerary.
(more…)Looking for something new this Christmas season? We sent KAG Contributor Kristina Hernandez to Pigeon Forge to check out Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood. You’ll find reindeer games, a live nativity, 5 million lights, and so much more Christmas cheer! Read on to find out all about Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood and add it to your list of things to do this Christmas season!
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