Are you wondering where you can find a great mocktail in Greenville, SC? Mocktails are gaining popularity especially for those who might be celebrating Dry January. Greenville, SC, is no exception. Whether you’re abstaining from alcohol temporarily, long-term, or simply looking for a refreshing non-alcoholic drink, these spots offer creative and delicious options where you can visit with friends and have a wonderful time, alcohol-free.
Get ready for alcohol-free beverages and flavors like lavender, blood orange, and ginger, with lemon juice, simple syrups, herbal ingredients, and lots more! Here are some excellent mocktail options in Greenville, South Carolina.
Juniper
Address: 315 S Main Street, Greenville Known for its rooftop ambiance and stunning views, Juniper features a selection of beautifully crafted mocktails using fresh and inventive ingredients. The “Root for Me” with blackberry puree, lime cordial and ginger beer looks amazing, and there are several other options that include ingredients like pomegranate, hibiscus, and even apple cinnamon syrup.
Juniper Menu: Scroll down to “Zero Proof” for the mocktail options.
Bar Margaret
Address: 1269 Pendleton Street, Greenville This trendy spot in the Village of West Greenville prides itself on its innovative drinks. While their focus is on craft cocktails, they offer equally creative non-alcoholic options. They offer mocktails reminiscent of their alcoholic cousins using non-alcoholic gin and bourbon, plus ingredients like lime syrup, citrus zest, ginger beer, and more.
Bar Margaret Menu: Their mocktails are featured in their in-person menu.
The Southern Growl
Address: 155 N Buncombe Road, Greer A short drive from Greenville, The Southern Growl in Greer is a personal favorite. This a hidden gem for mocktails, along with delicious food. Get the fries with ranch dipping sauce – you won’t be sorry. Their rotating menu often features non-alcoholic creations alongside craft beers. We enjoyed the “All Smoke, No Firewater.”
Address: 2 E Broad Street, Greenville Camp serves mocktails that change seasonally, often featuring fresh herbs and local ingredients. It’s a go-to for an upscale drink experience.
CAMP Menu: Ask the server about the day’s mocktail offerings.
Carmella’s Cafe and Dessert Bar
Address: 355 S Main Street Suite P301, Greenville Famous for its desserts, Carmella’s also offers a variety of mocktails that are as vibrant as they are tasty. Perfect for pairing with a slice of cake! We enjoyed “The Floor is Guava”.
Address: 1025 Woodruff Road, Greenville Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar usually makes mocktails with a variety of ingredients. Check out the video below from last year, and ask your server about this year’s options!
Tupelo Honey Cafe
Address: 1 N Main Street Suite T, Greenville Located downtown, this Southern-inspired eatery serves fun and flavorful mocktails alongside its famous comfort food.
Tupelo Honey Cafe Menu : Select the Greenville location and scroll down to “spirit-free sips”.
Paloma
Address: 315 S Main Street, Greenville Nestled in the same building as Juniper, Paloma specializes in modern cocktails and offers an excellent lineup of mocktails with interesting syrup flavors like coconut and jalapeño.
Address: 207 S Main Street, Greenville This Greenville staple offers Southern-inspired cuisine and a bar menu that includes mocktails perfect for a night out.
Soby’s Menu currently offers two mocktails: Berry Calm and Lavender Fields.
The Lazy Goat
Address: 170 Riverplace, Greenville With a Mediterranean-inspired menu, The Lazy Goat’s mocktails are light, refreshing, and pair wonderfully with their diverse dishes. They include ingredients like elderflower tonic, which sounds amazing.
Bonus: How to get a mocktail at any upscale restaurant
Any upscale restaurant that has good bar staff can make a great a great mocktail. Most bartenders will ask for your flavor preferences (e.g. spicy or citrusy or flowery) and then concoct something scrumptious. Or, you can point to any cocktail on their regular menu and ask if a mocktail can be made using those same flavor components. We recently tried this at The Anchorage, The Black Sheep, and Scoundrel. I was specifically interested in a cocktail that contained sweet potato purée during the fall, and they made it non-alcoholic for me – no problem.
Whether you’re sipping on a fruit-forward creation or a more herbal concoction, these establishments prove that mocktails are anything but boring. Cheers!
You can see It’s a Wonderful Life for free at the Simpsonville Arts Center this weekend! We can’t wait to see this first-ever holiday production from the Greenville Shakespeare Company. Their summer productions are always such fun.
The Show: It’s a Wonderful Life
The classic holiday story of It’s a Wonderful Life will be presented in a one-hour radio drama adapted by Joe Landry at the Simpsonville Arts Center.
It’s a Wonderful Life follows George Bailey, a kind-hearted man who sacrifices his dreams to help others in his small town of Bedford Falls. When financial trouble leads him to contemplate suicide on Christmas Eve, his guardian angel, Clarence, intervenes. He shows George how different the world would be if he had never been born, showing George the positive impact he has had on countless lives. In the end, George returns home, realizing his life is indeed wonderful.
Shows are: December 6th and 7th, 2024 at 7:30 pm December 8th, 2024 at 3 pm
Tickets to It’s a Wonderful Life
Tickets cost $10 for general admission and $20 for VIP admission, which includes a bottle of water and covers the cost of a student ticket.
However, Kidding Around readers can attend the show for FREE. Just use code: KIDDING for your free tickets.
Have you visited the Appalachian Pinball Museum in Hendersonville, NC? You can play over 80 different historic pinball and arcade games. They have games vintage games that cover arcade game history for the last 7 decades. Get a peek inside these machines and see how they work. Visiting the museum is totally free, and if you want to play the games pay $13 and play all day. Here’s everything you need to know to visit the Appalachian Pinball Museum!
Are you wondering which coffee shops offer coffee flights in the Upstate? You’ve probably heard about coffee flights, the wonderful invention that saves you from selecting just one delicious coffee beverage and instead allows you to sample several at once. So, we’re here today to tell you where these fabulous coffee flights exist near Greenville, SC.
Coffee Flights at Coffee Shops in Spartanburg
The Hidden Bean 8881 Warren H Abernathy Highway, Spartanburg, SC 29301
This quaint adorable cafe is downstairs from Burgers and Bakery. They have a nice outdoor space and a cozy indoor cafe, with seasonal coffee flights. Our favorite flavors in this flight were Lavendar and Pumpkin Spice. Dairy-free options are available!
Bonus! If you want another unique flight experience, visit Burgers and Bakery upstairs on Thursdays for a mini-burger flight! Hidden Bean on Facebook
Milltown Coffee Co. 2601 E Main Street Ste 1, Spartanburg, SC 29307
Offering both a coffee flight and a tea flight, this local coffee shop offers a beautiful outdoor space. You can get your specialty coffee flight served hot or iced, or you can select from the standard coffee flight served hot. We enjoyed a specialty flight, pictured below. Our favorite was the Toasted Mallow. Dairy-free options are available!
The tea flight includes your choice of 3 flavors. Our favorite tea in our tea flight was the Berry Hibiscus. We also tried a Morrocan Mint and a Jasmine tea.
Cardinal Coffee 114 E. Rutherford Street, Landrum, SC
Cardinal Coffee & Bistro offers seasonal coffee flights. We love to visit Landrum and all the fun antique shops and pretty parks and trails, so we’ll definitely be stopping by to try these flights soon! Flights are served Monday through Friday only. Cardinal Coffee Facebook
Coffee Flights at Coffee Shops near Greenville
Maple Bakery & Coffee House 908 Anderson Drive, Williamston
Get their seasonal coffee flight served hot or iced! In November, that Pecan Pie flavor is calling our name. Maple Bakery & Coffee House Facebook
Steam Coffee 113 South Main Street, Fountain Inn
We love visiting Steam Coffee in Fountain Inn! Their coffee flights include your choice of 4 different coffee beverages served hot or cold.
Have a homeschooler and need a little time outside, away from all the books and computers? Pick a day and participate in one of the educational programs at the Greenville Zoo. They have lots of special events to help your family learn and enjoy the zoo like story time or with the zoo keepers for questions. They even offer special classes just for homeschoolers. KAG Contributor and local mom Maria Bassett is sharing some of the educational opportunities you’ll find at the Greenville Zoo.
Be sure to check out our Homeschool Guide for tons of ideas, resources, and more!
Sure a trip to the zoo is fun any day, and it can be an educational adventure. Sometimes, though, my kids run from exhibit to exhibit and we never really take the time to read the signs, observe and learn. That’s frustrating, and doesn’t feel very educational. Sometimes we bring along some animal classification work (if you’d like some freebie worksheets checkout this homeschool giveaways site for some options.)
But sometimes, it’s really just more fun to listen to the great folks at the zoo, than it is to listen to mom! That’s why I am so thankful for the many educational gems that the Greenville Zoo offers. They have so many educational programs, and many of them are completely free with admission.
Homeschool programs at the Greenville Zoo
Homeschool Days
The zoo offers a homeschool day once for kids ages 2-11 years old. My two oldest boys love these classes! They get some hands-on time with various animals and critters. (After the class that featured a number of invertebrates, I heard a lot about how they got to touch the hissing cockroach. Yuck!)
And they really learn lots of neat facts. Each class costs $8 for homeschool kids and their families. You can find the next date on the Greenville Zoo’s website.
Tell Me About it Tuesdays
Free! (with admission) At 10:30 am and 12:30 pm on Tuesdays you will find zoo staff at specific exhibits talking about and answering your questions about the animals they highlight. Tell Me About it Tuesdays is a great opportunity for homeschool students to get answers straight from the source.
Zoo Tots
Need something for your toddler or preschooler? Zoo Tots is designed specifically for kids ages 2-4 years old. These programs are 45 minutes long and give children a chance to explore and engage with crafts, sensory bins, and educational stations.
There’s also a structured circle time and animal encounter. Prices are $15 for members and $20 for non-members. See Greenville Zoo’s website for dates and times.
Learning Safari Thursdays
Want to see some zoo creatures up close? Check out the Learning Safari Thursdays for kids ages 5-7 years old on Sundays from 3:00-4:30 pm and Mondays from 10:00 – 11:30 am. These are fun, hands-on exhibits. What a great chance for homeschoolers to learn from zoo staff, without the added cost! Program is 1.5 hours. The cost is $20 for members and $25 for non-members.
Zookeeping Kids
This is a chance for your 8-11 year olds to see what it’s like to be a zookeeper! Each week will cover a different aspect of a zookeeper’s job, and kids will have the chance to play games, participate in activities and experiments, chat with zookeepers, and have animal encounters up close.
Programs are 2 hours from 10 am – 12 pm. Price is $25 for members, and $30 for non-members. See the Greenville Zoo’s website for the next date.
Note: All three of the above free programs meet September through May.
Career Day
If you have a 6th-12th grader who shows interest in becoming a zookeeper, then definitely take a visit to Greenville Zoo for Career Day! You’ll get a behind-the-scenes tour of the zoo and even participate in some of the zoo’s daily tasks. Cost is $50 per person. Check the Greenville Zoo’s website for upcoming dates.
Conservation Lectures
Families with older children might enjoy the zoo’s free conservation lecture series. The zoo has partnered with Furman to bring educational lectures about conservation efforts for specific animals. Lectures take place at The Children’s Museum of the Upstate, The Upcountry History Museum, or a Greenville Library and are scheduled in the evening. These lectures are totally free!
Did you know Spartanburg, SC now has its own bike park? The Vic Bailey Subaru Bike Park is located along Spartanburg’s Mary Black Rail Trail. The park has features for bikers of all skill levels from beginners to advanced including a pump track, easy street and advanced skill features like table-top jumps, a vertical wooden bridge and more. Here’s everything you need to know to enjoy some time at Spartanburg’s bike park.
Western North Carolina and Asheville, NC have lost much of their tourist season due to the extensive damage from Helene. Small businesses count on this season to keep their doors open. This holiday season, we can help by doing our online shopping just a little bit differently. Instead of going to big box online stores, we can switch up our shopping websites and visit locally owned WNC businesses online.
How many gifts can you cross off your list while supporting these local shops that are missing their critical foot traffic this year?
We’re still building this list. Make sure to bookmark it and check back soon!
Gifts For Crafty People
Black Mountain Yarn Shop
Black Mountain, NC This locally-owned yarn shop offers all kinds of fiber items. From beautiful yarn to fabric, and even craft kits, you’ll find something here for the crafty folks in your life. Check out these fun sock kits! Black Mountain Yarn Shop
Purl’s Yarn Emporium
Asheville, NC Here’s another shop where you can purchase local yarn and hand-dyed yarn for your projects. We are loving all of this WNC local yarn. Purl’s Yarn Website
Gifts for the Foodies
Spice it UP
Black Mountain, NC You’ll find a wide variety of elevated spices and teas, plus related pots and kitchen items. This Capecod Cranberry tea sounds amazing. Spice it Up
Honey and the Hive
Weaverville, NC In addition to bee hive supplies, this shop has honey, gifts, books, candles, and more! We’re looking at all this delicious local honey. Yum. Is there anyone who wouldn’t want a jar of that under the tree this year? Honey and the Hive Website
French Broad Chocolates
Asheville, NC French Broad Chocolates suffered flood damage. You can help them out by purchasing chocolate this year! And really, chocolate always makes a good gift right? Get hot chocolate mixes, gourmet bars of chocolate, and there’s even a Bon Bon of the Month club. Don’t forget the gift cards. French Broad Chocolates
Asheville Bee Charmer
Asheville, NC Honey and local bee and honey-themed gifts. The honey gift baskets are cute and very reasonably priced. Everyone in my family might be getting honey this year. Asheville Bee Charmer
Beauty Gifts
C and Co. Skincare
Asheville, NC Purchase natural skincare products from this locally-owned Asheville business. We’re looking at those lavender sugar scrubs and soaps. C and Co. Skincare Website
Gifts for Music Lovers
Citizen Vinyl
Asheville, NC Vinyl records are in. This is actually one of my favorite gifts for my husband as we love to crack open a board game and put on a record for a date night in. Find used and new vinyl and other merchandise at Citizen Vinyl’s website. Citizen Vinyl Website
Heyday Musical Instruments
Asheville, NC If you’re looking to purchase a guitar as a gift this year, check out Heyday. Heyday Musical Instruments
Gifts for Her
Virtue Boutique
Asheville, NC A unique boutique for women with a wide variety of clothing items and accessories from more formal dresses to band shirts. Virtue Boutique
Asheville, NC Dancing Bear has all the toys from puzzles and games, to figurines, Lego, Playmobile, trains, and lots more. Green Toys, like this ferry boat with cars, were always a favorite in our house! Dancing Bear Website
Gifts for Everyone
Sassafras Bookstore
Black Mountian and Waynesville, NC Sassafras has a wide variety of books. Use staff picks lists for ideas and check out the kids tab of the website for great reads for kids. Sassafras Bookstore
Plays in the Mud Pottery
Asheville, NC Wow! The pottery at Plays in the Mud is so fun! Take a look at these flower mugs. They would be fabulous under the tree. Plus, Plays in the Mud has pretty vases, travel mugs, and lots more! Plays in the Mud
Europa Fine Gifts
Black Mountain, NC This gift shop offers American and European gifts including pottery, ornaments, and even ornate cuckoo clocks. We are looking at this adorable snowman mug. Europa Fine Gifts Website
CW Moose Trading Compay
Black Mountain, NC T-Shirts, hats, and other merchandise with a Blue Ridge Mountain theme out of Black Mountain. CW Moose Trading Company Website
Mountain Made
Asheville, NC Mountain Made carries locally made art from pottery to wood crafts, blacksmith works, soaps, and lots more. Support a local business and a local artisan by purchasing your gifts here, like this berry pie pottery dish. Mountain Made Website
Moonlight Makers
Asheville, NC Shirts and bags with funny sayings, candles, mugs, cups and more. Moonlight Makers Website
Razberry Threads
Asheville, NC and Hendersonville, NC Find gifts including unique clothing styles, bath and body gifts, scarves, and more at Razberry Threads. These hedgehog socks would be an adorable stocking stuffer. Free shipping on $100 or more. Razberry Threads
Are you looking for a beautiful place to enjoy the outdoors with your family? Consider a trip to Anna Ruby Falls. It is so worth the drive from nearby Helen, GA to enjoy this beautiful double waterfall. We love the paved trail that keeps this gorgeous spot accessible for so many. We have all the details to help you plan your visit to Anna Ruby Falls, Georgia.
About Anna Ruby Falls
Located adjacent to Unicoi State Park Anna Ruby Falls is actually a spectacular twin waterfall, as two waterfalls combine to form Smith Creek. The taller waterfall cascades down 153 feet and its twin drops about 50 feet. There are many gorgeous waterfalls in North Georgia, but this one is unique. Not just because it’s a double waterfall, but because the trail is paved making this a really family-friendly spot to enjoy nature.
The Anna Ruby Falls Trail
The paved hiking trail begins at the Anna Ruby Falls Visitor Center where you will find restrooms and a gift shop, plus several scenic picnic areas along the creek at the Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area.
It’s just under a mile hike along the paved trail to get to the falls and back.
The paved down-and-back trail to the falls has a moderate to steep incline at times, as it follows the boulder-lined banks of Smith Creek to the falls. While there are a few steep sections, the trail is well-maintained and the pavement makes the trip much easier.
It’s a very pretty trail, and though short, it’s worth a trip in and of itself. There are multiple overlooks and observation decks to enjoy the falls for a while before returning back down the trail.
Lion’s Eye Trail
Near the parking lot, you’ll also find the very short Lion’s Eye Trail. Its a 0.1 mile paved trail with braille interpretive signage.
Near Anna Ruby Falls
You’ll find Anna Ruby Falls just a short drive from Helen, GA and right next to Unicoi State Park.
How far is Anna Ruby Falls from Helen, GA?
It’s about a 15-minute drive from Helen, Georgia to get to Anna Ruby Falls. It’s a beautiful area. So whether you start your day in Helen and head to the falls, or begin with a hike and end with a trip to Helen, make sure to do both. The alpine town is quite unique. Check it out in our piece on Helen, GA.
We love to grab a pretzel when we visit Helen! The holiday decorations are always fun, too!
You’ll drive through a portion of Unicoi State Park on your way to the gate to Anna Ruby Falls. If you’re looking for more hiking, the hike around the lake at Unicoi State Park is pretty and family-friendly.
Our family always stops at Sweetwater Coffeehouse when we are in the area. The staff is so friendly and it’s just a super cute mountain town coffee shop. We found it by accident as we drove through the area on our first visit and now we make a point to stop whenever we are in the area.
They are open 8 am to 6 pm daily, and it’s about a 20-minute drive from the falls parking area to Sweetwater Coffee.
Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area, National Forest 3455 Anna Ruby Falls Road, Georgia Fee is $5 per person aged 16 and up. Free for kids 15 and under. Open 9 am to 5 pm daily- last admission is 4 pm. Closed the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
