Archive for the ‘Things to Eat’ Category

May Your Dreams Come True at Smoky Dreams Barbecue

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Do you dream of barbecue? Well, if barbecue is your thing Smoky Dreams Barbecue should be on your radar. This is the barbecue of your dreams. We had been hearing about this Carolina favorite and just had to give it a try.

smoky dreams bbq

The first time I’d heard about Smoky Dreams Barbecue, it was from a friend who lived out of state. He had seen them featured on a cable foodie show, and was curious to know if I had tried it. I had not, in fact I’m embarrassed and ashamed to say it was several years before I made it to the little red BBQ shed on Woodruff Road. I recently went for lunch, and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about the food since.

Smoky Dreams Barbecue Restaurant

The Smoky Dreams Barbecue restaurant sits at the corner of Woodruff Road and Highway 14, I’m sure you passed it a million times, just like I did. While tallying the results for our 2019 Kidding Around Greenville article about favorite local BBQ restaurants in Greenville, there came a point where I didn’t even need to count anymore. Smoky Dreams was clearly the favored choice among our readers. It was then that I decided I needed to stop driving by and just go. Clearly something special was happening here.

Before you head out, take note: Smoky Dreams is open Wednesday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. — they are closed on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays. The good news? They take call-ahead orders so you can breeze right in and out, or order at the walk-up window or drive-thru lane. I didn’t realize this until visiting, but they also have an indoor seating area that is air conditioned.

“Where Everyone is Family” is the motto of this family run business. It’s not just their motto, it’s more like a business model. They prepare the food with the same care and consideration you would if you were cooking for family. That care extends to the service you receive too. Little touches like lollipops for kids and dog treats for four legged friends are just one of the ways they treat customers like family. It’s probably for these reasons and more that Smoky Dreams has been recognized on a national level several times. The title of best in the country, or best in the state isn’t easily obtained, especially when the state in question is one of the Carolinas. These are states full of tough BBQ critics.

What to Order at Smoky Dreams

The hardest part of a visit to Smoky Dreams Barbecue is deciding what to get. The side options are numerous, and that poses a problem. I’m just going to put this out there…. I really think places should offer flights of side dishes. Shot glasses, but instead of being filled with liquor or beer, they’re filled with a selection of side dishes. Genius right? I’m just going to keep suggesting it until someone listens. I don’t even want a royalty from the tons of sales that would result. Just name it the “no decisions side dish” and make sure it’s always ready when I come to visit and we’ll call it even. But I digress.

Obviously, the sides here are incredible. The macaroni and cheese is a creamy casserole style, the sweet potato crunch is perfect without being too sweet, the baked beans have pieces of pulled pork in them, the potato salad is the best I’ve ever had in a restaurant, and the cole slaw is a mayo free version that is oh so good. Until the “No decisions side dish” becomes a reality, the other option is to do what we did. Everyone order different sides, and then share. That way no one has to decide on just two. 

platter at smoky dreams bbq

Our Favorites at Smoky Dreams

The stars of the show are the meats which are smoked daily on site. Choose from pulled pork, brisket, smoked chicken and ribs all seasoned with a dry rub and served with your choice of four different house made barbecue sauces. I think the term “finger licking…..” (I think this might be copyrighted, but you get the idea) definitely applies here. The ribs and brisket I had were perfect. The meat was moist and the seasoning was so spot on, I didn’t need to use the barbecue sauce. I did use it though, because it looked too good not to try. The meat had the all important smoke ring that any person who knows anything about barbecue, (or watched their fair share of food network) knows is the sign of a good plate of barbecue.

Everything we’ve tried there has been spot on. The food is delicious and the service is excellent. But then would you expect any less when visiting “family?”

Smoky Dreams BBQ
2131 Woodruff Road, Greenville

Smoky Dreams Barbecue — Quick Facts

📍 Location: 2131 Woodruff Road, Greenville, SC (corner of Woodruff Road and Highway 14)

🕐 Hours: Wednesday–Saturday, 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. | Closed Sunday–Tuesday

🍖 Menu: Pulled pork, brisket, smoked chicken, ribs, wings — smoked fresh daily on-site

🚗 Ordering: Dine-in, drive-thru, walk-up window, and call-ahead orders available; bulk sales and catering too

🌐 More info: smokydreamsbbq.com

Smoky Dreams Barbecue FAQ

What are Smoky Dreams Barbecue’s hours?

Smoky Dreams BBQ is open Wednesday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. They are closed on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays. If you need an earlier or later pickup, contact them directly — they’re often happy to accommodate.

Does Smoky Dreams BBQ have a drive-thru?

Yes! Smoky Dreams offers a drive-thru lane, a walk-up window, and call-ahead ordering so you can grab your BBQ as quickly and conveniently as possible. They also have indoor air-conditioned seating if you’d prefer to dine in.

Where is Smoky Dreams BBQ in Greenville, SC?

Smoky Dreams BBQ is located at 2131 Woodruff Road, Greenville, SC, right at the corner of Woodruff Road and Highway 14. There are four accessible entrances to the parking lot, making it easy to get in and out.

Have you visited Smoky Dreams?

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The Noodle Lady Food Truck Brings Asian Street Food To Greenville, SC

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Looking for the Noodle Lady food truck in Greenville, SC? If you’re a fan of Asian cuisine and haven’t paid The Noodle Lady a visit, you are in for a treat! This husband and wife team brings Asian street food to their loyal, hungry fans in Greenville, SC.

The Noodle Lady food truck is becoming a force to be reckoned with, and if you’ve not partaken of these delicious noodles and other offerings, we have all the info you’ll need to get that taken care of! Here are some menu suggestions and how you can find the Noodle Lady in Greenville! 

Complete Restaurant Guide to Greenville, SC

Be sure to check out more of the best restaurants in Greenville, SC!

Are you a fan of local food trucks? Check out our Guide To The Food Trucks Near Greenville, SC

Noodle lady fried rice
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A Family Day at Looking Glass Creamery for Ice Cream, Goats, and Local Cheese

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There’s no better way to soak up summer than with a scoop of ice cream and a handful of fresh-picked sunflowers, and that’s exactly how we spent National Ice Cream Day at Looking Glass Creamery in Columbus, NC.
Updated July 2026.

Looking Glass Creamery: Information and More

We timed our visit for the final day of their Sunflower DAZE u-pick event and made our way to the farm on 115 Harmon Dairy Lane, just off Hwy 9. The deal was simple: make any purchase at the creamery and enjoy free access to pick sunflowers in their blooming, no-spray field. 

First Impressions of Looking Glass Creamery

As we wound our way up the quiet country road, a directional sign pointed us toward the Creamery and Farm Store. The property immediately impressed with its wide-open fields, mountain views in the distance, and goats sunbathing near the patio. A thoughtful bonus: free cold water available on the porch for thirsty visitors venturing into the fields.

Front of Looking Glass Creamery and flowers

Inside the store, a kind and knowledgeable staffer walked us through the menu, which included:

  • Grilled cheeses with gourmet flair (the bacon jam version caught our eye)
  • Charcuterie boards that showcase the creamery’s house-made cheeses
  • Ice cream in rotating, creative flavors like Key Lime Pie (with real pie crust!), Chocolate Pear, Rum Raisin, Bubble Gum, Salted Caramel, Ginger Miso Honey (soy-based), and more

If you’re craving a special flavor like we were (their Blueberry Basil), order it early. It was sold out by the time we arrived in the afternoon.

What We Tried

We chose the Key Lime Pie and Chocolate Pear ice creams. Both were refreshing, full of flavor, and just the right amount of indulgent. The Key Lime had a tart creaminess and surprise bites of buttery crust, while the Chocolate Pear was smooth and subtly sweet.

We enjoyed our scoops out on the scenic back patio, surrounded by buzzing bees, fluttering butterflies, and a very relaxed goat crew nearby.

Sunflower Stroll

After finishing our treats, we followed a path down to the sunflower field. Visitors are invited to bring clippers and buckets to cut their own blooms from the six-acre field dedicated to sunflowers and seasonal crops. Sunflowers are from late June through mid-July.

While the main path offers plenty of easy picking, we recommend pants if you’re venturing off into the more overgrown parts of the field. Either way, it’s a sun-filled experience with sunflowers as far as the eye can see.

It’s such a thoughtful and generous gesture from the owners to offer this free experience to guests. It’s even more meaningful knowing the flowers are grown without sprays. It’s a beautiful, bee and pollinator-friendly field, and you can tell they absolutely love it!

Cheeses at Looking Glass Creamery

Looking Glass Creamery: Timeline

Looking Glass Creamery isn’t just a charming day-trip destination; it’s a vibrant, working farm devoted to long-term sustainability. 

1947 – The Harmon family begins operating a dairy farm in Columbus, North Carolina.
1980s – The farm updates with modern milking equipment and continues evolving.
2009 – The Perkins family starts Looking Glass Creamery in Fairview, NC. They made small-batch cheese using just 50 gallons of milk per week.
2013 – The Harmon family places their farmland under a permanent conservation easement to protect it from future development.
Looking Glass begins purchasing milk from Harmon Dairy to expand their cheesemaking operation.
2017 – The Perkins family purchases Harmon Dairy, uniting the two operations. Plans are made to move cheesemaking to the Columbus farm.
2018 – Cheesemaking officially transitions to the Columbus location, becoming a true farmstead creamery using milk from their own cows.
2019 – The Farm Store opens at the Columbus location, offering cheese, ice cream, and made-to-order food.
2020 – Hard apple cider production is added. Spent apple mash is fed back to the cows as a sustainable feed source.
2021 – New product lines of pickles and preserves are introduced.
A demonstration garden is added for guests to explore during visits.
2022–Present – They continue expanding sustainable practices like rotational grazing, composting, and raising grass-fed beef on-site.

Goats at Looking Glass Creamery

Mark your Calendar: Upcoming Events at Looking Glass Creamery

Looking Glass Creamery is also part of some fantastic regional events that highlight local farms and small-scale producers. This is one we particularly like:

  • Carolina Mountain Cheese Fest | Held annually each fall in the Black Mountain area — October 11, 2026

This is a great way to learn, taste, and support Western North Carolina’s vibrant food community.

Final Scoop

Just 30 minutes from Spartanburg and under an hour from Greenville, Looking Glass Creamery is an ideal destination for a family day trip. With hand-crafted ice cream, sustainable farming, scenic views, and friendly animals, it’s the kind of place where summer memories are made.

Beyond the ice cream and views, Looking Glass is a true farmstead creamery. This means their cheeses are made on-site using milk from their own cows. From fresh spreads to aged wheels, everything is crafted with care. Cheeses are meant to be enjoyed on a board or brought home to savor.

We’ll definitely be back! Next time, earlier in the day to try and get my hands on a Blueberry Basil scoop, a bacon jam grilled cheese, and maybe even a root beer float or charcuterie board on the patio.

Hours: Wednesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 5 PM
Sundays from noon to 5 PM.
Note: If you’re planning to enjoy a grilled cheese or cheese board, be sure to arrive before 4:30 PM. That’s when they stop taking food orders.

Looking Glass Creamery
115 Harmon Dairy Lane, Columbus, NC

Have you visited Looking Glass Creamery? What was your favorite thing? Let us know!


Looking Glass Creamery in Columbus, NC

Yummy ice cream, delicious local cheese, and gorgeous views are some of the things you’ll find at Looking Glass Creamery in Columbus, NC!


Day Trips near Greenville, SC

Looking for more day trip ideas? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Daytrips Near Greenville, SC!

5 Spots With Delicious Frozen Cocktails: Greenville, SC

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Here’s a summertime treat for the adults: grown-up frozen beverages in Greenville, SC. If you were a huge fan of slushies, Slurpees, or other frozen drinks as a child; that sensation of drinking down a slurry of flavored ice crystals has a cathartic effect. As an adult, those frozen beverages are often spiked with wine or liquor, and make a great occasional treat after a long week of adulting. 

We set out to find the most delicious frozen beverages in Greenville, SC, and we’re bringing you the top spots to sit down and relax with a frosé or other frozen adult beverage!

Quick Facts: Frozen Cocktails in Greenville, SC

  • What: Frozen cocktails, frosé, and other frozen adult beverages
  • Where: Greenville, SC and surrounding Upstate (including Travelers Rest)
  • Closest to downtown Greenville: Juice Box Wine Bar @ Gather GVL · 126 Augusta St · Up on the Roof · 250 Riverplace
  • Worth the short drive: Topsoil Kitchen & Market · 13 S Main St, Travelers Rest (about 15 min from downtown)
  • Year-round option: Home Team BBQ · 815 Laurens Road, Greenville · Open daily 11am–midnight

Finding A Frosé In Greenville, SC 

I remember like it was yesterday. Someone on social media had posted about a frozen drink on Instagram and it looked amazing. What was this magical drink she spoke of? A frosty beverage of frozen rose and some extra ingredients all swirled together into a marvelous creation, and it was calling my name. 

Sadly, the spot that inspired a love of these occasional treats no longer exists in Greenville. However, the anonymous social media personality and I are now friends in real life, and have had other food-inspired adventures together that include the occasional hunt for a good frosé. 

Finding a frosé in Greenville is a little bit more challenging than in places like Charleston, where they seem to be found all around town. If you’re wondering, “where are all the wine slushies near me,” they do exist in the Upstate. Here’s where you can enjoy a sweet glass of frozen wine even if you aren’t a huge fan of fermented grapes. 

The Juice Box Wine Bar @ Gather GVL

One of the most popular Gather GVL residents makes it so that you can enjoy a frosty wine beverage with sushi, a philly cheesesteak, pasta, burgers, or any of the other cuisines that are offered at Gather GVL vendors! They offer a rotating flavor selection that includes flights in case you can’t make up your mind.

Topsoil Kitchen & Market 

13 S Main St, Travelers Rest, SC 29690 (about 15 min from downtown Greenville)

If you haven’t been to Topsoil Kitchen & Market yet, this news should seal the deal. They have frosé on top of all the other wonderful things on their farm-to-table menu! Gather up some friends and head to brunch at Topsoil Kitchen & Market, so you can eat from their delicious regularly updated menu and enjoy a grown-up beverage. 

Delicious Frozen Drinks In Greenville, SC

Before there was frosé, there were other frozen cocktails that paved the way. There are places serving up unique frozen drinks in the Upstate that are perfect on a hot and humid day. 

Mercado @ Gather GVL

If you’re a fan of sweet and spicy, then the Mangonada Margarita from Mercado is calling your name. This re-invented Mexican treat is traditionally served as a raspado, or a sno-cone. The addition of tajin chili powder, and a tamarind candy-covered straw is what makes this a true mangonada! They also serve frozen pina coladas, and margaritas daily. 

Tacos and Blah Blah Bla

The Freezing Saucy Sangarita at Tacos and Blah Blah Bla is similar to a drink I first enjoyed at Disney Springs in Orlando. A frozen margarita swirled with sangria is the perfect treat at the end of a long week. Plus you get to eat the delicious tacos from Tacos and Blah Blah Bla, so it’s a win-win. 

Frozen adult beverages in Greenville, SC
Tacos and Blah Blah Bla / Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack

Home Team BBQ

The Home Team BBQ Frozen Irish coffee is Irish in name only, because it’s actually a multicultural iced coffee! If you’ve never had Vietnamese coffee, the Home Team cocktail is the perfect marriage of supercharged Vietnamese coffee and Irish whiskey! 

They also serve a signature frozen drink called “The Game Changer” that includes fruit juices, cream of coconut, nutmeg, and two kinds of rum. I don’t know how to explain the flavor, except for that it’s delicious! If you aren’t sure, ask your server for a sample taste. 

Frozen cocktail, Greenville, SC at Home Team BBQ
Home Team BBQ

More Restaurants with Summer Cocktails: Greenville, SC

Still looking for “frozen drinks near me”? Here are a few more summer cocktail options!

Up on the Roof

250 Riverplace, Greenville

As the name would imply, this rooftop bar in Greenville, SC offers amazing views of the city, along with lots of cocktail options and a full menu.

Frequently Asked Questions About Frozen Cocktails in Greenville, SC

Where can I find frosé (frozen rosé) in Greenville, SC?

The Juice Box Wine Bar at Gather GVL (126 Augusta St, Greenville) is one of the top spots for frosé, with a rotating flavor selection and flights available. Up on the Roof (250 Riverplace, Greenville) and Topsoil Kitchen & Market (13 S Main St, Travelers Rest) also serve frosé — call ahead to confirm seasonal availability.

Is Gather GVL still open?

Yes! Gather GVL at 126 Augusta Street in Greenville celebrated six years of operation in 2026 and earned national “Top 10 Food Hall” recognition. The Juice Box Wine Bar remains an active vendor. Visit our Gather GVL guide for current vendor hours.

Where exactly is Topsoil Kitchen & Market?

Topsoil Kitchen & Market is located in Travelers Rest, SC — about 15 minutes from downtown Greenville. The address is 13 S Main St, Travelers Rest, SC 29690. They are open for brunch Saturday–Sunday 10 am–2 pm and dinner Thursday–Sunday 5 pm–9 pm. Visit topsoilrestaurant.com for current hours and reservations.

Does Home Team BBQ in Greenville have frozen cocktails?

Yes — Home Team BBQ at 815 Laurens Road, Greenville is open daily 11am–midnight and serves two signature frozen cocktails: the Frozen Irish Coffee (Tullamore Dew, Hoodoo, and Vietnamese iced coffee) and The Game Changer (spiced and gold Caribbean rums, fruit juices, cream of coconut, and nutmeg). Visit hometeambbq.com for the current menu.


Grown-ups' guide to Greenville, SC

It’s the guide you’ve been waiting for.

Adulting in Greenville, SC: The Grown-Ups’ Guide


Complete Restaurant Guide to Greenville, SC

Find more delicious things to eat in Greenville with our huge Guide to Restaurants in Greenville, SC.

HipBurger Has Some Of The Best Drive-Thru Burgers Near Greenville, SC

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Have you tried a burger at HipBurger? This Greenville, SC burger joint had humble beginnings as a food truck. The popularity of the “HipTruck” supported the addition of several brick-and-mortar locations.

Greenville residents have made comparisons to Shake Shack and In-N-Out Burger: popular west coast fast-casual burger spots that have cult-like followings. The comparison is warranted. With the convenience of the drive-through at HipBurger, not only do people not have to drive to Charlotte or Atlanta for that burger craving – they don’t even have to get out of their car. 

A burger from HipBurger near Greenville, SC
Complete Restaurant Guide to Greenville, SC

Grab a bite to eat at any of these popular restaurants in Greenville, SC!

The HipBurger Menu 

The secret to success for most restaurants is to do a few things and focus on doing them well. HipBurger follows this philosophy and has a very simplified menu, carried over from the food truck. 

The menu at HipBurger consists of just four main menu items. The HipBurger, The HipChicken, Bowls, HipNuggets, and their hand-cut Boardwalk Fries. 

Each menu item comes with the option to upgrade with various toppings, but that’s it. No-frills, just delicious burgers. 

If you’re a fan of dipping your fries in a milkshake – they have those too! Handspun in chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and salted caramel. 

Hip Burger in Mauldin, SC

Little HipMeals at HipBurger 

Kids get to choose from three “Little Hip Meals” options: a six-count HipNugget, a hamburger, or grilled cheese meal that comes with fries and a 20oz soft drink.  

The HipTruck 

What happened to the food truck? Well, it’s still out and about around the Upstate! You can find out where it will be, by following the HipTruck Instagram account. 

You can bring the burgers to you, by filling out the form online to request the HipTruck at your next event. 

HipBurger Locations Near Greenville, SC

  • HipBurger– 791 East Butler Rd, Mauldin, SC 29662, 864.214.1678, Monday – Saturday, 10:30 am to 10 pm, Sunday, 11:30 am to 9 pm

Since opening their Mauldin restaurant, HipBurger has expanded across the Upstate! Here are all three locations within about 45 minutes of Greenville:

  • HipBurger Anderson — 1807A E. Greenville St, Anderson, SC 29621, 864.314.8433 Mon–Thu 10:30 am–9 pm, Fri–Sat 10:30 am–10 pm, Sun 11:30 am–9 pm

  • HipBurger Clemson — 896 Tiger Blvd, Clemson, SC 29631, 864.372.1140 Mon–Sat 10:30 am–10 pm, Sun 11:30 am–9 pm

This Brewery Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains is a Little Bit Magical

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In search of the perfect summer day trip? Sierra Nevada Brewery in Asheville is a hot spot to escape the summer heat and perhaps enjoy a cold beverage too. Kristina recently visited this brewery and shares the scoop on why so many locals flock there!

One of the cities with the most breweries per person is Asheville, just an hour from our lovely town of Greenville. So the options are many when it comes to enjoying a cold brew and leisurely hanging out with family and friends. I’m here to tell you the Sierra Nevada Brewery, right outside of Asheville, is about to become your new favorite brewery (if it wasn’t already).

About Sierra Nevada Brewery

On a gorgeous summer day, after a morning of hiking, a beer was in order. Sierra Nevada has been a favorite brewery of mine for a while (hello, Kellerweiss and Porter!) because they not only make excellent beer, but it’s totally affordable as well. I had heard the rumors that the brewery was incredible, and I needed to see it for myself.

To say I was floored would be an understatement. This place is stunning. From the pavers in the ample parking lot to the aesthetics of the taproom and brewery to the garden full of sunflowers, tomatoes, and basil, Sierra Nevada Brewery is gorgeous and fun!

Since we didn’t have a reservation for a tour (more on that in a bit), we headed right for the taproom, a cavernous space of tables with barstools and high tops. Of course, a bar offering all of the brewery’s signature beers on tap was at the center.

We opted to head outside, where there awaited us were welcoming tables, rocking chairs, Adirondack chairs, a large green space, gardens, cornhole games, and an outdoor beer bar.

Yes, please!

Dining Options

You have a few options when it comes to dining or enjoying a beer at the Sierra Nevada Brewery. First, you can sit at the dining room for table service. This is where the majority of the food is available. But it’s also where, on a busy Saturday, you will wait a while for a table.

As you enter the taproom, if you do not want to dine in, bypass this line and head to the right. You’ll see a sign for the beer line. Here’s my tip: skip this one. Upstairs, there is another bar with the same offerings. We found there was no line up there!

You can also purchase your favorite beer or hard kombucha at the Back Porch, which is also another place where you can order some food. The Back Porch offers some snacks like nachos and a few other items like hot dogs and salads. Good news for dog owners: leashed dogs are welcome on the Back Porch and other outdoor areas, where guests can enjoy walk-up beverages and handheld food. Note: outside food and alcohol are not permitted anywhere on the property, and inside the dining room is ADA service animals only.

Sierra Nevada Brewery is Kid-Friendly

On the way to grab a Southern Summer Saison, I noticed an enclosed playground with sand tables, a sandbox, a chalkboard, a picnic table, and an umbrella stand. This place thought of it all. There is also a huge green space by the stage, where lots of kids were running and playing.

Sierra Nevada offers a full menu of delectable items inside their tap room dining room and a smaller menu for their outdoor bar. Think huge bar pretzels with mustard, wood-fired pizza, and bison hog dogs with pale ale chili.

Sierra Nevada Brewery family friendly day trip

Lower Park

If you go to the left of the stage and walk about a quarter mile down a beautiful trail, you’ll come to the secret Lower Park at the brewery. This is a beautifully shaded area with hammocks, lawn games, snacks and beer for sale, and picnic tables.

This area was hard hit by Hurricane Helene, and the French Broad River flooded it badly. You can see the water line, and it’s probably about 40 feet up one of the trees. But the brewery cleaned it up and reopened it in June 2025. I feel like it’s even better than before! When I visited that month, that’s where my kids and I hung out the most because it’s just so peaceful and fun. We played all the lawn games and relaxed in the hammocks.

The Lower Park is open Saturdays and Sundays, 1-6 pm, weather permitting.

Games + Music at Sierra Nevada Brewery

My family and I grabbed our beers and strolled through the garden, admiring the gorgeous flowers and vegetable garden. We took up a game of cornhole for a while, which was awesome. It’s really fun to play the game while drinking good beer in the garden of Sierra Nevada Brewery.

By the time we were done, the band was about to take the stage, so we hung out in the shade and relaxed to the tunes of great music. Before we left for the day, we had to check out the “high gravity” beer section upstairs, which had even more tables and rocking chairs, and indoor cornhole games. It was a work of art and overlooked the entire outdoor area, main stage, and gardens.

Sierra Nevada Brewery Tours

So apparently these tours are crazy popular. We weren’t able to get a reservation for when we wanted to go so I have to go back. Obviously.

The Hoppy Hour Tour is a 60-minute tour for guests 12+ years and includes a guided tour of the brewery covering its history, brewing process, and sustainability efforts, plus beer sampling. This one costs $17.08 per person.

Other tours are more extensive, like the three-hour Beer Geek Tour ($96.79/pp, ages 21+) and the 90-minute Beyond the Pale Tour ($28.77/pp, ages 12+).

Sierra Nevada is an ideal destination for a family outing, a day date, or a place to go chill after hiking or a trip near Asheville. As the brewery will remind you, please drink responsibly.

Visit Sierra Nevada Brewery

Sierra Nevada Brewery
100 Sierra Nevada Way, Mills River, NC
828.681.5300

Hours:
Sunday – Thursday from 11 am – 9 pm
Friday – Saturday from 11 am – 10 pm

Have you been to Sierra Nevada Brewery yet? 


Sierra Nevada Brewery

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. has excellent food and drinks, plus tours, family-friendly fun, live music, and more!


Where You Can Find the Best Milkshakes: Spartanburg, SC

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Searching for best milkshakes in Spartanburg, SC?
Love a good milkshake? We here at Kidding Around were tasked with the difficult (self-imposed) job of seeking out the best milkshakes in Spartanburg, SC. Grab one of these great milkshakes in the lovely Hub City.

Where to find the best milkshakes in Spartanburg, South Carolina
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Delicious Coffee and More at Methodical Coffee in Greenville, SC

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Have you discovered Methodical Coffee in Greenville, SC?
Residents of Greenville love their caffeinated beverages, and they love them locally sourced even more. Methodical Coffee offers the answer to coffee cravings in three different unique settings.

Methodical Coffee doors
Coffee shops in Greenville, SC

For more local spots to support when you need a boost of energy, check out our list of Greenville, SC Coffee Shops on Kidding Around. 

Methodical Coffee Locations in Greenville, SC

With three very different locations, Greenville’s Methodical Coffee is far from a cookie-cutter corporate coffee chain. Locally roasted beans and sourced ingredients for their menu have made them a favorite with locals. The menu at each location differs and reflects the vibe of the space.

Methodical at Stones Point

207 Wade Hampton Boulevard, Greenville | 864.236.8449

Methodical at Stones Point: The most unique of the three locations is in a shared space with The Landmark Project, a shop for people who love and appreciate our nation’s natural resources. The menu at this Methodical Coffee location is sweet and simple with just a few simple pastry items offered in addition to the drink menu. You can pull up a chair and get some work done in this very relaxed atmosphere, which is open Monday-Friday 7am to 5 pm, Saturday 8am to 5pm, and Sunday 8am until 2 pm. 

Methodical Coffee at the Landmark

The Landmark Project
If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, The Landmark Project should be on your list of places to check out. National and State park-themed merchandise, along with a small selection of gear, makes this the perfect place to shop for gifts when you are looking for a unique item for that adventure lover on your list. 

The Landmark Project

At The Commons

147 Wellborn Street, Greenville | 864.214.1295

Methodical at the Commons: Located on the Swamp Rabbit Trail inside The Commons, this Methodical Coffee location is the best to visit if you want to enjoy a meal or a walk. With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, you could easily spend the entire day here getting things done. Nearby restaurants offer food, and Unity Park offers a great outdoor area for a stroll. The coffee shop is open Monday-Saturday 7-5 and Sunday 8-2.

To snag some of their great pastries, visit the Methodical Bakery next door to their cafe inside the Commons on Weekends only (Friday & Saturday 7-1 and Sunday 7-1).

Methodical Coffee at the Commons

Methodical Coffee Downtown

101 North Main Street – Unit D, Greenville | 864.349.1913

Methodical Coffee Downtown: Conveniently placed within the Piazza Bergamo in downtown Greenville, the downtown Methodical Coffee is the perfect spot to grab that morning coffee before the farmers market or any other time you find yourself in downtown Greenville. 

Methodical To-Go

If you love the taste of freshly roasted beans, you can have them anywhere you want to go! Methodical sells their blends in whole-bean, and ground versions; so you can brew a cup at home, on vacation, or anywhere you find your travels taking you. 

You can pick it up or have them ship it to you. Coffee also makes a great gift for loved ones and business associates!

5 Best Places to Cool Off with Milkshakes: Greenville, SC

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Looking for the best milkshakes in Greenville, SC?
Who doesn’t love sipping on these creamy, delicious treats? Finding them is not usually difficult, but we wanted to find out who served up the best milkshakes Greenville, SC has to offer.

milkshakes greenville sc

Yummy hand-scooped ice cream mixed with milk and possible fruit or other treats will never sound like a bad decision! So round up the kids, hop in the car, and head out to enjoy one of these decadent dairy treats – and tell them Kidding Around sent you!

Kidding Around Readers Top 5 Picks For Milkshakes: Greenville, SC

Dillard’s Ice Cream in Greer is a top favorite with our readers. Our milkshake afficionados say the shakes and ice cream are simple, yet delicious. And many say visiting Dillard’s brings up feelings from their childhood. NOTE: They do not accept credit cards, so be sure to bring some cash.

Dillard’s I’ve cream in Taylor’s/Greer the ice cream is delicious and the staff are very friendly too

Nora J

They also have their farm’s market there which has some great produce etc

Allison C.

Andy’s Frozen Custard in Greer was another fan-favorite this year. They serve frozen custard and offer a variety of milkshakes and malts. You can get any of your favorite Andy’s custard flavors blended into a milkshake. Don’t forget to add toppings!

Grill Marks is a favorite with readers for not just milkshakes but their juicy burgers too!

Grill Marks is delicious. And their shakes to match are so tasty

Lacey
Milkshake and chicken wings

Cook Out got an overwhelming vote from our readers again this year!

There are many locations and ton of options and they are thick and delicious!

Theresa

The Ice Cream Station in Simpsonville is a favorite with readers. This outdoor shop next to the train tracks downtown has milkshakes, and a fan favorite is their Dole Whip.

Ice Cream Station in Simpsonville. Tasty and affordable!

Amy C

Milkshake Honorable Mentions in Greenville, SC

Readers also recommended the following places as their favorites and shared why with us.

Pink Mama’s Ice Cream is another fan favorite. Their Travelers Rest location is located next to the Swamp Rabbit Trail and is a great break from walking the trail.

Pink Mama’s Ice Cream! Yummy ice cream and awesome customer service! She ROCKS!

Dawn P

Good Karma Ice Cream serves 32 flavors of Hershey’s ice cream – and readers love it!

I get the Instant Karma where they use cold brew coffee instead of milk and then use a coffee based iced cream. They have a couple to chose from. Amazing! And a great excuse as to why I can not share with my kids, haha!

McKenzie

Good Karma is our go-to to get a sweet tooth fix! Lots of Ice cream flavors. They are very creative with their milkshakes and ice cream desserts. Never had something we didn’t like

Nikki Wheeler

Wayback Burgers offers a selection of hand dipped milkshakes!

Hunter Farms

Hunter Farms for fresh Strawberry shakes when they are open (which they are now)

Lisa F

The Pickwick Pharmacy

The Pickwick has the best chocolate malts in town!

Kristy R

Kidding Around is always seeking to be your go-to for the best kid-friendly recommendations in Greenville. We’ve discussed the best places for ice cream, snow cones, and much more.

Complete Restaurant Guide to Greenville, SC

Before you head out for milkshakes, why not grab lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants near Greenville, SC?

Smokin Wings & Things: 130+ Chicken Wing Flavors in Greenville, SC

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Have you tried smoking wings in Spartanburg, SC or Greenville, SC? Not sure what I’m talking about ? If you are a chicken wing lover, then Smokin Wings & Things is the place for you! They offer over 130 flavors of smoked or fried wings, plus a kid-friendly menu that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Whether you like your wings dry-rubbed or sauced, they have a flavor for you to savor! 

Spartanburg SC Restaurants

Be sure to try even more great restaurants in Spartanburg, SC!

Smokin Wings sign

Chicken Wings and Sauces

Smokin Wings & Things is the brainchild of Chef Jesse, who has opened multiple locations throughout the Upstate to satisfy the needs of all the wing-loving people around town. Not only are there over 130 flavors to choose from, but the wings are also meaty and literally fall off the bone. I tried the six-piece meal with Honey Maple BBQ, and it was perfect! The crust of the chicken was crunchy, while the meat came clean off the bone. 

My 10-month-old daughter even had a taste of the wing (the unsauced part of course) and she tried to steal my whole plate! The sauces range from mild to extremely hot, so if you were ever wanting to try some Carolina Reaper homemade wing sauce, this is the place to challenge your taste buds.

Smokin Wings menu and wings

Other Items on the Menu

Aside from wings, Smokin Wings & Things has items such as pulled pork, turkey legs, hamburgers, hot dogs, lots of sides, locally made desserts, and homemade cakes to choose from. During our visit, I even overheard a couple who were passing through town say that their meal contained the “best pulled pork I have ever had in my life!” We tried a slice of the strawberry cake, and it was delicious! Moist and full of flavor, my oldest daughter was in cake heaven. 

Their kid’s menu offers kids combo meals that will satisfy even the pickiest eater, including chicken strips, wings, corndogs, and more. There are tons of mild sauces to choose from, so they can even experience different flavors each visit, even as a dipping sauce on the side.

Meal Deals Throughout the Week

Smokin Wings & Things offers several meal deals and specials throughout the week, as well as a family meal deal bundle every day that includes 20 traditional or boneless wings (2 flavors) with a large fry and a gallon of sweet tea for $32.00. Check out the other meal deals to make whichever night you crave wings a little easier on the wallet. 

Smokin Wings 
1054 East Butler Road Suite A, Greenville, SC
864.558.0051
Hours: Monday – Wednesday 11 am – 9 pm
Thursday – Saturday 11 am – 10 pm
Sunday 11 am – 7 pm

Smokin Wings 
205 West Blackstock Road, Spartanburg, SC
864.707.5454
Hours: Monday – Wednesday 11 am – 9 pm
Thursday – Saturday 11 am – 10 pm
Sunday 11 am – 7 pm

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