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.
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.
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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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Oakridge Cozy Getaway, Photo Credit: VRBO
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.
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.
VRBO Winchester Creek Alpaca Farm, Photo Credit: VRBO
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Seabrook Island Rental, Photo Credit: VRBO
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.
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.
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.
Beachcomber Cottage on Daufuskie Island, Photo Credit: VRBO
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lakefront Home on Lake Arrowwood, Photo Credit: VRBO
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
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.
Tiny Home on Lake Fairview, Photo Credit: VRBO
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!
Looking for day trips from Greenville, SC? While we love Kidding Around Greenville, we also love kidding around other areas of South Carolina. If you are looking for some South Carolina day trips that are perfect for families, we have you covered! Check out our list of nearby family-friendly destinations for your next day trip.
As awesome as Greenville is (yay, Greenville!), sometimes we want to take our family to a new experience in a different place. Personally, I hate packing for overnight trips, so day trips are a perfect compromise.
After polling Kidding Around Greenville’s Facebook followers and questioning a few long-time natives, we have compiled a list of the most recommended day trip locations, all within easy driving distance of Greenville.
Inside: Kidding Around’s Jordan shares her family’s experience at LEGO® Discovery Center in Atlanta. Read her review, with tips on what to expect and how to make the most of your visit to LEGO® Discovery Center Atlanta!
If you love LEGO’s, then you have to add LEGO® Discovery Center Atlanta to your bucket list! This experience was epic and our family will definitely go back to visit soon! My children are LEGO fanatics. They are ages 7 and 9 and this was the perfect birthday weekend activity. Atlanta is roughly two hours and 45 minutes from the city of Atlanta, Georgia. A perfect day trip destination or make it a fun weekend getaway!
LEGO® Discovery Center is located at Phipps Plaza. This plaza is in the Buckhead Atlanta area which is about 20-minutes from downtown Atlanta. We stayed at the Embassy Suites Hotel which was directly across the street from Phipps Plaza. This area was really nice and the traffic wasn’t heavy like it tends to be closer to downtown Atlanta.
When you pull up to Phipps Plaza, you can either park yourself or pay the $10 valet fee to have them park your car. We had zero issues parking ourselves as it was a Sunday and not busy at all. If you enter the mall at the front main entrance, you’ll need to find an elevator or escalator and go to the third floor of the mall. This is where you’ll find LEGO® Discovery Center.
What to expect at LEGO® Discovery Center Atlanta
We purchased the Behind The Brick VIP tickets so we were able to arrive at 9:30 am for our tour of the center. If you don’t purchase the VIP tour, you can arrive at their opening time which is 10 am. You can purchase tickets in the lobby or online in advance (we did) to ensure you get entry on the day you want to visit. Everything is LEGO-themed and it is so neat!
Since we did the Beyond The Brick VIP tour, we did get to take a preview of the entire center with Master Builder, Elizabeth. She was incredible and taught my kids SO much about LEGO’S and all being a Master Builder entails. Her knowledge and passion for building was well worth paying extra for a VIP experience.
This ticket also included a private building class where my kids got to build a LEGO picture frame. When you purchase a regular admission ticket, you get to explore the center on your own. There are several different areas to explore.
9 Fun Attractions at LEGO® Discovery Center Atlanta
You will start your adventure by building your own minifigure to take with you throughout the center. This little figure is totally customizable and you can take photos with it throughout the center.
As you venture into the center, you can take a ride on Kingdom Quest. This ride is really fun and it is not scary. You get into a cart with your family and shoot targets as you move throughout the ride. The object is to shoot enough targets to help the princess escape. Note: Inside this ride is dark, but not scary. It also does not move fast. No flash photography on this ride, please!
Take a virtual reality coaster ride on The Great Lego Race. This virtual reality ride is really fun and my kids did it twice they loved it so much. This is including in some tickets or you can add it on to regular admission.
Miniland is an entire room that is a replica of downtown Atlanta. Everything from Truist Park to the iconic skyline is built solely out of LEGOS. When they first open the center each morning, the LEGO city is still asleep so all the buildings are lit up. Then we daylight comes, slowly the city begins to wake up. This was incredible!
DUPLO® park is the perfect destination for the smallest visitors. It really looks like the DUPLO® Legos which I thought was so cool. There is a play zone as well as soft/hard blocks. You can even take a ride on the merry-go-round in the center of the park. My kids didn’t play in this area as they were too old.
6. Create and Test Area
This area features tons of legos and different race tracks to test your car out on. You can even race your car down a volcano!
The cinema offers multiple movies featuring your favorite LEGO characters! Photos/videos are not allowed during the movie. We didn’t watch the movie because my kids were not interested in the one they were showing that day.
This playground was so neat! My kids spent a lot of time here exploring the pirate ship and even raising the flag! It features a slide, climbing areas, and more! It is the perfect place for kids to burn off some energy!
At this area you can build your own spaceship with legos, sit it inside the scanner bay, and then watch as it zooms on screen. You can steer your spaceship and watch it soar through the planets. My kids really enjoyed this!
Your Trip to LEGO® Discovery Center Atlanta
Cafe
The cafe has a full menu of snacks and drinks to enjoy. They also serve Starbucks coffee. If you’re not in the mood for the cafe, right outside of the Discovery Center in the mall you’ll find several places to eat.
Gift Shop
Once you’re done playing and exploring, you can exit through the LEGO shop. You can only enter the center once so be sure you’re ready to leave and shop before exiting. They have tons of LEGO sets and accessories to choose from. We purchased a giant lego set, coffee cup, and keychain. The prices were typical LEGO prices.
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.
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.
River view from a Tiny House rental at the Saluda Outdoor Center
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.
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.
This private cabin with an arcade, hot tub, and game room.
Wood bridge on the trail to Beech Bottom FallsHagood Mill Historic Site
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.
Geology Museum at ClemsonStayGVL Lake HartwellStayGVL Lake HartwellSplit Creek FarmInside the Getaway cabin
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.
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).
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.
19060s rental home fire pit (VRBO)1960s rental home pool (VRBO)Pool table in 1960s rental home (VRBO)
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.
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.
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.
Trying to book a vacation rental in WNC but overwhelmed by all the options? We’ve put together a list of some of our favorite WNC vacation rentals. Not only are they in convenient locations, but also the hosts have been sure to include family-friendly amenities!
Which Vacation Rentals in WNC Are You Wanting to Explore?
Looking for a place to stay that is near restaurants and shops? This is one of the few vacation rentals right in the town of Cashiers. While you have the convenience of the town, waterfalls, skiing, hiking, and boating are still just a short drive away.
Enjoy gorgeous views of Whiteside Mountain from an extensive stone eating area outside at this cozy cabin near Cashiers. This rental is perfect for families with young children who need space to burn off energy. The large yard is level and shaded and even has a fun swing.
Whitewater Whispers is a 3-bedroom 2-bath house with a jaw-dropping mountain view and the gentle soundtrack of a rippling river you can hear from the back deck. Need more adventure? The nearby Sapphire Valley Resort is open year-round and offers plenty of family fun!
Whitewater Whispers
3 bedrooms, 2 full baths
Sleeps up to 8
1570 square feet
Gas log fireplace
Located in the quiet wooded setting of the Whisper Lake community
Allows pets
Several easy-to-access waterfalls & hiking trails nearby
Nearby Sapphire Valley Resort offers indoor and outdoor swimming pools, hot tub, miniature golf, game room, fitness room, skiing, snow tubing, zip-lining, a golf course, and gem mining.
Stunning mountain view
Rippling waters of the Horsepasture River offer a calming soundtrack
If you’re looking for privacy, this is the rental for you. This cabin is surrounded by forest and has an actual waterfall just 25 feet from the porch! Spend your days relaxing by the private stream, swinging on the porch swing, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
What could be more exciting for kids than staying in a real treehouse? Climb into the trees for a stay at this unique rental near the entrance to Pisgah National Forest. If you manage to leave the stunning mountain and valley views for the day, you have convenient access to all the outdoor fun you could want.
Treehouse Photo Credit: VRBO
2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Sleeps 4
Minutes from the entrance to Pisgah National Forest
This new cabin was designed with a rustic feel to give guests a cozy stay. Spend your days biking and hiking at DuPont before coming back to relax in this private and quiet bungalow.
Located across the road from Shoal Creek Falls, this new cabin is designed to make your vacation comfortable. The huge wrap-around porch is ideal for outdoor eating as you listen to the sounds of the falls. This cabin is only 10 miles from downtown Brevard and Hendersonville.
Experience luxury in the mountains at this incredible vacation home in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This rental near Flat Rock is sure to make you feel like you never want to leave. The huge wrap-around deck has comfortable rockers where you can sit and enjoy the mountain views.
For things to do in Asheville, NC don’t miss our Ultimate Guide to Asheville, NC. We have information about the Biltmore Estate, dining options, and fun adventures to have!
This charming vacation rental in Asheville is beautiful. The cabin in only a few years old, is close to Downtown Asheville and entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and has plenty of space for a family or group of friends.
If you are looking for fantastic mountain views for your vacation, this cabin in Asheville, NC is the place! You can get lazy in the hot tub while taking in the view, and children of all ages are allowed.
View from Top Deck of Top of the World Views; Photo Credit: VRBO
If you are looking for the total cottage vibes, complete with a garden of lush flowers during the spring and summer, then this creekside cottage near Asheville is a great choice for a family trip. Plus, it’s only 5 minutes to town!
There is an island outside of Charleston, SC that is home to Boneyard Beach, an otherworldly driftwood forest right on the ocean. Kristina and her kids explored the island with Coastal Expeditions, who provided us media tickets. Here’s why it should be on your bucket list.
I had seen photos of Boneyard Beach on Bulls Island, which is part of the Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge in Charleston, SC, but nothing could truly prepare me for the experience of walking through those old and weathered trees strewn across the sandy beach. It was an experience like no other. And because we here at Kidding Around are always looking for incredible experiences to bring to you, our awesome readers, we had to do this one.
If you love baby dolls and a one-of-a-kind magical experience, then you’ll love Babyland General® Hospital in Cleveland, Georgia! Kidding Around’s Jordan got to visit Babyland with her family and has all the details you need to know! Admission to Babyland General® Hospital is totally FREE!
Cleveland, Georgia is about 1 hour and 15 minutes outside of Atlanta and the drive is so beautiful from the city to Babyland General® Hospital. Cleveland, Georgia is roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes from Greenville, SC so you could easily visit Babyland on a day trip. To make it a weekend getaway, you can drive another hour to the city of Atlanta where there are tons of fun things to do.
Watch! Our Trip to Babyland General® Hospital
History of Babyland General® Hospital
In 1976, a 21-year-old art student, Xavier Roberts, started learning how to “needle mold” which is a German technique used for creating fabric sculptures. Xavier Roberts’ created his first soft sculpture that year which he originally called his “Little People”. Two years later in 1978, Xavier won a first-place ribbon at the Osceola Art Show in Florida after entering “Dexter” one of his original Little People. He started taking his Little People to art shows where people readily paid $40 to adopt a new friend.
Upon returning home, Xavier and a few friends purchased and renovated the L.G. Neal Clinic in Cleveland, Georgia to create Babyland General® Hospital which would be home to many original Cabbage Patch Dolls. Little did Roberts know at that time, that he was creating what would become one of the most popular new dolls in the history of the toy industry.
Today, The Little People and Cabbage Patch Kids are celebrating over 40 years of adoptions in Cleveland, Georgia! The best part? You can visit Babyland General® Hospital and adopt a “forever friend” of your own at the magical cabbage patch.
The Cabbage Patch Legend
So where did Xavier Roberts get his inspiration from? Growing up in the Appalachian Mountains of North Georgia, Roberts was playing in the woods one day when a strange creature flew past him. The creature was a mix of a bumble bee and a bunny. Xavier chased the creature which led him to jump through a magical waterfall that revealed a hidden cave. Inside the cave featured many sparkling crystals so Xavier followed the Bunnybee further into the cave.
As he neared the end of the cave, he realized there was a bright light at the end of it leading to a large field. In this field, he saw Bunnybees sprinkling magic dust from the crystals onto the cabbages. To his surprise, the cabbages contained many small kids and babies inside and around the leaves. Otis Lee, a baby from among the patch, introduced himself and asked if Xavier would please promise to find them all loving homes. Xavier readily agreed and promised to build Babyland General® Hospital.
When you first pull up to Babyland General® Hospital, you will be amazed at the beautiful building and the vast property it sits on. They have a huge front porch area that wraps around the building where you can sit in a rocking chair and admire the North Georgia Mountains.
When you venture inside the building, you step foot into what feels like a real hospital. The front desk receptionist will have you “check in” and then tell you if there are any upcoming Cabbage Patch Baby deliveries and all you need to know about the hospital.
After you stop and take a photo at the giant cabbage leaf, you can walk through the Babyland General® Hospital doors to explore. The first few rooms are the nursey rooms where freshly born Cabbage Patch Babies live until they find a forever family.
Once you pass the nursery rooms, you’ll enter the large main area of the hospital. The massive Magic Crystal Tree is the focal point as this is where Mother Cabbage lives and all the Cabbage Patch Babies that are not yet born. The Licensed Patch Doctors and Nurses bustle around taking care of the Cabbage Patch.
Your tour is a self-guided tour through several rooms and areas of the hospital with different themes. You can look through the circus room, Christmas room, school bus-themed area, barnyard-themed area, and more!
There is no time limit on your visit so take your time exploring all of the hospital. When it is time for a Cabbage Patch Baby to be delivered, they make an announcement over the loudspeaker so you can make your way to the magic crystal tree.
Once you arrive at the crystal tree, you’ll watch as the nurse tends to Mother Cabbage, checks the sonogram to see if there will be a girl or boy baby, and then the audience helps in the delivery by shouting “Push!” on the count of three.
Once the baby is born, the proud owner will follow the nurse to the nursery to watch the baby be weighed, swaddled, and checked out. At the end, you get your official adoption papers from the nurses at the main desk.
The whole experience is really fun and magical! We visited for our daughter’s 9th birthday so she did customize her own Cabbage Patch Doll (more on that in a moment) and we watched its birth. It was really neat and she loved every minute of it!
How It Works: Cabbage Patch Babyland General® Hospital
Although admission is totally free, you can adopt your own Cabbage Patch Doll at Babyland General® Hospital.
Here are the options they offer:
Customize your Cabbage Patch doll
You can totally customize a Cabbage Patch Doll and then watch as it is “born” from the magical crystal tree. These dolls from the tree are hand-stitched and one of a kind. They have you fill out a birth certificate where you choose the doll’s name, eye color, hair color, and skin color.
The adoption fee is $275 and includes the doll, a swaddle, a baby gown, and an official birth certificate with footprints. They announce the delivery and you can watch the birth of your very own doll with this option. This is what our daughter did and she loved it. It was totally worth every penny!
Select a premade Cabbage Patch Doll
If you don’t want to customize a doll from the tree, then you can select one of their many premade Cabbage Patch Dolls that start at $20+. Although you won’t watch its live birth from the tree, you can still take your forever friend home to love and enjoy. They have tons of dolls and other stuffed animals and creatures to choose from.
They have a lot of different outfits, strollers, and accessories to purchase as well as other toys if your child doesn’t like dolls.
Other Tips Before You Go
They do not have food here. There are two drink machines and a deep freezer full of ice cream bars inside of the hospital but otherwise no food on-site.
I suggest packing a picnic to enjoy on the grounds.
They have large bathrooms.
No eating or drinking is allowed in the hospital.
Visiting hours are Monday through Saturday 9 am to 6 pm and Sundays 10 am to 6 pm.
They are closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Thinking about visiting the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida? There’s so much to see and do and learn about at the Kennedy Space Center. Tour the launch pad areas, see the massive Saturn V rocket, learn about the history of the space program, and about the exciting future of space travel in this country.
Rocket Garden
Thank you to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for providing 4 complimentary general admission tickets to Kidding Around to help facilitate this review. Additional tickets for family members were purchased by the writer. The opinions in this review are those of the writer.
This article contains Stay22 affiliate links.
Things to Do at the Kennedy Space Center
The Astronaut Hall of Fame, Astronaut Training simulator, Apollo mission control, the Space Shuttle Launch Experience, guided tours and so much more. There’s really more to do at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex than you can do in one day. But, there are definitely some not to miss places to visit if you only have one day to spend, and if you don’t want to pay for experiences beyond your general admission ticket.
Here are the NOT TO MISS exhibits and things to do at the space center. All of the things to do below are included in general admission.
Rocket Garden
One of the first things you’ll see when you enter the Kennedy Space Center is the rocket garden. While you will see flowers and plants in this garden, the primary thing sprouting from the ground here are rockets. They tower impressively overhead. Each rocket is labeled with name and information about the missions where it was used. There are also a few capsules on the ground for guests to climb inside.
Free (with admission) tours of the rocket garden are available at times throughout the day. You’ll be able to grab a list of tour times from admission or will call when you enter the park. I highly recommend catching the rocket garden tour if you are interested in the rockets. The docent was very knowledgeable about the history of the rockets and had amusing stories to tell, as well.
The tour docent is amplified and audible from anywhere in the rocket garden, making it easy to follow little ones around the garden and still hear the speakers.
Do not miss the bus tour of the launch pads. This general tour is included with your admission. You’ll board an air-conditioned bus for a tour that lasts roughly 40 minutes. You’ll see a number of the center’s launch pads as well as the buildings where rockets are stored and constructed. We got an excellent look at the massive crawlers that move the rockets from the buildings to the pads and the massive gravel roads the crawlers use to get around. You’ll learn about the history of the launch pads, see where the moon missions launched, and also where the new Space X missions are happening.
Apollo/Saturn V Center
The other reason not to miss this bus tour is that it’s the only way to see the Saturn V rocket up close. The bus tour ends at the Apollo/Saturn V center where you’ll find the huge rocket on display. Here you’ll be able to reach in and touch a moon rock, get a look at the moon rover, and see Alan Shepard’s Apollo 14 capsule. You’ll learn all about the history of the missions to the moon through interesting memorabilia and artifacts.
You’ll find restrooms, a cafe and a gift shop also at the Saturn V Center. Plan for roughly an hour and a half at this part of the space center, more if you’re really interested in the Apollo moon missions. When you’re done at the Saturn V Center you can hop back on a bus and it will bring you back to the main part of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
Note: There is a really great documentary on Disney+ National Geographic about the Apollo program. It outlines all the missions in a clear and easy to understand way, with great footage of launches and mission control. This documentary was helpful for my kids to see before we went to the space center so they had some background knowledge before seeing all the artifacts on display.
Saturn V Rocket
Journey to Mars: Explorers Wanted
Another not to miss section of the space center is the Journey to Mars. My kids had also watched the National Geographic documentary on Spirit and Opportunity also on Disney+. Spirit and Opportunity are two amazing rovers that landed on Mars and sent back never before seen images of the surface of Mars. Like robot geologists, the rovers gathered information on the rocks and make up of the surface of Mars and sent it back to Earth. You’ll find a rover like Spirit and Opportunity on display at Journey to Mars, along with Curiosity, the rover that followed.
The presentation in Journey to Mars: Explorers Wanted will give you an idea of what’s on deck for the space program and encourages kids to be explorers and think about someday traveling to the stars themselves. Kids and adults will also enjoy some of the computerized simulators in this array of exhibits where they can try their hand at landing and piloting space craft.
Mars Rover- Spirit and Opportunity
Shuttle Atlantis
There’s a rich history of 30 years of shuttle space travel on display at the home of Shuttle Atlantis. Enter the building at the full scale replica of boosters used to launch Atlantis into space again and again. Follow with quests through two video presentations telling the story of Atlantis and then see this magnificent shuttle in person.
On display with its cargo doors flung open, you can see where satellites and space station modules were stored and carried into space. You’ll also be able to see the arm used to move equipment from the shuttle to the station or into space.
The building showcases other artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the shuttle program and the space station. Kids can climb through a mock up of modules of the space station. There’s also a section geared towards kids with a climber, giant slide and hands on exhibits.
Don’t miss the Space Flight Simulator, a fun ride that simulates what it feels like when the space shuttles launch! It’s included in your admission and the entrance is on the bottom floor of Atlantis.
Shuttle Atlantis
Kids Play Area
Next to the Rocket Garden is a brand new kids’ play area called Planet Play for children ages 2-12. This is a multiple-story indoor playground. They have climbing structures, slides, and other things to entertain kids who may need a short break from all the history!
The area is nice and shaded with benches and picnic tables so it’s a great spot for everyone to rest up before hitting the rest of the visitor complex.
Nature and Technology
This building is across from the Rocket Garden and has some neat exhibits about the local wildlife and history of the area. The Kennedy Space Center works with the local environment to make sure they are protected while on-going research projects are happening. They even created a wildlife sanctuary near the Space Center, which would explain why we saw so many hawks, falcons, and other birds on the way into the complex.
There are also exhibits here that talk about the early settlers to this particular area of Florida and the Native Americans that inhabited South Florida.
It’s a fun spot for kids especially since the wildlife are numbered and kids can try to find all of them throughout the exhibit.
Where to Eat at the Kennedy Space Center
You’ll find a cafe in the main section of the visitor complex and at the Saturn V Center. You’ll also find food stands around the park for things like ice cream and drinks, and a Starbucks near the line for the bus tours. Our family opted to grab some drinks and treats at Starbucks to go with the snacks we had brought, rather than purchasing a full lunch. The Starbucks items were priced like regular Starbucks items.
You can bring in water bottles, snacks and even lunch if you prefer. Coolers can only be the small soft-sided variety and no glass can be brought into the center.
Want to Go?
General Admission: You’ll save money if you purchase tickets online in advance. Single-day tickets start at $65 for kids and $75 for adults. Parking is $15 per car.
Visiting the Kennedy Space Center can certainly take most of the day but if you’re looking for something else to do in the area, Cocoa Beach is close by.
You can visit the famous Cocoa Beach Pier, which has restaurants, small shops, and fishing. It’s a blast to watch the surfers off the pier try to catch the waves. The beach is right there as well, which you can easily visit.
Cocoa Beach Pier
There are also lots of restaurants in Cocoa Beach plus tons of beachwear shops with swimsuits, clothes, beach toys, jewelry, etc.
The Manatee Sanctuary Park in Cape Canaveral is a small spot to rest with a playground and boardwalk along the Banana River. Manatees usually show up mid to late fall and stay through early spring.
Have you visited the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex?
Ready to plan a day trip to Rutherfordton, NC? When you are raising little ones, sometimes the best thing you can do is just get out of the house! But where to go? Let us help! Kidding Around’s Sarah enjoys visiting Rutherfordton and she made this perfect day trip itinerary for families! Check out this plan for the perfect day trip for little ones around Rutherfordton, conveniently located in the heart of Western North Carolina.
Whether you are coming from Western North Carolina or Upstate South Carolina, you can expect Rutherfordton to be no more than 1-2 hours from your home! This makes it the perfect driving distance for a day trip for families from so many urban areas such as Charlotte and Asheville in North Carolina or Greenville and Spartanburg in South Carolina.
Start Your Day with KidSenses Children’s Museum
KidSenses Children’s Museum is the perfect place for curious kids to spend their morning! It is open on Tuesday through Saturday starting at 9 am, and arriving right at opening ensures the best possible experience for your kids.
2-hour parking is available directly outside the front door, but if you know your kids will be up for playing longer, plan to use the public parking lot directly behind the museum. Both parking options are 100% free!
Admission is $8 per person aged 1 year and older.
With 2 floors of fun for kids from birth to 10 years old, plus a special exhibit just for children ages 4 years and younger, you are sure to find this museum an ideal adventure for your littlest family members! Expect each floor to take 2 hours or more to fully explore, and consider limiting your visit to one floor if you know your kids will tire out before they make it the whole way through.
There are exhibits sure to engage every child’s personality! There is an interactive fire station for your determined hero, a veterinary hospital for your animal- lover, a grocery store, and restaurant for your budding chef, a green screen and stage for your performer, and so much more.
When you are ready to wrap up, make sure your kids use the restroom before you leave! There is a family restroom down the hall from the Bubble-Ology exhibit downstairs and two multi-stall restrooms in the center of the main floor upstairs.
Main Street and the surrounding area are packed with locally owned, family-friendly options where you can eat with your kids! If you’re feeling spontaneous, just set out from the museum and look into the restaurants you pass as you explore downtown. If you want something quick and easy, though, we recommend Main Street Market!
You will be able to spot the sign for this deli as you come out the door from KidSenses. It is across the street and just a few doors up the hill from there! They are open Monday through Saturday starting at 11 am, so they’ll be ready to welcome you whether you spend just a couple of hours at the museum or linger longer!
When you walk into Main Street Market, you’ll find menu cards on the tables directly inside the front door. Select from one of their standard subs and salads, or customize a sub precisely to the liking of your pickiest eater! Then seat yourself with no wait, and trust the friendly servers to take care of you and your kids from there!
When you’re done, and if your kids are up for it, consider swinging by Main Street Coffee & Ice Cream right next door, too, for a delicious dessert to top off your meal!
Get Outside at Kiwanis Park
If you’re up for a stroll, Kiwanis Park is about a 10-minute walk from both KidSenses Children’s Museum and Main Street Market. Just follow Main Street up the hill and then back down until you come to Green Street, where you’ll turn right to see the park. If you prefer to drive, then it takes less than 2 minutes to get there!
Park in the spots available along Green Street, and head straight to the white building by the parking area. Here, you’ll find more restrooms, water fountains, a detailed town map, and a community bulletin board with details on any special events that could be happening today!
Consider bringing tricycles, bicycles, or other fun things with wheels, because this will be the time to get them out of the car! Kiwanis Park has the perfect paved path for these activities, with a completely level loop around a greenspace just past the welcome building, and a slightly hillier loop encircling the playground up ahead.
Cross one of the scenic bridges over Cleghorn Creek to get to the double-decker playground, and be sure to keep a close eye on your kids as you get near the water! This playground features two slides, a low and a high climbing wall, a short in-ground tunnel, balance beams, stepping logs, and just a few swings.
You can follow your little ones around as they explore, or find a comfortable spot on one of the available benches or rock features. Just keep in mind that the climbing walls do create something of a blind spot when supervising your children on the playground if you’re not up and moving with them!
Kiwanis Park is also the perfect starting place to enter the Purple Martin Greenway, a nearly 3-mile paved trail that follows Cleghorn Creek and runs roughly parallel to Main Street. The full length of it does cross several busy intersections, so you may only want to walk a small portion with your little ones.
Grab a pamphlet on the Overmountain Victory Trail before leaving Kiwanis Park to learn the fascinating history of this greenway during the Revolutionary War! Try to imagine what the area might have looked like for those farmers, hunters, and soldiers over 200 years ago!
Signage and locals do encourage using the buddy system on the Purple Martin Greenway, so consider bringing another family along if this is a place you might like to explore further.
There are lots more parks to explore in Rutherfordton if you’re looking for more to do! Check them out: City Parks in Rutherfordton, NC.
Tips for Making Connections on the Trip
One of the things that can make a day trip TRULY great is the way it draws you closer to your kids, your kids closer to you, and you all closer to your potential. If you want even more ways to enrich your trip to Rutherfordton, consider incorporating any of these suggestions into your experience with your children:
On your drive to the museum, ask your kids what they want to be when they grow up! If they don’t know, give them some ideas. Ask what they might like or dislike about each possible job. Share different things you wanted to be when you were a kid.
After you leave the museum, ask your kids to recall what kinds of jobs they got to explore there. What did they like or dislike about each job? Did they have a favorite? Talk about ways you might be able to explore those interests more at home.
On your way to lunch, ask your kids to imagine what kinds of foods could be at the restaurant! They might suggest some of their favorites, and you can generate some fun by suggesting some crazy foods they could be cooking up in the kitchen!
While at lunch, ask your kids to describe what they are eating! Let them try to put into words what they liked or didn’t like about the different flavors. Talk about how the different foods might affect their energy as you go somewhere to play next!
On your way to the park, ask your kids to practice using their 5 senses! What do they see, hear, smell, taste, and feel? Can you point out specific things for them to try to recognize with each sense?
While at the park, ask your kids to use their senses as they explore! Have them bring you something pretty, something noisy, something scented, and something that feels interesting to them—and then reward them with a snack!
On your way home, enjoy the memories! Talk with each other about your favorite moments from the day. Share something new and wonderful that you saw in each child as they explored.
Once you get home, share your experience with loved ones! Look through any pictures or videos together. Plan another time to go again, this time with people who haven’t been yet. Ask your kids what they would want to do if they could go back.
