Inside: Local mom visits Folly Beach, SC, and has all the tips for your next trip there!
Have you visited Folly Beach, SC? No matter what kind of beach trip you are looking for, you can find it on the barrier islands of Charleston, South Carolina. Folly Beach is your best bet for the perfect mix of relaxing beaches and spots to dine. Folly Island is 18 square miles of sand and sun and offers a beach town vibe just 20 minutes from the tourist attractions of Charleston.
For a truly relaxing resort right on the ocean with lots to do for families, couples, or groups of friends, Kingston Resorts in Myrtle Beach is the perfect choice. Once you park your car and check in, you won’t need to go anywhere for entertainment, food, and relaxation!
Thank you to Kingston Resorts for hosting us so we could write this review.
View from our room at the Embassy suites
Rooms at the Embassy Suites
This hotel is perfect for families especially because every room is spacious and the bedroom is in a separate space from the living area. There are several options for sleeping and they all have a bedroom and a pullout couch in the living space for more sleeping quarters.
There’s a mini-fridge, microwave, table and chairs, a big bathroom, and all the rooms here have big balconies that have full or partial ocean views. We got a partial ocean view that overlooked the pool space. Partial ocean view isn’t accurate – the view of the beach was huge. We could see far down to the pier. It was beautiful!
Included Perks at the Embassy Suites
Having stayed at several Embassy Suites in the past, my kids always remember the breakfast and are thrilled whenever we get the chance to stay at another one of the properties. The breakfast here is amazing. They have so many delicious offerings, both hot and cold, plus made-to-omelets.
We had eggs, bacon, waffles, yogurt, fresh fruit, cereal, grits, and oatmeal. The line was long for the omelets so we didn’t indulge there but they looked good! We had coffee and juice as well and the best part was eating at a table that overlooked the beach. It was beautiful. This is included with your room, which is a big cost savings when you travel. I love the perk of free breakfasts.
Main Pool at Embassy Suites
Also included every night is the happy hour at the bar area, which includes two alcoholic drinks for adults, mixed non-alcoholic drinks like Shirley Temple’s, and a snack bar with veggies, tortilla chips, dip, and other snacks.
The Pools and Waterpark
When you stay at the Embassy Suites, you have access to all the pools at the property plus the sister Hilton property, which includes a beautiful lagoon pool with a sandy bottom and small waterfall.
The big waterpark at the Embassy Suites is by far the largest area for swimming in freshwater. The main pool is enormous. There are a lot of reclining chairs and umbrellas here but they do get scooped up so if you plan to be at the main pool and waterpark all day, I suggest getting there within the first hour they open, between 8-9am.
Waterpark at Embassy Suites
The waterpark at the Embassy Suites also has two big waterslides, which are super fun! My daughters and I went down them I don’t know how many times as we tried to go as fast as possible. It was so much fun. Kids must be 48” tall to ride them and will get turned away at the bottom – or top (way worse at this point so parents do your due diligence and measure your kid at the ruler at the bottom) – so be sure to check beforehand.
If the kids are too small for the big waterslides, no worries because there’s a whole other smaller water play area with four slides and a big splashy tub for them to play in. To be sure I explain everything as accurately as I can to our readers, I tested all these little slides and didn’t get stuck, so that was great. I did get massively splashed on and targeted with the water pistols though. Be forewarned!
The outdoor pool at the Embassy Suites are heated so they are open all year. The waterpark is heated as well but open on limited availability.
Cabanas
There are cabanas all around the Hilton and Embassy Suites pools. They all have TVs, comfortable couches, small tables, and reclining chairs. They are private and oh-so-relaxing.
The Embassy Suites was kind enough to give my daughters and I a cabana rental for the day we were there. I had never used one of these before and now I’m completely spoiled. It was really – like really – nice. It was so relaxing to have this space to hang out in, to have reliable shade and chairs and a comfortable area to enjoy throughout the day. When the waterpark got busy and chairs were nowhere to be found, I was really happy to have had this space.
Cabana at Embassy Suites
While you can order food from anywhere via your phone and have it delivered to your chair, servers make the rounds to the cabanas often and are there to take your order and get you whatever you need. Food doesn’t come with your cabana rental but there are plenty of options to order for delicious food and drinks. We got the hummus plate, nachos, chicken tenders, and chicken club sandwich. I also indulged in a pina colada-type drink and it was refreshing on that hot day!
The cabanas would also be great for families with smaller kids who need to nap or rest up in between playing at the waterpark.
The cabanas can be reserved when you arrive at the hotel or online ahead of time, which would be ideal for those busier summer weekends and holidays. They vary in price by date and location.
Black Drum Brewing and Currents
Black Drum Brewing is the newest addition to Kingston Resorts. It’s a beautiful restaurant with an incredibly delicious menu featuring Southern cuisine and local craft brews.
We got their huge soft pretzel because I can never refuse such an offering. It was delicious. Dinner was a kids meal of mac & cheese and fruit, Carolina Gold pulled chicken with mac & cheese and fruit, a side of mashed potatoes, and a pepperoni pizza. There are four different BBQ sauces to choose from and you need to choose the blackberry one.
Pizza at Black Drum Brewing
Everything was very good but the chicken and pizza were our favorites. Both were flavorful and the servings were huge. There were three of us and we took back leftovers to our hotel room. The place has cozy but welcoming atmosphere and while the doors weren’t open to the pool area, when they are, you’ll get a beautiful view. There’s also cornhole outside to play while you wait.
When you’re at the main pool at the Embassy Suites, you can order from Black Drum Brewing or Currents. Since we had tried Black Drum the night before, we ended up getting our lunch from Currents, which was also really good! The portions weren’t nearly as large though but the chicken tenders, nachos, and chicken club sandwiches were great. The tenders and sandwich came with a side of fruit, cole slaw, or fries. Expect to pay around $18-$20/person for either of these places.
Beachfront Location
Obviously the big draw of Kingston Resorts is its oceanfront location. You cannot get any closer to the beach than if you were laying in the sand. There are multiple beach access points so you don’t need to lug all your beach gear out of the parking lot and down a half mile boardwalk. It’s so close!
We truly enjoyed our evening beach walk right on the water to the pier. It had been storming all day and the clouds finally parted and we got to enjoy a beautiful night walking along the water and taking fun photos. I loved showing my girls the cool shots you can take under the pier and then just walking the few steps back to the hotel and up to our room. It was a terrific way to end the evening.
Having fun at the beach
If you don’t want to lug your beach equipment out to the sand, you can easily rent beach chairs and umbrellas and make your trip hassle free. The other neat thing about the resort is that the beach in front of the hotel is just for those guests. We were there on a really hot day and there was so much space out on the sand, even with lots of people there. It wasn’t crazy packed, which was really nice. And there are lifeguards stationed throughout the beach as well.
Other Experiences at Kingston Resorts
While we wish we could have stayed longer – we want to go for a week next time! – we could not do everything the resort has to offer. Actually, we probably couldn’t even do everything if we had a week here.
There is a full service spa on site. There’s a huge fitness room with classes you can enjoy while on vacation. There are mermaid experiences, tie dye shirt making, slime fun, and tons of other things to do that look like a lot of fun.
Be sure to browse the Kingston Resort website before booking your trip to make sure you see everything that’s available and don’t miss out on the cool stuff they offer.
Kiddie pool and splash area
Honest Mom Review
This was a quick trip for my daughters and I but it was truly one of our favorites. The hotel makes everything so easy – from dining to entertainment to relaxation. I didn’t have to worry about where were going to eat or what things I had to plan for the trip. It was all just there and waiting for us to enjoy.
And you cannot beat the proximity to the ocean. While I’m a hardliner mountains girl, the endless expanse of the water is exceptionally calming. I loved walking on the beach with my daughters in the evening and the views from the room were spectacular.
Lastly, the location of the resort in North Myrtle Beach is very quiet and calm. You are not in the epicenter of the loud boardwalk and entertainment, which I honestly loved. We did do a quick shopping trip on our way home at the Tanger Outlets, five minutes from the resort, but I could hardly call that loud and crazy.
I was so happy with the entire experience at the resort and hope to come back to do it again!
Inside: A list of Family-friendly things to do in Alpharetta, GA
Looking for fun things to do in Alpharetta, Georgia?
Are you looking for the perfect place to spend a weekend of fun with kids close to Upstate, SC? You should consider Alpharetta, Georgia. Tucked between the Georgia mountains and downtown Atlanta, Alpharetta is a city with close proximity to many attractions and also with a number of local significant events, delicious dining options, and plenty of things to do for the whole family.
Quick Summary: A Trip to Alpharetta, GA
This charming city is packed with kid-friendly adventures, delicious dining, and events the whole family will love.
Here’s a taste of what you can do: 🚴 Ride the scenic Big Creek Greenway (8 miles of trails!) 🎨 Create a masterpiece at Painting with a Twist 🎯 Play laser tag & bowl at Main Event Entertainment 🏰 Let imaginations run wild at Wacky World Playground 🍩 Indulge at Da Vinci’s Donuts
We visited Alpharetta as guests of Awesome Alpharetta, Alpharetta’s Convention and Visitors Bureau. This article includes both our suggestions for activities based on our visit as well as suggestions from our readers. Prices and fee information are subject to change.
Things to Do in Alpharetta
Here’s our list of over 10 fun things you can do with kids in Alpharetta.
Big Creek Greenway
FREE
The Big Creek Greenway offers 8 miles of paved trail that connects Forsyth, Alpharetta, and Roswell. We entered the Greenway at the entrance near North Point Mall (6698 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30022).
At this entrance point, you can choose to rent a Zagster bike. To rent a bike, you will need to download the free Zagster app and enter a credit card. The first three hours of your rental are free. Be aware though that you can only rent one bike per app downloaded and that only adult-size bikes are available. You will also need to bring your own helmets.
The trail had plenty of space for bike riders and walkers and offered many scenic views of the river. We also discovered a couple of side paths for pedestrians only that entered the surrounding marshland.
Painting with a Twist Alpharetta is a family-owned painting studio that offers family painting classes, birthday parties, adult classes, and more. You can bring your own snacks or purchase snacks during your visit.
Even if you have never taken a painting class before, you won’t have any trouble settling right in. Painting with a Twist takes each step and makes it simple enough for a child (or non-artsy adult) to recreate. We were surprised by what our family could create with a little bit of encouragement and also by how relaxing and fun painting is in a group.
You will need to sign up for a class or come during an open studio time to paint at Painting with a Twist.
If you have never taken your kids to an escape room, you are missing out. There’s about nothing that will encourage even your teens to put away their cell phones faster than a ticking clock and a goal to prove your intelligence by solving a puzzle faster than time can run down.
Odyssey Escape Game Alpharetta is one of only two Odyssey Escape Game locations and offers unique escape room themes including Titanic, Prison Break, Jack the Ripper, Towering Inferno.
We peeked into all of the rooms. Jack the Ripper was particularly gruesome and I bet a bit spooky to solve, but Titanic — The Final Hour was the room that we set out to solve. We were impressed from the beginning by the accuracy of the room decorations and the history that the clues taught our kids.
For those that are not as familiar with escape rooms, you are not actually locked into the room but you do have at least one or more doors in each room that you must unlock by solving puzzles in order to escape.
The Titanic was particularly challenging due to the amount of puzzles. We did escape with a little extra help and a couple of extra minutes of time. Considering the room is built for up to 12 people and we only had 2 adults, we considered that success even with the extra help.
If you are an escape room fan, Odyssey Escape Game is definitely worth the drive. The rooms are unique and fun and it’s a great family bonding activity.
For an additional escape room option, check out Urban Escape Games in Alpharetta.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream
Our family really loves ice cream, so we were really looking forward to visiting the famous Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams at Avalon but even with high expectations, we were still blown away.
The ice cream spread included so many artisan and popular flavors that it was almost impossible to choose. We were also delighted to learn a bit about the history and quality of the ice cream from our server.
If you can’t make a decision, the menu does offer a 10 half scoop ice cream flight for under $20. I tried to talk my kids into trying it to no avail. They wanted their own ice cream cones and as much as I like ice cream, I can’t eat 10 half scoops on my own.
From our choices, we voted that the Salted Caramel and Peanut Butter ice cream were favorites of ours. The waffle cones were also unusually delicious. We might visit Alpharetta again just for the ice cream.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream is located at Avalon in Alpharetta. Avalon is a walkable community that includes shopping, residential, entertainment, and dining. In addition to Jeni’s and the other shops and dining, you will find a massive green turf where the kids can play, plenty of seating, and a large Regal Theatre.
800 Avalon Boulevard, Alpharetta, GA
This shopping center is so well thought of. You feel like you’re abroad. Family friendly, gorgeous landscaping,lots of nice shops and boutiques plus Container Store, Crate and Barrel to name a few. I’d go back in a heartbeat!
Zachaira in reference to Avalon
Main Event Entertainment
Main Event Entertainment is an arcade plus entertainment venue that offers laser tag, a ropes course, billiards, bowling, and more in addition to a large arcade collection.
The laser tag room had two floors and space for a large group to play. The ropes course spanned over the arcade room and was challenging. You could also eat lunch at a full-service restaurant.
We always like deals and we were excited to find that Main Event Entertainment offers several seasonal deals that you can find on their website. We took advantage of a deal that allowed our kids to play as much laser tag, ropes course, bowling, and billiards as they wanted for under $15/person. The website also has deals on arcade games and more.
10700 Davis Dr, Alpharetta, GA
Wacky World Playground at Will’s Park
FREE
This large wooden playground resembles a castle and includes slides, monkey bars, bridges, towers, and swings. Pack clothes that can get dirty because this play area also has sandboxes.
11925 Wills Rd, Alpharetta, GA
North Point
North Point is a favorite shopping center in Alpharetta where you’ll find lots of restaurants, shops, and mall fun.
1000 North Point Circle Alpharetta, GA 30022
Cosmic Mini Golf and Play
You can play indoor glow-in-the-dark mini golf at Cosmic Mini Golf in the North Point Mall.
Here are some suggested places for dining in Alpharetta based on our trip and reader suggestions.
Secreto Southern Kitchen & Bar
Secreto Southern Kitchen & Bar offers high-quality dishes with farm-to-table ingredients. We ate there for lunch and both sandwiches and entrees were available. There is not a kid’s menu, and the food options may be adventurous for some children. The food was absolutely delicious and beautifully presented and our children really enjoyed it.
6195 Windward Pkwy Suite 102; Alpharetta, GA
House of Hummus Mediterranean Cafe
House of Hummus Mediterranean Cafe serves traditional Mediterranean entrees such as gyros, falafel, hummus, lentil soup, and more. We liked how it was easy to order small portions of different types of foods so that our kids could easily try different things without having to eat a full portion. We loved everything we tried.
5950 North Point Pkwy #127, Alpharetta, GA
Antico Pizza
We did not get to personally try Antico Pizza but after hearing the locals recommend it enthusiastically, we won’t miss eating there next time. We hear that the Margherita Pizza is to die for.
Antico Pizza is also located at Avalon, so be sure to save room for dessert at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams.
3185 Avalon Boulevard, Alpharetta, GA
Smokejack BBQ
Smokejack BBQ was another local spot that was highly recommended to us by locals. The meats are smoked for 12 hours and you can order everything from nacho appetizers to pork, sausage, beef brisket, smoked turkey, chicken, baby back ribs, and spare ribs. We hear though that if you eat there, you must try the burnt ends. These pieces of brisket are smoked overnight, cubed, wood grill charred, and sautéed in Smokejack’s KC sauce. For dessert, try the Coca-Cola cake and banana pudding.
29 S Main St, Alpharetta, GA
We love Crust and Smokejack. When we visit my sister in Alpharetta, we go there over and over again. We love to play at Cogburn and Webb Bridge Parks.
Buca di Beppo serves traditional family-style Italian dishes that you can share.
335 Mansell Rd, Alpharetta, GA
Where to Stay
Find a place to stay in Alpharetta, GA. This article contains Stay22 affiliate links.
Embassy Suites by Hilton in Alpharetta
We stayed at Embassy Suites by Hilton during our trip. We liked that our room had a door between the bedroom and sitting area which made putting kids to bed at a reasonable time much simpler. A full breakfast including fresh to-order omelets was included with our room.
Events in Alpharetta for Kids
Alpharetta has a number of fun family annual events each year. Here are some of our favorites. Check their full events calendar to see what events are happening.
Events may be rescheduled or postponed
20th Annual Scarecrow Harvest October 8th, 2025-November 2nd, 2025
Over 100 life-size scarecrows along the streets of downtown Alpharetta, inspiring fall spirit! A family street party that continues throughout the day offers inflatables, groovy music, hayrides, quirky face painting, artsy activities, and delicious food. More info can be found on the Alpharetta Government page.
Avalon Nights Live (Every Friday Night)
Enjoy music at the Palmer Plaza every Friday night from 6 pm to 8 pm. This event is free, but you can purchase drinks at the event. Address is: 950 3rd. Street Alpharetta, GA 30009 United States
Inside: WNC Day trips you can take with your family.
Are you trying to fit a couple of day trips in? NC mountains, small towns, hiking trails, and waterfalls should definitely be on your to-do list when creating your itinerary for your upcoming day trips in WNC.
Here is our list of popular year-round day-trip destinations in Hendersonville, Asheville, and Brevard for families. This list includes everything from museums for kids to outdoor activities and much more! Plus, it’s just a short drive to all of these destinations from Upstate, South Carolina.
This guide is intended as a reference. While we will update it as necessary, the prices and hours listed here should always be verified by checking the official websites.
Greenhouse at the NC Arboretum
Day Trips in WNC: Asheville, NC
Enjoy the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, visit an art gallery or two, and grab some delicious food while taking a day trip to Asheville, NC!
For more fabulous things to do and places to eat in Asheville, NC, don’t miss our Guide to Asheville, NC.
Biltmore Estate
Hours: Vary by attraction. Shop, dining, and other location and activities vary. Holiday hours will be listed on the website. Admission: Admission to the Biltmore House for adults (16 and up): starts at $80. Prices vary based on season and events Note: Discounts are available on the Biltmore website for advance purchase tickets. Website:Biltmore Estate Kidding Around® Review: Travel Review on Biltmore.
Asheville Botanical Gardens
Hours: Garden: Open dawn to dusk, 365 days a year Visitor Center: Open most afternoons (varies by month; see website for details). Admission: Free (donations encouraged) Website: Botanical Gardens
Asheville Museum of Science
Hours: Sunday: 1 – 5 pm Monday – Saturday: 10 – 5 pm Admission: $11.50 per person. Children 2 & under Free Website:Asheville Museum of Science
Folk Art Center
Hours: Open daily: 10 am – 5 pm Admission: Free Website:Folk Art Center
Grove Park Inn
Visit Asheville’s historic inn for overnight accommodations, dining, craft beer options, special events, or just to tour. One of Grove Park Inn’s most recognized events is the National Gingerbread House Competition. Website:Grove Park Inn
Beautiful gardens, with many water features and paths to roam. Kids will love the working model train outdoor display (April – October only). The garden is found close to the entrance of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Hours: 8 am – 9 pm | Building and special exhibit hours vary Admission: Free (parking costs $20 per personal vehicle) Website:North Carolina Arboretum
Splasheville in Pack Square Park
Pack Square Park is a 6.5-acre public park in downtown Asheville. It houses Splasheville, a play place of water fountains that is exciting for kids of all ages. Hours: Fountain: 9 am – 8:30 pm during warm weather. Admission: Free Facebook:Asheville Parks & Recreation
Hours: Monday – Friday at 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm; Saturday at 11 am Admission: Tours: $12/adult; $8/child ages 7 – 12; Free for ages 6 and under Website: KA review of French Broad Chocolate Factory
Zen Tubing
Hours: Check the Zen Tubing website for specific hours and days open. Subject to change frequently Admission: $30+ per person with a tube. Bring your own tube for $25 per person Website:KA review of Zen Tubing
Explore Downtown Asheville
Exploring the downtown area of Asheville is a day trip in itself. There are lots of unique shops, plenty of restaurants to choose from, and you may even catch a drum circle at Pack Square. Learn more from our downtown adventure in Asheville, and how you can see it all on a trolley ride.
Learn why Hendersonville is known for its historic streets, unique shopping, and fantastic dining optionsin this handy guide.
VisitOur Apple Picking Guidefor our report about apple picking in the Hendersonville area, including popular destinations such as Sky Top Orchard.
Carl Sandburg Home
Carl Sandburg Home and Goat Farm
Hours: See alerts for the latest hours. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day Admission: Free to visit grounds, trails, and barns; 10 am – 4 pm daily Guided house tours: Call ahead* Website: KA review of the Carl Sandburg home Carl Sandburg Home and Goat Farm
This scenic overlook is easy to access and has an interesting legend that has been passed down for around 300 years. Hiking and picnic spots are also nearby. Note: Some of the hiking is a little steep for young children, but the overlook itself is easily accessible. Admission: Free Website:Jump Off Rock Kidding Around® Review of Jump Off Rock
Hours: Open year-round, Contact the farm directly for hours and reservations Admission: $30 per person; Llama hikes are between $50 – $75 Contact ellaberryllamafarm@gmail.com or 828.606.3577 to make reservations Website: KA review of Ellaberry Llama Farm
Holmes Educational State Forest
Hours: March through October 31 Tuesday-Friday 9 am – 5 pm Saturday & Sunday 11 am – 6 pm
November through February Tuesday-Friday 9 am – 5 pm Saturday & Sunday Closed
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm Admission: Adults/Children: $8 Website:Kidsenses Museum
Jeter Mountain Farms
Hours: Apple Season: July – August; Saturdays and Sundays 10a-5p Late August – Late October; Thursdays + Fridays 10a-3p and Saturdays + Sundays 10a-5p Christmas Season: Select dates from 10 am – 5 pm Admission: Free to visit the farm, but prices for activities and u-pick vary. Website:KA review of Jeter Mountain Farm
Justus Orchard
Hours: Monday – Thursday from 9 am – 5 pm; Friday – Sunday 9 am – 6 pm Admission: Free admission They have a taproom, apple picking, berry picking, and a fun play area for kids. Kidding Around® Review of Justus Orchard
Hours: June – August for the annual fairy garden through the gardens The fairy market is mid-June to August Open year-round Monday – Saturday; 9 am to 4 pm Admission: Free, donations accepted Website:KA Review of Bullington Gardens
Bullington Garden Fairy Market
Day Trips in NC Mountains: National and State Parks
If you are thinking about an outdoor adventure, WNC is the place! These mountain towns have lots of things to do in their local, national, and state parks, from mountain biking trails, beautiful waterfalls, or just an easy hike for the kids to enjoy. Many are less than an hour’s drive from each other, so you can visit more than one on your day trip.
Chimney Rock
Hours: Vary by season (see website) Admission: Adults (over 15): $17 | Children (5-15): $8 | Under 5: Free Website: KA review of Chimney Rock
DuPont State Forest
DuPont State Forest includes Triple Falls, High Falls, Hooker Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Wintergreen Falls, and Grassy Creek Falls. You can mountain bike, hit the hiking trails, and play in the river here. Website: KA review of DuPont State Forest DuPont State Forest
Lake Lure Beach and Water Works
Currently closed for repair due to Hurricane Helene. The surrounding area has plenty of shops and restaurants open, the lake itself does not have any water activities, and the beach is closed until further notice.
Nantahala National Forest
Enjoy camping, hunting, fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, and more in the 531,000-acre Nantahala National Forest.
Check out this gorgeous swimming hole at Midnight Hole
Bryson City is right nearby, where you’ll find shopping and the GSMR.
Learn more about Bryson City, North Carolina near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You will find lots of awesome things to do there in our handy guide!
Pisgah National Forest
Pisgah National Forest is over 500,000 acres, which includes trails, waterfalls, picnic areas, camping, scenic drives, and the Davidson River (an excellent place for tubing).
Highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains Hours: Dawn until dusk, daily Admission: $3 per vehicle with less than seven passengers or $1 per person for more than seven passengers Website:Whitewater Falls
What day trip destinations in Western North Carolina would you add to our list?
When is just one apple cider donut enough? Never is the right answer. So we made the Apple Cider Donut Tour to help you taste test the best of apple cider donuts near Upstate, SC.
L-R donuts: Jeter Mountain, Grandad’s Apples N Such, Justus Orchard
If you’re looking for places to go apple picking near Greenville, SC, we have our Apple Orchards Near Greenville, SC guide for that! But this is specifically for apple cider donuts near Greenville and in Western NC because they are pretty much the best thing about fall.
Many of these places offer u-pick apples and other fall goodies like slushies, fried apple pies, apple cakes, and cider. But we’re here for the donuts. These donuts have a crispy outside sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar and are hot and soft on the inside, bursting with fall flavors. Save your appetite though so you can be sure to taste donuts at all of the stops.
Donut Tour Tips
When you’re planning your trip, look at the hours at where you want to go. A couple of places are only open weekends and Holt Orchard is open Wednesdays-Fridays and Sundays.
And try to go early in the day. Most of these places are pretty popular.
Apple Cider Donut Driving Tour
Here’s the map of your best fall foodie adventure, which should take you a few hours:
List of Stops
🍎 Sky Top Orchard 1193 Pinnacle Mountain Rd, Flat Rock, NC Open daily 9 am – 5 pm (9 am – 6 pm after Labor Day)
🍎 Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard 170 Stepp Orchard Drive, Hendersonville, NC Open Monday to Thursday from 9 am to 5:30 pm, Friday and Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm, and Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. (Opens for the season on August 15, 2025) Kidding Around® Review of Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard
🍎 Holt Orchard 17 Holt Pond Dr, Flat Rock, NC Open September 1 – end of October. Hours TBD for 2025, but the Holt Orchards Facebook is a great resource. They also have a stunning u-pick flower field that will be ready by September 1st, 2025! *You can also get their donuts at the Greenville Saturday Market beginning August 16th, 2025.
🍎 Black Bear Snow Tubing 373 Kerr Road, Hendersonville, NC For the fall season, only open Saturday from 10 am – 5 pm starting October 4, 2025. This would be an awesome stop with the family, but be forewarned, you may not want to leave because you can go snow tubing without snow during the fall, plus satiate your apple cider donut desires. Kidding Around® Review of Black Bear Snow Tubing
🍎 Coston Farm & Apple House 3748 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NC Open Monday – Saturday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm (2025 Season Opening TBD– Typically mid-August)
🍎 Mountain Fresh Orchard 2887 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NC Open daily 8 am – 6 pm; apple season starts August 20, 2025.
🍎 Jeter Mountain Farm 1126 Jeter Mountain Rd, Hendersonville, NC July 12 – August 24, 2025: Saturdays and Sundays 10 am-5 pm August 28 – October 26, 2025: Thursdays and Fridays 10 am-3 pm; Saturdays and Sundays 10 am-5 pm Open on Labor Day
Extra Stops
These two orchards offer amazing apple cider donuts but sadly, are too far away to be included in our donut tour. If you happen to be out in their direction, our readers recommend you stop and eat their apple cider donuts for the sheer joy and love of them. They are marked in purple on the map.
Windy Hill Orchard & Cidery 1860 Black Hwy, York, SC Open Thursday – Saturday 10 am – 6 pm and Sunday from Noon-6 pm. Opens August 14th, 2025
Barber Orchards Fruitstands Inc. 2855 Old Balsam Rd, Waynesville, NC Open daily 9 am – 6 pm
Inside: Local mom visits South Carolina’s ACE Basin in the Lowcountry, and is sharing all her tips for your next trip!
Have you visited South Carolina’s ACE Basin in the Lowcountry? Ever wondered to yourself, what is the ACE Basin? Or maybe you just want to know more about this ecologically unique area that checks all the boxes for a fantastic weekend? Keep reading to find out what the ACE Basin is and how best to see it!
Edisto Spanish Mount Shell Midden
What is South Carolina’s ACE Basin?
Three rivers – the Ashepoo, the Combahee and the Edisto (ACE) – come together at St. Helena Sound in South Carolina’s Lowcountry to form a rich estuary. This 350,000-acre ACE Basin watershed contains one of the largest areas of undeveloped wetlands/uplands ecosystems remaining on the Atlantic Coast and features a remarkable interlocking web of ecosystems including forested uplands, wetlands, tidal marshes, barrier islands, and peatlands.
According to The Nature Conservancy, it supports 33 types of natural plant communities and provides critical habitat for waterfowl, migratory birds and endangered species. In 2014, National Geographic featured the ACE Basin as its cover story, and The Nature Conservancy has declared the area “one of the last great places.”
From the early 1700s to the mid-1800s, much of the ACE Basin was home to large plantations that primarily grew rice. In the late 1800s, many of these plantations were purchased by wealthy sportsmen as hunting retreats, who managed the former rice fields and adjacent upland estates for a wide range of wildlife – ensuring that the region remained relatively undeveloped.
Sounds cool! But how can we see it?: How to Visit ACE Basin
The principal road through the ACE Basin is U.S. Highway 17, the ACE Basin Parkway, which skirts the north end of the protected areas connecting Charleston to Yemassee. Small communities within ACE Basin include Bennetts Point, Green Pond, Jacksonboro, Wiggins and Willtown Bluff.
There are numerous access points to the public lands of the ACE Basin including 23 boat landings, allowing visitors opportunities to experience it by land and by water!
Edisto Learning Center & Edisto Beach State Park
A good place to start is at Edisto Beach State Park. The park’s environmental education center is a “green” building with exhibits that highlight the natural history of Edisto Island and the surrounding ACE Basin. One of four oceanfront state parks in South Carolina, it features trails for hiking and biking in addition to the 1.5 miles of beach renowned for its shelling.
Edisto Beach State Park is also an excellent home base for additional ACE Basin explorations; if camping or staying at a cabin there, you are within an easy drive of the Edisto River side of the region including ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge and Botany Bay!
Dawhoo Bridge view
ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge
Driving north from Edisto Beach there is a boat ramp at the Dawhoo Bridge that offers westerly views (great for sunset viewing!) over the salt marsh and towards Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge. At just under 12,000 acres, the Refuge is key in protecting the Edisto portion of the estuary.
In addition, the Refuge office is a former rice plantation house that was built in 1828, one of only a few antebellum mansions that survived the civil war in the area; today it is protected on the National Register of Historic Places.
You can visit both Grove Plantation House and the kitchen house. The Visitor’s area inside the Plantation House has tons of information for you.
There are a variety of recreational activities such as hunting (in season), picnicking, hiking, fresh and saltwater fishing, canoeing, wildlife watching, photography, and environmental education. Special events and programs are held throughout the year for visitors to learn more about the ACE Basin and National Wildlife Refuges; see the Fish & Wildlife Service website.
Botany Bay
The 3,363 acre Botany Bay Plantation Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is located in the northeast corner of Edisto Island, and is important to numerous wildlife species including the federally-threatened loggerhead sea turtle and the state-threatened least tern.
Cultural sites including the Fig Island Shell Rings, outbuildings from Bleak Hall Plantation and elements of the Alexander Bache U.S. Coast Survey Line – all listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The causeway to the beach is wheelchair accessible, and the designated driving tour provides excellent viewing opportunities for the mobility impaired; for more information, please visit the SC DNR website.
Edisto River & State Parks
A great way to see the Edisto River is from kayak or canoe. For more on the Edisto River Canoe and Kayak Trail, Edisto River Adventures tubing, and the two SC State Parks that provide access to the Edisto (Givhans Ferry and Colleton).
The blackwater river is the longest of its kind in North America and is a favorite for cooling down on hot summer days.
A portion of the headwaters of the Edisto River and ACE Basin is Four Holes Swamp, which visitors can experience through Audubon’s Beidler Forest. T
his 18,000-acre bird and wildlife sanctuary in the South Carolina Lowcountry is the world’s largest virgin cypress-tupelo swamp forest, home to thousand-year-old trees and a wide range of wildlife.
It is a great place to visit for families, as the entire 1.75-mile trail is a boardwalk: easy to follow, and provides safe viewing of wildlife without getting muddy or wet.
Ravenel Caw Caw Interpretive Center
This nature center has over six miles of walking trails that wind through its diverse habitats, with interpretive exhibits, displays, and an assortment of programs. Boardwalks take visitors through the wetlands and rice fields dating to the eighteenth century.
Caw Caw is a birding hotspot for coastal SC, but is also important historically: it’s one of the important sites of the Stono Rebellion, a Member of the National Park Service’s National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program, and features thousands of naturalized tea plants from a 20th-century tea farm.
On your visit, you can expect to see American alligators, swallow-tailed kites, and bald eagles! Admission is $2/person, for more information see the Charleston County Parks website.
Bear Island Game Management Area
It was a hot day in July when we found ourselves turning off Highway 17 towards Bennetts Point a few weeks ago. Much like many of the destinations on this side of Charleston – Edisto Beach, Hunting Island, Hilton Head – there is a significant drive from the main highway to reach the ocean.
Over the next 15 miles we wound our way along live oak-shaded lanes, the giants draped in Spanish moss functioning almost as curtains to the lands beyond. After crossing the Ashepoo River we entered Bear Island Game Management Area home to countless waterfowl and protected species such as wood storks and bald eagles.
The miles of dikes on Bear Island provide plenty of wildlife viewing, hiking, biking and hunting opportunities.
ACE Basin National Estuarine Research Reserve
Soon after passing Bear Island we arrived at the Michael D. McKenzie Field Station. Headquarters for the ACE Basin National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR), the field station serves as a community hub for coastal science, education and collaboration.
The NERR encompasses nearly 100,000 acres of ACE Basin, and is managed in a joint effort by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SC DNR) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA).
Adjacent Mosquito Creek was living up to its name, but luckily we were able to escape the insects by boarding a boat and heading out on the Ashepoo River as part of the South Carolina 7 expedition.
Viewing the ACE Basin from the water is an excellent way to not only get away from the bugs but also to get a feel for the enormity of coastline and estuary protected by the NERR and other entities.
There are numerous science, education and training programs operated by the SC DNR out of the field station including ones off and on the water; the facility contains offices, wet/dry labs, a conference room and an outdoor classroom, while science-related school groups and naturalists visit the field station for a variety of educational outdoor activities.
For more on the programs and workshops offered, please visit the ACE Basin NERR website.
Our boat tour with the SC7 team included an orientation to the ACE Basin watershed, and contained a look at the oyster reefs, plenty of wildlife viewing, and discussions of salt marsh and estuarine diversity.
For those wishing to tour the ACE Basin by boat, but looking for an option other than the NERR, a number of outfitters in Charleston, Beaufort and Colleton counties offer guided kayaking trips on the three rivers, as well as tours for those who prefer to enjoy the scenery from the comfort of a motorboat.
Islands only accessible by boat!
If traveling by water in the area, you more than likely will pass through or near the St. Helena Sound Heritage Preserve, a collection of coastal and barrier islands only accessible by boat. Otter Island is part of this Heritage Preserve, and receives special protection because of its significance for rare plants, threatened and endangered species, and as a historic site.
With developed islands to the north (Edisto) and to the south (Harbor, Fripp and Hunting), Otter Island is the only spot where wildlife species can rest, feed and reproduce without development pressures for a long stretch of coastline. Another barrier island only accessible by boat but providing ample wildlife viewing is South Fenwick Island.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area
Heading back out from Bennetts Point you’ll pass the 8,000-acre Donnelley Wildlife Management Area just as you reach ACE Basin Parkway (Highway 17). The nature trails here offer birdwatching, hiking, biking, riding and hunting opportunities; check the website for seasonal closure information, as the WMA is closed during certain hunt periods.
When should we visit ACE Basin?
As anyone who has spent time in the Lowcountry knows, each season down near the coast comes with advantages and hindrances. Summer days can be hot and buggy, especially in the marsh, however a hot August day might just be perfect for tubing the Edisto or enjoying the ocean surf.
Spring and fall offer excellent birdwatching, cooler temperatures and fewer bugs, but some areas might see closures for hunt seasons. And while winter might mean you have the trail/boardwalk to yourself, it also brings cold & unpredictable weather…
As with any trip, planning ahead can really pay off in terms of knowing what to expect and what adjustments might have to be made. Our year-round basics include protection against the weather & insects, water and snacks, and comfortable clothes & footwear.
But snakes, alligators, and spiders?!
Before we took our boys tubing on the Edisto, I asked how often they see alligators on that stretch of the river – the answer was never. However, if you are kayaking the Four Holes Swamp, chances are you might see one or two. In any case, the key is to follow the basic guidelines as you would with all animals – keep your distance and don’t feed or harass the wildlife.
For our family, the fear of encountering the animals that get all the bad press has slowly turned to hopes of catching a glimpse of one of them: a gator from a causeway as we head out to one of the barrier islands, a snake from the safety of the boardwalk at Francis Beidler Forest, or a shark feeding out beyond the break as we sit safely on the shore of Edisto Beach.
Know what to do in case you come across a venomous snake, and know how to tell the difference between the ones that can hurt you and the harmless ones that help keep the rodent population in check.
And finally, stay on the trail, be mindful of where you are stepping, and exercise caution when out in the wilderness; animals are a part of the outdoor experience, and will add so much to your ACE Basin adventure!
Something for everyone!
More than 130,000 acres of land have been protected through public/private partnerships in the heart of the ACE Basin, qualifying it as one of the most acclaimed freshwater natural areas found on the East Coast.
It is open to hiking, biking, boating, driving, riding, diving, viewing, and tasting (we enjoy stopping at local stands for fresh produce and seafood – but that’s a whole other post!)… Each time we visit, we discover another thing we love about the area, and I hope this article has inspired you to visit the ACE Basin and find something of your own to love.
If you are looking for a wild adventure that you can enjoy from the comfort and air conditioning of your car, this Drive-Thru Safari in Georgia is the answer. Lake Hartwell Wildlife Safari is a 60+ acre attraction in Hartwell, GA. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your own trip to Hartwell, Georgia’s Lake Hartwell Wildlife Safari.
Thank you to Lake Hartwell Wildlife Safari for providing us with complimentary admission for the purpose of this review. All words and opinions are those of the writer.
Looking for incredible fall vacation homes to witness the colors of fall pour over the mountainside? It may seem early, but the time is NOW to book vacation rentals in the mountains to view the fall foliage. The mountains of North Carolina are famous for their dramatic shows during fall when the leaves change. There’s no better way to enjoy it, than with a hot cup of coffee in your jammies at sunrise. Here’s a list of vacation rentals where you can enjoy the fall colors.
Getting to explore Dolly Parton’s hometown of Sevierville, TN is quite the experience and something we cannot recommend highly enough. There is so much to see and do with your family in Sevierville, TN and we’ve got all the details for you right here.
For an endless amount of family fun, Sevierville, Tennessee, is the place to go. Even though it is located right next to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, and many of the cool attractions you already know about are in Sevierville, we found that some really cool aspects of the area are more or less unknown – and we cannot wait to tell you about them.
We’ll cover everything from Sevierville attractions to Historic Downtown Sevierville, plus places to eat, places to play, and places to stay. And of course, you’ll learn all about the town’s most famous resident, country music star Dolly Parton. Her influence is everywhere and we absolutely love it.
Iron Forge Brewing Co.
Historic Downtown Sevierville
Historic downtown Sevierville is a cute place to walk around and check out the shops, restaurants, and a gorgeous butterfly mural. In recent years, historic downtown Sevierville has been given a makeover with larger sidewalks, landscaping, new roofs, and new entertainment and restaurants. It still holds an early 1900s feel, which I really loved, but you can easily see that it’s on the way up.
Having walked in downtown Gatlinburg many times, downtown Sevierville is so quiet and calm. New shops and restaurants are opening up and I think that any family looking to escape the crowds will love strolling around on Bruce Street and Court Avenue.
Here are a few things that we really liked about historic downtown Sevierville:
Dolly Parton Statue
There is a bronze statue of a young Dolly Parton holding her guitar right in front of the gold-domed Sevier County Courthouse. Dolly grew up in Sevier County and the statue, created in 1987, honors the star in her hometown. This is just a cool photo op so that’s exactly what my kids and I did.
125 Court Ave, Sevierville, TN
Dolly Parton statue
Sevier County Courthouse
Right behind the Dolly Parton statue is the Sevier County Courthouse. You cannot miss this building. It was built in 1896 and was the first courthouse in Tennessee to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
If you ever see the Sevierville skyline, which you can definitely see from various roads that lead into downtown Sevierville, you cannot miss the gold domes.
125 Court Ave, Sevierville, TN
Wings of Wander Mural
I love a good wall mural and the mural by Sevierville artist Pinkie Mistry at the little park in the heart of downtown Sevierville was just beautiful. It’s a huge monarch butterfly, a tribute to Dolly Parton’s song “Love is Like a Butterfly,” and is painted on the wall behind a large butterfly garden filled with Black-Eyed Susans, lilies, and milkweed. My daughters and I had a lot of fun taking photos in front of the mural!
There are other murals around historic downtown Sevierville as well, including one on the wall of The Pines Downtown.
Where to Eat in Sevierville, TN
We had so many excellent meals in Sevierville that it was hard to choose our favorite. I was so impressed with the quality, quantity, and creativity behind the dishes we had.
Buffalo Breakfast Company
I usually have no problems figuring out what to order off any menu. Buffalo Breakfast Company stumped me because everything – literally everything on that menu – looked amazing. I ended up getting a Ham Benny, their version of Eggs Benedict, which did not disappoint. My daughters got stuffed French toast and pancakes. I fought the urge to sneak bit and pieces of their breakfasts when they weren’t looking. You can’t go wrong ordering anything off this menu.
127 Bruce St, Sevierville, TN
Pinchy’s Lobster & Rawbar
Pinchy’s was one of my favorite places that we ate at in Sevierville. Our server was excellent and the food was outstanding. It’s generally a seafood place but they do have food for kids (or adults) who don’t like seafood. My daughters got a fried chicken sandwich and mac & cheese. Both were huge hits.
I got the fish & chips and that fish was cooked perfectly and the fries were awesome. The pub nachos with blackened shrimp was also a huge win. They also have some picnic tables and lawn games, which are great for kids. Overall, 10/10!
212 Court Avenue, Sevierville
Fish and Chips at Pinchy’s
Iron Forge Brewing Co.
Set back off the main road in Sevierville behind the Apple Barn lies Iron Forge Brewing Co, a brand new brewery and restaurant. The place is just beautiful with indoor and outdoor seating and a menu that is small but mighty.
The owners told me they thoughtfully picked their menu to give guests the very best of what they could offer for appetizers, entrees, salads, and desserts. I thought the menu was just the right size and wish my stomach was bigger because I could have ordered so many things off of it!
We ended up getting fried cheese curds to start, a strawberry salad, and three different smash burgers. Everything was amazing. I would a hundred percent go back for those cheese curds though plus order a hanging Bavarian pretzel with beer cheese because I have a weakness for soft pretzels.
All the beers at Iron Forge are brewed right on site. I tried a few and loved the lighter Bee Bait, a honey wheat ale. The brewery is both family-friendly and dog-friendly with a kids menu and outdoor games like cornhole and ax throwing (don’t worry, the axes are plastic). They also have Singo nights, which is bingo but with songs!
371 Lonesome Valley Rd, Sevierville, TN
Beer flight at Iron Forge Brewing Co.
Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin
A true Southern pancake house, Flapjack’s has everything you could ever want for a hearty breakfast: pancakes, French toast, omelets, egg platters, chicken & waffles, skillets, and more. The pancakes we got were super fluffy and delicious. Service was excellent, friendly, and fast.
My youngest daughter loved the Jr. Bear pancakes, which are pancakes arranged and decorated to look like a bear. My favorite was my husband’s order of Banana Nut Pancakes and the candied bacon.
If Annie, the General Manager, is there, be sure to thank her if you like your meal. She is the sweetest person and strives so hard to make Flapjacks a place you want to come back to again and again.
They are open for breakfast and an early lunch so be sure to go in the mornings! And while Flapjack’s is a local eatery, they have several locations in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and even one in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Buc-ee’s
The iconic gas station convenience store is now open in Sevierville and it’s massive. With 74,000 square feet of retail space, you won’t find any shortage of culinary options here.
They have amazing brisket and pulled pork sandwiches, bakery items, salads, a wall of beef jerky, coffee, banana pudding, key lime pudding, and tons more. I’m not going to tell you how many times we went to Buc-ee’s on our trip to Sevierville but it was more than a couple of times!
Buc-ee’s Blvd, Sevierville, TN
Chopping up brisket
Apple Barn & Cider Mill
Built in 1910, the Apple Barn & Cider Mill is one of Sevierville’s oldest establishments. There are even several apple trees around the property (you cannot do u-pick so don’t try). They have a huge barn full of homemade apple products, mixes, and home goods. They make their own apple cider, which you can buy by the gallon. They make their own cider donuts, hard cider, candy, and one of our favorites: ice cream.
The Ice Cream Factory at the Apple Barn opened in 1991 and is an old-fashioned creamery. It is a must-do when you visit Sevierville. We had such a hard time choosing what flavors to have.
I eventually went with Key Lime Pie and both my kids had a Rocky Road-type flavor. All the ice cream and baked goods are made right there so you’re getting everything as fresh as possible.
There is a restaurant as well there but we did not get a chance to try it. For those who love Christmas, visit the Christmas and Candle Shop.
230 Apple Valley Rd, Sevierville, TN
Cruze Farm Dairy
For amazing, fresh ice cream, you need to go to Cruze Farms. It’s right next to Skyland Ranch and is oh-so-good. They have soft serve and change up their flavors so you never know what deliciousness will be waiting for you. Plus, the shop is like an old school soda shop, which is adorable, and has rocking chairs out front, which is always a win for me.
1642 Parkway, Sevierville, TN
A churn from Cruze Farm Dairy
Red’s Soda Fountain
Speaking of soda shops, Red’s Soda Shop is a legit old school soda shop with stools at a bar, red leather booths, and a juke box. They serve us fresh deli sandwiches, hot dogs, milkshakes, and floats. I haven’t had a true ice cream float in years and the one we had there made up for lost time. Get a float from Red’s.
114 Court Avenue, Sevierville, TN
Where to Play: Things to Do in Sevierville, TN
Within a ten-minute drive, you can find all kinds of fun places to play in Sevierville. Here are the ones we’ve tried!
The Pines Downtown
For a piece of Dolly Parton history, hand-tossed pizza, and fun games for the whole family, you must try the Pines in Historic Downtown Sevierville. This laid-back establishment was the very first place that Dolly sang when she was only 10-years-old on the Cas Walker Show.
Today, you can play all kinds of board games, soccer pool, arcade games, duckpin bowling, and tabletop games at the Pines. It really fosters an atmosphere of having fun with your family and loved ones.
They serve sandwiches, appetizers, cheesesteaks, hand-tossed pizza, and cinnamon bread plus have a full bar. Everyone is really nice here and we ended up going twice during our trip because it was so fun!
230 Court Ave, Sevierville, TN
Playing soccer pool at The Pines
RainForest Adventures Discovery Zoo
RainForest Adventures Discovery Zoo focuses on education about animals in the rainforest. They are a family-owned operation and have been in business since the early 2000s. The zoo is beautifully structured with a huge gift shop that you’ll see when you first walk in. Once you get your tickets, you’ll head for the exhibits.
There are all kinds of interesting animals – many of which I had never even seen or heard of – that we got to learn about and see. Lemurs, lizards, macaws, toucans, monkeys, porcupines, and snakes all greet visitors and placards urge guests to read about each one and learn something cool about them. For example, I had no idea that venom from snakes has been used in cancer treatments. They also have a few axolotls, a really unique salamander that lives in only one lake in the entire world. They are crazy cool because they can regrow limbs and some internal organs.
The Zoo also has a petting area for sheep and goats. You can feed them for a small cost. My kids loved getting to feed the cute and feisty goats. Plus, there were baby goats so that made me happy.
One of the coolest things they offer is a Sloth Encounter. They let guests who choose this adventure get up close and personal with one of their sloths. You’ll get to feed them and pet them and learn all kinds of cool stuff about them. We loved meeting their sloth, Lucia, and feeding her! Tickets are $40/person and you have to reserve in advance as this is a popular option.
109 Nascar Dr, Sevierville, TN
Sloth Encounter
SkyLand Ranch
Skyland Ranch occupies 100 acres on top of a mountain in Sevierville. They are a fairly new attraction and have some pretty neat things going on. For example, they’ve got the longest mountain coaster in the Southeast at more than a mile in length. We tried it out and had so much fun running those rails. New in 2025 is the WagonWheeler, a huge swing with amazing views of the mountains. They have also added an awesome Safari Ride where guests are able to feed longhorn cattle, deer, goats, and Highland cows.
They have a relaxing chair lift up to the top of the mountain (or a shuttle if you’re scared of the lift), miniature horses, goats, and a lot of great entertainment.
When we were there, we got to see a very talented cowboy show off his gun-twirling, whip-snapping, and rope-swinging skills. We also got a taste of an awesome band who played some fantastic country music songs and we danced along to line dances in the evening. Your admission to Skyland Ranch is good for a whopping three days!
XPERIA is an AI-generated attraction that takes you under the ocean to experience the magic of a squid fight, dolphin rescue, and sea lion training. It’s a great option for a rainy day! The whole exhibit takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
1645 Parkway #780, Sevierville, TN
Dig ‘N Zone Theme Park
Dig ‘N Zone Theme Park is an entirely hands-on theme park where guests don’t ride the rides – they operate the rides. Dig ‘N Zone allows guests of all ages to actually operate construction equipment. It’s a lot of fun if you have kids who are totally obsessed with construction or want to try a theme park that is unlike any other you’ve ever been to.
I got assaulted by deer here when I fed them and I’m not even mad about it. It was actually really fun! The Smoky Mountain Deer Farm has several exotic animals plus ones we are totally obsessed with (*ahem, baby goats*) and you can feed pretty much all of them. They have zebras, elk, camels, alpacas, goats, and deer. They also offer horseback riding through shaded trails. We were there for a little over an hour and had a blast. The facility is really clean and the animals all looked well cared for and looked after. They are open daily 10 am – 5:30 pm.
478 Happy Hollow Ln, Sevierville, TN
Getting assaulted by cute deer
Sevier Air
With trampolines, a Ninja Warrior course, and a huge laser tag room, the 38,000-square-foot Sevier Air is the perfect place to spend time indoors on a hot, cold, or rainy day. Weather always changes fast in the mountains and this place is perfect for the entire family to burn out energy.
266 Collier Dr, Sevierville, TN
Soaky Mountain Waterpark
The 50-acre park has some serious waterslides and play areas. We visited and had a blast.
We stayed at The Ridge Outdoor Resort, a beautiful resort in the heart of Sevierville that has RV slips, glamping tents, and tiny homes. Our lodging was a two-bedroom, one-bathroom glamping tent with a living space, kitchen, and huge porch. It was fantastic! I couldn’t believe how much space there was inside this tent and how comfortable it was. All their tents have both AC and heat.
The resort also has two zero-entry pools, a lazy river, a catch & release pond, a deli and laundry facility on-site, two fenced in dog parks, a playground, a game room, and one of the pools has a hot tub. The place is also ideally located in Sevierville.
It’s not right in the middle of all the action so it’s very peaceful and tranquil but you won’t need to drive further than 10-15 minutes to get anywhere you want to go.
We really loved our stay here and you can read our full review of The Ridge Outdoor Resort to plan your own trip.
1250 Middle Creek Rd, Sevierville, TN
Some of the glamping tents at the Ridge Outdoor Resort
Wilderness at the Smokies
This family-friendly hotel has three waterparks on-site, including Tennessee’s largest indoor waterpark. You won’t even need to leave the resort for entertainment and dining once you get there. Rooms are spacious and some suites offer bunk beds for kids. And it’s directly across the street from Soaky Mountain Waterpark.
Stay in a covered wagon or tipi at this resort in Sevierville, TN for the ultimate pioneer adventure. The resort is close to Soaky Mountain and minutes from Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the Smokies.
Ready to go to Sevierville, TN? We only scratched the surface of all the things to do there in East Tennessee, not even mentioning the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the treasure it truly is. This area is absolutely one of our very favorites to visit and we just fall in love with it again and again every time we go – we think you will, too.
Here are a couple of other attractions and things to do you might want to consider on your trip:
Visit Sevierville is an excellent resource for more things to do in the area and places to stay. Before and during my stay, I referenced their website and visitors’ guide multiple times. They also have discounts on their site for different attractions so it’s certainly worth a visit.
Do you have a family adventure to Six Flags Over Georgia in Atlanta, GA planned for this summer? We checked it out to create this Six Flags Over Georgia review, and we have all the information you need to have a fun day there with your family. Complimentary tickets were provided for this review.
Six Flags Over Georgia is one of the few theme parks that provides thrilling rides with heart-pounding excitement mixed with more gentle rides for smaller kids, concessions, events, and shows.
Here’s what you need to know when planning a trip there with your family. This review is a compilation of two trips to Six Flags Over Georgia.
Watch! The sights & sounds of Six Flags Over Georgia
About Six Flags Over Georgia
The theme park is located a little less than three hours from the Upstate, depending on traffic, in the Atlanta metro area. It’s a massive park with 40+ rides. Hurricane Harbor is the water park inside of Six Flags Over Georgia that opens Memorial Day weekend.
Like other theme parks, Six Flags Over Georgia offers a Flash Pass, a way to get to do more rides without waiting in lines. These are add-ons to your one-day ticket and start at $60.
Roller coaster at Six Flags Over America
Getting to Six Flags Over Georgia
The first thing to remember about Six Flags Over Georgia is that it is basically in Atlanta, which means traffic. We suggest getting there a little before the park opens so you have enough time to get on the rides on you want. If you’re doing this as a day trip, you need to allow around 3-3.5 hours to get there.
We followed the directions from the Six Flags site; and they recommend taking 85S to 285W, then 20W, which takes you right to the park. Make use of your GSP though in case of backups and look at alternate routes. And bring your patience.
Parking at Six Flag Over Georgia
Parking was a breeze. There are multiple ticket booths where you can have your parking pass scanned or purchase parking. We recommend purchasing parking beforehand just to save time. They do offer Speedy Parking and Preferred Parking for an extra fee. The lot is large but there is zero shade so be sure to bring one of those reflector things for your car if you don’t want to open an oven when you get back. And pay attention to where you park so you can find your car after a long day of coasters.
Sky Screamer at Six Flags Over Georgia
There are also three tram pick-up locations in the parking lots that will shuttle you to the front entrance. We walked from Lot 1 and were to the entrance before people that we saw waiting for the tram. De[ending on where you park, it’s not a long walk.
Be sure to have your tickets ready to be scanned for easy entrance. It is a thousand times easier to buy tickets beforehand and have them on your phone than it is to wait in the Will Call/Ticket line. We went in the early afternoon and the line took a really long time, almost 30 minutes.
Plan of Attack for Rides at Six Flags Over Georgia
We recommend downloading the Six Flags Over Georgia app because it’s awesome. You can easily pull up locations of rides, shopping, and dining options. You can see how tall you must be to ride the rides and the wait times for each ride. There’s also a really handy map, which had a blue dot so you can see where you are in relation to where you want to be.
If you have more than a few people in your family, look at the app before you go or the Six Flags website to figure out what rides you want to ride on and height requirements and make a list of the ones you really want to do and go to those first. We found that the longer we were at Six Flags, the longer the wait times were. There are also screens around the park to check the wait times.
Great American Scream Machine
Also, look at a map beforehand because you’ll need it when you try to figure out which rides to go on and where they are in relation to the other rides you don’t want to miss. Also, check out the app to see if any rides are closed.
The Food at Six Flags Over Georgia
Six Flags offers different Dining Passes that you can add onto your tickets, which I honestly love. I think these are just good options when it comes to planning out your day if its in your budget. The 2025 Dining Pass options are: One Meal/One Snack/One Beverage is $22.99/person and the Unlimited All Day Dining Deal where you get one meal of your choice every 90 minutes and get an All Day Drink Bottle is $44.99/person.
They also offer a one day drink bottle with unlimited refills for $19.99/each. If you want to do this option, go right when the park opens or you get there otherwise you could end up waiting in long lines or wandering around for a long time trying to find someplace that isn’t sold out of them. Honestly, this is the clincher because Georgia summers are dreadfully hot and we saw no water fountains. I even brought refillable water bottles in my tiny bag for that purpose but didn’t see anywhere were I could fill them. That refillable day bottle is worth it.
There are a lot of different options for dining like taverns, cheesesteaks, burgers, BBQ, a even a diner. Try to go on off times, like not right at Noon or 1pm for lunch because lines are long. And look at the festivals they offer every year, where you can try different food, like Oktoberfest from September 13th to November 2nd, 2025.
Also, try to plan your food adventures around your most thrilling rides. For example, maybe do the more heart-pounding in the morning before you go eat a chili cheese dog for lunch. Just a thought.
If you want to bring a lunch to eat in your car to save money, you can definitely do that. Be sure to get a re-entry wristband on your way out so you can get back in.
Rides at Six Flags Over Georgia
I have one more adventurous daughter and another more timid one when it comes to roller coasters, which certainly made the day challenging. We ended up riding a fun, smaller roller coaster, the Dahlonega Mine Train. It’s a good intro into the faster rides and is perfect for younger kids who are not quite ready to try the big ones, and has a height requirement of 42 inches.
We also rode the country cars, which I let my youngest drive. Of course, driving any car for kids is going to be fun. There are so many fantastic roller coasters that I wanted to really get in on the scream fest but will have to wait for another time!
Six Flags Over Georgia car ride
I’m a complete adrenaline junkie when it comes to roller coasters and have not met a roller coaster I didn’t love. The ones I really wanted to try were: Goliath, Superman, Georgia Scorcher, Batman, and Twisted Cyclone. Most of these had long, long waits – around 60 minutes at minimum – by the afternoon on a Saturday. This is why you need to plan what you want to really want to ride on and go there first unless you can swing a Flash Pass.
There are lots of great kid-focused rides like smaller Ferris Wheel-types, swings, and a beautiful carousel. Monster Mansion is a great one because the dark boat ride is a nice break out of the heat.
Water Park at Six Flags Over Georgia
At Hurricane Harbor, the water park found inside Six Flags Over Georgia, we rented a large locker. There are small, large, and jumbo, with the bigger the locker, the higher the cost. Then we headed for the wave pool to cool off. There are plenty of life jackets for kids that may need them and they have multiple sizes. My son had a great time in the wave pool, but the large Paradise Island structure was calling his name, and we went there to watch him play.
Now, anyone that has lived around this area for a while knows that the weather is very unpredictable in the early evening hours. And while the entire day had been virtually cloudless to this point, all of a sudden a thunderstorm came through. The water park was immediately shut down, so we changed back into our regular clothes.
Unfortunately, in the time, we were changing a severe storm warning was issued, and all of the rides in the park were turned off. We quickly left the water park area and stopped in a t-shirt shop for about 15 minutes. When the weather broke, we took off again, and got ice cream while the rain started again.
Ultimately it was getting rather on into the evening, with no indication that rides would start up again anytime soon. From the time they shut down the water park at 5 pm, and we got back to our car at 6:30 pm, no rides were running. It was a nice cool down, though.
Six Flags Over Georgia’s rain policy according to their website is: “There are still a ton of activities that are amazingly fun in any kind of weather––including indoor shows, restaurants, shops, games, and arcades. If rain, wind, or electrical storms force us to close certain rides for your safety, they will re-open as soon as safe operations can be assured. Refunds or rain checks for inclement weather are not offered.”
So, our day was cut somewhat short. We had a great time prior to the storm, and my son said he really liked Six Flags a lot. I think we will probably wait until he’s a bit older to go again, however, as the biggest attractions at Six Flags Over Georgia are the roller coasters. There are a lot of them.
Parent Tips: Six Flags Over Georgia
While we mentioned many tips in this story, here are a few others:
Bring/ear sun protection. It’s hot and you’ll get sunburned if you don’t have sunscreen or rain protection.
Download the Six Flags Over Georgia app for helpful info on rides, wait times, and a map.
The park is huge so plan which rides you want to go on and do them first. If you can afford it, get a FLASH Pass so you can enjoy even more rides.
Get the refillable water bottle. Dehydration is not fun.
While the park does have a lot of kid and family-focused rides, I think it’s best for kids closer to age 10 and up who love adventure and roller coasters. For most of more moderately intense rides, kids need to be at 48 inches for the medium coasters and 54 inches for the bigger ones.
Go early! Plan to spend the day there if it’s a day trip and leave the Upstate early.
If your kid wants to see some Looney Tunes characters, be sure to check the schedule of appearances when you get there.
Get tickets ahead of time online. You’ll save both time and money.
Look at the dress code before you go, especially for the waterpark: “All guests must wear proper attire, such as bathing suits or board shorts. Thongs, G-strings, or transparent swimwear are not permitted.”
You can bring bags and small backpacks into the park but not on the rides. You can either get a locker for a fee or leave them on the platform.
Visit Six Flags Over Georgia
Tickets start at $35 online (or $79.99 at the gate) and change depending on the date you want to go. It’s absolutely better to get the tickets online versus when you go. You can purchase a refillable water bottle, FLASH passes, and parking ($35+) online as well when you purchase your ticket.
Season passes start at $59/person. If you go more than once, a season pass is certainly a good deal, especially if you purchase the Platinum Level ($150/person), which includes parking.
Use the map below to find great lodging near Six Flags Over Georgia. Through an affiliate relationship with Stay22, Kidding Around earns when you book through this map.
Has your family ever visited Six Flags Over Georgia?
