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Archive for the ‘Travel’ Category

Getaway House: Find Tranquility at This Tiny House Village near Greenville, SC

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Getaway (Greenville location is here!) understands how crazy life is and why it’s so important to take time to recharge, which is why they’ve created pretty amazing places to do so, including their outpost near Greenville, SC. A Getaway house is a tiny house stocked with everything you need to unwind, relax, and enjoy nature. We checked it out and have all the details on how to get away from it all for the ultimate time to rest and relax. 

Getaway Greenville, SC tiny home resort

Thank you to Getaway, who provided accommodations so we could do this review. All opinions are those of the author.

What is Getaway? Greenville, SC Location

Life is hectic, busy, and stressful and I think we all savor moments when we can get away from the everyday grind and connect with those we love. I do this through nature – hiking, camping, paddleboarding, biking. It’s definitely my happy place, as it is for many of us.

Getaway, a company that also savors connecting with loved ones out in nature, really gets this and has created more than a dozen outposts around the country with tiny cabins where you can rest, relax, and recharge with no agenda. In a Getaway house, nothing is distracting you, other than getting a campfire started to roast marshmallows. 

The closest outpost is near Greenville, SC at Lake Hartwell. I spent a weekend there with my two daughters and it was truly incredible. I’ll tell you why right here as well as things to do in the area if you want to get out and enjoy nature, go shopping, eat some tasty food, or just relax. 

Relaxing at the Getaway cabin
Inside the Getaway cabin

How it was started

Getaway started in 2015 when Jon Staff, after leaving his stressful job in a startup and taking to the van life, figured out how essential immersing himself in nature was to his overall health. He wanted to create that same experience for as many people as possible so he founded Getaway!

The company currently has more than 20 outposts nationwide, which consist of tiny cabins meant for either two or four people and include everything you need to get away from the everyday life and reconnect with loved ones or just take some time for yourself. 

What to Expect at the Getaway Greenville Location

The outpost in Greenville is one of their newest locations. The outpost is located less than an hour away at Lake Hartwell and consists of 40 cabins on 54 very private acres. 

Cabins either have a queen bed or queen bunk beds and are tiny, between 140-200 square feet, but have everything you need to enjoy time away from home. Cabins are pet-friendly.

Also, Getaway has a loyalty program where you stay seven nights (they don’t need to be consecutive), and you get the next night free. This could prove useful if you travel around and look for the nearest Getaway outpost during your trip. 

Getaway House: The Tiny Cabins

I just love tiny homes and the feel of having everything you need in a small, but well-thought-out space. That’s exactly what our Getaway cabin felt like. 

Our cabin had two queen bunk beds, a two-burner stove, full bathroom, table with chairs, radio, pots and pans, knives, tea kettle, aluminum foil for outdoor cooking, cups, mugs, towels, soap, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.

Outside there were four Adirondack chairs around a fire pit, a picnic table, and a provisions box with firewood ($8/bundle) and fire starters ($2) for purchase. Inside, you could also purchase for a small fee ($2) coffee, tea, and insect wipes. 

I had seen photos of these cabins before I went but going there and seeing it in person was a million times better. The beds are next to a giant window that looks out into the old-growth forest so it’s like tent camping but way better and more comfortable. I love tent camping but staying at this Getaway cabin may edge it out. Plus, the hot shower and lack of bugs were fantastic. 

The Thoughtful Touches

Every communication you get from Getaway aims to make your trip as seamless as possible, from booking to check-in to staying there. The email I got the day before said something like, “let this be the last email you’ll read for the next few days.” I love it. They really do try to help you in every conceivable way to truly get away for rest and relaxation. 

The cabin also has a cellphone box where you can store your phone so as to not be tempted to be distracted by it. There is no wif-fi. There are books on outdoor adventures, a deck of cards, games, and printouts with questions about your goals for the time away and how to be intentional about making the most of your stay.

It was obvious that Getaway is absolutely intent on making your stay as peaceful and relaxing as possible. The customer service was great in our experience as well. I had an issue trying to get our code to work at check-in and Getaway immediately helped me out via text message. 

While there are 40 cabins at this location, they are spread out so you’re not close to anyone. We visited when the leaves were all off the trees and we still couldn’t get a close look at any of our neighbors. From spring through fall, it will be even more private when the trees are fuller. 

Making the Most of Your Stay 

On their website, the Getaway Greenville location has a list of things to do in the area like hiking trails and places to eat as well as where the nearest grocery store is so you can plan to get what you need before you come. 

Making hot chocolate at Getaway
Hot chocolate at the campfire

There is also a section on campfire recipes, which I most certainly checked out before we came. I ended up choosing two of the recipes on the site for inspiration for what I cooked there: campfire pizza and campfire nachos. The pizza was not as successful as the nachos but hey, I made up for it by letting my kids have an extra s’more after dinner.

I love campfire cooking even though I’m much better in an actual kitchen. But I really appreciated that Getaway’s website has so much information and helpful tips that I really didn’t need to go anywhere else. 

Things to do Near the Getaway Houses at Lake Hartwell

Getaway’s Greenville location is so ideal. It’s in Oconee County, which has more than 200 waterfalls and miles and miles of hiking trails. Getting outside in nature is so easy here. The historic town of Seneca, SC is only 15 minutes away so you can go shopping and eat there if you like. There are several farms nearby as well. Here are a few things to do while you stay at Getaway. 

McLadke Orchards

If you stay in the fall or winter, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for farm fun at McLadke Orchard, which is less than five minutes from the outpost. In the fall, they have a pumpkin patch, animals to play with, a hay ride, and an apple slingshot. In the winter, they have lots of Christmas activities and events. 

Split Creek Farm

Known for its award-winning goat cheese, you can visit Split Creek Farm for a self-guided tour (check hours before you go), pick up some amazing fudge, and visit with baby goats. 

Big Water Marina 

During the summer, you and your kids can play on the inflatable aqua course at Big Water Marina and have dinner at J.R. Cash’s overlooking Lake Hartwell. 

South Carolina Botanical Gardens

Stroll through the beautiful gardens for free and enjoy all the pretty flowers and plants. 

Denver Downs

One of our very favorite fall destinations, Denver Downs, is really close to the Getaway outpost. What a great way to spend the weekend – stay at the outpost and wear your kids and yourself out at Denver Downs during the day!

Go Antique Shopping 

We checked out Yesterday’s Treasures Antique Mall in Dillard, GA on Highway 441 and had so much fun, except when I saw Lincoln logs for sale in an antique shop and felt old. 

Historic Seneca

You can go shopping, dine, or just explore Historic Seneca and Ram Cat Alley. The town was founded in 1873 and there are events all the time during the warmer months.

Get Breakfast or Lunch at Dimas Bros. Cafe

We got bacon, egg, and cheese biscuits for breakfast here one morning and it was so delicious. Highly recommend. You can order Dimas Brothers online for quicker pickup.

Waterfall Chasing in Oconee County 

There are so many waterfalls within a 40-minute drive of Getaway: Yellow Branch Falls, Riley Moore Falls, Isaqueena Falls (and Stumphouse Tunnel), Chau Ram County Park, Station Cove Falls, King Creek Falls. Pick a few and make a day of it. 

Tallulah Gorge

Tallulah Gorge is pretty amazing and if you can go, definitely check it out. It’s an hour from Getaway and you can hike down into it via a million steps or even hike the floor of the Gorge if you are lucky enough to snag a free permit. Nearby is Toccoa Falls on the campus of Toccoa Falls College, which is an astounding 186-ft tall free-flowing waterfall. 

Go Swimming 

During the summer, visits to either Mile Creek County Park or South Cove County Park are great options for swimming in Lake Keowee. 

Hike up a Fire Tower

If you’re super ambitious, you can drive an hour and 15 minutes to the Beegum Gap trailhead and hike 1.6 miles up to the Rabun Bald fire tower for 360-degrees of the mountains. It’s amazing and a great spot for sunrise or sunset – or just go when you want to and enjoy the views. We loved it. 

Rabun Bald view
Rabun Bald

See a Clemson Football Game 

I don’t think this would qualify as a relaxing weekend but you can certainly stay here and go see Clemson play during the fall as it’s nearby. 

Honest Mom Review: Getaway House

I am always up for anything that will give me the opportunity to make wonderful memories with my kids and Getaway certainly provided that. 

We had so much fun making a campfire, roasting s’mores, drinking hot chocolate, playing games, and enjoying the privacy and overall novelty of the tiny cabin. We read books at night, went hiking during the day, and I made breakfast the last morning we were there. 

Roasting s'mores at Getaway Greenville
Roasting s’mores

The cabin was really comfortable and had everything we needed to have a fun and relaxing weekend. I was especially happy that it didn’t have a television or great cell service. I sometimes need that extra kick to get me to put down my phone and just focus on the present.

My kids loved the AM/FM radio at the cabin, which they had never actually seen before. It was so cute watching them try to manually find the stations on the dial.

I would go back here with my kids but also consider it if I ever got the opportunity to spend a night alone. All the books I could read! 

Booking Your Getaway House

Booking online is really easy. Prices depend on the time of year and weekend or weeknight request. Cabins start around $88/night. Be sure to follow Getaway via social media and sign up for their newsletter since they run a lot of specials and discounts. 

Getaway Greenville Outpost
299 Outpost Road, Seneca, SC [130 Lakeshore Lane, Seneca got me there via my GPS]

More Getaway Locations

You’ll find more Getaway Tiny House locations all across the country. There are locations in California, Texas, Oregon, Washington, Louisiana, South Carolina, Georgia, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri, Alabama, and more! Click on “Locations” to find the nearest Getaway house to you.


15 Day Trips with Teens Near Greenville, SC

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Are you looking for a fun day trip for teenagers? Need a way to spend a day with your teen near Upstate, SC? These are a great way to spend some quality time exploring together or just having fun. Here’s our list of the 15 best day trips for teens & tweens near Greenville!

Activities for Teens Near Me: Greenville, SC

Looking for more things to do for teenagers? Ways to get them involved in the community? We’ve got your Ultimate Guide for Teens in Greenville, SC!

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10+ Things to Do in Mount Pleasant, SC

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Planning a trip to the Mount Pleasant area? If you’re looking for free things to do in Mount Pleasant, SC, you’ve come to the right spot. We’re sharing our top recommendations for things to do that you will not want to miss on your next trip to the Low Country. From history-rich tours to fun at the waterpark, we’ve got you covered on things to do and even where to eat in Mt. Pleasant.

Travel Guide to Charleston SC

Planning a trip to the Lowcountry? Here’s your ultimate guide to visiting Charleston, SC – read it before you go!

Want to plan an educational trip to the low country with your family? Discover all things you can learn on a Road Schooling Trip to the Charleston Area.

This article includes:
Free Things to Do in Mt. Pleasant, SC
Cheap Things to Do in Mt. Pleasant, SC
More Things to Do in Mt. Pleasant, SC
Where to Eat in Mt. Pleasant, SC

Free Things to do in Mt. Pleasant, SC

Charleston is a popular destination for residents of the Upstate of South Carolina. Tucked away, just at the other end of the iconic Ravenel Bridge, is the town of Mount Pleasant. And if you’re looking for free things to do in the area, we’ve got some recommendations for you to consider adding to your itinerary.

Playground at Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park
Playground at Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park

Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park

As you cross the Cooper River into Mount Pleasant, you’ll be on top of one of the best places to visit. Beneath the Ravenel Bridge is the Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park.  The Park offers visitors a bunch of things to do for little to no cost. The Mount Pleasant Visitor’s center is located at the front of the park, and this should be one of your first stops. Inside you’ll be able to get all kinds of information about the area, grab discount tickets for area attractions, and book reservations for popular restaurants.

Underneath the bridge is a great playground for kids. With seating for parents and a fenced-in area, it will be a favorite stop for you. The park’s huge greenspace is host to several free events, including live music, moonlight movies, and more.

If fishing is something your family enjoys, you’ll love the pier. The bait shop offers everything you’ll need to drop a line in the water with your kids. You could be in for an exciting time on the pier!  If fishing isn’t your thing, the pier is excellent for people-watching.

boy looking out at Shem Creek
Shem Creek

Shem Creek Park

Another great place to visit in Mount Pleasant is Shem Creek Park. The 2,200-foot boardwalk extends over the marsh and out to the water. The creek is home to the local fleet of shrimp boats, and kids will love watching them come and go. The boardwalk is a great place to bring your kids’ scooters. If your family owns a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard, this is a great place to bring it. You can rent one at the shop right there if you don’t own one.

This is also a popular spot for watching dolphins frolic in the creek as they hope for scraps from the incoming fishing vessels. Grab a picnic lunch and enjoy the view from the many benches along the boardwalk.

sullivans island Edgar Allan Poe Library

Exploring Sullivan’s Island

If the crowds at Folly Beach aren’t your thing, then you’ll enjoy Sullivan’s Island, located off the coast of Mount Pleasant. Free public parking makes the beaches on this quiet island appealing, and the secluded nature of the beach makes it peaceful. Searching for shark teeth is a great lesson in patience and attention to detail for adults and children alike.

There’s also a small local library, the Edgar Allan Poe/Sullivan’s Island Library, you can visit. There’s a comfortable sofa and plenty of books for kids to enjoy. The Island has ties Poe, and you’ll find his name all over the island.

We’ve got even more things for you to do at Sullivan’s Island.

Pitt Street Bridge

The Pitt Street Bridge (also known as the Cove Inlet Bridge and the Cove Inlet Causeway) was once the only way to cross the water to get to the beaches. Originally built for a trolley, it was later widened for personal vehicles. The bridge closed in 1945 and was converted into a fishing pier. The old bridge burned, and now it’s covered by Pickett Park, a greenway lined with palm trees that takes pedestrians and cyclists across the former bridge site. At the end of the bridge is a great spot to go fishing.

Charles Pinckney National Historic Home

Charles Pinckney helped draft and sign the US Constitution, and now you can visit a 28-acre remnant of his original 715-acre plantation, Snee Farm. While visiting, you’ll be able to learn about Pinkney’s life and political influences, the People he enslaved, plantation operations, and the main cash crops of the Lowcountry (indigo and rice). There is no fee to visit Charles Pinkney’s National Historic Home.

Cheap Things to Do in Mount Pleasant, SC

Taking a trip to the Charleston area doesn’t have to break the bank. If you need some extra things to do on your trip, there’s plenty of low-cost fun to be had!

Charleston Water Taxi
Charleston Water Taxi

Charleston Water Taxi

Kidding Around’s fans are some of the best around! The suggestion of the Charleston Water Taxi was from a loyal reader. She hesitated to share her secret, but we’re glad she did.

The Water Taxi is a great way to see the waterfront from a different perspective. The pontoon-style boat picks passengers up at several different locations. Pro-Tip: There are no bathrooms on board, so make sure to stop at a restroom before hopping on.

One of the nice things about the taxi is you can stay on as long as you’d like, or hop on and off to sightsee. The taxi offers some very unique views of the ships docked at Patriots Point.

A complete trip around the harbor takes approximately 60 minutes. Make sure to have your camera ready because, in addition to the photo opportunities at Patriots Point, guests of the taxi are often treated to visits from dolphins. You can also capture some nice family photos with the Ravenel bridge in the background.  The guys that captain the ship are happy to jump in a play photographer, so you can capture the memory of your entire family’s day out on the water.

$14 a person gets you a pass that covers the entire day, and kids 3 and under ride free.

Fort Moultrie

Sullivan’s Island is also rich in history, as it was home to where some of the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Fort Moultrie is part of the National Park Service. Adult admission costs $10, and children 15 and younger receive free entry.

Among the ranks at the Fort was someone who was destined for fame later in life. Regimental Sergeant-Major Edgar Allen Poe spent just over a year stationed here, and you will find evidence of his time here all over the island.

More Things to Do in Mt. Pleasant, SC

Patriots Point Naval Maritime Museum

For more immersion into Lowcountry history, take a visit to Patriots Point. In June 1975, the USS Yorktown entered Charleston Harbor and was the first ship dedicated to the Naval & Maritime Museum. Patriots Points opened the following year, housing the museum and a fleet of National Historic Landmark ships. You’ll be able to view a World War II Aircraft Carrier. You’ll also find the Cold War Memorial, the only Vietnam Experience Exhibit in the US, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, and the official Medal of Honor Museum. It’s a very popular attraction and one to consider.

Give yourself 2-3 hours to go through everything. A single-day Patriots Point ticket for adults 12-61 years old is $27, children 6-11 years old tickets are $16, children 6 and under are free, and seniors 62+ years old will pay $19 for their tickets. There are bundle ticket options, and Veterans, First Responders, Teachers, and Active Military are offered discounts.

Splash Island Water Park

Splash Island Water Park is an excellent and fun attraction within Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park. The water park features a 200-ft body flume, a 16-ft otter slide, cyclone swirling water ride, a pool, and plenty of sprays, geysers, and raindrop waterfalls. There are lifeguards on-duty, and you’ll find concessions, restrooms, showers, and changing areas. Be sure to check their site for hours of operation because they do close during the winter season.

Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens

Another thing to do in Mt. Pleasant is to visit Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens. The plantation was founded in 1681 by Major John Boone. His family and descendants were significant influencers in South Carolina’s history. It’s one of the oldest working plantations in the US; it continues growing crops to this day. Boone Hall has been dubbed “a must-see stop on any trip to Charleston, SC” by NBC Daytime and is recognized as the “#1 Plantation in the Charleston Area by USA Today 10Best.”

Regular Adult tickets are $28, Seniors/Military/AAA are $25, children 6-12 years old are $12, and children 5 and under are free.

Where to Eat in Mount Pleasant

There’s no shortage of pitmasters in the Lowcountry, that’s for sure. Swig & Swine BBQ is a favorite. If you haven’t been yet. Be sure to follow Swig & Swine BBQ on Facebook so you don’t miss out on their daily specials, like $5 burger night and Wing Night!

BBQ near Mount Pleasant

Bon Bahn Mi is another local favorite restaurant in Mount Pleasant. They have delicious food and a build-your-own kid’s meal menu that is a hit when we go! Kids get to choose from a taco, a rice bowl, a noodle bowl, or a sandwich – and build it with protein and veggie options all for just $7 with an included drink!

Be sure to treat yourself to one of their iced Vietnamese coffees, they are amazing!

lunch in Mount Pleasant

The Pitt Street Pharmacy Soda Fountain is an old-school spot where you can grab a no-frills meal and a low price. Cheap burgers, sandwiches, and ice cream are the perfect lunchtime meal when you are on the go. Dine in and go around exploring Historic Mount Pleasant, or get it to go and head up the road to Shem Creek to relax.

Every Monday night, from 6-8 pm, Dog & Duck has family bingo night! The family-friendly prizes include gift cards for X-Box, iTunes, and more. If you make it there before we do, let us know!

Want to read our entire guide to visiting Charleston, SC? We’ve got you covered with Charleston Itineraries, Things to Do in Charleston, Where to Eat, and Places to Stay.

We can’t wait to add more free and cheap fun to our list of activities in Mount Pleasant! Check back often to see where our next adventure takes us.

10+ Unique Beaches of Florida: The Suncoast Keys and Southwestern, FL

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Once you’ve been to the beaches of the Suncoast Keys and Southwestern Florida, it will spoil you for the rest. Crystal blue waters that you thought only existed in the Caribbean, can be found here. These beaches are all the most popular beach spots on the west coast of Florida (and some secret ones too). Beaches where you can look for shark teeth, a world-famous beach, a beach where you can find Sand Dollars and other fun adventures! 

Suncoast of Florida: Beaches to visit.

So grab your floppy hat, a cool drink, and get ready to enjoy some beautiful beaches and fun in the sun in Florida!

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The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Greenville, SC: Travel With KAG!

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Planning a visit to Greenville, SC? Travel to the area is booming, and we’re so glad you’re here! We love our little city (and so does The New York Times, Forbes, and Southern Living!) because there’s so much for everyone to see, do, and eat.

Art connoisseurs, outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, and history buffs will all find something to enjoy while visiting Greenville. And, of course, families have an incredible amount of opportunities to make memories here. So, since you’re planning to visit, we wanted to make your planning a little easier by giving you a list of our top recommendations for places to eat, places to stay, and things to do in Greenville… as well as a guide to parking in downtown Greenville.

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Winchester Creek Farm: Meet Alpacas and Feed Mini-Horses at This Farm

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Love alpacas and mini-animals? Take a trip to Winchester Creek Farm in Waynesville, NC for a fun day trip with your family!

Media tickets were provided for this review, which was updated in January 2024.

The drive up to Winchester Creek Farm in Waynesville, NC is probably worth the trip alone. The beautiful scenery of mountain peaks and valleys, eventually wind their way to the feet of the Smoky Mountains, where the farm is situated. Winchester Creek Farm, about a 90-minute trip from the South Carolina Upstate, has alpacas and many miniature animals like cows, horses, and donkeys, as well as super fluffy sheep and an adorable little Juliana pig. 

And if you’re making a trip to Asheville, NC, be sure to check our guide of everything to do, eat, and see while you’re there!

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Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort: Live a Pioneer Overnight Adventure

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Want to sleep in a covered wagon or authentic tipi at a brand-new resort near Gatlinburg, TN? Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort is not even a three-hour drive from Greenville, SC. Your family won’t stop talking about what a cool place this is once you’ve visited! If you are looking for cozy camping in Sevierville, this is the place!

Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort covered wagons near Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Media accommodations were provided for this review. 

My kids, ages 10 and 7, are obsessed with Laura Ingalls Wilder and we have listened to every book in the series. They have asked to learn how to sew, to see where she lived, and what in the world her covered wagon looked like. So imagine their surprise when they got to sleep in an authentic Conestoga wagon, which was used in the late eighteenth century. It was a lot of fun to witness their enthusiasm. But really, I was just as excited because it is genuinely cool to sleep in such unique accommodations at the new Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort.

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Amazing Vacation Rental Homes for the Best Family Vacations

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Are you looking for the perfect vacation home to rent for your next family vacation? No matter where you’re headed, whether it’s the mountains, the beach or somewhere in between, we’ve found some truly unique and stellar vacation homes you’ll want to check out. We have lists of homes that feature amenities we know families want. So get planning, and enjoy your next vacation!

Vacation homes throughout the Southeast

Fun Family Vacation Rentals

Whether you’re looking for a unique themed vacation rental or the perfect jumping-off spot for an epic adventure-filled vacation, these lists of family vacation rentals will have something awesome for you. We have rentals in beautiful scenery, rentals near theme parks and attractions, rentals with great hiking, amazing kid-friendly rentals, and lots more. So, make sure to grab a rental with plenty of bunk beds, and load up the kids, you’re going on an adventure!

Check out our vacation rental content below.