Have you enjoyed Hatcher Garden in Spartanburg, SC? Just a couple miles off of I-26 in Spartanburg, among shopping and restaurants on the busy main thoroughfare of John D. White, Sr. Blvd, is a 10-acre botanical garden and woodland preserve.
The beautiful space is full of ponds, waterfalls, wildlife, trees and gardens with a wide variety of leafy and flowering plants. Hatcher Garden is open free to the public and should definitely be on your list of places to visit in Spartanburg.
Ready to enjoy some camping in Spartanburg, SC? With all of the natural beauty surrounding us in the Upstate, the best way to enjoy it is by immersing yourself. We have a guide to all the places you’ll want to check out when looking for a place to camp near Spartanburg.
Whether the scenery you’re looking for includes mountains, rivers, or lakes – we have it all right here.
Have you been thinking about checking out Campbell’s Covered Bridge? This bridge is the last remaining covered bridge in South Carolina. At this Greenville County property, you can explore the bridge, enjoy a picnic by the creek and even get in a short hike.
The area of the park near the bridge is currently undergoing renovation and restoration. Access to that portion of the park may be limited.
Campbell’s Covered Bridge was built in 1909 by Charles Willis Irwin. Signage in the park says the bridge was named for Lafayette Campbell who owned the land at the time of its construction. Today, it is owned by Greenville County and the property has been turned into a small but lovely park.
While the bridge address is in Landrum, it is really quite close to northern Greer and Taylors. As you pull into the main entrance of the park off Pleasant Hill Road (114) you’ll pull directly into a gravel parking lot. My GPS wanted me to turn onto a private road before I was quite to the parking lot for Campbell’s Covered Bridge. I just had to continue driving a few seconds before I saw the well-marked entrance.
As soon as you open your car door you’ll hear Beaverdam Creek and feel like you are off relaxing by a mountain creek somewhere much, much farther away. We’d had a rough morning and opening that door was like instant calm. You’ll see Campbell’s Covered Bridge from the parking lot, as it crosses the creek.
What can you do at Campbell’s Covered Bridge?
Hike the Trail
This park has a beautiful half-mile nature trail. It is unpaved and not suitable for strollers. While it is a bit hilly it is definitely walkable for little ones. You’ll walk along the creek and turn up a hill and around to a clearing on a hill with a pretty view of the bridge and some benches. The path continues on through the woods and exits at the parking lot.
Explore the Bridge and Creek
The bridge is open to walk on and you can get down to the creek from either side of the bridge. The creek is shallow and fairly wide with lots of flat rocks to sit on while you look at the water. This area is all shaded by trees making it quite cool.
Have a Picnic!
Off to the side of the bridge along the creek is the foundation from the grist mill that was located on this property. It’s fun to explore and quite picturesque. There’s a picnic table in the center of this foundation, which we thought was a pretty spectacular place for a picnic. You’ll find other picnic tables spread around the property, as well as benches throughout the park, both in the shade by the creek and up on the hill in the sun. While there are lots of great picnic spots here, there are no restrooms, so you’ll want to plan ahead for that.
This park also doesn’t have a playground. But the kids will be entertained hunting around the banks of the creek, examining the bridge, and walking on the trail. There are also some great spots with the perfect scenery for family photos at this park.
Tip From A Reader: About 6 miles from the covered bridge, is David Jackson Park. You’ll find bathrooms and a playground at David Jackson Park. Swing by before or after your visit to the covered bridge for some playtime and a restroom!
Campbell’s Covered Bridge: Quick Review
Favorites:
Covered Bridge
Creek to explore
½ Mile Nature Trail
Sunny spots and shady spots
Drawbacks:
No playground
No restrooms
This park is a great stop to enjoy the outdoors for an hour
or so. Sure it doesn’t have a playground, but the other unique features add
some variety to a typical park day. We love this one for its woodsy feel and of
course the bridge and the creek. So check it out and let us know what you love
about Campbell’s Covered Bridge!
Bullfrog by the creek at Campbells Covered Bridge
Discover More Outdoor Thigns to Do Near Greenville, SC
Check Out Some Favorite Playgrounds and Parks in Easley & Pickens, SC
Freetown Community Center Playground: A vibrant playground in a quiet, historic neighborhood!
Huge Playground and Splash Pad at Unity Park in Greenville, SC
A Cirque Du Soleil show, Corteo, is coming to Greenville, SC at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena! We talked to the director of the show and have all the details on what it’s like + a review of our own.
Coreto, a Cirque Du Soleil show, is coming to Greenville, SC and we’re here for it. The last time a Cirque show came to Greenville was many years ago and wow, I still remember the awe I felt watching the artists. The costumes were fantastic and the entire show just transported the audience to another world.
You can expect more of that trademark, otherworldly experience when Corteo takes the floor of the Bon Secours Wellness Arena from March 21-24, 2024.
I got to talk to Michael Veilleux, the Cirque Du Soleil Corteo Tour Director, ahead of the show here in Greenville and he is thrilled to be in town and excited for audiences to experience the magic of the show.
Corteo. Photo provided by Cirque Du Soleil.
About Corteo
In Italian, Corteo translates to “a joyous procession.” In this show, the joyous procession is a funeral procession. If that doesn’t sound fun, trust the reputation of Cirque Du Soleil and know that it’s going to be amazing.
“The theme is very joyous and playful,” said Veilleux.” It’s not serious but it’s also mysterious and full of imagery.”
The main character is a clown – not a scary one – named Mauro, who dreams about his funeral but the story isn’t so much about death but about celebrating the life he lived.
“The setting is so rich visually,” said Veilleux. “It’s this joyous procession with Mauro’s friends and family and you have all these different characters. The audience will see some pretty unique things they have likely never seen before like a beautiful acrobatic number with chandeliers. Other acts involve dancing, suspended poles, and a teeterboard. The show is divided into earthly and heavenly acts.”
Corteo. Photo provided by Cirque Du Soleil.
In total, there are 53 artists. The entire show is moved from city to city by 21 trucks. It’s massive. You’ll probably see them lined up near the arena.
Corteo is directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca and first premiered in Montreal in April 2005. Since its creation, the show has amazed over 10 million spectators, in 20 countries, and on four continents.
Family-Friendly Aspects of Corteo
Of course, I needed to know if Corteo was family-friendly, which Veilleux enthusiastically agreed it is.
“It will amaze the whole family – there are so many things happening at the same time,” said Veilleux. “Adolescents will enjoy all the acrobatics. Older people will appreciate the quality of the music.”
He suggested Corteo would be good for ages 4 and up, mostly just because of the louder music and lighting. He said it may be too jarring for smaller kids. Overall, if a family brings kids, he said that there is so much going on that they will enjoy it.
The show is divided into two 50-minute acts with a 25-minute intermission.
Costumes and Makeup in Corteo
If you’ve ever been to a Cirque Du Soleil show before, you know how beautiful the costumes are. Corteo is no different except that there are just more costumes in this show, over 2,000 in fact.
“Corteo is an Italian creation so you can just imagine the details,” said Veilleux. “This is one of the shows that have the most detailed costumes. There will be some beautiful handmade costumes that are very rich in color.”
Corteo. Photo provided by Cirque Du Soleil.
I also needed to know about the clowns and their makeup. While I don’t have any issues with clowns, some people are terrified of them. But in Corteo, Veilleux assured me that the clowns aren’t scary and their makeup is very light, reminiscent of the 1800s where only slight powder and a little lipstick were used to accentuate a person’s natural features.
Mom Review of Corteo
I got to see Corteo on opening night and Greenville and was awestruck the whole time. The music and costumes transport you to another time and the stage is small and intimate so you don’t feel like you’re at this huge production (even though you are).
Parts of the show were hilarious and right from the start, the action happens in the air with artists literally swinging from chandeliers. My 9-year-old asked me if those were real and I could see the wheels turning in her head as contemplated where she could find a chandelier to swing from. The next scene was with two trampolines disguised as beds so, of course, the same kid was already envisioning jumping on her bed.
My kids, ages 9 and 13, absolutely loved it. We saw a lot of other kids there as well. This was probably one of the very best shows I’ve seen at the Bon Secours Arena. I was so impressed with the movements of the artists and the emotional music and absolutely recommend to our readers.
Corteo Shows in Greenville, SC
There are five shows in Greenville at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena:
Thursday, March 21st at 7:30 pm Friday, March 22nd at 7:30 pm Saturday, March 23rd at 3 pm and 7 pm Sunday March 24th at 1 pm
Tickets start at $65 and can be bought online or at the box office.
If you haven’t visited Hampton Station in Greenville, SC yet, go ahead and put it on your bucket list. Located just minutes from Main Street and directly on the Swamp Rabbit Trail, it’s in a great location. Before you head there, we’ve got you covered on things to do, places to eat, and things you should do with your kids.
Are you looking for fun or adventurous hiking for teens in Greenville, SC? Here’s our list of great hikes for teens in or near Upstate, SC! Some are challenging and some a bit more relaxed, perfect for a day with friends or family. Plus, there are plenty of trails with gorgeous views that are perfect for the ‘gram. For even more hiking ideas see our list of our favorite local hiking trails.
There are so many great hiking trails in the Greenville area or nearby, it’s truly hard to choose where to go. Luckily, the weather here can lend itself to hiking all year round for the most part, which means lots of weekends to take the teens out on adventures.
Have you visited EdVenture? Columbia, SC has a wonderful children’s museum that is the perfect combination of hands-on play and educational fun for your family! Keep reading as we will share all the tips and info you’ll need to make your trip to Edventure: Columbia, SC perfect!
From babies to pre-teens, EdVenture Children’s Museum is sure to have something for all! Several exhibits make up the two floors of wonder and include activities ranging from science and engineering to pretend play and everything in between. Before we discuss the exhibits, let’s start with some helpful tips to get you prepared for your “edventure.” This children’s museum is closed on Tuesday’s, but is open every other day of the week.
Admissions and Fees to Columbia’s EdVenture
Tickets can be purchased at the museum or online before you go for $13.00/person (children under 2 are free). Yearly memberships can also be purchased with various price ranges and package deals. EdVenture has a strong belief that EVERY child should have the opportunity to engage in educational fun within the museum. Because of this, they have discounted admissions options for families who receive SNAP, WIC, or Medicaid for $3 entry per person.
Once tickets are purchased, you can leave and re-enter the museum throughout the same day for no extra fees.
Camps, Classes, and Regular Events at EdVenture
EdVenture offers several extra programs throughout the week and during different seasons including:
Spring Break & Summer Camp
ages 4-10
$198 weekly per child, $30 discount for members for Spring Break Camp
$249 weekly per child, $40 discount for members for Summer Break Camp
I was very impressed by all of the thoughtful features throughout the museum for even the littlest of littles! For starters, the museum is well-planned out making it easy to maneuver strollers to and from the exhibits. There is also an elevator located in the middle of the museum that is large enough for the whole family – strollers and all!
On the second floor, in “My Backyard” (the area for those under 3 years old), there is a cozy nursing room complete with a rocking chair, bookshelf, and dark, retractable curtains.
EdVenture Children’s Museum Exhibits
More than nine different areas with endless amounts of learning and exploration can be found at EdVenture. We will walk you through each level of the museum and let you know what to expect as you wander around with your kids!
On the main level of EdVenture you’ll find the majority of the museum’s exhibits.
World of Work
What do you want to be when you grow up? A firefighter? How about a farmer? Or maybe even a chef? You can try it all throughout this exhibit! “World of Work” takes up the majority of the main level of EdVenture.
Your children can climb into a 24 foot life-size fire truck, flash the lights and even create their own fire escape plan. Across from the firetruck, you will find a dairy and produce farm. Here, your children can “milk” a cow, harvest vegetables, climb onto a tractor, and collect fruits from the fruit trees to send to the grocery store.
Farm at EdVenture
Next, make a “grocery list” and send your littles out on an errand – the Neighborhood Market is always a popular place to be! With small shopping carts, 2 check-out lanes, and realistic foods and goods, your family is sure to have a fun time playing pretend.
Be sure to also check out the Little Spot Diner (situated right outside of the grocery store) and let your kids make you a delicious meal. My favorite thing about “World of Work” is watching my kid’s creativity and imagination come to life in these real-world settings sized just right for them!
Eddie at EdVenture in Columbia, SC
Eddie!
You can’t miss him, he’s the world’s largest child measuring in at over 40 feet tall with a heart weighing over 500 pounds! Eddie is his name, and he will help teach your children all about body organs and their functions!
You can climb up a set of stairs that will take you into his stomach, intestines, heart, and brain. Eddie is the perfect combination of fun and education as his insides are set up like a jungle gym, but with realistic organs – You can hear his beating heart, the electricity inside of his brain as well as his stomach growling when you listen carefully.
As you make your way up, take a tunnel slide back down to his large shoes (which are each about the size of a car, might I add), and start your exploration again! I love that Eddie opens up a door for parents and caregivers to talk to and teach their children about the wonderful things our bodies can do at such an age-appropriate level.
The News Room
Has your child ever wanted to be on TV? If so, head on over to the “News Room.” Here, your child can pretend to be a news anchor or even a producer. With realistic equipment and large TV screens to look up at, this exhibit is sure to be a treat. Be mindful that to get here, you will have to go up a small flight of stairs!
Wags & Whiskers
Get ready to put your children’s pet care abilities to the test! In this area, they will be able to care for a variety of different animals with x-rays, grooming and veterinary tools, and basic pet care needs. Wags & Whiskers teaches your child how to care for the health of their pets through interactive play.
Biolab at EdVenture
Let your child explore their inner scientist in the Biolab, designed to teach kids about biomedical science in a fun way! With teaching laboratories, this exhibit and programming is geared toward kids ages 5 – 14 to spark a lifelong interest in the biomedical field.
Cooking Lab at EdVenture
Enjoy cooking and preparing real food in the Cooking Lab, all while learning about the body, how nutrition is important, and tie all the information together with what is taught in the Biolab.
Outdoor Fun at EdVenture
The outdoor area at EdVenture is made up primarily of water play which is great in the warmer months, but be mindful that your kids may get pretty wet so an extra shirt or full change of clothes isn’t a bad idea! There are also several tricycles and a small, model airplane in this area that kids can climb into and “fly.”
Seasonal Exhibit
The seasonal exhibit changes frequently to match whatever is going on during . . . well, each season! EdVenture often has holiday characters such as Santa and the Easter Bunny set up here. You will also find holiday-specific activities, education on different cultural and traditional beliefs, and goodies throughout the year!
Fly an Airplane on the Second Floor of EdVenture
The second level of the museum is home to all things science, engineering, and technology, but with a closed-off room dedicated to the tiniest explorers.
EdVenture
Flight
This part of the museum is full of flight simulators and educational, hands-on displays that teach children about gravity, the solar system, and how/why some things can take flight while others can’t.
My son’s favorite part of this exhibit is the Boeing 757 cockpit where you can sit in the pilot’s seat, explore the gears, and look out of the windshield at a view of the city.
In this area, you can also create and launch your own paper airplane, climb and play in a rocket ship, read interesting facts about aeronautics, and learn to fly in the Boeing 777 flight simulators.
Maker Works
In this area, your children will be able to create and build. In the “Open Make” center, there are several recycled materials where your kids can cut, glue, fold and color their own creations. There are also several different styles of blocks that can be found – magnetic, large Legos, KAPLA blocks, waffle blocks, etc. that will put your child’s problem-solving and engineering skills to the test!
This part of the museum is best suited for children 5-10 years old, however, with extra assistance, younger children might also be able to engage in some of the play (especially with the building blocks).
My Backyard
Strictly reserved for children 3 years old and younger, here you will find tons of toddler and baby-safe play! There is a treehouse-styled jungle gym, a boat where kiddos can dress up in rain boots and large yellow jackets, puzzles, soft play mats, a ball pit, and several ways to meet the sensory needs of your tots!
As mentioned before, there is also a nursing area and large, family-style restroom within.
Party Room at EdVenture
Looking for the perfect place to host a birthday party? You might want to check out the EdVenture party room! Parties are $300 for non-members and $260 for members. The birthday packages come with several incentives including all-day admission for 35 guests, discounts in the gift shop, downloadable party invitations, 90-minute private party, and more! You can visit the EdVenture Birthday page to check for dates and find out more.
Do you know about Cars and Coffee of the Upstate? This exciting event is back in 2024! This free, quarterly Greenville event features interesting local cars that kids can check out! Kidding Around Contributor Deborah brought her kids recently and tells us all about it so you can plan your own trip to the next Cars and Coffee.
Have kids who like to bowl? Kids can bowl free all summer long with the Kids Bowl Free program. They’ll get two free games every day at participating bowling alleys. Plus, the Kids Bowl Free people thought of everything with a heavily discounted Family Pass so the grown-ups can join the kids in the summer bowling fun. What a great opportunity to make memories this summer without breaking the break. We have done all the research so you can fill out the registration form and start bowling!
Is the Kids Bowl Free program legit? You bet. We have the answers to all your questions about the program so you can plan your summer and register now.
Ready to celebrate Holi in Greenville, SC? Locally, this springtime Hindu festival will be celebrated on March 31st, 2024 at the Vedic Center of Greenville in Mauldin. Learn about this family-friendly event where you can experience Holi in Greenville, SC.
