Stepp’s Apple Orchard is a family-owned orchard in Hendersonville, NC. They have u-pick apples, lots of fun family activities on weekends, and pretty amazing cider and pumpkin donuts.
Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard is the very first u-pick apple orchard in Henderson County and has been in operation for more than 50 years. They know what they’re doing, and we had to go check it out for ourselves. Honestly, I went for the pumpkin donuts. I love apple cider donuts, but pumpkin? Yes, please!
One thing that stood out to me immediately was just how super nice and helpful everyone at the orchard was. They have u-pick apples, pre-picked apples, a big store that sells homemade soap, t-shirts, and honey, a bakery, corn maze, pumpkin patch, jumping pillow, apple canon, and wagon ride. Some of these activities are only available on weekends, which I’ll tell you about in this review.
Did you know you can bring the kids and visit the Walhalla State Fish Hatchery for free? The hatchery, located in Mountain Rest, SC, is responsible for stocking trout in a number of waterways and lakes in the Upstate. You’ll get a chance to see trout in various stages of their life cycle, enjoy the grounds, picnic, hike and even fish in the East Fork Chattooga River. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the Walhalla State Fish Hatchery.
Visiting the Walhalla State Fish Hatchery: Things to Do
We love free activities and here’s one you can do to relieve school doldrums. Only an hour and a half drive is the Walhalla State Fish Hatchery (WSFH). Located 21 miles north of Walhalla in Sumter National Forest, the hatchery is open to visitors daily.
Allow about 1.5-2 hours for your tour which consists of the Hatchery Building, walking around the outdoor fish raceway, and feeding the fish.
After your tour, make a day of it and you can picnic in the shady Chattooga Picnic Area which is adjacent to the hatchery.
There is a barrier-free fishing pier, accessible in the East Fork which runs through the hatchery grounds.
If you are not up to fishing, you can choose to hike 2.5 miles to the main Chattooga River. Pick-up a map from the Hatchery office.
Brief History of the Hatchery
One of five fish hatcheries in South Carolina, it is operated by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. WSFH raises brown, brook and rainbow trout for stocking the public waters of South Carolina. Most of the trout are cultured to a catchable size of 9-12″ before they are released.
Approximately 500,000 trout are produced and stocked annually by the WSFH. We especially enjoyed seeing the very large trout (5-15 pounds) kept at the Hatchery for public viewing.
How to tour the Hatchery
You may call ahead to arrange a guided tour, but the hatchery is open to walk-ins. Upon entering the Hatchery property, pick up a brochure or print a brochure from the hatchery website.
Hatchery Building
I suggest that you start your visit at the Hatchery building first before you visit the outdoor raceway sections. The Hatchery building has a video introduction about the site and the life cycle of a trout. Around the building are informative interpretative wall signs for your reading pleasure. Feel free to approach Hatchery employees who are used to being asked questions by curious visitors.
Inside the building, we found vats of thousands of small trout or fry (trout babies) no more than 2 inches long. Once they grow to 2 inches, they are brought outside to grow some more. Do not feed the fish fry as they are on a special diet!
Outdoor Fish Raceways and Where to Feed the Fish
Outside the Hatchery building are long fish raceways. The one with the covered shed is where the brood fish(parent fish) are stocked. Use your quarters here to purchase a fistful of fish food. The fish here are very active and kids get a kick out of all the attention they get with the fish pellets.
Note: Before going, take some quarters with you from home for fish food. These fish pellets are dispensed by machine and the only food you’re allowed to feed the fish with. After a couple of feeding rounds, we just challenged the kids to hunt around for fish pellets that fell on the ground.
Plan your own visit
Their site recommends visiting the Hatchery in the fall, as this is the best time to view the full life cycle of the trout (specifically the eggs and sac fry).
Walhalla State Fish Hatchery 198 Fish Hatchery Road Mountain Rest, SC 29664 864.638.2866 Visit the Walhalla Fish Hatchery website. Open 8 am – 4 pm daily.
Would your kids enjoy a trip to the Walhalla Fish Hatchery?
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If your family is looking for a quick fall or winter getaway that’s a little easier on the bank account and within a couple of hours of the Upstate, we’ve found a few options in the Western North Carolina mountains. From hiking to waterfalls to fly fishing to history, there is something the whole family will love.
Just north of the Upstate lies the
gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Land of the
Waterfalls, an incredibly beautiful part of North Carolina that is within easy
driving distance for Greenville families and full of opportunities to explore
the outdoors and make wonderful memories together.
The window between late fall and the end of the winter is the off-season, or Shoulder Season in some places, for the area, when leaf-peeping crowds head home and the chillier weather sets in. This is the time for budget-minded families to hop in the car and escape for an off-season getaway because prices for almost everything are so much cheaper than other times of the year.
Free Things to Do
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited in the country, is just beyond Cherokee, NC or Bryson City. There is no admission costs and while the road to the Clingman’s Dome, the highest point in the region, is often closed during the winter, there are free hikes to enjoy as well as the Junior Ranger Program at the Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg.
If you love unexplained mysteries, your family needs to check out Judaculla Rock, a huge boulder with unexplained petroglyphs said to be carved by Indians possibly thousands of years ago. It’s located in Cullowhee, NC.
The kids will remember a trip to the Jackson County Green Energy Park where they will be able to see glass blowers, potters, and blacksmiths all at work harnessing otherwise harmful greenhouse gas from landfills into clean energy to create their art. Pretty cool. Tours are available and the park is located in Dillsboro, NC.
Outdoor Adventures
Waterfalls
Cashiers is located in the Land of the Waterfalls – we love this area and you can read more about our week-long trip to the area, also called Sapphire Valley – and there are truly beautiful waterfalls to see. During the wintertime, if it’s cold enough the water will turn to ice and the falls become a whole other kind of stunning. Silver Run Falls is essentially a no-hike waterfall, perfect for swimming in the summer but just as pretty in the winter and located right outside Cashiers.
Silver Fun Falls in wintertime. | Photo courtesy of Jackson County TDA.
Schoolhouse Falls is in Panthertown Valley and around a three-mile roundtrip hike. The falls empty into a huge pool of water that is popular for fly fishermen and you can also walk behind the falls if the water level is low enough.
Mingo Falls in Cherokee is another stunning waterfall. It’s only a quarter-mile hike to see the falls but you have to climb 161 stairs!
For a more challenging hike, head to Rainbow Falls in Gorges State Park, a huge 150-foot waterfall that is amazing. It’s a four-mile somewhat difficult hike, especially on the way back to the car, but totally worth it. I’ve taken my kids, ages 9 and 6, and they were able to do the hike in the hot summer weather, so it depends on your family’s abilities (and patience).
Fly Fishing
Even though I’ve never fly fished, although I’d love to, I enjoy watching the fishermen on the water whenever I see them during hikes. They look so relaxed. The Tuckaseegee River flows through a scenic mountain valley and several quaint communities up in Western NC. Jackson County is known as the North Carolina Trout Capital and home of the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail.
The river is very accessible for fishing and teeming with brown, rainbow, and brook trout – the river is stocked with almost 93,000 fish annually. Winter is actually prime fly-fishing time and because they are often feeding more during the day and since the state stocks the river in the fall, you have a really good chance of getting bites. You can bring your own equipment or rent from local outfitters.
Fly fishing at Schoolhouse Falls in Panthertown Valley
Snow Tubing and Skiing
I’ve just started getting into snow tubing with my kids (partially because I’m terrible at skiing) and it’s so fun. All you need to do is get in a giant tube and slide down a mountain. Most places let even small kids do it so it’s perfect for the whole family. You can see our reviews of Moonshine Mountain near Hendersonville and Wolf Ridge in Mars Hill, NC, and learn about what to do when you go and how to prepare for all the fun you’ll have.
Moonshine Mountain snow tubing
Up near Cashiers is also the Sapphire Valley Resort, which has snow tubing and skiing. Before your visit, check the webcam to make sure the slopes are white. Those who prefer a tube will enjoy the 700-foot, multi-lane tubing run with steep walls on both sides to allow for more control at Frozen Falls Tube Park. Lift tickets are available for $70 for adults and $44 for children 12 and under. Those interested in partaking in the adventure that awaits at the Frozen Falls Tube Park can do so for $30 for a 1.75-hour session. Don’t miss the Outhouse Races in February.
Parades & Holiday Fun
Cashiers has a wonderful Christmas parade near the beginning of December, which is the perfect day trip. We love it so much we have a story about this cute Cashiers’s Christmas Parade.
Cashiers Christmas Parade. | Photo courtesy of Jackson County TDA.
Other holiday events in Western NC are the Lights and Luminaries in Dillsboro and Christmas in Sylva.
A reader-favorite holiday activity is the Polar Express at the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad in Bryson City. They start rides in November.
It’s a holiday tradition for many families in the Upstate and something both kids and adults alike look forward to. The other fun Polar Express train runs out of the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, NC – our readers also love this one!
Where to Stay
Lodging options in this region
include everything from cabins, hotels, bed & breakfasts, AirBnBs, motels, yurts,
and even campgrounds.
I’ve stayed at homes at the Sapphire Valley Resort that was booked through Airbnb and VRBO.com. You can search for hotels and motels online – a quick search for Western NC hotels in early December came back with prices from around $89/night up through the $180s/night depending on lodging options. Almost everything will be far less expensive in summer and fall.
As a STAY22 Affiliate, Kidding Around earns when you book through some of these links.
Up in Dillsboro is the Best Western Plus River Escape Inn & Suites, which sits right on the river and where many of the rooms overlook the waterway. It’s also only 30 minutes from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, has a free hot breakfast every morning, and an indoor heated swimming pool.
A favorite lodging option is Sky Ridge Yurts in Bryson City. Not only are the yurts plain cool and unique, but they are also comfortable, clean, and have amazing views of the mountains. They book up quickly during prime Polar Express weekends but may have some weekday availability, especially during the winter and into January/February.
The Hot Springs Resort is on our bucket list – this is a place where you can soak in natural mineral water. Ahh, so relaxing.
Sky Ridge Yurts
Where to Eat
Slab Town Pizza in Cashiers is a favorite of mine. Their pizza is perfection and they also offer calzones, salads, and sandwiches. Buck’s Coffee in Cashiers is great if you need some hot chocolate or baked goods while enjoying the Christmas parade. Whiteside Brewing Co., also in Cashiers, has a family-friendly atmosphere with good food and drink.
And Papas & Beer near the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville is fantastic. They serve affordable and tasty Mexican cuisine and are only about an hour from Greenville.
Are you looking for a day trip that is a little more spooky? These Halloween trips are worth the drive! You will find special Halloween-themed events in South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee that will make for a memorable time with your family. These events go all out with spectacular light shows, costumed characters, and out-of-this-world Halloween displays. Let us know how you’re celebrating Halloween in 2023 in the comments.
Halloween at Stone Mountain on October 18, 2019. Photo by Steven Bridges
Celebrating Halloween In 2023
We found some great day trip activities to celebrate Halloween this year. They are not only entertaining, but they will get you exploring a new town. These festivities make a great day trip or a weekend getaway! We’ve compiled extra info if you decide to make a trip of it!
Halloween Trips to Georgia
If you’re thinking of making a weekend out of Halloween this year, check out our Guide to Travel in Georgia for ideas to fill out your itinerary.
Halloween at Stone Mountain on October 18, 2019. Photo by Steven Bridges
Stone Mountain Pumpkin Festival
1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain GA
The Glow By Night Experience is a journey through a storybook tale that comes to life with thousands of glowing lights, massive carved pumpkins, jack-o-lanterns, bubbles, fog, and plenty of kid-friendly, glow-in-the-dark adventures after dark.
September 16th- October 29th, 2023
Adult (ages 12+) $39.95 / Child (ages 3-11) $34.95 / Children two years and younger are free.
In addition to all of the fun Six Flags Over Georgia normally offers, guests will experience Halloween-themed extras. Live character interactions and shows top off the list of themed things you can expect. Kids Boo Fest is spooky fun for all ages, including trick-or-treating, family-friendly rides, and other fall activities.
September 16th – October 29th, 2023 (select dates)
Augusta is hosting its annual historic cemetery tour. Notable “spirits” come to life! This ghost tours aims to increase awareness of Augusta’s past by connecting current residents and visitors with the people and places that still influence us today through their contributions to Augusta’s cultural legacy.
Dollywood guests will be invited nightly to glow with Great Pumpkin LumiNights. This event was named the “#1 Theme Park Halloween Event in 2019″ by USA Today.
Thousands of Jack-O-lanterns, special fall treats and more are waiting for you this Halloween at Dollywood, September 20th – October 30th, 2023
Select Dates September 15th through October 29th, 2023
SCarowinds tickets begin at $45, Great Pumpkin Fest tickets are general admission tickets
SCarowinds
SCarowinds is one of the Carolina’s biggest Halloween events and a top Halloween themed destination, happening September 15, 2023 through October 29th, 2023. The theme park has evening events that contain haunted mazes, scare zones, live entertainment, and more. It is a scary event, not for small children!
Carowinds’ fall and Halloween event for families, the Great Pumpkin Fest has all the regular Carowinds fun, plus great fall and festive Halloween activities with just a tiny bit of spooky. It’s happening Saturdays and Sundays September 16th, 2023 through October 29th, 2023. Enjoy a haybale maze, craft corner, soapy mummy pit, trick-or-treat trail, festive games, live entertainment, and lots more!
Head to Brevard, North Carolina this October for this annual, family-friendly event! Pumpkin Fest runs from October 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, and 27-28, 2023, and features displays of lighted carved pumpkins, local musicians, fun and games for the entire family, food trucks, storytellers, face painting, a tour of the mansion, and of course, a white squirrel scavenger hunt! The event is sponsored by Friends of Silvermont, and admission is $7 per person ages 13 or older, and $5 for ages 3 – 12. Ages 2 and under are free.
Halloween Trips in South Carolina
South Carolina Railroad Museum: Pumpkin Patch
110 Industrial Park Road, Winnsboro, SC
Hop aboard for a train ride to the pumpkin patch! When guests arrive at the patch, kids will choose a pumpkin and decorate it with provided supplies. There will also be a maze and games at the patch to enjoy for about 40 minutes before heading back aboard the train to return to the museum.
October 21st and October 28th, 2023
Purchase tickets in advance. They range from $17 to $120 depending on the seating class purchased.
SC State Museum- Dark History Tours
Visit the SC State Museum for a special kind of history tour full of spooky legendary tales from South Carolina’s history. Tours are self-guided and are available every day, or you can attend an educator-led guided tour any Saturday in October at 10:30 am or 2:30 pm. These tours are included in regular museum admission.
If you are looking for a fun, family-friendly activity that is great for younger children, then the Silva Terra Not-So-Spooky Halloween Trail in Liberty, South Carolina is perfect! The cost is $9 per person, with games, photo ops, and lots of interactive activities. You can even visit Casper’s barn and visit with the farm animals.
Hours for the Not So Spooky Halloween Trail are:
10/14-10/15 Sat/Sun 9:30-3:30 pm
10/21-10/22 Sat/Sun 10:00-5:00 pm
10/28-10/29 Sat/Sun 10:00-5:00 pm
10/31/2023 Tuesday 11:00-3:00 pm
Not So Spooky Halloween Trail, Silva Terra Nature Park
If spending the night in haunted hotels or cabins sounds like an excellent way to spend Halloween, don’t miss our list of Haunted Cabins, Hotels, and Tours.
Find More Halloween Things to Do
5 Things to Do With All That Candy: Halloween Candy Buyback Program: Greenville, SC & More
2023 Halloween Meal Deals and Kids Eat Free: Halloween Deals Near Greenville, SC
Best Neighborhoods for Trick-or-Treating in Spartanburg, SC
You can explore Lake Glenville, the highest elevation lake in the Eastern US, in Jackson County, North Carolina by boat with Lake Glenville Scenic Scenic Waterfall Cruises. We did the beautiful boat tour and will tell you all you need to know to enjoy the scenic lake. We have information about Lake Glenville, including: What you’ll see on the waterfall tour Tips for your boat trip How to book your waterfall tour
Thanks to Jackson County, North Carolina for hosting us and providing the opportunity to take the boat tour.
There’s something really special about mountain lakes. Maybe it’s that crisp mountain air, the ancient hills that loom in the distance, that clear water – whatever it is, that’s where I want to be. So when I had the opportunity to take a boat tour with Captain Mark and his scenic boat cruise on Lake Glenville – the only boat tour company that operates on the lake – I was all in. We got to see waterfalls, a bald eagle nest, and enjoy the beauty of the lake. Plus, it’s only a short drive from Cashiers, so you can add it to your itinerary when visiting the area.
Have you ever wanted to walk the Yellow Brick Road to the Land of Oz? Well, your chance to walk that Yellow Brick Road, meet Dorothy, and so much more about three hours from Upstate, SC. We have all the details on what to expect, where to eat, and where to stay when you head to the Land of Ozthe last three weekends in September 2024.
This review is a combination of trips in 2019, 2022, and 2023. Thank you to the Land of Oz for providing media tickets so we could write this review.
Only a true lover of the paranormal would be searching for “Haunted places to stay near me”, and we have the list for you! These haunted vacation rentals, cabins, and historic hotels come along with eery legends, ghost stories, and creepy vibes. We have haunted places to stay in South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia that will make for a memorable night full of ghost stories and creepy sounds. Plus, some pretty neat ghost tours in hub cities for spooky activity, like Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, SC!
Kidding Around earns when you book through some of the links on this page due to an affiliate relationship with Stay 22.
Haunted Places to Stay Near Me: South Carolina
Halloween is coming up. If excitement and adventures are more suited to your family than cartoon character costumes and mountains of candy, perhaps a weekend stay at one of these (allegedly) haunted accommodations is perfect!
Annie’s Inn was once a hospital, and the main ghost of the residence is one of a little girl who roams the halls looking for her mother. People have reported hearing the girl’s voice calling for her mother, only to see no one there.
Embassy Suites – Greenville, South Carolina The Embassy Suites hotel is new, and while there have been no ghost sightings, there have been other unusual events. Usually, hauntings are associated with older buildings; however, bizarre things are going on in the hotel.
During construction, the builders of the hotel claim reports of lights coming on despite the electricity not being wired yet. This phenomenon of unexplained lights continues, and guests report hearing the wailing coming from the walls.
The resident spirit, Nancy, will separate the believers and the skeptics. Is that the sound of her crying or just the breaking of the floorboards beneath your feet? Only one way to find out.
Regardless of what happens, you’re in for a memorable Halloween when you stay at the 3,500-square-foot lodge situated far away from noisy trick-or-treating. Plus, you’ll be staying where US President Lyndon B Johnson once stayed.
A luxury hotel dating back to 1925, reports of hauntings include an elderly man appearing unannounced in guest rooms before vanishing, and a ghost peering out of windows on the third floor. Who is he? Book a stay at the Westin Poinsett this Halloween and see if you can find out.
Reportedly the home of 2 ghostly figures, guests say you may run into a ghost named Abraham on the ground floor. The second figure is an unnamed Scottsman reportedly seen on the main staircase. How do they know the second ghost is from Scotland? Or that the first ghost’s name is Abraham?
Perhaps you’d better book a room this Halloween and ask them yourself. Hopefully, he is a friendly ghost!
A heartbroken man is the ghost of this Charleston hotel. He lept to his death when his love story didn’t work out the way he’d planned. Rumor has it he likes to open windows in the hotel and is sometimes seen as a crying ghostly figure in the hall. Be sure to check out White Point Gardens, just an 8-minute drive from the Francis Marion Hotel, for the chance to see a pirate ghost!
The Embassy Suites in Charleston’s historic district off of Meeting Street is designated as a Civil War monument. As one of the most well-known haunted hotels in Charleston, SC, it’s easy to see why.
It is said to be frequented by ghosts of former soldiers, who feel entitled to the hotel’s many amenities including corner suites with jacuzzi tubs.
If you’ve lived in the Carolinas long enough, you will have heard of the Gray Man. It’s said that if you see the apparition of a man when a hurricane is approaching, take heed and evacuate immediately. The legend indicates that those who listen and leave usually have all of their worldly possessions spared from the storm. The Gray man frequents the Inn area and has saved the property from two major hurricanes when others weren’t as lucky.
Pawley’s Island
While in Charleston, SC, be sure to check out the Haunted Harbor Tours with Sandlapper Water Tours! The guy who runs Sandlapper Water Tours literally wrote several books on ghosts of Charleston, so you have a true expert.
Haunted Places to Stay Near Me: Tennessee
While some places seem to be more haunted than others, Tennessee seems to have a good bit of spooky hotels thanks to gore, war, and tragedy. If you are looking for a weekend away, here are some one-tank trip destinations in Tennessee that you can enjoy the weekend exploring.
This historic hotel hid a delightful surprise that we discovered after our arrival. Read our review for all the details about the Read House haunted hotel and our time in Chattanooga. One of our writers stayed at the Read House, and they even got to visit the haunted room 311 and learn about the murder that occurred there. Maybe you will be one of the lucky ones to stay in room 311 yourself!
There is no shortage of ghost stories in Chattanooga! You can take a self-guided tour to the locations listed as some of Chattanooga’s Most Haunted Places.
Georgia has the old South vibe, and with that vibe comes tales of swamp ghosts, haunted hotels, Civil War-era apparitions, and more! You will also find haunted ghost tours in Savannah and Atlanta that we highly recommend.
Tales of hauntings abound at the Marshall House, formerly a hospital during the Civil War and through yellow fever epidemics. Widely recognized as a haunted place, it’s featured on haunted tours of Savannah and even on haunted travel-themed shows on the Travel Channel.
This quaint 1,000-square-foot cottage that dates to 1799 served as a filming location for Robert Redford’s 2010 crime drama, “The Conspirator.” The former resident, Laura, who called the cottage home for 50 years, is often blamed for unexplained events. People report seeing the opening and shutting of windows, flickering of lights, and the smell of burning wood without fire lit or an obvious source. Maybe the ghost of a southern belle will show up.
Are you looking for more spirited fun on your trip? Book a tour provided by local experts for the perfect weekend.
Fraidy Cat Haunted History & Ghost Walk – Savannah, GA Join a fun, spooky family-friendly stroll through gorgeous Savannah. Always fact-based, using first-hand historical accounts, you will hear details of the creepy locations and fascinating ghosts that make Savanah the most haunted city in the US. Discover Savannah’s many secrets, stroll creepy parks, view haunted antebellum mansions, and find Savannah’s hidden burial grounds – places few locals know about or ever see.
Learn why Savannah is haunted, about our most famous ghosts, and our curious history.
They offer smaller tour sizes for a more friendly, intimate experience.
Formerly the Winecoff Hotel, this was the site of the deadliest hotel fire in US history. Like the famous “Unsinkable” Titanic, this hotel was branded as fireproof when built-in 1913. However, nearly every feature of the hotel lent itself to feeding the flames or trapping people. Over 100 people, including the original owners, died that day.
Current day guests report seeing terrified apparitions running through the halls, screaming, and the fire alarm all going off at around the time the fire broke out that day in 1946.
Experience an evening of chills & thrills on Stillwell’s From the Grave and Beyond Haunted Tour. Guests will participate for 1 hour at The Historic Stillwell House. The tour will engage guests with information about the house, including its original homeowners, history as a Civil War hospital, and the spooky personal experiences of many who have walked through its doors.
The Stillwell House is also a bed and breakfast and rooms can be booked.
Heading to Georgia? Here’s our Travel Guide to Georgia. It’s full of things to do, towns to explore, and not-to-miss adventures to help you plan your trip.
Have you visited Caesars Head State Park for hiking, picnics, site-seeing, and more? Dramatic views over the Upstate along with easy access and ample parking make for a winning combination at one of our favorite South Carolina State Parks – Caesars Head! Here’s everything you need to know!
About the Caesars Head State Park Area
Caesars Head and Jones Gap State Park form the 11,000-acre Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, and are connected by several hiking trails including the popular Rim of the Gap Trail and Jones Gap Trail. Less than a mile from the Caesars Head Visitor Center is another favorite trail – Raven Cliff Falls Trail, which takes you to a platform that looks across the gorge at the 420-foot waterfall.
Trails in both Caesars Head and Jones Gape State Park range from easy to strenuous hiking.
Gorgeous Views Without the Hiking: Caesars Head State Park
However, you can get the grand panoramic views without the hike by heading to the Visitor Center, which is only a couple hundred feet from the parking lot to the overlook. This time of year you’ll probably meet members of the Hawk Watch program documenting the annual hawk migration; the past few years the numbers of hawks counted peaked a little after mid-September, while large numbers of turkey vultures were seen into November.
Bald eagles and even peregrine falcons can be seen during these months! To get an idea of how the migration is progressing this year, check the daily tallies; those can be viewed on the Hawk Count website. Also, see our article on the Hawk Watch at Caesars Head for additional information and educational resources.
Fall Foliage at Caesars Head
Autumn is a great time to visit for another reason, as the fall foliage in the foothills can be spectacular while cooler temperatures allow for increased visibility. Views extend over Table Rock Reservoir all the way to North Carolina and Georgia. Remember to bring layers, as it is often 10 degrees cooler on Caesars Head than it is down in Greenville and Greenville County.
From the overlook don’t forget to walk the trail around to view “Caesar’s Head” in profile! The trail descends through “Devil’s Kitchen,” a crack in the granitic gneiss rock, and circles around to a viewing area from the side of the outcrop.
If you cross US 276 from the Visitor Center you’ll find the trailhead for Frank Coggins Trail, which mostly serves as a connector to many of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area trails, but is also an easy hike in a less crowded section of Caesars Head.
Amenities at the State Park include restrooms, picnic tables and the Visitor Center, which houses exhibits, hawk displays, and a variety of souvenirs. For those looking for a longer hike, or reservations at one of the 18 backcountry campsites, check in at the Visitor Center for trail maps and information.
Fishing at Caesar’s Head
You can fish for brook, rainbow and brown trout in the Middle Saluda River, as well as Matthews and Julian Creeks.
Plan your own trip to Caesar’s Head
Directions: From Greenville take Hwy. 276 W for about 30 miles. The parking lot and Visitor Center is located at the top of the mountain, 3 miles before the North Carolina border.
Hours and Admission: Trail access cost: $3 adults; $1.50 SC seniors; $1 ages 6-15, ages 5 and younger are free
Days and Hours of Operation: 9 am – 9 pm, daily during daylight saving time. 9 am – 6 pm, daily, the remainder of the year. Trails close one hour before dark, year-round.
Visitor Center Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Monday – Thursday and 9 am – 5 pm Friday – Sunday. The Visitor Center and gift shop are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, however, the park remains open on these days.
Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Owners will be asked to remove noisy or dangerous pets or pets that threaten or harass wildlife.
This article was originally published on Femme au foyer.
Does your family love Caesar’s Head as much as mine does?
Caesars Head State Park 8155 Geer Highway Cleveland, SC
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.
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. To prove it, here’s our list of over 10 fun things you can do with kids in Alpharetta.
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.
Find a place to stay in Alpharetta, GA. This article contains Stay22 affiliate links.
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
Four Fat Cows
For another popular local ice cream option, check out Four Fat Cows. Four Fat Cows offers hand-crafted ice cream, homemade waffle cones, and other desserts. Flavors include specialty ice creams such as strawberry balsamic, huckleberry cobbler, and chocolate pecan. You can also order dairy-free and gluten-free ice cream.
64 North Main Street, Alpharetta, GA
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.
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
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.
Events may be rescheduled or postponed
Touch a Truck
Every child’s imagination will soar as they venture through the parking lot filled with trucks of all shapes and sizes! Kids can see, touch, and explore a fire truck, dump truck, school bus, 18-wheeler, limo, police vehicles, and more. This free event includes animal balloons, face painting, inflatables, and festival food for purchase.
Scarecrow Harvest, September 28-October 30th, 2023
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.
