Are you looking for restaurants where kids eat free in Chattanooga, TN? Whether you’re visiting or a local, we know kids’ meal deals help keep that budget in check, and we have all the information you need on kid-friendly and family-friendly restaurants in Chattanooga where kids eat free, or really cheap.
Finding meals that your kid will enjoy is made easy at these local restaurants that offer meal deals throughout the week.
Grab your calendar and add these restaurants to your meal plan routine for a cheap and stress-free dining experience with the family!
Monday Kids Eat Free in Chattanooga, TN
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Offer: Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entree Time: All day starting August 3rd, 2025 Age: 12 and under At participating locations: 1820 Gunbarrel Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421
Community Pie
Offer: Kids eat free on Mondays if they wear a Community Pie Merch T-shirt Time: All day on Mondays Age: 10 and under At participating locations: 850 Market Street Chattanooga, TN 37402 2006 Hamilton Place Boulevard Chattanooga, TN 37421
Marthie Anne’s Tennessee Blue Plate
Offer: Kids eat free after 4 pm on Sundays through Thursdays with the purchase of an adult meal Time: Sunday-Thursday Age: 11 and under At participating locations: 9453 Bradmore Lane, Ooltewah, TN 37363
Tuesday Kids Eat Free Chattanooga, TN
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Offer: Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entree Time: All day starting August 3rd, 2025 Age: 12 and under At participating locations: 1820 Gunbarrel Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421
Marthie Anne’s Tennessee Blue Plate
Offer: Kids eat free after 4 pm on Sundays through Thursdays with the purchase of an adult meal Time: Sunday-Thursday Age: 11 and under At participating locations: 9453 Bradmore Lane, Ooltewah, TN 37363
Wednesday Kids Eat Free Chattanooga, TN
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Offer: Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entree Time: All day starting August 3rd, 2025 Age: 12 and under At participating locations: 1820 Gunbarrel Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421
Marthie Anne’s Tennessee Blue Plate
Offer: Kids eat free after 4 pm on Sundays through Thursdays with the purchase of an adult meal Time: Sunday-Thursday Age: 11 and under At participating locations: 9453 Bradmore Lane, Ooltewah, TN 37363
Thursday Kids Eat Free Chattanooga, TN
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Offer: Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entree Time: All day starting August 3rd, 2025 Age: 12 and under At participating locations: 1820 Gunbarrel Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421
Sake Roll & Grill
Offer: Kids eat free every Thursday Time: All day Age: 10 and under At participating locations: 5621 Brainerd Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37411
Marthie Anne’s Tennessee Blue Plate
Offer: Kids eat free after 4 pm on Sundays through Thursdays with the purchase of an adult meal Time: Sunday-Thursday Age: 11 and under At participating locations: 9453 Bradmore Lane, Ooltewah, TN 37363
Friday Kids Eat Free Chattanooga, TN
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Offer: Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entree Time: All day starting August 3rd, 2025 Age: 12 and under At participating locations: 1820 Gunbarrel Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421
Mellow Mushroom
Offer: Kids’ night (see store for details) Time: Friday nights Age: 12 and under At participating locations: 205 Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Saturday Kids Eat Free Chattanooga, TN
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Offer: Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entree Time: All day starting August 3rd, 2025 Age: 12 and under At participating locations: 1820 Gunbarrel Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421
Malone’s Chattanooga
Offer: Kids eat free on Saturdays (limit 2 kids per 1 purchased adult meal) Time: Saturdays, 10 am to 11 am Age: 12 and under At participating locations: 2094 Hamilton Place Boulevard, Chattanooga, TN 37421
Sunday Kids Eat Free: Chattanooga, TN
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s
Offer: $1.99 kids’ combos on Sundays Time: All day Age: 12 and under At participating locations: 5958 Snow Hill Road, Suite 100-112, Ooltewah, TN 37363
Malone’s Chattanooga
Offer: Kids eat free on Sundays (limit 2 kids per 1 purchased adult meal) Time: Sundays, 10 am to 11 am Age: 12 and under At participating locations: 2094 Hamilton Place Boulevard, Chattanooga, TN 37421
Marthie Anne’s Tennessee Blue Plate
Offer: Kids eat free after 4 pm on Sundays through Thursdays with the purchase of an adult meal Time: Sunday-Thursday Age: 11 and under At participating locations: 9453 Bradmore Lane, Ooltewah, TN 37363
Inside: All of the off-season and budget-friendly adventures for your family to enjoy!
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.
Take a stroll through the Asheville Botanical Gardens. This garden is free to visit, and parking is free. They host special events and have a gift shop.
Walk around Downtown Asheville, where you will find tons of restaurants, shops, and entertainment to enjoy. The popular Pack Square is downtown and you may even catch a concert there.
Tour The Omni Grove Park Hotel for only $10 per person. This tour will tell you all about the history of the Grove Park. During the holidays, you can enjoy the gingerbread houses that are on display.
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 Hatley Pointe 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.
Inside: Read the review and get a first-hand account of riding and racing on the NEW Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster, with all the information and details you need to go!
Imagine flying on twists and turns on the side of a mountain and racing your kid, friend, or partner to see who can complete the course first. If it sounds like go-kart racing, it is modeled after racecar driving, but the brand-new Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster is even cooler since it’s faster, has amazing views, and you can totally trash-talk your competitor the whole time since you’re racing on parallel tracks.
If you love high-flying, fast adventure, put the Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster on your list the next time you visit the Smokies! Special thanks to the Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster for inviting us to experience this unique adventure.
Look at those views!
Watch Us Race!!
About Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster
The racing coaster is the only one of its kind in the entire world. There is no other parallel mountain coaster like this one, and as someone who has ridden several mountain coasters, I can confirm this one is completely unique.
Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster is owned by BJ and Jessica McLeod. BJ is a NASCAR race car driver, and he and his wife own Live Fast Motorsports. They happened to visit Pigeon Forge and had the idea of a racing alpine coaster. It was literally sketched out on a napkin!
The theme is everywhere
The coaster has two parallel racing tracks and is a timed course. Since there were three of us who went, I rode with my youngest daughter so we could race my other daughter but I saw two adults ride the car together so you could make it work with however many people you have with you.
There are basically two courses that you ride with your ticket and these tracks are fast and fun – and long. They total 7,714ft, nearly 1.5 miles, together. And while you’re pushing hard on the throttle, don’t forget to enjoy the stunning views of the mountains and Pigeon Forge. The tracks even include an 80-foot double helix and a 360-degree spiral tower. It’s a very smooth ride since it’s a double track on the car and not a single track.
Racing the Coasters: “We built this one to start fights between cousins.”
I’m ridiculously competitive by nature and sometimes my daughters like to join in on the trash talking, which we could totally do on this ride because we were side by side. My daughter smoked us on both tracks but even though I lost, I would do it again 100% because it was so much fun.
The ride can get up to 30 mph and there are cameras on the car itself plus others that take photos during the ride and clock your speed. We both got up a little over 25 mph but it felt faster – we were flying around the curves! I was also easily distracted by the views because I just love mountains. The views were stunning.
Getting ready to race
The founders of the Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster set the tone for the ride starting with their website. You know these people are fun when the website reads: “This isn’t just another mountain coaster. It’s the one everyone else is going to wish they built first. We didn’t come to Pigeon Forge to play it safe. We came to build something no one else had the guts to pull off…We built this one to start fights between cousins.”
You know what I’m doing? Going on that coaster.
Nighttime Rides
We rode the coaster during the day but the night photos and videos we saw made us want to come back in the dark! The coaster has an extensive collection of LED lights that run the entire length of the track. You can go race in the dark and start fights with your cousin then.
The coaster is open until 10 pm most nights and some nights until 11 pm. See their website for current hours.
The ultimate spirals
Know Before You Go
It’s important to know these things before you book your ticket:
Must be at least 56″ tall to ride alone.
Weight limit: 375 lbs. in dry weather and 330 lbs. in wet weather conditions.
Riders with back, neck, or other injuries, or those who are pregnant, are not permitted to ride.
Proper footwear recommended, no loose items like hats on the ride.
If you drop something on the ride, you’re not getting it back.
Tickets are $25/adult (ages 13+) and $18/youth (ages 7-12). You can purchase coaster tickets online. Kids ages 3-6 (who are at least 38″ tall) ride free with an accompanying adult ticket. Discounted tickets are sold for further rides and photos and videos of your ride are available for purchase.
Stepp’s 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, a corn maze, a pumpkin patch, a jumping pillow, an apple cannon, and a wagon ride. Some of these activities are only available on weekends, which I’ll tell you about in this review.
Are you looking for a day trip that is a little more spooky? These Halloween travel ideas 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 2025 in the comments.
Halloween at Stone Mountain on October 18, 2019. Photo by Steven Bridges
Celebrating Halloween In 2025! Halloween Travel Ideas
It’s that epic time of year to go all out for Halloween! We found some great day trip activities to celebrate 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 13th- November 2nd, 2025
Adult (ages 12+) $39.99 / Child (ages 3-11) $36.99 / 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 13th – November 2nd, 2025 (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.
Scarecrows in the Garden: Atlanta Botanical Garden
Atlanta, GA
If you are looking for something spectacular that is a little more tame, the Atlanta Botanical Garden will host their annual Scarecrows in the Garden from October 1st – November 2nd, 2025. You will get to explore the fabulous botanical garden while seeing the creative and unique scarecrows as you walk about.
While you’re in Atlanta, check out our Kidding Around® Atlanta Guide for things to do with your kids during your day trip to the ATL.
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. The park is one of the top Halloween destinations in the Southeast because of how well the decorations are executed.
Thousands of Jack-O-lanterns, special fall treats, and more are waiting for you this Halloween at Dollywood, September 12th – October 27th, 2025
SCarowinds is one of the Carolina’s biggest Halloween events and a top Halloween-themed destination, happening September 12th, 2025 – November 2nd, 2025. 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!
Tricks and Treats at Carowinds
Carowinds’ fall and Halloween festival for families, Tricks and Treats, 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 13th, 2025 – November 2nd, 2025. Enjoy seasonal treats, fun costume parades, and more family-friendly fun.
Head to Brevard, North Carolina this October for this annual, family-friendly event! Pumpkin Fest on October 3rd-4th, 10th-11th, 17th-18th, and 24th-25th, 2025. The event typically 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 starts around $7).
Ghost Train at Tweetsie Railroad
Tweetsie Railroad in Boone, NC goes all out for spooky season in the fall with their Ghost Train ride through the park, and we got to check it out, along with all the fun of carnival rides and trick or treating at the park.
We’ve got everything you need to know to plan your family’s trip here!
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 18th and 25th, 2025
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 haunted history guided tour any Saturday in October. Dates for 2025 are TBD.
Each October Conway, SC transforms itself into The City of Halloween. Also known as Hallowen Town, SC the city features tons of Halloween decorations, coffin races, costume contests and loads of festive events. Get the full schedule and all the details in our Halloween Town, SC story.
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.
Four spacious covered wagons await your next adventure at the Travelers Rest KOA in Greenville County, SC. The campground is beautiful and in an ideal location for that little family getaway you’ve been dreaming about.
Thank you to the Travelers Rest KOA for hosting us so we could do this review!
Always on the hunt for cool places to stay with my kids, when I saw the Travelers Rest KOA – not ten minutes from Main Street in Travelers Rest, SC – post about their brand new covered wagons at the campground, I knew that had to be my next stop. And the fact that it was 30 minutes from where I live in Greenville County was an incredible bonus! If you’re looking for an awesome little getaway that isn’t far, this is it.
This was my first KOA experience and thanks to the pretty awesome managers, Terri & Bill, I learned a lot about the company and this particular site in Northern Greenville County.
I’ll tell you all about the campground, the amenities they offer, the new covered wagons, and nearby activities.
About the KOA in Travelers Rest
Started in 1962 as a campground for travelers, KOA has expanded to over 500 locations in North America. The trademark yellow sign means a place for families to relax and have fun together.
KOA is mostly a franchise operation so many of the individual campgrounds are run and operated by local individuals, which I think really makes each spot unique. Terri and Bill have worked for KOA for many years and have extensive management experience of campgrounds. If they ever decide to write a book, let me tell you that I’d be the first to read it.
The couple moved out here to the Travelers Rest KOA only about a year and a half ago from Wyoming, where they had been managing another KOA campground. They immediately fell in love with Travelers Rest and Terri tells me the people here really make it feel like home. She just loves the community.
The couple has done a lot to make the particular campground welcoming and enjoyable for all guests. They have a seasonal pool open usually Memorial Day through Labor Day, a playground, a nature trail, basketball hoop, an enclosed area for dogs to run around in, giant Connect 4 and Checkers, and space to ride bikes. At the covered wagon sites, there are horseshoe pits, cornhole, and roping of steers. It’s a blast!
Each site also has its own raised charcoal grill and the covered wagons all have firepits and chairs. There are RV sites, cabins, and the covered wagons at the KOA in Travelers Rest.
The Beautiful Covered Wagons
The four covered wagons are from Kansas from a company called Plains Craft. These wagons are surprisingly spacious and comfortable. I was only there with my two kids and we had plenty of space.
There are currently four wagons: two of them sleep four people (one bunk bed and one king bed), one sleeps two people in a king bed, and one sleeps six people (two bunk beds and a king bed). That last one could probably even fit a pack n play if needed – there’s that much space.
Each wagon has a mini-fridge, Keurig coffee maker, and microwave. I had precooked our dinner before we came so I just heated it up because I really didn’t prepare well. I totally slacked on bringing ingredients for s’mores or anything to grill. So don’t be like me – bring those s’mores ingredients at least. You can purchase firewood on site.
There is a big open space at the end of the covered wagons that has two horseshoe pits, two steers to practice roping on because now you’re a cowboy, and cornhole. My girls loved playing all of these games.
We also appreciated the little free library at the campsite since I failed to bring games with me. They had some in there that we were able to borrow and play. Each covered wagon also has its own deck with a table and chairs and grill. This is perfect to enjoy the nearby creek and quiet of the campground. We loved this aspect of the KOA. Granted, we went during the week so it wasn’t as busy but the property is a little slice of paradise in Northern Greenville County, tucked away for its guests to enjoy.
Everything was totally clean and inviting, from the wagons themselves to the grounds of the campground.
All the wagons have heat and air conditioning. As of this writing, the price for one night in a wagon is around $145.
The Bathhouse
The wagons are not outfitted with individual bathrooms so you will have to take a little walk to get to them, about three minutes away on the gravel road.
The bathhouse is really nice! There are three separate stalls that each have a bathroom and shower. They lock individually so you have total privacy. There’s also an outdoor sink for washing dishes or brushing your teeth.
Be sure to bring your own towels.
Things to do Nearby
The KOA in Travelers Rest is at the perfect location for dining and adventure. There are lots of great restaurants nearby plus trails upon trails upon trails.
Where to eat
Williams Pit Stop
About five minutes from the Travelers Rest KOA on Hwy 25 is Williams Pit Stop, where you’ll be greeted by traditional Southern charm and a very affordable menu of Mike & Jeffs BBQ and loaded hot dogs. Don’t miss this gem.
2001 Highway 25, Travelers Rest
Tandem Creperie
Located in downtown Travelers Rest, Tandem is known for their incredible sweet and savory crepes. This is the perfect way to start your day.
2 S Main Street, Travelers Rest
TReehouse Cafe & Art Studio
Readers will recognize this place as it’s one of our favorites! Owner Kristen is such a gem and works so hard to make the cafe a place of welcome and creativity. You can get breakfast, lunch, and coffee here alongside a serving of art!
27 S Main Street, Travelers Rest
Whistle Stop Cafe
If your kid loves trains, this is the place to take them. You can’t miss it as they have a giant mural of a train on the side of the restaurant, which serves up typical American cuisine of burgers and sandwiches.
109 Main Street, Travelers Rest
Aunt Sue’s Country Corner
Open seasonally, Aunt Sue’s is a good place to stop after a hike to eat some ice cream and shop at the little general store for candles and other homemade goodies. There’s also a restaurant there serving up a buffet lunch or dinner.
107 Country Creek Dr A, Pickens
Where to play
TR Makers Co.
Also located in downtown Travelers Rest, TR Makers Co. is the perfect place to shop for local goods as well as try your own hand at making some art. They have an array of different classes and it’s a fun spot to visit.
2 S Main Street, Travelers Rest
Table Rock State Park
Hike the two-mile, kid-friendly Carrick Creek trail for beautiful creek crossings and waterfalls or test your endurance on the strenuous 7.5 mile Table Rock Summit Trail. Or just take a walk around the lake for incredible views of Table Rock, go for a swim at the beach, or picnic by the playground. You can’t go wrong spending a day at Table Rock State Park.
158 Ellison Lane, Pickens
Table Rock Summit
Table Rock Tea Company
Did you know there’s a tea farm in the Upstate? It’s the only one and they give tours of the farm, which are incredibly fascinating – plus their tea is really good.
118 High Hills Lane, Pickens
Caesars Head State Park
Another SC State Park that you can’t miss. For the best views of Table Rock, go to Caesars Head. You can also see the hawks migrating there during September. There’s also beautiful hikes – Raven Cliff Falls, Frank Coggins Trail, and the aptly named Dismal Trail.
8155 Geer Highway, Cleveland
Jones Gap State Park
Another gem of a park in the Upstate, Jones Gap boasts stunning hiking trails, especially the most popular one to Rainbow Falls. It’s a tough four-mile trek but well worth the effort. Be sure to make reservations for parking on weekends.
303 Jones Gap Road, Marietta
Campbell’s Covered Bridge
Head to the Upstate’s last covered bridge at Campbell’s Covered Bridge in Landrum. It’s a pretty spot for leaf peeping and creek stomping.
171 Campbell Covered Bridge Road, Landrum
Overall Review of the KOA Travelers Rest
There are a lot of reasons why we really enjoyed our stay: the management, the cool accommodations, the peace and quiet- but I think one of the best things was the time I got to spend with my kids where we didn’t need to put a lot of miles on the car and drive far.
It was so, so easy to come to the KOA in Travelers Rest and feel a world away from our everyday lives. It’s such a great local getaway and one that really works for families who want to do something fun but who aren’t sure yet of a bigger trip or who maybe just don’t have the time to drive hours each way for a short getaway. Kids will absolutely love this place and there is plenty of space for them to run around and play and enjoy the outdoors.
And I was so impressed with Terri and Bill as managers. It was plainly obvious how much they loved their work at the campground and how much they wanted to make it a special place for families or anyone looking to get outside and enjoy nature.
To book your own covered wagon, you can call the campground at 864.834.8150 or reserve online.
Have you visited Caesars Head State Park for hiking, picnics, sightseeing, 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.
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: 9 am – 5 pm. 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
Inside: All of the details for the best haunted places to stay in the south to catch some exciting paranormal activities!
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.
Places to Stay that are Said to be Haunted: South Carolina
Halloween is coming up. There is no shortage of haunted places in the south to stay. So, 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 in Charleston, 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 to learn more about the rich history of the coast! 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: 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.
Paranormal investigators LOVE this hotel that has a terrifying story to go along with it. 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 in the early 20th century. Maybe you will be one of the lucky ones to stay in room 311 yourself!
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. Maybe you’ll come across a cold spot or two.
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.
Are you looking for a way to sneak in a trip to the South Carolina coast with the kids, while also working in some educational content? There are so many opportunities for educational things to do in Charleston, SC! We’re sharing our recent educational trip to Charleston, SC with you just in case you want to explore, learn, and expand your knowledge, too.
Charleston is so rich with opportunities for learning. You, the parent might even learn some fun things along the way.
Like did you know a famous poet called one of the barrier islands home for a short time, prior to his fame?
You might know that the Civil War started in Charleston Harbor, but did you know what started it?
Did you know that there is a certain behavior that the dolphin pods residing in Charleston Harbor teach their young, which isn’t seen anywhere else?
See right there we covered language arts, history and science. That’s just a drop in the bucket of the things you can discover in Charleston, not to mention getting to relax in a beautiful setting.
For more things to see and do while in Charleston, check out our huge Guide To Charleston, SC.
Accommodations for this trip were generously provided by The Hotel Indigo Mount Pleasant. All opinions are my own, honest and genuine.
Educational Things to Do in Charleston, SC
Here are some of the fun educational things we found in in Charleston, SC:
The Young Soldier Stationed At Fort Moultrie
Subjects: Language Arts and History
On May 26th a young man enlisted in the Army, unable to afford the last three years of university and left without options. He lied about his age and his name and after just two short years of a five year term, he “hired” someone to complete his term.
That young man’s name was Edgar Allan Poe, and evidence of his short stay on Sullivan’s Island is all around you when you visit. If you are very clever, you can slip some Poe related math into your lesson.
Poe was a huge fan of ciphers, and your kids probably will be too! The “Gold Bug” was inspired by his time on Sullivan’s Island and involves a treasure hunt.
While you’re visiting Sullivan’s Island and Fort Moultrie, go behind the visitors’ center. There you will find a small black bench. Have a seat. That bench was placed there as a place to memorialize the history of enslaved Africans, and a place for people to reflect. When seated on “The Bench By The Road”, the first of many to have been placed since 2008, you’ll be looking out onto the water where most enslaved people entered this country.
This provides you with a great opportunity to talk to children about what it must have felt like to be brought to a foreign land, and how they would feel.
There are endless opportunities around Charleston to learn about slavery. One of my favorite “hands-on” opportunities is on Philadelphia Alley in the historic district. You and your children can stroll this brick-paved alley and find the handprints left behind by the slaves that formed the bricks at local plantations. Those bricks can also be found in the buildings at the local plantations, like Boone Hall Plantation.
The Unique Dolphins Of Charleston Harbor
Subject: Science
There are so many different things that are different ecologically in the Low Country from what we have around us in the Upstate. I love that in just a few hours we can go from a mountain ecosystem to a coastal one. This provides our children with so many opportunities to learn about the environment!
As a volunteer with a research laboratory in Florida while in college, I sat next to a Loggerhead Sea Turtle nest as it unexpectedly erupted. If I could somehow provide everyone on the planet with that magical experience I would. The next best thing is learning about them from afar, and maybe if you time your trip to the coast right, you could have a once in a lifetime sea turtle experience, too.
A more common sight off the shores of Charleston are the pods of wild dolphins that call these waters home. But these aren’t just any dolphins, they are so unique that they have been the subject of research studies. No one knows why, but the dolphins that are native to this area do something called strand-feeding.
Learning Opportunities
Read all about strand-feeding along the South Carolina Coast.
There is a good deal of eco-tours that will take you around the harbor and some will even have an ecology expert on board. We recently took an eco-tour with Sandlapper Tours and would recommend it as a safe option to learn about the ecology of the coastal waters.
Another option for aquatic study while in Charleston is a visit to the South Carolina Aquarium. You can use a virtual aquarium field trip, or go in person and then do the activities found online. The Aquarium is a great way to learn about the ecology of our state!
Home Away From Homeschool
Hotel Indigo Mount Pleasant
The Hotel Indigo Mount Pleasant generously provided us with a home-away-from-homeschool for this article and we loved our time there. Schoolwork is hard work, and it’s nice to have a place you feel safe to kick back and relax afterward. The hotel has an on-site restaurant, a huge outdoor pool deck, and heightened cleaning protocols.
Eliza’s Bar + Kitchenhas delicious options for any meal of the day. The kids loved having chocolate chip Belgian waffles for breakfast! My favorite was the wedge salad at dinner, make sure you get the ranch dressing. The rooms also include a properly functioning mini-fridge. Something we find essential when traveling because there are always leftovers!
For those traveling with pets, The Hotel Indigo is pet-friendly too! There are several great travel packages that include meals, pet stays, and more on the Hotel Indigo Mount Pleasant website
We love staying in Mount Pleasant because it’s centrally located. The Hotel Indigo is just a short drive across the Ravenel Bridge to the downtown area, and you don’t have to pay downtown parking prices, in fact, parking here is totally free!
Travel Times to Popular Destinations from Hotel Indigo Mount Pleasant :
Patriots Point – 3 minutes
The South Carolina Aquarium – 9 minutes
Sullivan’s Island – 10 minutes
Historic Charleston – 11 minutes
Isle Of Palms – 14 minutes
Folly Beach – 24 minutes
Kiawah Island – 58 minutes
Have you found an awesome way to work homeschooling or an educational aspect into a trip to Charleston? We’d love to know in the comments!
Are you looking for a South Carolina town day trip packed with Revolutionary War history?
We found the perfect spot in nearby Camden, SC, just 2 hours from Greenville. As South Carolina’s earliest inland town, Camden provides opportunities to learn about the American Revolution, enjoy a small-town downtown complete with unique shopping and dining, and even kayak through a state park.
A Couple Tips for Camden, SC
Parking is easy downtown. There is plenty of free street parking.
It’s a friendly town. If you have a question about what to do or eat, just ask.
The City of Camden website is a great place to look for general information on the area.
Mark the brand-new Camden Revolutionary War Visitor Center as not just a great road trip exit but also a destination for day trips. This brand-new facility features educational displays that teach families about the history of Camden and South Carolina’s role in the American Revolution starting with its Native American settlements through the end of the American Revolution.
One thing we appreciated about the display was its nuanced history featuring multiple perspectives and critical thinking questions to spur great discussions with your kids. Life-like statues and exhibits created a special atmosphere.
The Revolutionary War Visitors Center hosts special programming and field trips.
Right next to the Revolutionary War Visitors Center, you can explore colonial backcountry reconstructed buildings along over 100 acres at the Historic Camden Revolutionary War Park. We even found a blacksmith who made a nail for our kids.
You can choose to either take a guided tour (approximately $20/person) or a self-guided tour ($10) of the grounds and buildings. The Kershaw-Cornwallis home (a 1970s replica of the original home of Camden’s founder) is only open to the public for guided tours.
Buildings you’ll see include original buildings with original woodwork from the late 1700s and early 1800s, including the John Craven House, Bonds Conway House, and Cunningham House.
Each 2nd Saturday, the grounds also feature living history demonstrations. Field trips are available upon request.
This site is currently being developed but you will find signage showing the different routes to see the battlefield and educational signage to explain the history of the area. We were on a tight time frame when visiting, but I did walk through the short .2 mile Eagle Loop Trail.
This trail wound through the longleaf pines with signage telling the ecological history of what the mature longleaf pine forest used to look like and the current efforts to regrow the forest. A mature longleaf pine tree takes 120 years to mature so this is a long-term project.
Longleaf Pine Reserve
One interesting thing I learned from the signage is how biodiverse a longleaf pine forest is. In fact, only a tropical rainforest is more biodiverse. Inside the trail, you could hear the many birds calling. Make sure though that you wear closed-toed shoes and bug spray as there were a number of ants and insects on the trail.
In downtown Camden, you can search for eleven small bronze Boykin Spaniel sculptures. If you need help, clues are posted on the Experience Camden website.
377 Cantey Lane, Rembert (about 10 minutes from downtown Camden)
Old McCaskill’s Farm opens their grounds to the public on Fridays. On Fridays, you can sit down for a southern buffet lunch. Even the seating of long farm tables will take you to a different era.
In the general store, you can shop for fresh farm meats, local honey, and handcrafted items. You can also take a walk around the property to see animals, a pond, and even baby chicks. If you are staying overnight, the McCaskill’s also operates a full bed and breakfast where you can stay right on site.
Old McCaskill’s Farm also offers field trips, birthday parties, canning classes, Border Collie demonstrations, and more.
Kayak a 3-mile water trail through cypress trees at nearby Goodale State Park in Camden, SC. This is a quiet park where you might be the only visitors.
This park has a diverse ecosystem including alligators, herons, eagles, and more. We also spotted pitcher plants (a native carnivorous plant in SC) along the lake.
Kayaks and canoes are available for rent, but the rangers recommended calling ahead if you want to reserve them as it’s a small park and that allows the rangers to ensure that they meet you at the rental area.
SC Equine Park Website – We didn’t have the opportunity to visit the SC Equine Park but numerous locals mentioned that it was one of their favorite local attractions and that many people come to watch the events hosted there.
We started our visit to Camden by stopping by the Loopy Lemon Café for lunch. We were greeted not only by a friendly team but also by comfy benches with pillows and walls covered with local artwork. The Loopy Lemon Café’s menu included Southern/Mediterranean fusion cuisine such as Turkey, Brie, and Peach sandwiches and Pear Pecan Gorgonzola Salad. They also offered a wide selection of freshly baked desserts including a Blueberry Lemon Mascarpone cake that looked like it belonged on HGTV.
One thing we learned was that the Loopy Lemon also offers gluten-free bread options and carefully cleans the equipment for customers that need gluten-free meals so that even customers with celiac disease and allergies can enjoy a delicious sandwich.
Salad from Loopy Lemon Cafe
The Loopy Lemon Café makes all of their food from scratch and uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients. As someone that can’t drink beverages with much sugar, I was excited to see that infused cucumber lemon water was a complimentary beverage and that unsweetened green tea was a beverage choice in addition to southern sweet tea.
Kid Review: “I think we all have to agree that this was one of the best lunches we have ever had.”
The definition of “Salud” is toast to your health and Salud Mexican Kitchen Tequila Lounge lives up to their name with a selection of 100 tequilas from around the world and a full menu packed with authentic Mexican dishes.
We loved the fun, colorful atmosphere, and our meals were delicious. All meals and drinks are made from fresh ingredients.
When you are looking for that afternoon ice cream cone or homemade bakery treats, be sure to head to Sweet Lil’s Desserts. With custom flavors like Almond Joy and Coconut Lemongrass, anyone can find a flavor that suits their taste. The menu even included several dairy-free options including dairy-free ice cream and sorbet.
I was excited to see a wide menu with a variety of price points and portion sizes so that you could enjoy a sweet treat whether you wanted a full indulgence or just a small scoop.
Camden House of Pizza makes all of their pizzas to order with fresh pizza dough made daily. You can order pizza, subs, Greek dishes, Italian dishes, and salads. Our pizza and Souvlaki Chicken Dinner were both delicious. Both Hampton Park or Rectory Square Park are right next door for a picnic.
Other recommended restaurants:
We didn’t eat at these places but they were recommended to us by locals!
One thing we noticed immediately about Camden was how friendly everyone is. Popping into a store is more than just a chance to shop but it’s a way to meet the locals, learn more about the area, and find unique local goods.
This local shop offers a wide selection of cottage industry, fair trade clothing as well as locally made jewelry and handmade goods, estate jewelry, and antiques.
Rutledge Street Gallery immediately welcomes you with its carefully curated galleries filled with colorful artwork. We were a little nervous walking into such a carefully ordered studio with even older children but were immediately welcomed by kids and all (of course we were careful to make sure we respected the space). The artwork was varied and interesting to browse and the store also had a wide selection of Turkish rugs.
Each Saturday, local produce, handmade goods, and even sweet treats and flowers are sold at the downtown Kershaw County Farmers Market. Be sure to bring cash as most of the vendors do not take credit cards.
Party Barn
Broad Street, Camden, SC 29020
Party Barn Play Adventure on Broad Street in downtown Camden is a two-story play place with something for all ages—from soft play for toddlers to arcade games for big kids, plus excellent coworking spaces for parents!
Where to Stay in Camden? Hotels in Camden, SC
Find hotels in Camden.
This list contains Stay22 Affiliate links.
Hampton Inn, Camden, SC
Hampton Inn
122 Wall Street
We stayed at the Hampton Inn on Wall Street. Our hotel looked new and fresh and was just 5 minutes from downtown Camden. It offered free Wi-fi, pool access, and free breakfast and a fruit bowl was at the front desk for daytime snacks. The staff was friendly and helpful.
Bloomsbury Inn
Bloomsbury Inn is a 165-year-old property with a full Bed and Breakfast.
Old McCaskill’s Farm Bed and Breakfast
Old McCaskill’s Farm
As mentioned earlier, Old McCaskill’s Farm also has a Bed and Breakfast. Each bedroom is housed inside the main house and has its own bathroom. The property is located within a convenient distance of the area’s historical sites and patrons can walk around the farm.
More Hotels in Camden, SC
Find more hotels and places stay in Camden, using this map from Stay22.
This parade of emergency vehicles through downtown Camden takes place every year on the last Saturday in September. There are tons of free activities including seeing antique fire trucks, kids games, demonstrations, firefighter competitions and local entertainment.
Revolutionary Run Half Marathon
The USATF-certified half-marathon racecourse and 5K through South Carolina’s oldest inland city covers eight of Camden’s nine touring districts and passes by nearly 50 historical sites.
