Archive for the ‘Travel’ Category

23+ Sandy Beaches: Greenville, SC Mountain Beaches for Summer Fun

Can’t decide if you like the beach or the mountains? Have both – just alter those beach expectations a little – with these sandy lake beaches. Greenville, SC offers so many beach options fed by cool, refreshing mountain water. If you’re wondering “where are all the lake beaches near me?” you’ll want to keep reading this list. Everything here is within 2 hours of Greenville.

I grew up near the Jersey Shore so I have a good idea of what a beach should look like. Get that version of miles and miles of sand and shore out of your head. However, be prepared to be pleasantly surprised by these sandy mountain beaches that do have sand and sun, just not exactly like you may be used to at the ocean.

OK, now that you’re sufficiently prepared to enjoy both the beach and the mountain, here are our best recommendations of where to grab the sand toys, beach towels, and cooler and head out for some sun and a refreshing swim for the day.

If you’re looking for lakes for fishing, boating and other water activities, try our list of Recreational Lakes in the Upstate.

For a map of all these beaches, see below:

Sandy Mountain Beaches Near Greenville, SC

Lake Jocassee

Where: Devils Fork State Park, 161 Holcombe Circle, Salem
Cost: $8/adults, $4/kids ages 6-15, under five are free
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: All pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet.

Lake Jocassee beach is one of our favorites in the Upstate because you look out over the stunning and crystal clear lake. The view is unbeatable. Water shoes are best since you have to scramble down some rocks to get to the sandy oasis. How large the beach is will depend on the water level of the lake. If it’s around 96 or below, you’ll have a decent amount of sand. If it’s above that, you won’t. Check it before you go to prepare!

Pinnacle Lake

Where: Table Rock State Park, 158 Ellison Lane, Pickens
Cost: $6/adults, $3.50/kids ages 6-15, under five are free
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: No dogs allowed in the swimming area or beach. All pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet.

This lakeside beach area has a decent-sized shorefront with lots of sand. Get there early in the summer to make sure you are able to get into the park.

Lake Placid

Where: Paris Mountain State Park, 2401 State Park Road, Greenville
Cost: $6/adults, $3.50/kids ages 6-15, under five are free
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: No dogs allowed in the swimming area. All pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet.

Small beach in this state park located inside Greenville County. Watch the Paris Mountain website for swim advisories as water there has been found to be contaminated in recent years.

Chau Ram County Park

Where: Oconee County, Chau Ram Park Road, Westminster
Cost: $3/car
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: All pets must be leashed and on physical restraint

A nice little sandy beach with lots of shallow spots to swim and wade.

The beach at Chau Ram County Park — Beach at Chau Ram County Park

Riley Moore Falls

Where: Sumter National Forest, Riley Moore Falls Trail, Westminster
Cost: Free
Bathrooms: No
Pet policy: Dogs are welcome but they must be leashed according to SC leash laws.

This swimming hole and beach is accessible by a two-mile round-trip hike and people even camp there. Park near the sign that says “Riley Moore Falls” if you don’t have a 4×4 SUV or truck to get up the logging road to the trailhead. There is a good size sandy beach with views of the 50-foot wide waterfall. Lots of places to let the kids play around in the water but because so many people have littered, there is some trash around and we had to watch for glass. Water shoes were worn the whole time.

Sandy Mountain Beaches Near Anderson

Twelve Mile Park Recreation Area

Where: 113 Twelve Mile Park, Clemson
Cost: $5 parking fee
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: Pets are not permitted on the beach.

Pretty beach right in Clemson within the beautiful setting of Lake Hartwell. Learn all about it in our review of Twelve Mile Park .

South Cove Park

Where: On the shores of Lake Keowee, 1031 S Cove Rd, Seneca
Cost: $3/car
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: Pets are welcome anywhere in the park on a leash (including the swim beach and nature trails).

South Cove Park has a small sandy beach for sunbathing and playing, a great playground as well as lots of lakeside campgrounds. The park is actually a peninsula that extends into the lake.

The beach at South Cove County Beach — South Cove County Park

Darwin Wright Park

Where: 106 Anderson Beach Boulevard, Anderson
Cost: Free
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: No animals allowed in the park at all.

Darwin Wright Park in Anderson County has a good-sized beach along the lake where you can swim. Swim at your risk since there are no lifeguards.

Sadlers Creek State Park

Where: 940 Sadlers Creek Rd, Anderson, SC
Cost: $3/adults, $1/kids ages 6-15 (free if you have a SC State Parks Pass)
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: 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.

There are multiple beaches at Sadlers Creek State Park plus plenty of spots to picnic, hang a hammock, grill, fish, or take out your kayak or paddleboard.

Sadlers Creek State Park: Sweet Gum Beach

Broyles Recreation Area

Where: 900 Smyzer Road, Townville, SC
Cost: $5/car
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: Pets are allowed but must be kept on leash (6 ft or less) or otherwise physically restrained.

This small park is perfect for a day of fun with a beach along the shores of Lake Hartwell. They also have camping available.

Broyles Rec sandy beach — Sandy beach at Broyles Recreation Area

The Shores of Asbury

Where: On the shores of Lake Hartwell, 1600 Asbury Park Road, Anderson
Cost: $10/parking per two people + $10/person beach access
Parking: Yes
Pet policy: No dogs are allowed on the white beach sand or sod areas at the restaurant. They are allowed on the patio area but must stay off the sod. There is an area designated as a dog friendly relief area with a pet station on the opposite side of the parking lot near the boat landing and near the smoking area.

The Shores of Asbury is a campground that has imported sand from Florida and a huge Aqua Zone floating obstacle course that operates seasonally. Beach access is available.

The Shores of Asbury white sand beach in Anderson, SC.

High Falls Park

Where: On Lake Kewoee, 671 High Falls Road, Seneca
Cost: $3/car
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: No dogs are allowed at the swimming areas are inside buildings.

Right on the beautiful Lake Keowee, High Falls Park has a small sandy beach, restrooms, changing rooms, and a campground.

River Forks

Where: 710 River Forks Rd, Anderson, SC
Cost: $4/car
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: All pets must be kept on a leash (not to exceed 6 feet) and are prohibited in the swimming beach areas and on the boat ramp.

There are designated swim beaches, a playground, picnic area, and boat ramps at this recreation area in Anderson.

Mile Creek County Park

Where: On Lake Keowee, 757 Keowee Baptist Church Road, Six Mile
Cost: $5/day parking fee
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: All pets must be on leash or under physical restraint at all times. Pets will not be left unattended. Noisy/aggressive animals must be removed from the park. Owners are required to pick up after pets.

This great little beach is perfect for families. It’s got a playground, swimming area, bathrooms, picnic facilities, and camping. Read our review here.

The beach at Mile Creek County Park — *Mile Creek County Park*

Calhoun Falls State Park

Where: On Lake Russell, 46 Maintenance Shop Rd, Calhoun Falls, SC
Cost: $3/adults, $1/kids
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: 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.

Small sandy beach right on Lake Russell. And there’s great camping sites here also.

Lake Hartwell State Park

There’s a very, very small sandy beach inside the park on Lake Hartwell off a small trail on the road leading to the fishing pier.

Where: 19138-A Hwy 11 S, Fair Play, SC
Cost: $3/adults, $1/kids ages 6-15
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: 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.

Sandy Mountain Beaches in Western NC

Lake Lure

Where: 2724 Memorial Hwy, Lake Lure, NC
Cost: $10/adults, $8/kids ages 4-12 + 45” tall, Kids four and under are free with adult
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: Pets are not allowed on the beach.

Lake Lure has a huge beach for relaxing, sunning, and playing. Admission also includes access to the on-site small waterpark. Lifeguards are present at Lake Lure. Opens Memorial Day weekend.

Floating in tubes at the beach at Lake Lure

Lake James State Park

Where: Just outside the Linville Gorge in NC, 6883 NC-126, Nebo, NC
Cost: $5/adults, $4/kids 12 and under
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: Pets are allowed at the park and at campsites. They are not permitted on the swim beach or inside buildings.

Large sandy beach just under two hours from Greenville with bathrooms, changing rooms, and a concession stand. No pets allowed on the beach. the lake has a designated swimming area with lifeguards from May to September. Opens May 1, 2024.

Lake Powhatan

Where: In Pisgah National Forest, 375 Wesley Branch Rd, Asheville
Cost: $4/person day use fee; $30 day use annual pass
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: Pets are not allowed on the beach.

This is a small lake and campground only 90 minutes from the Upstate with a sandy beach where lifeguards are on duty. It’s open Memorial Day to Labor Day. If you’re camping or glamping there, the fee is waived.

Pines Recreation Area on Lake Glenville

Where: 1965 Pine Creek Road, Cullowhee, NC.
Cost: Free
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: Pets are not allowed at the Pines Recreation Area.

Beautiful little beach on the shores of Lake Glenville in Jackson County, NC.

Pines Rec Lake Glenville — Pines Rec, Lake Glenville

Sandy Mountain Beaches in North Georgia

Sandy Creek Park

Where: Athens, GA
Cost: $2/per person
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: Pets are not allowed on the beach.

Sandy Creek Park has it all: a playground, shaded picnic areas, a lake with boat rentals, 28,000 square feet of sandy swimming beach, and trails. It’s a great spot to cool off during the summer and walk the trails during the cooler months. It’s only 15 minutes outside of downtown Athens. Hours are Tuesday – Sunday from 7 am – 8:30 pm and closed on Mondays.

Wildwood Park

Where: 3780 Dogwood Lane, Appling, GA 30802
Cost: The daily rate is $3 a day for cars, trucks, or motorcycles and $6 for vehicles with a boat or watercrafts.
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: Pets are not allowed on the beach area.

Wildwood Park is just outside of Augusta, GA and has a beach, playground, camping, and watersport rentals.

Cane Creek Park

Where: 5213 Harkey Road, Waxhaw, NC
Cost: $4/car + $2/person for swimming or $5/person for swimming, mini-golf, and peddle boat day pass
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: Dogs and other animals shall not be allowed within the fenced ballfield, swim areas, or inside buildings.

Cane Creek Park in Waxhaw, NC has a big, sandy beach where you can swim and play. They open June 14, 2023 and their hours are Wednesdays – Fridays 11 am – 6:30 pm. They are on a modified schedule due to a lifeguard shortage. They have also trails, peddle boats, kayak rentals, and mini-golf at this park.

Where’s your favorite sandy beach near the Upstate?

Your Kids will Love Tubing at the Davidson River in Brevard, NC

Are you looking for the perfect place to tube with your family in Western North Carolina? We think that you should check out the Davidson River just outside Brevard, NC. Pick up your tube for a small fee at the entrance to Pisgah National Forest and a full day of floating fun awaits. If you’re looking to do a little summer tubing, Brevard, NC is a great place to be.

Signs at Davidson River Tubing — Photo Credit to Kevin Stinehart

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On-location | Visiting Spots Seen On The Netflix Show Outer Banks in Charleston, SC

Are you a fan of the show Outer Banks? Maybe you are wondering “Where was Outer Banks filmed?” You will be surprised to find that the film location for the Netflix series is actually Charleston, SC! You don’t have to leave the state of South Carolina to visit John B.’s hideout or the other locations seen in the Netflix show Outer Banks. We went on the hunt for John B. and the wreck of the Royal Merchant, and you can reap the benefits and set off on this tour of Outer Banks filming locations.

So, if you’re wondering about the Outer Banks film location, we have everything you need, right here.

Where Was Outer Banks Filmed?

At the beginning of the 2020’s pandemic, my friend and I were simultaneously binge-watching shows. So when he suggested the Outer Banks, he said it was a teen show and didn’t seem interested. A show that combined a murder mystery with a treasure hunt in a setting that was familiar to me?

I was quickly hooked on this who-done-it! I love exploring places and going off the beaten path. These locations were a mixture of familiar and way off the beaten path (for me, at least). It didn’t take long for me to get invested in the character’s search for answers. Producers chose Charleston, South Carolina, to use a fictional town in the Outer Banks of North Carolina in response to political issues based on a house bill passed in North Carolina. Though the show wasn’t filmed in the real Outer Banks, Charleston makes for an excellent filming location because of its rich history.

If you’re planning a visit, check out our Guide to Charleston, SC, before you head out! You’ll find other fun things to do and suggestions for enjoying the city!

Season 1 of Netflix’s Outer Banks: Film Location in Charleston SC

The “Summer Winds” hotel that John B. and Pope break into in the first episode is a real hotel where you can stay. You can book room 229 at The Creek Side Lands Inn to stay in the room where filming took place. However, if you plan on escaping out the window as they did in the show, I need to warn you that the awning was never there, so you’ll need to have an alternate escape route if the bad guys come back to the room.

UNC chapel hill set at the galliard center — The Galliard Center / UNC-Chapel Hill Set

You can recreate Sarah and John B.’s trip to the show’s version of UNC-Chapel Hill by hopping on the Carolina Belle for a ride around the harbor. After strolling through Washington Square Park, be sure to stop at Ben Silver for some dapper outfits. Then head to the Gaillard Center, the UNC-Chapel Hill Law Library, for the show’s purposes. Sadly this means you won’t be able to go upstairs and look for the clues that lead to a treasure but don’t worry; we can tell you where to find Platt 9.

widows house on location — Crain Widow’s Home

The spooky *Crain widow’s home was rumored to have needed very little done inside to it by the scenery team. It really looks like that! This might be where the similarities end, though. The home’s top floor was added in post-production, and while the home does have a crawl space, those scenes were filmed in a soundstage.
*The house is occupied, and out of respect for the residents, I have removed the address for the season 2 update.

Tanney Hill Plantation, the home of “Kook Princess” Sarah Cameron, was home over 200 years ago and is now on the register of historic places. Lowndes Grove is a wedding and event venue that is right on the water. The property’s rich history spans a revolutionary war invasion, the arrival of Charleston’s World’s Fair, and a visit from President Theodore Roosevelt.

Charleston wreck of the Richard and Charlene in the Netflix show Outer Banks — The Wreck of The Richard and Charlene

On Location in Mount Pleasant For Season 2 of Netflix’s Outer Banks

A lot of the scenes are shot by the docks, you might recognize if you’ve followed our tips for Free and Low-Cost Things To Do In Mount Pleasant. Shem Creek is a beautiful place and one we usually find ourselves at every time we visit Charleston. If you like fresh seafood and want to see the spot where dockside scenes were filmed, Geechie Seafood is the place you should head.

The restaurant that Kiara’s parents own is, in reality, The Wreck Of The Richard And Charlene. The restaurant is a seafood lover’s dream. The seafood exclusive menu includes shrimp, crab, scallops, and fish. Served with low country-style side dishes. They even have boiled peanuts!

The Kildare County Sheriff’s station and the buildings you see in later episodes where John B. is on the run occur in The Old Village Of Mount Pleasant. Pop into the Pitt Street Pharmacy, the neighborhood drugstore complete with a soda fountain, for an old-fashioned root beer float, milkshake, or lunch.

Mount Pleasant, SC soda fountain at Pitt Street Pharmacy — Chicken Salad Sandwich / Pitt Street Pharmacist & Chase Stokes / BLT

Finding The Outer Banks on The Barrier Islands of Charleston, SC

If you were hoping to get all dressed up and head to “Midsummers,” you’ll need to make reservations for the Kiawah Island Golf Resort. This beautiful resort has 10 miles of private beach on one of the prettiest stretches of coastline in the state. The property includes three pools that accommodate families very well and is located next to one of the Top Ten Beach Locations in the US.

The “Boneyard” island where the Pogues and the Kooks have a keg party is actually Hunting Island. The South Carolina State Park has campsites and five miles of beach. The island is also home to the 160-year-old Hunting Island Lighthouse. It is the only lighthouse in the state that is accessible to the public. The lighthouse is where John B. and Kiara find a clue his father left behind for him.

Here’s an “easter egg” hunt for. There’s a scene with Upstate Native Actress Brook Sill; see if you can find her. [clue: she’s not a Pogue]

The location of John B’s Shack has eluded fans. However, a set designer did confirm it was on John’s Island. Unfortunately, it is only viewable by boat in a residential neighborhood in the Seccesionville Historic District of James Island.
Keep reading for a way to see it!

One of the spookier filming locations for Outer Banks is…

One of the most iconic spots from the show is the old church that John B uses as a hiding place. The church is about an hour from Charleston and was my favorite location to try and find. But, I’ll tell you, it wasn’t easy. It’s located in the sleepy town of McClellanville, where if you take a wrong turn, you’ll see the evidence of alligators on the side of the road. The alligator part of the hunt was so jarring that we had to keep making u-turns to look again.

Once you discover the tucked-away location of the Old Bethel AME Church, it will have been worth it. But, unfortunately, the day we went, it was raining, that plus the wildlife we had witnessed just minutes before kept me in the car.
*Please, be respectful if you do visit. After the popularity of the show brought it to the attention of social media, it got vandalized. So last year, the church boarded up the building to protect it.

Robin with Adventure Harbor Tours gave me this bonus tidbit of info recently- The pawn shop in season 1 is located on the same street as two of the restaurants I recommend below. Here’s another tip! Contact Adventure Harbor Tours if you want to see the “only accessible by boat” location of John B’s waterfront home. They conduct a seasonal Outer Banks Location Tour, and it’s the best way to see places from the water that aren’t otherwise accessible. Plus, Charleston Harbor is a beautiful place to see by boat!

There are several highly recommended spots in McClellanville to check out, and this cute town deserves an entire day of exploration, so enjoy dinner before you head out!

Buckshot’s Restaurant
Soul Food and Seafood restaurant
McClellanville Diner
American diner-style menu
T W Graham & Co
Fresh local seafood in a casual setting
The Bent Rod
Fresh seafood and pub fare

Season 3 of Netflix’s Outer Banks: Film Locations

Season 3 released in February 2023. Though large portions of the season were filmed in Barbados, there were still a couple of noteworthy locations near Charleston where filming took place that you can visit. During season three, you will spot the Arthur Ravenel Jr Bridge when John B and Big John drive across the bridge itself. The bridge is iconic, so it’s hard to miss.

If you are traveling to Charleston, SC, you may spot some very familiar scenery when visiting the Charleston Museum. The museum is the backdrop for John B. and Big John’s heist scene in season 3. While there, learn about the history of Charleston through their exhibits at “America’s First Museum”.

One of the most beautiful spots in Mt. Pleasant is featured in season 3 when JJ rides his dirtbike down the Pitt Street Bridge. The bridge is lined with palmetto trees against the marsh, so it makes a great stop while traveling to Charleston. You will also see some familiar scenery when visiting the Joe Riley Waterfront Park just over the bridge in Charleston, SC. In season 3, you see Pope and Cleo having a heartfelt conversation at the park, which is extremely popular thanks to its gorgeous pineapple fountain and waterfront views.

Old Santee Canal Park

Visit Old Santee Canal Park in Moncks Corner, SC near Charleston, SC to visit the village in South America from Season 3.

Get Your Gear: Gifts for the Outer Banks Fan

This section contains Amazon Affiliate links. Kidding Around earns when you purchase through these links.

Volcom Men’s Outer Banks X Netflix OBX Jj Reversible Bucket Hat

Outer Banks TV Show Socks

Pogue LIfe Outer Banks Shirt

Volcom OBX Pogues Party Blanket

Volcom Women’s OBX Netflix OBX Kiara Fleece Short

Outer Banks Faces Poster

There’s Some Truth To The Plotline Of Netflix’s OBX!

If you think that the plot line of this show could never happen, you’re probably right.

However, fans of the show are often surprised when I tell them that The Royal Merchant was a REAL ship. The Merchant Royal was lost at sea, with a gold bounty with an estimated value in excess of 1.5 billion dollars in today’s money. Thus, making it the most valuable ship ever to be lost at sea.

AND

The captain of the 40-member crew – was a Limbrey.

The inconsistent part of the OBX plotline is the location where the ship went down. Salvage crews have searched in vain for the sunken ship for years. Then, a few years ago, a fishing vessel pulled up what is believed to be the anchor of the Merchant Royal off of the coast of Cornwall, England. The ship had been dragging its nets for several hours and claimed they had no idea when or where the anchor had originally been located.

Either way, that gold treasure won’t be washing up on the coast of the Carolinas anytime soon. Sorry.

I think it makes for an exciting vacation activity to visit the places you’ve seen on TV. Last year I covered the places you could visit in Georgia where another Netflix hit is filmed, Stranger Things.

Want to visit the real Outer Banks, NC? We have all the info on that too!

Evening skies at a beach in Outer Banks, NC

Want to visit the real Outer Banks, NC? We have all the info on that too!

Kidding Around Guide to OBX

This article was originally written by Melanie Coblentz and has been updated by the Kidding Around Team.

The Best Summer Day Trips Near Greenville, SC

Planning your summer day trips? With school out, summer is a great time for family trips. But if you don’t have the time for multi-day trips or vacations, day trips are a fantastic alternative to enjoy the season, have fun together, and spend quality time with each other.

We’ve pulled together some of our favorite summer day trip destinations here in this list, including the driving distance, admission if any, and why it’s so cool so you can plan it out for your family. We organized the list like this:

Summer Day Trips From Upstate, SC:
Day Trips for the Outdoor Adventurer
Day Trips for the Casual Nature Lover
Day Trips for the Animal Enthusiast
Day Trips for the Waterfall Chaser
Day Trips for the Mountain Beach Bum

We have listed only places that are open but please double-check before you go just to make sure they are operating.

Also, we tried to make this list full of new things your family may not have done before or new ways to enjoy familiar places. We didn’t include high-traffic destinations like DuPont Forest and Sliding Rock because there are so many other wonderful locations to enjoy without being on top of each other.

If we missed a place you think should be here, tell us in the comments!

On a budget? Check out this list of cheap summer day trips that are free or less than $40 for a family of four!

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Helen, GA: Float Down the Chattahoochee River in this Bavarian Village

We know our readers love floating down a river during the hot, summer months so we decided to check out Cool River Tubing in order to give you the deal on how it works and why you should check out this particular tubing outfitter two hours away from Greenville, SC in Helen, Georgia. Tube down the Chattahoochee, or, as they say, Shoot the Hooch.

Planning a Trip to this Barvarian Town in the mountains? Check out our full review of Helen, Georgia!

Cool River Tubing for some Helen tubing in Helen, GA — Look at all those tubes

I’d heard of Helen, GA for a while now while living in Greenville and had seen photos of the Bavarian-themed architecture. And tubing was synonymous with Helen just as much as German beer and brats (at least in my mind). When I finally got the chance to visit Helen, tubing was absolutely on my mind. So I gathered my two young kids and decided to try out Cool River Tubing.

Cool River Tubing is a tubing company that offers a tubing adventure down the Chattahoochee with a shuttle service.

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Find Fairies in This Fairy Garden Trail FREE in Hendersonville, NC

Have you found the fairies in Hendersonville, NC? Bullington Gardens in Hendersonville, NC, just a little over an hour north of Greenville, SC has an adorable fairy garden over the summer. And it’s free.

What could be cuter than finding fairies in the woods? Finding them in a beautiful and fun trail at Bullington Gardens in Hendersonville, NC, of course.

C.S. Lewis, a prolific and famous author of the Narnia chronicles, wrote this to his goddaughter, Lucy, in the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe:

My Dear Lucy, I wrote this story for you, but when I began it I had not realized that girls grow quicker than books. As a result you are already too old for fairy tales, and by the time it is printed and bound you will be older still. But someday you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again. You can then take it down from some upper shelf, dust it, and tell me what you think of it. I shall probably be too deaf to hear, and too old to understand, a word you say, but I shall still be your affectionate Godfather, C.S. Lewis

As a grown-up, are you ready to be old enough to read – or see – fairy tales again? If so, step into the Bullington Gardens Fairy Trail.

The Gardens

Bullington Gardens is only a little over an hour north of Greenville and is a beautiful spot to stop and literally smell the roses. The gardens are public and encompass 12 acres right in the middle of the apple orchards in that part of Western North Carolina.

They also do several events and programs aimed at education and carry on the legacy and vision of Bob Bullington, who collected many unusual trees and plants. They often have school groups come out and learn about horticultural science.

I found the gardens to be just beautiful and so peaceful. The volunteers I interacted with were all so kind and helpful. It’s really a great place to visit for any occasion.

The Fairy Trail

The fairy trail is exactly as it sounds except cooler. The trail winds through shaded woods and guests are encouraged to find all the little fairy houses and trolls and llamas and bridges. It is really fun and entertaining!

The little worlds that the fairies inhabit are all unique and my kids and I just loved trying to find them all and figure out what was happening in each scene. The exhibits change every year (photos are from the summer of 2022 and 2023) but the creativity and genius stay the same.

The trail isn’t long, maybe a quarter-mile on natural, unpaved ground, but there are plenty of fairies and gnomes to find. Be sure to stop at the side trail before you get to the very end where there are lots of fairies and trolls and toadstools and gnomes doing yoga amongst the trees.

Bullington Gardens asks that guests be respectful of the fairies, only touch gently, and to stay on the trails. The trail is one way only so if you want to take your time, go for it but make room for others to pass. And please follow the rules of Leave No Trace, don’t litter, and don’t move the fairies from their little houses.

The Fairy Trail is open Mondays – Saturdays from June 1 – August 31, 2023 from 9 am – 4 pm.

Fairy Market [2024 date not yet announced]

In previous summers, Bullington Gardens had a special Fairy Market that included face painting, arts and crafts, a photo booth, Dulcimer lessons, and storytimes for kids. You could also buy adorable fairy accessories like wings and crowns or purchase your own fairies for a garden at home. Definitely a not-miss summer event. We will update our story when the 2024 Fairy Market is announced.

Per the gardens, parking is limited and please do not park on Zeb Corn Road.

Tips on Visiting the Fairy Trail and Bullington Gardens

The gardens are open year-round but the Fairy Trail is only open June 1 – August 30, 2023, Mondays – Saturdays from 9 am – 4 pm.

There is no charge to visit the fairies or Bullington Gardens but as a nonprofit, they gladly accept donations.

I saw some people with strollers but I’d say that unless you have an all-terrain stroller, it’s best to carry your littles or baby wear. The trail is natural, so not paved, which makes it hard to roll wheels on.

Please keep your children and dogs on the trail and don’t litter. The trail is one-way only.

The gardens received a grant for new restrooms, which were installed last spring.

Nearby Things to Do in Hendersonville

There are plenty of cool things to do in Hendersonville to make your trip up to the see the fairies a day trip.

You can visit the goats at the Carl Sandburg Home (be sure to get pizza at the nearby Village Bakery), let the kids play on the awesome playground at The Park at Flat Rock, check out the free train museum, or visit the aquarium in downtown Hendersonville. Apple orchards open up in July usually so you can add those to your day trip as well.

Bullington Gardens
95 Upper Red Oak Trail, Hendersonville, NC
828.698.6104

Check out our full guide to Hendersonville, NC and don’t miss out on any of the fun!

Take a Road Trip to Medieval Times: Atlanta, Georgia

Have you taken your family to Medieval Times? Atlanta has one, and it is perfect for special occasions or a great day trip adventure, especially when you’re attempting to redeem the day. Medieval Times is located only 30 minutes from downtown Atlanta, and the show takes around 2-3 hours. Perfect for a day trip where you can combine with other activities. Check out KA contributor Jennifer’s day trip to Medieval Times for the dinner tournament, and get started planning your next road trip to Atlanta, GA.

We take our children on family vacations because adventures and memories last longer than toys they outgrow. However, we have yet to take a family vacation where something unfortunate does not happen.

The trip started off well, but we had a tire blow on the interstate shortly outside of Atlanta. Thankfully, we were all safe. But, it did put some hiccups in our well-laid plans. After hours spent in a tire store and eating in chain restaurants that were not part of the agenda, we were tired, ill, and frustrated.

We decided we must redeem the day, so we called the nice folks at Medieval Times and asked to exchange our early dinner tickets for the later dinner show. With little ones along for the adventure, a show beginning at 7:30 p.m. would be pushing it for their bellies and their tired bodies. We prayed the kids would be awake enough to still enjoy it.

Our evening at Medieval Times: Atlanta, GA

Turns out, we had absolutely nothing to worry about! Our kids were alert and awake as soon as we drove up and saw the castle. The Medieval Times in Atlanta is in Sugarloaf Mills Mall in Lawrenceville, Georgia. This is located at a large outlet mall with stores, restaurants, and other activities. Medieval Times has a castle built out of the mall, which must be entered through a mall entrance. You’ll be whisked away to the 11th century once you leave the mall and enter the castle.

While we purchased tickets for the 7:30 p.m. show, the doors to the venue were opened slightly earlier. We joined the line to enter at 6:00 p.m. because the first ones to enter got the best seats in the house. When the time to enter comes, a trumpeter appears, along with the King and Princess to welcome the assembled crowd. My children could barely contain their excitement.

Things to Do Before Dinner in the Castle

Upon entering the castle, we were each given a green paper crown to cheer on the Green Knight. Pictures were taken, and then we were able to visit the castle areas.

Expect your little ones to want to visit the gift shop. There are souvenirs galore and drinks a plenty inside the castle. There is also a dungeon for brave souls to visit. Since there was a parental warning, we decided it would probably not be a wise decision to walk our little ones through the dungeon, but I did see many families come in and out of the dungeon doors.

After having such a rough day, we gave in to requests for knight’s helmets and princess hats immediately. The show is pricey itself, so be prepared for your children to want to add light-up wands, hats, swords, flags, and whatnot to the already large bill.

During the waiting time, you can shop, have a drink or snack, and watch various people be knighted by the king. This is an upgrade option for those who want the whole knighting experience. Even if you do not pay to be knighted, it is still fun to watch.

What to Expect During the Dinner Tournament at Medieval Times Atlanta

Minutes before the show, we were ushered into the jousting arena. You sit in stadium-like rows with tables in front in a round. Every seat has a great view of the dinner tournament.

The bill of fare includes your beverage, a piece of garlic toast, soup, rotisserie chicken, a roasted potato, corn, and dessert. The meal was delicious! However, there is one small thing you should know. Since you have gone back into “medieval times,” there are no utensils! You must eat everything with your hands. My son and daughter thought this was awesome! Don’t worry, parents – they provide moist wipes to clean up after your meal.

While eating, they put on an incredible show with knights, horses, and falcons. But, the big event is the dinner tournament where you watch the knights perform. The knights compete in a series of jousting events and fighting battles. They drop screens down in between the audience and knights as some of the weaponry is destroyed in the battle. You see sparks fly as swords clash and jousts splinter. You are encouraged to cheer on your knight and boo your opponent as loudly as possible.

With all the chaos of the morning, hearing my children scream, “We believe in you! You can do it!” and “Boo!” at the top of their lungs made all of the tire disaster worth it. I do not know the last time my kids have shown that much excitement. My son yelled for our knight to do a “Sneak attack!” and when a bad guy appeared, my daughter loudly shouted, “Get him outta here!”

Our Green Knight was not victorious, but it did not matter in the end. The whole arena came together to cheer on the good knight who was battling an evil one.

After the final battle, audience members can meet the knights and take pictures. This was a big hit for my star-struck children.

With hoarse voices and full bellies, we left the castle. Our children fell asleep with smiles on their faces before we ever made it out of the mall parking lot.

Things to Know Before Visiting Medieval Times Atlanta

For General Admission prices: $65.95 for adults | $38.95 for children 12 and under | Under 3 – Free if they sit with parents and do not order a meal

Times: Varies Depending on the day of the week | Saturdays generally have multiple show times (5:00 pm and 7:30 pm)

Length of time: 2-Hour Dinner Show | Castle opens 75 minutes before show time

Location

Medieval Times Atlanta Castle
Sugarloaf Mills Mall
5900 Sugarloaf Pkwy #517
Lawrenceville, GA 30043

Have your kids ever experienced Medieval Times?

Looking for more day trip ideas?
KA Guide to Day Trips Near Upstate, SC

Asheville Adventure Park: Kid Zip Lining, Treetop Ropes Courses, and Canopy Zip Lining in WNC

Have you visited Asheville Adventure Park? In Asheville, NC, this zipline course offers so much for adventurous kids. We visited the Asheville Adventure Park for some fun so we could tell our readers all about it, and help them plan their own trip!

Complimentary tickets were provided for this review in 2018, and it has been updated with 2023 information.

ashville adventure park at the asheville adventure center

Last week the kids and I took the kind of adventure you just want to share with everyone you know. (You guys – it is just so fun to have big kids!) This adventure involved helmets and heights and wires and harnesses and conquering fears and pulling together as a team. And it was pretty close to home too.

The Adventure Center of Asheville is just a couple of minutes from downtown Asheville, NC. As soon as I heard about their KidZip, the first kid zip line in the country to be built especially for kids ages 4 to 10, I wanted to try it with my kiddos. (Our family received tickets for writing and reviewing and sharing about the park. Our opinions are absolutely all our own.) P

lus, they have one of only a few Asheville zip-line canopy tours located only minutes from downtown Asheville with beautiful views of downtown. Sounds like the perfect day trip to me!

Find a place to stay in Asheville, NC. This article contains Stay22 affiliate links.

Our day at Asheville Adventure Park at the Adventure Center of Asheville

We arrived a little early because I wasn’t certain how long the drive would take or the length of the paperwork process. The check-in process was laid back and simple. There was a waiver to sign per kid, of course. And this time, for the first time, I actually had my writers fill in their own info and sign their own names. Man – that made that process so much faster.

We watched zip liners climb way up high on the adult course and wondered if our zip lines would be that high. Turns out – they were not. For which all of the kids were grateful.

At the course we were given helmets and harnesses and instructions. I’m not going to lie – the older I get the more young adults look like children to me. And a lot of the workers at the KidZip area certainly looked young. I watched closely as they harnessed my kids in and checked the equipment. I can tell you this – these young men and women were professional, calm, well-spoken, and careful about their work. I saw zero cell phones in their hands and they all kept their own helmets on and they were focused on their jobs at hand.

Maneuvering the KidZip Course at Asheville Adventure Park

After we received our instructions we started on the kid zip line. There were nine ziplines I think and each had an obstacle before you zipped off down the line.

At first the zipping and the obstacles were easy but goodness, they got more complicated. You are always attached by your trolley to the zipline and always harnessed in but you had to maneuver your trolley over several tracks and something they called “sharks” which could be a little tricky for tiny hands and arms. The kids did a stellar job though.

At tough obstacles, they talked through them and worked together to help their younger siblings reach the sharks and conquer the heights.

If I had realized this would be helpful, I would have positioned myself between the kids differently. Once your trolley is on the zipline you can’t change orders or get off so occasionally I was several kids behind Otto and Piper and they could have really used a grown-up’s helping hand. Or – if you were zipping with multiple grown-ups you could plan to stagger grown-ups and kids accordingly. We managed just fine in the end since Berg and London and Mosely really helped out a lot.

(Actually – I think one thing I most valued about this entire experience – aside from the fabulous just plain fun factor – was the fact that the kids really pulled together. They spoke encouraging words. They laughed. They gave each other a helping hand. They were a family – up high and all together.)

The climbing wall on the next-to-last zipline was my least favorite – I seriously did not like balancing on that high-up wall and trying to pull down the sharks for my trolley to pass over. Piper almost panicked at that one, but she reigned it in bravely and conquered it.

Can you guess which little Keigley was the least afraid throughout the entire experience? If you guessed Otto then you guessed right. That little man is as fearless as they come. He was usually the leader on our excursion and would continually look back at us and ask, “Can I head to the next one guys?” with the biggest happy grin all shining out of his sweet boy face.

TreeTop Adventure course at Asheville Adventure Park

One thing I really appreciated about the Asheville Adventure Park was that, after we finished our zipping, I assumed we were done. One ride, so to speak. But nope – the staff smiled and said, “Want to go again?” Which we did, of course! Because on the second round, you felt more like an expert and could be a little bolder. By the third round, yep – the third round – Bergen was putting his hands behind his head, relaxing style, and zipping across like a champ. I loved that you could go round and round as often as you wanted. It certainly would make you feel as if you received your money’s worth.

The Big Courses at Asheville TreeTops Adventure Park

After we had all the zipping we could handle, we stared up in wonder at the Asheville TreeTops Adventure Park, situated right beside the KidZip area. It looked fascinating and terrifying and awesome and challenging and exactly like something we all wanted to try but were afraid to try – all at the exact same time. The TreeTop Adventure park ages range from 4 and up, though some of the higher-up and more difficult courses should be reserved for older kids and adults.

The obstacles were wild – lily pads two stories up that you jumped across, a kayak strung between trees about five stories high that you paddled across on ropes and air, skinny wires to walk on, trapezes to swing through the trees, hula hoops dangling between trees, ropes swinging for balance, a slide to come down and so so much more. We gulped and decided we’d try that adventure too.

The really great thing about the TreeTops Adventure Park is the fact that its appeal is so wide to so many ages. There are five courses of varying levels and enough dizzying challenges to frighten even the most adventure loving grown up big kid.

The hook-up and safety procedures for the TreeTops Adventure Park were a bit different. You are always attached to your harness and the wires through the use of two hooks and a cleverly designed system using tweezles. (Yes, that’s a real word.) It is impossible for both tweezles to be unlocked at the same time so you can trust that you (and your beloved kiddos) are safe and sound and secure.

There is definitely a learning curve to the tweezles and I’d say the kids got the hang of it before I did. It was certainly a big part of the challenge to switch your carabiner from side to side while balancing on a little platform far up in the trees. There were several obstacles for which I was legitimately scared. I think I would have liked to have tried to challenge myself to some of the even harder courses but time didn’t allow for that bravery. (Yep, I’m blaming time when it was probably because I was too scared!)

We could have stayed for hours and hours longer but we did eventually grow hungry and exhausted. We had so much fun and we all were steady non-stop talking about which obstacle was the scariest and how hard it was or how easy it was or how scary it was. London, my stay-at-home-every-day kind of kid, pulled me aside as we were turning in our gear and whispered, “Momma – I’m sorry for not having the best attitude about this trip when you told us about it. It was way more fun than I ever thought it would be.”

Planning Your Family Trip to Asheville Adventure Park

Asheville Treetops Adventure Park features lots of other options for adventurous souls. There is one of the more popular Asheville zip line canopy tours, a bungee-style jump, and the Kolo bike park for mountain biking with bike rentals and pump tracks.

I know I have an unusually large family. (Although, ironically, lately London says she feels as if our family is small. I think I agree with her. It’s all perspective, people.) But I know not everyone has to fork over entry fees for five kids when they take adventures.

The prices at Asheville Adventure Park seem high. It’s pricier than a movie, for sure. (Although, not by much!) You certainly do get a lot of bang for your buck. After having spent a long morning at the park though, I can guarantee, the prices are worth it!

The adventure is fun. The challenges are great. The bonding can’t be beaten. Sharing pictures and telling others what you can’t even believe that you conquered – just the perfect amount of thrill. It’s so conveniently located that you can treat it as a staycation option or as a choice for when out-of-town friends come for a weekend visit. Reservations are recommended, especially if you plan to travel with a larger group.

Asheville Treetops Adventure Park
1 Resort Drive
Asheville, NC 28803
See Asheville Treetops Adventure Park website for current hours and directions
828.225.2921

I hope you decide to go. And I hope you take lots of pictures and I hope you get to make as many sweet and solid memories with your cool kids as I got to make with mine.

Are your kids brave enough for Asheville Adventure Park?

Looking for more to do in Asheville? Check out KA’s Ultimate Guide to Things to Do in Asheville, NC

Best Beaches in the Southeast: Don’t Miss These Family-Friendly Beaches

Looking for the best beach for a vacation near you? The Carolinas and other states in the Southeast are home to some of the best family beaches. We’ve included information on some top-rated beaches, plus other locations that were recommended by Kidding Around readers and families.

Some beaches are perfect for a day trip if you get an early start, and some will require a long weekend commitment. Whether you are looking for the closest beaches to Greenville, SC, or just trying to find “family-friendly beaches near me”, this list is a great place to start if you are planning a beach trip anytime soon.

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Educational Vacations: Day Trips and Travel Ideas Where You’ll Have Fun and Learn Something New

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Our evening at Medieval Times: Atlanta, GA

Things to Do Before Dinner in the Castle

What to Expect During the Dinner Tournament at Medieval Times Atlanta

Things to Know Before Visiting Medieval Times Atlanta

Location

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