Searching for your perfect beach to visit this summer? Surf City, NC is a quiet coastal town that offers tons of family fun, great places to eat, peaceful beaches, and more! They even have a turtle rehabilitation center that your family can visit. Local mom Jennifer spent some time in Surf City with her family and had a wonderful time. You can check out her review below.
We are beach people, but we are quiet beach people. My family prefers to rent a beach house for a week rather than stay in a hotel. We like beaches where there is some space between your beach chairs and umbrellas. This is how we ended up in Surf City, NC for the first time this summer. And, we fell in love!
If you haven’t heard of Surf City, I’m not surprised. This is a small township located on Topsail Island. Maybe you’ve heard of Topsail Island, which is a 26-mile-long barrier island off the coast located close to Wilmington, NC. Whereas Topsail Island is 26-miles-long, Surf City is a small, walkable section of the island. And, it is where all the action happens.
Looking for other beaches to explore in the Southeast? Check out our list of 20+ Amazing Beaches in the Southeast that are family-friendly and waiting to be explored!
What to Expect at Surf City, NC
Surf City is full of vacation rentals instead of large hotels. There are a few hotels on the island, but far more townhouses or beach houses for rent. Since this is a small township, almost everything was within walking distance of our rental. It was fantastic! We could walk to get food from restaurants, pick up groceries, or shop.
Another fun part of staying in Surf City was the number of surfers! While we didn’t see many large waves, we did see a large number of surfboards in the water each morning. And, the local Surf City Surf School offers daily surfing lessons to tourists.
Surf City is quiet during the week, which was perfect for my introverted family members. But, it is much more crowded on weekends. This is because the locals head to Surf City on Topsail Island because it has several public beaches, as well as a beautiful pier. On the weekend we visited, there were lots of people around; however, there were still far fewer people than you find at other beaches that are tourist destinations.
Stay in Surf City, NC
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Things to Do at Surf City
Surf City is a quaint beach town, so do not expect to find a ton of tourist attractions. Instead, plan to spend your days enjoying the beautiful beach. Take time to explore the town on foot. Visit the pier, shop the various boutiques and beach stores, and try out the restaurants. My favorite thing to do was walk across the street from the beach to the local bookstore.
Topsail Island is close to Wilmington, NC, and Carolina Beach, NC. My family took a day trip to Carolina Beach and visited the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher and the Carolina Beach Boardwalk amusement park.
Where to Eat when visiting Surf City
Since we were on vacation and could walk to multiple restaurants, we ate out a lot. And, I do not regret it one bit! The food was excellent. In particular, I grew incredibly fond of Shaka Taco, a fun taco restaurant connected to the Surf City Surf School. I ate there three times in a week. I know that sounds ridiculous, but I am still dreaming about their Shaka Nachos. Plus, there were several other local restaurants that my family enjoyed while on vacation, such as Daddy Mac’s Beach Grille and Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar.
Why We Plan to Go Back to Surf City
I love going to beach towns that feel like authentic beach towns, and this is the case with Surf City. It is not commercialized. It is quiet and quaint. My family felt safe enough there to walk everywhere. Plus, it was beautiful. Honestly, I would drive the five hours so that I could walk from the beach to eat at Shaka Taco again.
What’s your family’s favorite nearby beach to visit?
Thinking about a day trip to the Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson City, NC? KAG Guest Contributor Lauren Justus visited to the Nantahala Outdoor Center with her family. Read all about their adventures and recommendations on things to do and places to eat near the Nantahala Outdoor Center.
I want to tell you about the perfect family day trip to the NC mountains. We left Greenville, SC one Sunday morning and headed toward the Nantahala Outdoor Center Website (NOC) in Bryson City, NC. This was exactly a two-hour drive for us. It was most definitely worth it. We spent the day enjoying the beautiful sights and sounds of the NOC campus, restaurants, and outfitters store and ended our day with an adventurous tubing experience.
Have you heard about a swimming hole called Graveyard Fields? Admittedly I wasn’t terribly excited about heading to a place called Graveyard Fields, even it was to check out a supposedly awesome waterfall and swimming hole. I’m glad I shoved those feelings to the wayside and chose the more adventurous path because the waterfall we found and the time I spent traversing swimming holes at Graveyard Fields was amazing. This popular swimming hole is the perfect way to cool down after a hike!
Check out these 20+ amazing swimming holes near Greenville, SC that are perfect to cool off in this summer.
How to Get to Graveyard Fields
Graveyard Fields is right off the Blue Ridge Parkway and part of the Pisgah National Forest. You can find it at mile marker 418.8, and it’s easy to spot since it has a big parking area with bathhouses. This area is known for blooming rhododendrons in the spring, which I imagine were pretty spectacular.
The trail down to the falls starts through a tunnel of rhododendrons – after the sign that says the area has high bear activity. We didn’t see any bears but were certainly on the lookout. Once you get out of the tunnel, you’ll cross a bridge and can stop here to play in the water if you like. There are several shallow pools to splash around in and flat rocks to sunbathe and relax.
To get to the Lower Falls (or Second Falls, which it says on the trail map), continue straight on the man-made bridge over Yellowstone Prong up to the right. You come to a huge staircase that leads down from the upper falls, which you will go all the way down to the beautiful waterfalls. They are gorgeous and there are plenty of fun places to cool off at the base of the falls.
Things to Do at Graveyard Fields
We climbed all over the rocks and jumped in the shallow pools before making our way to the waterfall, where you can swim. A group of guys was jumping into the waterfall pool, which looked somewhat safe.
I’m not a fan of jumping off big rocks into the water where I don’t know how deep it is, but it did look fun. I prefer to take a more cautious approach, especially with my kids around and being the adult and all. There is lots of natural foliage to admire, including wild blueberries and lots of native plants.
The hike to the Lower Falls is pretty easy and short, maybe just a third of a mile. Getting back up those stairs isn’t terribly fun but you have to work for something, right?
There are tons of big rocks to sit on while you watch people jump into the waterfalls and have a snack or just rest and enjoy the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. My kids really loved this place, as did I. It’s perfect for smaller kids to play in the shallow pools but also fun for adults and older kids to swim if they like.
The Graveyard Ridge Trail and Mountains to Sea Trail is a longer hike you can do – around 4 miles – to see other waterfalls in the area. There is also an easier hike, the Graveyard Fields Loop Trail, that is very popular. The parking lot is great because there are bathrooms, which are few and far between on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This hike is about 45 minutes from Brevard. Plus, Black Balsam Knob is right around the corner with epic views!
Fun fact: The area may get it’s name because of a historical storm that left behind uprooted tree stumps, resembling an earthen graveyard! (Hopefully, this is the true meaning behind the name and not logging which has a controversial history in Western North Carolina).
Thinking about spending a day or two in Virginia’s Historic Triangle? If you’re ready to tackle this family-friendly trip into American history but have limited time, you’ve found the perfect Travel Guide to Williamsburg, VA.
We had the opportunity to add a short trip to Williamsburg, Virginia, en route to another destination. Due to time constraints, we only had one full day and a partial day to spend touring the Historic Triangle. I searched for short itineraries but instead found mostly advice to stay longer which wasn’t possible.
If you, like me, only have a short trip possible, I want to assure you that it is still possible to have an amazing time. Here’s what we chose to do with only under 2 days in Williamsburg and what we would have added if we had time.
Things to Do in Williamsburg, VA: The “Need-to-Know”
First, there is a lot to do in the Williamsburg area. That’s why people advise a longer trip.
The Williamsburg region includes three major historical sites: Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown connected by the Colonial Parkway.
The history of these three sites spans over 150 years, starting with the founding of Jamestown in 1607, 18th century colonial life in Williamsburg right around the Revolutionary War, to the battle of Yorktown in 1781.
These three sites contain six major historical attractions/experiences with separate fees.
Colonial Williamsburg
Jamestown Settlement
Historic Jamestown
Colonial National Historical Park: Historic Jamestowne and the Glass House ( you must enter this park to enter Discovery Jamestown)
Discovery Jamestown
Yorktown
Colonial National Historical Park: Yorktown Battlefield
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
In addition to these three historical sites, Williamsburg also has a major amusement park, Busch Gardens and Water Country USA plus a number of other historical and fun attractions nearby.
If you only have a day or two, don’t skip the region. Instead, just focus your time.
Second, these historical attractions all require a LOT of walking outdoors. Pack your sunscreen, sandwiches, water bottles, and wear comfortable shoes.
You could utilize a stroller or wheelchair to get from point to point but some walking would be required to see especially the buildings of Williamsburg.
Watch!! Here’s our day in Colonial Williamsburg
Stay Near Colonial Williamsburg
Use the map below to locate the perfect lodging for your family near Williamsburg, VA. Through an affiliate relationship with Stay22 Kidding Aorund earns when you book through this map.
One and a Half Days in Williamsburg
Day #1: Colonial Williamsburg
Reconstruction of 18th-century colonial life in Williamsburg
Interactive living history experience that covers everything from building tours to trade shops and reenactments
Lots and lots of walking outdoors. The outdoor paths are mostly stroller/wheelchair friendly but most of the buildings are not.
Limited food options that are easy to get to and fast.
We arrived at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor’s Center as close to when they opened as possible.
Parking: Colonial Williamsburg has a huge parking lot at the Visitors Center where you can purchase tickets and enter the living history area either via a walking path (around 1 mile) or by shuttle.
Kidding Around Tip: Pack in some sandwiches and water. It’s not easy to get back to your car and your kids will get hungry. Food is available for purchase but it’s expensive and there aren’t many fast choices for lunch choices in the historic area.
What we did with one day in Colonial Williamsburg
For this Colonial Williamsburg One Day Itinerary, we chose to walk the mile walk into Colonial Williamsburg. The path was shady, scenic, and a beautiful entrance to the historic area. If you have kids old enough to walk easily I recommend it. If you have limited mobility or younger kids, you may want to save your leg strength for the rest of the day.
Many people spend more than one day in Colonial Williamsburg. Our kids like to move quickly though so one day was perfect for us.
We started at the Governor’s Palace. This building required joining one of the guided tours. This tour moved quickly as it was on a strict 15-minute rotation. After the tour, we were free to explore the gardens, cellar, and outdoor buildings at our own pace. The kitchen where they were preparing colonial foods over an outdoor oven with a fire was particularly interesting.
After the Governor’s Palace we continued to walk to the Duke of Gloucester Street where most of the living history experiences are located. Along this street, you can walk into the tradeshops where historical interpreters continue these trades and answer questions. They actually make the wigs and outfits by hand that are worn in Colonial Williamsburg.
Each day different trade shops are open, so check the schedule ahead of time if you have a specific trade you want to see.
Kidding Around Tip: There are a bunch of gift shops mixed in with the trade shops. If your time is short (or your kids want to buy everything), check the map so that you can focus on the living history shops.
We also joined tours at the Capital and the Courthouse. In the Courthouse, you have the opportunity to participate in a trial reenactment. Some of the other buildings such as the Public Gaol (Jail) and Historic Baptist Church can be explored on your own.
We did not attend any of the reenactments due to our tight schedule, but on our visit we could have chosen to attend a speech by George Washington, a street reenactment with a speech by Marquis De Lafayette, or a rifle demonstration. The programming varies each day.
Our kids were exhausted around 3:30 due to walking in the heat, so we took a break until dinner.
At 4:45 pm, we ate dinner at Raleigh Tavern. You must have a reservation to eat at one of the Taverns and we recommend making a dinner reservation if your time in the attraction is limited as our meal took almost 3 hours and the other attractions close at 5 pm.
At the Tavern, we had a limited menu of meals created from actual colonial recipes. Some of the meals date back to the original Tavern. During the meal, the waitress shared information about meals and taverns during the time period and there was even live harp music.
These restaurants are expensive $30-60/plate, but the experience in our opinion was worth spending a bit extra on dinner.
We didn’t see everything, and many families would probably enjoy a visit of 2-3 days, but one day was perfect for teens who prefer moving quickly. Families enjoying a longer stay could visit more of the shops, enjoy a carriage ride, watch reenactments, enjoy demonstrations at a slower pace, and maybe even visit some of Colonial Williamsburg’s special events.
Kidding Around Tip: You don’t have to purchase a ticket to enter the outdoor paths and streets or dine at the taverns of Colonial Williamsburg. If you only have a couple of hours instead of a day, or are looking for a budget-friendly option, you could still get a smaller experience by dining in one of the taverns (be sure to make a reservation) or just walking down the street. See all of Colonial Williamsburg’s Dining Options with their hours.
Visiting Williamsburg Details
Colonial Williamsburg Tickets
Ticket prices to Colonial Williamsburg vary depending on how many days you are visiting, and what other attractions you want to also visit.
For a single-day ticket you’ll pay $28.99 for youth ages 6 to 12, and $49.99 for adults 13 and up. Multi-day tickets are just a few dollars more, and there are also combination tickets available for the Historic Triangle. Check out all your Colonial Williamsburg Ticket options.
Day #2: A half-day in Jamestown
Jamestown was the first permanent English colony, founded in 1607.
There are two historical areas in Jamestown and three separate tickets:
Jamestown Settlement
Historic Jamestown (You must enter via Colonial National Historical Park. Jamestown Discovery is inside the National Park.)
Jamestown Settlement
We started at the Jamestown Settlement Museum. It includes:
An indoor museum that includes life-size visuals and information about the founding and history of Jamestown
A living history trail with an interactive Paspahegh Town, James Fort (the Virginia Company’s outpost from 1610-14), and recreations of three 17th-century ships.
With a tight schedule, we recommend focusing on the outdoor trail. Historical interpreters are at each section outside demonstrating life during the early settlement.
You can enter the Paspahegh dwellings and see how the tribe slept and ate, and learn about their trades.
Only one of the three 17th-century reconstructed ships was open to explore during our visit, but we were able to walk on, explore the helm, and even walk down into the cabin.
The fort included living history demonstrations such as blacksmithing, cooking, and musket firing. You could walk inside the buildings and try on armor.
The guide recommended reserving 2-3 hours to see Jamestown Settlement, but our family finished in a little over an hour. We did not spend a significant amount of time in the indoor museum and we skipped the introductory video.
Food and drink are not allowed inside Jamestown Settlement, but we recommend packing lunch and eating in the car or at Historic Jamestown.
After Jamestown Settlement, we drove to Historic Jamestowne, the actual historical site of Jamestown.
This site includes two separate organizations with two ticket fees. To enter Historic Jamestown, you must first purchase tickets to the Historical Jamestown National Park or show a National Park pass.
Entering the National Park allows access to the New Towne section which includes the foundations and remains of later buildings in the Jamestown settlement as well as the Glass House (outside and further down the road). The National Park also includes the Yorktown Battlefield and a scenic parkway connecting the two sites.
Either at the National Park ticket booth or inside the park, you can purchase tickets for Jamestown Rediscovery.
Jamestown Rediscovery is run by a foundation and includes the site of Olde Towne Jamestown where the original James Fort and church were located.
You can tour a reconstruction of the church and see its graveyard. Archeologists have found around 3 million artifacts in the area proving that the original fort was located in this region including a cellar with evidence of the starvation period of the colony.
This area also includes statues of John Smith and Pocahontas, excavation sites, and a museum filled with artifacts found in the region.
While it’s a separate ticket fee, this area is very interesting and worth entering.
After walking around the original Jamestown site, we drove a short bit down the road to also see the Glass House. The Glass House is located down a short wooded trail and includes the historic site of the original Glass House, as well as a living history, reconstructed Glass House where you can watch glass being blown and shaped to be sold in an adjoining gift shop.
We didn’t have time, but you can also purchase tickets to ride a ferry from Jamestown that stops at 5 locations.
More Things to Do in Williamsburg, VA
Yorktown
If we had a full second day, we would have visited Yorktown. While the sites close at 5 pm, the tour roads are open until sunset so depending on your itinerary it might be possible to fit at least a drive-in as an evening activity on a tight itinerary.
Yorktown Battlefield
This battle site is the site of the final battle of the American Revolution in 1781 and is part of the Colonial National Historical Park.
You can listen to a free audio tour while driving from site to site along the parkway.
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
This museum includes a short film about Yorktown, an indoor museum with life-size visual exhibits, and outdoor living history exhibits such as a military encampment and Colonial-era farm.
Families on a longer trip could add a night ghost tour, a trip to Busch Gardens or Water Country USA, additional historical sites, and a day on the ferry. Williamsburg also offers access to the beach as well as being only an hour from Virginia Beach and Richmond. You could easily spend a week in the area with plenty to do.
Big Tips from Our Trip: Williamsburg Tips for Parents
Consider packing lunch and snacks. It’s not always easy to find affordable lunch options and these spots offer plenty of picnic areas.
Wear your most comfortable walking shoes, bring a hat or sunglasses, and put on sunscreen. Colonial Williamsburg in particular requires walking in the sun and some of the pathways are white.
Focus your time rather than trying to see everything if your time is limited.
After visiting, I would prefer a trip in either spring, early summer, or fall. Colonial Williamsburg in particular was really hot even in early June. Having fewer crowds also meant that it was easy to enter most of the tradeshops and interact with the interpreters.
Argggghhh Matey’s and mermaids! We took a short trip from Knoxville, TN to Pigeon Forge for the day and played mini golf at the new Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay An Epic Golf Adventure. It was the most fun we’ve had playing mini golf in a while! Here is what you need to know about it and make sure to check our guide to fun things to do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg on your next trip to the Smoky Mountains!
Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay An Epic Golf Adventure mini golf is located right off the main parkway (the popular strip where all the attractions are) in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. They offer indoor and outdoor mini golf, interactive activities, fun photo ops, live pirates & mermaids, a face painting station, signature concession items, souvenirs, and more!
As soon as we walked in we were greeted by employees dressed up as pirates, a huge candy store called the “Candy Cave”, and fun music that made us feel like we were transported to the magical land.
Side note: The lobby smells amazing, so amazing in fact, that we asked if they sold a candle with the scent. It was the perfect beach-like scent and made the experience even more pleasurable.
What’s The Story?
This mini-golf experience takes you on an adventure with Captain Thunderbeard a fierce captain who commands the sky pirates aboard a flying ship called the Smoky Doubloon! Thunderbeard and his crew are headed toward the magical Mermaid Bay where the mermaids are hiding a treasure the pirates want.
Which platoon will you join? The mermaids or the pirates? Beware of the Kraken that is hiding… and have a safe trip!
Watch!
Outdoor Pirate Course
You can choose between their indoor or outdoor course. If you choose the pirate course, it is located on the rooftop of the building AKA above Mermaid Bay. You will take a short walk up the stairs, after purchasing your tickets and grabbing your golf club of course, to the rooftop where a large pirate ship awaits you. Here’s what to expect:
This 18-hole course is completely outdoors and located on the roof
Accessible to all via the stairs or elevator
They play fun music & the course is so detailed it feels real
If you choose the mermaid course, you will stay inside the building as this course is fully indoors. If it is raining or too hot outside this is the perfect course to enjoy. This is located to the left of the ticket counter. Here’s what to expect:
This 18-hole course is completely indoors and located inside the building
Accessible to all
They play fun music & the course is so detailed it feels real
There is a lot of fog from fog machines in this course for dramatic effect so if that is bothersome please keep that in mind
One course ticket price: Adults ($19.99) Children 11 & under ($16.99)
Two courses ticket price: Adults ($24.99) Children 11 & under ($21.99)
They offer a Park Hopper pass for $39.99 per person to enjoy Toy Box Mini Golf, TopJump Trampoline and Extreme Arena, Crave Golf Club, and the all-new Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay: An Epic Golf Adventure for an entire day.
You can return to the ticket counter after one course and add on the second course if you want
They offer group discounts (10+ people), field trips, and birthday parties.
Are you thinking about a trip to Majestic Caverns in Childersburg, AL for a fun day with the family? We visited this family attraction and had a great day with lots of adventures! Here’s our review, what you can expect to do at Majestic Caverns, and why you should visit this cave just a little over four hours from Greenville and Upstate SC.
A Fun, Family Day
On a recent trip to Alabama, we wanted to find a fun family day outing that would keep our older children (age 11 and 14) entertained all day. We were looking for something that would not be in the direct sun, and that would be a unique destination with things we couldn’t find anywhere else. We ended up at Majestic Caverns (formerly Desoto Caverns) in Childersburg, Alabama, and had a day filled with fun activities and exploration, unlike any other adventure.
What Can You Do at Majestic Caverns?
Majestic Caverns (formerly Desoto Cavern) includes a privately owned campground, cavern, and entertainment zone with over 20 activities.
The Cavern
A short walk into Majestic Cavern takes you into the majestic Cathedral Room where the ceiling reaches a stunning 12 stories and houses the second-largest onyx-marble stalagmite/stalactite collection in the world.
The tickets to the cavern include a guided tour where you will learn about the history and science of the cave and it culminates with a laser show in the cavern.
The initial path is wheelchair accessible and while there are portions of the tour that would require some walking, someone who could not walk could still see the Healing All Cathedral Room where the tour starts and ends.
The path is well lit but the cave is dim. At the very beginning, the tour starts with everyone sitting near a stage and all the lights are turned off to demonstrate full darkness. The lights are not left off for very long but it is completely dark which might scare some children.
For those that are claustrophobic, these cave rooms are fairly large and the only tighter section is one that can be easily skipped.
Our children’s favorite part was the laser show. They loved the water fountain and the beauty of the lasers against the cave walls.
If it’s hot (or cold) the cavern stays at a comfortable 60 degrees year-round.
Gem Mining at Majestic Caverns
The Entertainment Area
Outside of the cavern, families will find a gift shop, cafe, and over 20 attractions. You can either purchase tickets for the attractions or an all-inclusive pass.
Before heading to the attraction, we read several reviews online complaining that the activities weren’t open or were only for younger children. You may want to ask if the attractions were open before buying tickets but everything was open the day we were there. There were staff members manning multiple areas though so sometimes you did have to find a staff member to enjoy an attraction. We didn’t have any issues finding someone as needed.
Our kids were 11 and 14, so they are entering those early teen years where kids are harder to entertain. We spent the entire day at Majestic Caverns and they had a great time. In my opinion, the activities spanned a great age range and there was plenty to entertain teens and adults.
While it was very hot, most of the activities were in the shade and several activities included water.
Some of our favorite activities were:
Gemstone Panning
We are one of those families that usually skips the gemstone panning stations because it almost always costs extra. My kids were thrilled to find out that their all-inclusive tickets allowed gemstone panning as many times as they wanted to.
Crystal Mining
In the mining section, you can search the sand for hidden crystals that you can keep.
Beach Ball Blast
Enter a room filled with beach balls with a floor fan and hit the balls all around. Why are there not more of these?
Cave Crawl Box
You can enter a small hole in a box if you dare and then slither your way out (just like a cave).
My husband who wasn’t that far under the height and weight limit decided he was going to give it a try. I’ll admit I was nervous that he wasn’t going to make it out (and I think he had some doubts while he was in there), but he did survive. This is definitely not an activity for the claustrophobic or fearful.
Cave Crawl Box
Cannon Wars
Enter a screened room with a bunch of small foam balls with cannons on each side and have fun pelting each other with balls. Protective eye equipment is available.
Water Balloon Battle
Fill up a bucket with water balloons (there is a self-fill station) and then oppose each other on opposite forts and see who can get the other side the wettest.
Squirt Gun Lost Trail Maze
Run around a wooden maze while trying to sneak up on each other with water guns.
Squirt Gun Lost Trail Maze
Other activities include an archery range, mini-golf, a foam pit, wall climbing, a splash pad, a small train, and more.
Archery
More to Know: Plan Your Visit to Majestic Caverns
Lunch at Majestic Caverns
You can add a meal to your ticket for $12.89. The food wasn’t very exciting but it came with an insulated souvenir cup that could be filled unlimited times. This cup was actually a huge perk as we stayed for hours and it made it very easy to stay hydrated.
You could also pack a lunch as there are many picnic tables outside.
The Campground
Multiple levels of camping are available and the campground is within walking distance of the other attractions.
Parking
Parking is free and a short distance from the attractions.
Pricing
We were lucky enough to end up at Majestic Caverns on a Monday when they were offering a Fun Day Monday special on all-inclusive tickets. You can either purchase tickets for the cavern, the outdoor activities, or both. The tickets are not cheap, but we personally did think that it was a good value as many of the activities were ones that are rarely included in all-inclusive tickets and our kids played all day.
Where to Stay Near Majestic Caverns
Find a place to stay near Majestic Caverns!
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If you are hanging out around the Davidson River, tubing in Brevard in the summer months is the way to go! 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.
Photo Credit to Kevin Stinehart
Note: As of June 2025, we have learned that the river is doing well after Hurricane Helene (minimal damage or debris), and the abundance of rain this season has kept the water levels good for tubing.
Have you ever wanted to walk the Yellow Brick Road to the Land of Oz? Well, your chance to walk that Yellow Brick Road, meet Dorothy, and so much more about three hours from Upstate, SC. We have all the details on what to expect, where to eat, and where to stay when you head to the Land of Ozthe last three weekends in September 2024.
This review is a combination of trips in 2019, 2022, and 2023. Thank you to the Land of Oz for providing media tickets so we could write this review.
Have you visited the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or maybe looking for things to do in the Smokies? The park straddles Tennessee and North Carolina, and it is the most visited national park in the entire nation. And the best part? It’s less than three hours from Greenville.
This park has been on my bucket list of places to visit for a while and the more I learned about it, the more I wanted to take a trip there with my kids. When I finally got the chance, it blew me away. The scenery is overwhelmingly beautiful. The mountains stretch for miles, green upon green upon green. The fall colors are unreal. The park has the highest concentration of black bears in this part of the country, two per square mile, along with other abundant wildlife like elk, deer, turkeys, and coyote.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited in the country, with 13.3 million people setting foot there in 2023. While the park is majestic and beautiful, it is also highly accessible to a big part of the nation and there is no entrance fee but there are parking fees.
You must have a parking pass on your car if you park for more than 15 minutes inside the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. A daily pass is $5, a weekly pass is $15, and a yearly pass is $40. You can purchase them at any visitors center or online.
I’ll tell you all about places to visit in the park plus where to stay, eat, and play.
Find a place to stay near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This article contains Stay22 affiliate links.
GSMNP Visitors Centers
Sugarland Visitors Center & Nature Trail
If you are visiting the Tennessee side of the park, start your visit at the Sugarland Visitors Center, only a ten-minute drive from nearby Gatlinburg. You can pick up maps and booklets and explore a small nature center that has stuffed snakes, turtles, boar, and other wildlife native to the park. You can also attend a short presentation by a Park Ranger and learn about different aspects of the park. We listened to a fascinating presentation on elk, where the ranger showed us an elk skin, rack, hoof, and cast skull. It was really cool.
There is a one-mile round trip easy nature trail you can take along a creek that goes to the small but pretty Cataract Falls. It’s perfect for families with small kids. We saw parents even pushing strollers along the flat path.
If your kids want to become Junior Rangers, they can fill out a book ($2.50) that has several activities divided by age and then have a ranger sign off on the book and get the pin. My oldest did this with her scout pack and we had a blast. We learned about different vegetation, trees, and wildlife in the park. It’s fun and educational and I highly recommend it as a great introduction to the park.
Oconaluftee Visitors Center
On the North Carolina side of the park, the Oconaluftee Visitors Center is super cool. You can also do the Junior Ranger program there but one of the big draws is the elk that roam the grassy area outside of the building. I’ve seen elk almost every time I’ve visited there. The best time of year to see the elk there is in mating season, which is September mostly, because the bull elk make a bugle call and it’s just incredible to hear.
The Visitors Center there also has an amazing bookstore, topographical map of the park, clean bathrooms, and plenty of Park Rangers to answer your questions. There is also an old village you can tour as part of the Junior Ranger program on that side of the park. My kids and I really enjoyed doing this as part of our homeschooling field trip there.
This is the question I see on every major social media page about the Smokies. This isn’t a zoo so you can’t just go and see animals whenever you want. While there are places you are more likely to encounter wildlife, the most important part of visiting the Smokies and seeing wildlife is to be respectful of the animals and keeping your distance. In fact, you can be fined thousands of dollars if you are too close to the wildlife. And do not, under any circumstances, leave trash or food outdoors in an unsecured area because as you’ll see on signs all over the park, a fed bear is a dead bear.
Now that you know to keep your distance and take out your trash, here are a few places to possibly see wildlife in the Smokies.
Cades Cove
Cades Cove is about an hour drive from the Sugarlands Visitors Center through a winding road. It’s beautiful and goes by quickly since there is so much to view along the way. The Cove is a one-way 11-mile road that snakes through a valley amongst the mountains. It is rich in history and wildlife. Be sure to stop at the information center on your way in and grab the Cades Cove guidebook for a $1. It helps to explain what you’ll see along the way.
Cades Cove was one of the earliest settlements in the area dotted with log cabins and primitive churches. The coolest part is that you can explore them all. My kids absolutely loved checking out these buildings that dated in the 1800s. They look like something out of an old movie and are a unique part of the experience.
My favorite stop is always at the Primitive Baptist Church, which dates back to the mid-1800s and set off the main road. We love to explore the old building and twice have stumbled upon people singing or making music – once was a youth group and their leader with a guitar singing worship songs and the other was an older gentleman playing a harp. The setting, the music, all of it made it easy to picture what this place may have been like when people lived there all those years ago.
As we traveled through the Cove, we pulled over many times, as signs instruct you to do if you want to stop, and jumped out to take photos of the mountains and log cabins. We have seen bears and other wildlife every time we have visited Cades Cove.
There are multiple signs along the route that urge visitors to stay 50 yards away from wildlife because they can be dangerous and result in injury or death. Nevertheless, we saw many people getting way too close to these bears, including a mama and her cubs. Remember you are in their home and you have to be careful. Basically, use common sense.
There is no charge to enter Cades Cove but you must have a parking pass. With the weather changing quickly at times and icy winters, always check with the Visitors Center or the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Twitter account to make sure the road to Cades Cove is open.
Biking Cades Cove
Cades Cove is closed to vehicles every Wednesday during the summer months (it starts on May 1, 2024) and in my opinion, this is the absolute best way to see Cades Cove. It is so peaceful without the noise from the cars and motorcycles. I’ve done this twice with my kids and both times were amazing. We camped there one of the times, which made it easy to get an early start on the bike loop and the other time, we stayed about 45 minutes away and just got there early, around 8:30am. Both times I’ve biked the loop, it took us about four hours just because we stopped so many times at the cabins to check them out.
We brought our bikes but you can rent them from the Cades Cove campground store. They don’t take reservations so you need to get there early. They start renting bikes at 7 am and are usually sold out by 8:30 am. They rent by the hour so if you decide to go later in the day, there’s a decent chance they will have some bikes back from those who went out in the morning. Prices are $10/hour for age 15 and under and $15/adult.
Roaring Fork Motor Trail
Accessed from traffic light #8 off the main strip in Gatlinburg, the Roaring Fork Motor Trail is a 5.5 mile one-way loop that includes access to popular hiking trails like Rainbow Falls and Grotto Falls. You can also stop at the Noah Bud Ogle cabin and take the short hike to the creek and back, which is just beautiful. There are other historical spots to stop at along the way.
Since the road is very narrow, if a bear is spotted, you’ll likely be caught in a bear jam for awhile as tourists will want to stop and take photos. Keep your distance from those cuddly creatures. I’ve seen bears and turkeys during my travels through Roaring Fork. The first time I drove through the trail was with the Pink Jeep tour – it was fascinating because I learned so much about the history of the area. I highly recommend that tour!
Oconaluftee Visitors Center
As mentioned above, there is an elk herd at the Oconaluftee Visitors Center. They are usually out in the open field next to the Visitors Center or down the road a bit. If you don’t see them, they are probably just in the woods. I have been at this place at all hours during the day and have usually seen elk there. I’ve also seen elk on the way over to Cherokee, NC just outside the borders of the park.
There are hundreds of miles of hiking trails within the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and tourists always go to just a few of the trails, notably Laurel Falls, Alum Cave, and Grotto Falls. The only one I have not been to of those is Laurel Falls because I don’t want to deal with the crowds. My best piece of advice is to get to wherever you want to go early, like at sunrise or before, if you want to find parking and avoid the mass of tourists. While there is no admission fee to enter the Smokies (they cannot charge one by law) but they have instituted parking fees.
Need to know: Dogs are not allowed (except on two trails)
One important point to note about hiking in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is that dogs are not allowed on any trails except two (and they must be leashed): the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconoluftee River Trail. This is for the safety of both the dogs and wildlife. If you are caught with your dog on a trail by a Ranger, you will be asked to leave and likely fined.
Alum Cave
This trail is so cool and it’s not hard to figure out why it’s beloved by tourists and locals alike. The pinnacle of the hike is to a cave-like rock outcrop that is more like a bluff than a cave. The views are beautiful and you can walk through stunning scenery the whole way. It’s about a five-mile round trip hike to Alum Cave and back. If you want to keep going to Mt. LeConte, another popular place, then you’ll be hiking about 10 miles in total. You can stay at Mt. LeConte at the lodge there but reservations are hard to come by!
Mt. LeConte
I’ve hiked Mt. LeConte via Alum Cave with my daughters (they were 8 and 12 at the time) and it was fantastic. The steepest part was right after Alum Cave and near the top of the mountain. The views were spectacular and hanging out at the lodge was fun. We hiked to the Cliff Tops viewpoint, which added about another .75 miles to the hike. It was worth it. We felt like we were on top of the world.
We bought the sack lunch – my kids called it a “snack lunch” because it consisted of all their favorite snacks and a bagel – for $14 and we each got a commemorative t-shirt that said we hiked Mt. LeConte. The gift shop opens at Noon so we had to wait a bit until it opened since apparently we got up there faster than I expected. Are we doing this again? Absolutely yes. Total mileage was around 11 miles.
We made it!
Grotto Falls
This is a beautiful waterfall you can walk behind and the route that the llamas take up to Mt. LeConte (we got to see them when we went, which was super neat!). Grotto Falls is only 2.6 miles roundtrip and it’s not a difficult hike. But you need to get there early as there is not a lot of parking at the trailhead off Roaring Fork Motor Trail. Roaring Fork is closed during the winter but you can still walk on the road to get to the trailhead, although it adds many miles to your hike.
Abrams Falls
Abrams Falls is a moderate 5.2 mile round trip hike that you have to access through Cades Cove. It’s about halfway through the 11-mile loop and you can park in a gravel lot. I loved this trail. It winds through a beautiful forest and comes out at an incredible waterfall. We went over the summer and lots of people were swimming. We even saw a family of otters!
Midnight Hole
On the North Carolina side of the park is a super popular trail to Midnight Hole, a crystal clear swimming hole that is freezing – but gorgeous! It’s only a three-mile hike and not hard. We even got to see some horseback riders on the trail. If you go only about a quarter mile further past Midnight Hole, you’ll get to see Mouse Creek Falls.
Deep Creek
Deep Creek is also on the North Carolina side of the national park and consists of three waterfalls and a great spot for river tubing. It’s not a hard hike but again, it’s a popular place so if you want to hike there, go early as the parking lot fills up, especially during the summer. We saw some dogs on this trail – they are not allowed – and a Ranger was about to go fine them and ask them to take their dogs out. So be aware of that rule and leave your pups at home.
Mt. Cammerer
Mt. Cammerer is an awesome trail because it ends at a spectacular lookout/fire tower. To get there is a beast though. My daughters and I tracked about 12 miles total and it was really hard. We started at the Cosby campground and it took us about seven hours total. As cool as the fire tower was, especially when we went in the fall, I’m not sure I’d do this one again!
Other Trails
There are a lot of amazing trails throughout the park and it doesn’t take much time to find some of the less traveled ones – Google is helpful, as is this popular Facebook group. We have also hiked the short trail to the Elijah Oliver homestead in Cades Cove – it’s just a mile but is off the beaten path and totally worth the walk. I have a long list of other hikes I want to do in the Smokies. Do your own research and find your next adventure on the trails there!
We took a whitewater rafting trip on the Lower Pigeon River with Smoky Mountain Outdoors and had a blast. They have several different trips but the one we did was best for smaller kids – they allow kids ages 3 and up, which is great for families. The Upper Pigeon River has more rapids and kids need to be at least 8 years old for that trip. Make sure you check their website when making a reservation since they often have great deals online.
Other places to go whitewater rafting are Smoky Mountain River Rat and Rafting in the Smokies.
The Townsend Wye swimming hole is a lot of fun in the summer. We brought our own tubes and towels and hung out there for a couple hours. You can chill in the water or take your tube down the small rapids or swim as it is deep enough. It’s right at the Townsend, TN entrance to the park and not too far from Cades Cove.
You can also swim at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area and Greenbrier swimming hole outside Gatlinburg. You may see that The Sinks is a popular swimming hole but we do not recommend this place as several drownings have happened there. Always use caution wherever you choose to swim.
I’ve tubed in Deep Creek a few times and while the water is really cold, it’s also a lot of fun! You have to walk the trail back to the starting point every time but it’s totally worth it and pretty cheap, especially if you bring your own tubes. A new rule that the national park has instituted is that every child ages 13 and under must wear a life jacket while tubing. Here are some places to go tubing in the Smoky Mountains:
They have two tubing locations in East Tennessee near the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area: 205 Wears Valley Road, Townsend (Ages 3+) 8435 State Highway 73, Townsend (Ages 6+)
Tubing passes for both outposts are $16.99 (6-12 years old) and $21.99 (13+ years) in advance online. Day of tickets online are $26.99/adult and $21.99/kids. Walk-in ticket purchases are $30+. Dog passes start at $14.99.
Every time we’ve got to the Smokies, we have seen fisherman in the creeks and rivers that run through the park. As long as you have a fishing license, you can fish the 2,900 miles of streams and creeks within the park. Take a look at the Smokies website to get all the best information and rules on trout fishing within the park.
I think the park harbors many secrets just given its history (read about it before you go!) but there are some pretty incredible things to see here that you’ll find hardly anywhere else.
Synchronous Fireflies
These fireflies are very unique because unlike other fireflies, they will light up all at the same time, which is quite the show. Because they are so cool, the Park severely limits visitors during May and June to the areas where the fireflies light up because humans have done so much damage to the environment over the years. To see the fireflies, you have to enter the lottery, which costs a dollar. If you manage to win, you’ll pay a parking fee at Elkmont -around $25 – to take a shuttle into the park to see the fireflies. The lottery opens in late April just for a few days and you will be notified by mid-May if you won.
My daughters and I have seen the synchronous fireflies at Elkmont and it’s hard to describe just how special that experience was. It felt like you were walking in space with an otherworldly light show happening everywhere you looked. You’re in complete darkness and are so mesmerized by what you’re seeing that you don’t want to go anywhere. You just want to watch the magic happen.
Walker Sisters Cabin
Pick up this trail to the Walkers Sisters Cabin at Metcalf Bottoms picnic area. The cabin was built in 1859 where John and Margaret Walker lived with their 11 children. Only one of the girls married, another died a decade later, and the last five Walker sisters ended up living at the cabin together as their homestead. They stayed after the park was acquired by the U.S. Government and sold handmade items to visitors who happened upon their cabin. The trail isn’t hard and goes past an old schoolhouse and cemetery as well.
I have never gotten tired of the views of the Smokies no matter how many times I see the majestic peaks and clouds weaving through the tree tops. Here are a few places to see some incredible views.
Newfound Gap
In the other direction from Cades Cove is Newfound Gap, which is on the way to Clingmans Dome. There is a large parking lot at the pull off for the site, with plenty of viewing points and photo opportunities.
Newfound Gap sits at just over 5,000 feet above sea level and is the lowest possible pass through the park. Since it’s so high up, it gets a hefty amount of snow a year, average is 69 inches, and is about 10 degrees cooler than Gatlinburg.
The Appalachian Trail crosses here so you can take a stroll to enjoy the view and stretch your legs.
Clingmans Dome
At 6,643 feet above sea level, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Smokies, in Tennessee, and on the Appalachian Trail as well as the third highest point east of the Mississippi River.
Clingmans Dome is about 40 minutes from the Sugarlands Visitors Center and just seven miles from Newfound Gap. The road to Clingmans Dome is closed from December 1 through March 31st, although the observation tower is open year round, but can also close at other times for weather to be sure to check to make sure its open before you go.
The drive up there is stunning. You feel like you’re one top of the world and can see into Tennessee and North Carolina on clear days. The parking lot for Clingmans Dome sits a half mile from the observation deck and it’s a steep hike up there. It’s straight up and not suitable for people with health problems, strollers, or wheelchairs. Don’t worry too much if you can’t make it to the top because the views from the parking lot are amazing.
The storied Appalachian Trail runs through the Great Smoky Mountains and up to Clingmans Dome and you can take a short part of it on the way up or down to the observation tower if you like. It connects to the Clingmans Dome Trail for a total length of almost a mile to the parking lot or back, one way. The vegetation is so vastly different from that of the parks and trails near Greenville that is feels like you’re in another world. It’s beautiful.
Once you huff and puff your way to the top of the observation tower, you’ll be rewarded with a 360 degree view of the park. I’ve seen so many stunning photos of both the sunrise and sunset from this point and while I’m not hiking up there in the dark, the views during the day are breathtaking. It is absolutely worth it to hike up there (maybe bribe the kids with a snack when you get to the top).
The history of the area surrounding Clingmans Dome goes back to the Cherokee tribe as they were pushed out of their lands and walked through what is known as the “Trail of Tears.” Even with the crowds up there, I found the area to be peaceful, especially as we took the trail from the observation tower back down to the parking lot where we only saw a handful of people. Perhaps those spirits of the Cherokee still linger.
Foothills Parkway
Don’t miss the less traveled Foothills Parkway, where you’ll be rewarded with less traffic and beautiful views of the Smokies. This was the first place I stopped on my maiden visit to the national park and it did not disappoint.
I’ve done a lot of things in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge and it’s really hard to choose my favorites but I’ll try. You can see more things to do and reviews in our larger guide to the Gatlinburg area.
Anakeesta
I think this mountaintop village is amazing. You can either take an open air chondala or ride up to Anakeesta in a huge truck to the top. Once there, you can run through the treetops on swinging bridges, eat lunch or dinner while enjoying beautiful views, climb the highest tower on a mountain, go zip lining and ride the mountain coaster, play on the forest-themed play areas, and cool off in the splash pad.
Sky Bridge
You can see the Sky Bridge from downtown Gatlinburg and it’s no wonder you can: it’s the longest pedestrian bridge in North America. They have two glass floor partitions on the swinging bridge which will probably test your courage. There are short trails at the top and a new Tulip Tower to climb plus a cool gift shop and snack bar.
Dollywood
The iconic theme park is a lot of fun for families as it has areas for little and big kids plus a locomotive train and awesome shows. Dollywood at Christmas is especially fun with the unique shows and massive display of Christmas lights.
Take a boat ride in an underground lake at the Lost Sea Adventure. This is absolutely as cool as it sounds.
Smoky Mountain Llama Treks
This is on my bucket list and one of the things I really, really want to do in the Smokies. You can hike with llamas with Smoky Mountain Llama Treks and I am sure this is super cool.
Where to Stay Near Great Smoky Mountain National Park
There are lovely campgrounds in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. I’ve stayed at Elkmont, the Cosby one (quiet and spacious) and the Cades Cove one, which is beautiful and also pretty spacious, plus right next to the Cove. Greenbrier and Smokemont are other popular campgrounds.
There are so many great spots to stay: theMargaritaville Island Hotel in Pigeon Forge, Greystone Lodge in Gatlinburg, the Go Lodge, Westgate Smokies, Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort, Camp LeConte, Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Lodge, The Ridge Outdoor Resort, and Wilderness at the Smokies. This Gatlinburg area guide has several options and reviews.
Where to Eat Near Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Your best bet is to bring food with you for a day at the park. We enjoyed probably the best pancakes I’ve ever had at the Little House of Pancakes in Gatlinburg one of the mornings and brought lunch and snacks the rest of the time. The nearest Walmart Supercenter is 25 minutes north in Sevierville.
Townsend is the nearest town to Cades Cove and there are a few places on the way back to Pigeon Forge if you drive through there. We ate at Paw Paw’s Catfish Kitchen, which had a great selection of catfish, crawfish, and gumbo.
With one of our national treasures being so close to Greenville – and nearly free! – it is absolutely worth the time to make a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
If you’re looking specifically for things to do in downtown Charleston, we’ve got some ideas for you in this story based on our personal experience.Rife with history, beauty, and charm, Charleston, SC is a must-visit city in the United States. It is easily one of our very favorite places to visit.
Parking in Downtown Charleston
For things to do in the greater Charleston area, see our Guide to Charleston.
For parking, we parked on the street near the Charleston City Market and paid via the meter but if you plan to spend all day, it would be worth it to park in the garage near the South Carolina Aquarium or in a lot in downtown Charleston.
Where to Stay in Charleston
Use the map below to find stellar accommodations in Downtown Charleston that are just right for your family. When you book through the links in the map, Kidding Around earns a small percentage through an affiliate relationship with Stay22.
And now, the adventure! Fun, family things to do in Charleston, SC ahead.
Charleston City Market
The Charleston City Market is a piece of American History. It’s been in existence since 1807 and hosts a variety of beautiful makers and artists that sell everything from jewelry to clothing to the iconic sweetgrass baskets. There are also some delicious food items at the market, including Callie’s Biscuits.
They are open daily, except Christmas, 9:30 am – 5 pm. Be sure to check out their Night Markets also, Friday and Saturday from 6:30-10:30 pm March – December.
188 Meeting Street, Charleston
Charleston City Market
Byrd’s Famous Cookies
We stumbled upon Byrd’s Famous Cookies because it’s right outside of the Charleston City Market and they offered free samples. That did it. These cookies are absolutely delicious. They are small and full of flavor (get the Key Lime cookies) and you can try them all! Byrd’s has been around for 100 years so it’s also part of the historical aspect of the city, which is the best excuse ever to eat some cookies.
43 S Market Street, Charleston
Byrd’s Famous Cookies
Charleston Waterfront Park
The Charleston Waterfront Park is stunning and full of beautiful views. There is a splash pad, the famous pineapple fountain, gorgeous walkways overhung with oak trees and Spanish moss, and views of the Ravenel Bridge. The first time I went here there was a big storm over the bridge and we saw some incredible lightning strikes! There are plenty of places to sit and swinging benches here to enjoy the views.
Vendue Range, Concord St, Charleston
Pineapple fountain
Charleston Carriage Tour
This is the one thing on the list that we didn’t personally do but that we really wanted to. I love history and taking a carriage ride while learning about the history of Charleston from a tour guide seems perfect. Tours are an hour long and cost $50/adult and $40/kids. You can find them at the City Market.
Carriage tour in Charleston
The Battery and Rainbow Row
The Battery is actually a huge seawall that protects quite possibly the prettiest homes I’ve ever seen in my life. These houses belong on every cover of Southern Living imaginable. They are stately and gorgeous and the Battery is a great spot to walk along the water to spot dolphins. Just down the street from there is Rainbow Row, a famous row of painted townhomes in pastel colors. It feels like taking a step back in time and a great photo stop.
83-107 East Bay Street, Charleston
Rainbow Row
South Carolina Aquarium
The South Carolina Aquarium is a must-see when you visit Charleston for its incredible dive tank, sea turtle rescue hospital, stingray touch tank, and stunning views of the Ravenel Bridge – we even saw some dolphins while relaxing on the deck.
You can catch the ferry to Fort Sumter either from Patriots Point or right next to the South Carolina Aquarium at Liberty Square. The museum is located next to the Aquarium and it’s really neat if you’re interested in more information about the fort. Be sure to do the Junior Ranger book at the fort since it’s a great way for kids (and adults, let’s be honest) to learn about the history of where the first shots of the Civil War were fired.
Liberty Square (340 Concord St, Charleston) Patriots Point (40 Patriots Point Rd., Mt. Pleasant)
If you’re a history-lover you’ll also want to check out the 200 year-old Edmondston-Alston House near the battery.
Charleston Water Taxi
The Water Taxi is a great way to see the waterfront from a different perspective and to get across the Charleston Harbor without having to drive. The pontoon-style boat picks passengers up at several different locations. Have your camera ready, the taxi ride will provide you with some great photo opportunities of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and The USS Yorktown plus maybe some dolphins. You buy an all-day pass and you can ride as many times as you want.
Charleston Farmers Market
The Charleston Farmers Market has such a cool group of vendors with everything from local produce and vegetables and meat to jewelry and apparel to coffee and crepes. They open in April for the season and happen every Saturday from 8 am – 2 pm.
329 Meeting Street, Charleston
Charleston Farmers Market
Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist
This church, which opened in 1907, is just stunning. The cathedral recently underwent a renovation and the results are gorgeous. If you’re Catholic, attending Mass here is a beautiful experience and if you’re not, even stopping to see the beauty of the Gothic architecture is worth it. They offer tours after Sunday masses.
