Archive for the ‘Travel’ Category

Stay and Play at Upstate Zipline: Epic Family Fun

Did you know you can stay in a cabin at Upstate Zipline? Set in a private and beautiful portion of Keowee-Toxaway State Park, Upstate Zipline operates cabins, tent sites, and even an event venue with options for families or groups. We got a chance to stay in a cabin and enjoy the site. WOW did our family have a blast. This is such a great place for families to enjoy some time exceptional quality time together. We’ll take you through our visit and tell you how you can plan your own stay at Upstate Zipline’s cabins.

Thanks to Upstate Zipline for inviting us to stay, zip and gem mine so we could bring this review to our readers!

Watch! Our Visit Was Epic, See For Yourself

Is it Glamping? Cabins at Upstate Zipline

I have to tell you a secret. I do not camp. Me in a tent, it’s happened like two nights in the last 20 years. It’s just not my thing. But I do love spending time by a nice campfire, listening to the birds, taking a break from the everyday hum drum, and watching my tweens and teenage kids remember that not all of life has to be complicated. It’s ok to kick back, be silly, and let the pressure of final exams and approaching SATs take the back seat for a while.

Cooking hot dogs at the cabin, Upstate Zipline

I’m not entirely sure about the definition of “glamping.” But if it involves peaceful, outdoor enjoyment, along with a comfy bed, hot shower, Keurig Machine, and a microwave in a spotless cabin, then we can definitely call our experience in our Upstate Zipline cabin a “glamping” trip.

The Cabins

In case you aren’t familiar, Upstate Zipline operates an amazing canopy zipline tour through a portion of Keowee-Toxaway State Park. The tour ends in a section of the park called Camp Cedar Creek, just a few minutes from their office location. Originally operated by the state park, Upstate Zipline has taken over managing this camp and they’ve done some awesome things for families!

Families can stay in one of two family cabins at Camp Cedar Creek that sleep 6 to 8 people. They are extremely clean and comfortable cabins, with air conditioning and a kitchenette. The cabin we stayed in had a king-size bed and two bunk beds with linens, a couch seating area, fluffy towels, a dining table that seats 6, and even a television.

And of course outside the cabin was a fireplace with a grill over the top that we could cook on, two picnic tables, and two rocking chairs on the porch. Honestly, we spent most of our time outside! We cooked over the fire both nights of our stay, hamburgers one night and hot dogs the other. And of course, there’s always room for s’mores.

If you’re not the cooking outdoors type, the cabin does have a microwave and a hot plate. There’s also a mini fridge with a freezer, a Keurig machine, plus basic utensils and dishes.

The bathrooms are located at a central bathhouse which is really only a few steps from the cabin. And what I love, love, love about this bathhouse is that each cabin is assigned a private, locking bathroom. It has a hot shower, mirror, toilet, sink, towel holders, bench, all the things you need in a bathroom. It’s clean and your family will be the only ones using it so you can leave your towels in there, toothbrush, shampoo, whatever!

You remember how I don’t camp? Normal bathhouses are part of that. This is NOT a normal bathhouse. So much better.

The two family cabins and the group cabin, more on that in a minute, are all located together on a little dead-end circle in the park. My kids brought their skateboards and loved riding them around this area. The circle would be a perfect place for small kids to enjoy scooters or bikes, so make sure to bring them along!

Group Cabin

The third cabin is meant for groups and is furnished with bunk beds, sleeping 12. It also has a kitchenette and table, plus an outdoor fireplace and picnic tables. This cabin would be good for a large family, small youth group, scouts, or any small group.

More to Love at Camp Cedar Creek

The property is located on a private cove of Lake Keowee. “Beautiful” is not a strong enough word, “stunning” and “magnificent” get a little closer. From the cabins, there is a short trail down to a driveway that ends in another dead-end circle. Here you’ll find the lake and Upstate Zipline’s The Venue.

The Venue

The Venue, as the name implies, is an event venue that can be rented for events like weddings, family reunions, baby showers, birthdays, and even work retreats. With a full kitchen inside, it has a gorgeous view of the water, an outdoor stone fireplace, a fishing pier, a lake shore for relaxing, and lots of outdoor space. The Venue can accommodate groups of up to 100.

The Lake

Sit on the shore and enjoy the view of a private Lake Keowee cove. The shoreline all around the cove is tree-lined and beautiful. We saw fish jumping, turtles, and even a goose family with goslings in the lake and wandering the shore.

My children did enjoy wading in the lake, however, we were told later that alligator snapping turtles had been seen in the cove. After that, we did not swim, and that’s definitely something you’ll want to watch out for. But, we did make use of the kayaks provided by Upstate Zipline.

If kayaking is something you’d like to enjoy, just ask about them when you book. They were left for us on the shore of the lake along with life jackets and paddles. It was so easy, and such a fun way to spend the sunny afternoon!

From the shore, you can see two ziplines crossing the lake. These are part of the zipline tour, which again, is awesome. But, my kids also really enjoyed paddling out in the kayaks to watch a group come through on the ziplines. If you’re lucky you might catch a group coming through from the shore or a kayak, too. Make sure to give them a wave.

Why You’ll Want to Go

So, let’s recap. Comfy cabin, air conditioning, time spent outdoors, happy kids (and even teens!). What did we leave out?

Zipping! The cabins are just about a 5-minute drive to Upstate Zipline’s office where your family can start your zipline adventure, zip through the trees AND mine for gems! We have all the details on that in our story on Upstate Zipline.

You can zip and mine for gems without staying in the cabins, too. So, if you’re looking for a totally cool day trip, this would be fabulous.

Zipline over Lake Keowee at Upstate Zipline

My kids and I had never ziplined and we had the best time zipping through the trees and over the lake. It was such a great adventure to share together. The folks at Upstate Zipline are just about the kindest and most welcoming family ever. It was an absolute blast.

And then we got to mine for gems at the sluice beside the office. My kids found amethyst, fossils, coral, and all kinds of treasures. They are still having fun identifying all their finds.

For a unique family adventure, we really can’t recommend Upstate Zipline enough. Book your cabin for a couple of nights, zip, mine for gems, enjoy the lake, kayak, and most of all enjoy your family sitting together beside that campfire making s’mores. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Book your stay or your event!

Head to Upstate Zipline’s website for The Venue. You’ll find all the cabin information and event information right there!

Upstate Zipline
138 Museum Circle, Sunset, SC (Main Office)

Idyllic Treehouse is the Romantic Getaway You Didn’t Know You Needed

Are you looking for a place to get away for a weekend as a couple? Life is busy! And you both need a little time to reconnect, no distractions. We totally get it and you are in luck because we have found the most idyllic and romantic treehouse for your escape! The Old Soul Treehouse on Lake Greenwood is nothing short of completely stunning in every way. It’s one of a kind, nothing like it, completely magnificent and we’re going to tell you all about the magic we found in our stay!

Thank you to Old Soul Treehouse owner, Kristen, for providing us with a two-night stay so we could bring this review to our readers.

Watch the Video Tour

About the Treehouse

A true work of art, this treehouse is stunning and very special. Built with beautiful, unique, reclaimed, and restored pieces that are flawlessly incorporated into animaginative design, we’ve never seen anything like this treehouse. And we have stayed in a lot of vacation rentals.

The home’s guest book of information shares the history of these reclaimed components, including the gorgeous French doors in the tree house that opens to the deck and the view of Lake Greenwood. They are restored, fully functional, and came all the way from Turkey. I loved these doors. I think I probably took nearly a thousand pictures of them. Which, I realize sounds so silly. “What did you do on vacation?” “I took pictures of doors!” But they are that pretty. And, they work beautifully. The craftsmanship in this home does not disappoint.

Is a treehouse complete without a bridge and spiral stairs?
Probably not.
The property’s cast iron spiral staircase came from Bob Jones University, according to the home’s guest book. They date to the early 1900s and were located in the study of Bob Jones himself.

If you take the spiral staircase down to the ground, you’ll arrive at a beautiful deck under the treehouse. Lit with a strand of lights and a pretty chandelier, there’s a swinging bed to relax with a view of the lake plus two cozy wicker chairs. My husband and I enjoyed snacks, wine, and quite a few rounds of our favorite board games here.

Back up the spiral stairs, you can return to the house or turn and cross the bridge to the other deck which is round with little trees growing right through it, in true treehouse fashion. There’s a table for dining and a hot tub that lights up at night.

Heading back across the bridge is my other favorite part of this home. There’s a vintage window that opens out from the interior kitchen to an outdoor breakfast bar with two stools. We enjoyed lunch and breakfast at this little cozy outdoor nook.

Inside the treehouse

The interior of the treehouse is small but so airy and beautiful. We loved the kitchen with the vintage farmhouse feel, especially the soapstone sink! The smaller appliances are so cute, new but made to look vintage. We didn’t cook here and opted for a charcuterie one night and Doordash the next, but the home is fully equipped to cook a meal. You’ll find all the cooking things including pots and pans, cookie sheets, cutting boards, dishes, silverware, and the like. Everything you need!

There’s a pretty king-size bed that looks like it might have come from a Disney princess movie, and a full bathroom with a clawfoot tub. Don’t miss the totally gorgeous stained glass window above the tub, another beautifully incorporated treasure. The details in this treehouse are tremendous.

The treehouse book on the table has restaurant recommendations, information on where to get groceries, things to do, and everything you could possibly think of is there. You really don’t have to plan much at all before you arrive!

Spending Time at the Treehouse

You won’t find a television at the treehouse and that is intentional. Kristen, the treehouse owner, wants this place to be where couples come to connect. You’ll find board games and a record player with a wide selection of records. My husband and I loved having the record player. Listening to records is actually one of our favorite things to do at home and it was so neat to discover in a vacation rental. Very rare!

The home also has a cute lantern Bluetooth speaker so you can play any music you like from your device and even bring the speaker outside. There is wifi available. We brought it out to the hot tub on both nights of our stay and were so happy to have it.

The treehouse also has a private dock in Lake Greenwood that you can access with just a short path through the woods from the treehouse. There you’ll find two comfortable Adirondack chairs to enjoy the view. This is a good place to enjoy a beverage or a snack and good conversation.

You may notice a small building beside the dock in our photos and video. That is an old fishing cottage on the property. The owners hope to someday restore it but it is not currently in use by anyone. The dock is private just for you!

You can swim from the dock, fish with poles provided at the house (fishing license is required according to SCDNR and the owner warns that they do cruise around on a boat and check from time to time), or even rent a boat.

My husband and I brought our own inflatable paddle boards and we enjoyed several paddles on the lake. We went out to a railroad trestle crossing the lake and saw hawks nesting on the trestle top, several Herons, ducks, and other birds. Usually, when we head out to paddle we are keeping tabs on kids, so this was such a lovely change!

Speaking of kids, no one under 18 is allowed on the property. This is a kid-free space designed for adults to spend quality time with each other. After 4 kids and 18 years of marriage, we’ve learned that time for each other is a rare and precious thing, and we so appreciate it.

I love my kids, I really do, don’t get me wrong. But, to have a conversation without the possibility of being interrupted by our kids was so nice. It really took pounds off our mental load so we could just relax and communicate. And the kids were spending some quality time with their aunt, so it was really a win for us all.

Treehouse French door close up — Is this door not completely gorgeous?

Want to go?

We really can’t say enough wonderful things about this special property. We know you’ll want to visit for yourself.

Now for the best part! Ready to plan your little escape together? Just visit the Old Soul Treehouse on Airbnb and book it!

The Old Soul Treehouse
Waterloo, SC, on Lake Greenwood

Unique Southeastern rentals, including treehouses, cabins, and dome homes

Find more amazing rentals!

The Coolest Treehouses, Cabins, and Vacation Rentals in the Southeast

Play with Goats and Hike at Carl Sandburg’s Historic Home in Flat Rock, NC

Have you visited the Carl Sandburg home in North Carolina? We love the Carl Sandburg National Historic Site for many reasons – great hikes, gorgeous views, and adorable goats you can pet and play with – but there is so much more to do at the Carl Sandburg National Historic Site in Flat Rock, NC. The Carl Sandburg home, Connemara, is less than an hour away from Greenville, so visiting makes for a perfect day trip. Tours of the historic home and access to the pasture, barn, and trails are currently free!

Looking for more day trip ideas? Check out our guide to Ultimate Guide to Daytrips Near Greenville, SC to plan your next adventure with your family!

Visiting the Home of Carl Sandburg- Connemara

Connemara, home of Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and writer Carl Sandburg, is located in the charming town of Flat Rock, North Carolina. It’s an easy drive across a beautiful mountain, just below Hendersonville, NC. Once you arrive, you will find several trails branching from the National Park Service parking lot, including the contact station, Front Lake (restrooms and brochures), Front Lake Loop, and the wide main road that heads up towards Connemara.

One of the wonderful things about being so close to Connemara is that you can read Sandburg’s children’s book The Huckabuck Family one morning and then get in the car that afternoon to see where the book’s author wrote and explored and ate and laughed and walked.

Tours of Carl Sandburg’s Home

Poet Carl Sandburg and his family lived at Connemara from 1945 until his death in 1967. Currently visits to the farm, grounds, and House tours are available Wednesday-Sunday. Tour tickets for adults are $10 each and tickets for kids 15 and younger are free. It is highly recommended to make reservations for house tours, as tour capacity is 10 people and fill up quickly.

The house has been left exactly as it was when Sandburg passed away in 1967. The rooms of the home are teeming with books that Sandburg touched, read and studied. The view from this house elicits a smile just thinking about the poet sitting in his chair on the rocks being inspired by the same image. The Sandburg’s had over 17,000 volumes of books. The man liked to read. Inside the basement of Sandburg’s home is a sweet little gift shop and a room for viewing a video about the writer’s life. During the year there are several events scheduled that are engaging, educational, and fun!

Visiting with Goats at the Carl Sandburg National Historic Site

As you head past the lake, up towards the house on the gravel road, and past some of the older historic structures, you’ll eventually end up at the dairy barn. This is where the goats live. The property continues to be a working goat farm to this day. Gentle, adorable, loving goats. Goats that love kids petting and touching and hugging them. The goats are actually descendants of Mrs. Sandburg’s own prize-winning goat herd.

The barnyard is also home to chickens and giant shady trees and rock walls and green fields. Excellent for a picnic. During April and May the barnyard is full of babies, so when visiting in Spring be ready to hear lots of awes from your kids.

The goat farm is unique in that visitors can walk in the pasture with the goats (and in the enclosure with the kids!) as well as explore the barn, not only meeting the goats, but petting them and watching them feed and interact. The hours of access to the barn and goat pasture will be daily from 10 am – 3 pm and is free. The entire park is open from sunrise to sunset.

Reading to a Goat During National Literacy Month

September is National Literacy Month and March is National Reading Month. Both fit nicely with the theme of the entire park given Sandburg’s choice of career. So to honor the heritage of the park and give guests a pretty good reason to come there, the Carl Sandburg National Historic Site invites visitors to grab a book and read to a goat (or several).

You can bring your own book, although I don’t recommend it for one very important reason, which I will get to in a second. They also have books in a red wagon right outside the gates to the barn that you can borrow and bring into the pasture to read to the goats. We found a couple of great books that both my kids really enjoyed. The goats did, too.

Carl Sandburg Historic Site - reading to goats

Once you pick out your book, you can go see the goats. All the goats you’ll interact with are females and they are really sweet and curious and have no idea about personal space. The very first time I ever went to see the goats was when my kids were super little, they were terrified because the goats are pretty big if you’re a little kid. Now my kids, ages 10 and 7, love the goats and enjoy petting them and this time, reading to them.

So reading to goats is not an easy task. We really tried. One of the goats ripped out a page and started eating it, which we grabbed back because you know, they have special diets, which don’t include books. This is why you may not want to bring your own book. We ended up sitting with a few goats who may or may not have been sleeping and reading the books. I had a book of Sandburg’s poetry, which was wonderful to read while at his home.

My oldest daughter found a nice, docile goat with a white coat who seemed to be totally enthralled with being read to. It was very cute to watch.

We spent about an hour with the goats and our attempts at reading books. We had a blast and reading was such a bonus because books are pretty popular at my house and we all enjoy it.

But reading to goats? A whole level of awesomeness.

Hiking the Carl Sandburg Home National Site Trails

In addition to the home and the barns, which are plenty to fill an afternoon, there are hiking trails on the property that are family-friendly and quite rewarding. You can also take the rambling walk back to your car and trek around the beautiful fishpond. It’s a great path to wear your children out with good, honest exercise so they can nap on your drive back across the mountain to Greenville.

If you are up for a challenge, you can take the Memminger Trail Loop and the big Glassy Mountain Trail up to the Glassy Mountain overlook. It is 1.25 miles, but the 523-foot increase in elevation makes this a more challenging hike. Although there are several other options for reaching Glassy Mountain from the parking lot, they are all about the same length with the same workout.

The exposed rock makes for interesting plant communities in the various seeps, and the overlook is the only spot in the park with a view of the mountains. Round trip, this strenuous hike takes around 4.5 miles.

Kids Track Trails at the Carl Sandburg National Historic Site

You might notice a Kids in Parks TRACK Trail kiosk at the entrance. The Kids in Parks network is a family-friendly collection of outdoor adventures called TRACK Trails. Each TRACK Trail features self-guided brochures and signs that can enhance your outdoor experience, and you can earn prizes for tracking your adventures.

Get more info on the Kids in Parks program from our Kids In Parks Review on Kidding Around

Things To Know Before Visiting the Carl Sandburg Historic Site

A couple of things to note when planning your visit:

Wear closed-toed shoes because you’ll be going in a field, which has lots of grass, some mud, goat poop, and other things you don’t want on your feet.
Bring water. The hike up to the goat barn isn’t long, a bit over a quarter mile, but it is somewhat steep. There are water fountains to refill your bottle, and you can also purchase small snacks and water bottles from the bookstore. Please recycle your bottles!
There is no charge to visit the historic site, hike the trails, or go to the goat barn.
House tours recommend a prebooked registration, and only 8 people are allowed per tour. Tours are currently free!
Backpacks and large bags are not allowed on the tour, so plan accordingly.
Strollers and backpack child carriers are not allowed on the home tours, but soft-front carriers are allowed for babies and toddlers.
The hours of access to the barn and dairy goat pasture are every day from 10 am – 3 pm. The entire park is open from sunrise to sunset.
The pedestrian bridge from the parking lot to the main entrance is currently closed. In order to access the park you’ll walk from the parking area .4 miles around the lake and another 1/3 mile up a steep grade. If you require accessibility assistance, please call 828.707.8125 when you arrive.
Visitor Center/Park Store is open Wednesday to Sunday 10 am to 4 pm. This is where you can pick up Junior Ranger program packets, get information for your visit, purchase books, and more.

Directions to the Carl Sandburg Home

Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site
81 Carl Sandburg Lane
Flat Rock, NC 28731

828.693.4178

Get Directions for Carl Sandburg’s Home.

Other Western NC Travel Ideas:

Kidding Around WNC: things to do in Western North Carolina towns

There’s so much to see in WNC!

Find more fun in our Kidding Around Guide to WNC.

After visiting Carl Sandburg’s home, spend the day in nearby Hendersonville, NC!

Things to Do in Hendersonville, North Carolina

Has your family ever visited the Carl Sandburg home?

Step Right Into “The Notebook”: Cypress Gardens Charleston, SC

Ever wanted to have your own romantic boat ride through massive cypress trees like Noah & Allie in “The Notebook”? Well, you can right at Cypress Gardens near Charleston, SC.

I loved the Nicholas Sparks romance, The Notebook, and while the book is always better than the movie, the film didn’t disappoint, especially when it came to creating a scene that looked like it was from another world on a boat amongst massive cypress trees and swans.

While I took this trip with my kids (who have not seen the movie), the boat ride at Cypress Gardens was just incredible, beautiful, and peaceful. Doing it with your significant other would be next level up romantic. But there’s more to see at the gardens than the swamp gardens, which I’ll tell you all about.

About Cypress Gardens

Cypress Gardens is a 170-acre nature preserve with trails, a swamp garden with boat rides, a Swamparium, a playground, and an education center.

Think lots of beautifully tall trees and Spanish moss, flowers everywhere, and a sense of total peace, especially on the water.

It seems that Hollywood also loves Cypress Gardens, Charleston SC. The Notebook was filmed here, as well as parts of the “Outer Banks”, Swamp Thing, The Patriot, and Cold Mountain. You can see the full list on the Cypress Gardens Website.

The Swamparium

Just outside the Swamparium is a small waterway where we saw two big gators. I actually thought they were fake until we got closer. Nope, they are real and they are everywhere in the gardens. They are pretty docile – just don’t go trying to pet them.

cypress gardens gators — Yup, those are real

The Swamparium is a building that houses lots of fish and reptiles that are found both in local waterways and swamps as well as in South America. We saw big catfish and a couple of venomous snakes but the biggest thing we saw was the massive Anaconda.

This thing was huge – and it was feeding time. I’ll spare the details for those readers who would rather not read about this part of nature but for those who think it’s cool, it was.

The Swamp Boat Tours

The self-guided swamp boat tours are part of your admission ticket, which is pretty awesome. We went in February, which could not have been more perfect in terms of temperatures and bug levels. It was cool and bugless so we could really take in the immense beauty of the blackwater and cypress trees. It’s truly a stunning sight.

There are very sturdy rowboats to take out into the swamp and life jackets are available. Pro tip: for smaller groups, take a smaller boat. There were only three of us and maneuvering the larger rowboat was a challenge.

The self-guided tour takes you through the swamp by arrows on the trees so it is easy to follow. You’ll go right past the part of the swamp where Noah and Allie were filmed in the boat as well as the bridge that was shown at the beginning of the film, referred to by the guides as the “duck bridge” because you have to duck under it while paddling. It’s so pretty.

We were told it would take us about 45 minutes to paddle through the swamp and it took us a bit longer, maybe. I totally lost track. It was peaceful and quiet paddling through the blackwater. We were given instructions to watch for gators and other wildlife and just to keep to ourselves. I’m sure they were there but we didn’t see any in the swamp.

If you’d rather paddle with a pro, Cypress Gardens offers guided boat tours, it’s an additional $5/person and you can reserve that when you get there.

The Trails, Butterfly House, and Playground

There are trails that wind all around the gardens. We took the pink trail around part of the swamp and it took us about 20 minutes to walk it all. There are places to sit along the swamp and admire the beauty. There are other, longer trails if you’d like.

The Butterfly House is a must-see. The plants and flowers there are very pretty and you may get to see some newly-made butterflies. There is a small pond inside with koi fish as well.

And kids will love the playground at Cypress Gardens. There is a larger playground for bigger kids and a smaller one for the littles. There is also a covered pavilion with picnic tables that are perfect for a shaded rest.

Honest Mom Review: Cypress Gardens

My kids are 13 and 9 and they really enjoyed Cypress Gardens. They are used to me dragging them to gardens to see pretty flowers and plants but not to take a boat ride in a swamp. They both definitely liked it but for me, I was just awed the whole time. Yes, I love the romantic movie that was filmed there but I love nature more. The beauty of those huge cypress trees standing tall in the water just blew me away. I could have done that boat ride again.

And the Swamparium was also really neat. I may be in the minority but I like snakes and turtles, especially the more I learn about them. The building was so well put together and educational.

And one of the best parts about Cypress Gardens was the price. I couldn’t believe the low cost of admission to see all we did and the fact that it included the self-guided boat ride. You can’t really do any better than that in the Charleston area. This place is a treasure – go visit.

Visiting Cypress Gardens

Cypress Gardens is open daily from 9 am – 5 pm with the last admission at 4 pm and the last self-guided boat tour going out at 4:15 pm. They are closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Admission is $10/adults and $5/kids ages 6-17 and free for kids ages 5 and under.

Pets are allowed only from November through February and they must be leashed at all times. They are not allowed in buildings. Be sure to check the website for special events, like an upcoming torch-lit boat ride!

Cypress Gardens
3030 Cypress Gardens Road, Moncks Corner, SC
843.553.0515
Cypress Gardens Website

Travel Guide to Charleston, South Carolina

Discover more things to do in Charleston, SC!

Here’s the Kidding Around Travel Guide to Charleston, SC.

10+ Things to Do in Mount Pleasant, SC

Planning a trip to the Mount Pleasant area? If you’re looking for free things to do in Mount Pleasant, SC, you’ve come to the right spot. We’re sharing our top recommendations for things to do that you will not want to miss on your next trip to the Low Country. From history-rich tours to fun at the waterpark, we’ve got you covered on things to do and even where to eat in Mt. Pleasant.

Planning a trip to the Lowcountry? Here’s your ultimate guide to visiting Charleston, SC – read it before you go!

Want to plan an educational trip to the low country with your family? Discover all things you can learn on a Road Schooling Trip to the Charleston Area.

This article includes:
Free Things to Do in Mt. Pleasant, SC
Cheap Things to Do in Mt. Pleasant, SC
More Things to Do in Mt. Pleasant, SC
Where to Eat in Mt. Pleasant, SC

Free Things to do in Mt. Pleasant, SC

Charleston is a popular destination for residents of the Upstate of South Carolina. Tucked away, just at the other end of the iconic Ravenel Bridge, is the town of Mount Pleasant. And if you’re looking for free things to do in the area, we’ve got some recommendations for you to consider adding to your itinerary.

Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park

As you cross the Cooper River into Mount Pleasant, you’ll be on top of one of the best places to visit. Beneath the Ravenel Bridge is the Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park. The Park offers visitors a bunch of things to do for little to no cost. The Mount Pleasant Visitor’s center is located at the front of the park, and this should be one of your first stops. Inside you’ll be able to get all kinds of information about the area, grab discount tickets for area attractions, and book reservations for popular restaurants.

Underneath the bridge is a great playground for kids. With seating for parents and a fenced-in area, it will be a favorite stop for you. The park’s huge greenspace is host to several free events, including live music, moonlight movies, and more.

If fishing is something your family enjoys, you’ll love the pier. The bait shop offers everything you’ll need to drop a line in the water with your kids. You could be in for an exciting time on the pier! If fishing isn’t your thing, the pier is excellent for people-watching.

boy looking out at Shem Creek — Shem Creek

Shem Creek Park

Another great place to visit in Mount Pleasant is Shem Creek Park. The 2,200-foot boardwalk extends over the marsh and out to the water. The creek is home to the local fleet of shrimp boats, and kids will love watching them come and go. The boardwalk is a great place to bring your kids’ scooters. If your family owns a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard, this is a great place to bring it. You can rent one at the shop right there if you don’t own one.

This is also a popular spot for watching dolphins frolic in the creek as they hope for scraps from the incoming fishing vessels. Grab a picnic lunch and enjoy the view from the many benches along the boardwalk.

sullivans island Edgar Allan Poe Library

Exploring Sullivan’s Island

If the crowds at Folly Beach aren’t your thing, then you’ll enjoy Sullivan’s Island, located off the coast of Mount Pleasant. Free public parking makes the beaches on this quiet island appealing, and the secluded nature of the beach makes it peaceful. Searching for shark teeth is a great lesson in patience and attention to detail for adults and children alike.

There’s also a small local library, the E dgar Allan Poe/Sullivan’s Island Library, you can visit. There’s a comfortable sofa and plenty of books for kids to enjoy. The Island has ties Poe, and you’ll find his name all over the island.

We’ve got even more things for you to do at Sullivan’s Island.

Pitt Street Bridge

The Pitt Street Bridge (also known as the Cove Inlet Bridge and the Cove Inlet Causeway) was once the only way to cross the water to get to the beaches. Originally built for a trolley, it was later widened for personal vehicles. The bridge closed in 1945 and was converted into a fishing pier. The old bridge burned, and now it’s covered by Pickett Park, a greenway lined with palm trees that takes pedestrians and cyclists across the former bridge site. At the end of the bridge is a great spot to go fishing.

Charles Pinckney National Historic Home

Charles Pinckney helped draft and sign the US Constitution, and now you can visit a 28-acre remnant of his original 715-acre plantation, Snee Farm. While visiting, you’ll be able to learn about Pinkney’s life and political influences, the People he enslaved, plantation operations, and the main cash crops of the Lowcountry (indigo and rice). There is no fee to visit Charles Pinkney’s National Historic Home.

Cheap Things to Do in Mount Pleasant, SC

Taking a trip to the Charleston area doesn’t have to break the bank. If you need some extra things to do on your trip, there’s plenty of low-cost fun to be had!

Charleston Water Taxi

Kidding Around’s fans are some of the best around! The suggestion of the Charleston Water Taxi was from a loyal reader. She hesitated to share her secret, but we’re glad she did.

The Water Taxi is a great way to see the waterfront from a different perspective. The pontoon-style boat picks passengers up at several different locations. Pro-Tip: There are no bathrooms on board, so make sure to stop at a restroom before hopping on.

One of the nice things about the taxi is you can stay on as long as you’d like, or hop on and off to sightsee. The taxi offers some very unique views of the ships docked at Patriots Point.

A complete trip around the harbor takes approximately 60 minutes. Make sure to have your camera ready because, in addition to the photo opportunities at Patriots Point, guests of the taxi are often treated to visits from dolphins. You can also capture some nice family photos with the Ravenel bridge in the background. The guys that captain the ship are happy to jump in a play photographer, so you can capture the memory of your entire family’s day out on the water.

$14 a person gets you a pass that covers the entire day, and kids 3 and under ride free.

Fort Moultrie

Sullivan’s Island is also rich in history, as it was home to where some of the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Fort Moultrie is part of the National Park Service. Adult admission costs $10, and children 15 and younger receive free entry.

Among the ranks at the Fort was someone who was destined for fame later in life. Regimental Sergeant-Major Edgar Allen Poe spent just over a year stationed here, and you will find evidence of his time here all over the island.

More Things to Do in Mt. Pleasant, SC

Patriots Point Naval Maritime Museum

For more immersion into Lowcountry history, take a visit to Patriots Point. In June 1975, the USS Yorktown entered Charleston Harbor and was the first ship dedicated to the Naval & Maritime Museum. Patriots Points opened the following year, housing the museum and a fleet of National Historic Landmark ships. You’ll be able to view a World War II Aircraft Carrier. You’ll also find the Cold War Memorial, the only Vietnam Experience Exhibit in the US, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, and the official Medal of Honor Museum. It’s a very popular attraction and one to consider.

Give yourself 2-3 hours to go through everything. A single-day Patriots Point ticket for adults 12-61 years old is $27, children 6-11 years old tickets are $16, children 6 and under are free, and seniors 62+ years old will pay $19 for their tickets. There are bundle ticket options, and Veterans, First Responders, Teachers, and Active Military are offered discounts.

Splash Island Water Park

Splash Island Water Park is an excellent and fun attraction within Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park. The water park features a 200-ft body flume, a 16-ft otter slide, cyclone swirling water ride, a pool, and plenty of sprays, geysers, and raindrop waterfalls. There are lifeguards on-duty, and you’ll find concessions, restrooms, showers, and changing areas. Be sure to check their site for hours of operation because they do close during the winter season.

Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens

Another thing to do in Mt. Pleasant is to visit Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens. The plantation was founded in 1681 by Major John Boone. His family and descendants were significant influencers in South Carolina’s history. It’s one of the oldest working plantations in the US; it continues growing crops to this day. Boone Hall has been dubbed “a must-see stop on any trip to Charleston, SC” by NBC Daytime and is recognized as the “#1 Plantation in the Charleston Area by USA Today 10Best.”

Regular Adult tickets are $28, Seniors/Military/AAA are $25, children 6-12 years old are $12, and children 5 and under are free.

Where to Eat in Mount Pleasant

There’s no shortage of pitmasters in the Lowcountry, that’s for sure. Swig & Swine BBQ is a favorite. If you haven’t been yet. Be sure to follow Swig & Swine BBQ on Facebook so you don’t miss out on their daily specials, like $5 burger night and Wing Night!

Bon Bahn Mi is another local favorite restaurant in Mount Pleasant. They have delicious food and a build-your-own kid’s meal menu that is a hit when we go! Kids get to choose from a taco, a rice bowl, a noodle bowl, or a sandwich – and build it with protein and veggie options all for just $7 with an included drink!

Be sure to treat yourself to one of their iced Vietnamese coffees, they are amazing!

The Pitt Street Pharmacy Soda Fountai n is an old-school spot where you can grab a no-frills meal and a low price. Cheap burgers, sandwiches, and ice cream are the perfect lunchtime meal when you are on the go. Dine in and go around exploring Historic Mount Pleasant, or get it to go and head up the road to Shem Creek to relax.

Every Monday night, from 6-8 pm, Dog & Duck has family bingo night! The family-friendly prizes include gift cards for X-Box, iTunes, and more. If you make it there before we do, let us know!

Want to read our entire guide to visiting Charleston, SC? We’ve got you covered with Charleston Itineraries, Things to Do in Charleston, Where to Eat, and Places to Stay.

We can’t wait to add more free and cheap fun to our list of activities in Mount Pleasant! Check back often to see where our next adventure takes us.

10+ Unique Beaches of Florida: The Suncoast Keys and Southwestern, FL

Once you’ve been to the beaches of the Suncoast Keys and Southwestern Florida, it will spoil you for the rest. Crystal blue waters that you thought only existed in the Caribbean, can be found here. These beaches are all the most popular beach spots on the west coast of Florida (and some secret ones too). Beaches where you can look for shark teeth, a world-famous beach, a beach where you can find Sand Dollars and other fun adventures!

So grab your floppy hat, a cool drink, and get ready to enjoy some beautiful beaches and fun in the sun in Florida!

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10 Awesome Florida Vacation Home Rentals with a Private Pool!

Ready to relax at one of these awesome Florida vacation home rentals with a private pool? Many of these rentals include fabulous family extras like game rooms, beach carts and supplies, toys, fire pits, bikes, kayaks, and more!

VRBO rental homes in Florida with private pools

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Winchester Creek Farm: Meet Alpacas and Feed Mini-Horses at This Farm

Love alpacas and mini-animals? Take a trip to Winchester Creek Farm in Waynesville, NC for a fun day trip with your family!

Media tickets were provided for this review, which was updated in January 2024.

The drive up to Winchester Creek Farm in Waynesville, NC is probably worth the trip alone. The beautiful scenery of mountain peaks and valleys, eventually wind their way to the feet of the Smoky Mountains, where the farm is situated. Winchester Creek Farm, about a 90-minute trip from the South Carolina Upstate, has alpacas and many miniature animals like cows, horses, and donkeys, as well as super fluffy sheep and an adorable little Juliana pig.

And if you’re making a trip to Asheville, NC, be sure to check our guide of everything to do, eat, and see while you’re there!

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Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort: Live a Pioneer Overnight Adventure

Want to sleep in a covered wagon or authentic tipi at a brand-new resort near Gatlinburg, TN? Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort is not even a three-hour drive from Greenville, SC. Your family won’t stop talking about what a cool place this is once you’ve visited! If you are looking for cozy camping in Sevierville, this is the place!

Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort covered wagons near Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Media accommodations were provided for this review.

My kids, ages 10 and 7, are obsessed with Laura Ingalls Wilder and we have listened to every book in the series. They have asked to learn how to sew, to see where she lived, and what in the world her covered wagon looked like. So imagine their surprise when they got to sleep in an authentic Conestoga wagon, which was used in the late eighteenth century. It was a lot of fun to witness their enthusiasm. But really, I was just as excited because it is genuinely cool to sleep in such unique accommodations at the new Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort.

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Amazing Vacation Rental Homes for the Best Family Vacations

Are you looking for the perfect vacation home to rent for your next family vacation?
No matter where you’re headed, whether it’s the mountains, the beach or somewhere in between, we’ve found some truly unique and stellar vacation homes you’ll want to check out. We have lists of homes that feature amenities we know families want. So get planning, and enjoy your next vacation!

Family Vacation Rentals- Kidding Around Favorites

Fun Family Vacation Rentals

Whether you’re looking for a unique themed vacation rental or the perfect jumping-off spot for an epic adventure-filled vacation, these lists of family vacation rentals will have something awesome for you. We have rentals in beautiful scenery, rentals near theme parks and attractions, rentals with great hiking, amazing kid-friendly rentals, and lots more. So, make sure to grab a rental with plenty of bunk beds, and load up the kids, you’re going on an adventure!

Check out our vacation rental content below.

Vacation Rental Highlights:

Stunning Lake Greenwood property perfect for families and large groups. (It sleeps up to 14!) Truly a special spot.

Kidding Around Review of Boathouse Point

Lake House on Lake Hartwell, Quittin' Time

Quittin’ Time Cottage on Lake Hartwell is one family vacation home that is fully loaded with ridiculously fun amenities. We loved our stay here and so did our teens!

For a gorgeous getaway with your significant other, check out Old Soul Treehouse in Waterloo, SC on Lake Greenwood.

Buffalo Creek Vacations in Clyde, North Carolina

Sleep in a caboose!
Buffalo Creek Vacation in Clyde, NC is amazing!

Want to stay minutes from The Riverbanks Zoo?
The Orange Pit vacation rental in Columbia, SC is the place!

Archive for the ‘Travel’ Category

Watch! Our Visit Was Epic, See For Yourself

Is it Glamping? Cabins at Upstate Zipline

The Cabins

Group Cabin

More to Love at Camp Cedar Creek

The Venue

The Lake

Why You’ll Want to Go

Watch the Video Tour

About the Treehouse

Inside the treehouse

Spending Time at the Treehouse

Want to go?

Visiting the Home of Carl Sandburg- Connemara

Tours of Carl Sandburg’s Home

Visiting with Goats at the Carl Sandburg National Historic Site

Reading to a Goat During National Literacy Month

Hiking the Carl Sandburg Home National Site Trails

Kids Track Trails at the Carl Sandburg National Historic Site

Things To Know Before Visiting the Carl Sandburg Historic Site

Directions to the Carl Sandburg Home

About Cypress Gardens

The Swamparium

The Swamp Boat Tours

The Trails, Butterfly House, and Playground

Honest Mom Review: Cypress Gardens

Visiting Cypress Gardens

Free Things to do in Mt. Pleasant, SC

Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park

Shem Creek Park

Exploring Sullivan’s Island

Pitt Street Bridge

Charles Pinckney National Historic Home

Cheap Things to Do in Mount Pleasant, SC

Charleston Water Taxi

Fort Moultrie

More Things to Do in Mt. Pleasant, SC

Patriots Point Naval Maritime Museum

Splash Island Water Park

Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens

Where to Eat in Mount Pleasant

Fun Family Vacation Rentals

Vacation Homes for Great Family Vacations

The Rhythm of a 1950s Summer: Finding Analog Connection at Boathouse Point on Lake Greenwood

Amazing Family Lake House Escape Only an Hour from Greenville, SC

Enjoy Fall Color Change at These Incredible Fall Vacation Homes in WNC

Stay in a Tiny Home or River Pod At the Saluda Outdoor Center: Greenville, SC

Coolest Southeastern Cabins, Dome Homes, and Blue Ridge Treehouse Rentals

Save Gas With A Near Greenville Vacation Destination!

10+ Family Friendly Vacation Rentals in Western North Carolina

Vacation Time! These GA, TN, & NC Cabins with Indoor Pools are Awesome!

10 Awesome Florida Vacation Home Rentals with a Private Pool!

Vacation Rental Highlights:

Greenville Guides

Family Fun in Greenville, SC

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