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Your Kids will Love Sunset Park & Miracle League Playground in Mauldin

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Sunset Park in Mauldin, SC is a popular family destination for play, holiday events, and more! They have multiple sports fields and courts plus two playgrounds, including an inclusive one your kids are sure to love! Ready the KAG complete review and plan your own trip soon.

When I decided to review Sunset Park, I didn’t realize I had been there before! This is the fun park I found at one of the first Easter Egg Drop events we went to when we first moved to Greenville. My first tip, therefore, is to check out local city park calendars for events (often cross-posted on KAG) because here in the Upstate, there’s always something happening. I vividly remember not only enjoying the Egg Drop but being delighted by the massive grounds and fun playground.

My 2nd Trip to Sunset Park

Sunset Park is a little tucked away but not too hard to find. You can find it at 211 Fowler Circle in Mauldin (though it has a Greenville address). It has about every sports field imaginable- multiple baseball diamonds, soccer fields, basketball courts/half courts, and so forth. If you swing all the way to the back, there is a older playground with some slides and monkey bars (a rarity!) among other equipment. There is also a trail for you hikers.

Sunset Park Mauldin

Plus Something You Don’t Find at Other Parks

My main focus however was the Miracle League playground. It is an all-accessible playground, the first in the area. This includes large full-seat swings and a ramp for the main playground structure along with our favorite, a bowl-shaped merry-go-round. (See our Kidding Around Greenville list of all accessible playgrounds).

The ground is made of rubber padding. This came in handy when my four-year-old took a huge spill yet didn’t even have a single bruise or scrape! I am still shocked! (See our Kidding Around Greenville list of playgrounds with rubber padding).

Sunset Park in Mauldin

This playground is also fenced. (See our Kidding Around Greenville list of playgrounds that are fenced in). So petite runaways can only go so far, just make sure to watch the front entrance. There are parking spaces right nearby making it easy to pull up and play! I also found that it had a more open design, great for not losing sight of littles behind large structures.

The little music/sensory wall is fun for the tiniest of toddlers to even big kids and adults. We didn’t play on it, but there’s also a “car wash” roller line you can play pretend on! It also has rotating poles you can spin on. There is even a teeter-totter with BENCHES right off the main structure that’s perfect for kicking back while still supervising the kids.

I was absolutely enchanted by this playground and larger park. I hope you all get a chance to check it out soon. It would be wonderful to see more parks like this in the Upstate for all kids, of all abilities.

Plan a trip to Sunset Park

211 Fowler Circle, Greenville
Sunset Park

Have you taken your kids to Sunset Park yet?

parks and playgrounds spartanburg greenville

Looking for other parks and playgrounds? We’ve got a massive Parks & Playgrounds Guide for the Upstate.

Your Kids are Sure to Love Mauldin City Park

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Though a little hidden from view, City Park in Mauldin is one you won’t want to miss. Offering multiple fields and courts, a fun playground and even a little shade your kids are sure to love it! Read Lindy’s complete review and plan your own trip!

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Sometimes you miss the most obvious things in life. Like say the park you’ve literally driven by pretty much every week for ballroom dance lessons. In my defense, the City Park in Mauldin is sort of hidden behind the Mauldin Open Air Market farm stand at the corner of Butler and Bridges roads. It’s also home to the Ray Hopkins Senior Center. If you didn’t know there was a full park with playground there either, well now you know to go check it out!

About Maudin’s City Park

Parking is a little sparse next to the park but there are many spots right along the sidewalks, which means no crossing hazardous parking lots with kids! It’s nearest Butler Road- you’ll find basketball courts near Bridges Road. There are many sports fields, including lots of baseball fields, a batting cage and some soccer areas. You’ll find convenient benches for parents to sit and some nice tree shade. We stopped after a rain drizzle and the park was only slightly wet with almost no puddling on the equipment. The ground is covered in sand though so be warned as it can be messy, especially if your kid insists on wearing shoes with no socks!

This park features many slides- tube and two different sizes of double slides. You’ll find infant swings but not standard ones. This is nice as it means no trying to switch between pushing an older child and taking turns to put baby in a swing, but you may have to warn your big kids there are only swings for the littles so they don’t get jealous. There’s a bridge which is fairly unique for the parks around here, as well as a rare fireman’s pole to slide down! You’ll find a climber, balance beam, tic tac toe and even old school style rockers reminiscent of the McDonald’s of your youth.

This park is fairly easy to get to (once you know it’s there). While in Mauldin, it’s also close to the south side of Greenville and the 385 as well as Five Forks, Simpsonville and other nearby municipalities . While you’re there, consider spending the day exploring. Up the road are reader favorite Mexican restaurants Azteca and the super kid friendly Chicora Alley. You can also stop by the Mauldin branch library. You can check out other Mauldin parks like Sunset. You can even try to spy a princess at Once Upon a Dream Parties boutique! Or you can bird watch on the trails at Conestee Lake Park.

Plan your own trip to Mauldin City Park

203 Corn Rd, Greenville
Visit their website here.

Have you stopped by City Park in Mauldin yet?

See our Park page for even more local parks.

Westside Park Offers an Indoor Pool, Playground and More

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Near Berea? Passing between Greenville and Easley? Then you might want to make a stop at Westside Park! KAG Contributor Lindy Wilson tells us about this park which features a wide variety of different amenities. One of the most notable of those is the indoor pool at the Westside Aquatic Complex.

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A little about Westside Park

The playground at this park is right next to the pool building, so it’s easy to explore upon arriving or leaving but its tucked around the corner enough that you can sneak past if need be. We played there A LOT when we were taking swim lessons! They do birthday pool parties in the aquatic center if you’re interested. They also teach swim lessons throughout the year and also offer sailing lessons. Older kids can join their swim team. Unique to this pool is the Fun Zone inflatable play area floating in the water! There is also a small gym offering group exercise classes.

However should your day only accommodate adventures on dry land, there is a rather well equipped playground. Their playground has some nice shade trees and a few bench tables right along the edge. It makes for a good picnic spot while still being in sight of the kids. The playground is fairly large so this is very important!

Westside Park playgrounds in Greenville

There are some nice swings here which always seem to be a treat. There’s more than your typical playground has so everyone can have one! They also seem like the higher type so nice for big kids who want to propel themselves into outer space!

If you have a climber, they’ll love it. A wide arrange of things to hang off and climb on abound. It’s way beyond your everyday monkey bars here!

Beyond the pool/gym complex and the playground, there are also some baseball fields and other grassy areas for a pick up game. If you have an event coming up, you can rent out their shelters as well. Be sure to check it out!

Plan your own trip to Westside Park

2700 W. Blue Ridge Drive, Greenville
Amenities include aquatic complex, athletic fields, playground, picnic shelter

Read even more articles about great parks!

Have you ever visited Westside Park?

Splash Into Summer at the Barnet Park Splash Pad

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Looking for a quick and inexpensive way for kids to beat the heat this summer?  Forget expensive pool memberships or dedicating an entire day to navigating a waterpark, Spartanburg’s conveniently located FREE splash pad at Barnet Park is sure to be your go-to water activity this summer.

Location and Hours of Operation

Located at the front entrance to Barnet Park at 248 E. Main Street, the Splash Pad is Open Memorial Day – Labor Day (9am – 7pm)

Splash pad visitors can park in the church parking lot across the street from the splash pad and use the crosswalk. Please do not use the Chapman Cultural Center parking lot (even though it’s tempting!), as it for Chapman Cultural Center employees and visitors/guests only.

Barnet Park Splash Pad

Splash pad 411

Make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen. The splash pad is NOT shaded!

It’s a good idea to wear water shoes or have flip flops nearby. While the water fountains keep the play area cool, the surrounding sidewalk is very hot for uncovered little feet. Additionally, little ones might like the extra protection while navigating the splash pad.

Bathroom facilities are available, but they are located at the opposite end of the park.  Expect a short walk.

Bring along containers, cups, or buckets for water play.  Kids love filling these with water and it adds an extra element of fun to the splash pad.

Don’t forget your towels and snacks!

If you’re on the opposite side of Spartanburg or want the convenience of a playground and a splash pad within walking distance of one another, make sure to check out this great review of Spartanburg’s other splash pad located at Tyger River Park.

Have you ventured out to the splash pad at Barnet Park yet?

For even more ideas of things to do in downtown Spartanburg see our itinerary – A Day in Downtown Spartanburg!

You Can Ride a Zip Line at the Simpsonville City Park Playground [Closed for construction until Fall 2024]

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Goodbye late 1980s, hello sensory play, ADA-inclusive structures, and a zip line. It’s all happening at the Simpsonville City Park, which got a huge makeover in late 2017. Out with old equipment, rusted swings, and questionable slides. In with bright new swings and slides, balancing apparatuses, and sensory play equipment.

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PLEASE NOTE: As of June 2023, this park is closed for construction. It is expected to open in fall 2024

The all-new Simpsonville City Park

The City of Simpsonville spent just under $200,000 of dedicated recreation funds to totally revamp the playground. And additional private money was raised to create the Simpsonville Sensory Playground, an area dedicated to providing kids with sensory disorders a place of their own to enjoy play (although any kids are welcome to use the equipment).

There are several climbing structures and balancing equipment, which definitely lend themselves to kids who are practicing to be little ninja warriors. There are plenty of swings, including two for children who are disabled, baby swings, and regular swings for bigger kids.

And the zip line is pretty awesome, too. Kids (and I imagine adults – truth be told, I really wanted to try it out) line up for their turn to sit on the seat hanging by a thick rope and zip on the line to the other end of the playground. This is a popular feature and certainly a favorite activity for my own kids.

For adults hanging out while their kids play, there are a couple hanging porch swings to enjoy situated near the entrance to the playground. The playground is entirely fenced in, except for the entrance, so it makes it relatively easy to keep track of the little ones and not worry about them wandering off.

The City Park is the only fully inclusive playground in the area compliant with the American Disabilities Act. Way to go Simpsonville!

Besides the new playground equipment, the City Park also has an enclosed dog park, a fitness trail, a disc golf course, and picnic tables. There is also a free book lending library on site. Thankfully there are bathrooms within a short walking distance from the playground as well.

The location is ideal for spending time in downtown Simpsonville. It’s close to restaurants, shopping, and the popular Ice Cream Station. It’s a wonderful town to explore and this new playground just kicked it up a big notch for families.

Want to go?

Simpsonville City Park
100 Park Drive, Simpsonville
(located right off Main Street and next to the Simpsonville Police station)

Have you checked out the all-new Simpsonville City Park yet?

Related Content:

From Ice Cream to Play: Our Day in Downtown Simpsonville

Corral Those Kiddos: Playgrounds with Fenced in Toddler Areas

7 Greenville Parks with Great Outdoor Spaces

Greenville’s Hidden Gem: The Linky Stone Park Children’s Garden

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Have you been to Linky Stone Park: Children’s Garden in Greenville, SC, yet? The best way to describe it is a magical, whimsical wonderland where you and your little ones can explore, learn, and play to your heart’s content! This charming garden that’s nestled and tucked away in the heart of downtown Greenville is a must-visit for families looking for a fun-filled day out.

Linky Stone Park Children's Garden Greenville, SC

A Little Linky Stone Park History

Linky Stone Park: Children’s Garden opened in 1994. This storybook park was named after Allene Lawton Wyman “Linky” Stone. The park was dedicated to her by her children and grandchildren.

Linky Stone Park Children's Garden Greenville, SC Dedication

Discover a World of Wonders at Linky Stone Park

From the moment you step into the garden, you’re greeted with a sensory feast of sights, sounds, and smells. With colorful flowers, towering trees, and chirping birds all around, your little ones will be captivated by the garden’s natural beauty. Even in early spring, we could see hints of colorful flowers starting to bloom. I’ve made note to return in a month or two once all the greenery is fully revived… I’m sure it looks even more lush and magical.

But that’s just the beginning – countless surprises and delights are waiting to be discovered! From secret pathways and hidden nooks to bubbling creeks and whimsical sculptures, the garden is a treasure trove of wonders waiting to be explored.

Linky Stone Park Children's Garden Greenville, SC Entrance
Linky Stone Park Children's Garden Greenville, SC Entrance
Linky Stone Park Children's Garden Greenville, SC Gingerbread House and Peter Rabbit

Learn as You Play

The Linky Stone Park Children’s Garden is not just a place for play – it’s also an outdoor classroom where your kids can learn about nature and the environment in a fun and engaging way. Throughout the garden, you’ll find interactive exhibits and educational displays that teach kids about different plant species. 

Various plants have plaques with QR codes where you can scan for more information about each species. There’s even an area where flowers are planted in a rainbow shape in rainbow colors.

Whether your kids are budding botanists or just love to explore, the garden offers endless opportunities for discovery and learning.

Secret Garden at Linky Stone Park Children's Garden Greenville, SC
Reeder River at Linky Stone Park Children's Garden Greenville, SC
Rainbow Row of Flowers at Linky Stone Park Children's Garden Greenville, SC
Learn at Linky Stone Park Children's Garden Greenville, SC

Create Lasting Memories

Most of all, the Linky Stone Park Children’s Garden allows families to connect, laugh, and make memories together. With a few benches and picnic tables, the garden is the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch or snack break. 

Hidden Gems at Linky Stone Park Children's Garden Greenville, SC
Linky Stone Park Children's Garden Greenville, SC
Linky Stone Park Children's Garden Greenville, SC

Where is Linky Stone Park

Linky Stone Park sits quietly under the Academy Street bridge at River Street and Reedy View Drive, just off the Swamp Rabbit Trail. Unity Park is a short 0.4 miles away.

24 Reedy View Drive, Greenville

Linky Stone Park Children's Garden Greenville, SC
Linky Stone Park Children's Garden Greenville, SC

Parking at Linky Stone Park

There’s a public pay-to-park parking lot right across the street from Linky Stone Park. You can also try parking across River Street at the River Street Garage or Riverplace Garage, or toss your luck at finding an empty spot on the street.

So what are you waiting for? Pack a picnic and head to the Linky Stone Park Children’s Garden today. Your little ones will thank you for it!

Editor’s Note: The Children’s Garden at Linky Stone Park is in a semi-secluded setting. Some mothers may prefer visiting during the busier hours on the weekend or with a group.

Gardens near Greenville, SC

Looking for more gardens to explore near Greenville, SC? We’ve got a list of the best beautiful gardens in the Upstate.

Take your kids on an adventure to one of the many parks and playgrounds near Greenville, SC.

Parks and Playgrounds Greenville and Spartanburg

This Local Trail Has Beaver Dams, Water Bird Observation Areas, and More!

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The Cottonwood Trail is the perfect space for your children to experience the seasons in the Upstate.  In the summer, lush and green in the summer, crackling with autumnal colors in the fall, sparse and atmospheric in the winter, and brimming with new life in the spring, your children can observe the seasonal changes while exploring the great outdoors.

The Cottonwood Trail in Spartanburg, SC

Named after the majestic Cottonwood trees dot the landscape, The Cottonwood Trail Preserve is maintained by the Spartanburg Area Conservancy. 

Located on the Eastside of Spartanburg, the 3.6-mile trail is perfect for walking, jogging, or biking with the family. The trails are unpaved, but all-terrain strollers and bikes, and even wagons can easily navigate most of the paths.

The Cottonwood Trail is the longest in the preserve and follows along Lawson’s Ford Creek, providing a scenic water view that is still a safe distance from the walking trail.

The trail is pet-friendly so that the family dog can get in his steps for the day, too!  (Dogs are expected to remain on a leash and under the control of their owners at all times.)

Cottonwood Trail Access

Parking and entrances to the trail are found off Sydnor Road (across from the Spartan High tennis courts) and Beechwood Drive (off of Fernwood Drive).  The trail is open every day from dawn to dusk.

Find Beaver Dams & See Reptiles & Water Birds on the Boardwalk and Wetlands Trail

An offshoot of the Cottonwood Trail, the Boardwalk, and Wetlands Trails offer a first-hand experience of South Carolina’s famed wetlands.  The Boardwalk Trail is marked by a sign pointing to the beaver dams and quickly turns from a dirt trail into a boardwalk.  Take a break on the benches and observation deck to check out the reptiles and water birds.  If you’re lucky, you might spot the heron that calls this particular wetland his home.

Don’t Forget Your Picnic

A picnic area lies across the main bridge, crossing Lawson’s Fork Creek, so pack a snack and pause to play in the woods!

You can access a map of the Cottonwood Trail online.

5 Inexpensive Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day as a Family

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This post contains affiliate links. 

Can you believe that it’s February? That means Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. I have a few ideas to share that are great family friendly activities.  As an added bonus this is a list of inexpensive ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day as a family. No need to break the bank just to say “I Love You.”

Valentines Day Activities for Families

#1 Have a Valentine’s party

My 4 year old gave me this idea. She heard her older brother talk about his class Valentine’s party, and has since declared that we are having our own party.  I am totally on board. My husband and I are planning to have cupcakes, balloons, and music.

  • Chocolate Moose is offering tons of great chocolates, cake pops and cupcakes for pre-order. Orders must be in by February 13th.

#2 Make Valentine’s cards

Don’t bother with the generic cards from the store. Take this opportunity to use all the glitter and glue you want. The kids will love making homemade cards for their grandparents, classmates, and other loved ones.

  • If you are challenged in the crafty department, Michael’s has a special Valentine’s Day-themed Kids Club event. For only $2 and 30 minutes your child (age 3+) can make Valentine’s Day cards while you shop.   The event is happening on Saturday, February 10th from 10 am – Noon. Check website to confirm details of specific stores.

#3 Family Movie Night

Cozy up on the couch with blankets and pillows. Pop popcorn and watch a classic movie like, A Charlie Brown Valentine, or a family favorite.  We will definitely have Frozen & Shrek in our rotation. (As if our kids needed another reason to watch either movie.)

#4 – Family Dinner Date

Include the kids in your dinner plans! Dress everyone in their Sunday best and head out to an amazing restaurant. Just make sure your children are old enough to conduct themselves accordingly in a “fine dining” establishment. If not, dine at a kid friendly eatery. Here are 6 Great Restaurants to Take Your Kids (That Aren’t Fast Food).

Don’t forget about our Kids Eat Free Directory.

Groupon offers a list of local restaurants that currently have discount deals that would be perfect for a family on Valentine’s Day!

#5 Sing Along

Okay, this is totally for me. Turn on your favorite Pandora playlist about love and belt them out with kiddos. I am pretty sure this will turn into a dance party at our house.  I currently have Whitney Houston’s Greatest Hits & The Greatest Love Songs of the 80’s ready for a major karaoke battle! My kids are a bit young to know many of these songs, but they will love seeing Mom and Dad act silly.

Finally make this a month of love. Find creative and fun was to share love with your family all month long. Whatever you decide to do have fun!

Meet Sherrica

sherrica9Sherrica Sims is an Upstate native who is a stay at home mom of 2 precocious kids. She loves creative outlets and spending time with family. You can follow her thrift shopping adventures at Thrift Chic on Facebook.

If you only get books at Spartanburg County Library, you are missing out!

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The local library is a great source for books for all ages and reading levels. Whether you want a quiet place to sit and read or bring home one or a handful of books, one of the Spartanburg County Library locations more than likely has something that will spark your interest.

Books only scratch the surface of what Spartanburg County Libraries have to offer. From crafts, fitness classes, games, clubs, how-to classes, guest author events, story time, and free movie times, there seems to be an endless number of activities offered to the public; and best of all, most of these activities are free!

More than just books

With an abundance of things to do for kids of all ages, it makes it easy to find an option for keeping your children busy after school and during school breaks. Various story times are offered and targeted toward children of specific ages, from infants, preschoolers, elementary school aged, and tweens. This is something parents can do at home, of course, but changing the atmosphere and being around other children can make story time a whole lot more fun!  Scheduled crafting time allows children to get creative by making slime, painting, making their own Harry Pottery wand, crafting with beads, and seasonal crafts, such as pumpkin painting, to name a few. Best of all, the library supplies the materials they need for their craft, and they get to bring their masterpiece home. Movies for tweens to allow children to just relax and hang out, video game tournaments for the gaming enthusiasts, and outdoor game times to have fun while getting some fresh air add to the variety of activities that are offered.

A Home School Program is offered, and usually takes place during the hours that school is in session. Parents can bring their home schooled children to a scheduled educational workshop. Whether it is a craft or a science experiment, the library can help add more fun into their learning curriculum.

Most of the children’s areas in the libraries offer a variety of educational toys and puzzles to keep the children entertained, and allow parents to enjoy some quiet time. The Headquarters library, located in downtown Spartanburg, also offers a playground in a fenced in area, which is easily accessed from the children’s book area. Benches and tables are available for parents while their children play, or can be used as a place to enjoy a book with your child when the weather is nice.

Their Lego Club allows children to get creative and build using the plethora of Legos they have. Best of all, the kids don’t have to clean them up when finished (and parents don’t need to worry about stepping on one that was left out…ouch!). The Chess Club is offered to learn how to play chess, or, you can find an opponent and challenge your chess skills.

Adults also have access to multiple events/activities with the Spartanburg County Libraries. Various fitness classes are offered, such as yoga, Zumba, and gentle exercise, allowing you to stay healthy without a gym membership. How-to classes are available to keep your skills sharp, such as Job Interviewing 101 and classes on basic home repairs you can do yourself. Authors occasionally visit the library, giving you the opportunity to hear directly from them about their book, and even have your book signed.

All events and activities offered by the Spartanburg County Libraries are posted on their calendar located on their website. Simply click on the event you are interested in to read a brief description about it. Most activities are free; however, very few do require a small fee to participate. If there is a fee, it will be listed on the description of the event on the calendar. Some crafting activities have a limited number of spaces available, due to supplies and seating, and may require advanced sign up to participate. This information will also be listed on the activity description on their calendar. As the Spartanburg County Library has multiple locations, you can filter the events by location on the website, or view all at once. Activities and events vary by location.

Did you know the library has 3-d printers and more for patrons to use? Learn more about the Spark Space: Maker Space at the headquarters library, with KAS’s Melanie. She’s taught floral design and cake decorating classes their and can’t wait to tell you all of the exciting stuff that it offers patrons.

Visit a location near you

Cyrill-Westside Library
525 Oak Grove Road
Spartanburg, SC 29301
864.574.6815

Inman Library
50 Mill Street
Inman, SC 29349
864.472.8363

Landrum Library
111 East Asbury Drive
Landrum, SC 29356
864.457.2218

Headquarters Library
151 S. Church Street
Spartanburg, SC 29306
864.596.3500

Boiling Springs Library
871 Double Bridge Rd.
Boiling Springs, SC 29316
864.578.3665

Chesnee Library
100 Pickens Avenue
Chesnee, SC 29323
864.461.2423

Cowpens Library
181 School Street
Cowpens, SC 29330
864.463.0430

Pacolet Library
390 West Main Street
Pacolet, SC 29372
864. 474.0421

Woodruff Library
270 East Hayne Street
Woodruff, SC 29388
864.476.8770

Middle Tyger Library
170 Grace Road
Lyman, SC 29365
864.439.4759

What’s your family’s favorite thing about the Spartanburg County Library?

This Fascinating Historical Site Is Free to Visit in Pickens, SC

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Hagood Mill Historic Site and Folklife Center was built as a grist mill in 1825 by Benjamin Hagood. Today the site is managed by Pickens County Museum and features a grist mill, a working water wheel, historic buildings, and nature trails. It is a beautiful and interesting place to visit, especially if you enjoy stepping back in time and learning what life was like for the people who lived here years ago. Local mom, Kristen Alcock, brings us all the details and helpful hints to make your visit to Hagood Mill a wonderful spring adventure!

Folklife Center

Walking around Hagood Mill, you will see two restored log cabins, a moonshine distillery, blacksmith shop and a cotton gin. Inside the cabins are a giant loom, spinning wheel and other historical items. My son loved watching the cotton gin demonstration and touching the raw cotton. “Our favorite part was seeing the grist mill!” said Christel Price, a KAG reader. “The kids loved seeing it in action and learning how the whole process works.”

Hagood Mill historical site

Nature Trail

The walking trail, through the woods and around historical buildings, is great for hikers of all ages. The trail is unpaved and a little bumpy. It’s short enough for little walkers to manage, and is usually very shady. My family did not walk the entire trail, but Elizabeth Lamb from Hike it Baby Greenville said, “It’s a beautiful 3/4 mile trail with a fun bridge. It’s perfect for young walkers.”

Petroglyph Site

This fascinating archeological site highlights 32 distinct petroglyphs, mostly human forms, and is one of the best petroglyph sites open to the public. Discovered in 1993, it is estimated that the drawings were left by a prehistoric culture 1,500 to 2,000 years ago. The drawings are pretty eroded but the exhibit has a great audio presentation, photographs and explanation of the historical significance of the drawing and the people who left them.

Special Events

My family was lucky enough to visit Hagood Mill during one of their monthly festivals which included banjo and fiddle music, local pottery as well as moonshine, cotton gin and gristmill demonstrations. The once a month events are noted on their calendar. Hagood Mill holds a kid’s fest in the spring, military celebrations and various music festivals.

This video was originally published on The Stinehart’s YouTube channel and showcases the Storytelling Festival.

Other upcoming events include the annual Fiddling Championship and Storytelling Festival. Look for a Native American Celebration in November and a Celtic Christmas in December.

Hagood Mill also occasionally offers some really interesting classes. Past classes include Hearth Cooking, fermenting wild foods, a Sketchbook workshop and a learning how 19th century southerners survived winters on the homestead.

Hagood Mill homeschool lesson

Gift Shop

Shop local at the Hagood Mill gift shop. You can buy products such as jams, honey, and jewelry, pottery and soaps made by local artists. They also have books about local history, t-shirts and CDs. The gift shop also sells cornmeal and stone ground grits made right there at the grist mill!

Planning Your Visit

138 Hagood Mill Road
Pickens, SC 29671
864.898.2936

Hagood Mill, the trails and the petroglyph site are open every week; Wednesday through Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm. Admission is free, however on Saturdays with a festival there is a $5 parking fee.

Festivals are the third Saturday of each month. For a complete list and calendar of events visit their website.

Hagood Mill

We read a book that mentioned mills and what they do before our visit and it helped my son understand what he was seeing. Here are a few books that mention gristmills and petroglyphs:

Books that mention or explain mills, grain, flour, etc:
Pancakes, Pancakes by Eric Carle
Any version of the Little Red Hen
The Grist Mill Secret by Lillie V. Albrecht

Books that describe or mention petroglyphs:
There Was an Old Man Who Painted the Sky by Teri Sloat
Early Humans (DK Eyewitness Book)
Magic Treehouse #7: Sunset of the Sabertooth by Mary Pope Osbourne

Would your kids enjoy visiting Hagood Mill?