This Indoor Winter Farmers Market Is No Longer a Secret: Greenville, SC

Miss the local farmer’s markets in the winter? We’ve got the scoop on Greenville’s best indoor farmers market and it’s really a lot more than a farmers market. The Toasty Farmer is no longer an Upstate secret; however, parents in the know have discovered that the family-friendly winter farmers market can be the perfect outing on a dreary winter’s day.

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Improve Your Bike Skills at Gateway Park: Travelers Rest, SC

Have you visited Gateway Park in Travelers, SC? This park along the Swamp Rabbit Trail is full of outdoor things to do, including an impressive bike park where you can practice jumps, ride the pump track, and older bikers can conquer the skills down two different jump lines. Here’s all the information you need to take advantage of Gateway Park on your next visit to TR.

Bike skills park at Gateway Park in Travelers Rest

About Gateway Park in Travelers Rest

Gateway Park is located along the Swamp Rabbit Trail in Downtown Travelers Rest, right behind Sunrift Adventures.

Biking is a bike draw to Gateway Park, but there are also other things to do. There is a small playground in the shade, plus tennis courts, a football field, and a basketball court. Restrooms are centrally located in the middle of the park. And, there are a number of picnic tables and even charcoal grills located throughout the park.

Getting to Gateway Park

There are two entrances to Gateway Park, but if you’re not looking for them, you might miss them. The first entrance, and the one that GPS will probably take you to, is right behind Sunrift Adventures. You will actually turn into the Sunrift parking lot and then veer to the right into the Gateway Park parking lot. At this end of the park you’ll find the basketball court and field.

If you continue driving through the park, you’ll pass the restrooms on the left, the playground on the right, and then you’ll arrive at the bike skills park.

There is another entrance/exit here at the bike park onto Henderson Drive. Turning left here will bring you back up towards Main Street, Travelers Rest.

Skills park at Gateway Park, Travelers Rest, SC

Biking at Gateway Park

There’s something for every level of biker at Gateway Park. While my older kids and husband spend most of their time at the park on the skills in the jump lines, the park also offers a pump track, several platforms at varying heights for drop jumps, and 2 1/2 miles of mountain biking trails through the woods and around the park.

There’s also a small figure 8 track for kids beside the playground.

Jump Lines

Bikers using the jump lines start at the platform in the corner of the bike park. Skills in the jump lines include gap jumps, steep table tops, and a variety of berms. Here you’ll find a helpful map of the trails and maybe a friendly biker or two to give you some pointers. If you’ve never tried these types of jumps, a good way to start is by rolling over the jumps on the trail slowly, rather than jumping. It’s always a good idea to take new trails slowly, anyway.

Skills park at Gateway Park, biking in TR

Drop Jumps and Pump Track

Across the road from the jump lines, you’ll see the small pump track and the drop jumps. The pump track would be a could place for younger riders to try some skills. There are no jumps on this track only bumps and turns.

Beside the pump track is an area for bikers to practice drop jumps off of platforms. There is a variety of heights to choose from, entry and exit of these jumps is a grassy field- no trails. When bikers are present you’ll want to keep an eye on the kiddos here.

Ride the trails

In addition to the skills portion of the bike park, there is also a trail through the woods and around the park. There are about 2 1/2 miles of mountain bike trail.

Got a flat?

When we arrived at the park most recently, my husband pulled his bike out of the van, only to realize the tire was flat and he didn’t have the adaptor he needed to pump it up. He brought the bike over to Sunrift Adventures, located right beside the park, and they pumped it up for free. He was also able to buy the missing adaptor so he’d have it for next time for just $1. Sunrift is a great resource in the area for biking and all kinds of outdoor adventures.

Watch: Ride the trails at Gateway Park

More to Love at Gateway Park

This park used to be the site of Travelers Rest High School. So, if you are not in the mood for biking, grab a football and play on the football field that has been used to train athletes for decades. You can also enjoy the basketball court or baseball diamond.

If you are 5 or 95, you will find something at this park to get your heart pumping while soaking in some vitamin D. Bring some friends, and get out to Gateway Park.

Visit Gateway Park in TR

115 Henderson Drive, Travelers Rest
Visit the Gateway Park website for more information.

Would your family enjoy a day visiting Gateway Park in Travelers Rest?

Where else can you ride? Check out the Kidding Around Guide to Mountain Biking in the Upstate.

Cedar Falls Park in Fountain Inn is the Perfect Park to Visit on a Beautiful Fall Day

Looking for a beautiful park to enjoy on a crisp fall day? Cedar Falls Park in Fountain Inn offers a fun playground, a paved walking path, a historical site, and a waterfall. We’ll give you all the information you need to plan a day at this park with your family.

Parks and playgrounds near Greenville, South Carolina

Looking for more parks? We’ve got your Ultimate Guide to Parks and Playgrounds Near Greenville, SC.

Want more ideas on parks to explore, places to hike and more outdoor fun? Check out our Things to do Outside page.

I was first introduced to Cedar Falls Park by Deirdre at JDaniel4’s Mom. Deirdre and I are friends, and she is also a local blogger. She blogged about her visit to Cedar Falls Park during the 2013 Greenville Park Hop. I could tell that she and J Daniel had a lot of fun during their visit, and I decided that my family would need to check the park out ourselves.

After our visit my husband and I agreed that Cedar Falls Park is a local secret. The playground is imaginative and great for getting kids active. But the best part about Cedar Falls Park is the paved path (yay for strollers!) that leads to a beautiful wooded area where the Reedy River rolls over waterfalls and wildlife abounds.

The history of Cedar Falls Park

Cedar Falls Park doubles as not just a recreational spot but also as an historic area. The site originated as a Cherokee hunting ground and transportation hub across the Reedy River. Later in the 1800s, a dam was built to power several mills. In the 1900s, a larger dam generated electric power for the Fork Shoals Mill. A more complete history of the Cedar Falls is located on a park sign on the trail.

On the trail, you will also find a sign explaining the Cherokee history of the site as well as a sign about the environmental aspects of the Reedy River which includes a chart of wildlife in the area.

Basic Information about Cedar Falls Park

The 90+ acres at Cedar Falls Park contains so much:

a paved walking trail to the falls
a sand volleyball court
picnic shelter
restrooms
playground
parking at both the playground and a small amount of parking beside the falls
large grassy areas for play

The Playground at Cedar Falls Park

My kids really enjoyed the play area located at the first entrance of the park. The playground based on fairy tales, included a bean stalk ladder, rock wall, small cave window, and large fun climbing structures. As a mom of a very brave toddler, I was glad to see that even the larger playground wasn’t terribly high (not that I would have wanted her to fall off it).

The playground designed for smaller kids was a little larger than other local options. I liked how it was still challenging and fun for even my 5 year-old (though he was fascinated with the larger structure on the other side).

The playground did not have a fence and both levels of playgrounds were connected. Since the playground was beside the parking lot, you did have to watch small kids closely to make sure they didn’t wander off.

The Falls at Cedar Falls Park

The walk to Cedar Falls was not difficult. Our kids (2 and 5) complained a little and we ended up toting the toddler, but we made it there and back without too much trouble. We did not bring a stroller, but the path was completely paved down to the falls.

We noticed a lot of people playing in the water, but we did not due to it being part of the Reedy River. Parents will want to know that this portion of the Reedy River has the same toxic level warning signs as you will find near the Reedy River at Falls Park.

I wore flip flops and the kids wore shorts on our visit. I would recommend tennis shoes and long pants as you will want to explore off of the path once you reach the falls. Don’t forget plenty of water and snacks too. Basically dress and pack for a hike.

The area was beautiful and we noticed lots of interesting insects and birds.

Even though the park was a little outside the normal area we travel for park visits, I’m sure that we will visit again. The kids really enjoyed their time playing at the park, and word is that Cedar Falls Park is a must-see spot in Greenville in the fall.

Visit Cedar Falls Park with your family

Cedar Falls Park is open daily from 9 am – dusk.

201 Cedar Falls Road, Fountain Inn

Visit the Cedar Falls Park website for more information.

What is your family’s favorite thing about Cedar Falls Park?

Here’s your guide to spending a day in Fountain Inn, SC.

Mom Review: The Runway Park at Greenville Downtown Airport

If you have a kid who loves airplanes, then Runway Park near Downtown Greenville, SC is the best park ever! Please tell me you’ve been. There is a wonderful park, with swings, climbing structures, a paved trail for bike riding, and lots of different slides. But the best part is that you can watch small-engine planes take off while you play! There is also a mini golf course and family-friendly restaurant in the same parking lot. What a win!

Runway Park at the Greenville Downtown Airport in Greenville, South Carolina

If your kid is super duper into planes, check out Spartanburg’s Downtown Memorial Airport Park. The park has a playground and even a free splash pad!

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Be Part Of A Thriller Flash Mob In Falls Park This Halloween!

Have you ever watched a viral video of a flash mob and wished you had been a part of it? Would you jump at the chance to limp through downtown Greenville in full Zombie fashion? Are you a child of the ’80s and have been dying to learn the “Thriller” dance?

If you said “YES!” to any of these questions, your opportunity is here!

Whether you want to use this as a fun couples activity or include the kids, we have the info you’ll need to participate in this flash mob event that starts rehearsals on October 3rd, 2023.

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Enjoy Live Music at Spartanburg Library’s Music Sandwiched In

Do you wish there was an affordable way to expose your preschool children to all different types of live music without risking having to listen from the lobby? Let us tell you about Spartanburg Library’s Music Sandwiched In free music series. Whether you work downtown and would like some live music to re-energize you for the second half of the day, or you are looking for a fun lunchtime experience to enjoy with your little ones, we have the details here.

Music Sandwiched In free music program at Spartanburg Library

What is Music Sandwhiched In?

Did you know that for over 25 years, The Spartanburg Philharmonic and The Spartanburg Library have been providing the opportunity to enjoy lunch to live music free of charge? The series called “Music Sandwiched In” got its start in 1997 when the current headquarters library location was dedicated. Every other Wednesday from 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm, people of all ages find themselves enjoying all types of music, from German Oompah band music to an electric cello and violin duet.

If you don’t have time to pack a lunch, don’t worry. Lunch is available for purchase when you get there. Or you could treat yourself to a yummy dessert to go with your bag lunch.

My son and I stumbled onto this one afternoon as we were leaving the children’s library. As we were exiting the library I could hear singing and laughing coming from the Barrett room. My interest was peeked and as I poked my head into the room, I heard a familiar tune. Selections from The Chapman Cultural Center’s production of “The Music Man” were being performed. I was thrilled, for several reasons but mostly because now my son could see what characters were being spoofed on his favorite cartoon. He loved it and so did I.

I’m so excited to share this experience now with my young daughter. Being two, she has a mind of her own and ticketed events are still a risk for us. With “Music Sandwiched In”, we can go stress free, without worrying that I will have to walk away from a ticketed seat, if she gets cranky.

Musician playing piano at Spartanburg's Music Sandwiched In

Take your kids to Music Sandwiched In

Spartanburg Headquarters Library
151 S. Church Street, Spartanburg

A complete list of the upcoming performances can be found at the Music Sandwiched In website.

Looking for more free things to do in Spartanburg, SC? Here’s your ultimate guide to free or cheap things to do.

Walhalla State Fish Hatchery Is Fishy Fun Your Kids Will Love

Did you know you can bring the kids and visit the Walhalla State Fish Hatchery for free? The hatchery, located in Mountain Rest, SC, is responsible for stocking trout in a number of waterways and lakes in the Upstate. You’ll get a chance to see trout in various stages of their life cycle, enjoy the grounds, picnic, hike and even fish in the East Fork Chattooga River. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the Walhalla State Fish Hatchery.

Visiting the Walhalla State Fish Hatchery: Things to Do

We love free activities and here’s one you can do to relieve school doldrums. Only an hour and a half drive is the Walhalla State Fish Hatchery (WSFH). Located 21 miles north of Walhalla in Sumter National Forest, the hatchery is open to visitors daily.

Allow about 1.5-2 hours for your tour which consists of the Hatchery Building, walking around the outdoor fish raceway, and feeding the fish.

After your tour, make a day of it and you can picnic in the shady Chattooga Picnic Area which is adjacent to the hatchery.

There is a barrier-free fishing pier, accessible in the East Fork which runs through the hatchery grounds.

If you are not up to fishing, you can choose to hike 2.5 miles to the main Chattooga River. Pick-up a map from the Hatchery office.

Brief History of the Hatchery

One of five fish hatcheries in South Carolina, it is operated by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. WSFH raises brown, brook and rainbow trout for stocking the public waters of South Carolina. Most of the trout are cultured to a catchable size of 9-12″ before they are released.

Approximately 500,000 trout are produced and stocked annually by the WSFH. We especially enjoyed seeing the very large trout (5-15 pounds) kept at the Hatchery for public viewing.

How to tour the Hatchery

You may call ahead to arrange a guided tour, but the hatchery is open to walk-ins. Upon entering the Hatchery property, pick up a brochure or print a brochure from the hatchery website.

Hatchery Building

I suggest that you start your visit at the Hatchery building first before you visit the outdoor raceway sections. The Hatchery building has a video introduction about the site and the life cycle of a trout. Around the building are informative interpretative wall signs for your reading pleasure. Feel free to approach Hatchery employees who are used to being asked questions by curious visitors.

Inside the building, we found vats of thousands of small trout or fry (trout babies) no more than 2 inches long. Once they grow to 2 inches, they are brought outside to grow some more. Do not feed the fish fry as they are on a special diet!

Outdoor Fish Raceways and Where to Feed the Fish

Outside the Hatchery building are long fish raceways. The one with the covered shed is where the brood fish(parent fish) are stocked. Use your quarters here to purchase a fistful of fish food. The fish here are very active and kids get a kick out of all the attention they get with the fish pellets.

Note: Before going, take some quarters with you from home for fish food. These fish pellets are dispensed by machine and the only food you’re allowed to feed the fish with. After a couple of feeding rounds, we just challenged the kids to hunt around for fish pellets that fell on the ground.

Plan your own visit

Their site recommends visiting the Hatchery in the fall, as this is the best time to view the full life cycle of the trout (specifically the eggs and sac fry).

Walhalla State Fish Hatchery
198 Fish Hatchery Road
Mountain Rest, SC 29664
864.638.2866
Visit the Walhalla Fish Hatchery website.
Open 8 am – 4 pm daily.

Would your kids enjoy a trip to the Walhalla Fish Hatchery?

Guide to Hiking Near Greenville, SC: Trails for Little Kids, Big Kids, and Adventurous Families

Looking for a great hike to enjoy with your family near Greenville, SC? Check out our Guide to Hiking in the Upstate! You’re sure to find a new hike to try that’s just right for your family. This is your new go-to guide for hiking in Upstate, SC.

This article includes:
Trails to Hike Near You, Just Right For Your Family
Family Hiking Trails in Greenville, SC
Hiking in Pickens, SC
Hiking in Easley, SC
Hiking Trails in Mountain Rest, SC
Hiking Trails in Central, SC
Hiking Trails in Marietta, SC
Hiking Trails in Sunset, SC
Hiking Trail in Walhalla, SC
Hiking Trails in Cleveland, SC
Hiking in Clinton, SC
Hiking Trails in Spartanburg, SC
Hiking Trails in Columbia, SC
Hiking Trails in Western North Carolina

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Head Out on an Upstate Mural Driving Tour

Have you noticed that murals are gracing the walls of buildings all over the Upstate? We’ve listed out where you can find Greenville, SC murals (and more mural locations in the Upstate). Make an afternoon out of it and go on an Upstate Mural Driving Tour!

We’ve put together six driving tours of murals in Greenville, Travelers Rest, and Spartanburg. You can combine routes as well if you’re in the same area (Google won’t let us add more than ten destinations to each route).

Special thanks to reader Amanda for letting us use one of the photos she took during her driving tour with her family (where they got milkshakes for extra fun during this current coronavirus crisis).

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Where to Find the Best Fall Foliage Near Greenville, SC in 2023

Where should you go to see some colorful fall foliage near Greenville, SC? In Greenville, we’re lucky to live close to a variety of hikes and drives that showcase this vibrant seasonal display of colors. Plus, nothing is better than the Western North Carolina leaves changing in the Blue Ridge Mountains. So, grab your camera and hit the road for what promises to be another fantastic year of color!
We have compiled everything you need to know for fall leaf peeping, including:
2023 fall foliage timeline
15+ fall hiking trail ideas
Packing for your fall foliage search

Fall foliage near Greenville, South Carolina

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This Indoor Winter Farmers Market Is No Longer a Secret: Greenville, SC

Improve Your Bike Skills at Gateway Park: Travelers Rest, SC