Leaves crunching underfoot, the smell of pumpkin spice wafting from a coffee cup, and all things apple-related usher in the fall season. Another thing to look forward to during the close of summer is festivals, and we have the best fall festivals near Spartanburg, SC! There are no shortages of celebrations in Hub City, so let’s get to planning the fun you and your family can have this fall!
This list is provided for informational purposes, and events may change or be canceled at the last minute. Therefore, please be sure to confirm the status of an event before heading out.
For more fall festivals and other events not listed here, check out our Events Calendar.
Planning a trip for apple picking at Jeter Mountain Farm? This gorgeous farm hosts weddings, has seasonal u-pick flowers, fruits, and more plus an enormous indoor play area.
The views from the parking lot of Jeter Mountain Farm are sweeping shots of the nearby mountains, open space, and a beautiful building that seems to fit right into the landscape with its earthy hues of brown and green. The farm is a welcoming spot for families that has nearly two dozen varieties of apples, cider, live music, a wagon ride, and lots of other activities to enjoy.
Are you wondering if a trip to Tweetsie Railroad is right for your family? The Tweetsie Railroad theme park in North Carolina is full of nostalgic family fun. Elizabeth Faulkner shares her own Tweetsie Railroad experience so you’ll know what to expect when you visit, plus all the great mom tips you’ll want to know.
Media passes were provided for her visit to Tweetsie Railroad, however, all opinions shared in this post are her own.
Confession of a bad mom. My family has spent a lot of time in the North Carolina mountains; specifically, the Boone, North Carolina area. Lots of time. For years. And we’ve driven right by Tweetsie Railroad many times over the years. Since my oldest daughter, who is now 7, was able to speak she’s been begging me to take her to that ‘place with the ferris wheel’ that we pass on our way to the mountains. And I (the bad mom) had never taken my girls to Tweetsie Railroad. Until today.
If you don’t know Tweetsie Railroad, it is not exactly a new theme park. Nope. I have lots of friends who tell me about their childhood memories visiting Tweetsie – it’s been a theme park since the 1950s. Heck, it was the very first theme park in the state of North Carolina. But a theme park was not how Tweetsie Railroad began.
The history behind Tweetsie Railroad
Tweetsie began as a railway between Tennessee and North Carolina in the late 1800s. The extension into Boone, NC began in the early 1900s, as a passenger train as well as a method of moving lumber out of the mountains. The train was referred to as Tweetsie because of the “tweet tweet” whistle sound the train made that echoed through the hills. And the name stuck.
Many years later, road development bringing competition from automobiles, and later flooding in Boone, brought an end to the much adored Tweetsie Railroad. Though initially Tweetsie Locomotive No. 12, the only original of the 13 steam engines from the rail line, was moved to Virginia, No. 12 later returned to her home in Boone, NC and the Tweetsie Railroad that we know today began.
Though the history of Tweetsie Railroad is truly fascinating, the North Carolina mountain theme park has been loved by children for generations. If you’re a history buff you can read the Tweetsie Railroad history for yourself right here.
Today’s Tweetsie Railroad is a sweet theme park located in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. If you are like I was, unaware of all the fun hiding in those hills, you’re in for a real treat.
Photo Rights to Tweetsie Railroad
Our day at Tweetsie Railroad
Our first stop after entering the gates this morning was the train ride, of course. After all, I’ve never ridden a 100+ year old steam locomotive. Winding through the hills near the theme park this short train ride was complete with replica old mountain towns, cowboys, and even a shoot out. The train ride was so fun we did it again later that afternoon.
Once we got off the train we decided to take in a show – one of many shows featuring cowboys, can-can girls, magicians, musicians, dancers and more. Though there were lots of fun shows to see, this was the only one we made it to. The girls and I all loved it. I’d say their favorite part was the end of the show when they got to get up on stage and try a little can-can dancing of their own.
Then we were on to some rides. I think one of the great things about Tweetsie Railroad was that we didn’t run into even one ride my 7 and 3 year old were too little to ride (though there was one ride I was too big to ride!). Now, that said, we did not get to one portion of the park that included the bigger rides – the few I’m pretty sure my little ones wouldn’t be able (or brave enough) to ride. We’ll check that out next time.
After a yummy pizza lunch, we took the chair lift up to Miner’s Mountain, the little kid portion of the park. The chair ride up to Miner’s Mountain was an adventure all on its own. If you’ve been on a ski lift it’s the same idea. Beautiful views, and a little bit of praying no one wiggles along the way – it’s a long way to the ground. I thought for sure my husband would have us walking back down the mountain – he’s not a fan of heights – but we rode the chair lift back down the mountain too.
Deer Park
Honestly, once we got to Miner’s Mountain, we were running out of steam so after the girls played on the playground a little while we headed directly to Deer Park Zoo. Given that we’ve been to a bunch of zoos, I didn’t have very high expectations for this one but it may have been my favorite part of the day.
This animal park petting zoo includes about 90 animals that we got to be up close and personal with, including several kind of goats, deer, emus, llama, miniature horses and many more. Plus, we were able to buy ice cream cones filled with feed (for 50 cents each) before we walked in which made for a ton of fun. Think animals eating feed right out of your little ones hands – it just doesn’t get sweeter than that!
Though, personally, I really loved watching the animals when they finally got to their favorite snack – the ice cream cone. What a riot. I could’ve spent all afternoon in the sweet Deer Park but we did finally head out. It was way past nap time after all.
Though there were many rides we never got to ride and shows we didn’t see, we were all tired out after spending most of the day at Tweetsie Railroad so it was time for us to go home. All in all, it was a great first (though not last!) visit to Tweetsie Railroad.
Tweetsie Railroad Review
Truth be told, I’m not sure who had more fun, the kids or me. The park was small enough that is was easy to navigate and didn’t feel overwhelming, perfect for little ones, full of super friendly staff, and never felt crowded at all.
I also really appreciated that the tickets included everything – all the rides and shows, unlimited train rides, and the zoo. This old fashioned, family oriented theme park is a local and regional favorite and now I understand why. Like it is for so many others, Tweetsie Railroad will become a family tradition for my own family.
Tips for visiting Tweetsie Railroad
And now that we’ve finally made it to this tourist hot spot I have some tips for you when you go:
If you do go early make sure the top parking lot is full before you park in the lots right inside the entry. You can save yourself a little extra walking to get inside the park.
Yes, there is a mock robbery with “bad guys” but this doesn’t occur on the train itself. Rather you watch the show from the train. I was relieved that it wasn’t at all scary to my little ones.
If you want the best view of the show from the train possible choose the 2nd, 3rd or 4th car and sit on the right side of the isle.
Though I didn’t see this happen, I was told that kids can get embers from the train in their eyes. You may want to bring along some sunglasses for your kids to wear on the train ride.
Walking can get tiring for little legs – bring a stroller or wagon. Plus you have somewhere to hold your drinks and purchases. Should you not have a stroller and need one there are several options available to rent. Rental rates are $10 per day and you can choose from single or double strollers or various wagons.
Don’t feel like spending money on lunch? No problem – pack your own! You can bring your own food into Tweetsie, which can help a little with the budget.
Take pictures! There are lots of beautiful photo opportunities at Tweetsie – after all, the mountains are the backdrop. Our family shot in front of No. 12 is going to be a perfect Christmas card this year!
Photo Rights to Tweetsie Railroad
Tweetsie Railroad is open for the 2023 season!
www.tweetsie.com 300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane* Blowing Rock, NC 28605 800.526.5740 *approximately 3hrs from Greenville!
Summer hours
June 19 – August 13, Thursday – Monday, 10 am-6 pm, See the entire schedule here.
Special Events for 2023
The 2023 season at Tweetsie Railroad is loaded with special events, including the ultra popular K9s in Flight Frisbee Dogs®, Riders in the Sky, Railroad Heritage Weekend, and more! See the entire list of special events here.
This year’s K9s in Flight Frisbee Dogs® event happens July 22-24 & July 27-30, 2023. These high-flying pups will amaze you with their flips and tricks! Shows are included with regular park admission.
Ticket pricing
General admission tickets are $60 for adults, $40 for kids 3 – 12 and free for kids 0 – 2. General admission tickets are not valid for Ghost Train or Tweetsie Christmas.
If you enter the park after 3 pm, the next day is free! Keep your ticket stubs and present them at the Ticket Office for another full day of family fun.
If you are lucky enough to get to Tweetsie Railroad more than a couple times in a season you might want to consider a season pass.
Find the perfect place to stay near Tweetsie Railroad with the map below. Kidding Around earns when you book through the links in the map through as part of an affiliate relationship with Stay 22.
Local realtor, Elizabeth Faulkner, takes great pride in working hard and providing top-notch service to her clients. Her goal is to make the buying and selling process a smooth one for each and every client she serves!
Have you visited Stewart Farms in Enoree, SC? This family-owned farm has an off-the-vine u-pick pumpkin patch in the fall that is charming and so much fun! The farm is perfect for a family outing because of the number of family-friendly activities there are to enjoy! We ventured off to Enoree, SC to explore the pumpkin patch, enjoy a hay ride through the woods, and get lost in a corn maze to see just how much fun you can fit into a day at Stewart Farms!
Arriving at Stewart Farms
Stewart Farms is located in Enoree, SC, about 40 minutes from downtown Greenville. Once you arrive, you will pass the market to your right. The market store is where you will pay for the activities you participated in or for the pumpkins you picked. However, you pay when you are leaving the farm, not before. An attendant will give you a sheet of paper with all the activities available down on the farm, and they will be marked off as you go through your day. Some tips before you arrive include:
Bring hats, sunscreen, or even a sunshade umbrella. The pumpkin patch and corn maze get hot, even in the fall, and do not have shade.
Parking is free, and is located near the pumpkin patch entrance.
There are plenty of shaded picnic tables, so you can bring your own lunch if you would like, or concessions are available to purchase.
Strollers are recommended for younger children, but we recommend a carrier for babies and toddlers for the wagon ride so you’re not having to hold them still the entire ride.
There are port-o-potties on site.
Stewart Farms has a strict no-pet policy.
The U-Pick Pumpkin Patch
When you walk up to the pumpkin patch, you will be greeted by an attendant who will offer a wagon and sheers to cut your pumpkin off the vine with. Take the wagon! You will need it for the pumpkin collecting you are about to embark on, and it makes things so much easier. The farm has pumpkins of varying shapes and sizes located throughout dozens of rows, so you can choose what works for your fall decor or Halloween decorating ideas. If the rows near the entrance are a little lackluster, head to the back of the patch where there are usually more pumpkins available.
Pumpkins cost $0.60 per lb. Once you’re finished picking your pumpkins, the attendant will weigh your pumpkins and mark your slip of paper to turn into the farm market for payment, and you can haul your pumpkins to your car using the wagon. Remember, do not cut a pumpkin off the vine if you do not plan to buy it. Also, be mindful of the vines when cutting yours off. Keep the patch happy so everyone can enjoy it. The patch closes at dark, so make sure you arrive in time to explore it!
The SC Corn Maize
Ready to get lost in the corn? The Stewart Farms corn maze is a welcome challenge for families to enjoy together. The 2022 maize can be challenging, so make sure you allot enough time to enjoy it. If you have young children, we definitely recommend taking a stroller or personal wagon through the maze, those little legs will get tired. It costs $8.00 for ages 6 and older to go through the 2022 “Old Blue” Corn Maze.
Wagon Rides
The wagon ride through Stewart Farms is charming, making it one of our favorite activities. The wagon is tractor led and pulls a large trailer with seats and gates. The majority of the wagon ride is through the woods, where you can look for fall decorations, Halloween displays, and old farm equipment while taking in the earthy smells, leaves changing color, and cooler weather. The wait to get on the wagon can take some time on busy days, but most of the line forms in the shade and the ride itself is worth it! The wagon ride takes about 25 minutes to complete, so make sure your kids take a snack and bathroom break beforehand. The wagon ride costs $5 per person and is free for children 2 and under.
Nighttime Activities
If you’re looking for some spooky activities to go along with your trip to Stewart Farms, then make sure to go in the evening! The farm offers several nights in October where you can take a Nightime Wagon Ride or explore the Big Boo Haunted Maize. The wagon ride ventures through the woods where you will see lit jack-o-lanterns and spooky Halloween scenes and decorations. The Big Boo Haunted Maize is family-friendly, but it does get a little creepy in the maize at night so it is only recommended for ages 6 and older. The night activities begin at sundown and go on until 10 pm (gates close at 9, farm closes at 10).
Farm Animals to Visit
Stewart Farms has a small section of farm animals that your kids will love visiting. The goats are the most interactive, and the attendant will give your kids some hay to feed them through their enclosure. There are also ducks, pigs, and a cow to meet.
The Courtyard and Concessions
Located at the center of the farm is the courtyard. There are snowcones for purchase from Brain Freeze and a concessions truck that sells food, sweet treats, drinks, and more. There are also 12 shaded picnic tables to enjoy your food at, or you can snag one of the standing shaded tables as well. The courtyard is the perfect place to rest and let your kids get their energy out and run around the field. There are also several photo opportunity spots lined along the cornfields. The Bee Barn is also located in the courtyard, and is a fascinating way to watch the bees maintain their hive!
Stop, Park, and Pay Before you Leave
Unlike some places where you pay beforehand, Stewart Farms has you enjoy the farm activities before paying. Once you leave the activity area and drive out of the parking lot, you will head back to the market store you pass when you first entered. Remember to stop, park, and pay! This is where you will pay for the pumpkins you purchased, and any other activities you engaged in down on the farm. You can also stock up on local goods, home decor, and seasonal flowers at the market before you leave the farm.
2022 Fall Season Admission Costs and Hours
The season runs from September 24th – October 30th
Fridays 4 – 10 pm (Gates close at 9 pm)
Saturdays 10 am – 10 pm (Gates close at 9 pm)
Sundays 1 – 7 pm (Gates close at 6 pm)
Monday – Thursday CLOSED
MAiZE $8 person plus plus tax – ages 6 and up / 5 and under FREE Last ticket sold 1 hour before closing
Wagon Ride $5 per person plus tax / 2 and under FREE The last daytime wagon ride departs at 6:30
Big Boo Haunted Maize $12 per person plus tax for anyone ages 6 and up (October 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, & 29 only) Big Boo is family-friendly, but not recommended for kids under 6
Nighttime Wagon Rides $7 plus tax for anyone ages 2 and up. (October 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, & 29 only) The last nighttime wagon ride departs at 9:30 *Prices are subject to change.
Ready for a good joust and a turkey leg? The Carolina Renaissance Festival and Artisan Marketplace are back for another year this fall in Charlotte. Local mom Jackie tells us what to expect at Ren-Fest plus shares tips for a great experience with your family!
The 2022 Carolina Renaissance Festival takes place Saturdays and Sundays, October 2 – November 20, 2022.
Looking for Oktoberfest events? There are several places celebrating Oktoberfest in Greenville and across the Upstate for you to enjoy, but do you know why people celebrate Oktoberfest or when the event started? KAG has the in on what, where, and why of Oktoberfest, plus we’re sharing all the local Oktoberfest events so you can celebrate, too!
First, let’s talk about how this party got started. Over 200 years ago, a Bavarian crown prince married a princess, which resulted in days of drinking, feasting, and horse races.
I wanted to know why this marriage has been celebrated since October 12, 1810.
It turns out that those horse races were so popular, they decided to do it annually, and that’s why the party continues today. Although, oddly enough, those horse races are no longer a part of the celebration.
To get down to the truth, I consulted my cousin, Frau Roe. She’s a German teacher locally and my go-to for all things Bavarian-related.
Me: So Frau Roe, Why do we celebrate Oktoberfest? Is it because of racehorses, love, or something else?
Frau Roe: “Today, it’s more of a festival atmosphere, carnival rides, lots of food, lots of beer, still celebrated in the same spot under all those tents. Many Bavarians wear traditional clothing to celebrate history. (Lederhosen and Dirndl) So, while it has changed a lot over the years, the original reason is still in the hearts of the Bavarians. It’s definitely a celebration of heritage! ”
Now that we know the what and why let’s find out where!
2023 Oktoberfest Events near Greenville, South Carolina
For
more local options, Oktoberfest celebrations can be found at numerous places around
the Upstate.
Oktoberfest at Carolina Bauernhaus (Anderson) | September 16th from 2 pm – 6 pm Live music from the Ragin’ Cajun Accordion Delight David Donar, brats with haus made kraut, pretzels with beer cheese, beer on tap
2023 Oktoberfest Events Across The Upstate of South Carolina
Walhalla Oktoberfest | October 20th – 22nd For 40+ years this South Carolina town has been celebrating its German heritage with a weekend-long celebration. German food, American food, artisan vendors, carnival rides, and fireworks on Saturday night, make this a great family-friendly Oktoberfest to mark on your calendar.
The Country’s Longest Running Oktoberfest: Helen, GA
For hard-core Oktoberfest fans, the longest-running celebration in the US is just a short ride to the mountains of northern Georgia.
Helen, Georgia, the alpine town, boasts the longest-running Oktoberfest celebration with a duration of a month. From the end of September through the end of October, the town hosts a celebration that’s been happening for 50+ years. My family loves Helen, and there’s fun to be had year-round there.
Now that you know the what, why and when about Oktoberfest, throw on that lederhosen or dirndl and get ready to celebrate the 213 years of Oktoberfest!
Find more things to do this fall in the Upstate
10+ Family Friendly Bike Trails: Greenville, SC
Upick Tulips at Thompson Family Farms Near Campobello, SC!
Consignment Sales You Cannot Miss in the Upstate near Greenville, SC
Fall will be here before we know it and you may be planning an apple-picking trip with your family. Use these tips to make your apple-picking adventure a fun and memorable day for everyone!Let your expectations for “perfect” be low and your expectations for “enjoyable” be high.
Summer is winding down, school is starting, and if you’re like me, your family is finally returning to a schedule!
Some of my kids are happy to be back in the swing of things, and others are still wishing for summer days. For those looking for a fun activity or two to help ease your family back into the school year, enjoy this list of some of my family’s favorites. This list includes the very newest and most popular Greenville attractions right along with some old classics.
Let’s get started!
Clare’s Creamery
Clare’s Creamery is Greenville’s neighborhood small batch ice cream shop, dedicated to delivering the highest quality ingredients and the most delicious ice cream ever! The shop is a lifelong dream of founder Caitlin Clare’s, and that dream finally became a reality in 2020 with Clare’s Creamery.
Beat the heat and run over to Clare’s Creamery for a locally made sweet treat. You can find Clare’s ice cream at their brick-and-mortar (1635 East North Street) or at their pop-up in The Commons shared with The Bake Room.
Chestnut Coffee House & Local Market
Chestnut brings a whole new meaning to the word community. This coffee shop and local market has proven wildly popular since its grand opening in January – so much so that the owners opened a new location this month!
Enjoy expertly poured handcrafted coffee beverages, created with house-made syrups and Methodical Roastery coffee. Kids can enjoy Chestnut Ice Cream and Scout’s Doughnuts as well as a variety of delicious lunch foods and snacks.
Chestnut Coffee House is located in the Hollingsworth community on Rocky Slope Road, and their new location is on East Curtis Street in Simpsonville. Grab an iced coffee and enjoy Hollingsworth park only a short walk away. Families with young children will especially love the two playgrounds located in the park with lots of space to run around!
Unity Park
Doubtless you’ve heard about Greenville’s newest green space and playground, Unity Park. This beautiful 60-acre park features a 4,100-square-foot splash pad, 2 huge green spaces, 4 playgrounds, picnic tables and shaded sitting areas, and so much more. Plus, the park sits right on the Swamp Rabbit Trail and provides direct access to walking and biking trails (if you’re looking for a guide to the Swamp Rabbit, I have one of those too)!
If you get tired of playing out in the sun, there are all sorts of indoor spots to enjoy right next to the park. The Commons provides tons of seating (indoor and outdoor) and multiple restaurants to enjoy (my family loves the burger at GB&D). A short walk across the Reedy River will bring you to Southerside Brewing, a brewery with a full food menu, live music, regular community markets and other events.
Group Therapy
Group Therapy is one of Greenville’s newest forms of entertainment. The indoor “playground” features an 18-hole mini golf course full of fun movie themes, ice curling, ping-pong, axe-throwing, and backyard games. You will also find a food menu with lots of delicious shareable plates.
If that August heat is getting to you, Group Therapy is the perfect place to enjoy summer (or back-to-school) family fun indoors! They do corporate events too; I’ve planned one there for my team at Hamilton & Company!
Looking for a fun parents’ night out? Group Therapy is 21+ after 7pm each night. Enjoy speciality cocktails, a 30-tap self-serve beer wall, and a transformed party atmosphere!
Group Therapy is located in the Camperdown Plaza and is only a short walk from Insomnia Cookies, Starbucks, Jeni’s Ice Cream, and other local favorites.
Discovery Island
What better way to beat the heat than to spend the day at the waterpark? Discovery Island at Southside Park in Simpsonville has tons of water activities for everyone in the family!
Enjoy two water slides, a lazy river, wave rider, and more! Discovery Island also has food available for purchase and lots of seating and shade for those not participating in the water activities.
No matter your experience, there’s a track here for you! Flying Rabbit has three different courses ranging in difficulty, plus courses just for kids. If you’re not a fan of heights, you can enjoy a performance bike track and challenge course, along with other great adventures!
Have you heard of 3’s? Formally Crosswinds Par 3, “3’s” has transformed the Par 3 into a 12-hole putting course designed by world-renowned golf course architects. The putting green is perfect for a family day (or night) out, plus you’ll get to enjoy delicious food and drinks from the 3’s Grill.
This experience is truly unlike anything else in town! In addition to booking a personal tee-time, you can take advantage of weekly events like Friday Date Night and Family Sundays.
ReCraft GVL
Looking to stock up on school supplies responsibility and affordably this year? Recraft GVLis South Carolina’s first “creative reuse center,” collecting reusable materials from manufacturers, institutions, and households across the Upstate and redistributing them in their brick and mortar on Haywood Road.
In addition to shopping at ReCraft, you can donate your time or old supplies to their store! Visit ReCraft’s Website and Instagram to learn more about these opportunities.
Skateland USA
Skateland USA, located on White Horse Road, is an indoor skating rink the whole family can enjoy! There is also a toddler rink available.
BlocHaven
Get those after-school wiggles out at BlocHaven, Greenville’s community-oriented rock climbing gym and cafe. At BlocHaven, there are multiple climbing areas with routes suitable for all ages and experience levels.
On your first visit, be prepared to sign a waiver for each participant and sit through a short orientation. After that, signing in is simple. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult, so plan to stick around and watch (or even climb with) your little ones. We’ve seen children as young as three years old having a blast in the space!
We love making Greenville feel more like home for its residents by sharing our local recommendations! Interested in investing in Greenville? My team at Hamilton & Co. is the top-rated real estate team in the Upstate, and I would love to help you buy a home here. Give me a call at 864-527-7685 and tell me what you’re looking for; I’d love to help you make your real estate dreams come true! — Dan
Are you looking for a family-friendly corn maze to visit? Would your kids love to pick their own pie pumpkin to turn into a jack o lantern at home? Strawberry Hill in Chesnee has all these fun fall activities and more for your family to do when you visit this farm that covers over 1000 acres. Whether you want to just grab some fresh produce or go for some fun, we have all the info you’ll need to know before you go.
Do you have a rambunctious bunch you need to keep entertained? Are you looking for a place to take your Lil’ fairy? Then we have the event for you! Read on to learn the Enchanted Chalice Renaissance Faire details so you’re family can get in on the fun!
