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Posts Tagged ‘Greenville SC’

Gifts You Can E-Mail Your Child’s Teacher from Local Businesses in Greenville, SC

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Wondering about end-of-the-year gifts for teachers? With a few mouse clicks, you can support local businesses and mark your kids’ teachers off your list. And, if you’re scrambling at the last moment, these are a perfect no-stress solution! All of the gifts below are offered by local businesses and can be purchased and delivered electronically. Also, don’t forget to check out out Dos and Don’t’s of Teacher Gifts!

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DIY Take Home Cookie and Cupcake Kits: Greenville, SC

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Are you looking for cookie or cupcake decorating kits? Nothing says the holidays like the fun of baked sweets, cookies, and cupcakes sitting on the counter! However, whether you lack the baking skills, time, or tools to accomplish the baking part; there is a way to get to the fun without all of the work. 

We found Upstate bakers who offer take-home cookie and cupcake kits so you can create your own edible masterpieces to share during the holidays. Here’s a list of cookie bakers in Spartanburg and Greenville that are offering cookie take-home kits with ready-to-decorate cookies, frosting, sprinkles, and more!

Don’t have the time to DIY those edible treats? These Greenville, and Spartanburg bakers will happily provide you with fully decorated cookies to wow your friends and family during the holidays!

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Christmas in NYC Coming to Greenville, SC this Holiday Season

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I grew up just outside of New York City so I was fortunate enough to see the city during Christmas time and what a sight it was! The festive shows on Broadway, the beautiful tree at Rockefeller Plaza, the people skating at Rockefeller Center with angels lining the sidewalks and just an overall feel that something special was happening. Greenville is quite a ways from NYC but thanks to the Greenville Symphony Orchestra, we can experience that same holiday spirit right in the heart of town at the Peace Center this year.

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Guide to Parking in Downtown Greenville, SC

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A comprehensive guide to kid-friendly parking in Downtown Greenville, South Carolina for travelers and locals!

Not a fan of parking in Downtown Greenville? You might find yourself thinking, “I love to go downtown, but parking is a nightmare! The traffic, the congestion, the price…it’s not worth it!” But Greenville’s downtown is pretty fantastic and there is plenty of parking in Greenville if you know where to look. To help you out here’s Kidding Around Greenville’s Guide to Parking in Downtown Greenville.

Parking near the Peace Center in Greenville, SC

This article includes:
Parking Garages Near Me: Pay to Park Garages in Greenville, SC
Free Parking in Greenville, SC
Holiday Free Parking in Greenville, SC
Night Owl Monthly Parking Pass in Greenville, SC

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Celebrating The German Festivities Of Oktoberfest Near Greenville, SC

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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!



Octoberfest Greer, SC

The Origin of Oktoberfest in Germany

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.

2023 Oktoberfest Events In Spartanburg, South Carolina

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.

Fall in Love Anytime Of Year With This Bavarian Village Atop The Mountains Of North Georgia

Places To Enjoy German Food Year Round In Greenville, South Carolina

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!

Ice Cream, Animals, and Fun at Famoda Farm near Greenville, SC

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Have you heard of Famoda Farm in Tigerville, SC? We just had the most amazing afternoon visiting the farm, enjoying delicious ice cream, and hanging out with baby goats! The cows, donkeys, bunnies, and sheep joined us at the fence to visit, and we even picked up some fresh milk to bring home.

This is a special place, I mean like turn a “grumpy preteen” day into a “sunshine-filled happy day” kind of place. Do you know how rare that is? It’s awesome, which means we’re telling you all about Famoda Farm so you can plan your visit.

Petting a cow at Famoda Farm

Arriving at Famoda Farm

The entrance to Famoda Farms is a gravel driveway with pasture on either side. Just plug the address into your GPS and look for the signs. Even my preteens and teenage kids were stoked to see the cows in the pasture as we drove in. You think it’s cute when little kids love animals. Well, hearing “Aw, there are cows! Hi Cows!” will melt your heart when it comes out of the mouth of a fourteen-year-old boy, too.

Amazing Grazin' Ice cream at Famoda Farm.
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10 Amazing Activities from Dan Hamilton that You Need to Do This Fall

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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. 

Clares 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! 

Chestnut Coffee

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)! 

Unity Park

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.

Flying Rabbit Adventures

Flying Rabbit Adventures is a 3-story aerial park and a favorite summer activity for the Hamilton & Co. team

Flying Rabbit

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! 

Flying Rabbit is located at Holland Park, a mixed-use development space that is home to Greenville’s famous Home Team BBQ, Double Stamp Brewery, and more!

3’s

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. 

3s Golf

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 GVL is 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

30+ Milkshake Options At The Crazy Mason Milkshake in Greenville, SC

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Did you know Crazy Mason is now open in Greenville, SC? Milkshakes that take on a life of their own are the trend now in frozen desserts, and a new player is now in the Upstate. The Myrtle Beach-based shake shop, The Crazy Mason, is now open in Greenville, SC.

This article includes:
What is the Crazy Mason?
Crazy Mason Menu: Greenville, SC
Greenville’s Crazy Mason Signature Shake
Does Crazy Mason have dairy-free and vegan options?
Greenville, SC Crazy Mason Hours

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An Inclusive & Fun Dental Experience Your Child Will Look Forward To at Cherry Orchard

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Looking for a great pediatric dentist? Like most parents, I am particular about which doctors I choose for my children. I look for ones that listen, don’t rush through exams, have good communication skills, are sympathetic and understanding, and of course, ones that do an excellent job taking care of my kids. I’ve been looking for a new pediatric dentist and decided to try Cherry Orchard Pediatric Dentistry, headed up by Dr. Lisa Cherry, DDS, who has been practicing for 20 years. 

She and her whole staff have been amazing from setting up the appointment, reminders, payment plans, and then all the work done at the actual appointments. I went there with high expectations and have been so pleased with our experience and am happy to tell you all about it. 

Cherry Orchard Building
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Low Cost Haircuts (and lots more) at Greenville Tech in Greenville, SC

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Did you know that Greenville Tech operates several student-run clinics that offer low-cost services to the Greenville, SC community? If you’re looking for some low-cost options to sub into your routine to help fight the way inflation is hitting your budget, you’ll want to check out what Greenville Tech is offering.

GTC Student-Run Clinics

What Are Student-Run Clinics at Greenville Tech?

Student-run clinics at Greenville Tech give students real-life practice in their field of study. They are overseen by licensed professionals, but because students are doing the work, the fees charged to clients are very low compared to professional services.

Student-run clinics at Greenville Technical College:

You will need to make an appointment at these clinics to attend.

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