Searching for “custom cookies near me”? There are several places that will have your family in awe of your superpower ability of finding cool custom cookies in Greenville, SC for your next party or celebration. See who our readers recommend for your custom cookie needs.
We’ve hunted down the local talent in Greenville and Spartanburg who can give you these tiny, unique, and edible works of art, no matter the occasion.
Looking for more great ways to celebrate birthdays in Greenville? Don’t miss the Kidding Around® Ultimate Guide to Birthdays near Greenville.
It’s no secret that custom decorated sugar cookies are works of art and can wow any crowd. They’re not just regular cookies—they’re cool cookies.
Painstakingly decorated by hand, these cookies take time, patience, and talent to produce. Hand-cut out of sugar cookie dough and decorated with royal icing, these cookies can even be frozen if you need to hold on to them for a bit before giving them out.
And we can’t think of a better way to wow your guests or cookie recipient.
We talked with a local cookie artisan Kate Risher of Wild Blueberry Bakeshop, to find out why she does what she does.
KA: Kate, How did you get started?
Kate: I started decorating cookies in 2013. For some reason I decided to try and make royal icing decorated cookies for a camping trip we were taking with friends in the summer. I think I might have seen them on Pinterest which was super popular around that time. I had always enjoyed baking and art, so figured why not? Put a picture of those cookies up on Facebook and the caption read “I could get addicted to this!” And we now know that definitely happened! At the time, I was still a chemical engineer working at a plant in Spartanburg. I made cookies for friends and family, and sold a few to co-workers, but nothing too crazy. When my son was born in February 2016, I decided to be a stay-at-home mom. In September 2016, I decided to officially start my business. I’ve steadily grown since then and have loved every minute of it.
Wild Blueberry Bakeshop
KA: What’s your favorite part of making these little works of art?
Kate: I love seeing people’s faces when they see their cookies! As far as the process, my favorite part is adding all the details and seeing the set come together
KA: What would someone be surprised to know about you or your business?
Kate: I think most people are surprised that I am actually a chemical engineer by trade and am completely self-taught.
Erin is absolutely amazing! I always use her for any cookie needs! She’s made cookies for me for birthdays, wedding showers, employee appreciation, and bachelorette parties!
Lesley is awesome!!! We have used her for all of our Birthdays for the last 3 years!!! Will not use anyone else for custom creations!! Not only is her work BEAUTIFUL, it’s also soooooo delicious!!!
Jelly Bakes Designs! She is awesome and also does take home kits every once in a while. She also does dog treats! Gluten free is also an option from her.
She is phenomenal always creates the best designs to go with whatever theme I throw her way, pretty sure it’s everyone’s favorite thing to take home from out birthday parties!!!
Consider these little pieces of art for your next event or just to show someone you care. Better yet, treat yourself! Whatever the occasion, remember that they are meant to be eaten, so don’t feel bad for taking a bite out of one of them.
Inside: A real parent review of Anchor Park at Lake Bowen in Spartanburg, SC. Learn about the playground, water access, boating, and other amenities.
Looking for a family-friendly lake near Spartanburg where kids can play and parents can relax?
Anchor Park at Lake Bowen in Inman, SC offers a fully fenced playground, shady picnic spots, and easy access to water activities like fishing, kayaking, and boating—all in one scenic location. Read on for everything you need to know about what this great park has to offer!
Lake Bowen is the largest lake in Spartanburg County, covering over 1,500 acres with approximately 33 miles of shoreline. It is managed by Spartanburg Water as a scenic reservoir which families can enjoy. Anchor Park is a fantastic place to do just that, with ample parking, playgrounds and picnic shelters, multiple ways to access Lake Bowen, and the Lake Bowen Warden’s Office.
Anchor Park Playground
Anchor Park offers some of the best playgrounds in Inman. It is fully fenced all the way around with gates on each side for easy access in and out. There are two different play structures, one for little kids and one for bigger kids, plus a swing set and a few different options for sensory play.
One picnic shelter sits between the two play structures, allowing parents to easily supervise both, and another picnic shelter sits a little farther up the hill, giving a great view of the entire play area. There are a few benches around the park for additional seating, and a paved path loops around it, too, for those who want to walk, bring bicycles or tricycles, or even color with sidewalk chalk.
Men’s and women’s restrooms are conveniently located right outside the fenced play area, and there are trees scattered throughout offering some shady spots where you can get out of the heat. Plus, there is just no beating the incredible wraparound view of Lake Bowen. You’ll be able to observe all the wildlife and water sports right from the shores of the park!
Fishing on Lake Bowen
Anchor Park is the ideal place to access Lake Bowen for water sports. Whether you’re interested in fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, or boating, you’re going to find a way to do it right here.
The entire shoreline is perfect for fishing. You can stand right on the rocks and drop your line in the water, take advantage of the two dedicated fishing piers, or even climb down onto a small muddy shoreline when the water level is low enough. Because the lake wraps around the park, it’s not hard to find spots in full sun or partial shade at any time of day, either.
Just remember to purchase a fishing license in advance of your visit for any anglers ages 16 years or older! Fishing licenses are not required for freshwater fishing in South Carolina on Memorial Day or Independence Day. Magnet fishing is always prohibited under South Carolina state law.
Water Sports on Lake Bowen
If you want to get out on the water, this is definitely the place to do it! We’ve seen jet skis, tubing, pontoon boats, and more come on and off the water around Anchor Park.
There is a special access point for paddlecraft, or non-powered watercraft, to enter and exit the lake if you follow the road to the right around the park and playground. There are also two boat ramps across the parking lot if you drive towards the left as you enter the park.
Spartanburg Water requires watercraft permits for both powered and non-powered vessels on Lake Bowen. Permits start at $25 for non-powered vessels and go up from there, with lower prices for locals and highest prices for out-of-state visitors. Permits are only available at the Warden’s Office, so be sure to call in advance at 864.592.2240. Office hours are posted, but exact hours vary as the warden comes and goes.
Boat registration with South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is also required for any watercraft not relying on human power. This means that paddlecraft such as canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards are exempt, but motorized boats will need to be registered. Boat registration starts at about $20 and can be done online.
Life jackets are required under South Carolina state law for all children under 12 years old. A limited number of life jackets are available to borrow near the non-powered watercraft dock, but it’s a good idea to bring your own in case these run out.
Visit Lake Bowen
Park Hours: 6 am-midnight Restroom Hours: 6:30 am-7 pm Watercraft Hours: Sunrise to sunset Warden Office Hours: 7:30 am-6 pm, 7 days a week
Did you know there are a number of community events giving away free school supplies in Upstate, SC? Do you know of a family who needs help purchasing school supplies this year? A new school year is almost upon us. For most families a trip to the store for new supplies is imminent. These events will distribute free back-to-school supplies, so you have one less thing to worry about this school year!
A recent study revealed that most families of school-age children in the US spend between $500-700 on new school supplies. This amounts to a whopping estimated 80.7 billion dollars! That’s a lot of composition notebooks! This list is currently being updated for 2025 as we receive information.
Some Upstate families struggle to make ends meet, and the added burden of school supply lists is often more than they can afford. Typically when families can’t afford to send the proper tools to school, heroic teachers wind up closing the gap with their own money. For this reason, communities have begun stepping up to the plate and offering families necessities at these free school supply drives.
These are often given away at fun events so that children don’t feel stigmatized. Some events also giveaway a cook-out-style lunch, have live music, and even things like bounce houses. One of the easiest ways to get free school supplies for your kids is to look for these events in your area. Many are held at human service departments or local churches. Below you will free school supply events in Upstate, SC counties. Once you get your supplies, you will be able to look at what your child’s school requires and make a few marks on your checklist.
2025 FREE School Supplies Events Near Greenville, SC
We’ve compiled a list of local groups holding these types of events and will continue to update the list as more are announced.
Easley, SC- Getty’s Middle School Sunshine Gantt Ministries and Caring And Nurturing July 19, 2025, 10 am to 1 pm The event is FREE and includes a first-come-first-served backpack giveaway, filled with school supplies. There will also be free bounce houses, food, music, and more. Back to School Book Bag Give-a-way
Carolina High School, 2725 Anderson Road, Greenville August 2, 2025, 9 am to 2 pm This free school supply giveaway will include free school supplies and backpacks given to students, information on assistance programs and free and low-cost after-school activities, free food, and music. United Way School Tools Day
Back to School Giveaway
Capstone Church – 601 Fairview St Fountain Inn, SC July 26, 2025 at 11 am – 1 pm Free school supplies, backpacks, games, and food. Back to School Giveaway
Back to School Supply Drive
Mauldin Cultural Center, 101 E Butler Rd, Mauldin July 27th, 2025 from 2 pm to 5 pm Free school supplies, games, refreshments, and prizes. Back to School Supply
Free Backpack Giveaway at TCC Verizon Stores
8 TCC Verizon locations across the Upstate Sunday, July 27th, 2025, 1 pm While supplies last Free Backpack Giveaway
Children in need of school supplies can pop into any one of 8 Upstate TCC Verizon Stores for a backpack and school supplies. One backpack is available per child while supplies last. The participating locations are:
Woodruff Road Christian Church, 20 Bell Road, Greenville August 2nd, 2025, 11 am – 2 pm Pack Your Bags Picnic with free school supplies, a free picnic, and more. Students must have adults in attendance.
Back to School & Community Resource Bash
Greenville Elks Lodge, 7700 Pelham Road, Greenville August 16, 2025, 10 am – 3 pm Free back to school items, food, games. Open to the public. BTS & Community Resource Giveaway
Greenville’s Noble Market Back to School Drive
Noble Dog Hotel, Hampton Station, Greenville Sunday, August 17th, from 11 AM to 1 PM In addition to their monthly market, this market will feature a back-to-school drive with school supplies for children in need. Supplies are limited, so go early if you are in need.
More School Supply Events in Greenville County: From our calendar
Current Month
Mauldin Cultural Center / Outdoor Amphitheater101 E Butler Rd, Mauldin, SC 29662
2025 Free School Supplies Events Near Spartanburg, SC
First Choice by Select Health “Jump Start” Back to School
Spartanburg, SC Saturday, July 26, 2025 from 9 am – 12 pm Free school supplies, including backpacks, for students in the community in grades K – 12. There will also be back-to-school information and community resource information available First Choice South Carolina Facebook
More Spartanburg School Supply Events: From our calendar
Current Month
September
No Events
October
No Events
2025 Free School Supplies Events in Anderson County
Current Month
No Events
More events coming soon!
We hope this info helps every child in the Upstate to get off to a wonderful new school year!
Have you been to the Spartanburg Art Museum? The FREE local museum has an amazing variety of things to do and art to see, some of which you’ll even find on display throughout downtown Spartanburg! They offer classes for children and adults, tours, and more!
Searching for best milkshakes in Spartanburg, SC? Love a good milkshake? We here at Kidding Around were tasked with the difficult (self-imposed) job of seeking out the best milkshakes in Spartanburg, SC. Grab one of these great milkshakes in the lovely Hub City.
Have questions about Spartanburg County schools? With seven different Spartanburg County school districts, it can be a little confusing for newcomers or parents with rising kindergartners. We are breaking down the different districts and providing the most used info, so parents can easily navigate the schools in Spartanburg, SC.
A Little About Spartanburg County School Districts
Spartanburg County is the fifth-most populated county in the state of South Carolina, with a population of almost 370,000. Spartanburg County schools serve over 55,000 students.
For those who have relocated to the area, the primary difference about the schools in Spartanburg is that there is not a central Spartanburg County School District. Instead, Spartanburg County schools are operated by seven different school districts; each school district operates as its own entity.
There is not a singular Spartanburg County school district or one school board website, but each of the seven Spartanburg County School Districts has a website where you can find the information you need for each school.
We have also created the Guide to Spartanburg Private Schools, which not only lists all the contact information and website links for each public school district but also lists charter, virtual, and private school options in Spartanburg.
Applying For School Choice In Spartanburg County School Districts
Spartanburg County School Districts offer parents the option of applying for limited school choice. Students may attend another school in the same district if there is space available. School choice application windows open in March each year. Remaining in the program is dependant on discipline and attendance.
However, once a student is accepted, in most cases, their place is secured for the duration of their attendance at that particular school. Any younger siblings would also be grandfathered in. Availability varies by district, as well as school, and other circumstances. School choice applicants are not able to ride the school bus home, as the buses that service that school would not be zoned for your neighborhood.
Should parents want their child to attend a school in a different Spartanburg County District, students would need to apply for out-of-district status and be accepted. Additionally, out-of-district residents are required to pay out-of-district tuition of several thousand dollars per school year for their children to attend. This includes the option to transfer to the Greenville County School District.
Quick Guide To The Seven Spartanburg School Districts
The Great School’s Website can provide parents with additional information, like school ratings and ratio information. The ratio is the average student-to-teacher ratio and is an important factor when selecting a school.
Quick Profile of Spartanburg County School District 1
Quick Profile of Spartanburg County School District 2
Spartanburg School District 2 is primarily made up of students from Boiling Springs, Chesnee, Mayo, most of Valley Falls, and a portion of Southern Shops.
Swofford Career Center is open to students in the 10th-12th grades in Spartanburg Districts 1 and 2. There are multiple programs; enrollment is limited for each one and priority is given based on grade level. They partner with multiple businesses in Spartanburg County to help support their programs.
To enroll, students should request a form during registration at their home high school in District 1 or 2 and turn the form into their guidance office.
Swofford Career Center Programs
Auto Collision
Automotive Tech
Carpentry
Culinary Arts
Electricity
Engineering Drafting & Design
Graphic Communications
Health Science
Horticulture Sciences
Intro to Teaching
Machine Tool Technology
Media Technology
Networking
Protective Services
Welding
Important Facts About Spartanburg School Districts
When shopping for a home, parents should find out which school district the home is zoned for. A general map of the school districts can be found on the Spartanburg County Website.However, you will need to contact the individual school district to find out which schools your child will attend. It is common for families to purchase homes in a specific school district with the intention of their children attending those schools. Take into consideration the growth of the area and possible overcrowding at schools when basing your home purchase on school selection.
Staying Informed During Inclement Weather And Closures
Each school Spartanburg School District offers parents multiple ways of keeping in touch during the year. Your child’s Spartanburg School District will have a Facebook page, where things will be posted like weather closures, and other important info. You can also follow Kidding Around on Facebook and join our Kidding Around Spartanburg community group, where we often share updates posted by the different school districts. Usually once one Spartanburg County School district announces a weather-related closure, they almost always follow suit.
Registering A New Student In Spartanburg County Schools
For your child to attend kindergarten, they must be 5 years old on or before September 1st of that school year. You will need your child’s birth certificate, current proof of residence (such as a mortgage statement or utility bill), and a South Carolina proof of immunization certificate from your child’s pediatrician. Most online registration links for each district can be found in their “Quick Links” section.
Searching for “school uniforms near me”? If you have a child attending a school that requires school uniforms, finding the best school uniforms can be frustrating and time-consuming.
We’re always aiming to help you save time, so we’ve rounded up a list of places to find school uniforms, including a list of where to find school uniforms with specific features such as adjustable waists or uniforms for taller kids.
We’re answering questions about school uniforms like:
Which school uniforms have adjustable waists?
Where can I buy sensory-friendly school uniforms?
What are the best school uniforms for tall kids?
What are the most comfortable school uniforms?
Where can I find school uniform deals?
Whether you need a black, blue, pink, or red shirt and navy or khaki bottoms, we’ve got you covered. Luckily, there are plenty of places in Greenville and Spartanburg where you can buy school uniforms. And, of course, you can always buy them online.
Looking for free summer things to do in Spartanburg? Or cheap summer activities? Thank goodness we live in Sparkle City! There are tons of free or super cheap things to do during the summer when kids are out of school. Bookmark this list of 30+ free things to do this summer in Spartanburg to have the best summer ever.
We love summer break! Between the sun staying out later and no homework, it might be our favorite time of the year. But, let’s talk about the hardest part of summer – keeping your kids occupied and entertained all summer long! Eventually, they will get tired of sidewalk chalk, bubbles, and even tv. Fortunately, there are tons of things to do in and around Spartanburg this summer that are perfect for families. Best of all? We have come up with over 30 things to do in the Upstate that are free (or pretty cheap).
P.S. Our definition of “cheap” is approximately $5 or less per person. For fun activities that cost more but are still fun see our calendar and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter to get our email each week.
Have you heard the exciting news? The Spartanburgers have arrived in Spartanburg, SC! After thirteen years without a local baseball team, Spartanburg has a team to cheer since the first home game kicked off on April 15th, 2025. Welcome, Spartanburgers, to our beloved Hub City!
Going to a Game? Quick Tips: ⚾️ Game Schedule 📍 Fifth Third Park 300 W Henry St, Spartanburg, SC 29306 🚗 $10 Parking in S Daniel Morgan Ave Garage 🎟️ Tickets start at about $15 👶 Kids 2 & under get in free 💧 Empty or clear water bottles allowed inside 🍔 Best Food Deal: Burger Bar with 101 Toppings 🛍️ Team Merchandise Stores + Promos Every Game 🛝 Hub City Playground behind 3rd Base
Who Are the Spartanburgers?
The Spartanburgers are the newest team in the South Atlantic League of Minor League Baseball (MiLB). The South Atlantic League plays at the High-A level, which is the 3rd highest of 5 skill levels in Minor League Baseball. The focus at this level is to refine players’ competitive skills and prepare them for higher and higher levels of baseball. The South Atlantic League has an impressive history of alumni who went on to the Majors, including Hank Aaron, Ty Cobb, Bobby Bonds, and Nolan Ryan!
Following a name-the-team contest with over 700 responses, final name considerations included the Conductors, Sluggers, and Spartanburgers. The Spartanburgers name was chosen in part for the favorable presentation of team logos and marketing opportunities brought forward by SPARK Business Strategies from Wilmington, North Carolina.
The Spartanburgers join a plethora of food-themed team names in the League, including the Savannah Bananas, Macon Bacon, and Tri-City Chili Peppers.
Photo Credit: Spartanburgers
Brad Caldwell, SPARK founder, remarked, “We really like the uniqueness of the Spartanburgers name and marks, and the ‘50s diner theme provides a cool retro look and feel while offering a whole new marketing concept for the team to pursue. It’s certain to be the ONLY Spartanburgers team name in the nation.”
Matt Perry, Spartanburgers co-owner, was at the opening event and had this to say, “We’ve found that Spartanburg takes great pride in creating a unique identity for itself, from downtown development to new beautification efforts. The Spartanburgers team name fits that mold, in providing a moniker that is unique to the city, the region, and the nation. The ’50s diner theme only adds to that allure. We expect the Spartanburgers to create tremendous exposure for Spartanburg for decades to come.”
Where to Watch the Spartanburgers Play
The Spartanburgers play their home games at Fifth Third Park in downtown Spartanburg, right at the intersection of W Henry St and S Daniel Morgan Ave. We recommend arriving about 30 minutes early to find your best parking options before heading through the gates to your seat.
One of the best places to park is the public garage attached to the stadium off S Daniel Morgan Ave, where you pay $10 in cash or card at the gate. If you use this garage, note that the best spots are on the side farthest from the stadium, as this is where you’ll find the stairwell and elevator which can take you straight to the exit on Level 1. If you use the stairs closest to the stadium, signs will point you to the Ground floor to exit, where you’ll have a longer walk to the entrance located behind Home Plate.
There are other parking options in the blocks surrounding the stadium, some of which are on the grass or where private businesses have opened their lots for after-hours parking. You might be able to find slightly cheaper parking in one of these lots, but be prepared for a longer walk and the possibility of requiring cash!
If you don’t buy tickets to attend in person, you can also stream the Hub City Spartanburgers for FREE on Bally Sports Live, which can also be downloaded as an app. Note that the app is not available for download on all Smart TVs or devices, so you will want to check that you can access it before planning to watch from home this way.
Get Tickets for a Spartanburgers Game
Single-game tickets start at about $15 and go up from there, with some being as high as about $80. Children ages 2 years old and under do not require a ticket unless you want a designated seat for them.
While it’s usually possible to buy tickets same-day, some specialty games are selling out, so definitely buy in advance if there’s one you don’t want to miss! If you do not buy in advance, you can try buying tickets at the gate by the parking garage. You’re more likely to have luck at the gate for weekday games, whereas weekend games do tend to sell out.
There are cool highlights and promotions at almost every single home game for the Hub City Spartanburgers, so just visit the Spartanburgers website to view their full promotion schedule and buy tickets. Choose the game you’d like to attend, and then a map of the stadium will appear. Hover over the different seating areas, and click to see which seats are still available there. Berm seats are usually available even when others have sold out.
Some of the best and cheapest seats are on the berm at the bottom of the map, right near 2nd Base! If you sit there, just know to bring a picnic blanket because chairs are not allowed. And stay alert! While this is a great open greenspace for those with wiggly kids to run around and play, there is not protective netting on this side of the field and there are bound to be baseballs coming your way from time to time.
Group tickets and season tickets are also available for purchase through the website as long as they are available, so consider those out if you haven’t gotten some already!
⚠️ Beware of scams! Always verify the legitimacy of tickets before purchasing them secondhand from anyone. In particular, season ticket-holders can recall tickets they’ve already transferred to another person, so anyone stating they need payment BEFORE transferring tickets is likely NOT a season ticket-holder.
Make the Most Out of Game Day with Food, Merchandise, and Playground Fun!
Baseball is really just the beginning of the fun at Fifth Third Park! Between merchandise, food and drinks, the awesome playground, special promotions, and even spacious clean restrooms… You are sure to find more than you expected on your first visit!
There are two great merchandise stores, one by 3rd Base and one near Home Plate. You’ll find hilarious cheeseburger hats, a variety of t-shirts in all sizes, kids’ toys, accessories, and a variety of souvenirs. You can also shop online at the Spartanburgers website and arrange to pick it up in the park when you arrive.
Limited edition merchandise is popping up a lot this first season, so keep your eyes open for items that are tied to the current game’s theme or promotion! We like to watch the team’s Facebook page for special giveaway announcements, too.
There is an incredibly fun playground for kids with a Hub City theme about halfway between 3rd Base and Home Plate. A stadium employee stands at the entrance to monitor and limit the number of kids in the play area at one time, so you might want to time your visit based on how long the line looks over the course of the game!
One or two more employees float around inside the play area, but it is worth entering with your kids to supervise them directly rather than watching from the sides. Big kids and little kids are playing here alongside each other, and parental supervision goes a long way in making sure everyone stays safe and behaves appropriately.
And don’t even get us started on the food! Outside food and drink is NOT ALLOWED inside Fifth Third Park, so either eat beforehand or plan to come hungry for some of the delicious dining options! In our experience, the only exception we’ve found to this is that you can bring an unopened bottle of water with the label removed.
You will not believe that awesome options scattered throughout Fifth Third Park. You’ll find ballgame favorites like boiled peanuts, cotton candy, hot dogs, slushies, and so much more. The fried pizza from Firebox Corner is delicious, and there’s a Bojangles for us Bo-Berry fanatics!
But you’ve probably already heard what the real attention-grabber is: The biggest Burger Topping Bar in the HISTORY of baseball! There are OVER 100 toppings to choose for your burger, and you can make an entire meal from this one topping bar. We know a lot of people who do just that!
Looking for even more information, or just fellowship around the game? Connect on the Official Hub City Spartanburgs Fan Group on Facebook to ask questions and find friends!
Celebrate With A Burger in Spartanburg
If you don’t grab a burger during a game, you’ll want to grab one in Spartanburg! If you are looking for a delicious burger in the ‘Burg, we have a few places you should definitely hit up! Check out our guide to Delicious Burgers in Spartanburg.
If you are looking for good hot dogs in Spartanburg, SC, we have you covered! With several popular spots, we are listing our readers’ favorites. Chime in and let us know if we missed your favorite hot dog spot in Spartanburg.
As a hot dog aficionado, the high number of places to get a fancy frank makes me happy. Once upon a time, I visited Old Salty Dog in Florida, a place featured on Man Vs. Food, just to try the famous hot dog. It’s “salty dog” is a hot dog dipped in a beer batter that is deep-fried and served in a bun, and it is topped with onions, mushrooms, sauerkraut, bacon, and a whole lot of cheese. Get in my belly.
