• IB Header Feb 2023
  • FOA Banner Nov 2022
  • CCES Header Summer 2023
  • SCCT Header Summer 2023
  • Prisma Header June 2023
  • YMCA Summer Basketball
  • GFS Level Up ad

Posts Tagged ‘Spartanburg SC’

8 Places You Will Find The Perfect Cup of Hot Chocolate Near Spartanburg, SC

Posted on | No Comments

Is it time for a steaming cup of hot chocolate? Spartanburg, SC is full of places where you can find a delicious cup of cocoa. We asked our readers for their favorite cocoa spots and they did not disappoint. So load up the kids and find your perfect cup of hot chocolate in Spartanburg, SC.

If all things pumpkin spice usher in fall time, then hot chocolate signals in winter. But not just any cup of Swiss Miss. We are looking for places to get a hot creamy cup of chocolate goodness, and there’s no shortage of them in Spartanburg.

Hot Chocolate in Spartanburg and Beyond

Botanical Brew

  • 109-A Spartanburg Highway, Lyman

Grab a cup of hot cocoa, and sink into a comfy sofa among the plants at Botanical Brew. You will most likely leave with a cup of cocoa and a new leafy green baby to tend to.

Upstate Coffee

  • 14 Mill Street, Inman

Outdoor seating makes grabbing hot cocoa with kids easy at this Coffee Shop in downtown Inman. They can get their wiggles out, and you can enjoy your custom hot cocoa creation from their menu!

Little River Coffee Roasting

  • 188A West Main Street, Spartanburg
  • 460 Marion Avenue, Spartanburg
  • 187 N Church Street Suite A, Spartanburg
  • 1624 East Main Street, Spartanburg

There are several locations in the Little River Roasting company to choose from, and they serve up a creamy cup of hot cocoa!

Peppermint bark hot chocolate (mix of dark and white chocolate) is so rich and perfect, and the only hot chocolate I drink year round. Made with dairy or preferred milk alternative- no watery cocoa here.

Abigail

Little River. Love Them

Emily

Eggs Up Grill

  • 551 East Main Street, Spartanburg
  • 5844 Reidville Road – Suite A, Moore
  • 304 Village Creek Boulevard, Boiling Springs

Served with a heaping helping of whipped cream, the hot chocolate from Eggs Up is a fantastic beverage to enjoy with breakfast! In addition, they have a hot mocha chocolate that is out of this world!

Spill The Beans

  • 174 East Main Street, Spartanburg

Mexican hot chocolate at Spill The Beans is my favorite!

Daisy

The Crêpe Factory

  • 12 Main Street, Inman

A cup (of hot cocoa) at The Crepe Factory goes great with thier beignets!

Samantha

Bella Latte

  • 802 Drayton Road, Drayton
  • 1595 East Main Street, Duncan

Bella Latte’s is yummy AND they will only lighty steam to make it warm if you tell them it’s for your kid so you don’t have to wait for it to cool down or have them burn their mouth.

Crystal

Bella Latte at Drayton Mills. It’s really tasty!

Christy

Starbucks white hot chocolate is wonderful!

Meghann

Rocky Moo

  • 100 East Main Street, Spartanburg
  • 3608 Pelham Road – Suite A, Greenville

Not only can you grab a fantastic ice cream sandwich at Rocky Moo, but you can also enjoy Hot Chocolate, and Hot Chocolate floats from this Upstate favorite!

Hot Chocolate Worth the Drive in Asheville, NC

There appear to be quite a few specialty chocolate shops in Asheville, just waiting to satisfy your winter drink craving.

Chocolate Fetish

  • 36 Haywood Street, Asheville

Chocolate Lounge & French Broad Chocolates

  • 10 South Pack Square, Asheville
  • 821 Riverside Drive – Suite 199, Asheville

Folks, as of publication time, I have no idea what “liquid truffle sipping chocolate” is, but I fully intend on finding out ASAP. Whatever it is, it sounds glorious, and it’s on the menu here.

If you are up for a trip The Chocolate Lounge in Asheville is every bit of amazing. But I would go with Little River Roasting

Melissa

We love Chocolate Lounge

Eric

DIY Take Home Cookie and Cupcake Kits: Greenville, SC

Posted on | 1 Comment

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!

(more…)

Downtown Spartanburg, SC: Things to Do This Christmas Season

Posted on | 3 Comments

Wondering what there is to do around downtown Spartanburg at Christmas time? Spartanburg mom Jennifer has a family-friendly Christmas itinerary for Downtown Spartanburg. Read on to discover places to shop, eat, and play in Downtown Spartanburg this holiday season. 

The small-town charm of Spartanburg is best felt at Christmas. Downtown Spartanburg comes to life with twinkling lights and festive Christmas décor. If you are looking for ways to spend your time when the kids are out of school or to entertain out-of-town guests, look no further than a trip downtown.

(more…)

Shop Local: Visit These Locally Owned Shops in Spartanburg, SC

Posted on | 1 Comment

Are you looking for places to shop locally in Spartanburg to support local small business owners? Spartanburg is home to many unique small businesses offering everything from special services to food products to clothing to pet products. For those of you wanting to shop on Small Business Saturday or shop local any day of the year, we’ve compiled this list of 40+ local Spartanburg businesses to guide your wallet.

(more…)

Things to Do Over Thanksgiving Break in Spartanburg, SC

Posted on | No Comments

Looking for something fun to do with friends and family over Thanksgiving break in Spartanburg? Local mom India Menon offers ideas for Thanksgiving family-fun activities in Spartanburg. Whatever the weather or your family’s interests, there is something for everyone. 

Celebrate Thanksgiving in Spartanburg! Find things to do, restaurants, pies, and more in our Spartanburg Thanksgiving Guide.

TCMU Spartanburg

In our household, in addition to eating a filling home-cooked meal, Thanksgiving means making memories with family and friends. If you’re looking for ways to have fun together in the Spartanburg area during Thanksgiving week, here are some ideas to consider. 

Note: Because schedules are always subject to change, be sure to call locations ahead of time to double-check event details and/or hours of operation. 

Explore at TCMU-Spartanburg

The Children’s Museum of the Upstate Spartanburg is always a fun option for families with young kids. The museum is designed for children under the age of 5 and also includes Toddler Zones for guests under the age of 18 months. During Thanksgiving week, the museum is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. The museum is in the heart of downtown Spartanburg at 130 Magnolia Street. Admission is $7 for SC residents and tickets can be purchased in advance. Members and children aged 6 months and under are free.

Get Outside

Whether you like the sound of leaves crunching underfoot, the feel of brisk cold rushing through your lungs, or enjoy a good old-fashioned leaf fight, Spartanburg and the Upstate offer a variety of outdoor venues for exploring, exercising, and playing. Hatcher Garden and Cleveland Park are two of our favorite outdoor spots in Spartanburg and Croft State Park is on my list of places to check out.

For more hiking options, check out the Kidding Around Ultimate Guide to Upstate Hiking for Families & Children. If parks and playgrounds are more your speed, check out this list of Spartanburg County Parks and Facilities.

Get Moving!

My family gets some exercise during holiday breaks and Spartanburg does not disappoint in that regard. In addition to a variety of outdoor spaces, Spartanburg offers roller skating, bowling, indoor trampolining, indoor rock climbing, and indoor bounce houses. For these and other indoor activities, check out our Indoor Guide to Spartanburg

Turkey Trot

Spartanburg’s USC Upstate hosts the Gobble Your Giblets 5K and 1-mile Fun Run on Thanksgiving morning. 2022 information will be available soon. Runners will also take to the streets of downtown Spartanburg for the Annual United Community Bank Turkey Day 8K. Most of these races benefit local charities. Runners and walkers also earn cool swag like race t-shirts, finisher medals, and giveaways. In most cases, strollers are welcome. Register sooner than later!

Lighten Up

A family friend reminded me of a self-guided tour of the Lighten Up lightbulb sculptures that decorate downtown Spartanburg. A walking tour of these 30 bright bulbs is a good way to get in some exercise and/or do some important holiday-related window shopping.

Shop Til You Drop

If shopping is on your agenda, there are plenty of options for shopping local. Our Spartanburg Ultimate Shopping Guide promises something for everyone on your holiday shopping list.

Wild About Lights

Friday following Thanksgiving is the kickoff for a bunch of the Holiday Light displays! The Kidding Around Driving Routes of Upstate, SC Christmas Light Displays is a fun way to start the holiday season. Head out to view some FREE lights, and don’t forget to submit yours if you go all out!

Volunteer

In addition to crafting our first gratitude turkey this fall, my family will explore ways to give thanks by giving back to our community. Spartanburg offers a wide range of volunteering options for families. Learn more about volunteering opportunities in Spartanburg.

Hub City Bowls

Check Out The Things on The Kidding Around Event Calendar

Spartanburg Events

november, 2022

Greenville Events

For more fun things to do the week of Thanksgiving, and every day, head to the Kidding Around Event Calendar!

A Guide To The Delicious Restaurants in Spartanburg, SC

Posted on |

Are you looking for great restaurants in Spartanburg, SC? Are you wondering where Spartanburg locals eat? We’ve got you covered with a list of some of the most popular restaurants in Spartanburg for breakfast, lunch and dinner and by category like family-friendly, date night, and “getting work done while enjoying a meal” places.

(more…)

Where to Play Laser Tag in the Upstate

Posted on |

Looking for somewhere to play laser tag in Greenville or Spartanburg? Laser tag is a sure-fire way to entertain your kids (big or small). Spend an hour or two on a random weekend or book a laser tag experience for an exhilarating birthday party. Most of the following establishments are priced reasonably and include everything you need for an unforgettable time playing laser tag in the Upstate of South Carolina.

Where to Play Laser Tag Near Greenville, SC, and Spartanburg, SC

Frankie’s Fun Park
45 Park Woodruff Drive, Greenville

Frankie’s Fun Park has laser tag for 6 years old and up. For only $9 per player, you can enjoy an intense battle of laser tag, surrounded by fog, in a two-level arena. Frankie’s also has arcade games, bumper boats, mini golf, and more for you to enjoy for an entire afternoon.

Spare Time
822 Congaree Road, Greenville

Spare Time has laser tag arenas where fog and music pump through the room while you enjoy a 15-minute adventure. During your visit you can also enjoy their bowling alley, arcade games, pool tables, escape rooms, dining areas, and more.

Sweet Retreat
510 State Road S-37-341, Walhalla

Sweet Retreat is a family-friendly establishment in Walhalla. Their multi-level laser tag arena is over 3600 square feet of entertainment and exhilaration. Sweet Retreat also has an arcade, go karts, mini golf, and more.

The Big E Gaffney
1100 Factory Shops Boulevard, Gaffney

This guide on where to play laser tag in the Upstate wouldn’t be complete without a mention of The Big E in Gaffney, a fully equipped entertainment facility for the whole family. Their laser tag features innovative technology in a multi-level arena with black lights, fog, and music. Each game lasts 12 minutes. You’ll also find arcade games, bowling, mini golf, and more at The Big E Gaffney.

Mobile Laser Tag in the Upstate

SC Outdoor Laser Tag

If you’re looking for a mobile laser tag experience that will come to you, look no further than SC Outdoor Laser Tag. They will provide all equipment and staff for your private event. They’ll set everything up and run all of the laser tag-related activities.

Upstate Laser Tag

Upstate Laser Tag is another option for your mobile laser tag needs. They’ll bring the equipment and convert your backyard, front yard, or local park into an energizing laser tag experience. 

Which laser tag arena is your favorite? Are we missing any?

These Greenville, SC and Spartanburg, SC Restaurants Have Outdoor Dining Spaces

Posted on | 5 Comments

Looking for a restaurant in Greenville or Spartanburg with outdoor dining to enjoy? No matter the temperature outdoors, there’s a restaurant outdoor dining option to keep you comfortable. Our list begins with Greenville and Spartanburg area restaurants that offer heated outdoor dining spaces to help you stay warm while dining outside in Greenville’s winter months.

Our list also includes shaded outdoor patios for comfortable dining outdoors even when it’s hot, which makes outdoor dining a great way to enjoy a meal in the spring and summer.

Bookmark this page so you can check back no matter the weather

For more great places to eat, don’t miss our Guide to Restaurants in Greenville and our Guide To Restaurants in Spartanburg

Outdoor heated dining in Upstate, SC

We’ve recently lost several longtime favorite dining establishments in the Upstate; this is your chance to help keep more from closing. Here’s a list of restaurants in the Upstate with outdoor dining options in Greenville and Spartanburg, SC.

This article includes:
Restaurants with Heated Outdoor Dining in Greenville, SC
Heated Outdoor Dining Restaurants in Spartanburg, SC
Fabulous Outdoor Dining Anytime of Year in Greenville, SC
More Outdoor Dining in Greenville, SC
More Outdoor Dining Options in Spartanburg, SC
Restaurants with Shaded Outdoor Dining in Greenville, SC

It’s a perfect time to get back out and support our local restaurants! 

(more…)

5 Best BBQ Spots in Spartanburg, SC

Posted on | No Comments

Looking for some tasty barbecue in Spartanburg? Barbecue places are in no short supply in the Carolinas. Since we aim to please when it comes to lists, we compiled this list of barbecue restaurants in Spartanburg, based on our readers’ recommendations. Here are some favorite spots for BBQ in Spartanburg, SC.

(more…)