Looking for the best milkshakes in Greenville, SC? Who doesn’t love sipping on these creamy, delicious treats? Finding them is not usually difficult, but we wanted to find out who served up the best milkshakes Greenville, SC has to offer.
Yummy hand-scooped ice cream mixed with milk and possible fruit or other treats will never sound like a bad decision! So round up the kids, hop in the car, and head out to enjoy one of these decadent dairy treats – and tell them Kidding Around sent you!
Kidding Around Readers Top 5 Picks For Milkshakes: Greenville, SC
The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar is hands-down one of our readers’ favorite places to grab a milkshake in Greenville. Their milkshakes and desserts are unique (think donuts, brownies, popsicles, and cake slices sitting on top!), and as a bonus—you get to keep the jar your milkshake comes in!
The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar in Downtown Greenville, SC
Dillard’s Ice Cream in Greer is another top favorite with our readers. Our milkshake afficionados say the shakes and ice cream are simple, yet delicious. And many say visiting Dillard’s brings up feelings from their childhood. NOTE: They do not accept credit cards, so be sure to bring some cash.
Dillard’s I’ve cream in Taylor’s/Greer the ice cream is delicious and the staff are very friendly too
Nora J
They also have their farm’s market there which has some great produce etc
Allison C.
Andy’s Frozen Custard in Greer was another fan-favorite this year. They serve frozen custard and offer a variety of milkshakes and malts. You can get any of your favorite Andy’s custard flavors blended into a milkshake. Don’t forget to add toppings!
Grill Marks is a favorite with readers for not just milkshakes but their juicy burgers too!
Grill Marks is delicious. And their shakes to match are so tasty
Lacey
Cook Out got an overwhelming vote from our readers again this year!
There are many locations and ton of options and they are thick and delicious!
Theresa
Milkshake Honorable Mentions in Greenville, SC
Readers also recommended the following places as their favorites and shared why with us.
The Ice Cream Station in Simpsonville is a favorite with readers. This outdoor shop next to the train tracks downtown has milkshakes, and a fan favorite is their Dole Whip.
Ice Cream Station in Simpsonville. Tasty and affordable!
Amy C
Pink Mama’s Ice Cream is another fan favorite. Their Travelers Rest location is located next to the Swamp Rabbit Trail and is a great break from walking the trail.
Pink Mama’s Ice Cream! Yummy ice cream and awesome customer service! She ROCKS!
Dawn P
Good Karma Ice Cream serves 32 flavors of Hershey’s ice cream – and readers love it!
I get the Instant Karma where they use cold brew coffee instead of milk and then use a coffee based iced cream. They have a couple to chose from. Amazing! And a great excuse as to why I can not share with my kids, haha!
McKenzie
Good Karma is our go-to to get a sweet tooth fix! Lots of Ice cream flavors. They are very creative with their milkshakes and ice cream desserts. Never had something we didn’t like
The Pickwick has the best chocolate malts in town!
Kristy R
Kidding Around is always seeking to be your go-to for the best kid-friendly recommendations in Greenville. We’ve discussed the best places for ice cream, snow cones, and much more.
Inside: Local mom visits The Shores of Asbury on Lake Hartwell and shares all the fun things to do there!
There may not be a traditional water park in Anderson, SC but there is an amazing aqua park and sandy white beach at the Shores of Asbury on Lake Hartwell! It is the only one of its kind in the Upstate and less than an hour from Greenville, SC. We checked it out and have all the information for you and your family to have a blast on this floating obstacle course.
Media tickets were provided for this review and all opinions are those of the author.
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:
The park is open Thursday through Monday from 10 am to 6 pm
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.
There are several places in eat inside of Tweetsie Railroad if you don’t want to pack a lunch.
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 2025 season!
Tweetsie Railroad Website 300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane* Blowing Rock, NC 28605 800.526.5740 *approximately 3hrs from Greenville!
Summer hours
Open Thursday through Monday from 10 am to 6 pm.
Special Events for 2025
The 2023 season at Tweetsie Railroad is loaded with special events, including the ultra-popular K9s in Flight Frisbee Dogs®, their July 4th fireworks extravaganza, 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 19-21 & July 24-27, 2025. 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 $65 for adults, $45 for kids 3 – 12 and free for kids 0 – 2. General admission tickets are not valid for Ghost Train or Tweetsie Christmas.
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.
Are you ready to go blueberry picking in Greenville, SC? This small blueberry farm located just outside of Greenville has amazing blueberries plus seasonal produce and is every bit as charming as expected in the South. Head to Mixon Farm for excellent blueberry picking at their berry patch in June and July!
I’m always on the search for new and fun places to bring my kids and tell our readers about and had heard of Mixon Farm Facebook but had never been so I decided I must go before the blueberry season ended. I had no idea just how charming this farm was till I got there!
As soon as you pull into the family-owned and operated Mixon Farm (thankfully you know you are at the right place by the big sign on the gate), you’ll see a beautiful house on a hill where the owners live that overlooks the big garden. Down just a little ways is the shed with produce out front and a lockbox where you can deposit cash for whatever you choose to purchase. I was immediately smitten because I don’t see that anywhere.
There was a handwritten sign on the shed that told people to come up to the house if they wanted freshly picked blueberries for $20/gallon and $4/pint. Adorable.
If you want to do the u-pick berries, follow the signs.
Picking Blueberries
There are clear signs along a bumpy gravel path that winds its way to the back of the farm (I assume it’s the back, I was just following the signs!). All the signs tell you to keep going to get to the u-pick blueberry orchard so that’s what I did because I’m a rule follower.
You’ll drive past a squash patch and some other vegetable patches, past the bee hives, and then finally get to a table with another sign and lockbox. This table has gallon buckets and a sign that asks you to please pay for your blueberries here. It’s $12/gallon. They take cash, cards, Venmo, PayPal and CashApp.
It’s pretty obvious from there where to park as there were other cars when we went but even if you’re alone, just park next to the blueberry trees. We stuck to the mowed rows of blueberry trees and had zero trouble finding lots of beautifully ripe blueberries. We met the owner as well, an older gentleman with a dog at his heels. He assured us we were at the right spot and gave us some helpful hints on where the best berries were to be found.
I was overly optimistic and grabbed two gallon buckets, one for each of my kids, to fill with berries. I soon found out that blueberry picking is nothing like strawberry or apple picking. It takes a loooooong time to fill a gallon bucket. We were probably there an hour (myself and two helpful kids) and didn’t even fill our gallon bucket to the top. We did have to sit in the car for a little while to wait out some passing rain but still, allow enough time to pick those berries.
Visiting Mixon Farm
Blueberry season starts June 16th, 2025 and runs usually through August. The farm’s blueberries u pick is very weather-dependent, which means it is always best to check the Mixon Farm Facebook page before you go for the latest updates. If you want berries pre-picked, make sure to message them beforehand.
The farm is only open during blueberry season Monday – Saturday from 8 am – 6 pm and Sundays 1-7 pm.
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.
Searching for the best fireworks shows near me or planning the perfect 4th of July Greenville, SC celebration? You’re in the right place! From family-friendly festivals to dazzling nighttime displays of fireworks, Greenville, SC and the Upstate are packed with unforgettable ways to celebrate Independence Day. Whether you’re looking to picnic in the park, watch an epic fireworks finale, or enjoy live music with the kids, we’ve got it all covered in one easy guide.
What Not to Miss: 🍉 Duncan Watermelon Festival – June 28th 🎉 Greer Freedom Blast – June 28th ⚾ Greenville Drive + Fireworks – July 3rd 🎇 Downtown Greenville Unity Park Fireworks – July 3rd 🌊 Saluda Lake Float-a-Palooza – July 4th – 6th ✨ And so many more! Scroll down for more 4th of July fun!
Join the Greenville Drive for its annual Independence Day Celebration on July 3rd, 2025! The Drive will take on Asheville at 6:45, and there will be a fantastic pregame party on the District from 4 pm to 6 pm. There will also be a Special Forces Jump Team performance, a flyover at the National Anthem, special recognitions and moments, and more throughout the night, concluding with a spectacular fireworks show!
🚨 Please double-check the event before you go. Plans may change last minute due to weather, and while we do our best to keep this list updated, we cannot guarantee the event information. Events are listed in date order.
This list is curated for your information and does not imply an endorsement. Please check original sources for current information and weather updates. *Copyright Kidding Around Media 2025
2025 Community Fireworks and 4th of July: Greenville, SC
June 26th, 2025 at Furman Music by the Lake series on June 26th will include a lakeside concert with the Greenville Chorale followed by fireworks. The event is free; bring your own lawn chairs.
June 28th, 2025 in Travelers Rest Food trucks at 6 pm, live music at 7 pm, and a patriotic drone show after the music. Freedom Trails takes place at Trailblazer Park.
July 3rd, 2025 in Fountain Inn Starting at 6 pm at the intersection of Main and Depot Streets, this Fireworks Spectacular includes food trucks, kids entertainment, and fireworks at dusk.
July 3rd, 2025 in Simpsonville Simpsonville Simply Freedom Fest will begin at 6 pm with a free concert from the Eli Young Band and conclude with fireworks. The event is held annually at Heritage Park.
July 3rd, 2025 in Laurens Laurens’ Freedom Fest will start at 5 pm and will include music, street performers, interactive games from Big Air, kids activities, and fireworks at 10 pm. Greenwood native Freddie McClendon, a rising Americana/Country artist, will be on the main stage.
July 3rd, 2025 from 6 pm to 10 pm Greenville’s If you’re looking for huge firework displays for the 4th of July, Greenville, SC has one of the biggest at Unity Park with Fireworks. It is recommended that families bring a picnic and enjoy time in the park. Fireworks go off at 9:30 pm.
July 3rd, 2025 at Fluor Field Join the Greenville Drive for their Military Night and Independence Day Celebration on July 3rd, 2025. Celebrate and honor our local heroes as we salute our military on this Independence Day celebration! Special pregame street party on District 356 from 4 PM – 6 PM including family fun, food & drinks, our annual hot dog eating contest, and so much more.
Enter the stadium and see the pregame show come to life with a Special Forces Jump Team performance, a flyover at the National Anthem, special recognitions and moments, and more.
Stick around for a special Independence Day fireworks display following the last out!
July 4-6th, 2025 at Saluda Lake Landing Enjoy food, live music, and souvenir floats from Noon-7 pm July 4th-6th at Saluda Lake Landing. Prices range from $15-$50/person. Address is 605 Motor Boat Club Road, Greenville.
July 4th, 2025 at Vaughn’s Food Hall Face painting, food, and live music at Vaughn’s Food Hall. Event is from 11:30 am – 11 pm and face painting is from 3-5 pm. Live music 7-10 pm.
July 5th, 2025 at BridgeWay Station in Simpsonville The party continues July 5th at BridgeWay Station from 2-10 pm. Family-friendly event with live music, food, and drinks.
July 5th, 2025 in Travelers Rest Dress up the bikes and the kids in their most festive red, white, and blue for the Kids’ Bike Parade at the Travelers Rest Farmers Market. The event is at Trailblazer Park and starts at 9:30 am. Cash prizes will be awarded to Most Creative and Most Patriotic!
July 4th, 2025 at O’Neal Church of God The annual event will take place at O’Neal Church of God at 3723 Highway 101 in Greer on July 4th at 7 pm and will include a watermelon eating contest, water balloon toss, and fireworks. Donations appreciated.
July 12th, 2025 at Renfrew Church in Travelers Rest Community Fireworks Celebration kicks off at 6 pm with food trucks and vendors and fireworks are at dark.
Greer Freedom Blast
Firework Shows Near Me: Celebrate the 4th of July Near Spartanburg, SC
June 27th, 2025 at 6-9pm at Mill Street Pavilion Inman’s Music on Mill happens 6pm-9pm every Friday in June, featuring music from different bands at Mill Street Pavilion (26 Mill St). On Friday, June 27th, Jim Quick and Coastline will be performing with a special fireworks show to follow. There is no charge to attend.
June 27th, 2025 at 7pm at Fifth Third Park Fifth Third Firework Friday is a regular feature for Friday night home games with the Hub City Spartanburgers. Buy tickets to watch your favorite team play ball, and then hang out afterwards for a fantastic fireworks show!
June 27th, 2025 from 7-9 pm at McKinney Park McKinney Park Concert Series in Woodruff, SC will be featuring Parris Island Marine Band followed by fireworks. Food trucks and drinks will be available for purchase.
June 28th, 2025 at 4-10pm at StoneLedge Park Duncan’s Watermelon Festival & Parade will have free kids’ rides, watermelon-eating contest, seed-spitting contest, food trucks, vendors, live music, and fireworks starting at 9:30pm. This will be a large firework display in conjunction with Shipwreck Cove Waterpark’s Star-Spangled Splash Bash ($10/ticket for waterpark access), so plan accordingly.
June 28th, 2025 at 7-10pm at Shipwreck Cove Star-Spangled Splash at Shipwreck Cove starts at 7pm in conjunction with the Duncan Watermelon Festival starting earlier at 4pm. Enjoy swimming and having fun at this popular waterpark for just $10/ticket. Children under 2 years old are free! Finish the night with a fireworks display starting at 9:30pm.
June 29th, 2025 at 6pm at Morning Star Baptist Church Faith & Freedom at Morning Star in Pacolet, SC will feature burgers and hotdogs, games, and fireworks for the whole family! Join them for the fun starting at 6pm and look forward to fireworks at dark!
June 29th, 2025 at 6pm at Jackson Baptist Church Freedom Celebration at Jackson Baptist in Wellford, SC will have bluegrass music, a free cookout, popcorn and snowcones, and fireworks at dark. Family and friends are welcome, and remember to bring your lawn chair!
June 29th, 2025 at 7pm at Philadelphia Baptist Church 4th of July Celebration at Philadelphia Baptist in Pauline, SC will offer hotdogs, games, and a children’s parade. Bring your lawn chairs and look forward to fireworks at dark!
June 29th, 2025 at 7:30-10pm at Lake Bowen Baptist Church Independence Fireworks at Lake Bowen in Inman, SC is one you’re bound to remember! They’ll have free homemade ice cream and one of the best and biggest fireworks displays in the area!
June 29th, 2025 at 7:30pm at Tate Memorial Baptist Church Gospel and Fireworks at Tate Memorial in Pacolet, SC will provide an evening full of Gospel singing, patriotism, homemade ice cream, and fireworks at dark! Bring a lawn chair and some friends!
July 3rd, 2025 at 7pm at View Church Fireworks at View in Boiling Springs, SC will be a family-friendly event with fireworks and music. Previous years have included access to the church playgrounds and bounce house. Bring picnic blankets and tailgating chairs for the whole family!
July 3rd, 2025 at 7pm at Crossroads Baptist Church Fireworks at Crossroads at 130 Conway Black Road in Spartanburg will be a great event for families, featuring live music, food trucks, bounce houses, a trackless train, and more! The celebration will conclude with a special fireworks show in honor of Independence Day.
July 3rd, 2025 at 7:30pm at First Baptist North Spartanburg Fireworks at First will offer fireworks, inflatables, and food vendors will all be at this family-friendly event starting at 7:30pm at First Baptist North Spartanburg.
July 4th, 2025 at 5pm at 121 Coffee 4th of July Celebration at 121 Coffee in Spartanburg, located behind WestGate Mall, will start at 5pm with a petting zoo, face painting, live music, food, and more! Closer to dark and once the animals are safely away from the area, 121 Coffee will also be putting on a fireworks show over their two private ponds for customers to enjoy.
July 4th, 2025 at 5:30pm at Enchanted Homes 4th of July Celebration at Enchanted Homes in Campobello will start at 5:30pm and have free hot dogs, chips, and soda for guests. Fireworks begin at dark!
July 4th, 2025 at 7pm Cross Roads Baptist Church (Greer) Cross Roads Baptist Celebration is confirmed to be happening again this year, and details have finally been released! They’ll have boiled peanuts, lemonade, ice cream, inflatables, and more. Festivities start at 7pm and fireworks begin at dark.
July 4th, 2025 at 9:15pm at Fifth Third Park City of Spartanburg’s Red, White, and Boom will take place for the very first time this year at the new Fifth Third Park on July 4th following the Spartanburgers home game. Game attendees will have early access to the field, but gates will open for the general public after the game concludes. The post-game fireworks show will be free to attend, and fireworks are expected to start at 9:15pm.
July 5th, 2025 at 6:30pm at Fifth Third Park Party Don’t Stop at Fifth Third Park will be a fantastic continuation of the weekend’s celebrations! Catch the Spartanburgers play at home starting at 6:30pm, enjoy holiday-themed celebrations for Independence Day, and a BONUS fireworks show after the game wraps up!
July 6th, 2025 at 8pm at Love Springs Baptist Church Fireworks at Love Springs in Cowpens, SC will be a great late-night event with Kona Ice Trucks onsite and fireworks on the ball field! Bring your own lawn chair, and get in on the food and fellowship!
July 4th, 2025 at Rock Springs Baptist Church in Easley Celebrate America will start at 5 pm with a BBQ dinner (tickets are $5 and must be purchased ahead of time). From 6-8 pm are games; music starts at 7 pm; ice cream is at 8 pm; fireworks and devotion are at dusk.
July 3rd-4th, 2025 in Easley The annual festival will include two days of fun and end with fireworks on July 4th, which will start at 9:45 pm after the Joe Nichols concert. You can see the fireworks within one mile of downtown Easley.
July 4th, 2025 in Mountain Rest No fireworks but this annual tradition of Hillbilly Day is quite famous in the area and happens on July 4th from 9 am – 3 pm. There is great music, fun games, and delicious food. It’s free but donations are accepted. Bring your own chairs.
July 5th, 2025 at Pickens Amphitheatre The annual Independence Day Spectacular in Pickens starts at 5 pm until 9:30 pm, concluding with fireworks. There will be live music, a free kids zone and games, and more.
July 4th, 2025 in Salem, SC Gates open at the Eagle Ridge Ball Field at 8 pm and fireworks go off at 9:30 pm. The public is welcome to bring chairs and blankets. No pets.
July 4th, 2025 at Chattooga Belle Farm Join the farm for fireworks at dark. The farm store, distillery, and bistro will be open throughout the day. The farm also offers u-pick fruits.
An all day event in Williamston, SC with kids activities, food, a golf cart parade, concert, and fireworks. The event takes place at Mineral Spring Park/Williamston Municipal Center Area and starts at 10 am. Fireworks will happen around 9:30 pm.
June 28, 2025 in Starr, SC The party happens at the Big Water Marina and starts at 10 am and concludes with fireworks after dark. The celebration is over Lake Hartwell and includes live music, food trucks, and other entertainment. Parking is $5/general and $15/VIP. They will be running shuttles.
June 29th, 2025 in Iva, SC Free event in downtown Iva with inflatables, face painting, a concert, and food vendors. Event starts at 6:30 with fireworks at dusk.
July 1st, 2025 at Veterans Park in Pendleton Free event with paid on-site parking ($20-$25) or take the free shuttle. The event is a fundraiser for the local volunteer firefighters who are in desperate need of equipment and building repairs. Free concert and fireworks. The event starts at 6:30 pm.
July 4th, 2025 at Trinity Wesleyan Church Join Trinity Wesleyan Church in Central, SC for fireworks and family fun – bounce houses, and ice cream. The celebration starts at 7 pm and fireworks go off at dark. Bring your own chairs.
TBA at Whitefield Baptist Church in Belton Food trucks, live music, an antique car cruise-in, door prizes, inflatables, a cake baking contest. Fireworks start at dusk and the celebration kicks off at 6:30 pm.
Where to See Fireworks and Celebrate Independence Day in Oconee
July 4th, 2025 in Seneca The 4th of July Celebration in Seneca at Gignilliat Field will open the gates at 5 pm with live music. No pets or coolers are allowed; food and beverage are available for purchase. Fireworks start at dusk (around 9 pm)
July 3rd, 2025: Downtown Walhalla Midway rides, free live music, kids bike parade, food trucks, shopping, and more on Main Street in Walhalla for Independence Fest. Live music starts at 6 pm and fireworks start at dusk.
Fireworks and July 4th Near Western North Carolina
The town of Rutherfordton, NC will be celebrating big this year with fireworks at Kiwanis Park near historic downtown! Join them for a 4th of July celebration with food vendors, a live DJ, and fireworks show at 9:30pm. Bring your picnic blankets, appetite, and patriotism!
4th of July parade in Hendersonville, NC 10:30 am to 11 am Live Music and fireworks from 5 pm to 9 pm: Located about an hour north of Greenville, Hendersonville celebrates the 4th with music, bounce houses, kids’ games and activities, food trucks, and more. The event begins at 5 pm and fireworks start at dusk (around 9 pm). The fireworks can be viewed from downtown Hendersonville and the south side of town near the intersection of Hwy. 225 South and Hwy. 176.
July 4th, 2025 at the Sapphire Valley Resort The resort is celebrating July 4th with a big party, good food, music, and lots of games and kid-friendly activities.
July 4th, 2025 in Brevard, NC Lots of family fun in Brevard, NC. The event is held Main Street. There will be live music, fun, dancing in the street, and food trucks. Fireworks will be launched from the Brevard College campus at dusk (around 9:30)
TBA in Arden, NC About an hour and 15 minutes north of Greenville, Arden’s Lake Julian welcomes visitors for a day that includes fireworks and fun. Lake Julian Park also has disc golf, cornhole, sand volleyball, playgrounds, fitness courses, horseshoes, and a boat launch. The day will be capped off with fireworks at dusk (around 9 pm). Visitors should arrive no later than 7:45 p.m. to find the park and enter the park. The park is closed to vehicles, but shuttles are available from Estes Elementary School. Be sure to check the Lake Julian Park event website for parking and fee information before you go.
Alternative Ways to Spend the Patriotic Holiday
Revolutionary War Battlefields Near Upstate, SC
For a history lesson pertaining to the holiday, there are a couple of nearby Revolutionary War Battlefields you can visit with your family. These locations offer hiking, and an opportunity to walk through battlefields with signage describing the battle that occurred.
Also, check out the Revolutionary War battlefield at King’s Mountain. There you can hike through the battlefield of a Patriot victory and a turning point for the Southern campaign.
King’s Mountain Battlefield
Where to Buy Fireworks: Greenville, SC
A responsibly executed private fireworks display can be a great alternative to the large crowds of a public event.
Are you ready for the ultimate celebration! Celebrate the 4th of July at one of these Upstate celebrations, where you can listen to live music, enjoy great food, and see some incredible firework displays!
Are you ready for 4th of July Greenville, SC? We are!
If you are looking for a family beach that also has a lot of fun things to do, Carolina Beach in North Carolina is an excellent choice! KAG contributor Jennifer and her family checked out Carolina Beach at Pleasure Island and found it to be the perfect mix of family entertainment and beach fun.
Read all about what made this beach town a hit for her family and why your own may want to visit soon!
What makes Carolina Beach special?
My family recently headed up the North Carolina coast and discovered Carolina Beach. Located approximately five hours from the Upstate, Carolina Beach makes the perfect beach destination for summer vacations.
This popular NC beach is an excellent choice if you are looking for a family-friendly beach. How you choose to take a beach trip is a personal preference. Some families like to go to beaches like Myrtle Beach, with many entertainment options and crowds, whereas others prefer quieter beaches with fewer entertainment options.
This beach fits right in the middle of these categories. It has plenty of things to do with the whole family, such as the Boardwalk amusement park; however, it is not as crowded as other beach destinations. Plus, with tons of vacation rentals, you can choose to stay closer to the Boardwalk where the action happens, or you can stay further away from the crowds.
The Boardwalk at Carolina Beach, NC
The standout feature of Carolina Beach is the Boardwalk. It is one of the few true boardwalks on the East Coast. And I don’t mean just a simple pier. This is a true boardwalk with amusement park rides, a Ferris wheel, shops, restaurants, and entertainment. The boardwalk comes alive in the evenings, so be prepared to spend lots of time there after lounging on the beach daily.
Carolina Beach Has A Family-Friendly Shoreline
Another big plus for Carolina Beach is its family-friendly shoreline. Unlike more isolated beaches, the beach has several lifeguard stands along its three miles of shoreline. With ever-changing currents and hesitant swimmers, I always feel safer knowing there are lifeguards nearby.
Additionally, Carolina Beach is wheelchair accessible. Directly off the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, there are accessible walkways making it accessible to those in wheelchairs or families with an extra set of wheels.
Worthwhile Things to Do: Carolina Beach
On top of the fun standard beach attractions, such as mini golf, my family absolutely loved visiting the nearby North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Fort Fisher State Recreation Site is only ten minutes from Carolina Beach, and visiting the aquarium is a must! The North Carolina Aquarium has several hands-on exhibits, plenty of marine life to observe, and even a fantastic playground.
Outdoor Adventures
While you are visiting the aquarium at Fort Fisher, be sure to check out the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, where you can hike, explore the dunes, and maybe even see Loggerhead turtles nesting (from a distance, of course!)
You can also head south to the Fort Fisher State Historic Site at Kure Beach, a civil war site that makes a great educational lesson while you’re vacationing. There are guided tours to take, exhibits to view, and an impressive fort.
If you’re feeling up to an outdoor adventure during your beach trip, check out Carolina Beach State Park, where your family can hike, bike, and even camp if you’re up for it! Fun fact: the state park is home to the Venus Flytrap, so you can teach your kids about this near-carnivorous plant while you venture through the coastal park. There is also a 50-foot sand dune, Sugarloaf Dune, that will have them in awe.
If you’re wanting to stay close to town, the Carolina Beach Lake Park is a wonderful lake to spend an afternoon kayaking, have a picnic, or let your kids burn off some energy at the playground. There are also free outdoor movies on Sunday evenings, perfect after a long day on the beach.
Delicious Eats Near the Beach
Of course, we couldn’t spend time exploring Carolina Beach without sampling some of the most popular restaurants. We tried out Hang Ten Grill after hearing about its popularity. After eating there for lunch, we understood why so many people headed in that direction! Hang Ten Grill is a typical beach restaurant with surfboards decorating the walls – and even the ceilings.
The menu has plenty of seafood and grilled favorites. I had a shrimp burger, and it was delicious! But, it was the kid’s menu that sold it. My son had a hamburger, and my daughter had nachos – and each came with an ice cream sundae!
The restaurant regularly has live music, food and drink specials, and events like yoga and coffee. Check out the Hang Ten Grill Facebook page to see what events are happening while visiting the area.
Some additional restaurants you may like to check out with stellar reviews include SeaWitch Cafe and Tiki Bar for live music, Cape Fear Boil Company to satiate your seafood craving, and Kate’s Pancake House for a delicious breakfast! If you are into craft brews, Good Hops Brewery is a highly recommended local brewery that is located in the heart of this beach city!
For those families looking for a beach that is quintessentially beachy, then head to Carolina Beach. With the lively boardwalk, the beautiful shoreline, and pastel-colored beach houses, it screams “Summertime Fun!”
Looking for a wild ride on a beautiful river in North Carolina in the Smoky Mountains? Smoky Mountain Tubing in Cherokee, NC, is the place to go.
Thanks to Smoky Mountain Tubing for hosting us!
Beautiful scenery, the possibility of elk sightings, fun rapids, and nice and cold water await in Cherokee, North Carolina at Smoky Mountain Tubing. My daughters, ages 10 and 14, and I had such an awesome time tubing here and would recommend it to anyone looking to cool off on hot, summer days while also enjoying the beautiful town of Cherokee, NC.
Just chillin on the river
Watch! Our Trip on the River
About Smoky Mountain Tubing
Smoky Mountain Tubing has been running the Oconaluftee River since the 1990s. The owners are local and are well-acquainted with the town, the land, and the river. The customer service was great as well. It was an easy check-in process and our driver was super helpful with getting us on the water and telling us exactly where we needed to go on the river and when to get out to get back to the outpost.
Our Experience Tubing the Oconaluftee River
Once you sign your waiver and apply sunscreen, you can leave your keys with the company so they aren’t lost in the river. Then you’ll hop on a bus and head to the put-in area along the river.
The water is quite chilly but it feels amazing on hot days. Once you are in the water, just chill out and try to avoid branches in the water and get in the current.
If you want to be tethered to your kids/friends/fellow tubers, be sure to ask the driver or the attendant when you check in so they have them available. My youngest daughter got a tube with a bottom but my other daughter and I had bottomless tubes, which was fine. I think they use the bottom tubes for younger tubers.
The Oconaluftee is not a lazy river. There are lots of rapids! Some of the rapids are faster and bigger than others so be sure to lean back and keep your feet up going through them. One of my daughters flipped on her tube going through one but the water isn’t deep so she was able to stand up and grab onto my tube while we chased hers down. I also got a dip when I ran into a tree branch – whoops. Maybe use a broomstick or large stick to maneuver in the river!
One of the rope swings on the river
My daughters and I had a lot of fun. The scenery is just beautiful as you are right on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While we didn’t see any elk, the owner of Smoky Mountain Tubing said they can be in the river sometimes so you’ll have to be prepared to hang tight while they cross. I think elk are pretty cool so I was disappointed we didn’t see any that day.
There are some swimming holes and rope swings on the river plus places to stop and hang out if you want to extend your time and enjoy all the fun things.
And yes, there are snakes around because it is their home after all. We didn’t see any in the river or on the banks but are always on the lookout and try to stay in the middle of the river to avoid the banks.
The trip was a lot of fun and took about two hours. Some days it can be shorter if the water level is higher and the river is running faster and other days it can take longer depending if the water level is low.
While my older daughter and I did not use a life jacket, I would recommend them after running this river due to the faster currents and rapids. We are all good swimmers but I think it’s always a wise decision to choose safety when adventuring so will definitely make that choice when we go again. Smoky Mountain Tubing does have life jackets available.
Need to Know
Bring cash. SMT only accepts cash.
They have life jackets. Kids 12 and under must wear a life jacket but they have them for those older than 12 if you want to use one.
Trips are usually a couple hours. Plan to be on the water for around two hours depending on the water level.
Wear sunscreen and a hat. Most of the river is in the sun and it’s hot.
Bring a change of clothes and a towel. There are changing rooms available and wet clothes are no fun.
Kids need to be at least 5-years-old to tube. No lap riders.
Since SMT is about a 2.5 hour drive from Greenville, you may want to call them the night before or the morning of to make sure the water level isn’t running too high and they are closed that day.
Booking Your Tubing Trip
Tubes are first-come, first-served so get there with plenty of time to enjoy the river and have fun! They have an abundance of tubes, so you should be able to get one whenever you come. Tubes are $14/person + tax (it comes to out just over $15).
Dogs are allowed to tube but if damage occurs, the guest will be charged $50.
Other Things to Do in Cherokee, NC
Cherokee, NC is honestly such a cool place to visit. The history of the Cherokee Nation runs deep and we recommend checking out the famous Unto These Hills show. Bethany went with her family and absolutely loved it.
Also in Cherokee is the Oconaluftee Visitor Center where elk are frequently seen and where they have an awesome Junior Ranger book that kids (and adults) can work on.
There are tons of shops with authentic Cherokee-made goods, which are beautiful. There are also restaurants – we wholeheartedly recommend Peter’s Pancakes. Oh my gosh, that breakfast was amazing. Anything on the menu is great.
If you want to stay overnight, you can camp nearby at Smokemont in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We’ve camped there and loved it. We’ve also stayed at the Rivers Edge Motel, a clean and comfortable motel right on the river (you actually tube by it on the tubing trip). It’s in a great location and every room has a balcony that overlooks the river.
Waterrock Knob
On your way home from Cherokee, you can stop at Mingo Falls, an easy (but steep with lots of stairs) and short hike to an incredibly beautiful waterfall. Keep heading east and hit the Blue Ridge Parkway and hike the half mile up to Waterrock Knob, the highest point on the Parkway. It’s stunningly gorgeous and you feel like you’re on top of the world.
Ever wanted to run the big rapids on the Chattooga River? You can with the Nantahala Outdoor Center rafting, an incredible outfitter who has guided rafters for more than 50 years. P.S. This is a perfect day trip adventure for teens!
Quick Details: Nantahala Outdoor Center Rafting
We spent a full day on the river with Nantahala Outdoor Center and it was unforgettable.
📍 Mountain Rest, SC 🛶 Full-day guided Section IV rafting trip 🎒 Ages 12+ (perfect for teens!) 🥪 Lunch stop + waterfall walk included 🧑🏫 Super experienced guides
Our guide, Caroline, made us feel safe, confident, and totally ready for every splash and thrill. The teens on our trip couldn’t stop smiling—and honestly, neither could we.
There are few things I love more than an adventure on water, whether rafting, paddleboarding, or a waterfall boat tour, but throw in the absolute adrenaline rushes of pounding Class IV and V rapids and that’s pretty much the best day ever.
The Nantahala Outdoor Center offers all those thrills of rafting through some serious rapids on their Section IV trip on the Chattooga River, just an hour and a half drive from Greenville, SC.
The river is absolutely gorgeous and the rapids are so much fun. This is the ideal trip for teens as well – we took two teens and they had smiles plastered on their faces the entire day.
Chasing those rapids
WATCH! Our Trip Rafting with the NOC
About Nantahala Outdoor Center and Chattooga River
The NOC has been around a long, long time. It started back in the 1970s and is still going strong today with several outposts. In 1971, the founder of the NOC, Payson Kennedy, actually played a stunt double in the movie, Deliverance, which was partly filmed on the Chattooga River. The NOC was officially founded the following year.
In 1974, the Chattooga River was designated a Wild and Scenic area, which meant it was now federally protected land. This is the reason why the river is still so pristine, wild, scenic, and absolutely gorgeous today.
The NOC guides trips on the following rivers throughout SC, GA, NC, and TN: French Broad, Chattahoochee, Chattooga, Ocoee, Pigeon, and Nantahala. They have river outposts in or near Bryson City, Chattanooga, Asheville, Gatlinburg, and Atlanta.
If you’re looking for a well-established outfitter with well-trained guides on a variety of rivers, the NOC is the place to go.
They also offer zip lining, lodging, and other adventures at several of their outposts, which you can find on their website.
Why Raft with the NOC?
The NOC extensively trains their rafting guides. The NOC is the only outfitter where their raft guides go through a month of training before getting their own rafts. Most other outfitters don’t even come close to this amount of training.
The NOC is also an established and trusted outfitter. They handle guided tours on several rivers with lots of technical rapids that take someone knowledgeable and experienced to handle correctly.
When I went on my first whitewater rafting trip nearly two decades ago in West Virginia, I thought I wanted to be a rafting guide. What a cool job to basically do what you love in some of the prettiest places in the world. Then I came to my senses and realized that these guides have an enormous amount of responsibility when it comes to caring for and protecting the rafters – us. I decided I didn’t want that kind of burden!
Jumping into the Chattooga River
Caroline, our guide, has many years of rafting experience and it truly showed in how she guided us and made the trip into a memory that my daughter and I will talk about years from now. All the guides on our trip on Section IV worked incredibly well together. Their instructions to us were concise and clear and they were all in position with ropes to pull us out if needed on the more dangerous rapids.
I was nervous doing this trip – nervous about falling in and getting seriously hurt or worse. And accidents happen, which is the risk that you assume when you do something like this, but I felt safe with Caroline and all the guides. They worked like a well-oiled machine and it was easy to see how trained they were and how much they cared about all of us on the trip with them.
Section IV has Class IV and V rapids. Rapids are designated by class – Class I, II, and III are easy to moderate. Class I and II are what you may see while tubing a river. Class IV and V are much more difficult where advanced skills are needed (that would be our guide, not us!) and where the rapids can be unpredictable, large, and potentially dangerous. Those are the kinds of rapids we ran on this trip.
Rafting Section IV
Thrilling doesn’t even begin to describe this trip. My adrenaline was pumping the whole trip and getting to not think about anything except what Caroline was telling us to do was awesome. I have to think all day and don’t get to run rapids. Here I didn’t even have to think, just follow directions.
Once you watch your safety briefing and get all your gear, you’ll load onto the school bus for the drive to the put-in location at Bull Sluice. You’ll be assigned your guide and your boat and then take all the gear down the quarter-mile trail to the river.
Thankfully, you have a little bit of time and some smaller rapids to get acquainted with your boat crew and guide until you really get into the tougher rapids. Our boat crew was just awesome. Besides my own teen and her friend and myself, we had a young couple with us who were super adventurous. It was a lot of fun to trade our bucket list trip ideas with each other. Plus, they were just a cool couple to be around all day.
Once we all got comfortable learning to paddle together and listen to the instructions of our guide, we hit some of the bigger rapids, which were super fun. Caroline called them “splashy things”, which was way better than what my mind was calling them – possible falling-out-of-the-boat-into-rapids things.
Rafting!
Our first big rapid was Seven Foot Falls, which is exactly what the name suggests. It was a churning waterfall that engulfs many rafters right off the bat, kicking them out of their boats and into the water. The first boat that went down lost all their riders. Then it was our turn. Caroline expertly guided us towards the falls and then over it. We all made it! None of us fell out, which I considered a minor miracle.
We slapped our paddles together over our heads for a paddle high-five and proceeded to watch the rest of the boats pretty much get owned by that rapid. After that, it was several more rapids, some bigger than others – but none that we fell in at. I was definitely scared of falling in but we never did because Caroline was awesome.
But all day long it was these big rapids that Caroline guided us through while we worked together to have fun in a safe manner. I could not have asked for a better guide or trip.
The whole trip lasted from when we arrived at the outpost around 9:15 am to check in for our 9:45 am trip and then we got back on the bus to the outpost around 4:30 pm.
Lunch & Waterfall
One of the reasons why I really wanted to go on this particular trip was because when I had hiked out to Long Creek Falls in the spring, I saw a NOC rafting trip stop on the beach and set up this crazy lunch spread. Who does that in the middle of nowhere? The NOC. I wanted to go with no one else from then on out.
And the lunch spread did not disappoint. They had an assortment of meats and cheeses for sandwiches, plus peanut butter, jelly, fruit, cut-up vegetables, goat cheese, crackers, and Oreos. What a win.
A close second to the lunch spread was getting to walk under Long Creek Falls and really feel that pounding, frigid water. This is one of my favorite waterfalls so experiencing it up close like that was a real treat.
Walking behind the veil of Long Creek Falls
Need to Know Before You Go
Ages 12+ are only allowed on the Section IV trip. The NOC at this outpost does run an easier trip, Section III, where kids have to be 8+.
Bring a change of clothes and a towel. Wear shoes that won’t fall off (aka not flip flops).
Bring sunscreen and water. It’s hot and sunny.
Leave everything of value in your car. The NOC will hold onto your keys for you.
Tip your guide if they give you an excellent experience, which they will.
For a delicious dinner afterwards, head five minutes down the road to Humble Pie. We had their Chattooga White and a cheese pizza and both were fantastic. Next door, they sell fantastic, homemade ice cream.
Honest Mom Review: Rafting at the Nantahala Outdoor Center
I cannot say enough good things about this adventure. Caroline was just such a joy to have as a guide and made us all feel safe, and made sure we had a great time. The river is gorgeous, and you feel like you’re out in the middle of nowhere, which is a welcome break from daily life.
The kids had a blast. It was the first thing my daughter talked about the next morning. As a mom, to see your teen having a truly wonderful time is priceless.
The NOC is so organized and it was easy to see they all knew exactly what they were doing. The safety team was always in place and Caroline never failed to give us exact instructions for each rapid and where to swim if we fell out and what to look for. While it was still nerve-wracking at times, I always felt prepared and in good hands.
The lunch and waterfall stop was also a highlight. It was awesome not to have to worry about what to pack for lunch. They had everything right there for us and took care to make sure we didn’t leave any trash behind in order to keep the place just as beautiful as when we got there.
I really wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this trip to anyone, especially if you’re looking for something fun and unique to do with your teens or whole family.
Booking Your Trip
You can easily book your Section IV trip online. Once confirmed, you’ll fill out a waiver and be on your way. The trip we did was a full-day adventure, and at the time of this writing, is $155/person.
If you’re not up for Section IV, the NOC also offers an exciting trip without all the big rapids in their Section III trip. Kids only need to be 8 years old to participate. That trip is $145/person.
Did you know that you could take free lessons in Salsa dancing in Greenville, SC. Local mom Kristina shares her favorite places to Salsa dance in Greenville, the perfect romantic date night. You can even dance under the stars!
Salsa dancing is quite close to my heart, and it’s pretty awesome that we can do it in Greenville, SC! Despite my current last name, I have zero Latin blood in me, but rather I’m the typical American mix of European ancestry, ones that arguably aren’t known for their superb dancing styles.
So when I had the chance to take salsa dancing lessons back when I lived near Washington, DC, I jumped at the opportunity. I had seen a beautiful couple at the bar/restaurant where the lessons occurred, twirling, laughing, and swaying their hips with the Latin beats. I wanted to be that girl, and I wanted to learn how to dance like that.
And I did.
Salsa dancing at Camperdown Plaza
This was before marriage and kids, so I had time to go several times a week to lessons and dancing. But I got more out of it than I ever expected. I met my husband during one of those early classes. He had been taking lessons for a few months and easily impressed me. We went dancing together for nearly three years before we started dating and then got married.
We don’t go as often as we’d like to now, but when I heard about dancing salsa in the plaza at the Peace Center last summer, I got a babysitter and made plans to go. After all, when does the chance come up to dance under the stars? Not often enough.
Salsa at Sunset
On Fridays throughout the summer, Upstate International hosts the amazing Salsa at Sunset event at Camperdown Plaza in downtown Greenville. It’s a free outdoor event that features free group salsa lessons, a live band that plays salsa, merengue, and bachata (other Latin dance styles), and a beer and wine cash bar.
The event is family-friendly as well. We saw lots of kids there getting their groove on. There were dancers of every age and ability.
All of the events are from 6 pm to 10 pm and include free dance lessons and lots of dancing. The free dance lessons start around 6:15, so we recommend it if you want to learn before taking the dance floor.
In my experience of Latin dancing, it really doesn’t matter your age or ability or anything else you’re nervous about, and that may be holding you back. Everyone just wants to have fun.
Dancing is a great equalizer. Most dancers are patient and eager to teach and learn. Dancing is a wonderful activity to let your body take over and move with the music, and give your brain a break from doing any thinking. It’s relaxing and a great date activity.
Other Places for Salsa Dancing: Greenville, SC
Greenville has an active little salsa dancing community.
Salsa Greenville regularly hosts salsa dancing events at local clubs and organizations. Many of these events come along with fun themes, like Bachata Under the Stars and Pasion Thursdays. Social Latitude regularly hosts events with Salsa Greenville called Salsa Latitude on the 1st Saturday of each month.
For women, a shoe with a smooth bottom and a heel not more than two inches is preferable (tennis shoes aren’t the best because they stick to the floor, but I’ve seen women wear them and do fine). I usually get my shoes at this website, which is so fun, but I’ve also danced in regular shoes I’ve bought at some big box discount store. At Salsa at Sunset, I usually just use sneakers, and it’s fine.
Dresses are enjoyable to wear, but just be sure they either don’t fly all the way up when you spin or wear shorts underneath. Be comfortable because you’ll be moving around a lot.
For men, shoes with smooth bottoms are ideal as well. And just dress comfortably.
You don’t need a partner for lessons. You rotate around and get to dance with everyone there, so it’s not necessary to come with anyone.
