Have you tried the shaved ice at Ohana’s in Duncan? We visited and loved the beachy decor, fun outdoor setting, and of course, the ice was delicious. The kids enjoyed picking some candy toppings for their icees to compliment their syrup flavor choice, creating their own custom dessert. This is one spot we’ll be back to visit again.
Sometimes, when life gets busy, it’s best to make a little time for something simply enjoyable with the people you love. That’s how we found our way to Ohana’s one afternoon. My husband had been out of town for work all week, the kids were grumping at each other, and had definitely a bit too much Minecraft for the day, so I decided it was time to try that cute shaved ice spot we’d been driving by. Their beachy set-up looked so fun, and, we needed a little break.
Order Your Shaved Ice: Ohana’s in Duncan
We probably don’t need to explain this part to you. The menu board beside the window has your flavor options and topping choices. But, do take a look at the specials posted on the window, though. You’ll find unique creations like a blueberry donut icee, strawberry cake flavor, or even a coffee-flavored shaved ice. If none of those are quite what you’re looking for, go ahead and pick your flavors and toppings.
My kids chose:
Blue raspberry with gummy worms
Blue bubblegum with sour gummy worms
Bubblegum with caramel sauce
Are these combinations that sound appetizing to me, as an adult? Nope, nope, nope. I picked the boring pina colada with no toppings. And I walked away without a brightly colored blue tongue. A fact, which I was very happy about. I, however, am not a kid. And the whole point of this small excursion was simple fun, and apparently, when you’re 10, a blue tongue is just that. So, they had at it with their choices and I wasn’t going to stop them.
Ohana’s Beachy Atmosphere
Ok, you’ve ordered your icee. You get to sit back and relax at the pretty teal picnic tables with bright umbrellas, or kick back in an Adirondack chair and wait for the delicious magic to happen inside that colorful little building. But wait, what’s this? Your shaved ice creations are being delivered to you on a wooden surfboard-shaped platter? How cool is that? Beach theme through and through.
Take your time, enjoy your ice, and maybe play some ladder toss, climb up in the big chair for a photo, or make some chalk art on the sidewalk. The Hawaiian music is playing, and getting back to the real world will come soon enough.
Ohana’s 128 West Main Street, Duncan Open 12 pm to 9 pm daily
Bonus, Your Summer Day in Duncan, SC: Shipwreck Cove, the popular waterpark at Stoneledge Park, is just a minute or two from Ohana’s. Both are super popular with our readers, and Ohana’s will make a nice treat after an afternoon at the park!
Wondering what in the world you’re going to do to fill your days this summer when you feel like you’ll melt? Kidding Around’s Kristina put together this list of things to do when it’s hot in Greenville! Her list includes everything from what to do inside to fun activities (like eating ice cream) that will keep you cool.
Thinking about enjoying summer with a boat rental near Greenville, SC on an Upstate, SC lake? We’ve gathered information about boat rental options in Upstate, SC, and how to stay safe.
We’d like to thank Eclectic Sun At Lake Jocassee for donating their time and knowledge to this article.
Lake Jocassee is a beautiful place, and with a few safety precautions, everyone can have a magical day on the lake.
Eclectic Sun has Pontoon Boats available to rent. But before you grab your swimsuits, fishing rods, and cameras there are some things we need to go over first.
Planning your summer day trips? With school out, summer is a great time for family trips. But if you don’t have the time for multi-day trips or vacations, day trips are a fantastic alternative to enjoy the season, have fun together, and spend quality time with each other.
We’ve pulled together some of our favorite summer day trip destinations here in this list, including the driving distance, admission if any, and why it’s so cool so you can plan it out for your family. We organized the list like this:
We have listed only places that are open but please double-check before you go just to make sure they are operating.
Also, we tried to make this list full of new things your family may not have done before or new ways to enjoy familiar places. We didn’t include high-traffic destinations like DuPont Forest and Sliding Rock because there are so many other wonderful locations to enjoy without being on top of each other.
If we missed a place you think should be here, tell us in the comments!
On a budget? Check out this list of cheap summer day trips that are free or less than $40 for a family of four!
Elf Leaf Farm is the only lavender farm in Greenville County, SC and their u-pick lavender field is beautiful with views of the mountains. Lavender season is upon us and we’ve got all the details on how to experience this incredible farm with your family in Greenville, SC.
The family love is strong at Elf Leaf Farm in Landrum, South Carolina, just a 35-minute drive from Greenville, SC in the Upstate. The farm is run by Allison and Derek Garrett and their children. Their two youngest daughters, Deirdre and Georgia, are bubbly, cheerful and welcoming and I immediately wanted to be their best friend. They are really fun!
Elf Leaf, which is Scottish term for “lavender” (a nod to Derek’s side of the family), is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, anchored by the prettiest farmhouse I’ve ever seen and built on land owned by the Campbell family. If you’re familiar with Campbell’s Covered Bridge, that’s the same family. The bridge is actually just a few minutes away from Elf Leaf Farm.
But let’s get back to the lavender, which is oh-so-gorgeous, and in season during the month of June. I’ll tell you all about how you pick your own lavender plus enjoy the special offerings of the family trade right at the farm.
Elf Leaf Farm’s Roots
Every farm has roots and Elf Leaf’s run deep as the land was part of the Campbell family for many, many years. When Allison and Derek started thinking about retirement, they wanted a farm. Derek always loved farming and Allison always loved soap-making. I promise this is relevant.
Derek was working at the Oconee nuclear plant and would drive home to Greer a different way most days, checking out various farms and properties along the way. When he found the current property that is now Elf Leaf Farm, the couple knew they had found home. They purchased about 48 acres in 2016 and then later added two more acres later on.
As one of only two lavender farms in the Upstate, I had to know why lavender was the crop of choice. It’s because Allison just loves lavender and made soap with it for years and years. She made a lot. And it took up a lot of space at home and while she did sell it at local farmers markets and at The Shoppes Off Trade in Greer, she kind of needed a bigger space. And more lavender of course. And that’s how lavender became the focus on the farm.
Elf Leaf Farm
Lavender is not native to South Carolina and is very, very hard to grow. Allison and her family really had to figure out how to dig deeper in the Southern soil, past the red clay to make it work. They attended lavender conferences (yes, there’s such a thing) and talked to other lavender farmers and eventually, after a lot of trial and error, were able to grow some pretty spectacular lavender plants.
Events at Elf Leaf Farm
While u-pick lavender is certainly the focus of Elf Leaf Farm in June – and the family is truly all hands on deck during this time since it’s the only time of year to harvest – the farm also has a huge permanent tent to host events like weddings, corporate lunches or dinners, or whatever other things that people may want to do at a lavender farm.
They even have two separate cottages for a bride and groom and the view from the tent is directly at the mountains. Flowers and blueberries and more lavender are planted around the farm and Deirdre and Georgia have big plans for hosting people throughout the year at the farm.
These ladies are a lot of fun to be around and if their events are anything like their personalities, they are going to be awesome. Deirdre actually went to acting school and lived in Brooklyn, New York for awhile and in 2016, she did the most Brooklyn thing ever and went home to help on the family farm. When the pandemic hit, she started working there full-time. Her and her family are so invested not only in the farm but in each other and that shines through in how they run the farm.
One event you really don’t want to miss is their inaugural Date Night at Elf Leaf Farm on Friday, June 9th from 6-8 pm. For $75/couple, you get a bottle of wine, a picnic blanket, a charcuterie picnic basket, and a bluegrass band. Pretty romantic if you ask me.
2023 U-Pick Lavender
The lavender fields at Elf Leaf Farm will be open to the public these dates from 9 am – 4 pm:
Wednesday, June 7 – Sunday, Jun 11, 2023
Wednesday, June 14 – Sunday, June 18, 2023
Wednesday, June 21 – Sunday, June 25, 2023
There is no admission to Elf Leaf Farm for u-pick dates. You only pay for your lavender, which are sold in 2 inch bundles for $8. You get shears and a beautiful basket to go pick your lavender.
Picking lavender
If you’re a family who would just love from family photos in a lavender field, that’s possible! There is a $50/hour charge to use the field for professional photography. You can contact the farm to arrange your amazing lavender photo session.
Lots of Lavender Products
The first place I went when I got to the farm after meeting Derek was the Elf Leaf store. Oh my gosh, I thought I went to heaven. The scent of this little shop was perfection. I really didn’t want to leave. I only left because my new best friends, Deirdre and Georgia, promised my kids and I lavender brownies and iced tea at the farmhouse.
Lavender products in the store
The shop is small but mighty. They have everything you can think of that involves lavender: tea, lotion, lavender coffee, lavender scone mix, lavender simple syrup, soap (the soap is always involved), lavender honey right from the bees on the farm, dried lavender, and just so many other things. They also have tea towels, local pottery, and even a lavender cookbook. It’s pretty amazing. Take your time. Smell the lavender, buy some stuff.
You can also find Elf Leaf’s products at the Landrum farmers market or buy directly online if you happen to need more lavender things (which you probably will).
Tips on Visiting Elf Leaf Farm
To make the most of your visit at Elf Leaf, we have some suggestions:
Leave your pets at home. The farm does not allow them.
Wear sunscreen and a hat. It’s hot and lavender likes full sun, hence you’ll be in full South Carolina summer sun.
Bring lunch or snacks. The farm is a beautiful place to hang out.
Wear closed-toed shoes. It’s a farm and there are ants and bugs and other things you don’t want on your feet.
Follow the directions of the staff. There are certain plants you can pick from and others you cannot. Just be courteous and follow directions.
The farmhouse is private. As much as you’d probably like to live in the farmhouse on the property, it’s the private property of the Garrett family so don’t go and invite yourself in.
There are beautiful bathroom facilities at Elf Leaf Farm so don’t worry if your kid needs to take a potty break!
After your visit, dip your toes in the water at Campbell’s Covered Bridge, just three minutes from the farm. It feels great!
Looking for a delicious frozen treat, snow cone or shaved ice to cool you off on a hot summer day? We’ve put together a list of the best snow cones and shaved ice in the Greenville area.
You’re sure to see some of your favorite spots for a cold treat on our list, plus you may find a few new spots to try this summer!
Are you looking for a place to go tubing down a river with your family? Wondering, “Where is the best river tubing near me?” Tubing is a great way to have fun AND beat the heat in the upstate this summer. There is just nothing better than a slow ride down a river on a tube! Fortunately, you’ve found this HUGE list of places to go tubing near Greenville with your family. You’re sure to find one or two you’ve never even heard of that you’ll want to try out for yourself!
All I can think about doing during these hot summer months is getting in the water, whether it’s our neighborhood pool, a refreshing lake, or even better, cruising down a river in a giant tube. This is probably one of the more exciting summer adventures I used to do growing up. It was an awesome family activity.
Love our content? Get it delivered right to your inbox twice a week with our free newsletter! Sign up here.
Living in the heart of a mountainous region that boasts of waterfalls, creeks, and rivers, there are plenty of places to indulge in tubing that aren’t far from Greenville at all.
Summer is here and Greenville Drive Baseball is in full swing at Fluor Field. Greenville, SC has one of the most adored minor league baseball teams, but Fluor Field also hosts several fantastic events throughout the year. This micro replica of Fenway Park even has a mini version of the Green Monster, how cool! Find out why Greenville’s beloved minor league ballpark has become a top gathering spot for Greenvillians and visitors to the area.
Gateway to Baseball: Special Features of Fluor Field
The North End entrance at Fluor Field is welcoming, with a digital Drive marquee sign and an expanded brick and stone paved plaza as the backdrop to giant baseballs all in a row makes for an attractive and fun design element. Kids love to climb them and also a favorite spot for selfies.
In the middle of all this ruckus and seeming right at home, is the statue of “Shoeless” Joe Jackson which used to be outside a restaurant downtown. Did you know that before Jackson became a famous ballplayer, he was a mill worker at Brandon Mills in West Greenville?
With his connection to Greenville’s past, “Shoeless” Joe’s new location is a great choice. The statue highlights the city’s mill town past and memories of old textile baseball leagues. Ballgames were already a popular form of recreation and community building back then.
On Augusta Street, if you decide to enter through the East Entrance of Fluor Field, You can sit by the bar or at the picnic tables and have a great view of the action behind first base. NOTE: On the weekends, inflatable attractions are usually located at the East entry, where junior players can hit a few balls for FREE.
Greenville Drive Team Store and New Ticket Booths
Once you arrive, you can find will-call ticket booths alongside the Greenville Drive team store. Rolling barn doors offer more browsing space for souvenir shopping. Another piece of trivia, did you know that the store used to be a 1920s firehouse? Shop and have a look at the original tin ceilings.
Front Porch Lounge at Fluor Field: Greenville, SC
Fluor Field has often been referred to as downtown’s “front porch.” As a nod to this, the Drive has turned its front office at the corner of Field and Markley Streets into the Front Porch lounge, a 2,700-square-foot hospitality area for Drive Ticket Plan holders. The lounge offers comfortable indoor seating, a full-service bar, flat-screen televisions, and other fun ballpark perks.
Event Venues: The Rooftop and Champion Lounge
One thing for sure, if you are catching a game, you can’t help but glance across the field and admire the Rooftop, and wonder, “How did the people get up there?” The Rooftop space is an events venue atop the adjacent Fieldhouse building with its own express elevator. This area can accommodate up to 75 people, providing picturesque views of the ballpark and downtown Greenville.
The Rooftop even has a private food and beverage menu. Another venue is the Champions Club. The Club offers over 3,700 square feet of space and can accommodate groups of 100-300 people. The space is air-conditioned and even has outdoor seating, so it makes a great location for a year round event space.
Family Friendly Year-Round Events at Fluor Field
Fluor Field has made a name for itself that is much more than baseball thanks to West End Events at Fluor Field. There are events throughout the year that help there, some of which are super family-friendly. Here is a list of some of the more popular events to check out!
Easter Eggstravaganza: Every spring you can watch your kid race across the field collecting as many eggs as their little basket can hold. There is typically a picnic, pictures with the Easter Bunny, and tons of kid-friendly activities to enjoy.
4th of July at Fluor Field: Every Independence Day, you can watch a baseball game and fireworks in celebration of our nation’s biggest celebratory holiday. There is special programming this day for military appreciation, including flyovers and more!
Reading All Stars: If your kid participates in a summer reading program through their local library, chances are they will receive a ticket to the Reading All Stars game with Greenville Drive.
The Green Monster Mash: Enjoy kid-friendly Halloween activities, including inflatables, face paintings, costume contests, and more during this annual event.
Kringle Holiday Village: Get into the holiday spirit with this holiday market, fun inflatables, and Santa!
Plan a trip to Fluor Field: Greenville, SC
945 South Main Street Greenville, SC 29601 864.240.4528 See their season schedule here.
We hope we’ve enticed you to visit Fluor Field at the West End. Let’s root, root, root for the Greenville Drive!
Are you looking for a fun 4th of July activity for the family or to see spectacular fireworks? Greenville, SC, and the Upstate area have some of the best celebrations around! If you’re looking for Upstate fireworks displays, you’ve come to the right place. Plus, we’ve come up with a few other ways to celebrate this memorable holiday as well with your family.
Whether you are looking for a fun way to celebrate Independence Day with kids or love fireworks, Greenville, SC has a celebration near you. You can catch a baseball game with the Greenville Drive before the fireworks on the fourth, plan a picnic dinner with the family, or celebrate Independence Day with an epic firework display at over a dozen different places.
Our list includes fireworks in Greenville, Spartanburg, Pickens, Anderson, Oconee, and Western North Carolina.
Please double-check the event before you go. Some have changed plans last minute and while we are doing our best to keep this list updated, we cannot guarantee the event information. Events are listed in date order.
Summer is getting close and I know you are wondering “Where can we find my kid’s free lunch near me?”. The upstate has programs in place to provide FREE breakfasts and lunches for kids in Greenville, Spartanburg, and Pickens Counties. So many families rely on the school system to assist with meals for their children. Local school districts are helping kids by eliminating the cost of school lunches and breakfast from parents’ worries.
Things to Know about 2023 Free School Summer Meals for Kids
ALL kids 18 and under in Greenville, Spartanburg, and Greenville Counties qualify for free summer school food service breakfast and lunches, no questions asked. Your child doesn’t need to attend a specific school or financially qualify. T
There are some districts in Spartanburg County that require the student to be enrolled at that school, and we have notated this restriction if the information was provided.
Children will be required to eat their meals on-site. There will not be takeaway meals for 2023 for Greenville County Schools or the School District of Pickens County.
Pickens County will also offer free meals for anyone enrolled in school-age 21 and older with mental or physical disabilities.
