Have you ever wanted to paddle through a bioluminescent sea of sparkling stars, and glow-in-the-dark waters? Then you have to check out BK Adventure! Florida bioluminescence tour companies take you on a magical journey that is a total bucket list item, and we found the perfect company for the experience. BK Adventure in Titusville, Florida uses clear kayaks, and it’s the best way to experience the glowing Bioluminescent waters of the Space Coast.
Planning a trip to Cape Canaveral, Florida? There are so many things to do that are out of this world! The Space Coast of Florida, famous for being the home base of NASA, has so much more to offer families who travel there. Kayaking thru a galaxy sounds insane, but we have the details of how your family can experience that and other unique things during a visit to the Space Coast of Florida.
This article includes:
Visiting the Space Coast
Things to Do in Cocoa Beach
More Things to Do: Space Coast of FL
Places to Eat: Space Coast of FL
If you’re planning a trip to Charleston, SC and need something a little out of the ordinary to do and satiate your adventurous family, we’ve got just the place at the Charleston Aqua Park! Kristina tried it out and has all the details for our readers.
Media tickets were provided for this review but the opinion is completely that of the author.
I love anything adventurous as do my kids so when we had the opportunity to try out the floating obstacle course and first-ever ropes course over water in the country at the Charleston Aqua Park, I was one hundred percent on board. My kids and I love to watch “American Ninja Warrior” and old re-runs of the hilarious show “Wipeout” so we wanted to see how good we’d be at anything remotely like either of those shows.
Spoiler alert: we have a whole new respect for people who do obstacles over water and slide around on water obstacles!
So if you’re in the Charleston area or anywhere nearby and want something fun and unique to do over the summer months, the Charleston Aqua Park is your place.
(more…)As of July 2023, the new Buc-ee’s in Sevierville, TN, just three hours from Greenville, SC, is the largest in the world and it’s incredible. Kristina took the plunge and visited this massive beaver wonderland and has all the details. Thanks to Visit Sevierville for inviting us to experience their beautiful town!
I’ve been a Buc-ee’s fan for several years having been introduced to the amazing wonder that is the massive gas station/shopping haven/jerky and fudge operation when I’ve traveled to Texas where the original Buc-ee’s started. The largest one in the world opened just three hours from Greenville, SC in Sevierville, TN and I could not wait to go. I was counting down the days till my next Buc-ee’s experience and it did not disappoint.
The original Buc-ee’s popped up in 1982 in Clute, Texas and the cute little beaver with buck teeth became the mascot for the gas station convenience store. But everything is bigger in Texas, and Buc-ee’s is no exception. In 2003, the brand started to expand and hasn’t stopped. It’s long since been a destination for travelers.
They are probably the most famous for their endless flavors of beef jerky, made in-house, and their Beaver Nugget snacks. I have no idea what they are but people love them. I happen to really enjoy their brisket sandwiches, fudge, and jerky. Everything is pretty awesome there though and you can’t go wrong stopping in.
One thing that Buc-ee’s always gets high praise for is their spacious, clean restrooms. It felt like there were dozens of stalls in the bathroom. Everything was perfectly clean and there was no waiting in line for the women’s restroom, a big win in my book. Plus, clean bathrooms are always a win.
The new location in Sevierville, Tennessee of Buc-ee’s defies all imagination. Whatever you think it will look like, think bigger. Much bigger.
The Buc-ee’s in Sevier County opened Monday, June 26, 2023, off Interstate 40 as the largest travel center and Buc-ee’s location.
There are 120 gas pumps and the gas there was cheaper by far, like 15 cents a gallon at least, than anywhere else on our drive from Greenville to Tennessee.
The car wash is 250 feet long. That’s a little less than 100 feet short of a football field.
The retail space is a whopping 74,000 square feet and it’s truly a sight to behold. Don’t be ashamed if you don’t know where to go first when you walk into Buc-ee’s in Sevierville. It’s ok, a friendly Buc-ee’s employee will greet you and help you out if needed. Everyone at Buc-ee’s is ridiculously nice and kind and they look like they are having a blast working there. They literally do cheers at registers. I don’t know what for but it’s fun.
From the lady who was making the fudge to the guy cutting up the brisket to the woman who helped us get into a fitting room to try on Buc-ee’s shorts and bathing suits, everyone was so awesome and nice.
Buc-ee’s is known for paying their employees well and posts all around the store and outside that they are looking for help and what their pay scale is. They start pay at $17/hour at the Sevierville location.
One of the neat things about Buc-ee’s in Sevierville is that it is part of a larger project called the 407: Gateway to the Smokies, a plan put in place by the Eastern Band of Cherokees to convert 200 acres into a tourist destination and entertainment facility. Ground was broken in 2020 and Buc-ee’s is the first major retailer to set up shop.
Really, the question is what can’t you buy at Buc-ee’s? Need some snorkeling gear? They have it. Need glassware or a cutting board? They have it. Need a cozy set of pajamas? They have it.
Need a lunch box or cooler? They have it. Need hunting gear? They have it. Need toys for Christmas? They have them. Need shoes or bathing suits or flannel shirts or hats? They have all of that. Need tea towels and jewelry and lavender-scented pillow spray? They’ve got those.
Plan to spend some significant time here to look through all the cool stuff they have. It’s truly a lot of fun.
The food at the store is also really, really tasty. You’re gonna want to risk it for the brisket here. Fun fact: Eight-time world BBQ champion Randy Pauly is the director of barbecue at Buc-ee’s. He extensively trains staff on how to make the brisket just right.
They also have an assortment of chicken and club sandwiches, pulled pork sandwiches, and subs. You can get banana pudding, cookie dough balls, or key lime pie cups for dessert.
Definitely don’t miss their bakery and homemade fudge section, which is enormous, as is everything at Buc-ee’s. They make their fudge right in front of you and it’s very tempting not to buy as much as you can carry.
You’ll start seeing billboards for Buc-ee’s about 90 miles away when you drive from the Upstate. It’s a great motivator to skip bathroom breaks and make a beeline for the beaver. Buc-ee’s is right off of I-40 West at exit 407.
It’s an excellent first stop on your way to Sevierville and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You’re only 20 minutes or less from downtown Sevierville, Wilderness at the Smokies, and Soaky Mountain Waterpark. Plus, you’ll most definitely find something you didn’t think you needed there, which is quite the fun experience.
There is so much to see and do at Buc-ee’s that you’ll probably want to make a return trip before you head home. We encourage all the trips to Buc-ee’s that you feel you need to make.
Buc-ee’s
Buc-ee’s Blvd, Sevierville, TN
Want More Fun?
Don’t miss things to do in Sevierville, TN!
Inside: A real parent review of the Chattanooga Zoo with all the tips and answers you need to plan your visit.
Thinking about visiting the Chattanooga Zoo on your family vacation to Chattanooga, TN?
If you are looking for a travel destination away from the tourist-heavy beach and a place with tons to do and see, you should check out Chattanooga, TN. We have everything you need to know about the Chattanooga Zoo and everything you need to know before your family trip there.
Here’s what we loved:
📍 Free parking (yay!)
🦒 Giraffe feeding encounters for just $5
🐐 Petting goats (worth the trip alone, tbh)
🛝 A splash pad + playground right outside the zoo
🎟️ Greenville Zoo members get 50% off admission!
Pro tips:
🎟️ Buy your zoo tickets online to save $2 per person
🕑 Arrive by 2 pm to see everything before closing
🎢 Ride the Zoo Choo train or hop on the carousel for extra fun
I’ve wanted to visit Chattanooga for a while, so we packed up the car and made the four-hour drive to this riverside town in Tennessee. We found more to enjoy than we could fit into the three-day trip. The hotel we stayed at could’ve provided a spirited adventure for the entire time. Not to mention the trails, and beautiful swimming holes to enjoy!
On our last day in Chattanooga, we headed towards the Chattanooga Zoo at Warner Park. In addition to the zoo, the city park also includes a playground, splash pad area, pool, and sports areas. The City of Chattanooga takes a lot of pride in its public green spaces, and this park is no exception. If you have the time during your stay, check out the splash pad! It looks like a lot of fun!
The Zoo parking is free, which is a bonus in the city where you will pay nearly everywhere you need to park your car. If you have a local zoo membership, here’s where the reciprocity program I’m always talking about will come in handy. For example, if you have a Greenville Zoo membership, you can purchase the tickets at a 50% discount at the gate (it will also get you a discount at the Tennessee Aquarium). Everyone else will need to pre-purchase tickets online prior to arrival. Pre-purchasing will also save you $2 per ticket.
So, if you have little kids on your family vacation, I am sure you are wondering “How long do people spend at the Chattanooga Zoo?” The zoo is a little bigger than some and will take about two hours to explore. Plan to arrive no later than 2 pm, so you can see everything you’d like to before they close at 5 pm.
Once you’re inside the zoo, the Giraffe enclosure will be straight ahead. The zoo is split up into seven sections. You can find a downloadable zoo map on the Chattanooga Zoo website.
The Chattanooga Zoo also offers activities that cost in addition to the entrance ticket price.
The Chattanooga Zoo has partnered with Kulture City, providers of sensory bags for attractions and venues. They have been designated a “Sensory Inclusive Facility”, and guests of all ages can utilize the following things free of charge during their visit:
You can find more information about the Chattanooga Zoo’s amenities and accessibility programs on the zoo’s website.
Find a place to stay in Chattanooga, TN. This article contains Stay22 affiliate links.
The Chattanooga Zoo Website
Admission:
Starts at $10.95 for children ages 3-12
Starts at $13.95 for those 13+
There is a discount for purchasing online ahead of time
*prices subject to change without notice
*One Adult Admission to the Chattanooga Zoo was provided to facilitate this review. The author purchased children’s tickets and all opinions are her own, and genuine.
Looking for more travel ideas in Chattanooga? Here’s our Guide to Vacationing With Kids in Chattanooga, TN, with everything you need to plan a great family vacation in Chattanooga, TN.
Have you visited Charles Towne Landing? If you’re heading to Charleston and looking for a way to spend the day without breaking the bank, you don’t want to miss it. Charles Towne Landing is a South Carolina State Park that has something for everyone including a history trail, 17th century sailing ship, an animal nature park, and beautiful grounds. We think you should put this attraction on your Charleston bucket list!
(more…)Have you heard of the Reptarium located in Utica, Michigan? This all-reptile zoo is an amazing spot for everyone from hardcore reptile fans to those with just a mild interest and curiosity about these fun creatures. It’s quite an educational adventure, and you will learn loads and loads. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour and we’re sharing all about it so you’ll know what to expect when you plan your family visit to the Reptarium!
The Reptarium offers both general admission options and private tour experiences. We took a highly interactive one-hour private tour at the Reptarium on a recent family road trip. Our tour guide was a wealth of information and we got to hold and pet many of the Reptarium’s animals.
This article includes:
What is the Reptarium?
How to Visit the Reptarium
What reptiles are at the Reptarium?
The Reptarium is a reptile zoo located in Utica, Michigan. Famous on YouTube, the Reptarium shows its animals to the world in regular videos, teaching about reptiles and conservation through their animal ambassadors. There are more than 150 animals housed at the Reptarium.
Those who’d like to go to the Reptarium in person have a couple of options including general admission with various add-ons, and private tours.
General admission costs $24.99 per person. Tickets are time reserved, to limit the number of people in the space at any given time. So, you won’t be fighting through a crowd to see the animals.
General admission hours are on 7 days a week from 11am to 7pm.
You can book your Reptarium general admission tickets online.
Private tours are available every day. Our family chose this option initially because we were traveling through the area on a Monday and as there are no general admission times on Mondays when we went, it was the only option that would allow us to visit.
But, that said, the private experience was truly wonderful. Our tour guide knew so much and gave us so many opportunities to hold animals and ask questions. We had her undivided attention for the entire hour, which really was a fabulous educational experience. We were the only guests during our tour, so there were no distractions and no waiting to get to any exhibits.
Because the footprint of the Reptarium is small, and my kids were very engaged and interested, this was absolutely the right choice for our family and what I would recommend for others if they can afford the higher price point.
Private tours cost $300 and they can include up to 10 people. If you’d like more information or to book a tour, email tours@thereptarium.com.
There are over 150 animals to see at the Reptarium. We loved seeing, interacting with, and holding so many of them. Here are just a couple that really worked their way into our hearts.
Our tour began with Helen. She’s a python that was born with no eyes. A number of us had never held a snake before and somehow, having no eyes, this sweet little snake seemed somehow less threatening. She was a great reptile to start with and remained one of our favorites.
Perdita, named after the famous Dalmatian in 101 Dalmatians is a much larger reticulated python. I would never in a million years have said “Sure, I’ll hold this giant snake around my shoulders” but our tour guide was so confident and calm and things had gone so well with Helen, so….why not. I held a giant python. I mean, that’s not the type of thing you get to try to do every day, right? Got to try it. (And I figured if I did it, some of my boys who were a little hesitant would try it. Cool mom and all that.) She was so surprisingly smooth and HEAVY. My husband and a couple of the kids held her as well.
Nova is a frilled lizard. But when his frills aren’t out, they lay back against his body and look very similar to a rabbit with long, long ears pushed back against its body. He was so sweet and tolerated all of us holding and petting him. We thought he was one of the cutest guys at the Reptarium.
Turtles are a family favorite and there are lots of turtles and tortoises to see. We got to walk around with some of the red-footed tortoises and hold some of the turtles in the pond, including some really cute little albino turtles.
Sunshine is the very large yellow python you see in our family photo. She’s a big ambassador for the reptarium and is quite used to being held. Amazingly heavy, and with a beautiful sunny pattern (hence her name) she was the last animal on our tour.
In addition to these animals we got to interact with bearded dragons, Uromastyx, monitors, a false water cobra and lots of other snakes, and my daughter even held a tarantula. She was the only one brave enough.
Use the map below to locate hotels and vacation rentals near the Reptarium. The map below comes from Stay22 and Kidding Around earns when you book through the map’s links.
The Reptarium
45550 Van Dyke Ave, Utica, MI 48317
If you’re on a road trip to the area, you’ll find a lovely little coffee shop just down the road from the Reptarium, called Northern Grind. They have the usual array of coffee and coffee beverages, plus smoothies, sandwiches, and treats. It was the perfect spot for us to grab lunch after our tour before we hit the road again.
Looking for more places to travel where you can learn something new? We have lots of great ideas!
Here’s our Educational Travel Guide
For a trip full of adventure and fun learning opportunities, Cartersville, Georgia, about three hours from Greenville, SC, is where you need to go. Kristina visited Cartersville with her kids and has all the details on how to plan a great family trip there!
Thank you to Visit Cartersville-Bartow for inviting us to experience Cartersville, GA!
Cartersville, Georgia is only about a three-hour drive from Greenville, SC and has a multitude of options for indoor and outdoor fun plus unique experiences like a museum that houses the world’s largest collection of Western Art. It’s amazing, I promise.
Whether you like to explore nature, swim in mountain lakes, dig for fossils, go gem panning, or be mesmerized by Civil War history and Native American sculptures, you’ll find something you will love in Cartersville, Georgia.
This article includes:
What to Do in Cartersville, GA
Where to Eat in Cartersville, GA
Where to Stay in Cartersville, GA
Overall Review of Cartersville, GA
I was blown away by all the things to do in Cartersville, Georgia. I’ll tell you what we did plus give you other places to go that we weren’t able to get to (but wish we could have).
Red Top Mountain Park is situated on the banks of the 12,000-acre Allatoona Lake and has hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, lodging, and camping available. We hiked part of the Homestead Trail, which was blessedly in the shade and had beautiful views of the lake. Our hike was cut short because it was hot and wanted to get swimming!
We checked out the sandy beach, which is pretty big for a mountain beach on a lake. We got there around 11 am on a Sunday and didn’t leave until 2 pm, when the parking lot was nearly full. There are bathrooms, changing areas, and a shower to rinse off the sand afterward plus lots of space to hang hammocks, grill out, and just chill on the beach.
I was regretting the fact that I didn’t bring my paddleboards! I had to be happy with the tubes we brought and just hung out in the lake, read a book, and enjoyed the Georgia sun. It was pretty awesome.
There are places to rent a kayak on the lake and lots of good spots I saw where you can fish or swim. If I had more time in Cartersville, I’d make a day trip out of exploring this park. Admission is just $5 per car (bring cash) or free if you have a Georgia State Parks Pass.
50 Lodge Road SE, Acworth, GA
The Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site is part of Georgia State Parks and is the most intact Mississippian Culture site in the Southeast. There are six earthen mounds here, the highest more than 60 feet (you can climb it), a replica home used by the Native Americans who once lived there, borrow pits, and a defensive ditch (like a moat).
The site dates back to around 1000 to 1550 A.D. when thousands of Native Americans made their homes here along the banks of the Etowah River. You can even walk down to the river to see the unique fish trap they used.
I thought the site was very peaceful. It was quiet and the exhibits really invite you to think about what it was like living there. We did the Jr. Ranger program, which I think is a great way to really dig deeper into the history and learn about it. This would be a great field trip for a homeschooling family.
You can walk to three of the earthen mounds and climb up them via a staircase. There is no shade once you get outside and while the path is wide and not too long to the mounds or the river, it is natural ground so it would be hard for a wheelchair or regular stroller (a jogging stroller would be fine). Admission is $6/adults, $4/kids ages 6-17, and $2/age 6 and under.
813 Indian Mounds Rd, Cartersville, GA
I didn’t know what to expect when I checked out the Booth Western Art Museum. I was totally blown away by this place. A Smithsonian-affiliated institution, the 120,000-square-foot Booth Western Art Museum houses the world’s largest permanent exhibition space of Western Art. But what is Western Art?
We found out that it is art depicting Native Americans and places out West like the Grand Canyon and the Rocky Mountains and art that showcases the struggles, dreams, and legends of people who lived in those lands. It has intricate sculptures of Native American chiefs, an outdoor sculpture garden of cowboys, and even a collection of signed letters from every U.S. President. It was just amazing. My kids were enamored as well.
The “War is Hell” exhibit was remarkable. It depicts the story of the Civil War through beautiful – and realistic – paintings. It was like walking through a history lesson and because of the visible paintings, it captured and held our attention. They also had some Civil War artifacts in the exhibit hall and some of the paintings depicted battles that happened near present-day Cartersville, GA.
The kid’s play area, Sagebrush Ranch, was also amazing. It’s an entire, interactive Western town. Kids can jump up on a horse, ride in a bumpy stagecoach, listen to storytime, play games in a saloon, and put together puzzles in the tackhouse. My kids didn’t want to leave. I didn’t want to leave but the museum was closing and we had to go. I’d love to go back here!
They are open every day except Monday. Adult tickets are $13 and children 12 and under are free. Expect to spend at least 1.5 hours here, maybe more.
501 N Museum Dr, Cartersville, GA
Another Smithsonian museum, the Tellus Science Museum is a wonder. When we arrived, four summer camps with a lot of kids also arrived, yet once we got inside and started exploring, the place didn’t feel crowded at all. It’s huge!
They have multiple permanent exhibits: an enormous mineral gallery with gems, jeweled objects, stones, exhibits on volcanos and earthquakes, and a lifesize Periodic Table (I loved this); another large gallery devoted to science and motion, which has a replica of the Wright Brothers plane, vintage motorcycles, model trains, a fighter jet cockpit, and space capsules; and Discovery Garden, which is a huge backyard-themed kids area with brainteasers, puzzles, simple machines, and rotating exhibits.
One of the biggest exhibits is on dinosaurs. You can’t miss it – they have a huge dinosaur skeleton in the lobby plus multiple skeletons, including a T-Rex, an enormous turtle, sharks, and a strange prehistoric fish creature. They also have gem panning and fossil digs, which are included in your admission. My kids loved digging in the “dirt” for shark teeth and other fossils and gem panning for small gems.
They also have a planetarium and observatory. Planetarium shows are daily and can be added to the cost of your admission. If you have a Roper Mountain Science Center membership for your family, you get in free (yet another reason to have this membership). Otherwise, adult admission is $17 and child (ages 3-17) admission is $13. Expect to spend at least 2.5 hours here. They have a cafe if you’d like to get lunch.
100 Tellus Drive, Cartersville, GA
The arcade at LakePoint Station is just one part of the big entertainment complex. They have a huge arcade, bowling, mini-golf, gem mining, indoor climbing walls, an ice cream and treats shop, and a pizza restaurant. My kids and I love arcades so that’s where we headed.
We threw balls at clowns trying to knock them down in our favorite arcade game for at least 15 minutes and then tried a few others that my kids loved. Prices vary according to activity. They are open daily and have specials so be sure to follow them on social media and check their website before you go.
77 Old Allatoona Road, Cartersville, GA
If my kids and I have a summer weakness, it’s floating aqua parks. We’ve tried most of these within a three-hour driving distance to Greenville and absolutely love sliding around on the inflatable courses, jumping in the water, and trying our best not to wipe out. When I saw Terminus Wake Park across the street from LakePoint Station, I went in to check it out and ultimately booked a session for later that day. Kids have to be ages 5 or older to participate.
It was such a blast! The weather had cleared earlier and it was really hot and humid so the water felt awesome. The course looks relatively new and is in great shape. The life jackets are clean and comfortable as well. If you have younger kids, you may want to go on with them if there are older kids that are on the course with you. They do have lifeguards but some of the rules aren’t enforced and younger kids may get accidentally pushed in by the older ones.
Your best bet is to book your spot online and sign your waiver so you can save time when you get there. They start every hour on the hour. You get 50 minutes on the course and prices are $24-$28 a person depending on if it’s a weekday or weekend/holiday that you choose. They also have a huge wakeboarding park but I’m not brave enough to do that.
171 LakePoint Pkwy, Cartersville, GA
Downtown Cartersville is home to lots of cute shops, small businesses, and restaurants. There are clothing shops, handmade items, coffee, olive oil, outdoor stores, and an old school pharmacy. In fact, just outside the doors of the pharmacy is the world’s first outdoor painted wall sign for Coca-Cola.
Additionally, the history of African American entrepreneurship runs deep in Cartersville. There is a powerful sculpture near the town center called “Pathways to Freedom” that depicts the signs and symbols used by escaped slaves on the Underground Railroad. You can also take the walkable trail to learn more about the history of Black residents in Cartersville-Bartow County.
We didn’t get to these places but think our readers may enjoy them:
Right on Main Street in downtown Cartersville, Maine Street Coastal Cuisine is a casual dining place but definitely make reservations before you go. We went on a Sunday evening and even though we didn’t have reservations, they had some space for us at the large bar so that’s what where we sat. The staff was really great in accommodating us and the food was awesome.
They have several seafood-based dishes as well as burgers, tacos, and a good kids menu. My youngest got Mac & Cheese and it had Old Bay Seasoning. It was so good! What a game-changer. I got steak tip tacos and my other daughter had a burger with fries. Everything was excellent.
24 West Main Street, Cartersville, GA
Put a bagel shop in front of me and I’ll race you to the door. Nagel’s Bagels was our choice of breakfast one morning and they didn’t disappoint. An artisan bagel shop, they specialize in unique bagel flavors that are pretty incredible. My daughters got egg, cheese, and bacon sandwiches. One of the bagels we ordered was a Maple Bacon bagel and I got a Cranberry bagel – both were fantastic. The shop is really cute, too, with lots of space to sit and relax and enjoy your bagels.
125 W Main St, Cartersville, GA
A specialty coffee shop, Noble & Main Coffee Co. is a couple of doors down from Nagel’s Bagels so you could get your coffee and then eat some bagels (which is what we did). I had a rosemary cardamom latte and it was quite flavorful. I’d certainly go back here to try other coffees.
145 W Main St, Cartersville, GA
This cafe is a healthier option for dining with smoothies, salads, and air-fried foods. We went for breakfast and I got a Toasted Coconut coffee that was amazing. My kids got bacon, egg, and cheese croissants that were huge. The owners are the sweetest couple you’ll probably meet and asked my name and my kids’ names and were just so welcoming. Give them a follow on Facebook for updated specials.
650 Henderson Dr Ste 501, Cartersville, GA
We stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott, only a ten-minute drive from downtown Cartersville. The rooms are really nice and spacious with a microwave and a small refrigerator. The beds are comfortable and they have a big lobby and outdoor area to hang out, catch up on some work, or just relax and play games.
My kids loved the outdoor pool and the staff was so helpful in bringing us extra towels. While the hotel does not have a free breakfast, they do offer breakfast and Starbucks coffee as an add-on if you want to eat there.
I really liked this hotel as the location was convenient and the place was very clean.
5460 Highway 20, Cartersville, GA
If you’re headed to North Georgia around this area, there are some pretty fantastic events happening.
I love being pleasantly surprised during a trip with my kids and that was certainly the feeling while exploring Cartersville. The Booth Western Art Museum and the Tellus Museum were both outstanding and I really wish I had more time to stay at both of them. The art at the Booth Museum was astounding and my kids were just as amazed as I was, which I think shows that they can really span generations of interest.
Being an outdoor lover, Red Top Mountain Park was a favorite. I’d go back there just to paddleboard and swim. They offer a yurt and cabins to stay in and I’d totally be up for doing that for a weekend and seeing the museums again for indoor activities. My kids would tell you that they would happily sit in the car for the three-hour drive if they could do the aqua park at Terminus again! I do agree that it was awesome.
For an affordable family trip that has elements to suit pretty much any interest and is within easy driving distance of the Upstate, Cartersville certainly is a fantastic option.
Looking for more travel reviews? See our big Travel section on our website to plan your next amazing trip!
Thinking about turning an adventure into an educational vacation? The Kidding Around team loves to learn on the road and has compiled a list of ideas for educational trips for families. From our nation’s capital to national parks, there is so much to see, memories to make, and things to learn. Here are some places we’ve traveled to where your family can learn something new!
This article includes:
Educational Vacations
Educational Day Trips from Upstate, SC
Searching for the perfect weekend away? You’ll want to book your trip to Pilot Cove in Pisgah National Forest after you read KAG’s review written by Kristina Hernandez. Find out what this unique spot near Brevard, NC offers its guests and all the nearby things to do.
Complimentary nights were given at Pilot Cove and all opinions are those of the author.
Reading the reviews of Pilot Cove as I was getting ready for my trip led me to believe I was in for a real treat. “Nicer than the Grove Park Inn,” wrote one person. Another wrote that she felt like she was staying in a treehouse. Another said he could spend the rest of his life at Pilot Cove. None of these people were wrong. It’s hard to overstate how beautiful, peaceful, and relaxing the cabins are at Pilot Cove, which sits right at the entrance to Pisgah National Forest in Brevard, about ninety minutes from Greenville. But I’ll try anyways.
The location of the cabins are unbeatable, especially if you love the outdoors. You can walk to the entrance of Pisgah Forest or to a handful of restaurants nearby. It’s maybe 30 minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway and less than 20 minutes to Dupont State Forest. Hiking trails, waterfalls, and fly fishing are minutes away.
But the thing is, once you get into your cabin at Pilot Cove, you may not want to leave.
Breathtaking is perhaps the best word I can use to describe the modern, yet rustic, fully-appointed cabins, that are integrated into the forest landscape. The deck at our cabin was big and dreamy with hooks already set for the locally made hammock that you are free to use during your stay (or purchase for $100 and take home with you – don’t think this didn’t cross my mind). The kitchen is spacious for any meals you want to cook. The table is oh-so-gorgeous and also locally crafted from beautiful wood. The furnishings are comfortably classic and you’re surrounded by huge photographs of the surrounding waterfalls and forest.
There is also a mud room and a full washer and dryer so you can get as dirty as you like and still have clean clothes for the rest of your trip. And if it rains, like it did when we were there, the music the water makes on the tin roof is beautiful.
It wasn’t long after I walked into Pilot Cove that I was already dreaming of a return trip. Being able to make your own meals saves a lot of money – there is a Bi-Lo and Wal-Mart within walking distance or a two-minute drive – and there is so much to do within an hour’s drive so you don’t need to go far in search of making lasting memories.
The cabin was also spotless, the beds comfortable, and the property stunning. Pilot Cove has a trail system that runs throughout the land, backing up to Pisgah Forest and a bear sanctuary (we didn’t see any bears though!). The trails are open to both hiking and mountain biking and run about two miles in total. They have a ⅓ mile flow track for serious mountain bikers, which the company absolutely caters to since the owners are avid bikers. If you love that sport, this is the place to go. Each cabin also comes with a spot to wash off the bikes.
We hiked part of the trail and it’s a great workout with beautiful views as you wind around the ridge. I loved this part of the property because even though Pisgah Forest is literally right next door, the owners were thoughtful in their love of the outdoors to include a hiking trail within steps of the doors of the cabin.
Currently, Pilot Cove has 15 cabins that are either studio, one or two bedrooms. They all have the same basic layout and feel that you’re in a treehouse, which is so peaceful and relaxing.
They have plans to expand to 50 cabins plus a “glampground” with showers, picnic areas, fire rings, and even small sheds for bikes. Pilot Cove also hosts events like concerts in their amphitheater and offers yoga classes during the year.
Pilot Cove is open year round, which is perfect for families looking for a quiet retreat for just a few days or a whole week. I really can’t imagine any other location that is more ideal for families who love the outdoors and want to explore the area. During the summer, you can go tubing on the Davidson River basically across the street from the cabins. The fall brings the majestic turning colors of the leaves. Winter is wonderful for exploration during the off-season since the crowds are significantly thinned out. And spring brings wildflowers and the blooming rhododendrons along trails off the Blue Ridge Parkway and throughout Pisgah Forest.
Pilot Cove cabin rates vary by season and size. The off season (January 1- March 1) rates for the studio cabins during the week is $150/night and weekends are $175/night. One bedrooms for the same period are $175/weekday, $199/weekend, and the two bedroom cabin is $239/weekday and $275/weekend. Peak season rates on the studio are $195/weekday and $239/weekend. A one bedroom runs for $245/weekday, $289/weekend, and the two bedroom peak season rates are $299/weekday and $349/weekend.
Some cabins do allow dogs but they must be pre-approved ahead of your stay. No cats are allowed due to guest allergies.
The quaint Downtown Brevard and the bordering Pisgah Forest have plenty of activities, restaurants, and festivities to stay busy and have fun as a family. Here are a few of our favorite places to eat, shop, and enjoy the outdoors.
Rocky’s Grill & Soda Shop in Brevard is a throwback to a 1950s dinner with checkered floor and red vinyl booths. They serve sandwiches, Hershey’s ice cream, milkshakes, burgers, and all kinds of hot dogs.
For the best in European style pastries and breads that are made fresh daily, try Bracken Mountain Bakery in Brevard.
I fell in love with boutique clothing and jewelry shop right off Brevard’s main drag called Poplar & Ash this year while in the area for some waterfall chasing. The owner is an artist herself and somehow finds the most unique shoes and apparel, along with custom jewelry. There’s also a little area for kids to color while parents shop around.
Discovered by my family on a rainy day, the Crystal Mountain Gem Mine in Brevard is really cool and a fun activity for kids. They also sell all kinds of beautiful jewelry from local artists and is right on the main street through town.
Transylvania County is home to over 200 waterfalls so checking them out is a must-do on a trip to the area. My favorites are Looking Glass Falls, right off 276 in Pisgah Forest, which you can see from the road, and Moore Cove Falls, which is on a short hike right past Looking Glass Falls. Dupont Forest is close as well, where you can easily see three or four waterfalls in a single hike.
If your family loves hiking, Brevard is the place to be. Swing through Dupont Forest for pretty easy hikes or try Daniel Ridge Loop in Pisgah Forest for a more challenging 4+ mile hike. I loved the view from Frying Pan Tower, a two-mile round trip hike off the Blue Ridge Parkway, that affords 360 views of the mountains. The options are endless but here are some hiking in Pisgah recommendations.
I’m no fly fisherman but every time I’ve been hiking in this area, I see fly fisherman, which has peaked my interest in the activity. Within an hour of Brevard, there are more than 500 miles of prime fly fishing waters. Headwater Outfitters and Davidson River Outfitters are two of the local companies that provide intro classes and fly fishing trips.
Mountain biking is a big draw to Pisgah Forest and a love of the owners of Pilot Cove, which is why they built their own flow track on the property for use by guests. Here is great info on where to go if you mountain bike near Pilot Cove.
During the summer, be sure to tube the Davidson River in Pisgah Forest. Every time we came to the forest during the warmer months, we saw people tubing and were a bit jealous.
I had no idea river snorkeling was a thing until I saw it on a brochure in the cabin at Pilot Cove. Oxbow River Snorkeling actually offers this cool water activity in rivers in Western North Carolina.
Don’t let rain stop your family from having fun on your trip. There are two really cool places in Pisgah Forest you should visit if the weather isn’t cooperating for outdoor activities. The Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education is a fish hatchery where you can see lots of trout getting ready to be released into local waters as well as learn about the environment, watersheds, and foliage in both indoor and outdoor exhibits. It’s free, too.
The Cradle of Forestry has an amazing indoor, interactive exhibit that is outfitted to look like a forest with a little cave and staircase to get to the top of a tree. There is even a helicopter that plays a video where it seems you are flying over a forest fire. Outdoors trails are a part of the Cradle of Forestry as well if you’d like to explore old trains and cabins and learn about the history of the area.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a must-do if you visit during the fall season when the leaves turn shades of bright reds, oranges, and yellows. Seeing it in photos and see it in person are two separate experiences and choose the latter if you can. The scenery is just stunning and from Pilot Cove, you can be at the entrance to the Parkway within 30 minutes.
The Blue Ghost firefly tour out of the Cradle of Forestry in May is also an experience not to be missed. The small fireflies light up along the pitch black pathway of the trail and it feels like you’re walking in a dream. I did it this year and was mesmerized!
Sierra Nevada Brewery is a great place to spend a few hours with your family as they have a little kids play area, corn hole, a huge outdoor space, live music, and great food and beer. You can get there in 25 minutes from Pilot Cove.
Sometimes I feel like living in Greenville isn’t real, that I’ll wake up from the best dream ever and realize I don’t live here any longer. Not only is Greenville a wonderful place for families, but some of our country’s most astounding landmarks are within a 90 minute drive from the Upstate – how awesome is that?! If you’re considering exploring Brevard during any time of the year, certainly look at Pilot Cove. Those memories you’ll make as a family are irreplaceable.
