Are you looking for things to do during Thanksgiving in Greenville, SC? Local mom Kristina Hernandez shares her list of things you can do as a family over Thanksgiving break, including volunteer opportunities, events, and even local hiking spots. Whether you are on your own or have family visiting for Thanksgiving, this is the list you need for a great holiday weekend.
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Posts Tagged ‘Visiting Greenville’
10 Kid-Friendly Restaurant Options That Aren’t Fast Food in Greenville, SC
Have you been searching for restaurants that are a little fancier, but are kid-friendly? Greenville, SC has several that are both! If you’re looking for a nice restaurant to celebrate something special or just something a bit nicer than chicken nuggets, check out this list of the best restaurants for kids in Greenville, SC.
Dining out with kids isn’t only for intrepid parents who’ve taken their kids to dinner since birth. Parents deserve some fun and creative dining experiences that don’t involve chicken tenders! To make it a more fun and memorable experience, in addition to providing you with a few dinner suggestions (not the usual suspects), we’ve also shared some of our tips below based on our dining experiences around town.
(more…)Bring on the Biscuits, Greenville’s Got a New Culinary Tour
I’ve got 4 words for you: Breakfast Tour in Greenville. If there’s anything better than breakfast, it’s having breakfast three times in one morning. John Nolan, owner of Greenville History Tours, feels the same. He’s created a culinary tour of three breakfast-focused restaurants in Greenville that will leave you not only content and full, but yearning to schedule time to go back and spend an entire morning at any of them.
Kidding Around Greenville got to try this breakfast adventure and we cannot wait to share it with you.
Culinary Tours
If you are unfamiliar with John Nolan and his culinary tours, they are easily one of the best events in Greenville. It doesn’t matter if you’re visiting town, have lived here for years, or just moved in. John has mastered the art of delivering the VIP experience to guests of some of the town’s best restaurants, all the while regaling guests with tales from Greenville’s past, complete with photos.
At the Chef’s Table Culinary Tour, chefs at the restaurant stops mingle with guests, take them into their kitchens, and share food and drinks. John points out the ruins of textile mills, explains how the town was named, and shows old photos of Main Streets. I got to go on one of these tours and it was incredible. I’ve since taken my husband and the experience was just as good.
So when John reached out and told us at Kidding Around Greenville that he was launching a breakfast tour, I was all in. Breakfast is my ultimate favorite meal of the day. Game on.
Breakfast Tour
The restaurant scene is exploding in Greenville but the breakfast places aren’t getting much love. This tour highlights some of the best places in the area and wow, are they yummy.
The driving tour starts on Main Street and heads to Southern Pressed Juicery.
Founded and established in Greenville, Southern Pressed Juicery is focused on helping you take care of your health and well-being.
Their menu consists of fresh juices, acai bowls, smoothies, and salads. There’s even a Sweet Treats section with an assortment of doughnuts.
Biscuits Next
We continued on… and before we knew it, John had stopped the van at our next destination, Biscuit Head.
Truthfully, this was the place I was looking forward to the most because…biscuits. I love them. I love making them and I love eating them.
Biscuit Head opened in 2013 and has been busy ever since. Their whimsical design and creative dishes keep guests coming back for more. They even have their own cookbook that patrons can purchase.
We had a divine dish of a poached egg with lime zest, a lime crema, and a grilled chicken biscuit with avocado and mango salsa. The biscuit was so good but what pushed this dish off the charts was the jam bar.
This jam bar was crazy. It was all kinds of homemade jam, like sweet potato chai, peach, and raspberry, plus butters like the s’mores butter. It was just as tasty as it sounds. I can still taste the flavors as I write this. This was my favorite part. I should have asked for another biscuit just so I could try more jams.
And Biscuit Head sells all of their jams to go. Winner.
Oh, and the owners surprised us with a little mimosa to round out the meal. As with everything else they served, it was excellent.
Tacos…or Croissants
The last stop on your tour will either be Papis Tacos or Le Petit Croissant.
Papi’s Tacos has delicious tacos with an incredible view of the Reedy River. Their menu also features nachos and burrito bowls. And for your sweet tooth, you’ll find churros and gelato.
Le Petit Croissant specializes in artisan chocolates and pastries, but they also have a breakfast menu featuring avocado toast, B.E.C. (bacon, egg, and cheese), quiches, and other breakfast sandwiches and croissants.
Want to go?
Tours take place every Tuesday and Thursday morning at 9 am.
I’d do this again in a heartbeat… especially as a date. As a working parent, I’d also have no hesitation to reserve a spot for a client coming into town or as a breakfast meeting. It’s such an interesting idea for a creative outing in Greenville whether you are a native or just visiting.
It’s also a great way to begin a Girls Day Out or even a special Moms Morning Out or something similar. It makes a fantastic gift for friends as well.
Breakfast is underrated in my humble opinion. John Nolan and Greenville History Tours elevates breakfast the way it should be and delivers a memorable experience at the same time.
To sign up, go to the Greenville History Tours website (you can also register for John’s other great history and culinary tours as well).
Want more tours?
We have a huge list of all the foodie, history, nature, and family tours (plus a few really unique options).
Check out the KA Guide to Greenville, SC Tours for more!
Does the breakfast tour sound like a fantastic way to spend a morning to you?
A Guide To Popular Venues In Downtown Greenville, SC
Are you thinking of heading to Downtown Greenville to catch a Broadway show, sporting event, or other fun activity at one of the theater, sports, or entertainment venues in Greenville, SC? Whether you’re heading to a show at the Peace Center, a concert at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena, or a Greenville Drive game at Fluor Field, we have the info you need to make the most of your night (or day) out on the town like where to park and eat at each venue.
This article includes:
The Peace Center
Bon Secours Wellness Arena
Fluor Field
The Warehouse Theatre
The Greenville Theatre
The South Carolina Children’s Theatre
Legacy Early College Field
Visiting Greenville, SC? Or maybe you’re thinking of making a stay-cation out of an event happening in Downtown Greenville? Here’s the information you need!
- Check out the Kidding Around Guide To Hotels In Downtown Greenville, SC!
- Wondering where to park? The Kidding Around Guide To Parking In Downtown Greenville can help!
- Here are the best restaurants in Downtown Greenville, SC.
- Fill your days with fun! Things to Do in Downtown Greenville.
The Peace Center: Broadway Performances, World-Class Musicians, and Top Tier Comedians
Have you enjoyed a performance at the Peace Center? Broadway productions are just one of the many events hosted at this stunning theatre in Greenville, SC. The event space regularly hosts comedians, musicians, symphony and ballet performances, and special events.
Peace Center Ticket Giveaway: Coco in Concert
Giveaway: Peace Center is bringing Disney Pixar’s Coco in Concert on Tour to their stage October 21st at 6:30 PM. One lucky Kidding Around reader will win 4 FREE TICKETS to the show! Scroll down to enter. Thank you to the Peace Center for sponsoring this giveaway!
One lucky Kidding Around reader will win 4 FREE TICKETS to see Disney Pixar’s Coco in Concert on Tour at the Peace Center. This giveaway runs from October 10 – October 17, 2023, 11:59PM. Scroll down to enter. Good luck!
Disney Pixar’s Coco in Concert on Tour
Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel (voice of Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz (voice of Benjamin Bratt). Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Héctor (voice of Gael García Bernal), and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history. Disney and Pixar’s Coco is directed by Lee Unkrich (Toy Story 3), co-directed by Adrian Molina (story artist Monsters University), and produced by Darla K. Anderson (Toy Story 3).
Disney Pixar’s Coco Live-to-Film Concert on Tour features a screening of the complete film with Oscar® and Grammy®-winning composer Michael Giacchino’s musical score performed by the 20-member Orquesta Folclórica Nacional de México. In addition to the original score by Giacchino, Coco also features the Oscar®-winning song “Remember Me” by Oscar®-winning songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, and additional songs co-written by Germaine Franco and co-director and screenwriter Adrian Molina.
Showtime: October 21, 2023, 6:30 PM
Giveaway Terms & Conditions
Not only that, but the Peace Center partners with several local art organizations to allow them to present their performances regularly. So, grab your tickets and enrich your life with one of the spectacular shows at the Peace Center!
- You must be 18 or older and live in the USA to enter this giveaway.
- You must use a valid email address to enter this giveaway.
- We will contact the winner via the email address provided on October 18, 2023. The winner will have 24 hours to respond via email. If the winner does not respond within 24 hours, the prize will be forfeited and another winner chosen. Directions for claiming the prize will be given via email. A valid photo ID and/or mailing address may be required.
- One entry per person per day.
- For a complete list of Kidding Around Greenville SC’s giveaway policies and terms and conditions, see the Kidding Around Greenville SC policy page. By entering this giveaway, you agree to comply with Kidding Around Greenville SC’s terms and conditions.
- If you have any issues with the giveaway not appearing, try this link. If you still have issues, please email [email protected] .
Types of Events at the Peace Center
The Peace Center currently has three event spaces where you can catch some fabulous theatre productions and musical acts. The Peace Concert Hall usually houses the biggest productions, like Broadway performances and major musical acts. You will find more intimate performances and special events in the Gunther Theatre adjacent to the main hall.
The Peace Center also has an outdoor performance space right on the Reedy River, the Peace Pavillion. There, you can boogie to the White Claw summer concert series and other special events. Occasionally throughout the year, you will find speakers and Peace Talk events in the Ramsaur Studio.
Peace Center Broadway Productions 2023-2024
It is pretty hard to make it to New York City to see a Broadway production, especially when you have kids. No worries, because the Peace Center hosts several Broadway performances each year, many of which are Tony Award-winning productions!
These showings make an excellent date night or even go by yourself for some quality alone time. All of the shows are highly technical and have all the glitz, spectacular set design, and highly acclaimed actors and actresses that you would find on Broadway.
The Peace Center Broadway 2023-2024 season includes:
- MJ The Musical: September 19-24, 2023
- Funny Girl: October 31-November 5, 2023
- The Wiz: November 21-26, 2023
- Company: January 23-28, 2024
- Girl from the North Country: February 6-11, 2024
- Tina: The Tina Turner Musical: March 19-24, 2024
- Clue: The New Comedy: April 16-21, 2024
- Peter Pan: April 23-28, 2024
- Mrs. Doubtfire: May 7-12, 2024
- Mama Mia!: June 4-9, 2024
Concerts, Comedians, Ballet, and More!
The Peace Center hosts some of the world’s most popular and iconic musicians and comedians throughout the year. The larger performances are usually held in the Peace Concert Hall. This event space has three levels, including the orchestra, the founder’s circle (the first piece of the balcony), and the third balcony.
The acoustics are some of the best around, everything sounds better there because of the fabulous architectural design. Seating at the event space is comfortable, so the enjoyment is elevated.
You can find information on the upcoming events at the Peace Center, including seating chart information, on their webpage to help you choose the best seats for your next night out.
If you are a classical music or jazz lover, then you will find some of the best symphony performances at The Gunter Theatre and the Peace Concert Hall throughout the year! They even have keynote speakers and special symphony events like Harry Potter and the Sorcerors Stone in Concert.
You can also watch spectacular ballet productions, including annual performances of The Nutcracker by the International Ballet each winter. These performances are stunning, and a wonderful way to get your children interested in performance arts.
Peace Pavilion White Claw Concert Series
Enjoy live music right on the Reedy River at the Peace Center’s White Claw Concerts at the Peace Pavilion. These outdoor concerts are pretty popular, so tickets tend to sell out quickly!
Food purchases from The Wyche can be brought into the venue, so if you’re looking to snack and drink while you listen to excellent music, this is the place! You can also drink alcohol during the White Claw concerts, so be sure to get your 21+ wristbands at The Wyche or the box office before the show begins.
The seats at this venue are lawn seating, so we recommend bringing blankets, chairs, or seat cushions so that you are comfortable. You can also pay a little extra for Genevieve’s Seating, where you will have access to an air-conditioned lounge, a cash bar, a balcony view of the Reedy River, and private restrooms.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Peace Center is highly accessible and offers various accommodations to make all of its guests comfortable, including wheelchair accessibility, sign language interpreters, and assistive listening. Learn more about additional Performance accessibility on the Peace Center website.
- Food and drink are not allowed inside the venue spaces except for the outdoor Peace Pavilion.
- You are not allowed to take photos inside the concert halls, so keep your cell phones silent and take in the memory!
- Some shows are appropriate for children, but that is at the discretion of the parents. The Peace Center does recommend that children 5 and under not attend performances.
- Learn more about buying tickets and attending the show on the Peace Center’s information page.
Dining at Genevieve’s: Restaurant Inside the Peace Center
You can hold a table at Genevieve’s if you would like to have dinner and drinks before the event. This full-service restaurant is a great way to start your date night. The restaurant is open two hours before the event showtime. It is also open between the matinee and evening show during Broadway performances.
There are also several excellent restaurants in the area surrounding the Peace Center. You will find some of the best restaurants in our Guide to Restaurants in Downtown Greenville, including reviews and recommendations based on various criteria.
Dining Downtown?
Check out our Guide to Restaurants in Downtown Greenville to make your date night perfect!
Peace Center Tickets
The only way to safely purchase Peace Center tickets for Broadway shows and musical acts is directly through the Peace Center event page or from the box office. If you would like to purchase a subscription package for the Peace Center Broadway productions, you can do that as well. The subscription gives you discounted tickets, premium seating options, and early access if you need additional tickets.
It is best to steer clear of third-party sellers to avoid annoying price hikes and the risk of receiving unusable tickets.
Learn more about digital ticketing and seating charts on the Peace Center website.
Parking Near the Peace Center
There is free parking along Main Street and crossing side streets. Public parking garages in the area can be found in our KA Guide to Parking in Downtown Greenville. The Poinsett Garage and River Place Garage are two of the closest parking garages to the Peace Center.
During events, there are several paid parking lots in the vicinity, including directly across the street beside Grill Marks.
Check out our Guide to Parking in Downtown Greenville to find the best places to park (many of which are free nights and weekends).
Coming by 2030: AMP- The Music Project
By 2030, the Peace Center plans to expand through its AMP project. This expansion is a huge undertaking that is going to transform several buildings around the main theatre, further solidifying Greenville as an art and music epicenter of the SouthEast.
The expansion will house the Coach Music Factory, a multi-genre music venue in addition to a listening room and lounge, The Mockingbird. The Peace Center plans to renovate several buildings in the process with the AMP vision. Keep an eye out for more information about the 2030 Vision Plan.
Peace Center
300 West Broad Street, Greenville
864.467.3000
Box office hours: Monday – Friday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Discover more of Greenville’s Popular Entertainment and Sports Venues.
Greenville Zoo: Everything YOU Need to Know for a Perfect Visit
Got an hour or two to take a walk on the wild side at the Greenville Zoo in Greenville, SC? The Greenville Zoo offers a quick and easy zoo experience. While not large, it includes many animals kids love, and it’s an easy activity even if you only have an hour or two. Here’s all you need to know to plan your visit.
(more…)5 Fantastic Places for BBQ: Greenville, SC
Craving some great BBQ? Greenville, SC has been named one of the best cities in the nation for barbecue – yet another reason why this place is so great. But wow, Kidding Around readers have lots of opinions on the BBQ scene in this town and were quick to give props to their favorite eateries when asked. So we figured – hey, why not have a list of our readers’ favorite places to enjoy one of the best kinds of cuisine in the south. So here it is. Discover the slow-cooked perfection that is the best BBQ: Greenville, SC-style.
Having sampled a good deal of BBQ here, my own favorite is Bucky’s, but I can’t wait to try these others!
Top Things to Do at Falls Park in Greenville, SC
Have you explored Falls Park? Greenville SC has one of the most gorgeous parks in the country. Falls Park on the Reedy River is the statement piece of the West End of Downtown Greenville, South Carolina.
With the Liberty Bridge as the centerpiece, grassy fields to frolic in, gardens to explore, and even some special events throughout the year, the park makes a great place to play at. Find out why Falls Park is one of the nation’s best city parks for 2023, and why we love it too!
What We Love To Do at Falls Park
If you are looking for something family-friendly to do in Greenville SC, Falls Park on the Reedy River is a wonderful day to spend the day. Its natural beauty has been amplified by strategic gardening and architectural planning, adding to its charm and Southern romanticism.
What used to be a grist mill has transformed into a charming area to relax and connect with our community in large part to a combined effort of Furman University, the City of Greenville, and the Carolina Foothills Garden Club. Good thing they put in so much effort because Falls Park is thriving!
Take in the Sights on Liberty Bridge
The suspension bridge, plastered on postcards, magazine articles, and Greenville merchandise, is stunning. The bridge is an architectural masterpiece that offers spectacular views of the falls.
If you walk out onto the bridge, it is a great place to take photos while taking in views of the falls and downtown Greenville. Liberty Bridge is particularly beautiful at night, as the area is lit up with lights, and the downtown area is illuminated.
Enjoy a Picnic on the Grassy Spaces
Located around Liberty Bridge is several open field areas to lay down a blanket for a picnic, play with your kids, or watch street performers and buskers on a warm afternoon. Though you may be tempted to take a dip in the river while playing in the grassy spaces, know that it is forbidden to play in the Reedy River. The river has a high level of bacteria that can make you sick!
Explore the Gardens
The Carolina Foothills Garden Club Sanctuary and Pedrick’s Garden at Falls Park are two of the most popular downtown. These gardens feature mixes of foliage, literal tons of gorgeous stonework, and are a great way to have your kids burn off some energy. We always see a lizard or two while there.
Be sure to get the obligatory photo with the Medusa tree located near the Governor’s School. Many of the gardens run along the river, so be careful not to damage the plants while exploring. There are also a number of ducks, geese, and other wildlife you will want to be sure to avoid. Never feed the ducks bread!
Explore more gardens near Greenville, SC, several of which are near Falls Park!
Special Events Held at Falls Park
Most of the popular events in Downtown Greenville spill over into the Falls Park area, but there are several regularly scheduled events that occur here.
Every spring, thousands descend upon Falls Park to watch little yellow ducks float over the falls in hopes of winning a grand prize. Don’t worry, they are little rubber ducks, but the event is so much fun! Before the ducks fall over the falls, there are tons of family-friendly activities throughout the park, including face painting, duck-related crafts, and more.
Learn More about the annual Reedy River Duck Derby at Falls Park, Greenville, SC
Upstate Shakespeare Festival
This FREE festival runs from the end of May until the end of July each year in Falls Park. Performances on held on the stage located down the stairs and to the right of Liberty Bridge on the grassy field at the TD Amphitheatre.
Shows are around 2 hours long, and showcase classic Shakespearean plays such as Macbeth, The Merry Wives of Windsor, and more! Bring a lawn chair, a picnic blanket, and maybe even a bottle of wine (21 and older with a $1 wristband) to have a perfect night out!
Moonlight Movies
Every Thursday in September and October, you can watch a free movie on the lawn of Falls Park. There are local food vendors, and alcohol is allowed if you purchase a $1 wristband. The movies are typically teen and adult-friendly and include some popular titles that you will actually enjoy watching.
The Greenville Christmas Market at the Grand Bohemian Lodge
The annual Greenville Christmas Market is located right off the end of the Liberty Bridge on the grassy field in front of the Grand Bohemian Lodge. This outdoor market runs from late November to Early January and has gifts, treats, and more for the perfect gift. Your kids can also meet with Santa. There is also a stunning 20ft Christmas tree you can smell from the other side of the bridge.
The Greenville Christmas Market at the Grand Bohemian Lodge is the place to be during the holiday season!
Dining Near Falls Park
There are dozens of dining options near Falls Park, but if you’re looking for views of the park, then these restaurants and cafes will fit your criteria.
Spill the Beans
This cafe has delicious coffee, gourmet ice cream, milkshakes, and more. If you want to eat inside, they have a window view of the falls, but you can sit outside around the fountains and enjoy your sweet treat as well.
Passerelle French Bistro
The bistro sits right off the stairs that lead down to Liberty Bridge. They offer French cuisine, indoor and outdoor seating, and the perfect date night atmosphere.
What’s your favorite thing to do at Falls Park?
Looking for More Things to Do? Check out our KA Guide to Downtown Greenville, SC in Greenville County.
