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Posts Tagged ‘Visiting Greenville’

5 Fantastic Places for BBQ: Greenville, SC

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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!

BBQ Greenville, SC
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Top Things to Do at Falls Park in Greenville, SC

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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! 

Liberty Bridge at Falls Park on the Reedy River in Greenville, SC

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!

Looking at the falls and Medusa Tree, at Falls Park, Greenville, SC

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!

Lawn areas and view of the Reedy River at Falls Park, Greenville, SC.

Linky Stone Park, Greenville, SC

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.

Reedy River Duck Derby

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.

The Duck Derby in Greenville, SC

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.

Greenville Christmas Market scenes

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?

Falls Park Guide to Downtown Greenville, SC.

Looking for More Things to Do? Check out our KA Guide to Downtown Greenville, SC in Greenville County.


Escape Artist Is One of Greenville’s Best Places for Fun and Mystery

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Do you think you can beat the clock at Escape Artist Greenville SC? Several years ago, some friends were visiting from out of town and wanted to meet up. When we asked them what they would like to do, they suggested that we meet up at one of Greenville’s top escape rooms, Escape Artist Greenville. We are very glad that we said yes. In fact, we had such a great time we can’t stop recommending Escape Artist to all of our friends in Greenville.

Escape Artist Greenville

Liberty Bridge at Falls Park

Looking for more fun things to do downtown? Check out the KA Guide to Downtown Greenville.

What is Escape Artist Greenville Like?

Upon arriving, we were energized immediately by owners Will and Kim Rutherford’s enthusiasm. It was impossible to not catch the excitement about trying to test our group’s wits against one of their escape rooms.

After a short explanation of rules such as “don’t tear apart the ceiling” followed by a creepy story intro we handed over our iPhones and headed into  “Dr. Fratelli’s cabin”. Inside the mad scientist’s cabin, we quickly got to work looking inside and under the many objects in order to start finding clues. These clues then led to puzzles that had to be solved in order to find the special locked exit and escape the room where Dr. Fratelli had trapped us. Of course, the primary entrance remained unlocked so we weren’t actually physically locked in. It is just a game!

We were given just one hour to escape the room, but we had the ability to ask for three clues during our hour. Will was watching us through his surveillance cameras and was quick to offer the exact help needed for each clue. The puzzles were challenging but still simple enough for a group to solve.

Did We Escape?

Of course, the first question everyone asks is “Did you escape?” Actually, Will told us that only 20-25% of the groups that try the room “get out”. We made it though with only a couple of minutes left to spare and we used all 3 hints.

Will greeted us after we finished and shared his own observations of how we solved the puzzle. We then were allowed to grab our phones again so that Kim could take a victory photo for us showcasing our time.

Objects and clues at Escape Artist Greenville SC
Photo Credit: Eli Warren, used by permission from Escape Artist Greenville

Is Escape Artist Greenville Worth the Money?

Escape Artist is a little bit more expensive than most of the attractions my husband and I visit, starting at around $30/person. It was worth every penny we spent. We had so much fun working together, laughing at our mistakes, and bragging about what we solved. The room was very well designed, all of the clues were clear and worked correctly, and Will & Kim executed everything wonderfully. It’s no wonder that they have received so many 5 star reviews.

Any hints?

Well, of course, I can’t give any hints on how to solve the puzzle because that would ruin the fun, but here are a couple tips to help you have the best chances of victory:

  1. Don’t be afraid to ask for a clue when you are stuck. It’s better to use them up than not get out!
  2. Get started quickly. Don’t be shy about looking around the room when you enter it. The sooner you find your first clues the better.
  3. Don’t overthink your clues. None of the clues will require knowing weird facts and you won’t mess up your clues by touching or moving objects in the room.
  4. Playing an escape room game on your tablet or phone ahead of time will help give you an idea of the types of puzzles you might encounter.
  5. Have fun! Don’t get too stressed out. This activity is all about having a good time.

What About Kids?

I visited Escape Artist Greenville with 3 other adults and I thought that it was a great adult activity but older children and teens would definitely enjoy it as well. Children under 16 are allowed to attend with an adult, and Will told us that he had even recently hosted a party of 11-year-olds. Will did tell us that he adapts the clues as necessary for children and that the children who have come through really have enjoyed the puzzle. All of the content in the story and inside the room was appropriate for any age audience and there weren’t any thematic elements that would scare a child.

About Escape Artist: Greenville SC

Be sure to book your time ahead of time online. Due to the nature of the event, space is limited and 2 hours advanced reservation is required.

This attraction is completely unique to Greenville. While there are other “escape rooms” in Greenville and in other cities, Will & Kim specifically designed this room and story making it a one-of-a-kind adventure.

The attraction can fit 2-8 people at a time. Your group may get placed with another group if you don’t purchase the entire 8 tickets.

In addition to Dr. Fratelli’s Cabin, there are four other escape rooms including our current favorite Starlight Motel (a spooky, interactive room for adults). You can read about Starlight Motel in our review.

There is a second location of Escape Artist Greenville, located at Hampton Station. The Hampton Station location has fewer rooms (Help Wanted and Dark Lullaby), but the proximity to dining, breweries, and shopping makes it a great activity.

The Escape Artist Greenville: SC Has Two Locations!

209 East Stone Avenue, Greenville, SC
864-509-9305
info@escapeartistgreenville.com
www.escapeartistgreenville.com
Book the Downtown Greenville location

Hampton Station
1320 Hampton Avenue, Bay 11C, Greenville, SC
Book the Hampton Station location

Have you ever visited The Escape Artist or another Escape Room in Greenville? We would love to hear what you thought in the comments!

Guide to things to do indoors, Greenville, SC

There is still fun to have indoors!

KA Premier Guide to Things to Do Inside

Enjoy great food, breweries, activities, and more at Hampton Station in Greenville, SC

Things to do at Hampton Station in Greenville, SC

10+ Family Friendly Bike Trails: Greenville, SC

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Are you looking for a place to ride bikes as a family? Maybe you’re looking for scenic bike trails? Greenville, SC has quickly grown into a bicyclist haven since the creation of the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail. With that, more natural and paved biking trails have emerged. Below, you will find a list of some of the best bike trails Greenville, SC and the surrounding area have to offer. Don’t have your own bike? Don’t worry! You will also find places to rent bikes if you don’t have your own.

biking trails greenville sc

Biking can involve the whole family – whether the kids are old enough to ride on their own or ride in a trailer or on a bike seat. Here’s our list of family-friendly bike trails in and near Greenville, SC. 

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15 Beautiful Gardens You Should Explore Near Greenville, SC

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Does your family love to visit botanical gardens in Greenville, SC, or are you looking for an opportunity to introduce your child to the wonders of a magical garden? There are several beautiful gardens in Greenville. Peruse our list and find the perfect botanical garden in Greenville to visit on a sunny afternoon.

Gardens near Greenville, SC
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Things to Do When Visiting Greenville, SC

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Looking for some fun things to do when you visit Greenville, SC? There are so many opportunities for memories to be made… from visiting museums to hiking to chasing waterfalls to bike riding to letting your inner foodie enjoy bites throughout town to taking a stroll down Main Street… you are bound to find something for everyone in the family to enjoy. To make planning your trip to Greenville a little easier, we’ve rounded up a list of things for you to do while you’re here.

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5 Best Breakfast Restaurants in Greenville, SC

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Are you looking for some new awesome breakfast restaurants in Greenville, SC? For a tired parent, the prospect of getting out of bed any earlier than absolutely necessary is totally absurd. The only thing that might make it happen is an epic breakfast cooked (and cleaned up) by someone other than you. We get it! That’s why we recently polled Kidding Around Readers to find out what locally owned breakfast places have the power to get you up and dressed in the morning!

Reader Picks for The Best Breakfast in Greenville, SC

dog/cocoa/avocado toast
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A Weekend Visit to Greenville, SC: Things to Do for Everyone

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Are you thinking of visiting Greenville and you aren’t sure where to start? We’ve got you covered with several different itineraries depending on your family, traveling party and children’s ages. We have ideas for families with young children, big kids, a couples trip, and more. Let us do all the planning for you so you can just enjoy your time together. 

It’s finally the weekend and you are planning on making a trip to Greenville, SC. Whether you have young children in your family or you’ve managed to find childcare and have a weekend away with your significant other, we’ve got lots of ideas to keep you and your family entertained once you arrive on Friday. Greenville is truly full of parks, events, concerts, restaurants, and trails and quite the destination in and of itself, which makes finding something to do on weekends more of an adventure than a chore.

Kidding Around Greenville has a really helpful calendar on the site of events happening daily, so be sure to make that your first stop when planning your weekend. And then use your imagination, or copy the itineraries listed below and claim them as your own!

This article includes:
Weekend Things to Do: Family With Small Kids Visiting Greenville, SC
Weekend Things to Do: Family With Older Kids Visiting Greenville, SC
A Great Weekend Family Trip to Greenville, SC
Visiting Greenville, SC for a Weekend Couples Retreat
Helpful Links for Visitors to Greenville, SC
Explore the Upstate, SC Area

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Plan the Ultimate Greenville Staycation this Summer

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This summer seems to have flown by faster than any other, and with only a few weeks left before school, you might want to plan a vacation. Stumped on where to go? Look no further than your own city. We’ll give you lots of ideas on what to do and where to stay so you can create your very own perfect staycation!

Right here in Greenville are some exciting places to stay in town, and complete a day trip that will make this summer stand out from all the others. The hotels and suites around town and the surrounding areas with all of the lakes, parks, and amusement activities will make you feel like a tourist in your own town. So why travel when you can vacation in Greenville?

staycation in Greenville

Start with the perfect hotel

While there are tons of hotels to pick from in Greenville, we’re highlighting a few in different parts of town.

Embassy Suites on Verdae or Downtown on the Reedy both offer free hot buffet breakfast, happy hour, and indoor pools. Book Verdae or Downtown.

Off of Pelham Road, hotels on The Parkway and Beacon Drive are close to restaurants and the Interstate! Choose from The Marriott on the ParkwayHome2U Suites or Fairfield Inn and Suites.

In the middle of all the action, along Woodruff Road, options include Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton Inn.

And to book the Westin Poinsett in smack dab Downtown Greenville, click here.

Plan your day

Whether you stay in town or drive for about an hour, here are some ways to make your stay-cation the best.

Carowinds in Charlotte, NC

Carowinds

In Charlotte, only about an hour and a half away, Carowinds is an amusement park with tons of roller coasters, attractions, and rides for all ages! Purchase tickets here. Find out why KAG Contributor Jennifer’s family loves Carowinds so much!

Discovery Island Water Park

In Greenville, this awesome water park is barely a drive away! For all ages, tickets can be purchased at the gate, and season passes are available here. Also, be sure to read our review of Discovery Island.

Bike the Swamp Rabbit Trail

If you don’t have your own bike, Reedy Rides bike rentals is affordable and reliable for renting bikes by the half day, day, weekend, or full week! Right off Main Street Downtown, Reedy Rides is close to the trail and hotels and restaurants! We have a handy Swamp Rabbit Trail itinerary and a Family Guide to the Trail that you’ll want to check out before you go.

Dollar Movies

On Tuesdays during the summer, Regal Theaters host dollar movies! You may even be able to find a free movie this summer. After all, doesn’t everyone love going to the movies?

US National Whitewater Center

It may be a bit of a drive as it’s in Charlotte, but for a day’s worth of fun and exercise, it is well worth it! No reservations need to be made, but you can check out prices here.

Greenville Zoo staycation ideas

The Greenville Zoo

Check out the fish, reptiles, and elephants right downtown Greenville at the Greenville Zoo! Tickets can be purchased at the time of arrival, but here’s the calendar of events planned this summer.

Greenville stay-cations are the route to take when you’re in a bind for time but still want to get one last vacation in before school starts back up in August. In the blink of an eye, we’ll all be back into the full swing of things, so before gearing up and getting back in routines, look no further than your own wonderful city to squeeze in one last vacation. After all, Greenville is the best place to be, so why go anywhere else?

What’s your favorite thing to do on a staycation?

Meet Local Author Melinda Long of How I Became a Pirate

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Ever wonder where the words come from? Children’s books have always been my passion, so I was excited to sit down and chat with children’s author, Melinda Long. As the author of many wonderful books for kids, including How I Became a Pirate, she’s someone you’ll want to learn more about too.

Meet Melinda Long

KAG: Where are you from and what led you to Greenville?

ML: I am originally from Spartanburg, SC. Growing up, my family lived in Tennessee and Columbia, to name a couple. We moved to the town of Travelers Rest when I was ten years old. Once I met Tom and got married, we moved closer to Greenville.

KAG: At what point did you decide you wanted to be a children’s author?

ML: I’ve been writing since I was six years old. I would make up stories and write on anything I could get my hands on. I remember my mother buying me a typewriter to “keep me company!” In elementary school, I was always making up stories and telling them to my friends. The teacher even allowed me to perform puppet shows for my classmates. When I was in college, I had a professor at Furman University who loved Children’s Literature. She encouraged me and that’s when I decided I wanted to pursue children’s writing as a career.

*Melinda’s first children’s book, When Papa Snores, was published by Simon & Schuster in 2000.

KAG: What made you decide to write a series about Pirates?

ML: Believe it or not, I loved to play pirates when I was a kid. I’m no artist, but I would draw pirate hats on paper. Mom’s earrings were the perfect “treasure” to hide in the backyard! After I finished my first book, I remember walking through Barnes & Noble with Tom, envisioning the exact spot where my books would be placed on the shelf. A sales lady walked up and we began chatting. At some point in our conversation, she told me that “there aren’t many books written about Pirates…” And the rest is history.

*Fun Fact: How I Became A Pirate is being performed around the world as a play. There’s even a Christmas musical with the same characters based on a short story written by Melinda (Jingle “Argh” the Way).

KAG: What was your favorite children’s book – what did you read to your children?

ML: When I was growing up, all we had was Little Golden Books (insert a few chuckles here). One of my favorite authors is C.S Lewis.  I loved reading The Chronicles of Narnia to my kids.  A Wrinkle in Time is another great one, by Madeleine L’Engle.  I love her too. Of course, my favorite children’s book is probably Where the Wild Things Are.

 

KAG: How do you balance writing and speaking in schools with being a wife and mom?

ML: I set my own hours so I can be as flexible as I need to be. When my children were younger, it was more difficult because I wanted to be involved in everything they did.  I had to schedule my work around their activities. Now that they’re grown, it’s much easier.

KAG: What is your favorite part of being an author?

ML: I love creating stories. I get so excited when one of my books is about to come out. I also love traveling around to schools. I taught school for twenty three years, so speaking to students is my way of staying connected.

KAG: Let’s change things up a bit and find out a little bit about Melinda on a non-professional level.  What does a typical Friday night look like for you?

ML: There’s so much to do around our town. We love the live music during the warmer months and the Shakespeare in the Park series. Although it’s not uncommon for my husband and I to enjoy one another’s company and relax in front of the TV, either!

KAG: What is your favorite thing to do in Greenville?

ML: Tom and I really love the Greenville Drive games. A lot of times our kids will give us suggestions of things to do. It’s always fun to try things out that they’ve enjoyed. Greenville is growing so much!

KAG: Which of your books would you say is your favorite?

ML: Probably Pirates Don’t Change Diapers. Honestly, it changes. I’ll really be hung up on one, but when a new one comes out, it’ll be my favorite for a while.

KAG: If you could travel to one place in the world, where would it be?

ML: Actually, I’m a homebody. I love everything about where we live and I’m content to stay around home. Wait… I do want to see New Orleans at some point.

KAG: Do you like to read in your spare time? (Insert more chuckles at the word “spare time”), If so, what genre is your favorite?

ML: Yes! I love to read when I have time. Anything filled with suspense. I love a challenge – putting pieces of a story together. Character development is important to me, I want to get to know the characters. I love to read young adult suspense novels because I’m interested in writing for young adults, too. I love reading novels by Janet Evanovich. And, of course, it’s always nice to read funny stories – you know, just enjoy the ride of a book without having to think too hard.

KAG: Is there anything you would like to share? Something you’d like our readers to know about you?

ML (without hesitation): I love to act. I’m a member of a theatre group at my church, St. Peter’s Episcopal on Hudson Rd. We typically perform two plays a year.

Learn more about Melinda Long

Visit her website here. Learn more about (or purchase) her books here.

This interview was so much fun for me! The only thing I value more than the words is the writer. Now that you have the low-down on Melinda Long, check out her website and be on the look- out for her next book, Mates!