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Keowee-Toxaway State Park Is Known for Spectacular Views of the Blue Ridge Mountains

Keowee-Toxaway State Park straddles Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway (Hwy. 11) between Devils Fork State Park and Long Shoals Wayside Park, one of eight South Carolina State Parks located along the edge of the Blue Ridge Escarpment.

Keowee- Toxaway State Park in the Upstate of South Carolina

Known for spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the 1,000 acre park is considered a gateway to the Jocassee Gorges, the area defined by a series of steep-sided gorges delivering mountain rivers and streams down to the Piedmont of South Carolina.


Things to do at Keowee-Toxaway State Park

Have a picnic

The state park is split by Highway 11, with the picnic shelters located on a short loop to the south. Five picnic shelters are available for rental. The picnic tables with free-standing grills throughout the park are offered on a first come, first serve basis.

Stop at the Visitor Center

Once you’ve finished your picnic lunch, head across Highway 11 to the north portion of the park. The Park Visitor Center houses exhibits about the natural diversity and history of the park, and its importance as a scientific research destination of the region.

If you’re looking to check out the Visitor Center, be advised that office hours are 11 am to noon and 4 – 5 pm. Despite these rather short hours, the Park is open Saturdays through Thursdays from 9 am – 6 pm and Fridays 9 am – 8 pm. After daylight savings time, the park is open Monday- Sunday until 9 pm. Keowee-Toxaway State Park is free to the public.

Hiking & Creek Stomping at Keowee-Toxaway

Mom and two kids splash near a small waterfall at Keowee-Toxaway State Park

There are 5.5 miles of trails in the Park, the two main hikes being Raven Rock Trail and Natural Bridge Trail. The trailhead for these two trails is located behind the park office. Natural Bridge Nature Trail is a 1½-mile loop, and at the far end of the loop is the Raven Rock trailhead. Combined with the Natural Bridge loop, you achieve a 4.4-mile hike to Raven Rock and back.

Use the Keowee-Toxaway SP trail map to help you navigate the area easily.

Natural Bridge Trail

Hiking the Natural Bridge loop clockwise starts you off along Poe creek and numerous small waterfalls. Soon you’ll come to the intersection with Raven Rock Trail with its views of Lake Keowee, passing rock outcrops and a boulder field before reaching Raven Rock. Looping back to Natural Bridge Trail you’ll cross Poe Creek on the trail’s namesake, an enormous natural rock ‘bridge’. You’ll then cross through an upland hardwoods forest to reach the parking lot.

Lake Trail

The ½ mile Lake Trail departs from the campground and emerges from the woods near the Villa to Lake Keowee, where guests can enjoy fishing for bass, bream, crappie, and catfish.

Keowee-Toxaway is a perfect hike for a spring day! Keep your eyes peeled for the wildflowers that enjoy the moisture along Poe Creek. You’ll also enjoy the rhododendrons and azaleas blooming in late spring and early summer. On a hot summer’s day prepare to cool down in Poe Creek. The irresistible tumble of water makes it hard to leave. Autumn brings colorful fall foliage, but catching the right day in winter means less-crowded trails and parking lots – this is a park for all four seasons.

Camping at Lake Keowee

Ten paved camping sites have individual water and electrical hookups for RVs up to 40 feet, while the tent camping area has 14 sites with central water, individual tent pads and fire rings. Restroom facilities with hot showers are available, as well as a dump station.

Backcountry camping is allowed at three designated sites on Lake Keowee. These are accessible by a hike on Raven Rock Trail, or by paddling to them in a canoe/kayak. For larger groups a primitive group area is located in the backcountry; registration is required and reservations are accepted.

If camping isn’t for you, reserve the three-bedroom villa that overlooks Lake Keowee near the boat launch. The cabin is completely furnished, heated & air-conditioned with all the amenities. It comes with linens, cooking and eating utensils, washer/dryer, satellite television, Wi-Fi, two fireplaces, and a private boat dock. Just know that pets are not allowed in the cabins.

Enjoy Lake Keowee!

Boating: Keowee-Toxaway provides non-motorized boat access to Lake Keowee; to launch a motorized boat you have to use the access at Fall Creek Landing, five miles southwest of the park.

Fishing: Fishing is allowed. Bass, bream, crappie, and catfish are commonly caught fish.

Swimming: Swimming is allowed, however, there are no lifeguards or designated swimming areas in the park; swim at your own risk.

With easy access to Lake Keowee, three beautiful trails with all kinds of unique natural features, and spectacular views throughout the park, Keowee-Toxaway has plenty to offer. We’ve enjoyed our visits in all four seasons. However, spring has a special magic with the ephemeral wildflowers blooming and trees budding electric green. Head north to this gem of a state park and experience the magic for yourself!

A portion of this post originally appeared on Femme au Foyer.

What’s your family’s favorite thing to do at Lake Keowee?

Thirty of the most beautiful natural places in South Carolina

Learn why the Jocassee Gorges are considered one of the most beautiful places in SC (and the US)!

The Best Places to Go Kite Flying Near Greenville, SC

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If you are looking to go kite flying near Greenville, SC, then these places will help you out! The sun is shining, flowers are blooming, breezes are blowing, and the children are begging to get back outside. It’s finally springtime in Greenville and conditions are becoming ideal for long weekends at beautiful parks, backyard cookouts, and most importantly: kite flying!

Where to go for kite flying near Greenville, SC

Read about the best places in Greenville to fly a kite below.

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Hatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve: Take A Garden Walk in Spartanburg, SC

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Have you enjoyed Hatcher Garden in Spartanburg, SC? Just a couple miles off of I-26 in Spartanburg, among shopping and restaurants on the busy main thoroughfare of John D. White, Sr. Blvd, is a 10-acre botanical garden and woodland preserve. 

The beautiful space is full of ponds, waterfalls, wildlife, trees and gardens with a wide variety of leafy and flowering plants. Hatcher Garden is open free to the public and should definitely be on your list of places to visit in Spartanburg.

Hatcher Gardens
Things to do in Spartanburg, SC

Here’s your guide to all the fun things to do in Spartanburg, SC!

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Your Kids Will Love the TCMU Location in Spartanburg, SC

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Have you been to Spartanburg’s children’s museum yet? TCMU Spartanburg offers a fun and educational indoor activity geared specifically for children five years of age and under. This location of the museum is perfect for your littlest ones. With padded play areas, water play, and a new Publix mini grocery store, there’s plenty for them to explore!

Looking for more indoor activities to entertain the kiddos this summer?
Check out our Indoor Guide to Spartanburg!

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Where to Find the Oconee Bell this Spring

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Have you seen the Oconee Bell? Spring is the perfect time to spot this rare flower. It doesn’t bloom in very many places, but Devils Fork State Park is one of the few places you can see the Oconee Bell.

For even more hiking suggestions see our list of best hikes near Greenville.

The sides of the streambed are blanketed in waxy, red-tinged leaves, small white flowers visible only upon a closer look. Had we not traveled to Devils Fork State Park specifically to see this delicate wildflower, we might have hiked right past the colonies of this rare plant.

About the Oconee Bell

The Oconee Bell is only found in a few locations in the southern Appalachian Mountains, in moist, wooded areas along the streams of Georgia, North, and South Carolina, like Jocassee Gorges. The tiny flowers are one of the first to bloom in the Upstate, and attract quite the crowd to this state park better known for summer swimming and camping.

One of the rangers said “We had a brochure in the holder by the trailhead. Usually, folks finish the trail and put them right back. Last weekend cleaned us right out, there were at least a hundred; I’m going to have to print more.” (This was on our visit last year, right about the middle of the month of March.)

The flower has a very limited range in the wild, and so the appearance of the native wildflower is cause for celebration. Every year Devils Fork SP puts on the Oconee Bell Nature Walk. If you can’t make the ranger-guided walk, you can still see the Oconee Bell blooming; the flower usually blooms from mid-March to early April, and the Oconee Bell Nature Trail takes you along a dozen colonies of this unique wildflower. The park holds Bell Fest every year as well, a festival dedicated to the rare wildflower that also has lots of great local vendors. In 2024, the date is Saturday, March 16th from 10 am – 3 pm. It’s free with park entry.

The Oconee Bell at Devil's Fork State Park

The Oconee Bell Nature Trail

The trail is an easy 1.5-mile loop that takes hikers through the oak-hickory forest, past a small pond full of American toads, and alongside the creek that is home to the elusive wildflower that gives the trail its name. In addition to the Oconee Bell, dozens of other plants and trees are identified by wooden markers, and several small cascades on the creek add to the list of attractions available year-long.

If you’re headed to Devils Fork to hike the Oconee Bell trail you just follow signs to the Ranger Station. A quick stop there for a map or restrooms, and then it’s just a matter of crossing to the other side of the parking lot to the trailhead. The parking lot is on the southeast corner of Lake Jocassee, and the scenic views of the lake, Double Springs Island, and the swimming and picnic area on the southwest shore are stunning.

Bring a picnic to eat on the lake, or upon finishing your hike circle around to Buckeye Drive where you will find picnic shelters and a playground.

In any case, make sure you practice what the Park Naturalist terms “belly botany” – to get an up-close look at the low-lying flowers you’ll have to get close to the ground. There are several locations where the colonies are right on the trail, so it’s relatively easy for all the kids (and adults) in your group to get a good look at the Bell. Remember, for your safety and the protection of the bells, please stay on the trail!

Enjoy the Oconee Bell

Devils Fork State Park
161 Holcombe Circle
Salem, SC 29676
Oconee County
Visit the website Devil’s Fork Oconee Bell Nature Trail.

This post was originally published on Femme au Foyer.

Enjoy your hike, and know that spring is on the way – the Oconee Bell says it’s so!

20+ Free or Cheap Things to Do in Spartanburg, SC

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Are you looking for free things to do in Spartanburg, SC? Do you have an idea in your head that doing something fun with your kids in Spartanburg is going to cost money (and probably a lot of it)? We are setting the record correct today once and for all: Spartanburg has tons of fun free things to do and even more that are really cheap.

free things to do in Spartanburg, SC
Things to do in Spartanburg, SC

And here’s where you can find a giant list of things to do in Spartanburg, SC!

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Croft State Park: The Perfect Park for an Outdoor Adventure Near Spartanburg, SC

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Have you visited Croft State Park? With a wooden dock, a clear lake, tiny minnows sparkling in sunny shallow waters, tall trees, horses, hiking trails, and a playground, it sounds like the perfect place, right?  You’ll want to check out Croft State Park the next time you’re looking for a family adventure!

Croft State Park in Spartanburg, South Carolina

Spending a Day at Croft State Park

This gorgeous 7,000-acre state park offers miles of hiking, biking, and even equestrian trails.  On our visit, we walked the short Lake Craig connector trail and then enjoyed views of an absolutely beautiful Lake Craig.  We ate snacks we enjoyed them sitting on an adorable little dock watching the tiny minnows in the shallow water around us.  The nearby fishermen were also quite entertaining for my crew.

We enjoyed a very peaceful morning in the park.  My homeschoolers were able to practice making super sentences with quality adjectives about all the things they were noticing from the dock.  “The sun sparkles on the backs of the wiggling minnows.”   The next time we go I will bring sketchbooks and writing paper so they can write down their sentences and illustrate.  There were definitely plenty of places to sit near the lake, and lots of grass for blankets, if that’s your preference.

You will find bathrooms conveniently near the parking lot for Lake Craig, and a short walk up the hill brings you to a nice playground with views of the park’s equestrian facilities.  While there were only a handful of horses and riders when we visited, my children really enjoyed watching as we walked past.  The playground was great for my children (ages 4 through 8), but younger children will need to be watched carefully due to the height of some of the equipment.

croft-state-park

Things to Do at Croft State Park

Hiking and Biking Trails

Croft has many hiking trails, including an easy Nature Trail that’s about one and a half miles long.  We went to the park intending to hike this trail, but even with a map, we struggled to find the trailhead.  We gave up and went on our little adventure at the lake and playground instead.  However, as we drove back down the park road headed for home, we noticed work crews clearing a few trees, and their trucks had been parked in front of the trailhead for the nature trail.  We could have driven by 20 times and never seen it!  ‘

Trails at Croft

There are several trails at Croft, with some of the major ones being the Palmetto Trail (Croft Passage), Nature Trail, Foster Mill, Southside Loop, and Rocky Ridge/ Whitestone Springs. You will also find several additional mixed-use trails that are designated for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. This park has over 20 miles of mountain biking trails, which is spectacular if you love the sport.

The SC State Park Croft State Park website does a great job detailing what trails are for what, their difficulty, and how long each trail is. The Park Ranger can also help you out, with office hours 11 am to noon and 4 pm to 5 pm daily.

Fortunately, there’s so much to see and enjoy at Croft State Park, that it didn’t matter much to us.  But, do bring a map with you! If you’re looking for the Nature Trail, then you’ll find the trailhead on the right, just before you get to the parking lot for the equestrian facilities.

We love taking a small portion of the Palmetto Trail out to Fairforest Creek in the summer because it is not too difficult of a portion of the trail, so our toddler and four-year-old can come along. It also leads out to the creek, which is a great place to splash in the creek for a little while on hot days.

Camping

Love camping? Then camping at Croft should be on your radar for places to go next time you’re ready to pack up and head to the great outdoors. The park offers both RV camping and tent camping sites, in addition to a primitive group camping site that can accommodate up to 100 people. Camping sites are on packed gravel and come with electrical and water hookups. There are even hot showers, which as a mom with messy kids, makes taking them camping a little easier.

Canoe, Kayak, and Paddleboard Rentals

One of the great places to do watersports in the area is at Croft. You can bring your own equipment, or you can rent canoes, small boats, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards from the state park itself. For Jon boat and canoe rentals, you pay $15 for 4 hours of time or $25 per day. For kayaks and paddleboards, the cost is $10 per hour for the rental. They do not rent after 6 pm, so keep that in mind when planning your trip.

Nature Trail at Croft State Park
Nature Trail at Croft State Park

Want to go to Croft?

Admission for Croft State Park is $3 for adults, and $1 for children 6- 15. Children under 6 are free.

Pets are allowed as long as they are leashed.

Park hours are 7 am – 6 pm daily (8 p.m. on Fridays), and 7 am – 9 pm daily during daylight savings time.

Croft State Park Address: 450 Croft State Park Road, Spartanburg, SC

Have you ever been exploring at Croft State Park?


Winter hiking in Spartanburg, South Carolina

These trails in Spartanburg, SC are great places to hike during the wintertime!


Fun Things to Do with Your Preschooler Inside in Spartanburg, SC

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Are you looking for indoor things to do with preschoolers in Spartanburg, SC? If so, local mom, Juliet has some fantastic ideas of nearby indoor activities your preschooler will love! Check out her suggestions for indoor preschool hang-outs and let us know others in the comments.

Let’s face it, walking in a winter wonderland or enjoying a warm, sunny day sounds great in theory, but not so much with your spirited preschoolers in tow!  If extreme weather has nixed your usual outdoor activities and the dreaded cabin fever has hit your household like a ton of bricks, check out these low-cost, indoor activities in Spartanburg that are perfect for preschoolers.  Keep it handy for rainy days, too.

Spartanburg Science Center

Things to Do for Preschoolers Inside in Spartanburg, SC

The Children’s Museum of the Upstate – Spartanburg

Designed for children aged 5 and under, The Children’s Museum of the Upstate – Spartanburg is a cozy venue for letting little ones burn off some energy and explore. In addition to interactive exhibits for preschoolers, padded and contained areas on each of the museum’s two levels are designed for infants to crawl or cruise around safely while parents can keep an eye on an older, more independent sibling.

The museum also has an active events calendar of drop-in events, such as Random Acts of Science, Open Art Studios, and Story Time & More. Admission is $7-9 and children under the age of six months get in free. Admission is also included with a TCMU membership.

TCMU Spartanburg

The Spartanburg Science Center

Located on East Saint John Street in downtown Spartanburg, the John F. Green Spartanburg Science Center is a great way to spend a cold winter’s day.  With interactive exhibits, a reptile room, and Legos galore, preschoolers can easily spend several hours playing, exploring new concepts, and observing nature. 

Other exhibits include a robotic arm, a science mini-theatre with short films, and a 3-person Virtual Reality experience.  Check out the Spartanburg Science Center website for current hours, admission fees, and holiday/summer camp opportunities.

Westgate Mall Children’s Play Area

Looking for some free entertainment for the kiddos? Look no further than the local Westgate Mall!  An indoor play area- perfectly sized for little hands and feet to climb and jump- is located beside the Belk department store. Bring your extra quarters and send them around the tiny carousel nearby, too.

It’s rarely crowded during morning hours, and if you bring your stroller, you can even get in some fast-paced mall walking/exercise beforehand.  Head to the food court for a special lunch treat or dessert afterward.

Storytime and Playtime

We all know how important reading is for preschoolers, and Spartanburg has great options when it comes to making reading fun. The Spartanburg Public Library Headquarters, located in downtown Spartanburg, has a fantastic setup of indoor play tables with puzzles, light boards, manipulatives, and drawing tables.  Combine these self-paced play opportunities with a storytime full of songs, books, poetry, and the occasional puppet show, and you have a preschooler’s paradise. 

Check out Spartanburg Library Events for ALL the storytimes available in the county! Most storytimes follow up with a special child-led playtime – think of carts of toys! If you only get books at Spartanburg County Library, you are missing out!

Toddler Time at Big Air Trampoline Park Spartanburg

Every Wednesday and Thursday from 10 am -1 pm when Spartanburg District 6 schools are in session, Big Air caters to its littlest customers with their Toddler Time.  Ages 6 and under have three hours to roam all of Big Air’s attractions without the intimidation factor of older children.  Admission is $12 per jumper. Big Air even guarantees your little will play hard and nap harder!

Big Air Trampoline Park

Think outside the box

Looking for activities to get out of the house AND socialization opportunities for yourself and your preschooler?  Join a local moms club – where activities like indoor crafts, parties, and playdates are scheduled on a weekly basis, check out church groups for Bible studies or MOPS that are kid-friendly.  Join a gym with a childcare center or sign up for a weekly preschool gymnastics or music class.

What’s your favorite indoor activity for your little ones?

Indoor things to do in the Upstate, SC

For more things to do inside, see our Kidding Around Indoor Guide to Upstate, SC.

Cheap Family Movie Deals All Summer Long Near Greenville, SC

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Looking for cheap movies this summer, or a “dollar movie theater”? Many theaters offer low-cost movie deals to keep the entire family entertained throughout the summer.

So, find that “cheap movie theater near me” with the help of this list, then grab some delicious popcorn and escape the humid summer heat. These upstate movie theaters offer showings of popular movies at an affordable price.

These promotions are so cheap that even your kids might break open their piggy bank and treat you to a movie date!

Cheap summer movies for kids

This article includes:
Regal Cinemas Summer Movie Deals: Greenville, Spartanburg & More
Anderson, SC Cheap Summer Movie Deals
Gaffney, SC Summer Movie Deals
Spartanburg, SC Movie Deals
Seneca, Easley, & Greenwood Summer Movie Deals

Did you know that several of the movie theaters in the Greenville area offer super cheap movies over the summer months?

With plenty of hot afternoons ahead and cranky kids to entertain, catching one of these movies would be the perfect way to spend your afternoon. Please check with venues before attending as information may change without notice.

Also, don’t forget the fun experience of free outdoor movies and drive-in movies that the Upstate offers!

$2 Movies at Regal Cinemas

Have a Regal Cinema near you? Regal Cinemas offer Summer Movie Express all summer long! Regal offers these showings on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for $2. All movies have either G or PG ratings.

Regal Cinema has two Greenville locations, two Spartanburg locations, and theaters in Anderson, Simpsonville, and Asheville.

Summer Movie Express Titles begin May 23rd and end September 6th. Titles include Sonic the Hedgehog, Captain Underpants, Sponge Bob, Minions and more.

Summer Movie Titles

Here’s the list of movies and dates at Regal Cinemas in our area. These are fairly consistent at all our local locations. Times do vary – usually between 10 am – 12 pm start times – so be sure to plug in your location to get the correct time and movie playing.

  • May 23 and May 24, 2023: How to Train Your Dragon and Abominable
  • May 30 and May 31, 2023: The Croods: A New Age and Shrek Forever After
  • June 6 and June 7, 2023: Puss in Boots and Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie
  • June 13 and June 14, 2023: Sing and Spongebob Movie: A Sponge Out of Water
  • There are more movies! See the rest of the Regal Summer Movie Schedule.

Cheap Movies in Anderson at AmStar 14

In addition to their Super Saver Tuesday, AmStar 14 has a Summer Kid’s Flicks series. $5 gets guests admission, a box of popcorn, and a soda. Their carefully curated list of kid’s films occurs Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 am and it includes fun favorites like Despicable Me, Curious George, and Sing 2.

Summer Movie Titles at AmStar 14

The promotion will begin on June 13, 2023, and will run until August 16, 2023. Schedule is below:

June 13 and 14, 2023: Chicken Run
June 20 and 21, 2023: Madagascar
June 27 and 28, 2023: Megamind
July 4 and 5, 2023: Boss Baby
July 11 and 12, 2023: Trolls
July 18 and 19, 2023: The Bad Guys
July 25 and 26, 2023: Kung Fu Panda
August 1 and 2, 2023: Over the Hedge
August 8 and 9, 2023: Captain Underpants
August 15 and 16, 2023: Home

$5 Movies In Gaffney, SC at The Big E

The $5 Summer Movie Series at The Big E in Gaffney returns in May 2023. The promotional series will begin on May 29, 2023. Movies showings occur Monday-Saturday at 10:30 am.

More than just a movie ticket! The $5 package includes one summer series movie viewing, popcorn, soda, and a $2 game card.

Check The Big E’s website for the most up-to-date information on this movie series.

Summer Movie Titles at The Big E

$6 Tickets Every Tuesday at NCG Cinema in Spartanburg

Tickets for matinee showtimes on Tuesdays are only $6. Some restrictions may apply so make sure you check NCG’s website or call before heading to the cinema.

See also Regal Cinema Summer Express for more summer movie options in Spartanburg, SC.

Kids at the movies

FREE Summer Movies! Movies in Easley, Seneca, & Greenwood

Premiere Cinemas in Easley, Seneca, and Greenwood offers free kid movie deals all summer long. Showings of movies will occur on Wednesday and Thursday at 10 a.m. with a wonderful lineup of family-friendly movies. This totally free program starts June 7th and 8th, 2023 with SC League of Super Pets. The last free movie is July 26 and 27th, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.

Have you been eagerly awaiting these Summer movie deals?

Want to go see a free outdoor movie near Greenville, SC? Be sure to check our guide for all the latest opportunities!

Heading to Columbia, SC? Here are the free and cheap summer movies in Columbia, SC.