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!
Read about the best places in Greenville to fly a kite below.
Forty-five minutes west of Greenville is Clemson, home not only to Clemson University but also to the South Carolina Botanical Garden. It’s a perfect day-trip destination, and the colorful spring foliage and cool temperatures will ensure a memorable visit to one of the premier gardens of the Upstate!
See our list of gardens near Greenville for even more beautiful outdoor areas to explore.
At just under 300 acres, the South Carolina Botanical Garden encompass everything from natural landscapes to display gardens, including miles of streams, nature trails, and the 70-acre Schoenike Arboretum. Home to over 300 varieties of camellias, the Garden has an extensive collection of hollies, hydrangeas, magnolias, and native plants. Although there are multiple points of access, the parking lot off Pearman Boulevard closest to the Heritage Garden will put you in the center of this gorgeous botanical treasure.
Upon entering, visitors will find themselves in the Cadet Life Garden, a nod to when Clemson was a military college. Over those 60 years (until 1956), 12,314 students graduated. Of those, nearly 10,000 became Reserve Officers, about 5,600 saw active military service, and 335 died or went missing in action while fighting for the country. This information comes from plaques in the garden.
After trying out one of the swings, follow the shaded pergola to the 1939 Caboose Garden. George Williams, Assistant Vice President and Treasurer of Southern Railway (as well as a graduate of the class of ’39), donated the caboose to Clemson. They painted it red and transported the caboose to its current spot. It’s now a perfect playground (and photo op!) for budding train enthusiasts.
See our list of places to find trains near Greenville for kids that like trains.
After meandering through the Heritage Garden, you’ll emerge near the Children’s Garden. With greenhouses, a “Food for Thought” Garden, and several other interesting spaces, kids will find plenty to explore. The Peter Rabbit Garden features a cute little playhouse, perfect for an imaginary afternoon tea.
Adjacent is the Butterfly Garden. Here, you’ll find quite a few different species of butterflies fluttering about, attracted to the early spring blooms. The bog section has really cool pitcher plants. Let the kids check to see if they’re digesting any insects!
A loop around Duck Pond on a nice wooded trail takes visitors to the Camellia Trail. Benches scattered here and there give visitors a chance to stop and rest, have a snack, and enjoy the view. Hopefully, you’ll spot some migrating waterfowl in addition to the frogs, lizards, turtles, and even snakes that call this area home.
The Flower Display Garden is also on this end of the garden, and you should definitely stop in to see what’s blooming before taking one of the dozens of trails back to the Heritage Garden. If you continue past the parking area, you’ll come to Kelly Meadow and the Meadow Pond, a beautiful panorama with a forest backdrop.
In addition to a walk through the gardens, you might also be interested in the following attractions:
On the very west end of the Gardens (past Kelly Meadow), is the Fran Hanson Discovery Center & Gift Shop. Built in 1998 as “The Wren House,” it was the first Southern Living Idea House. The second floor houses an art gallery that showcases local artists.
The Campbell Geology Museum houses a collection of more than 10,000 minerals, rocks, and fossils. It’s a great activity for a rainy day. And admission is free! The museum is open Monday – Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm.
The Cactus Gardens between the gift shop and the Geology Museum are interesting year-round, and the historical mining artifacts mixed in offer kids a fun game of “I Spy.”
The Shoenike Arboretum honors the legacy of Dr. Schoenike, who during his career at Clemson, planted, cared for, and studied some 2,000 trees and shrubs in the arboretum.
There’s always something going on in the garden! From concerts to hikes, homeschool days to wreath-making, there is something for everyone. Check the event calendar for more information.
Truly a state treasure hidden away in a corner of the Upstate, the South Carolina Botanical Garden is a must-see destination for visitors and residents alike. Spring is a great time of year to visit, although autumn also brings cooler temperatures, fewer insects, and of course the colorful leaves. The gardens are in full bloom during the summer. Grab the kids and go explore. You’ll be see something new on each trip!
South Carolina Botanical Garden
150 Discovery Lane
Clemson, SC
Open daily, dawn to dusk
Admission is free!
What is your favorite spot in the Gardens?
Looking for a relaxing way to spend a beautiful day? Head to Keowee-Toxaway State Park. One of eight South Carolina State Parks along the edge of the Blue Ridge Escarpment, Keowee-Toxaway State Park straddles Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway (Hwy. 11) between Devils Fork State Park and Long Shoals Wayside Park.
Known for spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the 1,000 acre park is a gateway to the Jocassee Gorges, an area defined by a series of steep-sided gorges delivering mountain rivers and streams down to the Piedmont of South Carolina. It’s also a great place for family fun!
Highway 11 splits the park, and the picnic shelters are on a short loop to the south. Five picnic shelters are available to rent. The picnic tables and free-standing grills throughout the park are available on a first come, first served basis.
Once you’ve finished your picnic lunch, head across Highway 11 to the north part of the park. The Visitor Center houses exhibits about the natural diversity and history of the park and its importance as a scientific research destination.
If you’re looking to check out the Visitor Center, office hours are 11 am to noon and 4 – 5 pm. Despite these short hours, the park is open daily from 9 am – 6 pm. After Daylight Saving Time, the park is open until 9 pm. Keowee-Toxaway State Park is free to the public.
There are 5.5 miles of trails to explore at Keowee-Toxaway State Park. The two main routes are the Raven Rock Trail and the Natural Bridge Trail. Both begin at the trailhead located behind the park office, making it easy to start your adventure.
The Natural Bridge Nature Trail is a 1.5-mile loop, and at its far end you’ll find the spur for the Raven Rock Trail. Combining the two creates a 4.4-mile round-trip hike to Raven Rock and back. This hike is perfect for families ready for a longer outing with rewarding views.
Be sure to grab a Keowee-Toxaway State Park trail map before you head out to navigate the area with confidence.
Hiking the Natural Bridge Loop clockwise begins with a peaceful stretch alongside Poe Creek, where you’ll pass several small waterfalls. Before long, you’ll reach the junction with the Raven Rock Trail offering beautiful views of Lake Keowee as it winds past rock outcrops and a boulder field on the way to Raven Rock.
Continuing the loop back on the Natural Bridge Trail, you’ll cross Poe Creek on the trail’s namesake—an impressive natural rock “bridge.” From there, the trail leads through an upland hardwood forest before returning you to the parking lot.
The half-mile Lake Trail begins at the campground and winds through the woods before opening up near the park’s villa on the shores of Lake Keowee. It’s an easy, family-friendly walk with opportunities to fish for bass, bream, crappie, and catfish once you reach the water.
Keowee-Toxaway State Park is a great destination year-round, with something special in every season. Spring brings wildflowers along the damp edges of Poe Creek, while late spring and early summer burst with blooming rhododendrons and azaleas. In the heat of summer, the cool waters of the creek are hard to resist, offering a perfect place to splash and unwind. Fall delivers vibrant foliage, and winter rewards visitors with quieter trails and easier parking.
For those who want to stay overnight, Keowee-Toxaway State Park offers a range of camping options. Ten paved sites include water and electrical hookups for RVs up to 40 feet, while the tent camping area features 14 sites with central water, individual tent pads, and fire rings. Restrooms with hot showers and a dump station are also available, making it a comfortable setup for families.
If you’re looking for a more adventurous experience, backcountry camping is available at three designated sites along Lake Keowee. You can reach them by hiking the Raven Rock Trail or paddling in by canoe or kayak. There’s also a primitive group camping area in the backcountry for larger groups. Just be sure to register in advance as reservations are required.
Not into camping? You can still enjoy an overnight stay by booking the park’s three-bedroom villa overlooking Lake Keowee near the boat launch. The fully furnished space includes linens, kitchen essentials, a washer and dryer, satellite TV, Wi-Fi, two fireplaces, and even a private boat dock. Pets aren’t allowed in the villa.
Boating: Keowee-Toxaway offers non-motorized boat access to Lake Keowee. To launch a motorized boat, you must go to Fall Creek Landing, five miles southwest of the park.
Fishing: Fishing is allowed. Bass, bream, crappie, and catfish are common catches.
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 to this gem of a state park and experience the magic for yourself!
A portion of this post originally appeared on Femme au Foyer.
Learn why the Jocassee Gorges are considered one of the most beautiful places in SC (and the US)!
Has your family visited the STEAM festival, iMAGINE Upstate? iMAGINE Upstate STEAM Festival is a free, interactive festival held annually in downtown Greenville. The 2026 iMAGINE UPstate Festival will be on Saturday, April 4th, 2026 so head to Main Street from 11 am to 5 pm. The outdoor festival is free, family-friendly, and will inspire your kids (and you) to learn about STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics).
The festival features more than 75 interactive exhibits and stage shows along Main Street in Downtown Greenville. The festival stretches from Main Street and Court Street and ends at Main Street and River Street. Free parking is available at the Richardson Garage and W. Washington Parking Deck. Trolleys will shuttle visitors throughout the festival. Or, ride the bus with your kids (they will think it’s so cool!) You can follow the Real-Time Bus Tracker app to find out where the bus is and where to be picked up and dropped off.
In previous years these were some of the exhibits from local organizations and companies that are grounded in STEAM backgrounds, including BMW Manufacturing, GE, ScanSource, World Explorers, and so many more! We will update this year’s information when it becomes available. You can find a full list of sponsors and exhibitors on the iMAGINE Upstate Festival website. Exhibitors will have unique STEAM based demonstrations, crafts, and hands-on learning opportunities that will engage both you and your children. All of the activities are free, with the goal of inspiring the next generation of thinkers, tinkerers, and brilliant minds!
Coolers, pets, skateboards, skates, and bikes will not be allowed in the festival area. This is a smoke-free and alcohol-free festival too.
Take a look at science and technology and their usage in electronics by observing physics and the relationship between electricity, magnetism, power storage, and more!
See if you can fight the friction on different surfaces. Can you dodge a windmill to get your golf ball into the hole? Ever wonder how a conveyor belt works and maintains an optimal speed? Find out at this exhibit.
Learn about why earthquakes happen and engineer a structure to resist an earthquake.
There will be food trucks on-site at iMAGINE Upstate, including HipBurger, Luckei D’s Cafe, The Snickering Coyote, and Clare’s Creamery. You can find everything that the festival has to offer, including additional information, on the iMAGINE Upstate interactive map. And don’t forget to visit the Info Tents to pick up your free goodie bag and brochure with site map.
Find more information on the iMAGINE Upstate website and the iMAGINE Upstate Event page.
The event will happen rain or shine.
About iMAGINE Upstate
iMAGINE Upstate fueled by ScanSource is a program of the Upstate SC STEM Collaborative and part of South Carolina’s Coalition for Mathematics Science (SCCMS) at Clemson University. Its mission is to create meaningful experiences that promote a culture of lifelong learning and professional growth with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM), innovation, and entrepreneurial activity in South Carolina. For more information visit www.iMAGINEUpstate.org and follow on Facebook and @imagineupstate on Twitter. #iMAGINEif
Also, see our list of the best family festivals in Greenville this spring.
Planning your spring calendar and don’t want to miss any of the kid-friendly spring festivals in Greenville, SC this year? Pack up the kids because you’ve got some amazing options for great family memory-making. Here’s your ultimate list of the best kid-friendly spring festivals in the Upstate.
See what’s going on this month with our calendar of events near Greenville, SC!
Saturday, March 21, 2026 | 10 am – 5 pm
Free spring festival at Dunbar & Magnolia streets in Spartanburg with crafters, kids activities, music and food. Pets are welcome.
Saturday, March 21, 2026 | 10 am – 3 pm
Annual festival at Devils Fork State Park put on by Friends of Jocassee to celebrate all things Oconee Bell (a rare wildflower). Enjoy naturalist-guided hikes, live music, food, kids activities, and fun vendors. Tickets are included with park admission.
Friday, April 10 – Saturday, April 11, 2026
Friday 12 pm – 11 pm | Saturday 12 pm to 9 pm
During the festival, teams will be competing in categories including brisket, ribs, wings, and butts. The food prepared by the competition teams can be sampled at different times, while supply lasts. There will also be live music and regional food trucks to enjoy.
Saturday, April 4, 2026 | 11 am to 5 pm
The iMAGINE Upstate Festival is one of the most popular spring festivals. This event centers around STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) activities that would make the biggest nerd – a fun one of course – jealous. There are high-tech gadgets and 3D printers, drone races, robots, rocket launchers, and virtual reality exploration, and more. Add live music and food and it’s a day well-spent with the family. FREE
iMagine Upstate Kidding Around Review
Saturday, April 4, 2026 – Sunday, April 5, 2026 | Village Green
Local vendors, music, art and family entertainment. FREE
Saturday, April 11, 2026 | Fountain Inn | Noon-6 pm
Enjoy a free concert from Mac Arnold and the Plate Full of Blues and enjoy the traditional Southern food of cornbread & collards in lots of different ways. The event will also feature a spring market.
Saturday, April 18, 2026 | Happy Cow Creamery
Celebrate Happy Cow and local vendors at this annual festival from 9 am – 4 pm. There will be giveaways, vendors, food trucks, and music.
Saturday, April 18th, 2026 | 10 am – 2 pm
Spartanburg Area Conservancy’s Annual Earth Day Festival is one of the best excuses you’ll have all year to visit the Glendale Shoals Nature Preserve in Spartanburg County! Enjoy art, music, food, local vendors, and something fun for every age.
Saturday, April 18, 2026 | Split Creek Farm
Love baby goats? This is the festival you need to attend! Split Creek Farm will have samples of their award-winning cheese and amazing goat milk fudge plus lots of local vendors and of course, baby goats. $9/adults, $6/kids, free/kids 2 and under.
Spring Means Babies
April 24, 2026- April 25, 2026 | Pendleton Street downtown
Hundreds of local artisans, vendors, food and family entertainment happen at this festival that has been going on for 30 years.
Pickens Azalea Festival
Saturday, April 25, 2026 | Greer City Park | 11 am to 5 pm
The highly attended annual international festival iscelebrated in downtown Greer. Event-goers will have the opportunity to learn about more than 40 different countries and get a taste of their country’s cuisine from vendors and food trucks! There will be a children’s area, that will include arts and crafts from different cultures. FREE
Greer Goes Global: International Festival
Saturday, May 2nd, 2026 | Dolly Cooper Park, Powdersville | 12-8 pm
This event sounds like it is going to be a blast! Dolly Cooper Park, in Powdersville, is nestled at a bend in the Saluda River–hence the “Rhythm on the River!” There will be live music from The Fortunate Sons, as well as food trucks, local vendors, and a kid’s zone. FREE
Rhythm on the River
Saturday, May 2, 2026 | Falls Park | 2:30 pm
Seeing 10,000 rubber duckies racing down the falls at Falls Park is quite the spectacle. The festival is actually a big event to raise money for local charities and incorporates food, a giant duck mascot wandering around taking photos with kids, fun crafts for the little ones, and music. Here’s KAG’s story on the Duck Derby, which explains how it all works. FREE
Duck Derby
May 8-10, 2026
Probably the most anticipated spring festival in Greenville, Artisphere lives up to its reputation as one of the very best events in the Southeast. But it’s awesome for kids too! They have an entire area aptly called Kidsphere full of kid-friendly activities, building blocks, and STEM-related and hands-on exhibits. There are also several performing artists that are exciting to watch for all ages. FREE
Artisphere
Saturday, May 9, 2026 | 11 am – 3 pm
Sponsored by the Simpsonville Arts Foundation, this festival will have kids activities, food vendors, live music, chalk art, and art demos. It’s free to attend.
Spring Into Art Festival
May 15-17, 2026 | St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Greenville
I have a slight obsession with Greek pastries, especially the honey-drenched baklava, so I was more than happy to go to the Greek Festival last year and search it out. I was not disappointed. Not only was the baklava sweet and delicious, but the music, food, and kids area were enjoyable and entertaining. This festival immediately went on my to-do list for the spring of this year. The food is amazing – oh hi, tasty gyros! – and the music was lively. There is an admission charge of $3/person.
Greek Festival
Great Scot! Parade | Friday | May 22, 2026| Main Street, Greenville| 6 pm
Greenville Scottish Games | Saturday | May 23, 2026 | Furman University, Travelers Rest
The Scots are back in full force and will keep you busy during Memorial Day Weekend! Join in on the fun, wear your tartans, and immerse yourself in Scottish culture including Celtic Music, Military Salute, Border Collie exhibition, British Classic Car Show and lots of more. This is a ticketed event.
Gallabrae
Italian American Heritage Festival [cancelled for 2026]
Do you have a favorite Upstate Festival? Let us know in the comments.
Need more fun this spring?
Check out the Upstate’s Guide to Spring! It’s full of things to do and family fun.
Check out this list of spring festivals in Spartanburg, SC!
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.
And here’s where you can find a giant list of things to do in Spartanburg, SC!
Are you looking for a restaurant for Easter brunch in Greenville, SC? Or maybe a restaurant offering take-out? We get it. Sometimes a huge home-prepared meal just isn’t feasible. These restaurants have dine-in and take-out meals for Easter 2026.
Want more things to do this Easter in Greenville? Find all our fantastic Easter content on our Guide to Easter in Greenville.
Ordering your 2026 Easter meal from a restaurant is a win-win situation! You don’t have to cook dinner, and you’ll be helping a local business. We gathered up info on Greenville options for dine-in brunch, dinner, and take-out meals.
Please note: Many restaurants don’t plan far in advance or share information right away, so some of what you see may not be the most current info. We’ll try to keep it updated, but be sure to confirm details with the restaurant!
A favorite of Kidding Around readers, Soby’s offers a popular Sunday brunch that includes brioche French toast, a carving station, cheese grits, a waffle station, and an array of sweet treats. Reservations are recommended. Sunday Brunch is typically served 10 am-2 pm.
207 S. Main Street, Greenville | 864-232-7007
Table 301 restaurants all do nice brunches but make reservations yesterday (especially for Soby’s!)
Eva F.K.Omelets, French toast, shrimp and grits, and fried chicken are part on this yummy brunch menu. Sunday Brunch is served 10 am – 3 pm.
Larkin’s is also hosting an Easter Egg Hunt and Brunch on Sunday, April 5th, 2026 at Larkin’s Sawmill. The Easter Bunny will be there for pictures. Prices include open buffet, egg hunt, and coffee or tea. Alcoholic beverages, soda, and juices are will be available for purchase.. Bring your favorite Easter basket! Order your tickets in advance on Eventbrite. Tickets are $53/adults and $28/kids ages 3-12. Children two and under are free.
32 East Broad Street, Greenville | 864-467-9777
You can enjoy a grits bar and other delicious offerings while you people-watch from the sidewalk dining area at Nose Dive. Add a signature drink from Crafted and you have the perfect holiday brunch meal. Sunday Brunch is typically served 10 am – 2 pm
116 South Main Street, Greenville | 864-373-7300
In the heart of downtown Greenville, Tupelo Honey serves jazzed up Southern fare, Bloody Maryss, and mimosas for brunch. They also have an excellent kids’ menu that consists of delights like sweet potato buttermilk pancakes and a kid’s country breakfast. Sunday Brunch is typically served 9 am – 4 pm
1 North Main Street, Greenville | 864-451-6200
Fork and Plough is a locally owned, locally sourced restaurant whose menu is constantly changing to reflect the fresh ingredients they procure. They are kid-approved and will work with your dietary restrictions. Sunday hours are 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Reservations highly encourgaed. Their 2026 Easter Sunday Buffet is Sunday, April 5 from 4-7 pm. Adults are $60 and kids are $20. Reserve your spot here.
1629 East North Street, Greenville | 864-609-4249
Reedy Falls is a beautiful backdrop for an Easter brunch, and Passerelle Bistro offers just that. French-inspired menu items include omelets, sandwiches, and salads. 2026 Easter Sunday hours 11 am – 3 pm.
601 South Main Street, Greenville | 864-509-0142
Avenue will be serving an Easter brunch on April 5th, 2026 with seating times between 10 am – 1 pm. Enjoy an all-inclusive holiday meal from Avenue Executive Chef Tanner Marino. Guests will create their own personal meal by visiting the easter Buffet, chef-attended carving station, and build-your-own-grits bar and dessert station.The buffet is all-inclusive except for a credit card bar offering mimosas, Bloody Marys, beer, and wine. Tickets are $63/adults, $28 for children 6 – 12. Children five and under dine free.
110 E Court Street, Greenville
Enjoy your Easter brunch at Juniper atop the AC Hotel in downtown Greenville. You’ll get great food and beautiful, sweeping views of the mountains. Juniper typically serves brunch 11 am – 3 pm. Definitely make reservations.
315 S Main Street, Greenville | 864-549-0000
Locally owned CityRange has a Sunday Brunch from 10:30 am – 2:30 pm each week (11 am – 3:00 pm at Spartanburg location). The Western Omelet and Hot Chicken & Waffles look especially delicious.
615 Haywood Rd., Greenville | 864-286-9018
774 Spartan Blvd., Spartanburg | 864-327-3333
Chophouse will host a special 2026 Easter brunch menu (plus their regular menu) from 12 pm – 2 pm. All food and drinks are a la carte. Reservations highly encouraged.
36 Beacon Drive, Greenville | 864-286-8700
Open 11 am – 3 pm on Easter Sunday 2026, Restaurant 17 will be serving a menu of elevated brunch items. Reservations available via phone 864-674-1625 or via OpenTable. They will also be open for regular dinner service from 6 pm-8 pm.
10 Rd of Vines, Travelers Rest | 864-674-1625
Make your Sunday spread as easy as can be with house-smoked ham, chicken pot pie, take and bake cinnamon rolls, carrot cupcakes, and so much more!
205 Cedar Lane Road, Greenville | 864-255-3385
2026 pre-order info not available at time of publication: Fork and Plough has a big menu to choose from with ham as the main dish plus 10 different sides, rolls, and desserts. Everything is a la carte so prices vary.
1629 East North Street, Greenville | 864-609-4249
Easter desserts include 9″ cakes, cookies by the half or full dozen, bundt cakes, and pies and bars. Orders must be in and paid for by March 29th, 2026. Pickup is April 3rd or 4th.
Mad Hatter has many cakes, pies, and other desserts to choose from. Place you pre-order here by March 27th, 2026.
8590 Pelham Rd #14, Greenville | 864-252-4191
Get any number of Easter desserts from this delicious bakery. They have cakes, cookies, and a number of other treats.
21 Roper Mountain Road, Greenville | 864-233-3996
Spartanburg restaurants offer up a delicious food on Easter Sunday, so why not let someone else do all the cooking? Consider it the Easter Bunny’s gift to you! Reservations are highly recommended for this busy Sunday holiday.
Locally owned CityRange has a Sunday Brunch from 10:30 am – 2:30 pm each week (11 am – 3:00 pm at Spartanburg location). The Western Omelet and Hot Chicken & Waffles look especially delicious.
615 Haywood Rd., Greenville | 864-286-9018
774 Spartan Blvd., Spartanburg | 864-327-3333
2026 pre-order info not available at time of publication: Order a la carte. Blue Moon Easter Menu typically includes ham with Easter glaze, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, a variety of delicious vegetables, desserts, and much more.
Spartanburg favorite Wade’s has frozen to-go items perfect for Easter dinner or brunch. No pre-order necessary.
Options for Easter at Wades include mac and cheese, cornbread dressing, broccoli casserole, a variety of pies, turkey and ham, creamed corn, and lots more!
What’s your plan for Easter brunch?
Have you seen the Oconee Bell? Spring is the perfect time to spot one of the rarest wildflowers in the world. It doesn’t bloom in many places, but Devils Fork State Park is one of the few places it does.
The Oconee Bell is only found in a few locations in the southern Appalachian Mountains. It thrives in moist, wooded areas along the streams of Georgia, North, and South Carolina. 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.
The sides of the stream bed are blanketed in waxy, red-tinged leaves, and the small white flowers are only visible 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 it.
The flower has a very limited range in the wild, so the appearance of this native wildflower is cause for celebration. Every year, Devils Fork State Park 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.
You can also see the flowers at Bell Fest, an annual festival dedicated to the rare wildflower that also has lots of great local vendors. In 2026, the date is Saturday, March 21st from 10 am – 3 pm. The festival is free with park entry.
The Oconee Bell Nature Trail is an easy 1.5-mile loop that takes hikers through an oak-hickory forest, past a small pond full of American toads, and alongside the creek that is home to the elusive Oconee Bell. In addition to the rare flower, dozens of other plants and trees identified by wooden markers and several small cascades on the creek add to the list of year-round attractions.
If you’re headed to Devils Fork to hike the Oconee Bell trail, 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’ll 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 flowers, please stay on the trail!
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!
Do you love baby goats? KAG’s Kristina Hernandez sure does. She visited local farm, Split Creek Farm in Anderson, SC, and got to spend some time with baby goats. You can head to Split Creek Farm and see goats, too. This farm offers tours, events, a farm store with delicious cheese, and more.
For more fun things to do during the spring, see our gigantic Spring Guide.
When you have the chance to play with baby goats, you play with baby goats. You get insanely happy. You wear a silly smile on your face for hours. And then your heart breaks a bit when you can’t take them home.
That’s what happened one morning when I visited Split Creek Farm, an award-winning goat farm in Anderson, SC. Time flew by as I got a tour from co-owner and goat-lover, Sandra. We saw mama goats who were about to have their kids, baby goats playing together, baby goats sleeping all piled up together, baby goats eating my pants, and tiny little baby goats training on bottle feeding.
I fell in love with a three-day-old little girl baby goat that had soft, black fur and let me hold her (ok, Sandra let me hold her). Seriously, this was blissful. It made me happy, which for me, is kind of hard to come by some days.
The stellar reputation of this farm precedes them. This farm has so many awards for their cheeses, goat milk products, and actual goats that they have a legitimate museum onsite to house all their trophies, ribbons, and plaques.
In 2022, they came in third place globally for their Feta Marinated in Olive Oil and first place in the United States. In 2017, they beat out every single American producer and farmer in the cheese category for their feta. And in 2010, they took home the Gold Medal at the World Championship of Cheese contest in Madison, WI, beating cheeses from France, Italy, and the U.S.
This little farm plays in the big leagues, and they are darn proud of it, as they should be. They’ve been providing grade-A goat milk for over 30 years, and their passion radiates from every aspect of the farm, from the little goat babies to end products of cheese, fudge, and yogurt.
You can purchase their products at the shop on the farm or online, or enjoy the cheeses at many Greenville restaurants such as The Anchorage, Farm Fresh Fast, Stella’s Southern Bistro, Passerelle, and a dozen others.
Spring is the farm’s busy season as kidding has begun. It’s a round-the-clock operation. As a mother, I understand nighttime feedings, little sleep, and running on fumes. Split Creek Farm estimates they have around 100 baby goats by the end of kidding season in April. These cute little animals need round-the-clock care and feeding every two hours for the first two days of their lives. They then need hands-on care as they learn to feed themselves from the bottle for the next few days.
This goes on for months! I snuck a peek into one of the employee-only rooms off the little shop at the farm. There were five or six pack ‘n plays all lined up. I had stumbled into the goat nursery. Unfortunately, no newborn goats were there but just imagining the care that these little guys and girls need when they are born is overwhelming. Sandra told me she has a similar setup at her house, as does her co-owner, Jessica Bell.
Whoa.
I asked Sandra if she sleeps, which was like asking a new mom the same question. You can guess the answer.
Yes! Split Creek Farm is all about educating the public on what they do, how they treat their animals, what they produce, and how cool goats are. They have Adirondack chairs and benches all over the place for guests to come and hang out. They have a little shop that sells their goat cheeses, fudge, and milk, plus all kinds of other goodies like goat-stuffed animals, soap, and trinkets.
Baby goats, like baby humans, have a delicate immune system, so you can’t just frolic around and hold the little guys and girls. Families especially have to be careful since kids (the human kind) tend to carry around germs more than others (or so it seems). But they are welcome to come and check out the kids and see the other animals.
Don’t miss their Spring Means Babies festival on April 18, 2026 from 10 am – 3 pm. You’ll be able to see all the babies and shop from cool, local vendors.
The farm understands the importance of educating the public because it pertains directly to their survival. If the public is familiar with how the farm works, what they do, and why it’s important, the community will be more supportive, and that benefits everyone. For children especially, learning where food comes from in a fun environment is beneficial to their education and knowledge.
Split Creek Farm is not a huge farm with lots of volunteers and employees. In fact, there are less than ten people that work there. That shocked me because I observed a mere fraction of the work that was being done and it was a great deal, more than I would have thought a small number of people could pull off.
Play with goats and enjoy a free self-guided tour at Split Creek Farm in Anderson, SC!
The farm introduced a new, self-guided tour with plaques all around the farm that explain what they do, the different breeds of goats on the farm, and how milking works. It’s awesome and very educational. You can take the tour on Fridays and Saturdays when they are open for visiting hours.
As you may imagine, Split Creek Farm’s goat yoga sessions are insanely popular. They allow guests to bring their yoga mats out in the field with mama goats, who just love all the attention. The animals are gentle and just like to hang out and befriend whoever comes their way. Stay tuned to their Facebook page for dates.
“We probably do more playing with goats than actual yoga,” Sandra tells me.
Guests who come for goat yoga are also able to play with the baby goats (yay!), specifically the Nigerian dwarfs. These guys, oh my gosh, I can’t even write anything that accurately describes their energy. It’s totally different than the bigger mamas. The babies want to play with you and jump around and maybe eat your pants. I loved these guys, and if Sandra wasn’t with me, I probably would have jumped into their pen to play with them.
Why is goat yoga so popular?
“Because it just makes people happy,” said Sandra.
Speaking of making people happy, Sandra recently founded a non-profit called Goats 4 Goodness, whose mission is to “Do Good Things” for goats and people. They have already partnered with Make-A-Wish Foundation to give kids a chance to play with goats or be a farmer for the day. Goats 4 Goodness also works with special needs kids, recognizing that goats are inherently playful, loving, and fun. They don’t judge anyone!
Using animals for therapy isn’t anything new, however, there aren’t many places, especially in this area of the country, that do it with goats. There’s something special about spending time with goats that can heal or help people let go of their immediate reality and enjoy moments of peace.
Sandra would know. She had a long and successful career in Washington, D.C. as the Deputy Chief of Police of U.S. Capitol Police and also worked at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center and as the Emergency Response Team Leader for FEMA. These are stressful jobs. She fell into destructive habits and went to rehab for several months. It was volunteering at Split Creek Farm that turned her life around. Now she wants to give back to the community the goodness and healing she has found working with goats. You can learn more at their website or Facebook page.
You can go to Split Creek Farm to shop when the store is open (get the fudge, all of it), but visiting hours is only on Fridays and Saturdays. Times are below.
Just understand that this is a working farm and there is a lot that needs to be done. The volunteers and staff are awesome and can answer your questions, but they can’t take a couple of hours to walk you around. So watch your kids, follow the instructions on the signs, and wear proper clothes to deal with mud and dirt. No pets are allowed at the farm.
Also, if you or your children are battling a cold, come back when those sniffles are gone. Baby goats are susceptible to getting sick just like human babies and can’t afford to be exposed to illnesses early in life.
There are other animals to see like chickens, cats, and dogs. They roam and will come and check you out. If your kids are scared of unknown animals, prep them ahead of time. The border collie, Sam, will probably just want to play with them though, and throw his toy around.
Lastly, enjoy your time at the dairy farm. Life is stressful. Adulting is hard. Playing with baby goats is relaxing, fun, and truly blissful. Whether for five minutes or two hours, visiting Split Creek Farm should go on your #mustdo list this year. Don’t miss out on this joy.
Self-guided tours are available Friday and Saturday 10 am – 5 pm. The farm shop is open Monday-Saturday 10 am – 5 pm.
Split Creek Farm
3806 Centerville Road, Anderson
864-287-3921
For more experiences with cute animals, check out 10 Places to See Baby Animals.
Have you been to the children’s museum in Spartanburg yet? TCMU Spartanburg offers indoor fun geared specifically for children five and under. With padded play areas, water play, a Publix mini grocery store, and a new Storyburg, there’s plenty for them to explore!
Looking for more indoor activities to entertain the kids this summer?
Check out our Indoor Guide to Spartanburg!
Located at 130 Magnolia Street in the heart of downtown, TCMU Spartanburg has two levels of interactive exhibits. The hours are 9 am – 4:30 pm Tuesday – Saturday and 11 am – 4:30 pm on Sundays.
Tickets are $10 for SC residents and $15 for non-residents. Educators, homeschool students, seniors, and military receive a discounted ticket price of $8. Members and children under the age of six months get in free. TCMU also participates in the Museums for All Program, which means families can gain admission for $5 per person when they present an EBT card. Advance timed ticketing is encouraged for entry. You can buy tickets online.
Your admission includes ALL DAY access, and you can come and go as needed. For example, you could go in the morning, head home for naps, and return in the afternoon! You can also purchase a membership that gives your entire family access to both the Greenville and Spartanburg locations.
Public parking is available off Magnolia Street, and there is also a reasonably priced parking garage directly across from the museum (around $1 for two hours.) There are also limited free spots in front of the storefronts along Magnolia.
This museum is specifically designed for children five and under and includes lower exhibits for smaller children and areas designed for babies.
TCMU Spartanburg has a friendly, helpful staff that will stamp your hand upon payment and entrance. This stamp allows you all-day access to the museum.
The first floor also has stroller parking. As you walk in, you’ll see an enclosed padded play area for smaller babies. They can scoot, crawl, and toddle to their hearts’ content. This is a shoe-free zone, too.
Deeper into the museum is a fully stocked and recently remodeled Publix grocery store, pediatric doctor’s office, tree-themed climbing playhouse and slides, and leaf vacuum/blower.
Head down the staircase or elevator to check out the basement level. There is an interactive water exhibit that features water spray spouts, building and manipulating currents, fishing poles and lures, and special baby seats for the tiniest explorers to safely sit and splash in the water.
Aprons are available to keep clothes dry, but you may also want to bring a change of clothes if your child doesn’t want to wear the apron.
Continue through the second level, and you’ll find a giant train table, another enclosed baby play area, and the Storyburg exhibit. A class room is towards the back of the first floor, or closest to the stairwell going back up to the main entrance.
Special crafts and storytimes are located in the classroom, and staff will invite children in to participate and create a project. This is great for kids of all ages as the craft can be as complex or as simple as the child wishes. For example, my six-year-old was prompted to create a picture of her family using pre-cut circles. My 22-month-old and three-year-old were happy just to get to use glue sticks and paste as many circles onto paper as they wanted.
There is SO much to do! Kids love it! Even my six-year-old and her seven-year-old friend, who are technically over the age the exhibits are geared towards, were constantly occupied and having fun. It was a magical level of freedom and exploration for my 22-month-old and three-year-old. All the exhibits are just the right height for them to play independently, and without a plethora of older children, they felt confident and safe to freely explore and play.
They have never been ready to leave when I finally call it a day.
The open space of the floor plan means you can sit in a central location and still keep your children in sight as they move from exhibit to exhibit. So if one child wants to explore the grocery store, one wants to play doctor, and another wants to climb into the treehouse and slide, you can easily keep an eye on everyone without having to negotiate locations with your children.
This is awesome! As a mother of three, I cannot love this more. Staff members are always tidying, and the floors and toys are clean and accessible.
There are picnic tables outside the building if you want to pack a lunch or snack and sneak outside for a quick edible recharge. Or you can walk to one of the nearby restaurants and then head back to TCMU for more fun.
I am so excited and proud of Spartanburg for creating such a wonderful place for our youngest citizens to play and learn together. I look forward to many more playdates at TCMU.
TCMU Spartanburg
130 Magnolia Street, Spartanburg
864-233-7755
Tuesday – Saturday: 9 am – 4:30 pm
Sunday: 11 am – 4:30 pm
General admission: $10-15
Seniors & Military: $8
Members: Free
Here are all the best things to do in Spartanburg, SC!
Take a look at TCMU’s other location: TCMU Greenville
