If you’ve never hunted for the Toads on Trade in Greer, SC, add it to your list of things to do. Inspired by Greenville’s Mice on Main, the downtown Greer scavenger hunt features 16 tiny toad statues tucked away on historic buildings. And if you’ve never ventured to find all 16 toads? We’ve got everything you need to know (including a short history lesson) before you go toad hunting.
For more fun, check out The Kidding Around Ultimate Visitors and Locals Guide to Greer, SC.
What are the Toads on Trade in Greer?
Ever been walking around downtown Greer and noticed a tiny green frog statue hanging out on the side of a building? Then you’ve likely seen one of the 16 Toads on Trade.
In 2009, Jason Clark, owner of the former downtown restaurant The Strip Club 104, brought the Toads on Trade scavenger hunt to Trade Street. The original search included 10 toads based on a leggy-fella named Tater.
“Tater Toad wanted to see the world. He hopped a train and traveled far and wide. He saw the big city lights of Atlanta. He soared through the rolling hills of the Carolinas. He made his way to the coast to dip his toes in the salty waters of Myrtle Beach. He even got so far as Vermont once but decided the North was not the place for his Southern soul. But it was in Savannah that he met his one true love, Tallulah. He spotted her bright green eyes and shiny skin from across a crowded pond. She was lying alone on a lily pad, gently paddling with a lazy leg. He swam up to her and it was love at first sight. They married in a romantic courtyard in Charleston and decided to head back east to meet the rest of Tater’s family.”
The Original Toads on Trade story (2009)
When the city revitalized Trade Street, the beloved toads disappeared. But one young lady, Kelsi Kennemore, decided to bring them back bigger and better than before.
At only 10 years old, she researched the history of downtown Greer with the help of the Greer Tidbits (Jonathan Lovegrove and his family) and The Greer Heritage Museum. She then used all the info to create new hints for the new Toad locations.
And today? There are 16 toads to be found on and near Trade Street.
Toads on Trade Clues and Starting the Hunt
Before you head out for a Toad scavenger hunt, be sure to grab a list of the Toads on Trade clues.
The Toads on Trade hints tell you where to start your hunt. As you wander down Trade Street, be sure to look high and low. Some are easy to find and others are a bit more difficult.
Tater Toad and his wife returned for more fun. But the sweetest of the bunch is Tallulah Toad, and finding her will earn you a delicious reward. The rest of the hints to locate Toads can be found online.
Tips for Toads on Trade
If you are planning on going on the toad hunt in Greer, my biggest advice would be to print your scavenger hunt clues.
If you get stuck, you can even find a list of Toad locations. The list includes what historical relevance the clue mentioned. So even if you have to cheat a little, there’s still a lot to gain in a look back at the growth of downtown Greer. See how many you can do without peaking, though. The Toads (off of) Trade might be a bit trickier.
Along with the scavenger hunt, you’ll get a mini-history lesson about the former occupants of the historic buildings that line the streets of downtown Greer.
You may spot a toad long before your kids do. Feel free to gamify your hunt even more and play “hot or cold” with them, telling them when they’re getting “warmer” (closer) to the toad.
Bring a camera or have your phone ready to take pictures of your children with the toads they find! You can turn the photos into a little journal or diary of your adventures later.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes since you’ll be walking!
Following The Toads on Social Media
