Once you’ve been to the beaches of the Suncoast Keys and Southwestern Florida, it will spoil you for the rest. Crystal blue waters that you thought only existed in the Caribbean, can be found here. These beaches are all the most popular beach spots on the west coast of Florida (and some secret ones too). Beaches where you can look for shark teeth, a world-famous beach, a beach where you can find Sand Dollars and other fun adventures!
So grab your floppy hat, a cool drink, and get ready to enjoy some beautiful beaches and fun in the sun in Florida!
Looking for boys dance classes near Greenville, SC? It can be hard to be the only boy in a dance class, and as a result, many boys don’t want to try a dance class. Kidding Around found a few studios in Spartanburg and Greenville that offer dance classes just for boys. Below you’ll find a list of places where boys will find dance classes just for them.
Can’t wait for some snow to go sledding? In South Carolina, you won’t find many places with snow for sledding, but sledding in NC is worth the day trip!South Carolina doesn’t frequently see a ton of snow, so if you’re looking to go sledding in South Carolina we recommend heading up to the mountains of Western North Carolina. So, grab those gloves and sleds and read on for sledding in NC. Enjoy some winter fun, for free!
*Distance – Approximately 1 Hour from the Upstate The Pisgah National Forest offers visitors plenty of space to play in the snow and pull sleds around.
One reader suggested the area behind Calvary Baptist Church for the perfect sledding hill.
Sledding off The Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina
*Distance – Varies 1-3+ Hours from the Upstate Moses H. Cone Memorial Park Milepost 294 on the Blue Ridge Parkway offers a safe spot for sledding, but getting to this spot might be tricky depending on the road conditions. The Parkway often closes during inclement weather, making reaching certain spots along this highway difficult to access. This is both a curse and a blessing. The Blue Ridge Parkway being shut down offers families a unique opportunity to sled right on the road.
*Distance – Approximately 2.5 Hours from the Upstate Just north of Banner Elk, The mountain town of Beech Mountain is most famous for being the home of The Land of Oz. In addition to the Beech Mountain Resort located off Beech Mountain Parkway, the city offers a free sledding hill located right behind the Brick Oven Pizzeria at 110 Bark Park Way, Beech Mountain. This sledding hill’s location is new for 2024, and is said to be much better than the original one that was once behind the visitors center. It is larger and much safer due to increased parking, fenced-in location, and no obstructions in the middle of the run. There is also a bathroom and a playground, so you can plan to stay a while!
The Beech Mountain Sledding Hill is open seven days a week, weather permitting, and requires the use of a plastic sled. If you don’t have one handy, you can purchase or rent one from several of the ski shops around the mountain.
There is so much to see and do in Beech Mountain, while this is close enough to be a day trip, you will want to stay and explore! It has one of the more visited ski resorts on the East Coast and is a popular destination for winter sports! Check out the live Beech Mountain webcam, and the Buckeye Lake webcam to see the local conditions before you head out.
Where to Go Sledding in Boone, North Carolina
*Distance – Approximately 2.5 Hours from the Upstate Near the eastern Tennesse border, Boone, North Carolina sees its fair share of snow. Depending on the driving conditions, this is an easy day trip to make for a day playing in the snow. Alternatively, you could plan a last-minute weekend getaway and stay overnight to play in the snow even longer. Head to The town of Boone’s webcam so you can check up on the snow status in real time!
Boone Jaycee Park & Strawberry Hill Overlook is a public park that offers sledding on Strawberry Hill. Be sure to stop for a bathroom break before you head to the park because the restrooms within walking distance are closed during the winter months.
Blowing Rock, North Carolina has several parks that offer a great opportunity for snow play! Blowing Rock Memorial Park has surfaces for older kids to slide down, as well as plenty of open flat areas for snow-play and building snow-folks. The Julian Price Memorial Park in Blowing Rock is also a great place for sledding.
*Approximate drive times are calculated from the Greenville/Spartanburg Airport and can vary based on road conditions. Please check for road closures and hazards before heading to a location listed here during or immediately after inclement weather.
If you are craving the best Chinese food, Spartanburg, SC has a couple of restaurants that our readers have some pretty strong opinions about. These are the Chinese restaurants where our Spartanburg readers go when it’s time for egg rolls, fried rice, and a delicious meal.
I don’t know about you, but for as long as I can remember, whenever I’m feeling under the weather all I want is to sink into a serving of Chinese food! There’s just something therapeutic about sinking into a warm bowl of egg drop soup with a steamy pot of Oolong tea.
864. 949-8889 | 12175 West Greenville Hwy, Lyman One of my favorite parts of a Chinese meal is the egg rolls, and they’ve got the best I’ve found in the Hub City. I usually order what my children refer to as “chicken lollipops,” pork fried rice, a spicy chicken dish for me, and several egg rolls. I order several more now that my children caught wind of how awesome they are. They are extremely busy on the weekends, so don’t wait until you are hangry to order.
Pan Asian Cuisine 864.582.0618 | 129 West Main Street, Spartanburg I was feeling under the weather recently and a good friend took me to Monsoon and ordered me up a bowl of soup. It’s his go-to cure-all whenever he is sick. I can’t speak to its medicinal quality, but boy was it delicious!
I’m a big fan of Monsoon House in downtown Spartanburg.
Lori W.
What restaurant do you think has the best Chinese food in Spartanburg, SC?
Looking for something to do on the upcoming long weekend that includes a day off from school to honor a civil rights leader? We gathered some of the family-friendly Martin Luther King events Greenville, SC residents should check out if they are looking for ways to honor his life and legacy.
We’ve also included some added special events that can make the long weekend fun for everyone!
Unity Week in Spartanburg, SC: The City of Spartanburg and The United Way will celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during Unity Week in 2024 with different live-streamed, virtual events and volunteer opportunities. Activities include creating care packages, donating blood, cleaning up parks, and more. The entire list of community service activities planned can be found on the United Way Website. Unity Week is a great way to commemorate Dr. King’s legacy while helping our beloved community.
Campground Cleanup in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park: We absolutely love camping at the park and if you’re up for a volunteer road trip, this is the place! They are having a campground cleanup on Monday, January 15th from 10 am – 2 pm. To register, please reach out to Trails and Facilities Volunteer Coordinator Adam_Monroe@nps.gov.
Litter Pick Up with Friends of the Reedy River: Friends of the Reedy River have not released information about the 2024 litter pickup day. Dates TBD. FoRR will provide all other necessary items, such as gloves, vests, trash grabbers, trash bags, tools, etc. The pick-up efforts will be around the Nicholtown and Brutontown Communities. You will receive a confirmation email with your assigned check-in location after you register.
For more info on how you can serve the community in honor of MLK day, there are several national websites to check:
If you’d like more information about places to volunteer in the Upstate, don’t miss our Volunteering Guide.
Learn About The Civil Rights Movement With Help From The Library
The Spartanburg and Greenville Library systems are closed on Monday in observance. The library is the best place to stock up on great books to teach your kids the importance of Martin Luther King, Jr, and the Civil Rights Movement. Here are a couple of excellent book lists to get you started from “What Do We Do All Day?”
January 12th – 15th, 2024: HBCU MLK Day Unity Invitational– Bon Secours Wellness Arena: A showcase of 14 college basketball teams from historically black colleges and universities in the US. Monday will feature a March to the Well parade that will begin at City Hall in Downtown Greenville, SC.
The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park | Atlanta, GA In 1980, The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park was established to preserve the places where Martin Luther King, Jr. was born, lived, worked, worshiped, and buried. Each year the 38-acre park hosts nearly a quarter-million guests while sharing the significance of one of the most influential Americans in modern history. Entrance to the park is always free. Learn More About The Martin Luther King and The Black History of Atlanta
The Friendship Nine Lunch Counter | York County, SC In 1961, 10 College students staged a sit-in at the local McCrory’s Lunch Counter to protest segregation. The men were arrested, and 9 of them refused to pay the fine for these charges, choosing instead to sit in jail for 30 days. The McCrory’s is still there, and you can see the original lunch counter and stools from 1961. The Friendship Nine and their story is an important part of the civil rights movement. Learn More About The Friendship Nine and York County
Things To Do On MLK Day: Schools Out!
Fun In Spartanburg, SC
Check out a kit from the Spark Space Maker Space at the Headquarters Library over the weekend. They have all kinds of fun kits you can check out to learn to do something new over the weekend!
Hit the slopes and try out these places to go sledding (if we actually get some snow!)
Fun In Greenville, SC
Bring kids ages 12 and under to Family Fun Gym time at Acrosmith Gymnastics on Monday, January 15, 2024 at 9 am or 10:15 am. Cost is $6/child and you have to pre-register online.
Ice on Main‘s last day for the season is Monday, January 15th, 2024.
Drop your kids off at Artic Art Camp for a few hours with Yellowbobbypins. Cost is $50 from 9 am – 12 pm for ages 5 – 10 years old. Preregistration required.
Hiking in the winter is great for many reasons – the first probably being that there aren’t any bugs! See our big hiking guide for some suggestions of fun trails.
Head up to Black Bear Snow Tubing in Hendersonville for some outdoor fun. They are open Noon-6 pm.
If you’d like to see some gorgeous waterfalls, see our Winter Waterfall Driving Tour (you may get lucky and even seefrozen falls!).
Day trips are also a way to have fun together on the long weekend. We’ve got a huge Travel page for you to browse for ideas. Charleston is full of places to visit and reflect on the things that Martin Luther King Jr. fought to change.
Have you been to Grill Marks in Greenville, SC? If you’re looking for a delicious meal with the promise of a monumental dessert at the end, then you need to look no further than Grill Marks! This local burger place has milkshakes that steal the show.
At Grill Marks, you can: Get an Oreo Shake Get Some Whipped Cream On The Top Too Two Straws One Check Girl, They Got You!
The popular country song “Fancy Like” has everyone running out to grab an Oreo shake! So why not grab a yummy meal at the same time? You and your whole family can do just that at one of two different locations in Greenville, South Carolina.
Ever heard of Underpin in Spartanburg? Think bowling in Spartanburg sounds like a good family fun night? Perhaps you’ve been blessed with a rare night away from the kids and have no idea where to head once the babysitter takes over.
There’s a cool place in downtown Spartanburg that is perfect for both occasions, Underpin Lanes ‘N Lounge.
Spartanburg’s downtown is coming into its own and we couldn’t be more excited. Until recently, to spend time in an upscale bowling alley you’d have to travel to a larger city like Atlanta. Several years ago Greenville got their own boutique bowling alley in the form of Stone Pin Company.
Now one of the Co-owners of Stone Pin has been brought on board to bring that same kind of entertainment to the people of Spartanburg.
Not your typical bowling alley, UnderPin is intimately sized with just 8 lanes. This is good a good thing in my opinion because it keeps the noise level down. This can be helpful when you’re enjoying a date night or if you have a child with sensory issues. Even though the alley itself is small, the lanes are regulation size.
The other feature that sets them apart from a typical alley is their menu. Don’t worry; they have all the things you might expect at a bowling alley in the way of food. Things like nachos and quesadillas are elevated to a whole new level with the use of ingredients like brisket and pork belly. The menu includes burgers, wraps, salads, and a kids menu.
What Readers Are Saying About Underpin
Everybody who visits the alley seems to love it!
We’ve been, great food and atmosphere. Can’t wait to go back.
Karen M.
Super Friendly staff and really cute décor. It is pretty small inside and I’m not sure how I felt about the pins being in wires butttt overall I had a really great experience there.
Morgan W.
Things to Know When You Visit Underpin
If you are planning on heading out, here’s the info you’ll
need to know to snag a lane.
Reservations are only allowed for large parties and private events. If you are thinking of having a large group of friends join you, the alley has a nice semi-private area where your group can hang out with their own lanes. All other guests are first-come, first-serve access to the lanes.
Lanes are rented out by the hour and those super chic shoes will cost you $4 to borrow. A lane accommodates up to 6 players. Playing on a Friday or Saturday night from 5 pm – 10 pm will cost you more than any other time of the week. The peak rate for those times is $40 per hour on a lane, the rest of the time lanes are $24 an hour.
Initial Q: Social Bar & Smokehouse is open above UnderPin and you can enjoy a sit-down dinner upstairs, then head downstairs to bowl. The menu at Initial Q is the same type of elevated fare you see at Underpin. It’s not the typical BBQ meal you find in most places.
Thinking about some holiday fun in Charleston, SC at the Holiday Festival of Lights? The low country is full of holiday fun, including this awesome holiday light display! Here’s everything you need to know about the Holiday Festival of Lights in Charleston, SC.
If you are planning a cozy getaway with your family, then one of these winter cabin rentals just makes sense. Soft snow, bubbling hot tubs, and cozy fires are just some of the things you might find at these beautiful vacation rentals in the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. So make your reservations and plan your winter-time escape now.
As a Stay22 Affiliate Kidding Around earns when you book through these links.
Winter Cabin Rentals: Mountain Vacation in North Carolina
The mountains are calling out for a visit. While we can’t guarantee there will be snow, these rentals have amenities that promise a good time whether you get a winter wonderland or not. Grab the hot cocoa, grab the kids, and head to the mountains with the hopes of getting snowed in!
Hendersonville, NC
Want to stay in a “Treehouse” this winter? You can! This cozy house in the trees is just a short drive to Moonshine Mountain and has snow-tubing fun. Plus you’ll also be close to both downtown Hendersonville and Brevard for fabulous food, shopping, or taking a stroll. If you don’t feel like heading out you can stay in, enjoy the view, and warm up beside the wood-burning stove.
“Treehouse” VRBO near Hendersonville, NC and Moonshine Mountain, Photo Credit: VRBO
We love the wrap-around deck at Cedar Log Cabin. From there you can take in the view of the woods surrounding the cabin or relax in the hot tub. Inside the cozy cabin has two fireplaces and lots of common area space where you can gather with the family for games or a meal. If you feel like heading into town, the downtown area of Highlands, NC is just 10 minutes away.
Secluded on 2.5 acres, this Hendersonville cabin has everything you’ll need to enjoy a winter wonderland while not traveling too far from home. A wood-burning fireplace and hot tub will keep your family toasty and entertained.
This log cabin near Maggie Valley, NC has simply stunning views of the mountains. Families will love the outdoor fire pit, hot tub, and indoor fireplace.
Stunning views, Maggie Valley, NC, Photo Credit: VRBO
Summit’s End has everything you need for the perfect family winter getaway. Located at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, you will enjoy the picturesque views along with nearby hiking, a hot tub, and a fire pit. Did we mention it’s also pet-friendly?
This newly renovated cabin offers stunning views of the mountains surrounding Bryson City, North Carolina. With a spacious living room, fireplace, deck and patio for relaxing outdoors, and a hot tub, this property is certain to make an epic winter vacation.
Getaway to a winter cabin on the Top of the World in Franklin, North Carolina! The views are stunning, the homey vibe is cozy, and two firepits to relax around, this cabin is a wonderful getaway.
You can enjoy some alone time in the private soaking tub, or cuddle all together in front of the fire pit. This Pigeon Forge cabin offers guests to the Tennessee mountains more than you’ll find at a five-star hotel!
Mountain Seduction is a 3 story log home that offers all the amenities to have the perfect winter getaway, without skimping on the luxury. The home offers gorgeous views, a hot tub, pool table, foosball, and is close to all the fun in town!
Escape to one of the highest-rated mini winter cabin rentals in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, the Owl’s Nest. With a stunning view of Mt. LeConte, a hot tub, and only 3 miles from downtown, this quaint cabin is the perfect place to stay for a cozy getaway with your spouse or small family.
If you are looking for a place to stay for the holidays, check out one of these Holiday Getaways, with cabins near Christmas tree farms, mountain homes, and more!
looking for something to do to celebrate Veterans Day Near Greenville, SC? Our country has set aside a special day in honor of the military personal that have served, and are still with us, on Veterans Day. If you’ve served our country, Kidding Around wants to offer a heartfelt thank you for your service.
This year Veterans Day is on Saturday, November 11th, 2023.
Greenville, Spartanburg, and the surrounding areas of the Upstate have several ways you and your family can get out to honor our military. Please note the date and times where provided, as not all events are on Veterans Day.
