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Author Archive

Chicken and Waffle Lovers Need To Look No Further Than Tupelo Honey Cafe in Greenville, SC

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Are you looking for the perfect brunch meal that’s available all day-any day? The menu at Tupelo Honey in Greenville allows patrons to enjoy brunch any day of the week, not just on the weekend. Their chicken and waffles are what brunch dreams are made of, and if you haven’t tried them, you are missing out!

We’re going to help you pre-game the menu so you aren’t overwhelmed by the generous number of options that the Tupelo Honey location in Greenville offers diners.

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Viva Chicken Is A Healthy Meal Option In Greenville, SC

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Are you looking for an easy option for dinner now that school is back in session? Viva Chicken might be the answer to your busy weekday meal dilemma, and you won’t have to feel guilty feeding it to your family! Charlotte-based Viva Chicken has two locations in Greenville: Woodruff Road and Pelham Road. The Peruvian roasted chicken-based menu has something for everyone, including a kid’s menu!

Looking for more spots to dine? Check out The Kidding Around Greenville Ultimate Guide to Restaurants

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Sandlapper Water Tours: Learn the Haunted History of Charleston, By Boat!

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Did you know you can catch a ride on a haunted harbor tour with Sandlapper Boat Tours? Reviews are in, and this haunted tour in Charleston, SC is a must-do! Sandlapper Boat Tours actually offers a wide range of water tours. In addition to a haunted tour, you can also discover new things on Sandlapper Boat Tours’ Eco Tour or enjoy nature, sunset, and good company on a sunset cruise through the harbor.

Sandlapper Water Tours: Reviews of the haunted tour in Charleston, SC

We recently polled the Kidding Around readers on social media about what they would like to see us cover in Charleston. The two top results were ghost tours and harbor tours. Since we here at Kidding Around try to go above and beyond, we found an activity that fits the bill for both top requests: A Ghost tour, with Sandlapper Water Tours!

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10 Local Plant Shops and Pop-Ups Near Greenville, SC

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Where can you buy a plant in Greenville, SC? The Upstate area is full of local plant shops and pop-up plant stores where you can find some seriously cool plants for sale, and usually a side of instruction if you’re not so sure how to care for your new botanical bestie. We have some plant care tips for you, plus a list of local plant shops near Greenville that you’ll want to check out.

The last decade has seen a boom in the popularity of houseplants. Yes, house plants. All kinds of houseplants. They help purify the air while also adding some much-needed nature vibes to the indoors of our homes. Not to mention the many varigations and unique indoor plants available, with many that are low maintenance (I’m talking about you pothos)!

This phenomenon, spurred on by Instagram and other social media platforms, has given birth to plant boutiques that are popping up all over town. Most of these locations are multi-functional spaces that offer more than just plants! Whether it be coffee, Filipino snacks, yoga sessions, or plant workshops, this new breed of retail space deserves your attention if you have a green thumb! If not, they can help you with that too!

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5 Best BBQ Spots in Spartanburg, SC

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Looking for some tasty barbecue in Spartanburg? Barbecue places are in no short supply in the Carolinas. Since we aim to please when it comes to lists, we compiled this list of barbecue restaurants in Spartanburg, based on our readers’ recommendations. Here are some favorite spots for BBQ in Spartanburg, SC.

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Swim, Paddle, Play and Relax at High Falls Park in Seneca, SC

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Looking for a family-friendly beach in the Upstate where you can swim, boat and enjoy the playground? While we don’t have a traditional beach to enjoy in the Upstate, we have a lakeside one just about an hour from Greenville. High Falls County Park is popular with locals and it will be your new favorite day trip and camping destination, too. High Falls County Park sits on 46 acres of land, on the shores of Lake Keowee in Oconee county.

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Hub City Railroad Museum: Take Your Tiny Train Lover To This Railside Museum in Spartanburg, SC

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If you have a train lover in your family we have all the info you’ll need to make the most of an afternoon at the Hub City Railroad Museum! Our review includes a brief history of the Hub City, some history and details about this free museum, and when to go.

COVID-19 Museum Opening Update
According to the website, After a year of being closed, the Hub City Railroad Museum is open again. Come by on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm and check out our recently added display about the Pullman Company. We also have a new order of tee-shirts that have just arrived. There are some restrictions in place due to the virus. We will request that you wear a mask and we will be limiting the number of visitors at one time. We will be periodically sanitizing the museum, especially frequently touched items. Your understanding is appreciated. The caboose is still undergoing a major renovation, but there has be significant progress made. Stop by and peek in to see how the construction is going.”

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Everyone Can Find An Adventure At SouthTown Wake Park in Rock Hill, SC

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Have you been to SouthTown Wake Park? Summer adventures are calling us, and new and exciting things become harder to find towards the end of the season. We made a discovery in Rock Hill, SC, that will have you hopping in the car and making the trip to York County! SouthTown Wake Park has something to keep everyone entertained, no matter how adventurous you are!

For more fun things to do in the Charlotte Area, Check out our Guide To Fun With Kids In Charlotte, NC.

York County wake park southtown
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The Children’s Museum Of The Upstate Is The Perfect Destination For Families in Greenville, SC

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Are you looking for a fun and educational place to spend some time with the kids? Greenville, South Carolina is lucky to have a wonderful children’s museum. We will share all the info you’ll need to plan your day at this popular destination for Upstate families. 

Thank you to The Children’s Museum of the Upstate for providing tickets to write this review for our readers.

Looking for more Children’s Museum fun for ages six and younger? Your Preschool-Aged Children are Going to Love TCMU’s Spartanburg Location

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Lake Cooley Needs to Be on Your Summer Bucket List

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Would your family like to spend time by a beautiful lake in Spartanburg but you’re not sure where to go? Whether you like fishing, kayaking, or just somewhere peaceful and relaxing, we’ve got just the place for your family! 

We have everything you need to know about Lake Cooley, including how to obtain a fishing license, how to rent a kayak, and more.

About Lake Cooley In Wellford, SC

Lake Cooley is a 330-gallon watershed located in Wellford, just about 10 minutes north of Wade Hampton road. This hidden gem is home to the Lake Cooley Outdoor Education Center. The center is a two-story building that includes a classroom filled with live & mounted wildlife. Please contact the Outdoor Education Center to make an appointment to visit. The ground level of the center houses the 40-person rental facility.

Lake Cooley

Water sports on Lake Cooley

Several different styles of kayaks and paddleboards are available for rent on a first come first serve basis. The rates start at ten dollars for a two-hour rental and are currently available Thursday through Sunday. Swimming at the lake is prohibited to the public, so keep that in mind when the temptation to go for a swim arises.

  • May 28th and 29th
    8 am – 8 pm
  • May 31st – September 6th (closed July 4th)
    Thursdays and Fridays: 12 pm – 8 pm
    Saturdays and Sundays: 8 am – 8 pm

The current rates and hours can be viewed on the Lake Cooley website.

Things you will need to bring include a driver’s license, a credit/debit card or exact change, and a life vest for children under 10 (not provided). Lifevests for children and adults over 10 are available.

If you are fortunate enough to have your own kayak, then you’ll need to purchase a permit decal from SJWD in person Monday through Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. The office is located on Highway 29 in Wellford. The permit is $40 for Spartanburg County residents, is good through December of the year purchased, and is only valid for Lake Cooley.

Spending Time With Your Family on Lake Cooley

Our family recently spent a day on the lake. My son received a kid-size kayak for Christmas, and this was his kayak’s maiden voyage. He used his kayak, and we rented a tandem kayak. If you are bringing children under 10 and plan to use a rental, you will need to provide a life vest for them to wear. They are required the entire time you are on the lake. Also, be sure to allow plenty of time to check-in, fill out waivers, and get fitted for life vests.

Our day on the lake was memorable. Our son took to his kayak like it was second nature and the toddler was surprisingly well behaved. Towards the end of the rental time, she was getting ready to jump off the kayak and go swimming (which is prohibited, even though you might see it happening).

I like this lake because it seems like the boat traffic is minimal. Most of the traffic was kayaks or paddleboards. We did see a few pontoon boats, but they were anchored. We were already planning our next trip to the lake before we had left.

Lake Cooley kayaks picnic shelters Spartanburg

Fishing on Lake Cooley

If you are a fishing enthusiast, you’re in luck. There are two fishing piers at the lake and they also offer specialty fishing kayak rentals. Small fish are plentiful around the shore and make the perfect bait for the bass fish that lurk deeper in the lake, just be sure to bring a net. I can’t say I’ve caught one, but the bass have taunted me while swimming past my hook.

A freshwater fishing license can be obtained from the SCDNR website and is only $10 for an annual license. Children do not need a license if with a licensed adult.

Events at Lake Cooley

The Discover Your Watershed event, hosted by USC Upstate in May, is a great way to meet the environmental and conservation groups in the community. There are activities for kids, free giveaways, and the opportunity for everyone to receive a free boating permit from SJWD.

Picnic Shelters and Grills at Lake Cooley

If you pack a picnic or would like to grill at the lake – there are two picnic shelters available for rent as well as two picnic tables available first come first serve. There are also restrooms available. Not to worry if you forget snacks or refreshments! The rental area has drinks, bagged snacks, and frozen treats for just $1 each.

The Playground at Lake Cooley

As if we haven’t already given you enough reason to head to Lake Cooley, the playground is all the more reason. This is a great, small playground with lake views and right next to a huge picnic shelter.

This lake has everything you could want, and it’s conveniently close. I hope that you decide to check Lake Cooley out this summer. I promise you won’t regret a day on the lake with your family.

Lake Cooley
100 Cooley Dock Road, Inman | 864.949.1002