Best of…
Fun Getaway
Best Weekend Adventure Near Greenville, SC |
🧴Escape the screens, dodge the dishes, and trade tantrums for trail mix-(with a side of bug spray) 💨
👉 Outdoor Getaways for the Whole Crew
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Blue Ridge Parkway – Scenic Drive & Hiking – Blue Ridge, GA
Distance From Greenville: (Approx. 2.5 hours)
Why It’s Great for Families: A gorgeous stretch of highway with stunning mountain views, great for a relaxing family road trip. The Blue Ridge Parkway offers scenic overlooks and easy access to some great hiking trails.
Must-Do's: Stop at Linville Falls for a short, family-friendly hike to see the waterfall, or take a picnic at Julian Price Park and enjoy the lake views.
Nearby Fun: Check out Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock, a wild west theme park with rides and live entertainment for younger kids.
Where to Stay: The Lodge at Buckberry Creek in Gatlinburg offers cozy cabins surrounded by beautiful nature.
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Chattahoochee National Forest – Waterfalls & Wildlife
Location from Greenville– Blue Ridge, GA (Approx. 2 hours)
Why It’s Great for Families: This sprawling forest in the North Georgia mountains offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife, making it a fantastic family outdoor adventure.
Must-Do's: Take a family hike to Amicalola Falls or the Toccoa Falls for breathtaking waterfall views. The kids will love the wildlife spotting, with chances to see deer, birds, and even the occasional bear from a safe distance.
Nearby Fun: After hiking, visit the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway for a fun and relaxing train ride through the mountains.
Where to Stay: Toccoa Falls Lodge offers a cozy stay near the waterfalls with all the comforts of home.
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Nantahala Outdoor Center – Whitewater Rafting & Zip-lining – Bryson City, NC
Distance from Greenville: (Approx. 3 hours)
Why It’s Great for Families: The Nantahala Outdoor Center offers thrilling outdoor adventures, from whitewater rafting to zip-lining, perfect for families who enjoy an active, adrenaline-pumping getaway.
Must-Do's: Take a family-friendly whitewater rafting trip on the Nantahala River, or try out the Treetop Adventure Course for some zip-lining fun.
Nearby Fun: Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park for easy family hikes, or explore Fontana Lake for boating and fishing.
Where to Stay: Nantahala Village offers cozy cabins perfect for families, with easy access to all the outdoor activities.
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Lake Jocassee – Salem, SC
Distance from Greenville: (Approx. 1.5 hours)
Why It’s Great for Families: Known as South Carolina’s “hidden gem,” Lake Jocassee offers crystal-clear water, waterfall views, and tons of outdoor fun. It’s perfect for families who love swimming, kayaking, and spending the whole day outside without screens.
Must-Do's: Rent a pontoon boat or kayak to explore the lake’s hidden coves and waterfall-fed swimming spots. Visit Devil’s Fork State Park for easy hiking trails, picnic areas, and lake access for swimming or paddleboarding. Nearby Fun: Take a guided waterfall boat tour or venture into nearby Gorges State Park in NC for a hike with scenic overlooks and gentle trails great for kids.
Where to Stay: Camp lakeside at Devil’s Fork State Park (they have both tent and villa options), or book a cozy cabin nearby for a nature-filled family retreat.
🎲 Travel Games & Cards — For when the Wi-Fi fails (or you just want a reason to yell “Go Fish!”).
🍪 Emergency Snacks — Goldfish crackers, granola bars, or mystery trail mix (with a surprise candy).
🧴 Sunscreen & Bug Spray — To make sure you’re not glowing from the sunburn or getting bitten by every mosquito in a 5-mile radius.
🎒 Kid-Sized Backpack of Essentials — Don’t forget the things they can’t live without—like a toy car, random receipts, and that one sock they refuse to let go.
🎶 Portable Speaker — For impromptu dance parties in the hotel room or car karaoke.