Spring Break in the Upstate: Where to pick tulips, play mini golf, and watch sunsets
Greenville, SC
Spring-like temperatures have arrived in the Upstate, with flowers in bloom and bumblebees making their first appearance of the season. The first day of spring is March 19. The Upstate’s many parks offer activities for families to enjoy during Spring Break, like mini golfing for free at McPherson Park or riding through Heritage Park on a replica steam engine train. You can also pick tulips at Thompson Family Farms in Campobello or watch the sun drift away beyond the clouds during sunset at Cleveland’s Pretty Place Chapel.
Spring break schedules for schools in Anderson, Greenville, and Spartanburg counties:
- Anderson County Schools: Friday, March 29 – Friday, April 5
- Greenville County Schools: Monday, March 18 – Friday, March 22
- Spartanburg County Schools: Monday, April 1 – Friday, April 5
Here are some fun things to do with family and friends this Spring Break:
Anderson
- C & C Ice Cream and Arcade, Anderson
Do you enjoy ice cream and gaming? Anderson’s only ice cream and vintage arcade venue brings on the fun with monthly specialty shake offerings and classic retro games like Frogger, Dig Dug, Galaga, Pacman, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The arcade is open Tuesday through Thursday from 4-9 p.m., Saturday from noon-9 p.m., and Sunday from noon-6 p.m. - Sample cheese and fudge at Split Creek Farm, Anderson
Split Creek Farm is known for its national award-winning artisan goat cheeses and goat milk fudge. Visit cute farm animals, sample cheese and fudge, or browse the Farm Shop. The farm is open for visitation and self-guided tours Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Greenville
- Birdwatch at Lake Conestee Nature Park, Greenville
Bird watching is a great way to enjoy the 400-acre park. Check out the list of bird species to watch for in the park, including the American Bitterns. For a full list of birds, click here. - Bike the Swamp Rabbit Trail, Greenville
The Swamp Rabbit Trail is a 22-mile multi-use greenway used for walking and bicycling. If you plan on bicycling through this extensive trail, check out this interactive map for guidance. Treat yourself along the way from the Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery. - Mini golf for free at McPherson Park, Greenville
Bring your own clubs and balls to take advantage of McPherson Park’s free 18-hole miniature golf course. The park also includes tennis courts, shelters, a playground, and a walking trail with bridges that cross a small creek.
Travelers Rest
- Fly a kite at Poinsett Park, Travelers Rest
For fun in the sun, fly a kite at Poinsett Park located just south of Travelers Rest. The open green space makes the perfect place to watch your kite soar, and the combination of a picnic shelter, playground, and walking trail will give kids plenty to do in the afternoon.
Things to do under an hour away
Campobello
- Cut your own tulips at Thompson Family Farms, Campobello
Thompson Family Farms offers U-Pick, where you can select tulips from over 57,000 in the fields. A basket and a pair of scissors will be provided for you as you stroll through and take in the beautiful flowers in bloom. Tulips are $1 per stem.
Cleveland
- Watch the sunset at Pretty Place Chapel, Cleveland
Watching the sunset from Pretty Place Chapel, owned by YMCA Camp Greenville, is an experience quite like no other. The beauty of the colorful skies and surrounding mountains is not one easily forgotten. The chapel is open to visitors from sunrise to sunset.
