Free walking tour of historic Southport, half an hour between Wilmington and Sunset Beach

Nestled on the mouth of Cape Fear River, Southport is one of the most charming cities along the North Carolina coast, with an incredibly rich naval and military history.

Southport Ferry to Fort Fisher on Cape Fear River

In 1500s and 1600s European explorers such as Lucas Vasquez de Ayllon and William Hilton discovered its riches; in 1700s ruthless pirates like Blackbeard and Stede Bonnet ravaged its canals.

During the Civil War, cunning river pilots defied the blockade, and in 1900s businessmen tried in vain to make the city a prominent railroad center. Nowadays, movie directors have “conquered” the city and shot more than 50 films for the last 20 years.

This post highlights some of the attractions you can enjoy along Southport’s self-guided walking tour. Most data comes from historical markers and outdoor exhibits, and the walking tour brochure you can grab at the Visitor Center.

Any visit to Southport must include a stop at the NC Maritime Museum (free admission) and a family fun ferry boat ride to Fort Fisher ($5 per car one way) and the exotic NC Aquarium ($8 adults, $6 children 6-17, free for kids 5 and under).

Stocks and Pillory at Old Brunswick County Jail

Walk the walk, talk the talk at Old Brunswick County jail

Built in 1904 for $6,738, the Old Brunswick Jail served the county until 1971, when an annex was completed. Both buildings were discontinued in 1978 when the county seat was moved to Bolivia.

The 1st floor provided living quarters for the jailer and his family. The 2nd floor had 2 cell rooms containing 4 bunks, a commode and washbasin and a small runabout.

Sissy Spacek is considered the jail’s most famous “criminal”! She stayed here in the summer of 1986, during the shooting of Crimes of the Heart.

The jail is now a museum and also home to the Southport Historical Society. The annex is home to the Southport Friends of the Library.

The museum is opened April through October.

The Railroad’s Come to Town…Willing, But Slow
Between the Civil War and the construction of the Panama Canal in 1904, local residents and investors desperately sought to surpass Wilmington in building the railroad link to the Appalachian coal fields. Smithville will become the railroad first refueling stop, thus bringing fame and fortune to the small fishing village.

Willing, but slow...the short lived Southport train service

So in 1890, with much fanfare, a huge coal dock was built on Rhett Street and the town proudly changed its name to Southport, the “Port of the South”.

For 20 years, 15 rail companies failed to build the railroad, until Wilmington, Brunswick and Southern finally succeeded in 1911.

By then, technology has changed and ships had begun to burn oil and not coal, causing some investors to lose fortunes.

On November 25, 1911, a huge celebration marked the train’s arrival with bands, speeches, boat races and picnics. The trip from Wilmington took 2 hours and 36 minutes. Nicknamed “Willing, But Slow”, the passenger service continued until 1933. The station burned in 1940, never to be rebuilt.

Nearby is the 18th century Old Burying Ground, peaceful resting place to prominent families ship captains, soldiers an driver pilots. Note “The winds and the sea sing their Requiem and shall forevermore” obelisk mark honoring river pilots and seamen lost in the 1872 and 1877 storms.

Fort Johnston – Cape Fear River Guardian and Civil War Blockade Runner
Established as a British port in 1748, Fort Johnston was the first commissioned fort in North Carolina and the state’s only fort to serve under 3 different countries! Until 2004 it was considered the smallest working U.S. military installation.

Fort Johnston - Built 1748-1764, burned by Whigs 1775, rebuilt 1794 – 1809. Only officers quarters remain.

The outer fortification was built of tabby rock, a mix of oyster shells, sand, lime and water. Some sections are still visible at low tide.

On July 19, 1775, unable to defend the fort against British troops, NC militia destroyed the fort.

On January 9, 1861, an armed body of civilians overwhelmed Fort Johnston’s lone occupant, Ordinance Sgt. James Reilly, and demanded the keys. Reilly quickly surrounded them and received a receipt in return. However, North Carolina Governor John W. Ellis ordered few days later that Fort Johnston and other strongholds be restored to the Federal Government.

The Confederates reoccupied the fort on April 16, after the fall of Fort Sumter, and again took possession from Sgt. Reilly. He soon resigned from U.S. Army and joined the Confederacy as an artillery officer. Ironically he had to surrender the fort once more in 1865, this time to the Union forces!

1868 Capt. Thomas Mann Thompson House

During the Civil War vessels running the blockade passed through the Cape Fear inlet en route to Canada, Bermuda, Caribbean and Cuba.

They returned to Wilmington carrying military supplies, which railroads transported north to Gen. Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia.

Eventually the Union blockading squadron sealed ever Southern port, except Wilmington which was protected by Fort Fisher and Fort Johnston.

One of the most successful blockade runner and river pilot was Captain Thomas Mann Thompson, now buried in the Old Ground cemetery. His 1868 house was Southport’s first home with a cupola and a Widow’s Walk.

The NC Oldest and the US Brightest Lighthouses
From the serene Southport Waterfront Park you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Cape Fear River Canal, bustling with big ships, ferry and fishing boats, and noisy seabirds. The jewels are the two lighthouses:

1958 Oak Island Lighhouse brightest light in US

Bald Head Island Light built in 1817, is the oldest in the state.

Oak Island Light built in 1958 is one of the youngest in the US (only the one on Sullivan Island was built since) and features the country’s brightest light:

On good conditions it can be seen from 24 nautical miles.

The Oak Island Light is made of black, white and gray color concrete blocks thus it will never require repainting…You can reach Bald Head Island by ferry and Oak Island Coast Guard Station on Caswell Beach by taking Hwy 133.

Tony the Ghost, Quarantine Office and the Oldest House in Southport
Not far from Fort Johnston, on beautiful Bay Street, is the 1859 Brunswick Inn, a prime lodging spot for the high society. Its 30 rooms rented for a whopping $5 per month!

The Inn’s most famous resident was “Tony the Ghost” aka Antonio Caseletta, an Italian musician, who drowned while sailing. The following morning his harp was found with all strings ripped out. To this day people believe his spirit roams the building and can they still hear mysterious sounds.

Besides Brunswick Inn is the Quarantine Office built after the Civil War on pilings in the middle of Cape Fear River and used to decontaminate ships and personnel in the 1930s.

Next is the 1800 Walker-Pyke House, Southport’s oldest surviving house made of ballast stone from sailing ships.

Keziah Memorial Park and the Indian Trail Tree

Magnificent 800 years old tree, the start of the old Indian Trail

Named after local newspaperman Bill Keziah, the park is home to the Visitor Center and the Indian Trail Tree.

Cape Fear Indians, members of the Siouan Nation, have lived in this area (they called it “Chicora”) for centuries.

By 1720 none remained in the lower Cape Fear region.

Legend has it they bent the tree when it was sapling as a trail marker. The tree is estimated to be 400 to 800 years old.
Sixty years ago children could easily crawl under its arch.

Movies and TV Series
Southport’s peaceful marina, exquisite Victorian architecture and oak-lined streets make it a perfect setting for movies and TV filming. Here are just a few:
• TV Series – One Tree Hill, Dawson’s Creek, The Runaway and Matlock
• Movies – I know what you did last summer, The Secret Life of Bees, Pirate Kids I and II, Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, Domestic Disturbance, Lolita, The Butcher’s Wife and Raw Deal

Be forever enchanted in Southport North Carolina, where history comes to life!

in the summer of 1986

Happy ferry ride from historic Southport to Fort Fisher

Thinking about visiting the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher? Then get there in style! Take the ferry from historic Southport (home of the North Carolina 4th of July Festival). Cars, bicycles, pets and even horses are welcome!

Oh what fun it is to ride ...on the Southport Ferry

You will enjoy spectacular views of the Cape Fear River, lone barrier islands, ships of all sizes and a bonanza of birds. Look out for two majestic lighthouses:
• 109 feet tall Bald Head Island Light is the oldest in NC (built in 1817)
• 169 feet tall Oak Island Light has the brightest light in the country and second brightest in the world!

Tips to know before you go

Happy cars enjoying the ride on Cape Fear River

1. Make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure. Spots fill up quickly in the weekends.

The ferry has enough space to accommodate about 30 cars/SUVs.

2. Bring your own food and drinks. You can purchase snacks from the ticket booth in Southport. There are very limited food and drink choices once onboard.

3. Make the kids happy and let them feed the seagulls. They’ve been trained to follow the ferry as long as there is food available (see video below).

This makes for fun free entertainment and great photo shots.
Of course safety comes first!

Ferry Rates (one way) and Hours

• $1 Pedestrian, $2 Bicyclists, $3 Motorcycles
• $5 Cars 20 feet and under,
• $10 cars 20 to 40 feet, $15 vehicles 40 to 65 feet

The ferry operates year around from 5:30AM to 6:15PM. Last departure from Fort Fisher is at 7PM. The trip takes about 35 minutes. Here’s the full schedule and additional information.

Fun kids activities in and around Wilmington

• Visit the “Showboat” NORTH CAROLINA, one of the most decorated battleships during WWII ($12 adults, $10 seniors and military, $6 children 6-11, free for children 5 and under).

• Be a kid again at the NC Railroad Museum home to one the largest model trains layout in Southeast ($7 adults, $6 seniors and military, $3 children 2-12).

• Be awed, bewildered and amused at Cape Fear Serpentarium, featuring the world’s largest collection of deadly venomous snakes ($8 admission, live feedings in the weekend).

From Charleston to Savannah with love…Favorite places to visit with my kid in the Lowcountry

Here are the most surprising places I have found during my travel adventures in South Carolina (all approved by my preschool daughter). Today I’ll go over the Lowcountry: Charleston, Edisto, Beaufort, Hilton Head and Savannah.

The American LaFrance Fire Museum in North Charleston

This place is FUN with capital letters! Best of all its free for kids and only $6 for adults.

Drive a real fire truck at the North Charleston Fire Museum

Children can climb-on a real fire truck, go through a full-fledged emergency response, including a simulated street driving, honk horns, talk on the radio and push all sorts of buttons.

You get to see an amazing display of legendary fire engines from the 1700s to modern days.

I loved learning about the fire fighting history and its technological marvels, the fire trivia (i.e. Benjamin Franklin started the first successful fire insurance company in US) and the most devastating fires in the world (from AD 64 in Rome to 1906 in San Francisco).

The museum is open 10AM – 5PM (1PM on Sundays) and is located near the Tanger Outlets.

Charles Towne Landing Historic Park and Animal Fores Zoo

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Charles Towne Landing, the birthplace of America, is a wonderful place filled with educational, recreational and fun things to do for everyone.

17th century justice is served

The park is open daily 9AM to 5 PM. Admission is $5 adults, $3 children 6-15 and free for 3 and under.

Start at the Visitors Center to see how life was like in the 1670s for the Lord Proprietors, settlers, native tribes, indentured servants, and slaves.

Visit the Animal Forest zoo home to pumas, bison, alligators, black bears, otters, bobcats, wolves and a variety of birds.

Be a captain aboard Adventure, a life-size 17th century trading ship replica.

Walk, stroll, jog or bike along the marsh or through the 80 acres of magnificent gardens, featuring thousands of azaleas, camellias and centuries old oak trees.

Edisto Island Serpentarium

Gigantic alligators, deadly snakes, funny looking lizards and snappy turtles “with a face only a mother could love”…

Edisto's best buddies

The park features beautiful indoor and outdoor exhibits filled with native species as well as weird reptiles from around the world.

Make sure to attend the live snake education programs (at 11, 1, 3 and 5PM) and the alligator feedings (12 and 4PM).

Some may not have the stomach for it, yet we were thrilled!

Kids really enjoy digging through pre-historic bones from once native saber tooth cats, whales, mammoths and giant bears.

Edisto Island Serpentarium is open May through Labor Day Thursday to Saturdays from 10AM to 6PM (Monday to Saturday in the summer).

Admission is $12.95 adults, $9.95 children (6-12), $5.95 children 4 and 5, free for those 3 and under.

Old Sheldon Church Ruins

A deeply moving and inspirational historic site remnant of the 1745 Prince William Parish.

Twice burned, once during Revolutionary War and again during the Civil War March to the Sea and yet still standing…

Amid tragedy there hope and rebirth. The ruins have become a very popular site for outdoor wedding ceremonies and a photographers composition dream.

Mark your calendar! Once a year, on the second Sunday after Easter, the prestigious St. Helena Church holds a public service at the ruins.

The church ruins are located on Old Sheldon Road right off highway 21 between Beaufort and Yemassee.

Hunting Island Lighthouse and State Park – Breath-taking views, romantic beach and lush maritime forest. Hunting Island State Park is the most popular park in South Carolina, and for good reasons.
The park jewel is South Carolina’s only publicly accessible historic lighthouse. Dating from the 1870s, the Hunting Island Lighthouse shoots 170 feet into the air, rewarding visitors magnificent views of the Lowcountry marshland and the Atlantic Ocean.

Enjoy 5 miles of soft sand beach, a wonderful lagoon home to seahorses and barracuda, thousands of acres of marsh and tidal creek, a fishing pier and some of the state’s most desirable campsites.

Admire up-close loggerhead sea turtles, alligators, pelicans, dolphins and deer, Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes and the rare coral snakes.

The loggerhead turtles nest on the island in the summer months.

Park daily admission is $4 adults, $1.5 children age 6-15 and free for children 5 and younger. Lighthouse ticket is an additional $2.

Parris Island Museum near Beaufort

An extraordinary place honoring the US Marines history, life as a recruit, and military accomplishments.

Here I am!

Admire hundreds of unusual weapons and enemy captures from legendary battles, laugh at the “good life as a recruit” posters and learn about the inspiring US Marines history.

Little ones can earn the “Junior Recruit” title by successfully completing the museum exploration challenge.

Admission is free and the museum is open daily from 10AM to 4:30PM. If time permits take the island driving tour.

Coastal Discovery Museum in Hilton Head

This place has it all! A rich display of the Lowcountry heritage, an incredible saltmarsh ecosystem, world-class history walks and nature tours

Delicate beauty at Coastal Discovery Museum in Hilton Head

and a brilliant Butterfly Pavilion.

Admission to the museum, outside grounds and the butterfly enclosure is free (guided tours range from $5 to $20 per person).

Coastal Discovery Museum is open year around Monday to Saturday from 9AM to 4:30 PM, Sunday 11AM to 3PM.

Here is an overview of the fun things you can do with kids outdoor.

Fort Pulaski National Park near Savannah

A memorable Civil War battle marked the end of masonry fortifications after the “indestructible” Fort Pulaski fell after 30 hours of cannon firings.

Fort Pulaski, an incredible Civil War battle and military marvel

Admission is free for kids under 16 and $3 for adults and is good for 6 days. The Fort Pulaski National Monument has a plethora of educational family activities.

Learn about the tragic story of the Immortal 600 Confederate officers, and mind-boggling military strategies and weapons deployed at the time.

Make sure to attend the live musket and cannon fire demonstrations that are held each weekend.

Walk the scenic 0.75 mile Overloook Trail to the Cockspur Island Lighthouse, originally built in 1837. The lighthouse escaped untouched during the 30 hours attack on the Fort despite the fact it was positioned straight in the line of fire!

Life is beautiful in the historic Lowcountry!

Fun things to do with kids in Wilmington: learn, play, explore at the Children Museum!

On our 3rd visit to historic Wilmington my daughter and I stopped by the

Black Beard wannabe

Children’s Museum.

After some online research I figured it will take us little over an hour to go through all the exhibits.

Well 3 hours later we were still strong into it…

Admission is $8 (free for kids under 1).

The museum is located one block from the awesome Cape Fear Serpentarium and is open 9AM – 5PM (1PM Sundays).

What kids like to do at the museum

Get their hands dirty and create masterpieces. This is one of the better organized and supplied “Arts and Crafts” room I’ve seen.

Little Picasso

Be a rock star, play in the glow room and try on many cool outfits.

Lets dance!

Drive the magic school bus, climb the Spider Man’s web and play inside the little cottage.

Hop on in kids!

Put on your scientist hat and discover all the wonderful things of Mother Nature.

Future biologists under the miscroscope

and the list goes on… play doctor at the Teddy Bear Hospital, test your Circus skills, shop at the supermarket and go camping and kayaking.

More fun places to visit the family downtown

• Check out Southeast’s largest museum-quality model layout at the Railroad Museum ($7 adults, $3 children 2-12).

• Get a thrill at the Cape Fear Serpentarium, featuring the world’s largest collection of deadly venomous snakes like the black headed bushmaster, Gaboon viper, Tropical rattlers, Fer-de-lance, and King Cobra ($8 admission, live feedings in the weekends around 3PM).

• Be awed and inspired aboard the most decorated WWII Battleship, The North Carolina ($12 adults, $10 seniors and military, $6 children 6-11, free for children 5 and under).

There’s always something fun going on downtown Wilmington!

Lionel train set magic at Wilmington Railroad Museum

The Railroad Museum in Wilmington is one of the most pleasant travel surprises this year. It has everything! Large scale and intricate layouts, a “build it yourself” play room for kids, amazing historic artifacts and even ghost legends!

In front of the Railroad Museum

Outside you can climb aboard a real steam engine, wander through a red caboose, and experience the hobo lifestyle in a Atlantic Coast Line boxcar…

Best of all my daughter loved it!

Go Thomas! Go!

Hours and Ticket Price
The museum is open Monday to Saturday 10AM – 4PM and Sunday 1 – 5PM (except in winter when is closed). Closed on major holidays. Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors and military and $3 children 2-12.

The Railroad Museum is located downtown Wilmington at 505 Nutt Street, right by the river next to the Chamber of Commerce and the Community College.

Let the train show begin!

Forever young at the Wilmington Railroad Museum!

If time permits visit the terrific Cape Fear Serpentarium, the world’s largest selection of venomous snakes (live shows on Saturdays and Sundays at 3PM) and the fun-packed Wilmington Children’s Museum. Both are located on Orange Street and admission is $8 for each.

Be awed, inspired and humbled aboard North Carolina, the most decorated battleship during WWII (admission is $12 adults, $10 seniors and military, $6 children 6-11 and FREE for children 5 and under).

Kids get ready for a fun Country Adventure on a farm!

This Halloween weekend we had a fantastic Pumpkin Patch experience at the

Hmmm...roasted marshmallows on a stick!

super friendly Country Adventures farm in Blythewood.

The 22 acres family farm is USDA licensed and very well maintained.

We paid $7 per child and $3 per adult for a tour of all farm animals and petting zoo, a comfortable hayride around the property, small pumpkins and a delicious marshmallow roast.

What kids love to do at the farm

Be a cowboy or a cowgirl. Who can resist riding on a country wagon? Not even Batman!

Giddy Up Country Wagon!

Take care of the animals. The cute little donkey was an instant hit. Other heart-breakers: Jennie, the fluffy bunny, the pony, the horse, the goats, the turkeys, the sheep and the guinea fowls.

Hello Donkey! Where is Shrek?

Mine was mesmerized by all the pumpkins. Each child got a small one to take home.

How about this mom?

The highlight of the day was the hayride on a scenic country road through the forest, around the farm and with a final stop by a beautiful pond, where we were “greeted” by King Goose.

We roasted marshmallows, made yummy s’mores and relaxed at the picnic tables.

Swan Lake wannabe

Holiday hayrides Christmas lights, campfire and roasted marshmallows!
December 1st through January 3rd

Start a new holiday tradition at Country Adventures. Enjoy a hayride with friends and family, visit the farm animals and delight yourself with plush puffs marshmallows, cider, hot cocoa and hot-dogs by the campfire.

Hayride fun at Country Adventure

The Farm will be open for scheduled groups only. Minimum 16 on weekends. $6 per person, free for children under 2 (add $4 per person for the optional hot-dog supper).

Where
Country Adventures Carriage Services, Inc.
15 Country Girl Road, Blythewood, SC 29016
Phone: 803-754-4724.
Email info@countryadventures.us

Driving Directions:
From I-20 take exit 70. Take Hwy 321 north towards Winnsboro for about 6 miles, then turn right on Lorick Road. Turn right on High Valley Trail (gravel road). Country Girl Road will be on the right.

From I-77 take exit 22 Killian Road (towards Wal-Mart). When Killian Road ends, turn right onto Hwy 21, then turn right on Lorick Road. Turn right on High Valley Trail (gravel road). Country Girl Road will be on the right.

At Seagrove magic pottery wheels keep on turning…

Love pottery crafts? Looking for exquisite Christmas gifts? Then drive to Seagrove, NC the pottery capital of the world!

Join the 28th Annual Seagrove Pottery Festival on November 21 and 22 at Seagrove Elementary School.

Native Americans, the First Potters(data from NC Pottery Center exhibits)

Native Americans in the Carolina have been making utilitarian and ceremonial vessels for more than 4,500 years. The first pots were carved from soapstone. About 3,000 years ago indigenous tribes across the Southeast started to transform the clay into fired pottery.

• Women were the primary potters, digging the clay, mixing it with sand, crushed rocks or mussel shells to give the vessel strength and firing it in simple pits.

Pinching, coiling and hand-working techniques were passed from generation to generation.

• The fire pit model on display at the NC Pottery Center contains vessels with surfaces textured by beating with carved paddles, impressing textiles or burnishing with a polishing stone. Vessels were warmed around the edges then gently rolled into the coals to continue hardening.

• Native Americans did not use a wheel to make pottery. Instead they created wares by a process called coiling. Pots were built from a pinched base by stacking coils one on the other, or the reverse upside-down from a large coil on the rim to the pointed bottom. The smoke created black patterns as seen on the ones in the exhibit.

The European Influence

• At the time of European settlement, the most prominent tribes were the Tuscarora in the coastal plains, the Siouan in Eastern Piedmont, the Catawba in Western Piedmont and the Cherokees in the mountains. The Cherokees and the Catawba tribes are still active potters today.

• The earliest European wheel-turned and chambered fired pottery was found at the Santa Elena archaeological site on Parris Island, a Spanish fort established in the 16th century.

• During the 1700s potters of English and German descend emigrated to North Carolina where they set up shops which produced lead-glazed earthenware.

• In 1800s they transitioned to higher fired stoneware and alkaline and salt glazes.

A taste of local flavor…

The 19th century shop on display at the Pottery Center (including the tools and glaze mill), are an exact replica of the one used by Harvey Rienhardt and Burlon Craig in Henry, NC.

• Potters referred to themselves as “turners”

• Wheels are “lathes” (pronounced “lays”)

• Kilns (pronounced “kills”) are “burned”, not fired.

The NC Pottery Center, located downtown Seagrove, is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10AM to 4PM. Admission is $2 adults, free for kids 12 and under and for NCPC members. Every Saturday come enjoy Free pottery making demos with a local artist.

Just half an hour away is the NC Zoo, one of the best zoological parks in the country.

Get Dizzie in Cheraw! SC Jazz Festival is buzzing fine music, arts, bepop parade, food and more…

“Bebop on down to Chee-raw, South Carolina” October 16 -18 weekend at the lively annual SC Jazz Festival.

Dizzie Gillespie bepop inventor and trumpet genius

Enjoy world class jazz, a bebop parade, jazz crawls, SC Cotton Trail Artisans’ exhibit, gospel music, and many fun free kids art activities.

Single concert tickets are $15 ($25 for both nights) and include Main Stage events.

For more info call (843) 537.8420 ext. 12 or visit www.scjazzfestival.com

Events Schedule Highlights

Friday, October 16
• “Bepop Parade”, Friday, 4 to 6PM
Join the fun anytime and bebop from Dizzy Park down Kershaw Street to Centennial Park. Bikes, trikes, golf carts and dancing shoes are welcome.

• “Jazz at the Theatre on the Green”, 7:30 to 9:30PM featuring the Noel Friedline Quintet-Charlotte.

Saturday, October 17

Live painting demonstration

SC Cotton Trail Artisans Exhibit, 9AM to 7PM

Featured work by glass artisans, jewelers, painters, photographers, fabric artists, clay artists and more.

Second Street Main Stage Concert

• Featured Concert “A Carolinas’ Tribute To Jazz Legend Dizzy Gillespie”

• The Dave Finucane Quartet, 5 to 6:15PM

• The Robert Gardiner Quintet, 6:45 to 8:15PM

Sunday, October 18
Outdoor Jazz Mass, 3PM at First United Methodist Church
Clergy, choirs and accompanists will lead worship on the church grounds amid soulful jazz tunes.

Just for kids activities on Saturday

Funny Face Painting downtown Cheraw

Art on the Green, 12 to 4PM

• “Get Dizzy” marble art
• “Salt Peanuts” musical walk
• “Bean Bag and Bebop”
• Face painting
• “Madonnari” chalk competition
• Get funny with caricature artist Bill Rabon

Juggleboy, 3 to 5PM, downtown Cheraw

Be amazed by “Juggleboy”, the number one juggler in the United States.

The show must go on downtown Cheraw!

Cool animals to see at the Zoo, Greenville fun cheap things to do!

The Greenville Zoo is not big by any means. It doesn’t boast 21st century facilities like other zoos (see North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro).

Cute baby orangutan showing off her skills

Yet every time we come to Greenville we end up at the zoo where we have a great time!

It helps that we get in for free with our Riverbanks Zoo membership. General admission is quite cheap $6 adults, $3 children 3-15 and free for kids 3 and under.

This time around Baby Bob stole my heart. Since my visit to the Como Zoo, proud home to another rambunctious youngster orangutan, I got a thing for these great auburn apes. The Orangutan Island show may have something to do with it too…

The Greenville Zoo participates in the Orangutan Species Survival Program aimed at increasing and diversifying the population of Bornean and Sumatran orangutans.

Did you know orangutans only have 2-3 offspring in their 40 – 60 years lifetime?

Things to know before you go

• The zoo is quite small, about one hour should be enough to go through it all. Be prepared for a hearty walk up and down winding pathways.

Giraffe Greetings from Greenville Zoo

• Most interesting exhibits: orangutans, giraffes, Siamang monkeys, Aldabra tortoises and reptile house to some extent. Lions, elephants, alligator are a little overrated…not much action going on.

• You can purchase drinks, hot dogs, chips, popcorn and candy at the food stand pass the Reptile House. Beware is cash only and there’s no ATM inside the zoo.

• There’s a nice play station area where you can relax in shaded Adirondack chairs gazing at the giraffes while easily keeping an eye on the kids.

• As expected toddlers love the petting zoo farm the most, especially the goats. Make sure to get food from the zoo entrance.

• You may want to start your trip at the huge playgrounds outside the zoo. They’re recently upgraded with top-notch playing equipment.
On a downside there isn’t much shade besides the shelters (always occupied) and the smell emanating from the rubber carpet can be nauseating after a while.

Meet Bubba the Aldabra tortoise.

60 years old 400 lbs Bubba enjoying a snack at Greenville Zoo

At 65 he is still a teenager, as these giant reptiles can live up to 200 years old.

The Aldabra is bigger than the more famous Galapagos turtles and can reach over 4 feet in length and up to 700 pounds in weight!

Did you know that Aldabra can hunt too?

She collapses on birds feeding on dead fish under her.

Don’t worry Bubba is happy to just munch on grass along with his girlfriends the Bubbletes!

The elusive Axolotl…

A beautiful ghost, the Axolotl salamander

My favorite resident inside the Reptile House is the little known, weird looking Axolotl.

This translucent salamander lives only in the water and feeds on insects, fish and crustaceans.

Did you know at if one of its limbs is removed, the Axolotl salamander can grow it back?

How’s that for health insurance!

Rock on, Blastoff, Action! A tour of Greenville’s coolest family attraction, The Children’s Museum of the Upstate

The Children’s Museum is finally open! Downtown Greenville is now sizzling with another fun family friendly attraction.

Lights, Camera, Action!

It’s a modern, cool and truly entertaining action-packed museum. Adults have as much (if not more) fun as the kids.

The museum is open Monday – Saturday 9AM to 5PM and Sunday 1 – 5PM. Admission is $12 (free for kids 1 and under).

TIP! Get in for just $2 on following Tuesdays evenings (from 5 to 7PM): September 17th, October 15th, November 19th and December 17th.

Tickets will be sold in advance on a first-come, first-served basis beginning the Monday prior to each “Two for $2 event”.

Fun things to do

Kids can be pop stars in a live recording studio, land a space shuttle airplane, race a Formula One car, climb a mind-boggling 2 stories high structure, shop in a real supermarket, play doctor, scientist, architect, environmentalist and much, much more…

Here’s an exciting sneak peak of the exhibits: