We don’t have to go to the zoo or a fancy animal park. Just sit in a rocking chair on our front porch and enjoy the show. Every week we get a “friendly” visit from our furry, scaly or feathery neighbors: deer, rabbits, racoons, opossums, snakes (non venomous thank God!), foxes, turtles, turkeys, geese, and [...]

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The Charlotte Botanical Gardens is a free, educational and truly delightful place to spend the day with the kids. My daughter and I had hours of fun seeing, touching, smelling and learning about exotic, weird and most funny looking plants from around the world. We goofed around in the Cactus room, brought home a carnivorous [...]

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We recently discovered another outdoor gem in Charlotte: The Botanical Gardens at UNC. The gardens consist of the McMillan Greenhouse (home to carnivorous, cactus, tropical, orchids and primitive plants), and two large outdoor gardens that include anything from evergreens to camellias to wildflowers and rhododendron. Admission is free.

What’s blooming in the greenhouse
The greenhouse is open [...]

Popularity: 11% [?]

The SC State Museum in downtown Columbia features a stunning collection of historical telescopes, and astronomy documents and instruments donated by Robert B. Ariail. The exhibit is free with museum admission ($7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children 3-12). Here is a virtual tour of this amazing gallery (historic data from the exhibit):
4 ¼ inch Edward [...]

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While in vacationing in Myrtle Beach stop by the Warbird Park Memorial to learn about the distinguished history if the 354th Fighter Wing and the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. The park is located on Farrow Pkwy, in between Market Commons and Myrtle Beach State Park. Admission and parking are free.
The self guided trail showcases [...]

Popularity: 8% [?]

The Confederate Museum in downtown Greenville contains a treasure of artifacts that reveal how life was like during Civil War. Admission is free. The museum is open Monday, Wednesday 10AM-3PM, Friday 1-9PM, Saturday 10AM-5PM and Sunday 1-5PM.

Lifestyle exhibit highlights
The tallest men to serve in the Confederate Army - Henry Clay Thruston was born in 1930 [...]

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If it’s the end of April in Columbia then it’s time for Sparkleberry Fair! This year we went for the first time. What a pleasant surprise! Imagine a smaller, less crowded and more fun State Fair. Parking was $5, individual food items and rides about $3-4 ($25 for unlimited rides). The best activities were free: [...]

Popularity: 8% [?]

Brookgreen Gardens is a great place to enjoy a relaxing afternoon with the kids. There is something for everyone: amazing sculptures by American artists, magnificent gardens, historic plantation artifacts, rare farm animals, and native wildlife.
This post highlights what’s fun for kids at the Brookgreen Gardens’ Lowcountry Center. Remember to pick up the Brookgreen Detective [...]

Popularity: 9% [?]

Visiting the live TIGERS Preservation Station at Barefoot Landing is one of the most exciting things to do in Myrtle Beach. You get literally nose to nose with the world’s most amazing cats. Best of all it’s free!
During Spring the tiger exhibit is open from 4PM to 6PM (weather permitting, best to call ahead (843) [...]

Popularity: 9% [?]

The new Animal Grossology exhibit at the SC State Museum is filled with hot air, doo-doo balls, slime creatures, stomach worms, blood suckers and pre-historic poop. There’s a lot of scientific trivia and fun facts and a variety of interactive stations kids can play with. Admission is $5 ($3 for children) on top of regular [...]

Popularity: 7% [?]