To this day we still don’t know what caused the Hunley to sink shortly after USS Housatonic went under. Here are the most significant clues, questions, and theories…you decide! (data courtesy of museum exhibits and website and from wikipedia)

Miscalculated attack or equipment malfunction?
The H.L. Hunley was only 75 feet from USS Housatonic, when the Union sloop exploded. The recommended distance was 150 feet. Was this planned or just coincidence?
It is known the crew worked in almost complete darkness, using only one candle to conserve oxygen.

Did they miscalculate the distance to Housatonic? Was something wrong with the torpedo that forced the crew to come dangerously closer?

The Hunley undoubtedly absorbed a powerful shock wave from the blast. This might have opened the sub’s seams and allowed water to enter. A subsequent submersion “would likely have driven the Hunley into the shallow bottom, blocking the ballast intakes and making it impossible to pump the sub back out. Cold and immersion would have killed the crew relatively quickly.”

However, researchers determined the ballast weights and pump were not deployed, and that the crew was in position. Does this mean there was no imminent flooding? Did the crew just passed out?

All crew members were found sitting at their positions
“They were collapsed more or less where they sat” said Maria Jacobsen, Sr. Archaeologist at the H.L. Hunley project.

“You didn’t see the guys trying to move towards the conning towers to exit. Either something happened very fast or they were not able to move.”

What about those pumps and valves?
2008 findings suggest the valve to the bilge pipe was closed, meaning no one was trying to pump water from the crew compartment.

Yet the submarine plumbing includes 2 pumps, a network of pipes and 9 valves, and so far researchers have not been able to determine exactly how each of the valves is set.

To complicate matters further, Hunley’s plumbing was rigged so that, by the twist of a valve, either pump could control the water level in the other tank.

A neat safety net, that makes the understanding of the sub all the more difficult…

The blue light “Mission Accomplished!”
Both Confederate soldiers from the Battery Marshall on Sullivan’s Island and soldiers from USS Housatonic reported seeing a blue signal after the attack, indicating the sub had survived the explosion. As the lantern could only be seen one and a half miles away, Hunley had come fairly close to shore after the attack.

By then the crew would have hand-cranked underwater for several miles, for almost 2 hours, near the limit of the available air supply. Did they die from exhaustion? Did they asphyxiate?

Where is the damage?
The hull was found almost intact. The only noticeable damage was a large hole in the forward hatch and the fact that the viewpoint was missing.

Further, the rudder was found detached from the sub and directly underneath the stern?

Similarly the aft cut-water was discovered away from its proper location.

Did the sub hit something on its way down? If so how come there is no significant damage to the hull?

How did the equipment become detached and why?

H.L. Hunley, a technological marvel way ahead of its time…
It’s telling that it took 50 years for another submarine to match Hunley’s combat success. In fact, today’s so called “fast attack submarines,” still share amazing similarities to the 150 years old design of the H.L. Hunley:

• World’s first navigating joystick! During the excavation of the H.L. Hunley, archaeologists uncovered a vertical steering rod similar to an airplane joystick that could move in two directions from port to starboard. The vertical rod was part of a system of rods and cables used to connect the submarine rudder while neatly placing it out of the crew’s way. The steering mechanism is both “simple and elegant representing a design for efficiency and space.”
• Adjustable diving planes - Two lateral fins were connected by a horizontal rod. By moving a lever inside the Hunley the dive planes could be adjusted, changing the sub’s underwater position and depth.
• Water ballast tanks, equalized for balance
• Movable snorkel tubes for drawing air into the sub while submerged
• A long cigar-shaped hull - Before its discovery off Charleston Harbor, most believed the sub had a basic, even crude design. “The bow almost has a razor-like texture. It slopes back very gradually. It is much more streamlined than I originally thought.” said historian Mark Ragan.

The spar torpedo…an Infernal Machine!
The spar torpedo was designed to be rammed into the hull of an enemy ship. The torpedo was fastened to the end of the spar and fitted with a barb on its end. The crew will ram the spar torpedo into the enemy ship and then back away, causing the torpedo to detach from the spar.

A line from the torpedo to the Hunley would spool out as the sub reversed course. Once the submarine was at a safe distance, the line would detonate the warhead.

E. C. Singer, one of Hunley’s investors, was the nephew of the sewing machine’s inventor.

Not surprisingly a spool of rope, similar to the spools of thread used on a sewing machine, was used in the torpedo’s rigging…

The H.L. Hunley’s discovery revealed the spar was made of iron, was mostly hollow, and measured 17 feet in length, not 22 feet as most believed.

Further, archaeologists found out the spar was mounted with a y-shaped joint at the bottom of the bow, not at the top as originally thought.

The more we learn about the H.L. Hunley, the more incredible its accomplishment is! This is truly the “find of the century”!

Below is a tour of our favorite places to visit. Enjoy!

Hilton Head: The Beginnings…
Who first inhabited the island?
Who discovered it?
Why Hilton Head ?

The wonderful Sea Pines Forest Preserve is home to a 4,000 years old Indian Shell Ring, one of only 20 still remaining in the country, a national treasure listed on the National Register of Historic Places (free admission once inside Sea Pines).

Semi-nomadic Indians lived here about 3,800 years ago. When the shell ring was built (about the same time as the Pyramids in Egypt!), these hunters-gatherers had established temporary villages on the coast.

It is believed the ring was used for harvest celebrations, life events ceremonies and initiations.

Most likely, they were the first in North America to built “fire-tempered” pots for cooking and food storage.

Artifacts show the pottery was very similar to that found on the Yucatan Peninsula.
No one knows what happened to these first archaic Indian tribes. Where did they go and why? They just seem to have vanished…

In the 16th century the European invasion began and by 1662, most Native Americans succumbed to European abuse and disease.

First came the Spaniards in 1526. They left us lots of fancy names, like “La Florida” and later on and established the Santa Elena fort on Parris Island.
In 1562, French Hugenot Captain Jean Ribaut, built the Port Royal near the present day Beaufort.

In 1663, hungry to expand the British Empire, King Charles II granted the coastal area to the Lord Proprietors.

They named the territory “The Province of Carolina” and encouraged English settlers to come in. With that South Carolina was born.

The name “Hilton Head” was given by English Captain William Hilton when he discovered the island during its famous 1663 expedition.

“Head” refers to how the headlands were visible from Port Royal Sound.

In 1717, Col. John Barnwell became the island first white settler after he was granted 1000 acres on the northwest corner of the island. By 1766, 25 families lived on Hilton Head.

Hilton Head: The Golden Age…
What happened during American Revolution
What is Sea Island cotton?
What about the ghost at Baynard Ruins?

During Revolutionary War, Hilton Head Island sided with the Patriots, while Daufuskie Island with the Tories. The British responded by burning plantations and capturing slaves, who were later sold in the West Indies. After the war, the island made a healthy recovery, known as the “Golden Age”, as cotton, indigo, and rice crops flourished.

In 1792, local Myrtle Bank plantation owner William Elliot produced the state first successful crop of Sea Island Cotton. The long, smooth, silvery fiber was well-suited for making fine laces and muslin, and became a worldwide sensation. In 1828, these quality fibers commanded a top price of $2 per pound. Legend has it Hilton Head and the Sea Island area had the world’s most millionaires per square feet!

Listed on the National Register of Historic Sites, the Stoney Baynard ruins are a truly historic and antebellum architectural gem (free admission once inside Sea Pines Plantation).

The mansion house, built in 1790s out of timber and tabby, boasts a colorful history: First it was lost at a poker game, then soon thereafter, the new owner William Baynard died from yellow fever.

During Civil War, the house was abandoned and later burned down. Some say it was a raiding Confederates party, others blame opportunistic Union soldiers, in search for rumored gold, jewelry and untold riches.

It took the Baynard family 15 years to regain Braddock’s Point plantation by paying $500 in back taxes to the federal government. However, they never lived there again.

Ever since, on rainy days and full moon nights, Baynard’s pale grieving image may be seen haunting the ruins and the island…

Hilton Head: The Civil War, the first Gullah town and the Reconstruction…

What happened at the Battle of Port Royal?
What happened to the freed slaves?
What life was like during Reconstruction?

A great way to see Fort Walker at Port Royal Plantation and learn about Civil War is to take the “Forts at Port Royal” guided tour provided by the Coastal Discovery Museum
($12 adults, $7 children 4-12 years).

The Battle of Port Royal was the largest naval engagement to take place on US waters.

General Thomas F. Drayton, a very prominent local plantation and C & S Railroad owner, lead the Confederates, while his brother Colonel Percival Drayton lead the Union USS Pocahontas, credited to have inflicted the most damage during the 4 hours battle!

Soon after Fort Walker and Fort Beauregard were conquered, Hilton Head became the headquarters for the South Atlantic Coast blockade.

In 1862 the town of Mitchelville was built between Fort Walker and Fort Howell to house the newly freed slaves, who came to Hilton Head by the hundreds.

In 1890, there were about 3,000 African-Americans living on Hilton Head Island. However, by 1930, once the Union troops left and the Federal money supporting Mitchelville ran out, there were only about 300 people living on the island.

Small Gullah communities sprang up on the island. There were farmers, fishermen, basket weavers and fishnet makers. Summer was for farming, winter was for harvesting oysters, and in the fall, “blue crab” was caught.

The only way to reach Hilton Head was by boat, and local navigators piloted small boats between Savannah and the island.

Hilton Head: World War II and modern times…

What about the Skeleton Tower ghost?
What was Hilton Head’s role during WWII?
How did Sea Pines Resort get started?

In 1881, Leamington Lighthouse was erected to guide vessels into Port Royal Sound. The front light stood 35 feet high right above the keeper’s house while the rear light was served by the 95 feet high skeleton-like tower. The cypress wood lantern and watch room were reached by climbing 112 steps.

In 1898 a powerful hurricane washed over the island. Keeper Adam Fripp rushed to protect the lights. The strain of the steep 112 steps ascent, coupled with the shock of exploding glass, was more than Fripp’s heart could handle.

Daughter Caroline climbed the tower searching for her missing father. Fripp implored his daughter to “keep the light burning no matter how dangerous the storm.”

Several days passed before anyone made it to the island. Caroline had managed to tend the light throughout the storm, but her sorrow and exhaustion proved too much, as she died shortly thereafter.

People say that on dark rainy nights a girl in a blue dress may be seen on the beach signaling with her arms to “go back… to go back”. The lighthouse is now located on a pristine golf course inside Palmetto Dunes Resort and you can see it for free.

During World War II, Camp McDougal was built on Hilton Head island, as a training facility for U.S. Marines men, dogs and horses. The Marines built the first paved road on the island.

In 1959 the Fraser family set aside 572 acres for the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. First trails were built in the early 1970s, followed by four lakes – Joe, Thomas, Mary and Chapin. Did you know? Fifty years ago, an oceanfront lot in Sea Pines could be purchased for $7,500. Today it will go for millions!

The Sea Pines Resort’s jewel is the 90 feet tall, candy striped Harbour Town Lighthouse. Admission is $3 (free for kids under 5).

Enjoy the fascinating Sea Islands history on your next Hilton Head vacation!

There are Native American canoes, stealth Viking longships, large Chinese junks, magnificent European war ships and galleons, as well as famous U.S. ships, steamboats and ironclads.

Admission is Free!
The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9AM to 5PM.

Added bonus, you can see a plethora of Civil War artifacts, learn about legendary Pirates that once ruled these waters and laugh at the futile attempts to turn the city into a mega railroad center.

Model Ships Highlights

• 9th century tough and slender Viking longships

• 1400s Chinese trade ships

• The 1624 Saint Louis, a powerful double decked 60-gun Dutch-built warship, Cardinal Richelieu acquired for Louis XIV

• The 1862 USS Cairo, one of 7 “Pook Turtles” ironclad river gunboats. USS Cairo was the 1st armored vessel sunk by an electrically detonated torpedo.

She sank in less than 12 minutes with no loss of life and was recovered 100 years later from the Yazoo River.

Designated a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark, the USS Cairo is now on display the Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi.

• The 1866 Robert E. Lee, the “Monarch of the Mississippi,” steamboat which cost about $200,000 to build. In 1870, it became famous after racing and beating the New Orleans Natchez, that time steamboat speed record holder.

• The 1936 HMT St. Cathan, a Royal Navy armed trawler lent to the U.S. Navy in February 1942. It didn’t serve for long as it accidentally sunk in a collision with the Dutch merchant ship, Hebe, near Little River, South Carolina.

Sail away, live free in Southport NC!

The NC Maritime Museum at Southport provides a kid-friendly exhibit featuring the life, legends and artifacts of famous 18th century pirates that once roamed the North Carolina Coast. Admission is Free.

Gangsters of the Sea or Smart Career Choice?

Life on a naval ship was notoriously bad in the 17 and 18th centuries. Cramped conditions, spoiled food and bad weather were the norm on any sea voyage. Extremely harsh discipline - usually flogging - was applied freely by military officers for most ridiculous offenses. Life on land was not much better. At the time the majority of Europe lived in poverty as virtual slaves to a small aristocracy.

So what’s a seaman to do? Take the hint from Pirate Captain Bartholomew Roberts, who put it best:

“In honest service there is thin rations, low wages and hard labor; in piracy, plenty and satiety, pleasure and ease, liberty and power; and who would not balance creditor on this side, when all the hazard that is run for it at worst, is only a sour look or two at choking. No a merry life and a short one shall be my motto.”

Stede Bonnet - Officer and Gentleman Pirate…

One of the most notorious and peculiar pirates along the Carolina Coast was Stede Bonnet.

Born into Barbados aristocracy, he was militia major and rich plantation owner in the early 1700s.

Legend has it, he turned to piracy to escape boredom and a nagging wife!

Unlike most professional pirates, Stede Bonnet bought his one ship, a 50 tons 10-guns sloop he named Revenge. He even paid generous wages to his crew!

Stede Bonnet joined forces out of necessity with Blackbeard, the most feared and cruel pirate in the area. Together they raided ships and terrorized merchants for almost a year. Their biggest capture was Concord a 500 ton French slave ship, that soon become Queen’s Ann Revenge.

After partying ways on not so friendly terms, Stede Bonnet gained pardon from the North Carolina Governor. But the “gentleman” pirate soon returned to privateering as Captain Thomas leading the ship Royal James. His tenure will be short lived.

Sent by South Carolina Governor Robert Johnson, Col. William Rhett defeats and captures Bonnet after a six hours battle along the Cape Fear River. He is brought to Charleston to face punishment.

But wait, there is more! Bonnet and two other crewmen escape to Sullivan’s Island. After a short manhunt Col. Rhett catches Bonnet once again.
This time it was for good. In the winter of 1718 he is tried and hanged on the Charleston Battery.

The “Pirate” Price is Right!

How much could you get for losing a body part in a battle? Hint: it pays to be right…
• Eye $96
• Finger $96
• Left arm $482
• Right arm $579
• Left leg $386
• Right leg $482

Pirate Code of Conduct?

Who knew pirates had rules and regulations? That’s right there were 10 golden rules dealing with everything from bounty sharing to settling quarrels to when to turn the lights off and where you’re allowed to drink!

There are so many other things to enjoy at the museum:

A 2,000 year old Indian canoe, a 200 lbs pile Civil War Blockade torpedo, recovered artifacts from the 1878 “City of Houston” shipwreck, an 8 foot whale jaw bone and hundreds of shark teeth. My favorite was an exquisite collection of 39 handmade wooden models spanning the entire naval world history!

The NC Maritime Museum is located downtown on Main Street and is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9AM to 5PM.

More fun things to do near Wilmington for under $10

• Play with the largest, museum quality, miniature trains layout model in the Southeast at the NC Railroad Museum ($7adults, $6 seniors and military, $3 children 2-12)

• Reach for the stars, be a doctor, acrobat, artist, outdoor enthusiast or archaeologist at the Wilmington Children’s Museum ($8 admission)

• See amazing, exotic and enormous marine creatures at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher ($8 adults, $7 seniors, $6 children 6-17, 5 and under FREE. If you plan to take the Southport - Fort Fisher ferry, the fare for cars is $5 one way. I highly recommend it, it’s a fun and relaxing experience.)

I’ve Got Me Eye On Ye Booty!

Admission is $8 adults, $7 seniors, $6 children 6-17 and free for those 5 and under. FREE admission on Veteran’s Day and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day!

The Aquarium is open 9AM to 5PM year around (except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s). We arrived all giddy-up after an exciting ferry ride from Southport (you can also take Hwy 421, 15 miles south from Wilmington).

What kids love to see at the aquarium

The thrill of the day is the scuba demonstration (10:30AM and 2:30PM) inside the 235,000 gallons, Cape Fear Shoals tank. During the 40 minutes show you can ask questions and the divers will interact with you and the fish as they answer.

Alligator greetings! Start your visit with the Cape Fear Conservatory a large wooded atrium, filled with streams, ponds and swamps, home to frogs, snakes, bass, catfish and perch. Just stay away from the carnivorous plants and venomous snakes.

The MVP here is Luna, a rare albino alligator one of only 50 known to exist in the world! However our “swamp ghost” princess cozies up under a special UV light, eats gourmet fish and snacks and indulges in a thermo-regulated pool.

Meet Salsa, the famous matriarch humpback whale. Over 30 years old, mother of at least 7 offspring she’s on of the most photographed whales on the Atlantic Coast. She passes though the North Carolina waters on summer maternity rendezvous or winter feeding grounds.

Jolly up watching the 6 months old loggerhead turtle prance around her pool. Keep your fingers away, she’ll bite them thinking they are shrimp. Learn about the amazing “march to sea” struggle that millions hatchlings endure every year.

Check out the skull of an adult loggerhead turtle. The tiny hole in the middle is for the brain…

Another kids favorite is the live animal feedings. Watch stingrays “hunt” for fish, touch a rays’ barb, learn how to prevent accidental stings and much more.

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My favorite exhibit was the Exotic Aquatics featuring strange creatures from the Red and Mediterranean Seas, the West African Coast, and the Indo-Pacific: venomous lionfish, gigantic spiny lobsters, lethal dart frogs, and cranky octopus.

Here is a virtual tour of the aquarium. It took us 2 hours to see it all.

More fun children activities in Wilmington
• Play with hundreds of model trains at the NC Railroad Museum ($7 adults, $3 children 2-12)
• Dance, be a doctor, a scientist or join the circus at the Children’s Museum ($8 admission)
• Come close to terrific, amazing and deadly snakes and alligators at Cape Fear Serpentarium ($8 admission)

Love and respect the rivers, ponds and the ocean in Wilmington NC!

Admission is $8 (free for children under 1). The museum is located on Orange Street (one block from Cape Fear Serpentarium, another terrific place to visit) and is open daily 9AM - 5PM (1PM on Sundays)

Museum Highlights

The Doc is in! Play family doctor at the Teddy Bear Hospital, the newest exhibit at the museum and my girl instant favorite. Get on the exam table, check vital signs, apply bandages and get X-rays.

Ahoy Mates! Welcome aboard the pirate ship! Shoot the cannon, swab the deck, steer the dinghy and explore the treasure cave behind the beaded waterfall. Kick it up a notch and make your own Jolly Roger flag. Just be warned Black Beard’s ghost may be nearby!

Be a pop diva and dance away in the glow-in-the-dark fun room. There are live TV cameras, dress-up costumes and a karaoke stage equipped with working microphones and lights.

The Circus is here! You may as well join in the fun since it gets so loud…

Outside, older kids can test their climbing skills on the spider-web and the little ones can drive the magic school bus!

If time permits visit the magnificent North Carolina, the most decorated and beloved WWII battleship ($12 adults, $10 seniors and military, $6 children 6-11, free for children 5 and under).

I did just that with my 5 years old over Thanksgiving. We loved it! The admission is only $7 adults, $6 seniors and military and $3 children ages 2-12. The museum is open Monday to Saturday from 10AM to 4PM. Parking is free.

Wilmington Railroad Museum just for kids
Be a conductor or a brakeman on the 1910 Baldwin Steam Locomotive. Climb aboard, blow the whistle and adjust the gauges of this black beauty engine (which operated until mid 1950s).

Play inside the Lionel red caboose. Parents beware this place is known as a irresistible napping trap!

Boys and girls know how to push buttons! Be enchanted by the incredible detailed Lionel/O scale model layout where you can operate 5 different trains and even place an order at McDonalds!

Thomas and his friends are obvious favorites…

Marvel at the largest museum model layout in the Southeast! The Model Hall features a 1,500 square feet HO scale layout with 13 trains, 300 structures, 78 turnouts and 10 bridges!
What’s not to love?!…

Look out for the headless flagman, the Maco light ghost! Legend has it Joe Baldwin was decapitated by a passenger train as he was trying to attend to his freight caboose. His head was never found…

For decades since, on misty nights, Joe’s headless ghost appeared with a lantern in its hand.

“Anyone standing at the trestle first saw a flicker moving up and down, back and forth. The light will move swiftly forward, growing brighter and brighter. About 50 feet away it will burst into a brilliant radiance, and then it will dim, retreat and disappear”.

Once the railroad tracks were removed in 1977 there were no more sightings of Joe and the mysterious light.

Have a laugh at the witty hobo signs used in early 20th century throughout North America.
Kids enjoy doing the hobo scavenger hunt throughout the museum.

The “Knights of the Road” communicated through symbols marked on fences, buildings, and trestles, informing each other about travel conditions in the area.

Below are some examples (or checkout the full list)

• There’s no use going this way
• Ill tempered man lives here
• Doctor here won’t charge
• Road spoiled. Full of other hobos.
• Kind woman lives here. Tell a pitiful story
• The sky’s the limit

Sounds exciting? But wait, there’s more!

Experience the Polar Express Story Time on Saturdays December 12 and 19, and Sunday, December 13 at 4:30 and 6:30 PM. Come in your cozy pajamas, warm up with rich hot cocoa and enjoy a special visit from Santa!
Call (910) 763-2634 for advanced reservations ($5 per person prepaid, children under 2 get in free).

There’s always magic at the Wilmington Railroad Museum!

The owners, Elise and Dugan Foster, take pride in their high quality and well maintained Christmas trees.

What to expect in 2009

• Free tractor driven hay rides, hot cocoa, and advice selecting the best tree

• Free tree cutting, needle cleaning, drilling, and bagging

• Selection of Red Cedar, Virginia and White Pine, Leland Cyprus, and Carolina Sapphire trees

• Selection of exquisite wreaths and ornaments

• High end, durable and sturdy “Tim Mitchell” tree stands to last a lifetime. This type of stand provides excellent balance and is equally great for small and tall trees. There is no need to anchor your tree, just drop tree onto stake. Package includes base, large bucket, floor protectors and drill stake

The Red Cedar is a Carolina favorite, big or small they have it all. I know my daughter already claimed hers!

The Carolina Sapphire stands out with its brilliant silvery coat. This one will surely brighten any room.

The Leland Cyprus has lush soft foliage that doesn’t fall off, making it very easy to maintain. It is a good choice for family with toddlers and pets.

The rich and long needled Virginia Pine is a majestic tree, great for large showrooms.

Make a statement with spectacular wreaths made by Elise. Prices range from $15 to $30 depending on size. Here is a preview:

Prices, driving directions, and operating hours

All choose-and-cut trees are priced at $7 per foot and need to be at least 6 feet high. Fraser firs are $8 per foot.

The farm is located on Old Congaree Run, 12 miles East of Columbia. Take Hwy 378 East (Garners Ferry Rd) toward Sumter.

Old Congaree Run is the first road right after McEntire Base and next to Mr. Bunky’s store. Follow the signs and drive about 0.3 miles. Entrance will be on your left.

The farm is open between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Fridays and Sundays 12 - 4PM and Saturdays 10AM - 4PM. Call (803) 783-6643 or (803) 622-4901 for more info.

Start your Christmas family tradition at Old Congaree Run Farm!

The spectacular Lights Before Christmas event is open November 21 through January 3 (except November 26, December 24, 25 and 31) from 6 to 9PM. Admission is $8 adults and $6 children. Zoo members receive one free admission.

The Snowville exhibits opens November 21 and is free with regular museum admission ($9.50 for persons 1 year and older, $8.50 for seniors and military).

Fun kids things to do at the zoo
A special moment with Santa

Marshmallow roast at the jingle bell bonfire

Merry Christmas Mom and Dad! Night riders get a thrill at the zoo

What to know for the Snow
A polar bear on the roof! Bear, bear what do you see?…

It’s never too late to put the skates on, especially when they are more like slippers…

Let it slide, let it slide, let it slide! (just don’t get stuck!)

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Buckle up!

At the exciting “Start Your Engines” exhibit you can to change tires in a hurry, build your own Formula One car, or try your hands at high-speed racing.

The museum is open Monday to Saturday 9AM to 5PM (1 – 5PM on Sunday). Admission is $12 (free for kids under 1). Get in for just $2, on Tuesdays, November 19th and December 17th from 5 to 7PM. Parking is free in the weekend at the lot behind the museum and The Little Theater.

Exciting things to do for boys

Engage! Be a control center commander at the giant NASA space ship. There are two cool video games where you can either launch a satellite or try to safely land a space shuttle.

OK, now it’s time to come down to earth and see if you can fly a real plane. You just have to build it first!

Cliff hanger? What cliff hanger?! Overcome your fears and loosen up climbing the vertical maze or the rock wall…

If you still have energy left, burn it on the bike machine inside the Bi-LO supermarket. As you sweat along the cartoon will let you know how many ice-creams, hot-dogs, cookies and burgers you’ve shed off.

Ready to rock ‘n roll? Then go to Garage Rock in the basement and start jamming. You can strum, slap and spin most unusually shaped instruments, and play with timbre, melody, pitch to create your unique sounds.

Girls, don’t panic there is plenty of fun activities for you too. If this is not enough here is a list with more exciting family attractions in and around Greenville.

Razzle Dazzle at the Greenville Children’s Museum, the coolest place in South Carolina!