Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest

We tend to think of the Redwood forests in California when we think of huge old growth trees, but the East Coast has its own standing giants. This memorial forest was dedicated to Joyce Kilmer, a man who passed away during World War I. He was most famous for his poem, “Trees,” a poem that remains known today.

The 3,800 acre tract of old growth trees was incorporated into the 14,000 acre Slickrock Wilderness in 1935. These trees survived the logging of the early 19th century and today stand over 100 feet tall and some more than 20 feet in diameter! This gem of NC is one of the few remaining places in the US that’s still considered virgin forest. 60 miles of hiking trails offer family-friendly fun. To cool off during the hot summer months, feel free to take a dip in Lake Santeetlah afterwards!

From Robbinsville, take Hwy. 129 N for 1.5 miles to the intersection with 143 W (Massey Branch Road). Turn left onto Hwy. 143 W for 5 miles. At the stop sign, turn right onto Kilmer Road. Drive 7.3 miles to the top of Santeetlah Gap and the intersection with Cherohala Skyway. Follow for 2.5 miles to the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest entrance. For more info, call 828.479.6431.

Written by Tom Groves

SUMMERTIME GUIDE 2013 - Your Guide to FUN Summer Activities in the Carolinas! 

Greenville Zoo

One of the top tourist attractions every year in South Carolina is the Greenville Zoo.

A 14-acre facility, the zoo is home to some of the most unique wildlife in the region and offers educational programs for visitors of all ages. Among the wildlife at the zoo are giraffes, monkeys, giant tortoises and elephants. There is also a Reptile Building, with lizards, frogs, turtles, and snakes. After you tour the grounds, visit The Safari Shop for zoo-themed gifts to take home.

Some special events in 2013 include National Endangered Species Day on May 17. Come discover how many animals at the zoo are endangered species. Also on tap is Brew in the Zoo on June 1. Adults may sample an assortment of beers and enjoy live music, all while exploring the zoo after hours. Also, every Tuesday, you’ll find an instructor from the Greenville Zoo’s Education Department at select exhibits talking about that animal and answering any questions.

The zoo is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission rates are $7.75 for adults and $4.50 for children 3-15. Children under 3 are admitted free. The Greenville Zoo is located at 150 Cleveland Park Drive in Greenville. Call 864-467-4300 or visit greenvillezoo.com for more info.

SUMMERTIME GUIDE 2013 - Your Guide to FUN Summer Activities in the Carolinas! 

Hardy Berry Farm in Anderson, SC

If you like fresh strawberries, peaches, or raspberries, Hardy Berry Farm in Anderson is the place to be in spring and summer.

Whether you like to pick your own strawberries, or if you prefer to grab a bucket already picked, Hardy Berry Farm has you covered. Strawberries are $12 per gallon pre-picked and $1.80 per pound if you pick them. Hardy Berry Farm is a small family-owned and operated farm. Hardy Berry Farm grows several varieties of strawberries so everyone can find that unique berry that really turns their taste buds on. The farm also grows four varieties of delicious red raspberries, blueberries, and peaches.

Strawberry season runs through May; blackberries from early June to early August; blueberries from late June through July, and raspberries from June through August; and peaches from early June to mid-July.

You may purchase jams, local honey, freshly ground wheat, fresh baked bread, raw milk, free range eggs, homemade ice cream, cold drinks and many other items from the farm’s country store. Located at 232 Strawberry Road in Anderson, call 864-224-5441 or visit hardyberryfarm.com. Call for operating hours.

SUMMERTIME GUIDE 2013 - Your Guide to FUN Summer Activities in the Carolinas!

Asheville Urban Trail

Take a self-guided walking tour along downtown Asheville’s Urban Trail, and you’ll learn all kinds of interesting tidbits about this eclectic mountain town.

The Urban Trail is Asheville’s “museum without walls” and consists of 30 different bronze sculptures around downtown, shedding light on the city’s unique history. The “Energy Loop”; the Deco Gecko in Pritchard Park; the murals in the City Hall chambers; the bronze life-size sculpture of Martin Luther King, Jr. at MLK Park; the diverse sculptures and plaques along the Urban Trail are all part of Asheville’s public art collection.

The 1.7 mile walk begins and ends at Pack Place; maps are available at the Asheville Visitor Center and Pack Place. The tour will take approximately 2 hours, unless you decide to shop or eat along the way!

Asheville’s Urban Trail is a great, free thing to do during the summer when the weather is warm, and the people watching is at its prime! For more details, visit ashevillenc.gov or call 828.259.5815.

SUMMERTIME GUIDE 2013 - Your Guide to FUN Summer Activities in the Carolinas!

Hot Air Balloon Rides!

 Looking for a different way to take in the lush WNC views? Try one of the area’s hot air balloon companies!

Photo courtesy of ashevillehotairballoons.com

Watch the sunrise over the mountains in a one hour early morning balloon ride with Asheville Hot Air Balloons (ashevillehotairballoons.com). Float over downtown, the Biltmore Estate, the plaid fields of farms, undulating hills and hollows and enjoy a champagne toast afterwards with R.O. Franks Hot Air Balloon Company (ashevillehotairballoonrides.com). Take in beautiful and serene views of the Pisgah National Forest with Adrenaline 365 (adrenaline365.com) or become a Certified Hot Air Balloon Pilot with Asheville Hot Air Balloons (hotairballoonsoverasheville.com)!

SUMMERTIME GUIDE 2013 - Your Guide to FUN Summer Activities in the Carolinas!