Aunt and Uncle Fun 2010

Greenville Drive at Fluor Field

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Attraction | "Enjoying the boys of summer"

Arriving at the game Photo - Greenville Drive at Fluor Field, Greenville, South Carolina

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When John and I picked Greenville as this years trip with my nephew, we chose it since he plays baseball and given we could also add waterfall spotting to the agenda. When I told Elijah we were taking in a game, he was super excited. Unlike many of the other teams we have seen, the Greenville Drive has a relatively short history. Originally the team was the Shelby Reds in 1960. In 1983 the team moved from Shelby NC (near my hometown) to Columbia SC, where they were the Columbia Mets. In 1993 to honor the members of the Doolittle Raiders, who had their initial training Columbia, the team changed its name to the Bombers. As the Bombers they would go on to win the South Atlantic League ...Read More

When John and I picked Greenville as this years trip with my nephew, we chose it since he plays baseball and given we could also add waterfall spotting to the agenda. When I told Elijah we were taking in a game, he was super excited.

Unlike many of the other teams we have seen, the Greenville Drive has a relatively short history. Originally the team was the Shelby Reds in 1960. In 1983 the team moved from Shelby NC (near my hometown) to Columbia SC, where they were the Columbia Mets. In 1993 to honor the members of the Doolittle Raiders, who had their initial training Columbia, the team changed its name to the Bombers. As the Bombers they would go on to win the South Atlantic League Championship in 1986, 1991, and again in 1998.

In 2004 the team changed their affiliation and became the Class A farm team to the Boston Red Sox’s. The following year it was announced the team would be relocating to Greenville SC where they would play at the municipal stadium until their stadium would open in 2006. When the team moved they would once again change their name, this time to the current name, the Drive. The name was chosen due to the presences in the automobile industry (BMW had just opened up a plant in nearby Spartanburg).

When they moved to Greenville it was decided to open the stadium in the heart of the historic downtown area. Fluor Field was built in the historic west end amongst the cities every growing downtown area. In 2006 the field was name the "Ballpark of the Year" by Baseballparks.com. The stadium has the same dimensions of the major league affiliates, the beloved Fenway Park. Outfielder Che-Hsuan Lin became the first player selected to the All-Stars Future Game in 2008.

On this night the team would take on the Rome GA Braves, affiliates of..you guessed it..The Atlanta Braves. This is a touchy subject around my family, who are all major die-hard Braves fans! We have some pretty sweet seats behind the home base. Like most other games there are plenty of things going on in between innings. There are games for the whole family and a dance off between the mascot (Reedy the frog) and a "bat boy. They have a gift shop both inside the stadium and outside. We stopped on the way in at the gift shop and purchased drinks along with souvenirs. No one told us when ewe purchased the drinks to save the receipt. Thankfully we did, as we started to enter the gentleman who took our tickets asked for our receipts for the drinks! Make sure you save yours.

There is parking on the premises and there are spots in the downtown area if you want to dine and then walk to the game. The have food at the game and there are plenty of dining options downtown before or after the game.

Website http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/index.jsp?sid=t428

Love it or hate it Loved it..how can you not.

On this night we had a great time as the Drive spanked the Braves 14-3. It was a great night, my nephew loved the game, and it is a cheap family outing.
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Member Rating 5 out of 5 on September 11, 2010

Greenville Drive at Fluor Field
945 South Main Street
Greenville, South Carolina 29605
(864) 240-4500

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Falls Park on the Reedy River

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Attraction | "Paradise in downtown"

What a shot! Photo - Falls Park on the Reedy River, Greenville, South Carolina

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While the Liberty Bridge may be manmade, the Reedy River that runs through the park is the genuine thing. In 1773, shortly after settling into the area, Richard Peris purchased 10 acres from the native Cherokee tribe. Later he would operate a Grist Mill on the Upper Falls. Then in 1852 Furman Institute (now Furman University) set up and operated 3 textile mills and a cotton warehouse, They would run the operation until the 1900’s. After years of neglect and polluting the river, the Carolina Foothills Garden Club set about to the restore the area. In 1967 the club purchased 26 acres with the intention of turning into a public park. Over the next 40 years the club along with the city a...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on September 11, 2010

Falls Park on the Reedy River
615 South Main Street
Greenville, South Carolina 29601
(864) 467-4350

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Greenville Zoo

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Attraction | "Whole Lotta Cute in One Spot"

Happy 50th birthday Photo - Greenville Zoo, Greenville, South Carolina

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For 50 years now locales and visitors have been enjoying the cute critters that call the Greenville Zoo home. The zoo covers 14 acres with hundreds of (mainly) cute critters of varying species. The big animals here include a couple of giraffes, elephants, a beautiful leopard, and a lion and his mate. Neither of which cared to pose for pictures so at least when I was here you got a butt shot. They have numerous birds including a Toucan, which is my nephew’s favorite. My favorite, the flamingos, have a spacious place to roam and wade. Near them you will find crocodiles and huge snapping turtles. My nephew’s favorite was the reptiles building. Here guests (mainly the male guests) ...Read More

For 50 years now locales and visitors have been enjoying the cute critters that call the Greenville Zoo home. The zoo covers 14 acres with hundreds of (mainly) cute critters of varying species.

The big animals here include a couple of giraffes, elephants, a beautiful leopard, and a lion and his mate. Neither of which cared to pose for pictures so at least when I was here you got a butt shot. They have numerous birds including a Toucan, which is my nephew’s favorite. My favorite, the flamingos, have a spacious place to roam and wade. Near them you will find crocodiles and huge snapping turtles.

My nephew’s favorite was the reptiles building. Here guests (mainly the male guests) can see all varieties of slithering snakes as well as scary spiders and more girly friendly turtles and frogs. In African I found the amazing and wonderful orangutan. This sweet and amazing guy just made me want to put my arms around him and protect him from the world. Then there is an adorable baby playing on a swing and having a great time.

Visitors of all ages enjoy the barnyard. Guests can feed and or pet some snuggleable goats, there is a very sweet and adorable pot bellied pig (who is on a diet though) and some chickens will be glad to take your wafers. In additional to all this there are beautiful gardens and trees throughout the park. But one unnerving sign I was spotted was "snake crossing", which I can only assume doesn’t mean the ones safely behind the glass! Yikes!

The zoo does have restrooms, shelters for picnics, and concession stands. They do have a very nice gift shop and they also sell the elephant "poo" paper, just like I picked up at the Columbia Zoo! And bring two quarters and a shiny penny for the squashed penny machine. They do hold a number of events through out the year, zoo camp, and even spend the night at the zoo (which Elijah’s class is getting ready to do). You can also hold special events here or have a birthday party here.

I do say this as a reminder with each zoo I review. They are a member of the AZA which means they have strict standards in regards to the treatment of their charges. And they do take great care of their animals and the animals are kept on open and spacious accommodations and only critters such as birds are changed (and then they have nice comfy cages). And they participate in conservation programs.

Website www.greenvillezoo.com

I guess you liked it? It is a zoo full of cuddly critters..of course I had a ball.

While this as a smaller zoo compared to others I have visited, it is none the less equally enjoyable. I am sure you will find that you will enjoy it too!
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Member Rating 5 out of 5 on September 11, 2010

Greenville Zoo
150 Cleveland Park Drive
Greenville, South Carolina 29601
(864) 467-4300

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Caesars Head State Park

Attraction | "Beauty that seems like a world away. "

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Just about 30 minutes outside of Greenville you will find yourself almost a million miles away from the urban area. You will find yourself in the beauty in the SC Upstate. There are several parks within the area. Our original destination was Cesar Head State Park. My nephew now loves waterfalls and really wanted to see some and we knew there were several waterfalls within the park. We arrived at the park’s ranger station. When we finally got squeezed into one of the few parking spaces to be found with all the construction going on. We ran up to the restrooms before hitting the trail. I go look at the information board to try to find a trail map. There is a large one, but not small on...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on September 11, 2010

Caesars Head State Park
8155 Geer HWY
Greenville, South Carolina
(864) 836-6115

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DuPont State Forest

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Attraction | "Triple the beauty"

Having fun.... Photo - DuPont State Forest, Brevard, North Carolina

Quote:

Just across the road from Hooker Falls you will find the equally and stunning Triple Falls, While it is a little more of a hike than Hooker Falls, it is still a fairly easy hike. The water here also comes from The Little River and gets it start from the French Broad River It sits at an elevation of 2360 feet. And the falls is one of 6 found within the DuPont State Forest near Brevard. Back in the 1890’s it was known as Rags Falls. But one look and you will see why it is known as Triple Falls. The three falls combines have a height of about 100 feet. The first 2 falls have heights of about 25 feet while the third is 45 feet. The movie also has an appearance in Last of the Mohicans...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on September 11, 2010

DuPont State Forest
High Falls Access, 1300 Staton Road
Cedar Mountain, NC
(828) 877-6527

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DuPont State Forest

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Attraction | "No charge for this hooker. "

Hooker Falls Photo - DuPont State Forest, Brevard, North Carolina

Quote:

There are a total of 6 waterfalls within the environs of the DuPont Forest. Of all the trails this has to be the easiest. It even has port-a-pottie and accessible trail. Meaning the whole family can come out and enjoy it. The Falls were named for Edmund Hooker, who had a mill near the falls in the 1800’s. At the time, the falls were known as Mill Shoals. The falls come from The Little River and starts with the French Broad River. It sits at an elevation of 2200 feet. The waterfall is self is only 14 foot high but it is about as wide as it is high. While it may not be very high, it is very impressive. The falls tumble into a shallow pool that is perfect for cooling off in the summer heat. W...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on September 11, 2010

DuPont State Forest
High Falls Access, 1300 Staton Road
Cedar Mountain, NC
(828) 877-6527

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Gabrielle-Austin House

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Attraction | "Some Frank in SC"

Quote:

Anyone who has read some of my previous journals knows I am a huge admirer of Frank Lloyd Wright. So I knew there was a house in Greenville, and I wasn’t about to leave without at least a looksie at the home. The home was built in 1955 for Charlcey and Gabrielle Austin who were both librarians at the local library. Both were unhappy with their apartment and wanted a home that included 3 bedrooms, space for their maid, and a porch with a $20,000 budget. I assume some of their money came from their father, William, who owned the Morgan-Austin Company (a building materials company). The future home owners first contacted Frank on August 12, 1950. Their previous abode was a mere 10...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on September 11, 2010

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