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Fall Fun for the Whole Family at Strawberry Hill

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If you’re looking for something fun to do with your family this fall in the Greenville-Spartanburg area, Strawberry Hill Farm needs to be on your list. In fact, it should probably be on your bucket list every year.

Strawberry Hill and Cooley Farms have been family-owned and operated since 1947, and they truly understand and value families. With a cafe, ice cream shop, and produce stand of fresh pumpkins, jellies, jams, corn, and more, you’ll find plenty to satisfy your cravings. Plus, the hay ride and corn maze provide more than enough entertainment and memory-making for a couple of hours.

We visited one late morning in September and quickly discovered we weren’t the only ones who found this local gem. We wandered around the Shed, took plenty of photos, and went on the hay ride. If you’re thinking of visiting Strawberry Hill Cooley Farms, I’ve compiled lots of info and details for you below, including some extra tips before you go.

Strawberry Hill Farm Pumpkins

The Cafe and Ice Cream Parlor at Strawberry Hill

While we personally didn’t visit the cafe or ice cream parlor during our trip, it was PACKED and had a long line out front. Clearly, it is popular with families around the Upstate. The ice cream parlor has 32 flavors of freshly churned ice cream made with fruit straight from the farm. The cafe serves breakfast and lunch and has a variety of items to choose from. Breakfast is served until 10:30 am.

The Shed at Strawberry Hill

We parked at the Shed, and our toddler was immediately excited about all the pumpkins she could see from the car. Strawberry Hill has a large variety of pumpkins in all shapes, colors, and sizes to choose from. Not to mention their large supply of jellies, jams, boiled peanuts, and other snacks. They even had 3 flavors of slushies while we were there: Apple, Blackberry, and Peach. We grabbed a Peach Slushie to enjoy on our hay ride. It was delicious!

Strawberry Hill Shed in Chesnee

If you wander outside of the Shed covering, you’ll discover more pumpkins and some other fun things to bide your time. You’ll find a couple of tractors, a swing, and stacks of hay bales and pumpkins that are styled for the perfect fall photo op.

Strawberry Hill Farm store

The Hay Ride at Strawberry Hill

If you want to go on one of the hay rides, purchase your tickets in the Shed. Each ticket includes a trip to the playground, opportunity to feed the big cows, visit some other farm animals, go down the GIANT slide, and access to the big jumping pillow. We weren’t really sure what to expect, but we’re glad we went on it!

Once you purchase your ticket, you’ll wait until your group is called, and then you’ll board the wagon. Don’t worry about getting itchy by sitting on bales of hay—Strawberry Hill has cleverly covered the hay bales in plastic for your comfort.

Strawberry Hill farm animals

The tractor and wagon will take you through Strawberry Hill’s property, giving you fun facts along the way. (Fun fact we learned: they plant their strawberries by hand every single year! This was mind-blowing to me because their strawberry field is massive).

Strawberry Hill play space on the hay ride

While on the hay ride, you’ll see cows and get the chance to feed them a little treat! Then, the tractor will drop you off at an exclusive area that’s only accessible for those who hop on the hay ride. You’ll find more farm animals to pet (Queen Victoria, the farm’s pig, was a big hit!), a sandbox, seesaws, a variety of games, several large slides, the pumpkin patch, and a giant Jumping Pillow! 

Strawberry Hill in the fall

Once you and your kids are done playing, you can hop back on a wagon to head back to the Shed.

The Corn Maze at Strawberry Hill

Strawberry Hill has 3 corn mazes: two larger ones and one kiddie maze. The two larger corn mazes take 20-30 minutes to complete, and the kiddie maze takes about 20 minutes. While they have offered the maze during the evening in the past, they are not offering night mazes in 2023.

Corn maze at Strawberry Hill

Admission Cost & Hours for Strawberry Hill

Hayride Only

  • Cost: $15 per person over 2 years old
  • September 2023 Hours: (Opens September 30, 2023)
    • Saturdays 10 am – 5 pm
    • Sundays 12 pm – 5 pm
    • *Last wagons load at 5 pm
  • October 2023 Hours (last day is October 30th):
    • Fridays 1 pm – 5 pm (October 20th and 27th only)
    • Saturdays 9 am – 5 pm
    • Sundays 11 am – 5 pm
    • *Last wagons load at 5 pm

Corn Maze Only

  • Cost: $10 per person 8+ years old, $8 for those over 3 years old
  • Hours: Monday – Sunday 10 am – 6 pm
    • *Last corn maze entry at 6 pm

Hayride & Corn Maze Combo Ticket

  • $20 per person over 3 years old (Combo tickets for 2-year-olds will only pay for the hayride)

Tips for Visiting Strawberry Hill

  • Wear closed-toe shoes if you plan on visiting the Corn Maze and/or go on a hay ride. It’s sandy, dirty, and—well, there are farm animals.
  • If you plan on going on the hay ride, dress your kids in play clothes and not their Sunday best. Between the large sandbox, slides, and petting zoo, they’re bound to get dirty.
  • Use the restroom before you go on the hay ride.
  • Be prepared for lines and a wait at the Cafe and Ice Cream Parlor.
  • Keep in mind that no pets are allowed on the hay ride or at the corn maze.

Strawberry Hill Cooley Farms

Strawberry Hill Shed at Cooley Farms
3097 Hwy 11 W, Chesnee
Sunday-Saturday 8 am – 8 pm

Strawberry Hill Cafe & Ice Cream
3092 Hwy 11 W, Chesnee
Cafe Hours: Monday-Saturday 6 am – 2:30 PM
Ice Cream Hours: Monday – Sunday 11 am – 8 pm

Guide to Fall in Greenville, SC

Looking for more fall fun? Check out our guide to things to do in the Fall near Greenville!

Check out our Fall Guide to Greenville | Pumpkin Patches in Greenville | Corn Mazes in Greenville

Things to Do for Kids Who Love Cars Across the Carolinas

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Got a kid who loves cars and looking for activities to do around North and South Carolina? Because we’re located in an area where there are many car lovers, there are plenty of things to do and see. From museums to events to drag ways and speedways, your little car enthusiast will have so much oohing and aahing over classic cars, concept cars, race cars, and so much more. We’ve rounded up a list of some of the best things to do across the Carolinas for the kid who loves cars.

Things to Do for Kids Who Love Cars

BMW Zentrum Museum

The BMW Zentrum Museum in Greer is a one-of-a-kind experience for any car enthusiast. Visitors get to experience BMW from its beginnings in aviation and motorsports to where it is now on a global scale. You’ll see BMW’s milestones, rare vehicles from the past such as the famous Isetta “Bubblecar”, and restored classics. You’ll also be able to explore current BMW vehicles through modern-day exhibits and displays. For safety purposes, vehicle doors remain locked in the museum. The museum itself is self-guided, but you can book guided tours of the plant and factory if you prefer that. 

BMW Zentrum Museum Visit Details:

  • Hours: Monday – Friday from 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
  • Museum, Plant, and Factory close during major holidays. Please refer to the BMW Zentrum website for details.
  • Cost: Free
  • Groups in the same family are limited to 10 or less people.
  • Social Distancing and limited guest capacity are enforced.
  • Masks are optional.
  • The Isetta Café is open and operating at full-service.

1400 Highway 101 S, Greer
864.802.6000

Cars and Coffee Greenville

Cars and Coffee is an Upstate SC gathering for car enthusiasts that takes place on the 4th Saturday of each month. Visitors have the opportunity to see sports cars, exotic cars, classic cars, and more. The gathering takes place in a Michelin parking lot, so the Michelin cafeteria is open for visitors to grab a coffee and various pastries. 

Cars and Coffee Details:

  • When: Every 4th Saturday of the month
  • Hours: 8:00 am – 11:00 am
  • Cost: Free

298 North America Way, Greenville

Read our review of Cars and Coffee.

Things to See at Cars & Coffee

More Car Shows

Local car groups and organizations frequently organize car shows at local venues. They are often free and sometimes include other fun things to do like trunk or treats at Halloween or benefit charities, like toy drives around Christmas.

To find car shows near you, check online and on Facebook. In Upstate, SC, you’ll find a list of some of the upcoming car shows at Upstate Car Shows.

Greer Dragway

The Greer Dragway, established in 1957,  features a 1/8th mile concrete and asphalt strip and has Grudge Racing every Thursday and Bracket Racing every Saturday. There’s a weather radar, a concession stand, and clean restrooms on the premises. 

1792 Dragway Road, Greer
864.879.4634

Greenville-Pickens Speedway

Located in Easley, the Greenville-Pickens Speedway features a half-mile of asphalt to give your entire family an experience they won’t forget. The track hosts weekly NASCAR-sanctioned races, which is bound to give any car enthusiast starry-eyes. In addition to racing, the Speedway offers events throughout the year, including the Upstate Holiday Lights Show.

Greenville-Pickens Speedway Visit Details:

800 Calhoun Memorial Hwy, Easley
864.295.5764

Charlotte Motor Speedway

The Charlotte Motor Speedway, located in Concord, NC, is a motorsport complex featuring a 1.5 mile quad oval track that hosts NASCAR racing. Events include the Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day weekend, The Bank of America Roval 400 in October, and more. Ticket prices range from event to event, so it’s best to see the Charlotte Motor Speedway website for ticket details.

5555 Concord Pkwy S, Concord
800.455.3267

There’s more to explore in Cabarrus County.

Charlotte Motor Speedway

zMAX Dragway

Affectionately known as “The Bellagio of Race Tracks,” the zMAX Dragway in Concord, NC is a venue at Charlotte Motor Speedway featuring the world’s first 4-lane drag strip for NHRA races and other events. Ticket prices range from event to event, so it’s best to see the Charlotte Motor Speedway website for ticket details.

Here’s our review of zMAX Dragway.

6570 Bruton Smith Blvd, Concord, NC
704.455.3200

AutoBarn Classic Cars 

AutoBarn Classic Cars is a 60,000-square-foot indoor showroom located at the Gibson Mill community gathering spot in Concord. It’s just a 10-minute drive away from Charlotte Motor Speedway and is a great place to browse classic and concept cars. And for an added bonus, race cars and classic memorabilia are up for sale.

325 McGill Ave NW, Concord, NC
800.650.1055

Morrison Motor Car Museum 

Morrison Motor Car Musem is full of sports and muscle cars. There are more than 50 cars featured in this exhibit, all from the past century. There’s also a gift shop and opportunities to buy a collector car such as a Mustang or Camaro on the property’s lot.

Morrison Motor Car Museum Details:

  • Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:30 am – 4 pm // Saturday 9:30 am – 3:00 pm
  • Ticket Cost: General Admission $8 // Seniors and Children under age 5 $6

4545 Concord Parkway South, Concord, NC
704.788.9500

Streetside Classics

This showroom carries an impressive collection of street classics. Guests can view street rods, muscle cars, vintage cars, and more. The 70,000-square-foot showroom has over 300 classic cars that are up for sale.

Streetside Classics Visit Details:

  • Hours: Tuesday-Friday 9 am – 6 pm // Saturday 9 am – 5 pm

800 Derita Road Suite A, Concord, NC
704.598.2130

Mustang Owner’s Museum

The perfect place for Mustang lovers! Mustangs grace the museum’s displays, with various modified vehicles displayed throughout the year. The museum also hosts car shows and cruise events like the “Best of the Best Car Show’ and the “Mustang Chili & Cornbread Cook-Off.”

Mustang Owner’s Museum Visit Details:

  • Hours: Monday – Saturday 10 am – 5 pm // Sunday 12 pm – 5 pm *Closed major holidays
  • Ticket Cost: Adults $10 // Children 12 & under Free

4005 Dearborn Place NW, Concord, NC
980.439.5653

Curb Motorsports Museum

Dale Earnhardt’s No. 2 car can be seen at Curb Motorsports Museum! The Curb Museum features a collection of NASCAR and Indy cars. The museum also holds cars that wrote pages in the motorsport history book including the car that Dale Earnhardt drove when he won his first Winston Cup Championship.

600 Dale Earnhardt Boulevard, Kannapolis, NC
704.938.6121

There more to explore in Kannapolis, NC.

NC Transportation Museum

The NC Transportation Museum, located in the former Southern Railway’s Spencer Shops, is a transportation lover’s dream. The museum features history about all types of transportation: railroads, automotives, aviation, and more. Visitors will see the Barber Junction Depot  (a train station built in 1898), the Bob Julian Roundhouse (the largest remaining roundhouse in North America featuring locomotives, passenger railcars, and a replica of the Wright Flyer), and so much more. The museum offers several seasonal and holiday events, including The Polar Express Train Ride.

NC Transportation Museum Details:

  • Museum Hours:
    • Tuesday – Saturday 9 am – 5 pm
    • Sunday 12 pm – 5 pm
    • Beginning November 11, museum hours change to accommodate The Polar Express Train Rides. Please refer to the museum’s website for details.
  • Train Hours:
    • Regular museum train rides do not operate November 7 – December 26 for The Polar Express Train Rides..
    • Please refer to the museum’s website for details.
  • Museum Visit Tickets: Adults: $6 // Seniors and Military: $5 // Children 3-12: $4 // Members and Children Under 3: FREE
  • Museum Visit + Train Ride Tickets: Adults: $12 // Seniors and Military: $10 // Children 3-12: $8 // Members and Children Under 3: FREE

1 Samuel Spencer Drive, Spencer, NC
704.636.2889

Did we miss any other car-related activities to do around the Carolinas? Tell us below.

Vacation Rentals Near Greenville, SC

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Are you looking for a vacation home to rent near Greenville, SC or in the Upstate, South Carolina area? Whether you’re looking for a place to stay for a vacation in Downtown Greenville, or a vacation beside an Upstate mountain lake or river, or for a place to stay when attending a Clemson University game, we have some fabulous vacation homes to rent in our list. These rentals are great for family trips, couples getaways, or time spent with friends.

Through affiliate relationships, Kidding Around earns when you book through these links and codes.

This article includes:
Vacation Rentals Near Downtown Greenville, SC
Vacation Rentals in Greer, SC
Vacation Rentals in Travelers Rest, SC
Vacation Rentals on the Water Near Greenville, SC
Vacation Rentals Near Clemson University
Vacation Rentals in the Mountains Near Greenville, SC

Vacation Rental Homes Near Greenville, SC
(more…)

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Greenville, SC

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Planning a visit to Greenville, SC? We’re so glad! We love our little city (and so does The New York Times, Forbes, and Southern Living!) because there’s so much for everyone to see, do, and eat. Art connoisseurs, outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, and history buffs will all find something to enjoy while visiting Greenville. And, of course, families have an incredible amount of opportunities to make memories here. So, since you’re planning to visit, we wanted to make your planning a little easier by giving you a list of our top recommendations for places to eat, places to stay, and things to do in Greenville… as well as a guide to parking in downtown Greenville.

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Charlotte Guides