Have you ever spent time with a 4-year-old? Everything is brighter, more magical and interesting (and, of course, often more dramatic) to a child that age. Experiencing things with them for the first time is always an adventure. So, when I had the opportunity to bring my son Ezra along with me to Emerald Farm in Greenwood, I knew it was going to make for a fun family day.
Go For It: Family Day on the Farm
Emerald Farm is a small family farm tucked away in Greenwood, located in South Carolina’s Old 96 District. A region on the west side of the state, Old 96 is full of charming small towns and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure at its numerous state parks. And then there’s Emerald Farm, where you can pet baby goats, wander with peacocks and discover other gems, including a massive model train room, a mysterious train ride, handmade goats milk products and an antique store. The farm hosts school groups and offers a perfect venue for family reunions.
As you drive along the gravel path to the farm, don’t be alarmed to see proud peacocks strutting nearby, showing off their stunning plumes. Farm owner Kathy Zahn has a true love for these creatures and has made quite the home for them, as well as her other wards including goats, a sweet, old farm dog and one very opinionated rooster. As I took in the scenery—the sun glinting off the pond, a swing set under the shade of a giant tree and the old farm store with seating out front—I instantly felt at home somehow and I couldn’t wait to explore with my boy.
From feeding the goats to saying hello to the peacocks to even watching the soap-making process, there was so much to do. Ezra loved playing with the toys in the farm store, and we were both amazed by the model train room. It was the largest I’ve ever seen and the kid in me was geeking out! When I asked him what his favorite part of the day was, he couldn’t stop talking about the train ride around the farm. In his words, “I just really love trains and it was so fun to be at the farm with you. I even saw a farmer!”
We finished the afternoon with some time on the swings and an orange sherbet push pop from the farm store. I used to LOVE these as a kid, so it was extra nostalgic to share one with Ez. After our visit, we drove into Uptown Greenwood for a delicious lunch at Kickers. It was the best kind of family day and such an easy day trip. As a mom, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to try new things with your kiddos, but there are so many places and opportunities right around the corner in South Carolina that it’s actually easy to find fresh adventures. All you have to do is go for it.
