Digging in the dirt at the Fossil Fair

October 31st might signal Halloween treats to you, but for South Carolina science fans it’s also a day of archeological fun at the South Carolina Fossil Fair hosted at the Ocean Lakes Family Campground’s Recreation Building in Myrtle Beach.  The day-long event features a mock dig site, PCS Phosphate Mine, a fossil hunt and lots of bones.  Experts from the Smithsonian Institute’s National Museum of Natural History will dust off your discoveries and identify the fossils.

Start at the mock dig site where a museum specialist will illustrate how to create a plaster cast to move a specimen from the dig site to a museum.  You can observe how the fossil is removed from the plaster and prepared for display. The fun part is that you get to help clean the specimen. Read More »

Beyond the neon and glitz of the world-famous Las Vegas Strip lie numerous opportunities for families to discover Southern Nevada’s colorful and often overlooked natural landscape. From flourishing desert meadows to red, rusty cliffs to pine tree-covered mountain peaks, just a short drive from The Strip visitors can experience hours of exploration and fun.

Located in the middle of the city and built on the site of the birthplace of Las Vegas, visitors can start their adventures at the 180-acre Springs Preserve, offering a glimpse at the region’s geology, desert plant-life and numerous animal species that call Southern Nevada home. Children are amazed by the wild jackrabbits, lizards, insects and desert tortoises on display at the Origen Experience. For those not afraid of getting a little wet, a popular exhibit is the flash flood simulator where visitors experience the exhilarating rush of water that results from the summer rains in the area deserts, canyons and mountains. 

The Springs Preserve also features nearly two miles of picturesque walking trails and lush gardens. Bottled water is recommended for exploration during the hot summer months. A visit to the Springs Preserve is also not complete without lunch at the Café by Wolfgang Puck. Pick a spot on the terrace and enjoy a view of the gardens and the nearby Las Vegas Strip. General Admission prices range from $6.95 to $18.95 and annual family passes are a great bargain for frequent visits.

A 25-minute drive west from the Las Vegas Strip is the 197,000-acre Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Once the bottom of a vast ocean, millions of years of exposure and oxidation have created a breath-taking canyon of red and orange. A 13-mile, one-way scenic drive through the canyon provides many picture-taking opportunities. For adventurous families, nearly 20 trails offer easy, moderate or strenuous hikes into the canyon where wild burros and other animals roam and ancient petroglyphs await discovery. Designated picnic and camping areas are also available.  Maps and information on seasonal trail conditions can be found at the Visitor’s Center near the entrance to the canyon. Like the Springs Preserve, bottled water is recommended for exploration during the hot summer months. Entry into Red Rock Canyon is $5.00 per vehicle with annual passes available for purchase.

Rising high above the Las Vegas Valley to the northwest, Mt. Charleston offers visitors a dramatic change in climate and scenery. The highest peak of the Spring Mountains Range in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Mt. Charleston’s temperatures are typically 20 to 30 °F lower than in Las Vegas, making it a popular place for visitors to escape the heat of the desert floor. Mountain biking, hiking, picnicking and camping are popular summertime activities atop the mountain, as is enjoying the spectacular views. Winter transforms the mountain into a snow-covered playground for sledding and snow play. The Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort features 11 trails for beginners, intermediate and skilled winter sports enthusiasts. Ski and snowboarding lessons are available for both adults and children. Equipment rental, restaurants and bars are all onsite.

For accommodations on the mountain, the Mt. Charleston Lodge features 23 comfortably furnished log cabins nestled along a mountain ridge. The Mt. Charleston Hotel features 62 charming bedrooms, with a choice of mini-suites, king suites and a Presidential suite. Early booking is recommended for the holiday season.

Photos: Red Rock Canyon by Superfish/Springs Preserve by Jason Roth

Camping in South Carolina is a lush and welcoming experience for travelers of all ages. Born and bred in California, my experience of camping was almost exclusively dry, hot and sandy/dusty. That’s what you get when you camp in a desert, beach or arid landscape. Camping in South Carolina, however, is nothing like that. Lush greenery, dense forests and a very different beachfront experience from any in California await you in this beautiful place. In addition, the camping experience itself is as lush and inviting as the landscape.

Myrtle Beach camping, for example caters to family travelers with camping resorts such as Pirateland. At Pirateland, you can choose from a vacation rental or a campsite, with options to meet your budget. Their amenities redefine camping in a more luxurious and easy style. From full Laundromats and a senior room to a summer time aquatic complex, you can leave your boyscout roughing it badge at home. This is camping anyone can do!

To me, the beach camping is the most inspiring, however opportunities for camping in the many lush forests and landscapes of South Carolina abound as well. There are 6 KOA (Kampgrounds of America) campgrounds sprinkled throughout South Carolina, with many located nearby to popular tourist destinations , ensuring that you’ll be able to find something interesting to do no matter where you end up. If you’re looking to rough it a bit more, there are several National Parks and Historic Sites in South Carolina that are administered by the national parks service.

Wherever you end up camping when you visit South Carolina, you’re sure to find a world of possibilities.

**Thanks to the National Parks Service for the lovely winter photo of Congaree National Park in South Carolina**