Buying a new home is a big deal. For many homeowners, it's one of the most important decisions they ever make. When it comes to such a substantial choice, there are a lot of factors to consider, like:
Getting the answers to those questions can be hard but finding a trustworthy manufactured home company can be even more challenging. Sure, you could settle for a fly-by-night company or a shady mobile home dealer. But if you're like most folks, you want to work with a reliable company that has been in business for years. You need a team of professionals who can answer your questions, address your concerns, and sell you a quality home that will keep your family safe and sound.
Welcome to Ken-Co Homes Inc. - your premier choice for mobile home sales in Woodland Park, SC. Ken-Co Homes has been Lake City's go-to manufactured home since 1974. With several locations in South Carolina, we're the first choice for manufactured homes in the state. As longtime locals in the community, we pride ourselves on honesty, hard work, and running a manufactured home business that you can count on.
There's no secret sauce that makes Ken-Co Homes successful. We work hard, sell the finest Clayton, Destiny, Scotbilt, Homes, and treat our customers like we would like to be treated. That's why, when you meet our team for your home tour, you'll be treated with respect and greeted with a warm smile. Whether you have questions regarding financing or the fit and finish of a floorplan, we'll maintain that same level of kindness, courtesy, and honesty. That way, you know for sure that you have invested in a top-notch manufactured home that your family will love.
Unlike other manufactured home dealers, we have a full selection of Clayton Homes for sale with attractive floor plans to fit your unique lifestyle. When you choose Ken-Co Homes, you're also choosing:
We offer our valued customers a $500 guarantee that we will meet or beat ANY competitor who has a lower price on one of our homes with the same options. Don't believe us? Contact our office today!
With decades of combined experience, our team has the tools and know-how to make your buying process smooth and stress-free.
Buying a home can be challenging, especially with travel logistics and other factors at play. Our team can help answer any questions you have about buying a home and transporting it to a park or piece of private land.
When you buy from Ken-Co Homes, you're investing in a high-quality product that your family will love for years to come. With more than a dozen home choices, you're sure to find a new home that matches your lifestyle.
We'll work with you one-on-one to ensure you get the home of your dreams. If you have questions or concerns once you move in, give us a call - we're here to help.
We offer detail-oriented, experienced set-up crews that make living life in your new home easy and efficient.
At Ken-Co Homes, we offer flexible financing options to help make buying your dream home a reality.
Whether you're looking for a smaller two-bedroom manufactured home or a large, luxurious four-bedroom manufactured home, our friendly consultants are ready to help you build the home of your dreams.
"Is there a difference between a mobile home and a manufactured home?" is one of the most common questions we get online and in person. Today, many people use mobile home and manufactured home interchangeably. That's understandable because both types of homes share similar features and benefits for homeowners. However, understanding the minor differences can be valuable when searching for a new place to call home.
Unlike site-built homes, manufactured homes are built in a factory. Once completed, they're shipped to a specific location where the homeowner will live. The term "manufactured home" refers to any factory-built home constructed after June 15, 1976. That date is when the HUD or U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development implemented guidelines centered around manufactured home construction.
HUD code requires manufactured homes to be constructed on a base frame with wheels with a minimum of 320 square feet.
Thanks to fast build times and lower material costs, manufactured homes for sale in Woodland Park, SC is often more cost-effective for home buyers. Compared to traditional site-built homes, many manufactured homes can be up to 35% less than more traditional houses.
Any mobile homes built after June 15, 1976, are considered manufactured homes today, though many people use the term mobile home casually. In the past, these homes were used to travel and were more like the expensive RVs that people use today than true manufactured homes. Back then, mobile homes received a bad reputation due to poor build quality, but they've come a long way since that time. Today, mobile homes are safe, comfortable, and structurally sound, with many types of amenities and floor plans.
Manufactured homes are more popular in the U.S. than ever, and for good reason: prospective homeowners are looking for affordable, quality alternatives to traditional homes. That's especially true today, with inflation on the rise, necessitating more budget-friendly options for anyone who wants to put a roof over their heads.
If you're used to living in a traditional, site-built home, you may be wondering what the advantages are of buying a manufactured home. Here are just a few of the most common benefits of buying a manufactured home:
When you boil it down to the basics, buying a new home is all about the money. One of the most attractive reasons for buying a manufactured home is that they are often much less expensive than traditional site-built homes. Today, manufactured housing is considered a crucial part of the housing shortage solution and a viable option with inflation rising. According to statistics, the average square-foot cost of a site-built home is $107, while the average price is only $49 in a manufactured home. Whether you're sticking to a strict budget or your finances have changed due to poor economic conditions, going manufactured might be your best choice.
Owning a manufactured home gives the homeowner long-term living options. Because basic manufactured homes are usually very affordable, families with enough land can start with a small home and add additional units as their needs change. Manufactured homes are also great as starter homes, especially for families that plan on building a permanent structure on their land in the future. Though it could be logistically challenging, manufactured homes can also be moved to a different site if the initial one was on rented property.
Manufactured homes have received a bad rap over the last few decades. In reality, most manufactured homes are purpose-built for longevity with structural integrity. Every manufactured home built today is subject to the HUD code adopted in 1976. This code is the only federally-mandated code in existence. It was designed to ensure that manufactured homes meet strict standards regarding fire safety, structural design, energy efficiency, transportation to home sites, and overall construction. All manufactured homes sold in the U.S. have a permanent red seal to confirm they meet HUD standards.
When you buy a manufactured home, you may be able to move in faster than you would via traditional routes. Some manufactured homes are even move-in ready in less than 45 days. Compared to a traditional home, once a new manufactured home is built in the factory, buyers usually find that installation is a quick process. Once the manufactured home is delivered, utility work usually moves quickly, regardless of whether you're moving to a park or transporting your home to a piece of land. Before you know it, you're eating, sleeping, and enjoying life in your new manufactured home.
When asked about the pros and cons, many buyers cite energy efficiency as one of the most significant benefits of owning a manufactured home. In general, manufactured housing is more energy efficient than traditional because HUD mandates ensure that homes have high energy efficiency ratings.
These ratings are achieved through upgraded insulation installation, on-demand water heaters, and energy-efficient windows. These upgrades often make entire manufactured homes Energy Star certified. It's no surprise that manufactured homes are 27% more efficient than they used to be with other additions like energy-saving appliances in kitchens and bathrooms.
If you've ever lived in an apartment complex before, chances are you heard sounds and noises through your walls that you never wanted to hear. If you hate hearing your neighbors and despise thin walls, looking for mobile home sales in Woodland Park, SC is a great idea. Why? Manufactured homes are typically built using separate modules, which reduces sound transference from room to room. When two or more modules are combined and insulated separately, buyers enjoy an even quieter, stronger home with less outside noise.
If there's one disappointing aspect of manufactured homes, the stigma seems to surround them. Yes, mobile homes from 30 or more years ago aren't exactly marvels of construction and deserve to be criticized. However, modern manufactured homes are cut from a different cloth and are often every bit as safe and luxurious as site-built homes.
Here are some of the most common (and annoying) mobile home myths debunked:
Modern manufactured homes are factory-built homes crafted with quality materials that meet comprehensive federal construction and safety standards. These standards, called the "HUD Code," outline how the homes must be built, including safety guidelines. For example, manufactured home builders must take strict measures to ensure their homes are resistant to wind. In terms of hurricanes and tornados, having such measures in place can prevent a tragedy from happening.
The bottom line is that manufactured homes are plenty safe and provide a quality product to people who want a lower-cost option over traditional housing.
One of the most repeated myths surrounding manufactured homes is that they are in poor shape and have an overall poor quality. Today, many manufactured homes are built with quality materials and care. It's not unusual to find a manufactured home with luxurious amenities and features lie state-of-the-art kitchens, high-end appliances, and chic open floor plans. At Ken-Co Homes, we can provide you with a complete list of available upgrades and amenities for you to enjoy in your new home.
Perhaps it's due to their popularity and lower prices, but we often hear that it's hard to find manufactured homes for sale. As seasoned home dealers, we can say this is categorically false. Whether you head over to Google and search for "mobile homes near me in Woodland Park, SC," or simply head to Ken-Co Homes' website, you'll see plenty of homes to choose from. Contact our office today for a full list of our homes for sale!
When it comes to home prices in today's day and age, manufactured homes are among the most affordable options available.
That's because manufactured homes cost less to construct than site-built homes, with the average price costing $92K for new construction and $60K for a pre-owned manufactured home, according to recent data. The cost of a traditional home is much higher, with an average of $408K, according to Statista data from 2021. Even though manufactured home living costs change depending on the community, they're often much less expensive than their site-built cousins in the long run.
This myth parallels the stereotype that manufactured homes are cheap and poorly built. Unfortunately, many people still believe that living in a manufactured home community isn't safe. They think that the parks are run down and riddled with reprobates. In reality, many manufactured home parks mimic gated communities with 24-hour security and mandated quiet hours. Some manufactured home neighborhoods even offer community-wide amenities like spas and pools. If you're a fan of the gated community lifestyle but don't want to pay hundreds of thousands for a site-built home, a manufactured home community could be your best bet.
Are you giving serious thought to buying a manufactured home for sale in South Carolina? You're not alone - more than 365K people in the Palmetto State live in manufactured homes. At Ken-Co Homes Inc., we're not your average run-of-the-mill manufactured home dealer. We only do business with manufacturing partners committed to building top-quality products that our customers are proud to own.
If you're looking for modern amenities, energy-efficient appliances, unique floorplans, and homes constructed with quality materials, Ken-Co Homes is the company for you. Contact our office today to learn more about our beautiful Clayton homes for sale in Woodland Park, SC.
Wednesday was a special day for several of the Lowcountry’s top senior football prospects as they signed their national letter-of-intents to colleges around the country.Woodland quarterback Suderian Harrison made his decision official to attend the University of Virginia, while Oceanside Collegiate teammates Vaughn Blue and Monroe Freeling signed with Liberty University and Georgia, respectively.Wando linebacker Mikey Rosa also signed with The Citadel; Cane Bay offensive lineman Kameron Durant chose East Carolina, and Ash...
Wednesday was a special day for several of the Lowcountry’s top senior football prospects as they signed their national letter-of-intents to colleges around the country.
Woodland quarterback Suderian Harrison made his decision official to attend the University of Virginia, while Oceanside Collegiate teammates Vaughn Blue and Monroe Freeling signed with Liberty University and Georgia, respectively.
Wando linebacker Mikey Rosa also signed with The Citadel; Cane Bay offensive lineman Kameron Durant chose East Carolina, and Ashley Ridge linebacker Christian Garland signed with Old Dominion. On Dec. 16, Goose Creek quarterback Drew Moore signed with Mercer University.
Harrison, who chose Virginia over offers from Louisville, Virginia Tech and Oklahoma, says his official visit to Charlottesville sealed the deal for him.
“It felt like home away from home,” said Harrison, who accounted for more than 3,000 yards and 49 touchdowns this season. “The people around it, outside the football facilities. It was everything I needed it to be.”
Harrison chose the same school as former Woodland receiver Lavel Davis Jr., one of three Cavalier football players to die in a shooting less than two months ago.
“Lavel holds a special place at UVA as well as here at Woodland and I hope to go there and continue his legacy,” Harrison said. “We talked a lot. But he told me it was my choice.”
Oceanside’s Blue and Freeling are rated as top in-state prospects at their positions.
Blue, a running back, rushed for more than 3,200 yards in his career at Oceanside Collegiate. He was originally committed to Charlotte but reopened his recruiting when the school made a head-coaching change. Blue visited Liberty last weekend and quickly made his choice to join former Coastal Carolina head coach Jamey Chadwell in Lynchburg.
“The first time I saw the campus and facilities at Liberty, I can honestly say it was one of the best places I saw,” Blue said. “I really felt like it was home. Coach Chadwell was a big factor, the person he is. He is going to do his best to treat me as a father figure and make sure I grow as a player and a person.”
Freeling made his choice in September, choosing Georgia over more than two dozen offers from all over the country. The 6-8, 300-pound left tackle is a national top 100 prospect and the state’s top-rated prospect by most recruiting services.
“It feels good to officially move on to the next chapter,” Freeling said. “I’m ready to get started.”
Blue and Freeling are graduating early and plan to enroll in their respective colleges in January. Harrison will finish out his senior year, participating with the baseball team. Harrison is a returning all-state baseball player and was originally committed to play baseball at USC Aiken before football offers started rolling in during October.
Moore, who led the Lowcountry in passing yards with 2,652 yards, also plans to enroll early at Mercer.
Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown /High School
Gregory Bryant II ATH 6-1 175 Johnston/Strom Thurmond
Darriel Cannon DB 5-9 165 Pinecrest, Fla./Gulliver Prep
Uriah Howard DL 6-1 265 Bogart, Ga./Prince Ave. Christian
Kendarious Kinard OL 6-3 300 Columbia/AC Flora
Isaiah Mobley WR 6-1 185 Monroe, N.C./Parkwood
Chandler Perry LB 5-9 200 Irmo/Dutch Fork
Andrew Threatt OL 6-3 310 Chesterfield/Chesterfield HS
Steven Zayachkowsky LB 5-10 200 Indian Trial, N.C./Porter Ridge
Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown /High School
Tyler Boyce DL 6-0 260 Shelby, N.C. / Shelby
Adonis Garcia DB 6-2 183 Woodstock, Ga. / Woodstock
Jacobi Hatter DB 5-10 180 Columbus, Ga. / Carver
Santana Haynes-Goodman OL 6-5 275 Durham, N.C. / Hillside
Ben Holmes OL 6-1 285 Columbia, S.C. / A.C. Flora
J’Vion “Skoot” Luster DB 5-10 170 Columbus, Ga. / Carver
Pauly Seeley QB 6-0 185 Alma, Mich. / New Hampstead (Ga.)
Will White DB 6-1 183 Pauline, S.C. / Dorman
Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown /High School
Dario Melendez Jr DL 6-0 280 Miami/Immaculta-LaSalle
Matt Scicchitano DL 6-4 280 Mount Carmel, Pa./Mount Carmel
Derrick Maxey III DB 5-11 180 Atlanta/Hapeville Charter
Laurence Sullivan Jr. DB 5-10 185 Vicksburg, Miss./Vicksburg HS
Spencer Kishbaugh LB 6-3 210 Berwick, Pa./Berwick Area HS
Wyatt Gedeon LB 6-1 235 Avon Lake, Ohio/St. Edward
Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown /High School
David Alabi BAN 6-2 240, Pickerington, Ohio,/ Pickerington
Brody Balliew OL 6-5 265 Calhoun, Ga./Calhoun
AK Burrell DB 6-0 190 Baton Rouge, La./Dutchtown
Caldwell Bussey DE 6-3 252 Hoover, Ala./ Spain Park High School
Brock Chappell TE 6-5 250 Holly Springs, N.C./ Cardinal Gibbons
Ryan Earl LB 6-2 225 Peachtree City, Ga./Trinity Christian
Nehuel Garcia QB 6-3 190 La Mirada, Calif./ La Mirada
Hayden Garner OL 6-5 280 Roanoke Rapids, N.C./ Roanoke Rapids
Raleigh Herbert LB 6-2 215 Cumming, Ga./ West Forsyth
Colton Hinton WR 5-11 175 Ashburn, Va./Stone Bridge
John Holbrook WR 6-4 195 Bradenton, Fla., IMG Academy
Brayden Holmes DB 6-1 170 Alpharetta, Ga., Milton
Chris Luna OL 6-3 275 Wesley Chapel, Fla./Tampa Catholic
Brennan Tormey TE 6-7 221 Montgomery, Ala./Pike Road
Marquis Vincent DL 6-1 260 Richmond, Va./Varina High School
Grammy-winning bluegrass band Nickel Creek got some late-night TV love last night courtesy of Jimmy Kimmel Live.The band appeared on the show to perform their latest single “Where the Long Line Leads,” which can be seen below. The song comes from Nickel Creek’s forthcoming studio album Celebrants, which will be released tomorrow (March 24) via Thirty Tigers. Pre-orders for the album can be made ...
Grammy-winning bluegrass band Nickel Creek got some late-night TV love last night courtesy of Jimmy Kimmel Live.
The band appeared on the show to perform their latest single “Where the Long Line Leads,” which can be seen below. The song comes from Nickel Creek’s forthcoming studio album Celebrants, which will be released tomorrow (March 24) via Thirty Tigers. Pre-orders for the album can be made here. This follows the band’s 2014 studio album A Dotted Line, which earned two Grammy nominations.
Nickel Creek have also announced a slew of new headlining shows, including stops in Los Angeles, Toronto, Las Vegas, and Dallas. An updated tour routing can be seen below. Newly announced dates will go on sale to the general public tomorrow (March 24) at 10 a.m. local time.
Nickel Creek tour dates (bold dates on sale tomorrow (March 24) at 10 a.m. local time)
April 15—Cincinnati, OH—Andrew J Brady Music Center*
April 17—Pittsburgh, PA—Byham Theater*
April 18—New Haven, CT—College Street Music Hall*
April 20—Concord, NH—Capitol Center for the Arts*
April 21—Portland, ME—State Theatre*
April 22—Boston, MA—MGM Music Hall at Fenway Park*
April 23—Philadelphia, PA—The Fillmore*
April 25—Birmingham, AL—Avondale Brewing Co*
April 27—Nashville, TN—Ryman Auditorium* (SOLD OUT)
April 28—Nashville, TN—Ryman Auditorium† (SOLD OUT)
April 29—Nashville, TN—Ryman Auditorium‡ (SOLD OUT)
April 30—Wilkesboro, NC—MerleFest
May 1—Charlottesville, VA—Ting Pavilion‡
May 3—York, PA—Appell Center for the Performing Arts‡ (SOLD OUT)
May 4—New York, NY—The Rooftop at Pier 17‡
May 31—Charleston, SC—Spoleto Festival
June 2—Atlanta, GA—The Eastern*
June 3—Greenville, SC—Peace Center*
June 4—Lexington, KY—Railbird Festival (SOLD OUT)
June 6—Akron, OH—E.J. Thomas Hall*
June 8—Grand Rapids, MI—Venue TBA* (on-sale May 5)
June 9—Chicago, IL—The Salt Shed*
June 10—Milwaukee, WI—Riverside Theater*
June 11—Chesterfield, MO—The Factory at The District*
June 13—Kansas City, MO—Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts*
June 15-17—Telluride, CO—Telluride Bluegrass Festival (SOLD OUT)
July 6—Seattle, WA—Woodland Park Zoo Amphitheatre+ (SOLD OUT)
July 7—Portland, OR—Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall+
July 8—Bend, OR—Hayden Homes Amphitheater+
July 9—Rohnert Park, CA—Weill Hall+ (on-sale March 23)
July 11—Reno, NV—Grand Sierra Resort+
July 12—Salt Lake City, UT—Venue TBA+
July 13—Steamboat Springs, CO—Strings Music Pavilion+ (on-sale May 11)
July 15—St. Paul, MN—Palace Theatre†
July 16—Bayfield, WI—Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua† (on-sale March 28)
July 18—Detroit, MI—Masonic Cathedral Theatre†
July 19—Toronto, ON—Danforth Music Hall†
July 21—Raleigh, NC—North Carolina Museum of Art†
July 22—Wilmington, NC—Greenfield Lake Amphitheater†
July 23—Vienna, VA—Wolf Trap† (on-sale March 31)
July 24—Union Hall, VA—The Coves Amphitheater†
July 27—LaFayette, NY—Break & Skiff Apple Orchards†
July 28—Newport, RI—Newport Folk Festival
September 1—London, UK—Barbican Centre
September 8-10—Bristol, TN—Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion
October 6—Oakland, CA—Fox Theater‡
October 8—Santa Barbara, CA—The Granada Theatre‡ (on-sale TBC)
October 10—Los Angeles, CA—The Theatre at Ace Hotel‡
October 11—Los Angeles, CA—The Theatre at Ace Hotel‡
October 13—San Diego, CA—The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park^
October 14—Mesa, AZ—Ikeda Theater at Mesa Arts Center+
October 15—Las Vegas, NV—Brooklyn Bowl+
October 17—Albuquerque, NM—Revel Entertainment Center+
October 18—Denver, CO—The Mission Ballroom+
October 19—Salina, KS—Stiefel Theater+
October 20—Dallas, TX—Majestic Theatre+
October 21—Austin, TX—Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park+
*with special guest Gaby Moreno
‡with special guest Hawktail
+with special guest Monica Martin†with special guest Aoife O’Donovan
^with special guest TBA
A month after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, Party City Holdco Inc. is looking to shrink its retail footprint as part of an expedited financial restructuring.In a Feb. 16 filing with U.S. bankrupt...
A month after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, Party City Holdco Inc. is looking to shrink its retail footprint as part of an expedited financial restructuring.
In a Feb. 16 filing with U.S. bankruptcy court, the Woodcliff Lake-based operator of 800-plus stores said it is working with A&G Real Estate Partners to auction off leases for 12 underperforming locations in six states. In coming weeks, additional lease auctions will follow, with the total number of closures depending on the outcome of ongoing negotiations with landlords, according to A&G.
The first tranche – which range in size from 9,000 square feet to 28,000 square feet and are a mix of freestanding sites and stores in shopping plazas – includes locations in New York, Missouri, Michigan, Oregon, Oklahoma and West Virginia, A&G said.
In its court filing, Party City also identified 10 more leases that will be auctioned as part of the next phase, including one New Jersey location – in Woodland Park at McBride Lenox Plaza Shopping Center. The list also identifies stores in Texas, New York, Georgia, West Virginia, Louisiana, Michigan, Iowa and Illinois.
“Given the high cost of new construction in today’s marketplace, the lack of new development, and the strong attributes of many of these Party City locations, we expect good interest from local and regional tenants who see this as an opportunity to open in a fully built-out retail box and begin doing business within three months,” said Andy Graiser, co-president of A&G.
According to A&G, uses that have begun to show interest in the locations up for auction include dollar stores, gyms, local retail and specialty businesses, and medical practices.
The New York City-headquartered real estate advisory and services firm is also helping Party City evaluate its lease portfolio strategy as the retailer looks to reduce debt as well as optimize capital structure and liquidity.
“Our work on our lease portfolio is moving very quickly, with a plan for us to exit locations that do not meet the key financial metrics required for our go-forward fleet,” said Marc Ehle, Party City’s executive vice president of enterprise operations.
After Party City filed for bankruptcy in January, a federal judge granted immediate access to $75 million of $150 million debtor-in-possession financing, enabling the retailer to continue operating in the near term. The company also entered into a restructuring agreement with a bondholder group that will enable Party City to substantially reduce its $1.67 billion debt load.
The reorganization is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2023, according to Party City. Its subsidiaries outside of the U.S., its franchise stores, and its Anagram business are not part of the bankruptcy proceedings.
In discussing the company’s most recent quarterly report in November, Party City Chief Executive Officer Brad Weston said inflationary pressures were continuing to impact consumers’ ability and willingness to spend money on celebrations. He also said inventory levels have been affected by ongoing supply chain woes in addition to helium shortages.
As of Sept. 30, 2022, Party City reported $1.67 billion in debt, with available liquidity of $122 million, made up of $30 million in cash and $92 million of revolver availability. For the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2022, Party City recorded total net sales of $502.2 million, a 1.6% decrease from Q3 2021.
Party City hasn’t yet reported its fourth quarter or 2022 full-year earnings.
Following flat sales during its crucial Halloween season, Party City went into cost-cutting mode, with the goal of trimming $30 million from retail store efficiencies in areas such as information technology, contracts, marketing, raw materials and professional services. Additionally, the company reduced its corporate workforce by 19% through a combination of position eliminations and leaving open positions unfilled, Weston said.
Founded 36 years ago in East Hanover, Party City is the largest retailer of party goods in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. It operates more than 900 company-owned and franchise outlets under the Party City, Halloween City, Toy City, Factory Card and Party Outlet brands. However, the company has struggled to keep pace with changing consumer behavior in recent years, particularly amid the growth of e-commerce and big box retailers.
Since 2019, the company has been working on large-scale changes, such as restructuring its debt and closing 55 stores. As of last month, the chain operated 823 stores, 770 of which were company-owned.
Editor’s note: This story was updated at 1:35 p.m. ET Feb. 20 clarify the order of the states that would see store closures.
Spartanburg has an oasis right in the middle of everything, and it can offer busy families a chance for a free dose of nature that just might hit the spot.Hatcher Garden is a 13-acre private garden open to the public every day of the year from dawn to dusk.From Caroline Goodman, Director of Development at Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve:“It exists to provide a place where people of all ages and abilities can come for inspiration, enjoyment, and education through the study of nature. The woodland paths are pack...
Spartanburg has an oasis right in the middle of everything, and it can offer busy families a chance for a free dose of nature that just might hit the spot.
Hatcher Garden is a 13-acre private garden open to the public every day of the year from dawn to dusk.
From Caroline Goodman, Director of Development at Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve:
“It exists to provide a place where people of all ages and abilities can come for inspiration, enjoyment, and education through the study of nature. The woodland paths are packed with unique plants, shrubs, trees, and flowers as well as an abundance of wildlife, which makes for a fun outing for the entire family.”
Admission to Hatcher Garden is free, and donations are much appreciated. Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve is a nonprofit organization that relies on the support of the community and visitors.
· “We encourage you to bring a picnic and stay a while in the garden,” Goodman said.
· Even though the spot is just adjacent to city life, parents should still bring water bottles and bug spray.
· Goodman said people-friendly pets are welcome.
· Remember to be respectful of the animals in their habitats and stay out of the streams and ponds.
· The garden has two Little Free Libraries on site – one in the gazebo across from the Turtle Pond and one by the new Activities Deck Pavilion. Bring a book from home that your kids are ready to pass along and add it to one of the libraries. You can also choose a new-to-you book to take home.
· While you are near the Activities Deck, Goodman said you can balance on the mushroom stones.
· Download beautiful free coloring pages at hatchergarden.org/coloring.
· Add in a workout with help from an online park exercise guide at hatchergarden.org/s/fit_in_garden_flyers_2022-6g6d.pdf.
Fall for Hatcher is 5:30 – 7 p.m. Sept. 27 at the garden. Spartanburg restaurants and breweries will serve a sample of their unique cuisine, and guests choose which is their favorite. Breweries will also serve a sample of their finest craft beer, and guests will also choose which will win the inaugural “Great Growler Award.” Fall for Hatcher is one of two major fundraisers for the Garden. For tickets, details, and more fall and winter upcoming events, visit www.hatchergarden.org/calendar.
Hatcher Garden is located at 820 John B. White Sr. Blvd., Spartanburg. It is open from dawn to dusk every day. Admission is free. Donations are always welcome. Get details, a park map and more at hatchergarden.org
Have you ever seen a strange looking squirrel cross your path?Frequently spotted in the Lowcountry crossing roads or on the golf course, these curious looking squirrels tend to capture quite the attention from newcomers.The southern fox squirrel (Sciurus niger niger) is a close relative of the gray squirrel, which is one of the most common squirrel species in the country, and is considered to be the most variably colored tree squirrel in the world, according to the ...
Have you ever seen a strange looking squirrel cross your path?
Frequently spotted in the Lowcountry crossing roads or on the golf course, these curious looking squirrels tend to capture quite the attention from newcomers.
The southern fox squirrel (Sciurus niger niger) is a close relative of the gray squirrel, which is one of the most common squirrel species in the country, and is considered to be the most variably colored tree squirrel in the world, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
In addition to their many color patterns, the southern fox squirrel is approximately twice the size of a gray squirrel and varies between 20-26 inches in length, with their tail included, and an adult fox squirrel can weigh around 2 to 2.5 pounds, continued SCDNR.
In South Carolina, fox squirrels are generally characterized as the gray, black, or brown color phase based on their predominant body color. Aside from their primary base color, the squirrel may be fully that one general color or have black “facial masks” with white patches around the nose, ear tips or paws. This occurrence is common in all three of the predominant color phases.
Fox squirrels that survive to become adults live an average of three to four years, whereas individual squirrels have been known to live as long as 12 years, according to SCDNR.
Fox squirrels tend to spend their time in woodland habitats. These habitats are generally in mature pine forests and mature pine-hardwood forests in the Palmetto State and are most commonly seen around the Coastal Plains.
SCDNR reports that ‘some of the better areas to observe fox squirrels in South Carolina’ include the Webb Wildlife Center in Hampton County, Cheraw State Park in Chesterfield County and Donnelley Wildlife Management Area in Colleton County.
These squirrels are most often found in small patches of deciduous forests that include trees that produce their favorite foods, which are acorns, walnuts, pecans, and hickory nuts, detailed Bird Watching HQ.
However, local parks and golf courses may also support substantial numbers of fox squirrels in certain locations across the state, relayed SCDNR.
This may be why you might have had to avoid a potential fox squirrel “obstacle” on the golf course once or twice in the past or have seen them scurrying around foraging for food during your daily walk or at the park.
As for their breeding season, these squirrels tend to exhibit two breeding peaks, which take place during late winter and late summer. However, the majority of breeding for fox squirrels likely takes place during the December and January months.
The gestation period is about 44 days long, with most of the young being born during February and March. Normal litters in South Carolina consist of two or three young, according to SCDNR.
Fox squirrels have a diverse diet, but generally tend to consume pine seeds, acorns, hickory nuts, flowers and buds, fruits, fungi, insects, and occasionally bird eggs, reports the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
Once the warmer months begin to approach, at some point you may have come across a fox squirrel flattening themselves across the ground or a raised surface.
If you happen to come across a squirrel that appears to be stretched out and lying flat on its stomach, there’s no reason to be worried or think something may be the matter.
The squirrel is simply just hot.
This position is called “splooting” or “heat-dumping,” according to The Dodo, and allows the squirrel to cool down and relax.
This process can be seen anywhere when it is hot out. Most likely, you will be able to spot a fox squirrel doing this on the ground, in the shade or on tree branches.