- Attraction: LaRue Fine Chocolate
- Location: 556 Perry Ave B115, Greenville, SC 29611
- Industry: Chocolatier
- Website: laruefinechocolate.com
Imagine savoring handcrafted chocolate truffles that tell stories through flavor while sipping perfectly paired bourbon in an intimate boutique setting that feels like stepping into a Parisian chocolate salon.
LaRue Fine Chocolate has achieved the ultimate recognition – USA Today’s #1 Chocolate Shop in America for 2025. Located in Greenville’s vibrant Village of West Greenville arts district, this artisan chocolaterie combines Maître Chocolatier Elizabeth Logan McDaniel’s European training with Southern hospitality to create an unforgettable chocolate and cocktail experience.
Atmosphere & Ambiance
Tropical Hawaiian Garden Setting: The entire course is landscaped like a lush tropical paradise with authentic Hawaiian music playing throughout. Stone pathways wind through verdant gardens filled with tropical plants and palm trees.
Shade Structures and Seating: Thoughtfully placed bleachers and covered areas provide relief from the sun, making this one of the more comfortable mini golf experiences in the area. The shade structures also showcase the course’s tournament heritage.
Waterfall Sounds and Music: Beyond the volcano’s periodic rumbles, you’ll hear the soothing sounds of waterfalls and carefully selected Hawaiian music that transport you to the islands. The audio landscape creates an immersive tropical experience.
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Keep Exploring →Massive Reptile Encounters
Utan the King of Crocodiles: The park’s crown jewel is Utan, a massive 20-foot crocodile who commands respect and awe from every visitor. This prehistoric giant represents one of the largest crocodiles in captivity and provides an unforgettable encounter with apex predator power.
700+ Alligator Collection: Over 700 alligators of various sizes call Alligator Adventure home, from youngsters to impressive 15-footers. The sight of hundreds of these apex predators sunbathing together on the natural lake shores creates a scene that feels like stepping back millions of years.
Live Feeding Demonstrations: Scheduled feeding shows every other hour during operating season (mid-April to mid-October) showcase these powerful predators in action. Handlers coax the massive reptiles from water to land with chicken dinners, demonstrating their incredible speed and power.
Rare Albino Alligators: The collection includes several incredibly rare albino (leucistic) alligators, often called “ghost gators.” These stunning white alligators are among the rarest reptiles on Earth, making Alligator Adventure one of the few places to see them.
Interactive Touch Experiences: Supervised opportunities allow brave visitors to touch tortoises, pet albino snakes, and even hold small alligators under expert guidance, creating once-in-a-lifetime memories and photo opportunities.
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Discover MoreDiverse Exotic Wildlife
World-Class Serpentarium: The impressive Snake House displays deadly venomous snakes from around the globe alongside species native to the Carolinas. This indoor exhibit provides air-conditioned relief while showcasing some of the world’s most dangerous serpents.
Exotic Mammal Collection: Non-reptile exhibits feature ostriches, spotted hyenas, Chilean flamingos, lemurs, and bobcats, ensuring visitors encounter incredible diversity beyond the reptilian focus.
Over 230 Species Total: The park houses more than 230 different species of animals, creating biological diversity that rivals much larger zoological facilities while maintaining focus on reptilian excellence.
Educational Breeding Programs: The facility participates in conservation efforts and educational programs, including partnerships with medical centers to teach about snake envenomations, contributing to both wildlife preservation and public safety.
Natural Habitat Experience
15-Acre Natural Environment: The expansive grounds allow animals to roam in naturalistic settings, with the central lake providing authentic habitat for the alligator and crocodile populations.
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Keep Exploring →Self-Guided Exploration: Visitors can spend 2-3 hours exploring at their own pace, allowing for extended observation of animal behaviors and photography opportunities without feeling rushed.
Optimal Viewing Conditions: Early arrival provides the best animal activity levels and smaller crowds, while sunny days offer prime sunbathing conditions when hundreds of reptiles emerge to bask.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities: The park emphasizes education through direct experience, allowing visitors to gain deep appreciation for reptilian biology and behavior through observation and interaction.
Other Considerations
Moderate Admission Pricing: Adult tickets cost around $36.99 with discounts for children, seniors, and military personnel. The pricing represents solid value considering the unique collection and extensive grounds.
Second Day Free Program: Paid admissions include a second day free pass valid within seven days, encouraging return visits and providing excellent value for families wanting extended exploration time.
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Discover MoreSeasonal Operating Schedule: Hours and feeding schedules vary by season, with peak activity during warmer months. Calling ahead ensures you don’t miss feeding demonstrations and special presentations.
Adjacent Barefoot Landing: The location next to popular Barefoot Landing allows easy combination with shopping, dining, and other entertainment options, making it perfect for full-day family outings.
Photography Paradise: The park provides countless opportunities for memorable photos with exotic animals, creating lasting vacation memories and social media content that captures the unique experience.
Alligator Adventure
📍 4604 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
