By Brenna Garland
Joe Nall Week at Triple Tree Aerodrome in Woodruff, South Carolina, is many things—legendary giant-scale flying, world-class pilots, stunning aerobatics, and a vibrant modeling community. For our family, it was also one of the best vacations we’ve ever taken. This year, we experienced it as a full-family adventure, and it exceeded every expectation.
Kevin arrived early and stayed the entire week, driving our truck and trailer that was loaded with suitcases and airplanes from home. The rest of the crew—me (Brenna), Skyler (6), Kora (4), and Asher (2)—flew into Greenville-Spartanburg Airport on Tuesday night. Kevin picked us up, and we headed straight to our rental camper nestled among the pines at Triple Tree. Having our own space on-site turned out to be perfect for a family with young kids.
Mornings at Triple Tree
Our typical day started gently. With highs around 75° and almost no wind—the best weather Kevin says he’s ever seen at Joe Nall—we could actually enjoy being outside all day. After breakfast in the camper, the kids would hop on their bikes and we’d pedal toward the flightlines. Skyler and Kora quickly made friends. Kora met Sawyer, and the two became instant buddies; Sawyer even learned to ride a bike without training wheels on Kora’s bike during the week. Skyler connected with Carson, and they’re still FaceTiming weeks later. Asher was happy just toddling along, exploring, and pointing at the airplanes overhead.
The grounds at Triple Tree are beautiful and incredibly kid-friendly. We’d walk the vendor line, grab snacks, and watch the nonstop flying. The noon demo airshows became a daily highlight—loud, colorful, and exciting enough to hold even a two-year-old’s attention for a while.
Afternoons: Flying, Friends, and Camper Breaks
Kevin spent much of his time flying a variety of Extreme Flight aircraft and helping with event activities. One of his personal highlights was running the Futaba freestyle night contest. Seven talented contestants and eight judges from all different backgrounds made for a fun, diverse event that captured the spirit of the week.
While he flew and judged, the rest of us soaked up the family side of Joe Nall. The kids rode bikes constantly—Kora probably circled the pilot lounge by the 3D flightline close to a hundred times. One afternoon, Skyler and Asher both jumped (fully clothed) into the pond to hunt for frogs. They came back muddy and grinning ear to ear.
The rental camper proved invaluable. After lunch, when little legs got tired and energy dipped, we’d head back for naps (Asher) and quiet time with movies or games for the older kids. Kevin could step away from the flightline, cool off, and rejoin us easily. Having that home base made all the difference.
Skyler also loved the simulators in the pilot lounge. He spent happy stretches “flying” there, which gave him a new appreciation for what the big airplanes in the sky were doing.
Evenings and Special Moments
Evenings brought magic. We’d watch night flying, enjoy the atmosphere, and catch up with friends. One touching moment was reuniting with an old friend of Kevin’s grandad who treated the kids to ice cream. Everywhere we turned, we saw familiar faces and heard updates from the modeling community.
A favorite family highlight came on our last night. Right at sunset, Skyler flew his AeroScout trainer and made his very first landing at Triple Tree. It was the perfect way to end an unforgettable week.
The ladies’ bathhouse earned high praise from me—clean, spacious, with plenty of sinks and stalls. Little details like that make a big difference when traveling with a family.
Why You Should Bring the Kids
If you’re thinking about bringing children to Joe Nall, do it. The week is full of things for little ones: bikes, open spaces, the pond, vendors, ice cream, and constant airplanes in the sky. Good weather helps tremendously, but the welcoming community and family-oriented setup at Triple Tree are what make it truly special.
Our advice: Bring the bikes, embrace the camper or RV life if you can, and let the kids explore. The flying is world-class, but the memories we made as a family—new friendships, muddy frog hunts, bike rides, Skyler’s first landing, and shared wonder at the aerobatics—are what we’ll remember most.
Joe Nall isn’t just an event. For one magical week in South Carolina, it becomes a place where pilots and families come together under clear blue skies. We can’t wait to go back.
