Move Over Charleston! Lesser-Known Town Named South Carolina’s Most Beautiful Fall Getaway

Charleston is magnificent to go to year-round, however at the same time as bushes start to vary, journey specialists at Southern Living do not imagine it is South Carolina’s most lovely fall getaway.

At Travel Off Path, we understand we won’t showcase each single map-dot city reworking right into a postcard this yr, however this one is actually value it.

Let’s be actual — few lake towns are going to be a worthwhile go to come winter, given the chilly temps and restricted actions to take pleasure in your self within the chilly.

Fall is the final hurrah for 2025 to go to this lesser-known hideaway boasting over 300 miles of scenic shoreline, backdropped by a pure curtain of vibrant, lush forestry.

When you’re looking for a soothing getaway to recharge in unmatched serenity, look no additional than the small city of Seneca, residence to postcard-worthy Lake Keowee.

Seneca’s Small City Attraction

One look at Seneca’s Historic District, and you will be hooked.

It feels legal how a city as picturesque and welcoming as Seneca is not overestimated extra.

The city has undergone a little bit of a makeover, with new companies popping up, particularly alongside the primary drag often called Ram Cat Alley, lined with a row of rejuvenated old-timey buildings.

Regardless of some fashionable aptitude, there are nonetheless many timeless facets which might be positive to captivate you, resembling quite a few museums that supply a deep dive into native historical past.

Situated downtown, you may discover the Lunney Museum and the Bertha Lee Strickland Cultural Museum — each with rave critiques.

Standing the check of time for practically 200 years, the Previous Pickens Church is a must-visit too. Although it is a bit of a trek to achieve from downtown, it’s set alongside the tranquil Keowee River.

As you realize, the South tends to have a system that goes like this: Southern allure + historic streets = savory, down-home eats.

However, Seneca breaks the principles. Sure, there are your typical Southern staples, but in addition extra worldwide choices than you’d count on for a city of simply 9,000 residents.

The most well-liked hangout has gotta be the Fundamental Road Diner, an Americana traditional, however do not sleep on the standard of tacos from the Alazan Taco Truck both.

Lake Keowee: South Carolina’s ‘Finest Place’ For Fall Foliage

Lake Keowee takes the crown as Southern Residing’s prime rec in South Carolina for an autumn immersion. Bypassing honorable point out, Poinsett Bridge is a real getaway, relatively than a landmark. Lake Keowee affords guests a wide range of rustic cabins from naked bones to inexpensive luxurious.

Throughout the huge Lake Keowee area, you may discover Keowee-Toxaway State Park, the place you reserve an upscale 3-bedroom villa (and Fido is allowed to!).

Airbnb and its rival platforms have some superior stays listed too, a lot of that are beneath $200.

The lake sees delicate climate till December, so there is not any must rush your journey plans. Even then, the world turns right into a festive winter wonderland, drawing a crowd for the annual Christmas parade.

For fall, temps are nonetheless nice sufficient for a day swim and paddleboard or kayak experience, or to easily take pleasure in a pleasant seaside day in a quiet spot alongside the a whole lot of miles of shoreline.

However if you happen to discover the water extra brisk than an inexpensive iced tea, one other common exercise is to rent a pontoon boat from the marina — and fuel is free!

For the most effective photo-ops, you may already start to see colourful hues sprinkled within the towering bushes, however peak leaf-peeping is from late October to the primary week of November.

Finest Method To Attain Seneca

Seneca is nestled in South Carolina’s Blue Ridge foothills, so you realize it makes for an epic highway journey.

In any other case, your finest wager is to fly into close by Greenville-Spartanburg Worldwide Airport (GSP), roughly an hour or so from Seneca.

When you’re actually up for an journey, you may additionally hop aboard an Amtrak prepare to Clemson, a buzzing school city about quarter-hour away.

To take advantage of your journey, it’s best to hire a automobile. A experience across the gorgeous lake itself is well worth the journey.