Charleston is magnificent to go to year-round, however at the same time as bushes start to alter, journey consultants at Southern Residing do not consider it is South Carolina’s most lovely fall getaway.
At Journey Off Path, we understand we will not showcase each single map-dot city remodeling right into a postcard this yr, however this one is really value it.
Let’s be actual — few lake cities are going to be a worthwhile go to come winter, given the chilly temps and restricted actions to get pleasure from 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.
For those who’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 Appeal
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 referred to as Ram Cat Alley, lined with a row of rejuvenated old-timey buildings.
Regardless of some fashionable aptitude, there are nonetheless many timeless points which are certain to captivate you, comparable to 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 evaluations.
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 succeed in from downtown, it’s set alongside the tranquil Keowee River.
As , the South tends to have a formulation that goes like this: Southern attraction + historic streets = savory, down-home eats.
However, Seneca breaks the principles. Sure, there are your common Southern staples, but in addition extra worldwide choices than you’d anticipate for a city of simply 9,000 residents.
The most well-liked hangout has gotta be the Essential Avenue Diner, an Americana traditional, however do not sleep on the standard of tacos from the Alazan Taco Truck both.
Lake Keowee: South Carolina’s ‘Greatest Place’ For Fall Foliage
Lake Keowee takes the crown as Southern Residing’s high rec in South Carolina for an autumn immersion. Bypassing honorable point out, Poinsett Bridge is a real getaway, slightly than a landmark. Lake Keowee affords guests a wide range of rustic cabins from naked bones to reasonably priced luxurious.
Inside 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, lots of that are underneath $200.
The lake sees gentle climate till December, so there is no 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 get pleasure from a pleasant seaside day in a quiet spot alongside the tons of of miles of shoreline.
However when you discover the water extra brisk than an affordable iced tea, one other well-liked exercise is to lease a pontoon boat from the marina — and gasoline 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.
Greatest Approach To Attain Seneca
Seneca is nestled in South Carolina’s Blue Ridge foothills, so it makes for an epic street journey.
In any other case, your finest guess is to fly into close by Greenville-Spartanburg Worldwide Airport (GSP), roughly an hour or so from Seneca.
For those who’re actually up for an journey, you would additionally hop aboard an Amtrak practice to Clemson, a buzzing school city about quarter-hour away.
To benefit from your journey, it’s best to lease a automotive. A experience across the gorgeous lake itself is definitely worth the journey.
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