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 consultants at Southern Living do not consider it is South Carolina’s most lovely fall getaway.

At Travel Off Path, we understand we will not showcase each single map-dot city reworking right into a postcard this yr, however this one is really price 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.

If you are looking for a soothing getaway to recharge in unmatched serenity, look no additional than the small city of Seneca, dwelling to postcard-worthy Lake Keowee.

Seneca’s Small Town Charm

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

It feels felony how a city as picturesque and welcoming as Seneca is not overvalued extra.

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

Despite some trendy aptitude, there are nonetheless many timeless facets which are certain to captivate you, akin to quite a few museums that provide a deep dive into native historical past.

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

Standing the take a look at of time for almost 200 years, the Old Pickens Church is a must-visit too. Though it is a bit of a trek to achieve from downtown, it’s set alongside the tranquil Keowee River.

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

But, Seneca breaks the principles. Yes, there are your ordinary Southern staples, but additionally extra worldwide choices than you’d anticipate for a city of simply 9,000 residents.

The hottest hangout has gotta be the Main Street Diner, an Americana traditional, however do not sleep on the standard of tacos from the Alazan Taco Truck both.

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

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

Within 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 gentle 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 journey, or to easily take pleasure in a pleasant seaside day in a quiet spot alongside the tons of of miles of shoreline.

But in case you discover the water extra brisk than an affordable iced tea, one other standard exercise is to rent a pontoon boat from the marina — and gasoline is free!

For the very best 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.

Best Way To Reach Seneca

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

Otherwise, your finest guess is to fly into close by Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP), roughly an hour or so from Seneca.

If you are actually up for an journey, you may additionally hop aboard an Amtrak practice to Clemson, a buzzing faculty city about quarter-hour away.

To profit from your journey, it’s best to hire a automotive. A journey across the beautiful lake itself is well worth the journey.