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

Charleston is magnificent to go to year-round, however whilst timber 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 notice we won’t showcase each single map-dot city reworking right into a postcard this 12 months, however this one is really 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.

Should you’re looking for a calming 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 prison how a city as picturesque and welcoming as Seneca is not puffed up 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.

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

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

Standing the check of time for almost 200 years, the Outdated Pickens Church is a must-visit too.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

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

However, Seneca breaks the principles. Sure, there are your standard 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 Predominant Road Diner, an Americana basic, 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 prime rec in South Carolina for an autumn immersion. Bypassing honorable point out, Poinsett Bridge is a real getaway, fairly than a landmark. Lake Keowee presents guests a wide range of rustic cabins from naked bones to reasonably priced luxurious.

Inside the huge Lake Keowee area, you will 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 underneath $200.

The lake sees delicate climate till December, so there isn’t any have to 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 seashore day in a quiet spot alongside the tons of of miles of shoreline.

However for those who discover the water extra brisk than an inexpensive iced tea, one other in style exercise is to rent a pontoon boat from the marina — and gasoline is free!

For the perfect photo-ops, you will already start to see colourful hues sprinkled within the towering timber, 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 you understand it makes for an epic street 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.

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

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