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 alter, journey specialists at Southern Living do not consider 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 12 months, however this one is actually 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 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.

When you’re 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 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 overrated extra.

The city has undergone a little bit of a makeover, with new companies popping up, particularly alongside the primary drag often known 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 might be certain to captivate you, comparable to quite a few museums that supply a deep dive into native historical past.

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

Standing the take a look at 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 you recognize, the South tends to have a components 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 additionally extra worldwide choices than you’d anticipate for a city of simply 9,000 residents.

The preferred hangout has gotta be the Predominant 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 Dwelling’s prime rec in South Carolina for an autumn immersion. Bypassing honorable point out, Poinsett Bridge is a real getaway, somewhat than a landmark. Lake Keowee presents guests quite a lot of rustic cabins from naked bones to reasonably priced luxurious.

Throughout 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, lots of that are below $200.

The lake sees gentle climate till December, so there is not 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 experience, or to easily get pleasure from a pleasant seaside day in a quiet spot alongside the lots of of miles of shoreline.

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

For the perfect photo-ops, you will 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 Manner To Attain Seneca

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

In any other case, your greatest guess 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 might 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 lease a automotive. A experience across the gorgeous lake itself is well worth the journey.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Author & Journalist based mostly in San Diego has visited 36 international locations and written over 1000 articles with a deal with sharing his personal journey experiences and shining a lightweight on lesser-known gems.