Charleston is magnificent to go to year-round, however at the same time as bushes start to alter, journey consultants at Southern Living do not imagine it is South Carolina’s most lovely fall getaway.
At Travel Off Path, we notice we won’t showcase each single map-dot city remodeling right into a postcard this 12 months, 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.
In the event you’re searching 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 overrated extra.
The city has undergone a little bit of a makeover, with new companies popping up, particularly alongside the principle 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 features which can be positive to captivate you, akin to quite a few museums that supply a deep dive into native historical past.
Positioned downtown, you may discover the Lunney Museum and the Bertha Lee Strickland Cultural Museum — each with rave opinions.
Standing the check of time for practically 200 years, the Previous 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 recognize, the South tends to have a method that goes like this: Southern appeal + historic streets = savory, down-home eats.
However, Seneca breaks the foundations. Sure, there are your common 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 Primary 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, moderately than a landmark. Lake Keowee provides guests quite a lot of rustic cabins from naked bones to inexpensive 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, a lot of that are below $200.
The lake sees delicate climate till December, so there is not any must rush your journey plans. Even then, the realm 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 trip, or to easily take pleasure in a pleasant seashore day in a quiet spot alongside the lots of of miles of shoreline.
However if you happen to discover the water extra brisk than an affordable 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.
Greatest Method To Attain Seneca
Seneca is nestled in South Carolina’s Blue Ridge foothills, so you recognize it makes for an epic street 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.
In the event you’re actually up for an journey, you might additionally hop aboard an Amtrak practice to Clemson, a buzzing faculty city about quarter-hour away.
To take advantage of your journey, it’s best to lease a automobile. A trip across the gorgeous lake itself is well worth the journey.
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