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

At Travel Off Path, we notice we will not showcase each single map-dot city remodeling right into a postcard this yr, 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.

If you are in search of a calming getaway to recharge in unmatched serenity, look no additional than the small city of Seneca, house 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 overestimated extra.

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

Despite some fashionable aptitude, there are nonetheless many timeless elements which might be positive to captivate you, akin to quite a few museums that provide a deep dive into native historical past.

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

Standing the check of time for practically 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 , the South tends to have a formulation that goes like this: Southern appeal + historic streets = savory, down-home eats.

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

The hottest hangout has gotta be the Main Street Diner, an Americana basic, 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 prime rec in South Carolina for an autumn immersion. Bypassing honorable point out, Poinsett Bridge is a real getaway, quite than a landmark. Lake Keowee affords guests quite a lot of rustic cabins from naked bones to inexpensive luxurious.

Within 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 gentle 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 get pleasure from a pleasant seaside day in a quiet spot alongside the tons of of miles of shoreline.

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

For one of the best 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.

Best Way To Reach Seneca

Seneca is nestled in South Carolina’s Blue Ridge foothills, so it makes for an epic street 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 might 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 journey across the beautiful lake itself is well worth the journey.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist primarily based in San Diego has visited 36 nations and written over 1000 articles with a concentrate on sharing his personal journey experiences and shining a lightweight on lesser-known gems.