Embrace Autumn with Palmetto Carriage Works
As nights begin to cool down and the days start getting a little bit shorter, Charleston, South Carolina transforms into a city ready for the autumn and winter seasons. Cooler temperatures and plenty of delicious pumpkin flavored treats make this time of year perfect for a carriage ride through Charleston’s charming historic streets.
Whether you’re a resident or looking to experience the city like a true local, there’s plenty of activities available that can make your visit to Charleston unique and memorable. With the help of Palmetto Carriage Works, here are 5 Charleston outdoor adventures to plan this fall.
Check Out the Foliage
To see some of Charleston’s most beautiful autumn scenery, plan a visit to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens or Middleton Place. The former encompasses a series of gardens teeming with vibrant autumn colors, which makes the premises a perfect spot for leisurely walks or family photo sessions. For some history to go with your fall walkabout, book a guided tour of the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens to learn more about its storied past.
Similarly, Middleton Place is another well-known former plantation adorned with colorful plants and landscaped gardens. Located along the Ashley River in Charleston, this National Historic Landmark was founded in the 1730s and suffered extensive damage during the Civil War. Since the early 20th century, however, a major restoration effort has resulted in meticulously laid out gardens based on the designs of France’s Versailles. With 65 acres of landscaped space, there’s plenty of foliage to explore at your own pace.
Enjoy Some Warm Autumn Beverages
An absolute must for your South Carolina fall trip is a visit to the Charleston Tea Garden, a historical tea plantation located on Wadmalaw Island about 20 minutes from downtown Charleston. With 127 acres of lush tea fields and rows of Camellia sinensis plants, visitors can sample different flavors, take a guided trolley ride tour, and purchase tea, accessories, and local crafts at the gift shop.
For guests looking to add a little more tang to their drink of choice, Holy City Brewing offers hand-crafted food and drinks to its patrons on a daily basis. This half indoor, half outdoor venue is the perfect hangout for friends, families, and the like. The space includes a taproom, which has a full service bar and kitchen, a raw bar, and a cabana bar. The venue will also feature a haunted house attraction beginning in the evenings on September 27 and running through November 2 (The haunted house is open on Sundays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays beginning at 7:00 pm).
Plan an Adventure in the Great Outdoors
Just because summer has ended doesn’t mean there isn’t fun to be had outside! If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, the Charleston area offers a variety of activities that give you the opportunity to feel some of that crisp fall breeze on your face. Found in Mount Pleasant, Shem Creek is a waterway that has historically served as a commercial fishing and shrimping harbor. It just so happens that Shem Creek is also a great spot for kayaking! Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of local wildlife, including dolphins, herons, and marsh animals. You can also book a guided tour that emphasizes the natural beauty of the area and the importance of its critical ecosystem.
For hiking fans, the Caw Caw Interpretive Center is a popular destination situated about 20 miles from downtown Charleston. Part of the Charleston County Parks network, the area covers a rich landscape historically used for rice cultivation by enslaved Africans. Six miles of well-maintained trails meander through diverse habitats, including tidal marshes, swamps, and woodlands. Pay close enough attention, and you might see alligators, otters, deer, and over 250 bird species.
Attend a Local Fall Festival or Event
An annual celebration in Charleston, the MOJA Arts Festival corresponds with the autumn months and is dedicated to honoring African American and Caribbean culture through various forms of artistic expression. A cherished event for over 40 years, the festival typically kicks off with an opening day parade and includes live music, juried art exhibitions, and community dances. Not just a cultural event, MOJA also serves as a unique educational outreach initiative and offers workshops for students and seniors in the community. This year, the festival begins on September 26 and runs through October 6.
For a more traditional fall-themed experience, check out Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch. A beloved annual event held at Boone Hall Plantation, the occurrence is recognized as one of the largest fall festivals in the state and attracts thousands of visitors to its storied ground. From a family-friendly Halloween tractor tour to pig races, the Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch offers a rip-roaring good time for visitors of all ages.
Take a Scenic Carriage Ride
Finally, no autumn visit to Charleston is complete without a horse-drawn carriage ride with Palmetto Carriage Works! As the oldest carriage company in the city, we offer guided tours through Charleston’s historic streets and past its beautiful architecture. Get rich insight into our intentionally renowned city and experience the particular charm of Charleston in the fall months. So grab a sweater, throw on a scarf, and make the most of this special season in Charleston!