Fall is one of our favorite seasons for a reason! As the weather gets cooler and the leaves start to change, we’re ready to put on our sweaters and embrace the season. South Carolina’s Old 96 District captures the fall spirit perfectly, making it a must-see on any road trip. Spanning the counties of Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens and McCormick, the district is home to many quaint bed and breakfasts, historic sites, scenic trails, unique shops, family-owned restaurants, and more. Here are just some of our (many) favorite ways to celebrate the fall in the Old 96 District.
The Great Outdoors
The Old 96 District has over 250 miles of hiking and biking trails! With so many options to choose from, the seasoned bike enthusiast to the fresh hiking novice will find the ideal trail. Especially in the fall, the weather becomes more temperate and the leaves change colors to create an even more scenic experience—the perfect escape from the crowds to get some fresh, crisp air and a break from the everyday. Six state parks offer a plethora of cozy lakeside campgrounds. Hickory Knob State Resort Park in McCormick, SC also offers cabin lodging so visitors can enjoy the lake, golf course, trails and more during the day and sleep more comfortably at night.
Fall Foods
This wouldn’t be a proper Fall Favorites list if we didn’t talk about all the seasonal eats! For our favorite treats in the Old 96 District go to the Pecan Donuts and Maple Bacon Donuts at Mama’s Sweet Shoppe in Due West, SC. This charming bakery started from a humble camper selling donuts at the local farmers markets. They were so popular that they eventually grew to have their own brick-and-mortar place with lunch options and coffee. The menu changes daily, so keep an eye out for other decadent donut flavors like Raspberry Cheesecake, Banana Pudding, and Apple Cider.
Seasonal Sips
There’s just something magical about a glass of wine beside a campfire. Add live music and best friends to make an unforgettable evening! South Bend Winery in Greenwood, SC brings the whole package with delicious locally made wine and a backyard campfire seating. Swing by on a Saturday evening to enjoy live music and order a charcuterie board for the table!
Stays
What better way to finish a Fall evening than to cozy up in a historic inn or bed & breakfast? Several quaint B&Bs are located in Abbeville, SC. The Belmont Inn, Sharon Manor, and Veranda on Main all offer first-class accommodations. Lady Amelia Bed & Breakfast Inn in Laurens County offers visitors charming historic rooms, with a gourmet restaurant also on the grounds. If you’re looking for something dog-friendly, Greenwood, SC’s boutique hotel Inn on the Square is walking distance from several great restaurants and shops—they even have a jar of dog treats at the desk to welcome their furry guests.
This is only a small sampling of everything the Old 96 District has to offer. The next time you find yourself on a road trip through South Carolina, consider spending a night in the area and discovering all the unexpected wonders.
