Fall into the Season with These 5 Adventures

Brightly colored leaves blowing in a cool breeze mark autumn in South Carolina’s Old 96 District. Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, and McCormick counties deliver when it comes to getaways and outings. 

Imagine a day trip or weekend away with one of these five adventures in the Old 96 District.

1.  Attend a concert or festival.

Barbecue fans can feast at one of two barbecue festivals this fall. Squealin’ on the Square in downtown Laurens is Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. Save room for the Hogs and Hens Festival in Abbeville on Oct. 14 and 15. Both festivals include arts and crafts, food, and entertainment in a family-friendly environment. 

Greenwood’s Good Times Brewing and Uptown Market host live music throughout the fall. 

The Abbeville Opera House’s fall lineup is a mix of bluegrass, Motown, and rock ’n’ roll. 

2.  Gather the family for farm tours.

A farm tour can be a multigenerational family affair. Grab the grandparents, aunts, and uncles for pick-your-own, hayrides, tours, pony rides, and more. Choose from over 20 farms within the Old 96 District, including Emerald Farm, Davenport Farm, Hickory Hill Milk, Rayburne Ridge Farm, and Southern Oaks Farm.

3.  Rejuvenate romance with your partner.

Spending time with “your person” is a luxury, and when you carve out a weekend away, it needs to be special and include the activities you both enjoy. Couples massages, gourmet breakfasts at an inn, romantic walks through the forest, and dinner and drinks can all be found within the Old 96 District’s five counties.

4.  Discover your inner peace outdoors. 

If to you, relaxation means communing with nature, the Old 96 District features several parks with trails, campsites, and boat ramps. Enjoy the Cedar Bluff Nature Trail at Calhoun Falls State Park. Its Lake Russell provides the backdrop for tent and RV camping sites.

The Paleo Hiking Trail at Hamilton Branch State Park is an easy hike through the woods. Watch for wildlife such as birds, deer, and the bald eagle nesting in the area. 

Need an adrenaline rush? The trailhead for Stevens Creek Trail, a strenuous trail for hiking and mountain biking, is in Modoc.

5.  Support local artists and businesses.

Get a jump on holiday shopping and surprise family and friends with handmade products such as baskets, jewelry, lotions, pottery, and soaps or art by regional artists. Locally owned shops line the charming historic downtowns in the cities of Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, and McCormick.

By Vanessa Infanzon