7 Best Things to do in Greenville in the Fall, From the Locals
Fall is well underway in the Upstate, and between the crispy weather, colorful trees, and delicious flavors that come out this time of year, it’s hard to choose a favorite. We decided to round up a few of the best fall-inspired activities in our beloved city (and close by).
Take a hike at Paris Mountain. This time of year, the leaves are colorful overhead and crunchy underfoot. Bring your dog and pick one of this state park’s trails: Brissy Ridge, Kanuga, or the Sulphur Springs Trail. Want something a bit more relaxed? Pack a picnic and set up a blanket next to Lake Placid. The park entry fee is just $20 a car or free with a South Carolina Park pass, giving you all-day access to the park.
Drive just over the state line to one of Hendersonville’s many apple orchards for apple cider donuts. The apple picking is fun, but if we’re honest, we think the donuts are the real prize crop. Fluffy, warm, and bathed in cinnamon sugar, these make even the long lines worth it. Head to tried-and-true Skytop Orchard, or opt for one of the smaller orchards, like Justus Orchard or Jeeter Mountain if you want to avoid larger crowds.
Grab your bike (or rent one from Reedy Rides) and take a spin down the Swamp Rabbit Trail. Of course, you can do this all year round, but we think the crispy, cool weather makes it extra delightful in the fall. Make a day of it by grabbing lunch or a drink at trailside stops like Swamp Rabbit Cafe or Southernside Brewery.
Enjoy a nostalgic or spooky movie on a huge screen in the middle of Falls Park courtesy of Fidelity Investments Moonlight Movies. Upcoming showings include Back to the Future, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and Poltergeist--just in time for Halloween.
Speaking of Halloween, take a walk or drive down Greenville’s historic Earle Street. For years, the North Main area (and this street in particular) has gained a reputation for some of the best Halloween displays in the city. The spooky decor and lifelike inflatables are sure to delight Trick-or-Treaters and their parents.
Feast on a true Belgian liege waffle at Mountain Goat on Waffle Wednesdays. This time of year you’ll find flavors like the Hallowaffle (pumpkin spiced cream, pumpkin butter drizzle, gingersnap crumbles, and whipped cream) or Italian Ashtray (parmesan, cracked black pepper, herbs, and spicy honey). At Mountain Goat, every purchase helps provide outdoor trips, mentoring, and jobs for at-risk students, making these waffles taste even better, if that’s possible.
Finally, pack the family in the car for a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. You can time your trip with the best of fall color by using the Smoky Mountain National Park’s 2021 Fall Foliage Prediction Map.