The One South Carolina Town Everyone Must Visit This Fall
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Robin Jarvis
Author
The smell of fall is in the air in South Carolina. Soon, the bright reds, yellows, and oranges will transition to holiday red and green. Make the most of the autumn season while you can. If there’s one small town in the Palmetto State that comes alive each year in the fall, it’s Walhalla. From festivals, to waterfall hikes and warm comfort foods, this town seems to have it all. Take a peek for yourself below.
Walhalla is a small community of fewer than 4,000 people snugly nestled against the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. A trip to Walhalla is a treat any time of year, but especially in the fall.
Take a look at the many things to do here, and you're sure to agree!
Take a look at the many things to do here, and you're sure to agree!
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The town was first settled by German immigrants. so it's only fitting to celebrate German heritage every year. Join the celebration which includes crafts, beer, carnival rides, German music and dance, fireworks, and all the Bavarian food you can possibly imagine eating in one place at one time.
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The many roads leading into and out of Walhalla this time of year are all flanked with gorgeous fall colors in full bloom. Want a more structured road trip? Use Walhalla as your base for the weekend and then take this OnlyInYourState.com road trip to see some specific sights in the area.
Go check out this 1792 blockhouse and the trading post from the frontier days in the Carolinas. This historic site is free to visit and dishes up amazing Instagrammable vistas that are sure to be full of autumn colors.
Take a spur trail from the Oconee Station State Historic Site for a short hike of 1.6 miles. The trail is moderately difficult, but has mostly level terrain — and the payoff at the end is a 60-foot cascading beauty hidden deep in the forest. It's especially magnificent when dressed in fall colors, with leaves puddling into the pool at the bottom of the falls.
Six miles north of town, you'll find Stumphouse Mountain Tunnel Park. Construction on the tunnel began prior to the Civil War as the tunnel was intended to connect Carolina to the western states via a railway. However, funds ran out before it was completed. Now the City of Walhalla maintains the oddity and keeps it open year-round for locals and visitors to enjoy.
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Located adjacent to Stumphouse Tunnel, Issaqueena Falls is just a short hike away on a well-marked path leading from Tunnel Park. Named after a legendary Indian princess who threw herself from the top of the falls out of heartbreak, Issaqueena is one of the most beautiful and easily-accessed waterfalls in the area.
Walhalla's Main Street is flanked by many stores, but it's perhaps the new thrift store that's located in a renovated old house that used to be a funeral home that's most intriguing. Aside from the novelty of the house's prior uses, the Oconee Restoration Thrift Store amplifies your nostalgic notions by not only reintroducing used items for sale but also by offering them in such a historical setting.
Hungry? Walhalla has a multitude of dining options. Two are listed below.
Hungry? Walhalla has a multitude of dining options. Two are listed below.
This downtown eatery is a hidden gem located in plain sight right on Main Street. From the casual atmosphere to the super friendly staff and interesting decor, this restaurant is a hit with locals and visitors alike. For an authentic country-style meal dished up in a hometown atmosphere, this is the spot to eat while in Walhalla. They're open for breakfast and lunch, Tuesday through Saturday and for brunch on Sunday.
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Dinner options in Walhalla are plentiful as well. For some of the best grilled selections around, head to the Dakota Grill at 2911 Highlands Highway. It's a short distance from town and perched high on a hill — sure to deliver autumn views at least as delicious as the food. Visitors love the steaks and other grilled options dished up in generous portions. Don't let the exterior fool you... your taste buds are in for a real treat at Dakota. They're open Tuesday through Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
From the Oktoberfest that’s located in an authentic German settlement in the Palmetto State to delicious views and food, Walhalla is a fantastic place to spend a fall day in South Carolina.
For additional fun fall excursions, check out this hikeable lake in South Carolina that’s stunning in the fall.
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