Festivals, Foliage and All Things Pumpkin Spice: Your Columbia SC Fall Bucket List

The temps and the leaves will be falling soon and with that comes boots + scarves, autumnal events and all the pumpkin-flavored things. There’s just nothing quite like fall, is there? We want you to make the most of the season in Columbia SC, so we’ve crafted a fall bucket list just for you. Going to try to hit all 10? Use #RealColumbiaSC in your photos so we can tag along.  

Attend a football game

Whether you’re a returning Gamecock alum, a visiting rival or just a person who wants to experience the SEC up-close (we don’t blame you), nothing says “fall in Columbia SC” quite like an afternoon at Williams-Brice Stadium. Arrive early to tailgate, sport your colors and bring an empty stomach—for barbecue and pimento cheese, of course.

Clinton Sease Farms

With pumpkin picking, build-your-own campfires (s’mores and hot dogs optional, but encouraged) and a giant corn maze, fall really feels like fall at Columbia SC’s Clinton Sease Farms. If you’re into being spooked, check out “Deceased Farms”—the haunted version of the farm during Halloween.

Enjoy all the fall-flavored things

Pumpkin-spice, chai, cinnamon… the list of fall flavors is endless + so are the creative ways they are used in this capital city. From PSLs and chai lattes at one of our many coffee shops or a pumpkin-flavored brew at a local brewery, we’ve got just the thing to put you in the seasonal spirit.

Update your fall fashion

Your closet needs updating with the latest + greatest boots, sweaters and scarves, right? Check out one of our many boutiques—from eclectic to on-trend—to find all that’s cozy and cute.

Check out the fall foliage

Doesn’t seeing all the leaves change colors just put you right in your feels? It sure does for us. Check out our list of places to admire the changing leaves (and snap a picture, of course).

Take a hike

Rally your tribe and head to Congaree National Park—the only National Park in South Carolina—for a long hike amongst the Champion Trees when the temperatures are perfectly crisp.

Pitch a tent

The mosquitos are finally hibernating and sleeping under the stars has never felt better. Grab your gear and head to Congaree National Park, Dreher Island State Park, Sesquicentennial State Park or Adventure World. Save us a s’more.

Hit a Fall Festival

Festival-season is at its peak when fall comes around in Columbia SC. Instagram some fried Oreos + ride the fair at the South Carolina State Fair. Dance along to live music at the Jam Room Musical Festival. Sport your rainbow digs at the 29^th Annual Famously Hot SC Pride Festival. And that’s just to name a few—check out our calendar of events for more.

Eat Seasonally

Pick your own seasonal produce at one of our many farmer's markets in town or snag a table at a farm-to-table restaurant, like Motor Supply and Terra, and dine on local + seasonal fruits, vegetables, meats + seafood. If you’re in town from 8/11-21, be sure to check out the killer Restaurant Week deals at delicious eateries all over Columbia. 

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