Many people, when deciding where to settle, are drawn to South Carolina for one important reason: desirable weather while still being able to enjoy the beauty of all four seasons. Arguably, the most beautiful season of all is autumn; and considering peak fall foliage comes at a time when temperatures are still mild and enjoyable (think upper 60s/low 70s in late October!) – this sets the stage for a dazzling backdrop during pumpkin-themed outdoor activities and opportunities for exploration. Fort Mill boasts a plethora of fall fun right in town – but let’s not forget, with proximity to the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains and other state landmarks, a quick day trip should definitely be added to your autumn activity bucket list. Here, we break down ten things you might want to check out this upcoming season in Fort Mill and beyond:
1. Fort Mill Fall Festival
When: Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 3 – 7 pm
Where: Fort Mill Amphitheater/ Walter Elisha Park
345 N. White Street
Fort Mill, SC 29715
Cost: Free
This beloved annual festival kicks off with live music at the Fort Mill Amphitheater followed by costume contests for all ages. Tons of local vendors line the park, along with delicious food, drinks, and snacks from a variety of food trucks. Live music continues into the night featuring an array of country, americana, folk and pop. Take photos with Mr. & Mrs. Pumpkin and Scarecrow Stilt Walkers. Plus, take a stroll around downtown to view Fort Mill’s 10th Annual Scarecrow Crawl, which will be on full display for the month of October, and features handmade scarecrows created by individuals, schools, local businesses and more. For more info, visit: https://fortmillsc.gov/486/Fort-Mill-Fall-Festival
2. Baxter Village Market Days
When: Saturday, October 12, 2024, from 11 am – 7 pm
Where: Market Street, Baxter Village
Fort Mill, SC 29708
Cost: Free
Join over 125 vendors and over 8,000+ guests at Baxter Village’s annual Fall Festival & Market Days – a community favorite by Fort Mill residents and visitors alike. Grab a drink to go (either beer or wine) at the Grapevine, dine al fresco at Illios Crafted Greek, Killingtons, or another local eatery, bring the kids to the dozens of inflatables, and enjoy the ambiance and live music as cooler weather makes for a beautiful outdoor experience.
3. Hayrides and pumpkin picking at Carrigan Farms
When: Select dates from September 28 – November 1
Where: 1261 Oak Ridge Farm Hwy
Mooresville, NC 28115
Cost: $15 per person, reservations are required
In one of the most quintessential fall family fun activities, Carrigan Farms in Mooresville delivers! Upon arrival to the expansive farm, guests will board a hayride that transports them to the petting zoo and the pumpkin field. Choose your pumpkin among acres of options and be sure to bring your own knife! When you disembark from the journey, you’ll have access to traditional fall fare like fresh apple cider donuts and apple cider slush. Visit https://www.carriganfarms.com/pumpkin-picking/ to select and book your date!
4. Scarowinds
When: Select Nights, September 13 – October 27, 2024, from 6:30 pm – Midnight
Where: Carowinds Amusement Park
14523 Carowinds Blvd
Charlotte, NC 28273
Cost: Daily passes (includes entrance to the park) start at $39.99
As night falls on the Carowinds, a hugely popular amusement park frequented by the locals, hundreds of creatures from the underworld emerge to make your worst nightmares come true. Spine-chilling haunted houses, elaborate scare zones and horrifying haunted mazes will force you to sleep with the lights on. Spooky live shows and seasonal drinks and eats add to the fang-tastic fun. If that’s not spooktacular enough, the park’s most popular rides will be open at night to deliver the amazing thrills and chills found only at Carowinds. Warning! Not for young children. For ticket options, visit https://www.carowinds.com/daily-tickets
5. Taste of Fort Mill at Anne Springs Close Greenway
When: Friday, September 20, 2024, 6:30pm – 10pm
VIP Hour Begins at 5:30pm
Where: Greenway Gateway
2573 Lake Haigler Drive
Cost: General Admission $90 per person
VIP tickets $160 per person
Taste of Fort Mill is an annual event hosted by the Greenway Ladies Guild that attracts more than 700 guests and offers culinary samples from 20 local restaurant participants, yielding a cornucopia of delicious offerings. Culinary participants and their signature dishes change from year to year, making each event a unique experience for visitors and locals alike. Two bars also provide beer and wine for purchase. This event is 21+. Visit: https://e.givesmart.com/events/DGF/ to purchase tickets.
6. Pretty Place
When: Open daily except during private events (check website before you go for updates)
Where: YMCA Camp Greenville
100 YMCA Camp Rd
Cleveland, SC 29635
Cost: Free
Nestled on over 1,400 acres on the eastern ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Pretty Place got its name from its jaw-dropping panoramic views. Although open year-round, the vivid displays of color make this spot extra special during the fall months. Located about 130 miles from Fort Mill, Pretty Place is situated atop YMCA Camp Greenville and is open to the public, except during private events. For more information and to check park hours, visit: https://www.campgreenville.org/pretty-place
7. Hard Cider Tastings at Windy Hill Orchard & Cider Mill
When: Now – end of year
Fridays 12 – 7 pm; Saturdays 10 am – 6 pm; and Sundays 12-6 pm
Where: Windy Hill Orchard & Cider Mill
1860 Black Highway
York, SC 29745
Cost: varies
As a licensed and bonded cidery, local favorite Windy Hill Orchard & Cider Mill has been producing Hard Cider at its orchard since 1996. Over the past several years, they have expanded their Hard Cider production to meet the demand of this rapidly growing craft beverage market. Windy Hill currently produces several styles of Hard Cider that are available throughout North and South Carolina. The farm also hosts hayrides, pick your own apple adventures, fresh pressed apple cider and apple cider donuts – providing fun for the whole family. Visit https://windyhillorchard.com/events/ to learn more and view the calendar of events.
8. South Carolina State Fair
When: October 9 – 20, 2024
Where: 1200 Rosewood Drive
Columbia, SC 29201
Cost: $10 in advance; $20 at gate
In honor of the state’s 46 counties, this year’s state fair theme is “46 reasons to Celebrate South Carolina.” From thrill-seeking rides to competitive exhibits, to petting zoos for the kids, the South Carolina State Fair is routinely ranked as one of the best in the country; it’s also one of the oldest – it has been held annually since 1869! Enjoy the cooler temps while taking a gondola ride above the bustling activity or take a leisurely stroll through the fine art and flower show displays. With nearly a half million attendees each year, the South Carolina State Fair is truly something to take in. Visit https://www.scstatefair.org/plan-your-visit/tickets/ for more information and tickets
9. Canaan Nighttime Zipline Canopy Tours across the Catawba River
When: Every Saturday in November, beginning at 6 pm
Where: 3111 Sand Island Road Rock Hill, SC 29732
Cost: $95 per person (private tours available for more)
Glow through the trees, crossing over the Catawba River on a guided Nighttime Zipline Tour at Canaan! Ascend the 70 ft. tower and enjoy the sunset as you take your first zip to the Eagle’s Nest. Enjoy the evening wildlife of the Catawba River as Osprey and Great Blue Heron gather their evening meal. Glow materials are provided, and guides will instruct and direct you through the Night Zip. The Night Zip Tour begins at 6pm and encompasses the Full Canopy Tour of 9 Ziplines –the tour will take about three hours to complete. Minimum weight required 75lbs, maximum weight 265 lbs.
To book a date, visit: https://canaanzipline.com/activities/zipline-tours/night-zipline-tour/
10. Autumn at Oz Festival
When: Sep 6th-8th, 13th-15th, 20th-22nd
Where: Land of Oz Theme Park
1007 Beech Mountain Parkway
Beech Mountain, NC 28604
Cost: $60 per person
Travel Over the Rainbow to Beech Mountain, North Carolina and celebrateLand of Oz’s annual Autumn at Oz Festival – one of the world’s largest Wonderful Wizard of Oz events! A combination of your standard festival with arts & crafts, handmade trinkets, memorabilia, & food vendors, it also includes a completely immersive theatrical experience where guests are engulfed into the classic story as you travel into the Gale Kansas Farm, through the tornado experience, and down the yellow brick road to the Emerald City. Along the way, meet all of your favorite characters for photo opportunities, see many live performances, and shop for your favorite Wizard of Oz Memorabilia.
The Land of Oz features an Emerald City area complete with a stage show, food vendors, and shopping for guests to enjoy during the festival.
To book tickets and learn more, visit: https://landofoznc.com/autumn-at-oz/
