And just like that, you step outside in the morning and there’s a chill to the air. The evenings now require an extra sweater and the mornings require a hot coffee instead of something iced. Here in Charleston, SC, beach season is coming to a close and traffic is easing up on the bridges out to our favorite beachfront communities.
This time of year not only brings a relief from the heat of the south, but also a sense of local pride. As we wrap up the summer season and gear up to welcome people into “Local’s Summer,” this warm time of fall brings thriving local events and last-minute reservations that aren’t so tricky to achieve.
Here at Sweetgrass, we know the best local events and remarkable restaurants for your fall trip to Charleston. All you have to do is plan your next stay!
Local Events
Boone Hall Plantation Fall Events
Since 1997, Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch has grown to be one of the biggest fall festivals in the state. Preparing for their 29th year serving the Charleston area, Boone Hall offers autumn fun for all ages. These festivities include corn mazes, tractor rides, pumpkin picking, mini golf, magic shows, and more! And at night, Boone Hall offers tickets to Fright Nights, a haunted house experience that is sure to get pulses racing.
Running every Friday-Sunday starting September 26th, tickets are recommended to be purchased ahead of time online.
Barktober Fest with Quarterdeck
Hosted at The Island Cabana Bar just north of downtown Charleston, this fall festival is a unique ode to Oktoberfest… but with more pups! Partnering with local rescues, this event brings rescue puppies ready for adoption out into the community, while also offering opportunities to enjoy fun beverages, shop local dog-themed vendors, enjoy live music, pup-friendly activities and more! From 6-9PM on October 30th, this event is totally free and located right by the waters of the Stono River.
Goats and Gourds
The Goatery at the Kiawah River Community is a perfect fall day activity in its own right! Serving up Farm Tours and Goat Yoga each weekend, this local farm also hosts fun fall events all season long. Goats and Gourds occurs on October 18th-19th and is an engaging experience for all ages! Come carve pumpkins at their gorgeous farm, surrounded by goats, pigs and donkeys galore. Featuring live music, pumpkin ale, and the opportunity to craft in the crisp fall air, this event is sure to please! Book ahead of time directly through their website.
Oyster Roasts
Nothing says fall in the Lowcountry quite like an oyster roast! Whether you’re at a local restaurant hosting an all-you-can-eat-event or heading out in nature to enjoy some of those fresh caught roasted oysters right by the water, these events are a Charleston staple and must-do for your fall bucket list! Some events this fall include:
The DIME Courtyard Oyster Roast, hosted by Kingstide on September 21st from 5pm-8pm with all-you-can-eat oysters for just $50 per person.
HALOS Oyster Roast hosted by the Charleston Harbor on Sunday, October 19th from 4PM-7PM for all-you-can-eat oysters, chili, beer, wine and more!
20/25 Hunley Annual Oyster Roast Downtown, with all-you-can-eat oysters, barbecue, music and a raffle! Hosted on Friday, October 24th from 7PM-10PM.
Local Farmer’s Markets
The best activities for both fall and spring involve local produce and supporting small businesses. Charleston is home to dozens of local farmer’s markets across the area, all offering the best of the best when it comes to fresh produce, organically farmed meat, handmade goods and delicious regional foods! Popping up around the area throughout the week, we cannot recommend the below farmer’s markets enough:
Charleston Farmers Market - Downtown from 8AM-2PM on Saturdays
Sunday Brunch Farmers Market - James Island from 11AM-3PM on Sundays
West Ashley Farmers Market - West Ashley from 3PM-7PM on Wednesdays
Sea Island Farmers Market - Johns Island from 9:30AM-1PM on Saturdays
Mount Pleasant Farmers Market - Mount Pleasant from 3:30PM-7PM on Tuesdays
Restaurants with Seasonal Menus
Wild Olive
For nearly 15 years, Wild Olive has been bringing traditional Italian cuisine and cozy vibes to Johns Island. Specializing in seasonal Italian favorites, their constantly adapting menu brings the best of the best when it comes to house-made pasta dishes that pair perfectly with the fall season.
The Royal Tern
Nestled in the heart of Johns Island, just a few doors down from Wild Olive, The Royal Tern is a seafood spot bursting with sophisticated charm. With an adaptable menu based on seasonal fresh seafood, The Royal Tern offers delectable meals that pair perfectly with wine and cocktail specials.
Hege’s
A comfortable, cozy French Bistro is the perfect pairing to your Kiawah or Seabrook stay. Hege’s is located in Freshfields Village between both islands, and offers comforting French specialties with a Lowcountry flare. Their menu respects the seasons, ingredients and the craft, serving up time-honored techniques for those craving a truly scrumptious dining experience.
Coda Del Pesce
A little known secret for those visiting the Isle of Palms, Coda Del Pesce offers the best of Italian cuisine with incredible ocean views you can’t find anywhere else in Charleston. Nearly every dish at Coda Del Pesce features fresh, locally or sustainably caught seafood in primi, secondi, piatti selections that change daily based on what’s fresh and available. The perfect dining experience to cherish those fall sunsets with a delicious food pairing!
The Boathouse at Breach Inlet
Looking for additional waterfront dining options away from the hustle and bustle of the beach? Look no further than The Boathouse at Breach Inlet. Another seafood spot, this mouthwatering restaurant offers up fresh caught oysters during the season, delectable seafood pasta and gorgeous views of Breach Inlet around every corner.
Your Next Sweetgrass Stay
Fall is the perfect time to visit Charleston, whether you’re coming for local events, enjoying the gorgeous weather, or stopping by for the award-winning dinner scene. All you have to do is book your trip and start planning your itinerary. Make a reservation with Sweetgrass Properties or give us a call at +1 855-421-1309 to learn more and start planning your autumn trip to the Lowcountry!