Simple Pleasures to Enjoy This Autumn in Greenville, SC

Experience All Things Fall in Greenville, SC

It's fall, y'all! 🍂 And with that, fall’s cooler temperatures usher in a season filled with festivals, football, dining alfresco, and other ways to relax and unwind in Greenville, SC. From apple picking and pumpkin patches to hockey games and haunted houses, here are the 10 best ways to create new memories with your loved ones in #yeahTHATgreenville this fall.

1. A is for Autumn...and Apples

Just over the border and less than an hour from Greenville, now’s the time to go apple picking—or at least try apple turnovers! Enjoy one and wash it down with an apple cider slushie from Grandad’s Apples 'N Such, a 100-acre family farm and apple orchard in Hendersonville, NC, that features a country store and bakery. Make the drive to Sky Top Orchard in Flat Rock, NC, to discover why the Travel Channel called it one of the "Top 5 Apple Picking Farms in the U.S." At Justus Orchard, also in Hendersonville, NC, you can pick your own apples and then warm up (if needed) with some hot apple cider—better yet, try out their apple cannon. For just $5 for 10 apples, you can knock out a bear, deer, or the infamous Big Foot!

Jeter Mountain Farm has been an active farm in Hendersonville, NC for more than 200 years, and to pick apples here, you must first embark on a tractor ride! Follow it up with pulled pork (and apple cider BBQ, of course) from their 1813 Smokehouse, wash it down with fresh ciders from their Hard Cider Taproom, and enjoy live bluegrass music on the weekends. Another option is Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard, a 3-generation farm that lets you pick from 26 apple varieties in their 40-acre orchard, pick-your-own sunflowers and zinnias, and on weekends, take wagon rides, shoot apple cannons, and play on the jump pad.

Tip: Try hot apple cider DOUGHNUTS (yes, you read that right) at any of these orchards; remember, they're best served warm! 🍎🍩

2. Pop into the Farmer's Market where Life is Gourd.

Give 'em pumpkin to talk about! Stock up on fruits, veggies, and other fun treats at the local farmers’ market, the TD Saturday Market, held every Saturday morning, 8am-noon, now through October 29th on Main Street in downtown Greenville. Vendors include organic farmers like Gibson Farms, specialty food vendors like Banana Manna, and handcrafted and artisan goods like Gardner Carpentry's handmade kitchen utensils and cutting boards. Don’t miss the Autumn Harvest on Oct. 29th! It features children's trick-or-treating, family photo opportunities, and a children's Halloween costume contest.

Not in downtown Greenville? Here are some other local favorites to check out in September & October:

Travelers Rest Farmers Market
235 Trailblazer Dr., Travelers Rest; Saturdays in Sept. 8:30am-noon

Simpsonville Farmers Market
405 E. Curtis St., Simpsonville; Saturdays in Sept.; 8am-noon

Slater-Marietta Farmers Market
210 Baker Circle, Marietta; 2nd & 4th Fridays in Sept. & Oct; 4-7pm

Mauldin Makers Market
101 E. Butler Rd., Mauldin; Tuesdays, Sept. 13, Oct. 11 & Nov. 8; 5-8pm

Greenville State Farmers Market
1354 Rutherford Rd.; Mon-Sat 8am-6pm, year-round

3. Dine Alfresco

Whether it’s rooftop views or sidewalk seating, downtown Greenville has plenty of options for outdoor eats to enjoy the perfect fall weather. Nosh at Limoncello 🍋, Cantina 76 🌮, or UP on the Roof 🍹, which is also open for weekend brunch. Another good option is 🍦 Luna Rosa Gelato Cafe & Restaurant's patio or sitting on the steps of 📙 M. Judson Booksellers while devouring a delicious pumpkin-something from their own 🧁 Camilla Kitchen or Rise Bakery in The Commons. From muffins, scones, and cookies to bread and pastries, you won't leave disappointed!

Need more recommendations? Dine outside on the patio at one of these downtown establishments...

4. Take a Hike to See Beautiful Fall Leaves and Waterfalls

Lace up those hiking boots and experience the colorful fall leaves and gorgeous waterfalls at three state parks near Greenville. At Caesars Head State Park in Cleveland, SC, make the 4.4-mile round-trip hike to a scenic overlook of the 420-foot Raven Cliff Falls (the tallest waterfall in South Carolina). For those that are more adventurous, add in the Dismal Trail Loop, a 6.6-mile round-trip strenuous hike that brings you to Wilderness Bridge, a unique suspension bridge that crosses over the very top of Raven Cliff Falls. In nearby Marietta, Jones Gap State Park features more than 60 miles of hiking trails. A popular hike is the Rainbow Falls Trail, which is a 5-mile, round-trip hike worth every step. Plunging over a high granite cliff, this 140-foot ribbon-like waterfall will make you feel closer to the size of an ant. Close to downtown Greenville, Paris Mountain State Park has outdoor fun for the whole family with hiking trails, swimming areas, campsites, and picnic shelters. 🥾🌊

Tip: Based on fall foliage prediction models, our autumn foliage is expected to peak in Greenville County beginning the week of October 24th through early November. Leaves will change color first in the northern part of the county near Caesars Head and Jones Gap State Parks. 🍁

5. Scream Your Head Off!

😱 Nightmare Dungeon is considered the "Scariest Haunted Attraction in South Carolina" and word on the street is that it's like being inside a live horror movie. Take a tour of the two-story farmhouse, which is 120 years old and said to really be haunted. This “Cabin In The Woods” is filled with realistic and high-tech special effects, bringing your nightmares and fears to life. Experience the Dungeon of Lost Souls and over 40 wickedly-horrifying horror scenes. (Yes, we just said horror twice to get the point across that this place is SCARY.) If you're not terrified enough already, you can opt for a hands-on option where you become part of the show; actors will literally get up close and personal with you and most likely make you disappear (in some horrifying way) in front of your friends. There's also a new House of Lasers this year. With the slogan, "Not all nightmares happen while you sleep"—if you go...good luck.
645 Old Anderson Rd. {Powdersville}
Open Dates: September 16 - November 5 ($30+)

Rivaling Nightmare Dungeon is Madworld, the "#1 Must-See Haunted Attraction in SC" and the "No. 10 Scariest Haunted Attraction in America." All new for 2022, experience Haunted Pirates, go through the Clown House (we're sure you can't wait to do that), have your mind bent (or blown) in the Asylum and Diner, experience sheer terror in the Chainsaw Massacre, go through the Vortex Tunnel, and check out the Witch Village and Croc's Revenge. It's a self-guided half-mile of self-inflicted horror...
Think you might be bored while waiting in line? Think again. Madworld has a live DJ, fires to warm up by, food and drink, an 18-hole Ghost Town Mini Golf course, brand new axe throwing lanes, carnival games (think Zombie Brain Smash, Crypt toss, Skeleball, etc.), face painting, a gift shop, and more. If you've got scaredy cats 🙀, aka chickens 🐔, in your group, Madworld offers the option to purchase a No-Scare Medallion for $5 more—meaning you won't be targeted by the professional actors.
147 Country Manor Rd., Piedmont
Open Dates: September 9 - November 5 ($35+)

Looking for a truly spooky experience? Add Sweet Dreams Scare House (250 Saco Lowell Rd, Easley; Open Dates: September 16 - November 5; $25+) or the Asylum on Pine Knoll to your itinerary. The Asylum is clown-themed this year (yay) and full of warnings for the faint of heart. (110 Pine Knoll Dr, Easley; Open Dates: September 30-October 30; $30+)👻

6. Wind Your Way Through Some of the Southeast's Largest Corn Mazes

Denver Downs was voted the "6th Best Corn Maze in the U.S." (USA TODAY) in 2021, so what's in store for this year? The 12-acre corn maze is featuring a design with the Denver Downs name, a jack-o-lantern, and fall leaves with 12 checkpoints to reach. Farm trivia is posted at each checkpoint, and there is a Maze QR code game if you want to see who can get through the entire thing the fastest. At night, bring your flashlights and glow sticks, but know this corn maze stays family-friendly and is never haunted. The farm is actually listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been owned and operated by the Garrison Family since 1869. It started as a cotton farm, switched to dairy, and is now devoted to agritourism and entertainment. And, if you've ever been to Denver Downs you know that the corn maze is just the beginning of the fun. Enjoy tons of other attractions and activities while you're there, such as live music, s'mores and bonfires, a petting zoo, a pumpkin patch, the PigTucky Derby 🐷, swings, slides, ziplines, gem mining, a cow train, food, and special weekend events.
1515 Denver Rd., Anderson
Open Dates: September 24 - November 13 (Wednesday - Sunday)

Want more? Look no further than Stewart Farms, which has spooky and not-so-spooky options at their 8-acre corn MAiZE. "The Big Boo" (their haunted MAiZE) is not recommended for children under 6, so if you've got young ones, get through the corn maze before dark. When it is dark outside, Stewart Farms offers nighttime wagon rides with a lit-up wagon trail where you can see fall and Halloween scenes, as well as jack-o-lanterns. If you're interested in making your own jack-o-lantern, they have an 8-acre UPIK pumpkin patch featuring over 30 varieties of pumpkins! While you're there, you can also visit the farmyard animals and see the Bee Barn 🐝 where the bees turn pumpkin pollen into honey! Before you leave, be sure to stop in at their Farm Market for fall décor, fall veggies (think cabbage, broccoli, and collard greens), as well as colorful mums perfect for giving your porch that autumn touch.
6600 Highway 92, Enoree
Open Dates: September 24-October 30 (Friday - Sunday)

The folks at Strawberry Hill USA are having their 12th annual corn maze this year, with 3 corn mazes in 1! 🌽 The theme for 2022 is "Celebrating Our Faith & Freedom" and the maze design itself has stars, a bald eagle, and the words "God Bless the USA" for your family to navigate. (Note: No Night Maze offering for 2022.) After making your way out of the maze, be sure to relax on a hayride! The weekends-only hayride takes you to a farm playground where you can jump, slide, and swing, and then visit with farm animals. Enjoy lunch or ice cream across the street at the Strawberry Hill USA Café and before you leave, make sure you shop for pumpkins and other fall essentials before taking some fun family photos with their outdoor backdrops.
3097 Hwy 11 W, Chesnee
Open Dates: September 17-October 31 (Open Daily)

7. Pull a Charlie Brown and Look for the Great Pumpkin

Oh, my gourd! It's time to grab a bunch of pumpkins 🎃 at a local pumpkin patch! For U-PICK pumpkins, visit Stewart Farms in Enoree or Little Cane Creek Farm in West Union. Stewart Farms has an 8-acre pumpkin patch with over 30 varieties of pumpkins in all shapes, sizes, and colors. They also have their corn maze (mentioned above), wagon rides, fall garden mums, fall veggies, and fall décor for sale. At Little Cane Creek, you can pick your own or purchase pre-picked pumpkins, enjoy a hayride through their working organic vegetable farms, get lost in the 5-acre corn maze, and play to your heart's content in the straw bale maze and pyramid, spider web challenge, slide, tunnel, and more! Remember to get your pumpkins where the pickin's good.

Want more? For pre-picked pumpkins and other fall fun, be sure to visit:

Denver Downs (Anderson)
- Open Wed & Thurs: 10a-5p; Fri & Sat: 10a-10p; Sun: 10a-6p; Closed Mondays & Tuesdays)
Strawberry Hill U.S.A. (Chesnee)
- Open Daily: 8a-8p
Happy Cow Creamery (Pelzer)
- Open M-F: 9a-7p; Saturday: 9a-5p; Closed Sundays)
Granddaddy's Pumpkins (Greenville)
- Open Daily: 9a-7p
St. Matthew United Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch (Greenville)
- Open M-F: 10a-7p
Disciples United Methodist Church (Greenville)
- Open Daily in October (M-Sat: 9a-7p; Sunday 12-7p)
St. Giles Presbyterian Church Pumpkin Patch (Greenville)
- Pumpkins delivered on October 4; stay tuned for open days/times

8. Find a Fall Festival

With crisp, cooler weather, 🍂 the smell of fall in the air, and Halloween on the horizon, there's nothing better to do than mark your calendar for an upcoming fall festival! (Or two, or three, or four...) Here are some options to consider when you're in town:

Fall Festival | Fri., Oct. 7 | 4-9pm | Cartwright Food Hall
Food, drinks, live music, games, prizes, and even puppies will be available for adoption!
Oktoberfest | Fri, Oct. 7 - Sat, Oct. 8 | 11am-9:30pm Daily | NOMA Square
Live music, a bratwurst-eating contest, oompah bands, a stein-holding competition, and German beer
The Cook’s Station Fall Festival | Sat, Oct. 8 | 9am-5pm | The Cook's Station
Tent sales, live music, bottomless mimosas, wine sampling, food sampling, raffle prizes, and more!
Greenville Fall Wine Festival | Sat., Oct. 8 | 1-5 pm | Fluor Field at the West End
Celebrating wine with 50+ wine options, mimosas, beer, and seltzer, live music, and DJ
Scarecrows on Main | Sun., Oct. 9 - Tues., Nov. 1 | Downtown Travelers Rest
Scarecrows are popping up all over town! Cast your vote for your favorite!
Halloween Music Bingo Tour | Tues., Oct. 11 - Wed., Oct 26 (Tuesdays & Wednesdays) | Downtown Greer
Cruise and groove on a Premier Pedal Parties party bike while identifying your favorite Halloween songs!
Bank of America Fall for Greenville | Fri, Oct. 14-Sun. Oct. 16 | Downtown Greenville
This family-friendly three-day smorgasbord of food and entertainment showcases 50+ local restaurants serving some 250-plus dishes with more than 50 beers on tap, wine vendors, and over 75 musical acts.
Fall Harvest Festival | Sat., Oct. 22 | 11a-2pm | Judson Mill
Join in on the fun with a pumpkin-painting contest, a Halloween costume parade, free samples, a used-book sale, giveaways, and more!
Family Fall Fun Day | Sat., Oct. 22 | 10a-2pm | Moss Oak Farmhouse, 2704 Tigerville Rd., Travelers Rest
Carnival games, vendors, crafts, face painting, photo booth, food, and yummy fall flavors

Stay tuned for reasons to get dressed in costume next week, 10/13/22!

9. Dress Up the Kiddos in Their Halloween Costumes

For an unforgettable evening at the Greenville Zoo's Boo in the Zoo 👻 (Oct. 19-23 and Oct. 26-31), you can expect trick-or-treating, friendly (but spooky) decorations, a princess castle, an extinct species graveyard, Alice's Fun House, and Dragon Alley. Another fun option for kids is Fiction Addiction's Kids' Halloween Party (Sat. Oct. 29, 1-3pm). Complete with a storytime reading of Boo Stew and yummy treats, this is where fairy tales and spooky fun meet.

Want more? Here are some other great events to venture to with dressed-up kids in tow:

Pumpkins and Costumes | Tues. Oct. 18 | 4:30-7:30pm | Greer City Park
Wear your costume and enjoy the Farmers and Makers Market, food trucks, live music, and Soul Yoga
Boo!seum | Sat. Oct. 22 | 9am-5pm Daily | The Children's Museum of the Upstate
Halloween-themed programming, an indoor planetarium, a build-a-comet demonstration, SC Children's Theater performance, a costume contest, and more!
Green Monster Mash | Sat. Oct. 22 | 11am-2pm | Fluor Field at the West End
Trick-or-treat with the Greenville Drive along the Fluor Field concourse and bring the pups along for the Howl-O-Ween Hangout!
Nightmare Rides: Creatures, Cars & Candy | Sat. Oct. 22 | 5-9pm | Spare Time Entertainment
Have fun at this outdoor family-friendly event featuring a car show and trunk-or-treat
Minnie Mouse's Glow in the Dark Costume Party | Sat. Oct. 29 | 9-11am | Sky Zone
For kiddos walking through age five, join in on a spooky good time with Minnie Mouse as parents and kids jump around during a black-light laser light show!
Halloween Family Fun Day | Sat. Oct. 29 | 10am-Noon | Upcountry History Museum
For kiddos walking through age five, join in on a spooky good time with Minnie Mouse as parents and kids jump around during a black-light laser light show!
Halloween Fest | Sat. Oct. 29 | 11am-8pm | Pangaea Brewing Company
An entire day of spooky festivities that the whole family will enjoy! Dress up in costume and color, decorate candy bags, try your hand at pumpkin carving, and more
Downtown TR Trick-or-Treating | Sat. Oct. 29 | 1-3pm | Downtown Travelers Rest
Grab the kids for an afternoon outing filled with face painting, games, trick-or-treating, and all the candy you could wish for
Light the Night: Candy Kingdom | Sat. Oct. 29 | 6-8pm | GFN Church
Come dressed up for games, candy, a bounce house, decorated trunks, and a whole lot of fun!

10. Hang out with Stomper for Ear-resistible Hockey Fun!

Watch the Greenville Swamp Rabbits thump some pucks and kick some tail (on the ice) during their opening game. This professional ice hockey team (ECHL affiliate of the LA Kings and AHL affiliate of the Ontario Reign) opens its season against the Savannah Ghost Pirates on October 22nd, 2022, at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. What better way to enjoy the crisp, cool fall weather than cheering along with the Rabbettes rink-side at a fast-and-furious paced hockey match?! The Swamp Rabbits' season goes through mid-April 2023 and includes 36 home games. Get your tickets today and gear up at the Hop Shop!