Fall in Summerville, SC

October 13, 2021

For a town know for Spring....

For a town known for its flowers in the Spring, you might be surprised at how charming the Fall is in Summerville. The weather’s a little cooler, the pumpkins have made their appearance — and the folks are as sweet as ever. 

Looking for a quick getaway? We’d love to have you. 

Scarecrows on the Square 
From Friday, October 15th (4 pm) to Friday, October 29th (noon), everyone flocks the heart of Downtown Summerville for the annual scarecrow display. 
Featuring scarecrows created by locals, this family-friendly event is a reminiscence of small-town USA. Hosted by The Summerville Junior Service League, be sure to vote for your favorite. This .25 cent vote benefits the Summerville School Supply Fund. Ribbons will be placed on winning scarecrows on October 28th. For complete details and where to vote visit Scarecrows on the Square.

Ghostwalk 
The Fall night air is just the thing you need away from the bustle of the big city. Book a stay at one of our fantastic lodging locations, grab your family and meet in Downtown Summerville for a family-friendly Ghostwalk. Wear a costume and join the others as you meet the ghouls on Saturday October 16th from 6 to 9 pm. Hayrides, entertainment, games, and guided Ghostwalk tour. Advance tickets are available online for purchase starting October 1st.  Complete details here
 
Add some Fall to your Instagram
Quaint, historic and charming —there’s no shortage of photo opps in Summerville. Share a glimpse of a historic small town by snapping away as you explore. Be sure to tag us @VisitSummerville so we can explore with you!
 
Get in Some Outdoor Dining
The Fall weather in Summerville is a beautiful thing with warm days, and cool nights. Take full advantage by dining at one of many of our excellent outdoor restaurants. The Eclectic Chef is located on Short Central, a historic cobblestone street which is one of the most charming lunch spots to outdoor dine.

Learn a Little Somethin’
When your history starts in the 1600’s, there is a lot to learn. Swing by the Summerville Dorchester Museum for photos and artifacts. Be sure to visit the MOST adorable courtyard with the historic Summer House, a spot where the guys would play cards and ladies would have tea.  

Enjoy Some Time on the Farm
 A Historic B&B, Flowertown Charm could also be called Flowertown Farm- and it is just a hop, skip and a jump away from Downtown Summerville. This urban mini-farm at their historic farmhouse was the first to bring goat yoga to the Lowcountry. The goats share the farm with mini Scottish highland cows, chickens, barn cats and farm dogs. Be sure to say “hello” to Tank the Tortoise while you enjoy being one with nature. 

Take a Stroll 
The weather is just perfect, the parking is free and easy, and the self-guided Walking Tour of Historic Homes allows you a glimpse of Summerville’s rich history. It’s the ideal way to experience our small town atmosphere. Azalea Park, with its paths and permanent public sculpture collection, is easy to navigate. Historic Downtown with Hutchinson Square is a great place to explore with shops/restaurants off the main square. Leave your schedule open for plenty of wanderin’. You’ll be glad you did!

Indulge Your Sweet Tooth
 We aren’t called “sweet” just because of our famous tea. The livin’s sweet thanks in part to our fabulous bakers. Swank Desserts is renowned for their speciality desserts and fresh menu each week. 
We feel like ice cream is a necessity when paired with Simple Treasure fresh-made waffle cones. It doesn’t end there. With so many great Summerville restaurants, you’ll find tasty treats to dig into all over town.

Do Some Shopping 
Fall is a great time to get a head-start on holiday shopping and support locally-owned shops. Summerville has a number of unique spots to explore and plenty of antique stores with vintage treasures you won’t see anywhere else. You never know what’ll you will find.  
 
Get Creative  
 A new season with early nights is the perfect excuse for learning a new craft, and Summerville is on the map with People, Places and Quilts, a top ten quilt store right in the downtown. It doesn’t stop there, Nailed it DIY Summerville will host small groups where they will help you make and take your own creation. Need some art inspiration? The Public Works Art Center is free with a chance to speak with artist in their studios.  
Prefer to buy it already made? Check out The French Mercantile that has a combination of antique/handmade and plenty of inspiration .

March 6, 2025
"At the Heart of Summerville" is a blog series dedicated to exploring the vibrant community of Summerville, South Carolina. From the historic downtown area to the surrounding districts, we showcase the people and places that make Summerville such a special destination.
February 20, 2025
See Summerville in a Day!
January 21, 2025
Color Mason, The World's Largest Sweet Tea
September 1, 2024
As September brings cooler weather and a shift in seasonal activities, Summerville, South Carolina, offers the perfect blend of events and outdoor adventures. Whether you're a local or planning a trip, here are ten things you can enjoy this month in Summerville. 1. Sweet Tea Festival No September visit to Summerville is complete without attending the Sweet Tea Festival , held annually in the downtown district. Known as the Birthplace of Sweet Tea , Summerville celebrates with sweet tea tastings, live music, and local vendors. This is a must-attend for both residents and visitors alike. 2. Explore the Historic Downtown With the temperatures beginning to drop, take a leisurely stroll through Summerville's historic downtown. Browse through quaint boutiques, antique stores , and local art center . The Summerville Farmers Market is also in full swing every Saturday morning, offering fresh local produce and handmade goods. 3. Visit Azalea Park Azalea Park is a year-round gem, but September is one of the best times to visit as the temperatures become more pleasant. With its walking paths, ponds, and sculptures , it’s an ideal spot for a quiet afternoon. Don’t forget to check out the sculptures that dot the park, offering a mix of art and nature in one peaceful setting.
May 17, 2024
When the forecast calls for inclement weather in Summerville, it's the perfect excuse to explore the town's hidden indoor gems. From hands-on crafts to entertaining theater performances, there's something for everyone to enjoy – rain or shine. Get Your Hands Busy Pepper Jack Pottery Studio: A great rainy day activity! Create your very one one-of-a-kind piece of art at Pepper Jack Pottery Studio. This local favorite offers walk-in pottery painting for all skill levels and ages. They also offer classes and camps, so be sure to check those out, too! https://www.pepperjackpottery.com Nailed It DIY Studio: Get hands-on at Nailed It DIY Studio. Located on Hutchinson Square, make an afternoon of crafting with your friends. Book your studio time and choose your project- they have everything you need to create something beautiful for you home. Simple Treasures, a beloved sweets shop, has recently joined this space, moving from their spot on Central Ave, so get some gourmet popcorn or homemade ice cream while you’re here! https://summerville.naileditdiy.com People Places and Quilts: Celebrating the beginning of their 35th year this May, People Places and Quilts is a Summerville staple. They have also been recognized as one of the nation’s top ten quilt shops. Browse their extensive fabric collection (including sweet tea fabrics!), take home a quilt kit, get inspiration for your next project, or chat with their knowledgeable staff. https://peopleplacesquilts.com
March 19, 2024
Experience the aptly named "Flower Town in the Pines"
March 9, 2024
"At the Heart of Summerville" is a blog series dedicated to exploring the vibrant community of Summerville, South Carolina. From the historic downtown area to the surrounding districts, we showcase the people and places that make Summerville such a special destination. An interview with The Flowertown Players at the James F. Dean Theater in Downtown Summerville
December 6, 2023
Unveiling some of Summerville's most iconic historic homes.
September 11, 2023
Sweet tea is more than just a refreshing beverage - it's a symbol of Southern hospitality and tradition. For many years, this iconic drink has been a staple of Southern cuisine, and nowhere is its history more celebrated than in Summerville, South Carolina, the Birthplace of Sweet Tea. The History of Tea Tea has a rich history in America, with its roots dating back to the late 1700s when French explorer and botanist Andre Michaux first planted tea at Middleton Place Plantation, which is in modern-day Summerville. Beginning in 1880, despite two failed attempts to grow tea in South Carolina, the federal government became interested in this new tea experiment. It established an experimental tea farm at the former Newington Plantation, leasing 200 acres from Henry Middleton. In 1888, Dr. Charles Shepard, a philanthropist and professor at the Medical College of SC acquired 600 acres of the Newington Plantation property. He established the Pinehurst Tea Plantation using plants from the government’s farm. He cultivated about 100 acres, built a factory, and began to sell his tea commercially, becoming the first successful commercial tea farm operation in the United States. After Dr. Shepard's passing in 1915, his plantation became deserted and remained so for over four decades until the Lipton Company purchased it in 1960. They salvaged the remaining plants from Pinehurst and utilized them to open a research facility spanning 127 acres on Wadmalaw Island. In 1987, an expert third-generation tea taster trained in London named William B. Hall, purchased the tea farm to establish what is now the Charleston Tea Garden. In 2003, Bigelow Tea Co. purchased the farm and partnered with Hall. The tea from the Charleston Tea Garden, all derivatives of Dr. Shepard's Camellia sinensis, is still growing there today and has earned the honor of the Official White House Tea and the Official Hospitality Beverage of South Carolina. You can also see specimens of the tea plants from the Pinehurst Tea Gardens in the garden of the Summerville Museum .
August 18, 2023
Exploring the After-Hours Charm of Summerville's Nightlife
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