When planning fall travels, people may not immediately think of Charleston as a destination. But here’s a tip from a local: although our palm trees may not offer much in the way of foliage, autumn is a wonderful time of year to visit. The city takes on a new energy as the summer’s heat and humidity give way to crisp air and mild temperatures, perfect for exploring our historic neighborhoods by foot or bike—the best ways to see and experience Charleston.

This is also an especially delightful season at our flagship. I love being part of the tradition to pick up a seasonal candle as soon as September arrives! It should come as no surprise that this cozy time of year is one we do best here at Charleston Candle Co. With that in mind, I’d love to share my favorite ideas for what to do in Charleston in autumn, including all the activities my family enjoys time and time again.

A classic fall tradition that is not to be missed! My children count down the days till our annual trip to Legare Farms, where we select pumpkins for our home and the store, take a spin on the hay ride to feed the cows, mine for gems, and run around on the playground. On the other side of town, another wonderful option is Boone Hall’s pumpkin patch, which includes attractions like a tractor tour, a petting zoo, face painting, and more.

Whether you’re fascinated by architecture, gardens, history, or all of the above, the Preservation Society’s fall tours offer some of the most fascinating perspectives on what makes Charleston special. Led by expert historians, architects, preservation experts, horticulturalists and more, tours range from 2-3 hours and include a range of significant sites. For the first time, they are now also offering a self-guided walking tour, perfect for traveling with children.

Just outside of the city, find some of the oldest, most beautiful gardens in the country. With origins before the Declaration of Independence, the gardens at Middleton Place and Magnolia Plantation & Gardens are both visually stunning and historically significant places to visit. My favorite way to take in the beauty of the gardens this time of year is with a glass of wine or a cocktail in hand. Middleton Place hosts a Garden Stroll & Wine Tasting with wine stations throughout the gardens, served alongside light bites to enjoy. Magnolia offers “happy hour” daily from 3-5 P.M., which includes discounted admission tickets for adults and children alike.

As Halloween approaches, what better way to get into the spirit than exploring the spooky side of Charleston? With legends dating back to the city’s founding in 1670, you’ll find ghost tours covering everything from the pirates to poets and socialites to soldiers. Try Walk and Talk Charleston’s Skeletons in the Closet tour to learn some of downtown’s ghost stories, or venture out to the USS Yorktown Ghost Tour for exclusive nighttime access to areas of the ship that are otherwise closed to the public.

Take advantage of the coolest part of the day by enjoying a morning walk through Charleston’s historic neighborhoods. Pick up your favorite seasonal coffee drink to-go (and perhaps a baked good or two from the Charleston Farmer’s Market in Marion Square) and explore the streets South of Broad, around Waterfront Park, and along White Point Garden and The Battery. My favorite way to wander? Keep your phone tucked away and follow your curiosities as you select which streets to explore next.

For a cozy activity that keeps on giving long after you return home, join us at the Charleston Candle Co. flagship for a candle making class! We love hosting both individuals and private groups as we share the art of creating your own custom-scented soy candles. Along with our usual fall classes, we are excited to host a select few Harry Potter-inspired classes this October.