Oyster roasts and shrimp boils. Fire pits and s’mores. Sunsets over the salt marsh where Lowcountry splendor is on full display. With the summer heat beginning to cool, there is no better time to visit South Carolina’s idyllic Lowcountry.

These are just a few of our favorite things about autumn in the Lowcountry—as the onset of the fall season brings abundant opportunities to get outside with friends and family to enjoy the cooler temps and seasonal activities. Here at the Bluff, we welcome this front-porch-friendly weather with several festivals and celebrations throughout the season.

This fall, get ready to discover the best of Lowcountry cuisine, rich culture, and Southern hospitality. Here’s our round-up of can’t-miss fall Lowcountry events:

Artist in Residence, October–December

Mingle with Southern artisans at Palmetto Bluff’s Artist in Residence workshops.

Marcus Amaker, October 5–7
In October, we welcome modern-day Renaissance man and our Artist in Residence, Marcus Amaker — the first Poet Laureate of Charleston, South Carolina and a recipient of the state’s Governor’s Arts Award, as well as an Academy of American Poets fellow. The week kicks off with welcome reception at the May River Chapel on Wednesday, October 5, where Marcus will read selections from his published books, followed by a dessert and wine reception. Later in the week, Marcus will host two different poetry workshops on Thursday and Friday, October 6-7—leading writing exercises where guests will learn the powerful impact of the written word and explore how their personal experience matters in creating art.

Teresa Roche, November 9–11
November brings Teresa Roche, a mixed media artist and owner of Greenville, South Carolina’s Art & Light Gallery. Meet Teresa and peruse her paintings and textiles, all inspired by the fluid lines between daily life and art, at the Welcome Reception on Wednesday, November 9. On Thursday and Friday, November 10-11, choose from one of three workshops where you’ll explore a new way of painting and mixing mediums with Teresa—starting with nothing and creating something magical.

Caroline Harper, December 7–9
We finish the year with our December Artist in Residence, Carolina Harper of CHI Designs. Events begin with a Welcome Reception on Wednesday evening, December 7. Workshops begin with an Indigo Acrylic Painting class on Thursday, December 8, where guests will learn how to make acrylic paint with indigo pigment followed by a Cotton Napkins & Indigo workshop on Friday, December 9 and a Silk Scarf & Indigo workshop on Saturday, December 10—where Caroline Harper will teach the proper way to dye with indigo pigment.

Field + Fire: The Art of Play and Palette, October 7–8*

Celebrate the sporting life with the return of Field + Fire. Palmetto Bluff is excited to bring back this event as part of The Arts Initiative. Join us October 7-8, 2022 for two days of new and old favorites celebrating both the sporting and cultural life at Palmetto Bluff. Oh, and fine Southern cuisine. Always, that.

*Field + Fire is an exclusive event available only for Palmetto Bluff homeowners. Stay tuned for more information including when and where to buy your Field + Fire tickets.

Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival, October 15–23

Don’t miss the highlight of the season at the Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival. Held in the charming historic district of Bluffton, SC—well known for its art-infused community and natural beauty nestled along the May River—the festival is a weeklong celebration offering a myriad of activities and showcasing locally harvested seafood.

Beaufort Shrimp Festival, October 7–8

Celebrate the fall season and savor fresh-caught shrimp during the 28th annual Beaufort Shrimp Festival, featuring unique shrimp dishes from the region’s foremost restaurants and chefs. Happening in Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in downtown Beaufort, SC, visitors will enjoy two days of live music, an arts and crafts market, kids’ activities, a 5K, and more…including a shrimp race!

Palmetto Bluff Conservancy Burn Fest, December 3

Join the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy for a night out in the field with food, drinks, music, and friends all nestled in the warmth of a massive bonfire. Burn Fest is the longest running Conservancy fundraiser that symbolizes the beginning of the Conservancy’s prescribed fire management in January. Tickets go on sale November 1.

*Burn Fest is an exclusive event available only for Palmetto Bluff homeowners. Stay tuned for more information including when and where to buy your Burn Fest tickets.

Buffalo Run, December 11

Run deep through ancient maritime forests at the Bluff during the annual Buffalo Run benefiting the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy on Sunday, December 11. Test your endurance and choose from a 10K, 30K, or 50K trail run, or gather your running buddies and make a relay team.

Gates open at 5:30AM. The 50K and 50K relay races begin at 6:30AM, and the 30K and 30K relay races begin at 8:30AM. The 10K race begins at 10:00AM. After the race, enjoy a post-run party and awards presentation with complimentary beer and buffalo wings.

In addition to these can’t-miss events, we have some exciting fall events from the Palmetto Bluff Club including a Harvest Dinner on October 20 and a Beer + Wine Festival on November 19. Please visit the Palmetto Bluff Club website for more information.

As summer gives way to what we believe is the best time of year in the Lowcountry, we hope you will consider a visit to Palmetto Bluff. This is a magical place, and fall is a wonderful time to experience life as only an owner could.