Florence, South Carolina, October 20, 2025
News Summary
Florence, South Carolina, welcomes the fall season with a variety of festivals and cultural attractions. Highlights include the annual Pecan Festival on November 1, which attracts thousands with its food vendors, entertainment, and community spirit. Visitors can also look forward to Pee Dee Back Country Day, showcasing Colonial history. With pleasant weather, Florence offers numerous outdoor activities, historic sites, and family-friendly events, making it an ideal destination for fall festivities and enriching cultural experiences.
Florence
Florence, South Carolina, is gearing up for an exciting fall season packed with festivals, cultural attractions, and a diverse array of activities that celebrate the region’s rich heritage and natural beauty. With sunny weather expected, including highs near 70F and lows around 51F, visitors and residents can look forward to enjoying outdoor events during this vibrant time of year.
Annual Festivals Highlight Local Culture
The Pecan Festival, set for November 1, expects over 50,000 attendees, making it a major local celebration since its inception in 2003. This festival features activities like races, food vendors serving pecan-inspired dishes, and numerous entertainment acts, encouraging the community to partake in seasonal joy. The typically mild weather during the festival promotes outdoor enjoyment and exploration of local eateries and shops along the Pecan Trail.
Moreover, Lake City will host the Pee Dee Back Country Day on October 25, celebrating Colonial American history. This festival showcases the region’s historical heritage, offering attendees a glimpse into the past while enjoying various local cultural activities.
Cultural Attractions and Events
In addition to festivals, Florence boasts various cultural attractions. The Florence County Museum offers engaging exhibitions that reflect the unique heritage of the Pee Dee region. Visitors interested in the arts can explore the Myrtle Beach Art Museum, showcasing contemporary Southern art, or check out the rotating exhibitions at the Gately Gallery at Francis Marion University.
For those seeking outdoor experiences, Huntington Beach State Park provides a family-friendly atmosphere along South Carolina’s Hammock Coast, ideal for beach walks, fishing, and wildlife observation. Additionally, Woods Bay State Park features a unique Carolina bay, offering trails for hiking and aquatic activities, and the chance to see local wildlife.
Historic Sites and Attractions
Visitors looking to delve into South Carolina’s rich history can tour the Hopsewee Plantation, which dates back to around 1735 and is located on the North Santee River. This historic house is notable as the birthplace of Thomas Lynch Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The plantation remains open for tours and holiday events, showcasing original antiques and architecture.
In coastal Georgetown County, often referred to as the “Hammock Coast”, guests can enjoy the area’s seafood and shopping, as well as the historic communities that enrich the visitor experience. The Darlington Raceway, a premier NASCAR venue, features a museum dedicated to the sport’s history, attracting motorsport enthusiasts from all over.
Family-Friendly Activities
Florence and surrounding areas have a plethora of family-friendly activities. Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach offers outdoor dining and hosts various holiday events, including trick-or-treating and a festive tree lighting ceremony. The Pee Dee Icecats, a professional hockey team, has begun its inaugural season in Florence, providing local sports entertainment as families enjoy fun together.
Moore Farms Botanical Garden near Lake City is another must-see, showcasing a variety of seasonal plants and flowers while hosting events throughout the year.
Upcoming Attractions and Events
As the holiday season approaches, various attractions are set to illuminate the festive spirit. Brookgreen Gardens will display holiday light exhibits starting November 28, attracting many visitors seeking to enjoy the beauty of the season. The City Center Gift Market in Florence will feature handmade crafts and artisan goods, taking place on the fourth Sunday of November, perfect for early holiday shopping and supporting local artists.
Conclusion
Florence, South Carolina, and its surrounding communities offer a wonderful blend of festivals, cultural activities, and natural beauty during the fall season. With exciting events like the Pecan Festival and a wide range of attractions, visitors are sure to experience the charm and hospitality of this vibrant region.
FAQs
What is the Pecan Festival in Florence?
The Pecan Festival, scheduled for November 1, is an annual event that celebrates local culture, featuring races, pecan-inspired food vendors, and various entertainment acts, attracting over 50,000 attendees each year.
What key attractions can visitors enjoy in Florence?
Visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions such as the Florence County Museum, Myrtle Beach Art Museum, and Hopsewee Plantation. Outdoor parks like Huntington Beach State Park and Woods Bay State Park also offer beautiful landscapes and recreational activities.
Are there family-friendly events in Florence this fall?
Yes, there are many family-friendly events such as trick-or-treating at Barefoot Landing, activities at the Pee Dee Icecats games, and seasonal events at Moore Farms Botanical Garden.
Key Features Summary
| Event/Attraction | Date/Season | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pecan Festival | November 1 | Annual festival celebrating local culture with races, food vendors, and entertainment. |
| Pee Dee Back Country Day | October 25 | Event showcasing Colonial American history and cultural activities. |
| Hopsewee Plantation | Year-round | Historic plantation open for tours and holiday events. |
| Brookgreen Gardens Holiday Lights | Starts November 28 | Holiday light displays attracting seasonal visitors. |
| Florence County Museum | Year-round | Museum with exhibitions reflecting the heritage of the Pee Dee region. |
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Additional Resources
- Southern Living: Florence SC Pecan Festival
- Greenville Online: HGTV Charming Downtowns
- Myrtle Beach Online: Local News
- World Atlas: Beautiful College Towns in SC
- Travel and Tour World: Myrtle Beach Fall Festivals
- Wikipedia: Florence, South Carolina
- Google Search: Florence South Carolina festivals
- Google Scholar: Florence South Carolina cultural attractions
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
- Google News: Florence South Carolina events
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
