If the dog can’t come, we’re not going. We’re always searching for dog friendly activities in our area and wanted to pass along our findings! If you’re also on the hunt for dog friendly fall adventures in the South Carolina Midlands, this post is for you.
From dog friendly apple picking to dog friendly trick or treating, we've rounded up some of our favorite pet friendly things to do in the South Carolina Midlands! However you like to spend this cozy season, we've got recommendations that will get tails wagging.
Before we get into the activities, make sure you check out our Fall Collection for everything you need to make this the best fall ever for your BFF. The accessories are perfect for the pictures you’ll be taking and of course you’ll have to reward them with a toy or treat! We’ll add some recommended items to our activities.
Fall Fido Festival
We might be a little biased but the event of the season really is Fall Fido Festival. This event is designed for dogs to celebrate the season! Grab a ticket to get access to dozens of pet friendly vendors, games like lure coursing, local adoptions, food trucks, live music, photo ops, and so much more. This year, Fall Fido Festival is on October 13th from 1-4PM at Melvin Park in Chapin.
The photo ops at Fall Fido Festival are unbeatable. There’s so much to see and do while you’re there, but the pictures last a lifetime. We like to dress our dogs up for the occasion in some of our pet scarves! They’re hand sewn and made to last. If we had to pick one thing to bring to Fall Fido, it would be a pet scarf.
Hiking
Some folks will say you need to head up to North Carolina to get any leaf peeping done on your fall hikes. We disagree. You can see plenty of color here, it just comes later in the season! If you head upstate, check out the trails at Paris Mountain, Caesars Head, or Table Rock in late October for peak color. You can also check out some of our favorite views at Devils Fork State Park by taking a peek at the mountains across the lake!
In the Midlands, you won’t see peak color until November. That just means South Carolina gets a nice, long, colorful fall! Locally, we like to visit Congaree National Park and Dreher Island State Park for some easy trails among the trees. If you’re wanting something a little different, check out the less busy Peak to Prosperity Passage on the Palmetto Trail. Colorful leaves and a vintage railroad bridge make for stunning views.
You’ll want a good harness for hikes. We really like our Tahoma harnesses for this! They’re adorable and the handles give you extra control.
Skytop Orchard
Hear us out! Skytop is a bit of a drive from the Midlands but it’s worth it. The apple orchard is a fall adventure staple and Skytop is wonderfully dog friendly. We had an amazing time wandering through the orchard taking pictures with our best friends. Toss in some cider and it’s basically the perfect chill day.
You’ll probably want to play a little in the rows of apples. Grab an apple themed squeaky toy for a little bit of fetch! Our Red Apple Ball is the perfect companion. Just make sure you don’t accidentally start tossing real apples!
Bierkeller Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is another classic fall event. Bierkeller in Downtown Columbia is hosting a dog friendly Oktoberfest right on the riverfront! Grab some german food and a beer to enjoy the festivities. This event takes place over 3 weekends so you have lots of time to leash up and head out there.
You’re getting treats at Oktoberfest so your dog needs to get some treats at Oktoberfest. We suggest Freeze Dried Cheddar Cheese! These single ingredient treats are sure to get your pup’s attention. They also go great with a brat, just saying.
South Carolina State Farmers Market
If pumpkin peeking is what you’re after, check out the market. This spot is open daily, it’s dog friendly, and it’s a great place to grab local produce like pumpkins! We usually find some really lovely heirloom pumpkins here. It’s not quite a pumpkin patch but you’ll also find other local fall favorites like muscadines!
The bandanas in our fall collection are perfect for this. They’re classic and timeless, just like a pumpkin at your doorstep.
Howl-o-ween at Crooked Creek
For trick or treating, head out to Crooked Creek Park in Chapin! Their Howl-o-ween treat trail will give your pup plenty of snacks to pick from in their treat bag. This short walk will tire your pup out for the evening so you can enjoy a quiet night in watching your favorite movies together. You can head out there on October 26th!
You’ll want a spooky outfit for this! Our Salem scarf is new for 2024 and fits the vibe perfectly! Make sure you visit the Modern Companion table on the trail to say hello.
Howl-o-ween at Modern Companion
The day after Howl-o-ween at Crooked Creek is Modern Companion’s Howl-o-ween Pawty! Give us a visit for a pet costume contest, treats, games, and more! We’ll even set up the perfect photo op for you to capture your costumes!
Come discover something new for this. We’re sure your pup will absolutely fall in love with something here!
What will you be checking out? Tag us on social media if you check these out and let us know your favorite fall activities!