Walhalla City is the designated county seat of Oconee County in the northwestern part of South Carolina.
The city is near the foothills of mountains and is even called the gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Walhalla got its name from Norse mythology, which specifically means “Garden of the Gods.”
German immigrants settled in the area back in the 1850s, although much of the German influence has faded throughout the years.
If you’re planning to visit the quiet and calm city, here are the 20 best things to do in Walhalla, South Carolina:
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Although downtown Walhalla contains everything you might expect from a city, the nature on its outskirts tells a whole different story.
One of Walhalla’s most prized attractions is the Issaqueena Falls, a natural sight you would find in Stumphouse Park just outside of the city.
Issaqueena Falls is a rocky waterfall named after a creek maiden who hid in it to escape capture.
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There’s an accessible trail that leads to a vantage point overlooking the entire falls, although you might have more luck during winter when the barren trees give a better view of the falls.
A trail leads to the base of the falls, but it’s a rather treacherous trip, and park officials advise you against it.
In any case, whether you’re on the platform or the base, Issaqueena Falls is one of the places you wouldn’t want to miss out on.
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There’s nothing like decorating your house with art pieces that help create a warm and inviting atmosphere for you.
In Walhalla, one of the best places to shop for artsy decorations is the Farmhouse Gallery, which can be found along East Main Street.
Farmhouse Gallery offers prints of the artworks in its gallery, a perfect and inexpensive way to add some art to your environment.
The gallery’s artworks fall under different categories such as birds, flowers, Christmas, landscape, and whimsical art.
Throughout the year, Farmhouse Gallery also hosts events such as big artwork sales and music performances.
If you’ve ever thought of getting unusual decorations or want an element of surprise in your shopping, then Middle of Main Antiques is a great spot for you.
Middle of Main Antiques features an esoteric collection of unique collectibles and decorations for your home.
These products include antiques and glassware, bottles and fine jewelry, and other collectibles.
In particular, Middle of Main Antiques also has gem mining, specimens, and crystals, if that’s right up your alley.
Some of its more unique offerings are masks, totems, and statues.
Virtually anything that you probably won’t expect to find anywhere else you’d find at the Middle of Main Antiques.
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Stumphouse Park outside of downtown Walhalla offers guests one of their closest encounters with nature while in the city.
But nature isn’t the only thing you’d find in Stumphouse Park; there’s also a place with an interesting history located inside it.
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Welcome to the Stumphouse Tunnel, a dark tunnel that extends 1/4 miles and which is perfectly safe to explore using flashlights.
Stumphouse Tunnel was built in the 1850s in an attempt to link the railway lines of South Carolina and Tennessee, but because of the Civil War and the weakening of the state’s economy, the tunnel was never completed.
Now, it remains a quiet and obscure attraction in the park that you might want to visit after exploring the other natural sites.
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Walhalla proudly celebrates its history and heritage, and nowhere is this more evident than at the Oconee History Museum.
The museum is located along Browns Square Drive and lets guests do self-guided tours of the historical artifacts on display.
Check out the Chattooga Canoe, which was unearthed by a riverbank and dates back to at least the late 1700s.
There’s also the Oconee Ancestor’s Gallery that houses scanned images of Oconee ancestors and families.
If you’re bringing children along, the museum also has the camping-themed Louise Russel Alexander Children’s Corner, which features history books.
To bring some of the memories back home, stop by their gift shop and get your choice of books, maps, jewelry, and more.
Snaking throughout South Carolina is the Palmetto Trail, a 500-mile network that invites hikers to tour the state and witness its natural beauties and attractive cities.
In 2016, Walhalla partnered with the Palmetto Conservation Organization to extend the Palmetto Trail to downtown Walhalla.
The result of the partnership is the Stumphouse Passage, a trail accessible from Stumphouse Park and which lets tourists and locals hike and bike.
Stumphouse Passage features a relatively easy terrain to traverse, so going through it shouldn’t be too difficult.
However, be wary of the signages and protocols, as some portions of the trail are reserved for biking only.
With the trail being continuously expanded, you can count on having more things to physically challenge yourself with.
While you’re out touring Walhalla, you may want to have something to munch on while you’re on the go.
Steph’s Steaks is your go-to shop that’s popular for their cheesesteaks and sandwiches, perfect for a convenient but also filling meal while in the city.
Steph’s Steaks specializes in cheesesteaks, and you can find a wide variety containing white tuna, pork, scrambled eggs, or vegan options.
The restaurant also specializes in chicken sandwiches with options for bacon, onions, lettuce, and tomato.
There are also seared hotdog options, as well as salads and sides to pair with your meal.
Finish it off with your choice of non-alcoholic beverages, perfect for keeping things light and letting you be ready to explore Walhalla again.
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Intending to preserve an appreciation of Cherokee heritage in South Carolina, the Museum of the Cherokee in South Carolina was established.
Thanks to grants and donations, the museum constantly expands and adds artifacts to its catalog and displays.
Here, you can view Cherokee historical artifacts such as pottery, a traditional stick game, a precursor of the lacrosse game, pipe bowls, and more.
Apart from celebrating Cherokee heritage, the museum also houses prehistoric artifacts such as a replica of saber-toothed cat bones, weapons, cooking equipment, and more.
The Museum of the Cherokee in South Carolina can be found along Short Street.
A city that appreciates the arts is a city that’s worth visiting, and at the Walhalla Performing Arts Center, you’ll get a taste of the arts that Walhalla has to offer.
The center was revived in 1993 using an old school auditorium, and in 2003, it housed its first performance.
Since then, the Walhalla Performing Arts Center has hosted multiple events such as musical concerts, plays, and more.
Apart from the usual shows, the center also hosts raffle draws and film screenings.
The Walhalla Performing Arts Center prides itself in providing world-class facilities that suit performances, as well as other activities like conferences and special events.
If you’re looking for a great way to cap a day of exploring the city, you should head to Garage Taproom and enjoy a chill drinking night.
Garage Taproom can be found at West Main Street, and it’s one of the best ways to experience Walhalla.
The outdoor seating of Garage Taproom, paired with music performances, karaoke, or open mic nights, is sure to add color to your stay in Walhalla.
The establishment features 16 beers and ciders on tap, so you can be sure you’ll find something you’d love.
As for food, Garage Taproom features some local restaurants and catering services from time to time, so keep your eyes peeled for this.
One of the popular local food options during your visit to Walhalla is the Walhalla Steak House, a long-time establishment in the neighborhood.
The restaurant doesn’t have a fixed menu, and it instead updates its menu regularly, rotating some of the menu items every once in a while.
Walhalla Steak House is popular for its chicken dishes, and these are often a mainstay on its menu.
For steaks, the restaurant offers different options each day, such as pork chops, loins, and baked ham.
To complete your meal, order one of the sides on their menu, like green beans, peas, and cream corn.
Experience time-tested tastes at Walhalla Steak House!
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Travel along Short Street, and you’ll come across a dignified space that honors the veterans who served the country, particularly those living in Walhalla.
The Oconee Military Museum at Patriots Hall houses artifacts from the Revolutionary War, as well as more recent ones, such as from the conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan.
In this museum, you can learn more about the war contributions and service rendered by military veterans for the country.
To make the experience more authentic, the museum has artifacts, documents, photographs, artwork, and personal stories that guests can explore and read about.
Outside, there’s also a Walk of Honor dedicated to some distinguished military veterans.
If Walhalla had one real treasure, it’d have to be the Bauknight House located along East Main Street.
Dubbed as the “Jewel of Walhalla,” the Bauknight House boasts a scenic lawn and grand architecture that would turn everyone’s heads when they see it.
For most of its time since it was built in 1906, the Bauknight House served as a private residence, and only recently did it open its doors to guests.
You can lodge here through AirBNB, and make sure to schedule your stay properly as the Bauknight House is also popular for weddings and other gatherings.
Apart from serving as an accommodation, the Bauknight House also hosts other events now and then.
For a truly luxurious stay in Walhalla, rent the Bauknight House!
“Unity through spirituality.”
This is the tagline of Earth’s Elements, and rightly so.
This establishment, located along East Main Street, offers multiple items geared toward helping practitioners of different faith get closer to their idea of the Divine.
Wicca, Asatru, Buddhism, and so much more—Earth’s Elements has the things you need.
Being close to the Divine also means you’ll need to also be physically appeasing; Earth’s Elements also sells handcrafted soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and lotions.
For those who practice other spiritual rituals, there are also herbs, crystals, stones, and essential oils for you.
Before you leave, check out the apparel the shop has for sale for men and women.
Even this far north from Mexico, an authentic Mexican culinary experience is still something to die for.
With 3 Amigos Mexican Grill, you’ll get to satisfy your Mexican cravings thanks to their wide assortment of nachos, quesadillas, or fajitas.
If you’re not sure where to start, go with their favorites menu containing burritos, enchiladas, and more.
You may also choose from their combination menus which give you a complete meal or mix and match your own dining experience.
Do you want to try something fancy?
Try their steaks, especially their special “Steak and Shrimp” option that combines the best of meat and seafood.
Since 3 Amigos Mexican Grill is a family-owned and operated restaurant, you can be sure that the dishes are all made with love.
Visit the restaurant at South Catherine Street!
Step inside Walhalla’s premier wine and beer stop and let Partners in Wine give you a night to enjoy.
Located right at Short Street, Suite C, they have a wide selection of wines and craft beers you can try by the glass or bottle.
If you want something more adventurous, try a sample of their wine flights.
Aside from wine and dessert tasting, you can also catch other events like charcuterie-making classes, or see talented performers on acoustic nights.
You can also catch Partners in Wine’s monthly Sunday brunch and mimosa bar specials.
Walhalla Power Tumbling on North Catherine Street is a place you and your kids can have active fun.
The venue is open from Monday to Friday, by appointment on Sunday and exclusive for birthday parties on Saturdays.
The gym offers various classes for all ages supervised by experienced instructors.
If you have kids six years old and up, you can have them join the Fun Gym on Friday evenings.
They can enjoy hours of play with a range of obstacles to climb, swing, and jump on, and a GaGa Ball Court to enjoy with other kids.
For basic beginners, your kids can try Xcel classes but if they’re in for something more playful, the Circus Arts: Fun n’ Fabrics is a great class for them.
Sign up for Tiny Tumbling and work out with your little ones, get on the zipline, jump on tires, and help them do somersaults, handstands, and other movements.
The gym also features Cheer Techniques and Tumbling at Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced levels.
Get your little ones active at Walhalla Power Tumbling.
If you’re looking for natural handmade body and bath items, drop by The Pharmacist’s Daughter.
Owned and run by mother and daughter tandem Kim and Ansley Holcombe, the shop started as a discovery to treat Ansley’s medical condition with essential oils and aromatherapy.
This one-stop fragrance shop is located on East Main Street and offers affordable and high-quality products you can buy for personal use or gift to someone for souvenirs.
Check out some lovely artisanal wax melts, wax warmers, and bath essentials.
You can also choose from more than a hundred house blend scents specifically made to suit your needs.
They also offer Knit Blanket, Wax Melting, and Jewelry Making Classes so be sure to check the schedules on their website.
Visit The Pharmacist’s Daughter for your fragrance needs.
Pedal your way and zoom on your bike along Stumphouse Mountain Bike Park.
Right at Stumphouse Tunnel Road, it’s the only modern mountain biking facility of its kind in the Upstate South Carolina area.
You can access the park from both points of the Stumphouse Passage but the most recommended is from the Stumphouse Tunnel Road parking lot.
The bike trail was built by Benchmark Trails with standards set by the U.S. Forest Service and the International Mountain Bicycling Association.
You don’t have to worry if you’re new to mountain biking because the trail is beginner-friendly with rollers, rock gardens, tables, big berms, and other features.
Get the adrenaline rush and have a fun bike at Stumphouse Mountain Bike Park.
Craving tasty breakfast and lunch treats? Mountain Mocha on downtown East Main Street is where you should head to.
This local eatery serves plenty of healthy eats with loads of flavor to tickle your palate.
Try the MM Yogurt Bowl made with organic vanilla yogurt with seasonal fruit, and granola on top and drizzled with honey.
Love avocados? Try the Avocado Toast Plate, a creation of two slices of Organic Seeded bread, and avocado, drizzled with olive oil, dashed with spice mix, and topped with lemon juice, all healthy and vegan.
If you’re trying to skip the bread or want something gluten-free, the Chicken Salad Platter is a great choice.
You’ll also enjoy other lunch specials like grilled cheese, Shrimp Corn Chowder, and Tomato Bisque, along with hearty soups like chicken poblano pepper, loaded baked potato, and chicken dumpling.
They also serve delicious Stuffed Avocado with chicken salad, a good low-carb and keto-friendly meal you’ll enjoy.
Likewise, don’t forget to try other menu choices like personal pizzas, fresh hot quiches in Ham & Cheese, Ham & Spinach, Spinach & Prosciutto varieties, and baked goodies, too.
And don’t miss checking out locally-made arts, crafts, food, handmade items, jewelry, and accessories plus Mountain Mocha merchandise to take home.
At only about 9 miles south of Walhalla, along Westminster Road, the annual South Carolina Foothills Heritage Fair is one of the best events to visit outside of the city.
The annual fair begins with a parade of antique tractors on the show ring, and then the rest of the celebrations booms for everyone to participate in.
As with any fair, there are also unlimited carnival rides for you and your family or friends to join in.
There are also chainsaw carving demonstrations and farming equipment exhibits available for you to see, as well as loads of other activities that cater to everyone’s tastes and interests.
For a fun-filled time near Walhalla, attend the South Carolina Foothills Heritage Fair!
If you’re looking for a quiet place around upstate South Carolina that wouldn’t bore you, Walhalla is the perfect spot.
With its museums, diners, and nature spots, Walhalla has everything to offer and then some.
Book a trip to Walhalla today!
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