Top 5 Fall Bucket List Destinations in the South
Fall is one of my favorite seasons, largely in part to the respite from the southern heat it offers … and also because the changing of the seasons means the holidays are upon us. I love the crisp feeling of a cool morning, the texture of my favorite fuzzy sweater and the taste of cinnamon. Fall is also a fun time to travel and see the changing fall foliage, get outside to enjoy the cooler weather and partake in local festivals.
Every year, I make a fall bucket list, so I wanted to share my top five bucket list destinations in the south!
Top 5 Fall Bucket List Destinations in the South
Tallulah Gorge State Park (Georgia). Located in northeast Georgia, this spot has been bookmarked in my google maps ever since I found a “Dirty Boots Messy Hair” feature on a dreamy boho wedding done at the foot of a waterfall. North Georgia is beautiful, because the landscape starts morphing into the mountainous area that we all associate with Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains. The views are beautiful and the trees are lush, which makes for some beautiful fall foliage sightings.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Specifically, I want to try an Under Canvas experience in the middle of the Smoky Mountains and sleep under the stars. I caught an edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains (the Smoky Mountains are a subrange of the Blue Ridge) during our trip to Highlands, NC this summer and was absolutely FLOORED at the natural beauty. I imagine the Smokies would have the same effect. I’d reference this blog by Adventures of A+K if you’re researching best hikes for your trip!
Helen, Georgia. Oktoberfest is HUGE here … it’s one of those destinations that feels like you’re abroad! Helen’s Oktoberfest activities run from throughout the entire month of October, so you have plenty of options for a weekend trip! I grew up in a small town with strong German heritage (Fredericksburg, Texas), so I feel at home during this traditional fall festival. Prost!
Cheaha State Park (Alabama). Cheaha State Park, located in Central Alabama, is home to the highest point in the state. What better way to enjoy the fall foliage than from above the treetops? This Alabama state park is actually on my list of best weekend trips from Auburn-Opelika, too!
Ellijay (Georgia). Located in northern Georgia, Ellijay is known for their Annual Apple Festival (they’re celebrating 51 years of the festival and still going strong!), hence their nickname “Georgia’s Apple Capital”. When you’re finished picking apples, drinking cider and munching on your apple cider donuts, hop over to a winery (my quick guide to north Georgia wineries can be found, HERE), go hiking or play golf! Plenty of fun outdoor activities to find … we southerners have to enjoy the pleasant weather while we can.
BONUS: Franklin, Tennessee. George and I spent a few nights in Franklin last November and LOVED the quaint little Tennessee town. You can hop in and out of local coffee shops, tour a whiskey distillery, and admire the Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge. Check out my weekend guide to Franklin, HERE.
Unfortunately, George’s football schedule with Auburn makes it a tad difficult to plan weekend trips. He’s pretty much out of commission every Saturday due to his role in sports communications. HOWEVER, a gal can dream!! Please travel to these fall destinations and tag me, so I can live vicariously.
Happy fall, y’all.
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