best fall vacations in the south

Discover the secret jewel cutting through the state's slice of Lookout Mountain. Given its delightful downtown and storied antique shops, you might be content to abandon your car altogether. ), stopping at the beautiful historic squares and taking in the ornate antebellum architecture. The Liberty Bridge spans it all, with its curved, 355-foot-long pedestrian walkway. The region is known for its small towns and fall foliage. From the Ozarks to the Lowcountry, here are the best places to visit for your fall escape. Rentals range from colorful carriage houses to restored cottages in the heart of the historic district. But it’s also a place for waterfront strolls and saltwater fishing, where bike trails wind through town and local joints serve up fresh seafood and piping-hot beignets. This article was last published in September 2018. If Virginia is for lovers, then Charlottesville is no exception—especially if you’ve got a place in your heart for history, wine, and stunning scenery. We will be back!” – Traveler Review. The South's Best Resorts 2020 The South's Best Resorts 2020. “The town and national forest are only minutes away. Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Greenville, South Carolina gives you the best of both worlds. Nicknamed the “Sponge Capital of the World,” this historic Greek community has spent decades harvesting the natural sponges that thrive in … See all rentals in Black Mountain from TripAdvisor! Art Meripol, Credit: The nightlife scene is quieter, but that’s not to say you won’t find live music here; don’t miss venues like the Franklin Theatre and Music City Roots at The Factory. From beaches to mountains, outdoor recreation to indoor adventures, and everything in between, you will find more than enough to entertain both kids and adults, all without requiring a hefty wallet. “Quiet, quaint, and close to Main Street (near all the restaurants, shopping, and wine tastings). The centerpiece of Greenville’s lovely downtown is stunning Falls Park. Whether you’re passionate about trekking through the mountains or touring the Biltmore Estate, you’ll be near dozens of exciting attractions. The Midwest's Most Stunning Fall Vacation Destinations. See all rentals in Breaux Bridge from TripAdvisor! This Southern small town began as a 19th-century artists’ colony, so it’s no surprise that Fairhope is home to a thriving art scene, complete with studios, galleries, and an annual arts and crafts fest. We enjoyed the antique feel.” – Traveler Review. We enjoyed lunch and shopping in Dahlonega’s quaint downtown.” – Traveler Review. At TripAdvisor Rentals, we’ve identified 10 down-south getaways to help you through winter. Book a rental along the shore, and you might spot pelicans and sandpipers from your back porch! Dubbed “the Heart and Soul of the Chesapeake Bay,” St. Michaels is a small seaport known for its bustling marinas and historic architecture. The downtown area has darling shops, and there are many good restaurants! We will be back!” –, “The town and national forest are only minutes away. The trendy haircuts you’ll be seeing everywhere next year. And here, we're sharing the best under-the-radar spots with you—the Southern U.S. small town destinations that should be on everyone's bucket list in 2020. What a beautiful little slice of heaven.” – Traveler Review. Designated the Crawfish Capital of the World in 1959, Breaux Bridge is the birthplace of crawfish etouffee. “A splendid spot to unwind and enjoy nature. This rugged region of geological wonders astounds visitors from other places, but it is beloved by Kentuckians and known the world over to rock climbers, partly because of its many overhanging cliff. Cary Jobe, Art Meripol, Credit: “Uncrowded and clean. Set in the foothills of the Blue Ridge, this classy city is a hot spot for Southern vacations thanks to its mountain trails, elegant wineries, and attractions like Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. The stroll to the beach from the house was down a beautiful, quaint path.” –, “So quiet, relaxing, and scenic! Our new 24-hour cancellation policy means you can pre-book before arriving, but still have the flexibility to cancel if your itinerary changes. Book an oceanfront home overlooking the dunes for a setting sure to rival even your most memorable Southern vacations. No matter when you visit this Southern small town, you’ll discover a culture as soulful as the cuisine and a landscape as enchanting as the locals. Mother Nature may bring you here, but the antiques shopping and the enchanting small towns of Fort Payne and Mentone will keep you for the whole weekend. See all rentals in Tarpon Springs from TripAdvisor! “All of our needs were met, as the house lacked nothing. The bridge overlooks nature trails, landscaped flowerbeds, and people enjoying the season. #1 in Best Fall Vacations Asheville's proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Appalachian Trail means the views of fall foliage are unparalleled. This house has real home-away-from-home comfort.” –, “Uncrowded and clean. Fun for the family and perfect for a couples getaway, these cities offer laid-back vibes, easy access to cultural attractions and scenic landscapes like leafy […] See all rentals in Charlottesville from TripAdvisor! Visit Black Mountain, and you’ll want to sit down and stay awhile. This place should have a centerfold in Coastal Living magazine.” – Traveler Review. The downtown area has darling shops, and there are many good restaurants! “We loved the historic charm and the amazing location (near the marina and museum, grocery store, shops, and restaurants).” – Traveler Review. “The location was well situated for our daily trips to Michie Tavern, Blue Ridge Mountain picnics, [and] Staunton’s museums.” – Traveler Review. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. After a long day of sipping, shopping, or antique picking,  you’ll want to head back to your rental—perhaps a renovated cabin owned by one of the town’s founders?—to relax by the fire pit. Delay travel plans until crowds depart and temperatures fall to reap savings on trips to these 30 enticing destinations, from Ohio to Hungary. ‘Tis the season to ditch your all-white palette in favor of something a little bolder and brighter. See all rentals in Brevard from TripAdvisor! ... Visit South Walton. “The owners had thought about everything. © Copyright 2020 Meredith Corporation. Fall turns the South into a canvas, painting it with more colors than Pollock had at his disposal. Each day, thousands trace the velvet rope-lined passages weaving through one of America's grandest homes. But we’re betting you won’t be thinking of Franklin, Natchez, or Fernandina Beach—which is why we’re featuring them in our list of Southern vacations you might not know about, but definitely should. With its preserved antebellum mansions and 13 national landmarks, the historic and cultural attractions in Natchez are more than enough to rival Southern towns across the region. We loved the cabin and the small town of Brevard. The 469-mile road reveals remarkable panoramic views of tree-blanketed mountains stretching to the horizon. Cape May is great in the summer, but it’s magical in the fall. Located between Savannah and Jacksonville in the Golden Isles, this barrier island boasts 10 miles of uncrowded beaches. There will likely be lots of other folks in search of seasonal vignettes, so we've planned a route that harvests bits of well-known drives while reaping a small crop of lesser-known destinations. But beyond its 13 miles of pristine beaches, Fernandina is also known for lush, rambling golf courses, Victorian-era architecture, and iconic events like the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival. Choose your own fall adventure at Primland, a sprawling 12,000-acre resort where treehouses, mountain homes, and country cottages capture the best views of Virginia's backwoods. In early October, South Padre Island hosts Sand Castle Days, a fun event in which families are invited to watch master sand builders create fantastical creations. The region is also a top spot for boating and rafting thanks to several rivers and sparkling Tellico Lake. Whether you decide to go backpacking in the Chattahoochee National Forest, catch a show at the Holly Theatre, take a historic ghost walk, or devote your days to wine tasting (this is Georgia Wine Country, after all), Dahlonega is a destination that’s easy to love and hard to leave. Find complete weekend itineraries and editors' favorite picks for these great fall trips and city destinations. When you picture charming Southern towns, maybe your mind jumps to the moss-draped oaks of Savannah, the colorful homes of Key West, or the (fictional) streets of Andy Griffith’s Mayberry. After all, it doesn't need to be summer to warrant an epic vacation to Niagara Falls or the relaxing fall weekend in scenic Michigan. JamesBrey/Getty Images Door County is said to be one of the best fall foliage spots in the Midwest. Of course, you don’t have to leave Brevard for big adventures. Nicknamed the “Sponge Capital of the World,” this historic Greek community has spent decades harvesting the natural sponges that thrive in local waters. No matter where you stay, you’ll enjoy easy access to chic galleries and locally-owned Lowcountry restaurants. Save FB Tweet. In mid-November, art lovers can head into historical downtown for the annual Telfair Art Fair, featuring more than 100 artists, entertainment and kids’ activities. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Gulf of Mexico, these Southern small towns are as scenic as they are hospitable, home to hiking trails, historic attractions, and hidden-gem cafes just waiting to be discovered. With more than 800 miles of hiking trails. See all rentals in Tellico Plains from TripAdvisor! Located an hour north of Atlanta, Dahlonega—the site of America’s first major gold rush—is a vibrant spot for Southern vacations. This mountain town is the gateway to the Cherokee National Forest, which boasts prime fly fishing and 150 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Head out for a hike, go fishing at a local lake, or tube down the French Broad River. You can drive down highways 57 or 42 to see all of it, with lighthouses and European-styled buildings along the way. South Padre Island is one of the best beaches in the fall; in fact, fall is actually the best time to visit this destination on the Gulf of Mexico. We’ve scoped out dozens of destinations across the region to bring you this list of Southern vacations you simply can’t miss. Though they lie only about 20 minutes apart, they afford miles of memories for a perfect fall weekend. Learn how to season this Southern kitchen staple in five easy steps. #17 in Best Family Vacations in the USA Hilton Head, South Carolina, is a great option for families looking for that easy, breezy vacation. “We found the most gorgeous sand dollars and had our ‘fresh catch’ cooked for the evening! See all rentals in Fairhope from TripAdvisor! This was the perfect getaway.” –, “The people are so friendly, [and] the history is all around you. With soaring cliffs and majestic arches, Red River Gorge is an awe-inspiring place to visit. ... Fall is, quite simply, the BEST season. See all rentals in Natchez from TripAdvisor! When it comes to epic outdoor adventures, Southern small towns don’t get enough credit. Meg McKinney, Credit: Each destination offers stunning vacation rental options at less the cost than other accommodation types. Get acquainted with this beautiful small town on a photo safari or fishing charter, or a history and film tour, then fall head over heels for the breezy views at Hunting Island State Park or Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. Little River Canyon threads through some of the most stunning fall color in Alabama. Find your next great vacation spot—and the perfect local rental!—all on TripAdvisor. The 9 Best Ski Resorts Near Washington D.C. in 2020 Best Vacation Destinations in the Eastern United States: Best Places to See Fall Colors in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC There are many ways to explore the scenic canyon―hiking, mountain biking, on horseback, or by car on a 5-mile loop. Cary Jobe. “We felt comfortable and ‘at home.’ Black Mountain has much to offer, with great restaurants, walking trails, [and] Lake Tomahawk.” – Traveler Review. Autumn is when monarch butterflies converge upon this beach town for a few charmed weeks during their migration. 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