Featured image: Visit Franklin
It’s Pumpkin Spice season, y’all! The ‘ber months are here, and while it may take a little longer for the temps to drop here in the South, there is no shortage of pumpkin patches, hayrides, festivals, and other autumnal activities to get you in the sweater weather spirit. From a pirate-themed corn maze to a trail of glowing jack o’ lanterns, these fall destinations and activities are bona fide can’t-miss stops for a quintessential Southern fall. Whether they are in your neck of the woods or a scenic road trip away, you won’t regret moving these stops to the top of your fall bucket list.
Sky Top Orchard | Flat Rock, North Carolina
September – December 1
Fall wouldn’t be fall without the ritual of apple-picking, and Sky Top Orchard in Flat Rock offers the perfect harvest experience. The orchard’s sprawling apple trees are obviously the main event, but Sky Top also offers plenty of activities to explore, like wagon rides, a mysterious bamboo forest to get lost in, and even an apple cannon. But most locals would agree a trip to Sky Top would not be complete without indulging in their famous apple cider doughnuts. Made with fresh apples from the orchard and coated in cinnamon sugar, these warm treats are nearly impossible to resist—one bite and you will understand why people come back for dozens.
Sara’s Farm Adventure | Trenton, South Carolina
September – November
Wear your favorite fall fit and bring a camera, you are going to need it at this Insta-worthy fall destination. By day, Sara’s Farm Adventure hosts PumpkinFest, a fall festival with over 25 attractions, including elaborate photo ops, autumn treats that almost look too good not to eat, and even pig racing. By night, the farm transforms into Jack O’ Lantern Lane, a glow-in-the-dark journey with thousands of jack o’ lanterns and larger-than-life displays lighting your way.
Hall Family Farm | Lancaster, South Carolina
September 19 – October 31
Getting lost in a corn maze has long been a beloved fall tradition, and Hall Family Farm carries it on, but with a twist. Their sprawling seven-acre corn maze is daunting on its own, but they have cleverly woven in escape-room style puzzles and riddles that you must solve to find your way out. This year’s pirate theme adds an extra layer of adventure as you navigate the towering stalks in search of treasure. If solving riddles while wandering through a maze of corn isn’t your idea of fun, don’t worry, the farm offers plenty of other fall activities, including a pumpkin patch, pedal cars, a ropes course, and so much more.
Gentry Farm | Franklin, Tennessee
September 27 – October 27
Historic Gentry Farm has been a working farm for over 165 years and a longtime family tradition for locals. Located in the gorgeous rolling hills of Franklin, a half-hour outside of Nashville, locals and visitors alike descend every fall to experience what farm life is really like. The family-owned farm has all of the typical fall offerings like a corn maze, hayride, and petting zoo, but guests can also enjoy more unique activities like mini-farm putt-putt and a tractor playground. But fun and games aside, Gentry Farm aims to make every visit an educational one through hands-on activities and imaginative play.
If you’re planning a trip to Franklin, here’s everything you need to know.
Asheville Oktoberfest | Asheville, North Carolina
October 4
Don your best dirndls and lederhosen and ring in October the Bavarian way with a stein in hand—and there is no better place to do so than the city known as the craft beer capital of the United States. Based on the centuries-old tradition in Munich, Germany, Asheville’s Oktoberfest is a celebration of Bavarian culture with Appalachian flair. Held in the heart of lively downtown Asheville, the festival offers live German folk music, Bavarian-inspired games, and of course, over 60 kinds of beer to try. Prost!
Chalktoberfest | Marietta, Georgia
October 11 and 12
Hosted by the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art, Chalktoberfest is a free, weekend-long festival where the world’s most renowned chalk artists gather to display their remarkable works of sidewalk art. Spend the afternoon listening to live music, eating from local food vendors, and watching the chalk artists at work as they etch their drawings on the ground — you’ll find everything from strikingly beautiful sketches to uncannily realistic 3D masterpieces. While you’re there, make plans to check out the Craft Beer Festival, where you can sample over 120 different kinds of beer. Unlike Chalktoberfest, the Craft Beer Festival is a ticketed event and tends to sell out, so definitely snag your ticket early.
Ridgeland Scarecrow Trail | Ridgeland, Mississippi
October 15 – November 30
Usually known for its vibrant wildflower displays in spring and summer, Ridgeland Wildflower Field and Art Park transforms each fall into an autumn wonderland filled with whimsical handmade scarecrows. These creative guardians are crafted by local residents and businesses competing for the coveted title of best scarecrow, with the winner appropriately crowned on Halloween. Stroll through the serene park and marvel at the creativity, with the scarecrows often taking inspiration from movies and pop culture,or acting as a humorous advertisement for a local business. It is a delightful blend of community spirit and artistic expression.
Here’s everything you ned to know for your trip to Ridgeland.
Rougarou Fest | Houma, Louisiana
October 17 – 19
The Rougarou is a mythical creature from Cajun folklore that has earned its own festival, and for good reason. But the Rougarou Fest in Houma is much more than its legendary namesake; it is a vibrant celebration of Louisiana’s rich Cajun heritage that supports a worthy cause, with all proceeds benefiting the Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center. While the festival embraces a delightfully spooky atmosphere, it remains completely family-friendly and perfect for getting into the Halloween spirit. You will find all the festival favorites like artisan vendors, live music, and carnival rides, but Rougarou Fest also offers unique experiences that set it apart, like a folklife village featuring demonstrations and live performances showcasing Cajun culture, outdoor movie screenings under the stars, and yes—even a howling contest that brings out everyone’s wild side.
Alabama Renaissance Festival | Florence, Alabama
October 25 & 26
Hear ye, hear ye, lords and ladies—the Alabama Renaissance Faire beckons you to step back in time to an enchanted realm of knights, maidens, and merriment in the heart of historic downtown Florence. Grab a turkey leg and wander through the lively festival to discover themed vendors selling everything from handcrafted archery gear to authentic period clothing. Marvel at captivating magic shows and live blacksmith demonstrations, and don’t forget to pay your respects to Her Majesty holding court at the center of the festival.
PumpkinFest | Franklin, Tennessee
October 25
This year, PumpkinFest will celebrate its 40th anniversary as the largest family fall festival in Middle Tennessee. With over 140 vendors and artisans lining down Main Street, live music, and costume contests, the festival is about as classic Americana as it gets. Enjoy browsing the different booths filled with local craftsman wares, eating delicious autumn-inspired fare from the numerous food trucks, or take a photo in the picture-perfect Autumn Alley. From kids games to a beer garden and even a pet costume contest, there is a little something for everyone.
Find more fall fun around the region.
