TRAVEL MEDIA PRESS ROOM–AUGUST 2025—Combine hair-raising haunts with a leaf-peeping vacation in the Southwest Virginia and West Virginia mountains. Hit Florida beaches and sophisticated and sandy towns for an end-of-summer hurrah. Trace fall festivals and harvest bounty through the Carolinas and Georgia to North Alabama and Louisiana, these Southeastern destinations deliver the best of autumn.
Journalists: An assortment of images can be found here, and on the TravelMediaPressRoom.com under each destination’s tab.
Alabama
North Alabama
Spanning the state’s 16 northernmost counties is North Alabama. From the streets of Huntsville, home of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, the historic covered bridges of Blount County, the music of Muscle Shoals and the “singing” Tennessee River and much more, the variety of fall experiences is astonishing.
Peak time for the color show in North Alabama can occur from early October through November depending on what part of the region you are in.
Here are a few links to special views and special interests:
Covered Bridges of North Alabama: https://www.northalabama.org/blog/post/covered-bridges-of-north-alabama/
North Alabama Fall Color Trail: https://www.northalabama.org/blog/post/north-alabama-fall-color-trail/
Pumpkin patches and fun for adults and kids (imagine a tailgate tent with beverages!): https://www.northalabama.org/blog/post/best-places-to-get-a-pumpkin-in-north-alabama/
Ghostly Getaways: https://www.northalabama.org/blog/post/haunted-north-alabama/
Here are just a few more of the reasons to visit North Alabama this fall.
Here are just a few reasons to visit North Alabama this fall.
For more on North Alabama, go to https://www.travelmediapressroom.com/alabama/north-alabama/
Journalists: For spectacular scenic North Alabama drives, waterfalls and downloadable photos, go to https://www.travelmediapressroom.com/2023/05/04/fall-color-in-north-alabama/
Florida
Daytona Beach, Florida
Often called home of the world’s most famous beaches, Daytona Beach, Florida, continues to delight and surprise visitors with its diverse and growing array of attractions. The Daytona Beach area includes several cities and towns including Ormond Beach, Ormond-By-The-Sea, Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Shores, Ponce Inlet, Holly Hill and South Daytona. The destination has long been known for its iconic beaches and rich auto racing history but today a slate of exciting new attractions, upscale lodging, a vibrant arts scene and an amazing collection of parks, preserves and outdoor activities are all part of Daytona Beach’s year-round appeal.
The cooler fall temperatures make for a great time to visit the Daytona Beach area, especially for those who enjoy spending time relaxing on the beach and splashing in the coastal waters. The comfortable temperatures also make the fall a great time to pursue a long list of the Daytona Beach area’s renowned outdoor activities. Some of the many local outdoor pursuits that really shine in the fall include surfing, kayaking and canoeing, fishing, hiking and biking, horseback riding, and bird watching.
Hiking is another way to explore the area, and the best time to do it is in the fall. Daytona Beach is home to more than 70 miles of trails perfect for biking and walking. Lyonia Preserve has a range of trails and an ultra-friendly scrub jay population. The Sweetheart Trail, part of the East Coast Greenway, is a multi-use pathway for traffic-free travel that runs along the Halifax River and through historic downtown Daytona Beach.
Motorcycling enthusiasts will descend upon the Daytona Beach area by the thousands on October 16-19 for the annual Biketoberfest, regarded by many as one of the top motorcycle rallies in the southeastern United States. The popular, four-day rally attracts motorcycle enthusiasts to the Daytona Beach area and neighboring communities throughout Volusia County with beautiful Florida weather, live music, the industry’s top vendors, bike shows, motorcycle racing at Daytona International Speedway, and miles of scenic rides along famous A1A, historic Main Street and the Ormond Beach Scenic Loop.
Set in historic downtown Daytona Beach on the scenic Halifax River, the annual Halifax Art Festival on November 1-2 is a two-day professionally juried and judged art show that attracts more than 200 artists from throughout the United States. It also features music, food, entertainment and special activities for children.
The Greek Festival at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Daytona Beach on November 13-16 has been a popular favorite of residents and visitors alike for more than 40 years. The festival offers attendees the opportunity to live like a Greek for the day. From costumed Greek dances and fresh-from-the-oven foods to traditional Greek music, this festival showcases all things Greek. The event also features a Greek marketplace with handcrafted souvenirs and Greek-themed gifts.
Located between The Casements and the Halifax River in Ormond Beach, Rockefeller Gardens will celebrate the coastal lifestyle and all things water at the 13th Annual Riverfest Seafood Festival on November 16-17. Guests can enjoy freshly caught fried fish, sip on a craft beer and enjoy live music and much more. The kids can even get in on the fun with the annual kid fish clinic.
The largest combined car show and swap meet in the United States is the Annual Daytona Turkey Run on November 27-30 at Daytona International Speedway. Car enthusiasts will gather to view show-quality cars from around the county and discover beautifully restored classics and foreign cars. From accessories to hard-to-find parts to classic cars, Turkey Run will entertain any level of interest.
For accommodations, visitors can visit https://www.daytonabeach.com/places-to-stay/ and download the free official destination guide.
Journalists: for more story ideas and downloadable photos, go to https://www.travelmediapressroom.com/florida/daytona-beach-florida.
Georgia
Albany, Georgia
Tour the waters of one of Georgia’s Seven Natural Wonders. Walk on the wild side. Hear Ray Charles play in the Plaza. Float the Flint. Get an eyeful of the universe. Bridge the gap between then and now. Come face to face with creatures of the deep. “Feel the Movement,” in Albany, Georgia, conveniently located off I-75 and I-10 in southwest Georgia. Albany offers adventure and attractions such as Chehaw Park and Zoo, Flint RiverQuarium, Radium Springs Gardens and more.
Starting off fall with a bang is a visit from country music singer and songwriter Mark Chesnutt on August 22, 2025, at the Albany Municipal Auditorium. Albany attracts big-name performers all year round, with Manheim Steamroller coming to the Municipal Auditorium November 19 as part of their Christmas Tour. Kick off your holiday season with this unforgettable experience.
Families looking for excitement this fall have so many fun events to choose from. Flint RiverQuarium presents its annual family-friendly Water, Wings & Wildlife festival in September and Mark’s Melon Patch lets kids enjoy life on the farm, with corn mazes, hayrides and a host of fall activities. Cheehaw Park and Zoo hosts its annual Boo at the Zoo and The Albany Museum of Art lets chalk artists take to the street to create sidewalk masterpieces at The Heart of Albany Festival (Chalkfest) on November 15, 2025.
Other fall events include the Fridays on the Flint free concert series which runs monthly August through December at Veterans Park Amphitheatre overlooking the lovely Flint River. The October 3, 2025, event features live music by the Thomas Merritt Band in a fall-themed evening full of festive vendors, arts and crafts, carnival games, hayrides and face painting for the kids.
Another ongoing series, this one for athletes, is the FREC 5K Series with its Pink Run on October 4, Monster Dash October 25 and Turkey Trot November 22, 2025. Runners will be able to pick up race packets on race day during registration time, prior to the start of each race.
Albany’s Hip Hop Music Festival features Dababy & Friends on October 4, 2025, then on October 18, 2025, sip, savor and celebrate at the ASU Homecoming Mimosa Festival, both at the Albany Civic Center. Close out the year with A Mowtown Christmas December 10, 2025.
For more information, visit VisitAlbanyGA.com.
Journalists: For more downloadable photos, go to https://www.travelmediapressroom.com/georgia/albany-ga/
Alpine Helen-White County, Georgia
Seekers of lively festivities and those who cherish quiet mountain getaways head to Alpine Helen/White County, Georgia. Some take the roads less traveled for fall color, waterfalls, wineries, cool mountain air, art and agricultural activities. Others flock to the celebratory Bavarian-themed town of Helen for entertainment, dining, shopping and staying close to the action. Helen Oktoberfest is the longest running of its kind in the United States, held from September 4 – November 2, 2025, with weeks of dancing, entertainment, food, and, of course, beer–and wine.
This 55-year tradition features jovialität and fröhlichkeit, musicians, dancers and performers from Germany and German communities from many states. Why Oktoberfest? This Blue Ridge foothills area is often compared to Bavaria, which inspired Helen’s Alpine architecture, cobblestone pathways and gingerbread-laced buildings.
The riverside Helen Festhalle welcomes visitors for German bands, performers and visitors in dirndls, Tyrolean hats and lederhosen, dancing and authentic food and beverages in an atmosphere like no other. Sample the beers and the best of the wurst (six kinds), German potato salad, red cabbage, potato cakes and more. September 6, 2025, the Oktoberfest Parade kicks off with a colorful swirl of costumed marchers and bands pumping out traditional music on drums, Alphorns, cowbells, accordions and more. Give local wine equal time at serene vineyards with mountain views at several award-winning Helen-White County wineries. Each has its own personality and ambience, and several have special fall events.
But there’s no need to wait until October to visit Alpine Helen/White County. August 30, 2025, kicks off the month with a Folk Pottery & Arts Festival at the Sautee-Nacoochee Cultural Center, while artists’ renditions of the season are on display in the Color Me Autumn Art Exhibit from September 9–November 3, 2025, at the Helen Arts & Heritage Center. On September 27, 2025, meet farm animals, play harvest-themed kids activities, shop for locally made crafts, local fresh produce and other goods at Agri-fest in nearby Cleveland, Georgia. On October 25, 2025, Hardman Farm State Historic Site’s Mountain Farm Celebration includes hands-on pioneer skills demonstrations, traditional craft vendors, local authors and historians, apple cider from a hand-cranked press, biscuits cooked on a wood-fired antique stove and much more. October 18-19, 2025, brings the Artoberfest Arts and Fine Crafts Fest, showcasing original/handmade works by the region’s finest artists and craftspeople. For more details and events, check the Helen Event Directory.
Stay at the heart of the action in walkable downtown Helen or head to the peace and quiet of a scenic mountain retreat. Pick from charming bed and breakfasts, quaint alpine-themed motels, cozy cabins, a vibrant collection of vacation rentals or a luxury boutique hotel. Helenga.org
Journalists: for more story ideas and downloadable photos, go to https://www.travelmediapressroom.com/georgia/alpine-helen-white-county-ga.
Blue Ridge, Georgia
Just 90 minutes north of Atlanta off Interstate-575, Georgia’s Blue Ridge is a treasured town in the North Georgia Mountains. Named one of the “Top Ten Towns for Craft Lovers” in the country and among the South’s “Top Ten Mountain Towns,” it’s at once outdoorsy, earthy, upscale, contemporary and historic. Centered around the historic Blue Ridge Depot, downtown’s restored buildings blend perfectly with modern industrial and mountain architecture, showcasing the arts, galleries, antiques, unique shopping, dining, wineries and craft breweries.
Yet 40 percent of Fannin County is located within the Chattahoochee National Forest, sweeping visitors a million miles away and offering waterfalls, trout fishing, biking and some of the most notable hiking trails in the United States. Georgia’s Blue Ridge comes alive with vibrant fall colors and the variety of events that celebrate the season’s beauty, local culture and community spirit. Lovers of the arts, foodies and outdoor enthusiasts, mark your calendars for unforgettable experiences this season.
Downtown Blue Ridge transforms into the ultimate backdrop for the 14th annual Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival, North Georgia’s largest one-day food and music extravaganza. It’s a fun and festive day filled with fabulous blues music performed by award-winning musicians and entertainers from across the Southeast. Don’t miss out on the lip-smacking BBQ available for purchase from various vendors—and the money raised helps local children’s charities!
Enjoy the small-town charm of Blue Ridge at one of Blue Ridge’s signature events, Fall Arts in the Park on October 11-12, 2025. This fall arts and crafts festival features hundreds of regional artists and craftsmen, special events for the kids and live musical performances. Don’t miss visiting The Art Center in the historic Fannin County Courthouse and browsing the National Photography Exhibit in The Art Center Gallery.
Exploring the idea of finally making the move to the mountains? Here is a great way to tour the area at your own pace, see what a variety of builders offer and get closer to making that dream come true. Blue Ridge Mountain Parade of Homes October 17-19, 2025, is an annual event set against the majestic backdrop of North Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains and hosted by some of the finest builders in the North Georgia area. The parade has quickly established a tradition of showcasing a variety of spectacular homes while introducing new and exciting trends to attendees from all over the country.
Local and area Animal Rescue Groups are coming together to create awareness about the needs and concerns of homeless and abandoned animals in our area at Pawsfest October 18, 2025. There will be a pet parade, costume contest, blessing of the animals, pet photos, rabies clinic, micro-chipping and more.
For more details and to plan your visit, check out the full events calendar at BlueRidgeMountains.com.
Journalists: For more ideas on things to do and see, along with downloadable photos go to https://www.travelmediapressroom.com/georgia/blue-ridgefannin-county-ga/
Dawsonville, Georgia
Mountains, moonshine, motorsports and more can be found in Dawsonville and Dawson County, in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains, about an hour northwest of Atlanta and two hours south of Chattanooga. This less-traveled area is full of outdoor activities, mountain forests and waterfalls, motorsports and moonshine and welcoming local folks. It’s a getaway destination that satisfies active outdoor aficionados, family adventurers and everyone in between. Here are just a few ways to get a jump on the season, plus some prime outdoor events and activities from September through November.
Stock up on fresh produce and much more on Saturdays through October 18, 2025, at the Amicalola Regional Farmers Market in Dawsonville. All the produce is grown in Dawson County or a neighboring county.
The Labor Day Car Show on August 29, 2025, promises another unforgettable celebration of automotive style and community spirit. This popular event draws car enthusiasts eager to showcase their classic and custom vehicles, all set against the backdrop of the beautifully renovated Georgia Racing Hall of Fame. Guests can sip handcrafted spirits and locally brewed beer from Grandaddy Mimm’s Distillery next door and savor delicious made-from-scratch dishes at The Station House restaurant. For a dose of adrenaline, visitors can also take to the track on the Hall of Fame’s Thunder Road Simulators, experiencing the thrill of racing firsthand making this the perfect way to kick off Labor Day weekend in Dawsonville.
Revel in a sea of sunflowers at Fausett Farms from mid-September through October. Wander more than 30 acres of golden blooms set against stunning mountain backdrops—perfect for photography, relaxing strolls, and post worthy selfies . While guests can’t pick their own sunflowers, fresh-cut bouquets are available for purchase in the barn market to take a little sunshine home. Then on October 11, 2025, run, walk, or cheer on participants during the Fausett Farms Sunflower 5K and Fun , winding through the scenic fields. Registration is open at UltraSignUp.
Pumpkins and More At Burt’s Farm take a two-mile hayride through a pumpkin patch, through a covered bridge filled with singing pumpkins and thousands of colorful zinnias ready for picking. At the end, get a glimpse of Amicalola Falls, the tallest cascading waterfall in Georgia, before arriving back to a field filled with thousands of home-grown pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. Take home edible memories from the country store – an impressive selection of winter squash, gourds and Indian corn, fresh-baked pumpkin pies, pumpkin rolls, candied popcorn and other goodies.
Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch—named one of USA Today’s 10 Best Corn Mazes and Pumpkin Patches—offers a new design each year across its 15-acre, elaborate corn maze. With choose-your-own pumpkins, a jumping pillow, tire mountain, kids’ maze, and gem mining, there’s an activity for every age and interest. On Friday and Saturday nights in October, brave the scary-good horror of The Dark Rows, a haunted trail through a twisted maze in a separate corn field illuminated only by the moon. Just be warned—you will not be alone. Come see what fiendish family fun is lurking among the rows.
Visit Bradley’s Pumpkin Patch, a small family farm for choose-your-own pumpkins and fresh produce including gourds, Indian corn and apples. You can find honey, apple cider, and delicious muscadine slushies in their country store. Family visits are free; group rates are available for educational field trips. www.BradleysFarms.com/
On October 10-11, 2025, rush over to the Judy Harris Memorial Ghost Walk at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame. Hop on a hayride tour of the Dawsonville City Cemetery, Town Jail, Old Courthouse, and the Dawsonville Pool Room with creepy stories at each stop. Start and end at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame with a ghost story told inside the Museum.
The October 24-26, 2025, 58th Annual Mountain Moonshine Festival and Car Show is one of the longest running festivals in the United States, celebrating the history of Prohibition-era moonshining, the birthplace of stock car racing and the formation of NASCAR racing. The three-day event includes a Moonshine Run, kids’ activities, a parade including vintage stock cars and more, live music, food trucks, arts, crafts and vendor booths. The 2025 Grand Marshall will be Dawsonville native and Grand Ol’ Opry star, Payton Porter, with a free concert Saturday! The huge car show, features show cars, race cars and the largest gathering of moonshine hauling cars in the United States. The festival is Kare for Kids largest fundraiser with proceeds providing for children in need in Dawson County. Visit the Website for each day’s full schedule, and the Facebook page for additional details: https://www.facebook.com/MountainMoonshineFestivalDawsonville
Journalists: for more ideas and downloadable photos go to https://www.travelmediapressroom.com/dawsonville-georgia/
Lake Lanier, Georgia
Lake Lanier is one of Georgia’s most popular recreational areas. This vast reservoir—the largest lake in Georgia—was created when the Chattahoochee River was dammed in north Georgia in 1956. There are 64 public parks around the lake ready for your outdoors adventure surrounded by the towns of Gainesville with its vibrant downtown with historic attractions and ongoing events; Oakwood’s walking paths and greenspace; and Flowery Branch which dates to the 1800s. All three cities include museums, art galleries, distilleries and wineries, farms and great dining experiences. And it’s all just an hour from Atlanta!
There’s so much to enjoy at Lanier Island Resorts, including boating, hiking, golf courses, restaurants, lodging and sandy beaches and water rides at Margaritaville during the summer months. And the fun doesn’t stop when temperatures drop. Visitors can enjoy the balmy weather at the resort’s 1,200 acres of woods and lakeshore on paved hiking or biking trails, ideal for crisp fall mornings. Relax in cozy lodging at the lakeside Legacy Lodge & Villas, which features well-appointed rooms—balconies, granite surfaces and spa like bathrooms. Private villas and LakeHouses for families and small groups face the peaceful waters and provide a welcomed getaway feeling.
The resort’s Legacy Golf Club offers spectacular fall fairway views and cooler playing conditions after Labor Day, one reason why it’s consistently ranked among the state’s best choices for a Georgia golf course. And there are numerous golf courses skirting the lake, such as the Chicopee Woods Golf Course and the Chattahoochee Golf Club.
Those who would rather stay inside and enjoy games should not miss the Lanier Islands Resorts’ Game Changer—we’re talking bowling, virtual sports, arcade, music bingo, trivia nights, karaoke and even Yappy Hour for pup friendly outings. If tabletop games are more your speed, check out Meeple Madness in Braselton.
The sister property to Atlanta Botanical Garden offers gorgeous gardens all year round in Gainesville but this fall Emmylou Harris visits for a performance September 12, 2025, to celebrate the Garden’s 10th anniversary. On October 18, 2025, visitors may craft a Halloween planter with cool-weather annuals or create clay dragons on October 25, 2025, just two of the many workshops offered at the gardens.
Seasonal and holiday events at Lake Lanier include the resort’s family friendly Halloween Monster Mash (trunk or treat, costume contest), Thanksgiving Buffet and holiday light events starting mid-November as part of the Christmas at Lanier Islands Resort. Over in Buford, kids of all ages will love to explore the Buford Corn Maze every fall, plus say hello to the animals, slide down the cornball slider—even get scared in the Haunted Forest.
Journalists: For more ideas and downloadable photos go to https://www.travelmediapressroom.com/lake-lanier-georgia/
Villa Rica, Georgia
Located off Interstate 20, just 35 minutes west of Atlanta, this quaint west Georgia town offers an abundance of engaging history, authentic early 1900s architecture, eclectic shops, locally owned eateries, and a host of outdoor adventures. The city’s nam,e “Villa Rica” has Portuguese roots and translates as “City of Gold,” a nod to the town’s gold history.
In the early 1800s, the lure of gold attracted prospectors to the area, which led to the first gold strike in Georgia, with 19 commercial gold mines operating in and around Villa Rica at its peak. Today, the Pine Mountain Gold Museum showcases the area’s history and is Georgia’s only gold museum on an actual mine. Visitors to the museum get a hands-on experience as they pan for gold and gemstones onsite and take in views of the mining ruins via the Pine Mountain Scenic Railroad.
In the fall, the Pine Mountain Scenic Railroad transforms into the “Nightmare Express,” taking visitors for a friendly family spook ride along its mile-long train track. Once the sun goes down, the track transforms into a rolling haunted house with plenty of scares from the museum’s cast of actors. Whether you choose the daytime Family Time or the nighttime Scare Time, Ghost Train is sure to become a favorite Halloween tradition for the whole family. Dates for the 13th annual Ghost Train are October 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23-25, 30. The museum also offers a bonfire where visitors can roast their own gourmet s’mores, and exclusive gemstone panning on Fridays and Saturdays. For tickets (starting September 1), click here.
The town will celebrate community through music, dancing, and fun from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, September 13, 2025, for the West Georgia Hispanic Heritage Festival at The Mill in downtown Villa Rica. In addition to live music and authentic food options, explore local vendors, enjoy games, and don’t miss family activities like a bouncy house and even an inflatable mechanical bull! Bring your friends, bring your family — and bring your dancing shoes. We’ll see you there! ¡Nos vemos allí!
¡Únase a nosotros en The Mill, en el centro de Villa Rica, para el Festival de la Herencia Hispana del Oeste de Georgia! Celebraremos nuestra comunidad con música, baile y diversión de 11 a.m. a 5 p.m. el Sábado 13 de Septiembre. Además de música en vivo y opciones de comidas auténticas, explore los puestos locales, disfrute de juegos y no se pierda las actividades familiares, como un castillo inflable e incluso un toro mecánico inflable. Traiga a sus amigos, a su familia y sus zapatos de baile. ¡Nos vemos allí!”
Visitors will not want to miss this gem of a festival. The 47th Gold Rush Festival on September 27, 2025, takes over The Mill in downtown Villa Rica with a 5K race, parade, and music from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. with headliner Drivin N Cryin.
Journalists: For more ideas and downloadable photos go to https://www.travelmediapressroom.com/georgia/villa-rica-georgia/
Woodstock, Georgia
Looking for a place to stay that’s close to Atlanta but with outdoor activities, great dining and plenty to do? Or perhaps a base camp from which to explore North Georgia? Only 30 minutes northwest of Atlanta on I-75/575, the city of Woodstock, Georgia offers a surprising array of refreshing and diverse amenities with a welcoming, small-town feel and easy access to the region’s best beer festivals, hiking trails, pumpkin patches, and more.
Strolling the vibrant downtown streets of Woodstock in the fall is like stepping onto an autumn movie set. The small-town feelings of comfort and community are matched with the energy of locals and visitors enjoying the cool weather and beautiful sights. In addition to a wide variety of local shopping, restaurants and live music, the fall season also brings out creative scarecrow displays at every corner, fall festivals and access to the season’s best trails and pumpkin patches.
There is plenty to enjoy within the city limits, from Taste of Woodstock in September where visitors enjoy curated bites from an eclectic array of local restaurants; to the unique Scarecrow Invasion October 1-31 when hundreds of designs are displayed throughout the city streets. Explore the area’s trails and special sites on a city-wide scavenger hunt available from the Woodstock Visitor Center. Downtown Woodstock Oktoberfest welcomes the season with festivities and joy. The energy of this festival is simply contagious. Check local listings for up-to-date event information at VisitWoodstockGA.com.
For an authentic Fall farm experience, BerryPatch Farms is idyllic, with pumpkin picking, hay rides and apple cider treats. For another perfect fall day, explore the area’s hiking or cycling trails at Olde Rope Mill Park and Blankets Creek, both a convenient distance away. Return to town for a bite or a beer under the big Elm tree in Reformation Brewery’s backyard.
The historic downtown Woodstock shopping and dining district includes an award-winning mix of new and carefully preserved architecture and energy. Contributing to the lively creativity of this walkable city center are three magnet destinations: Woodstock Arts, with its visual arts center and café, theater and event green; Reformation Brewery, with its deck and taproom; and MadLife Stage & Studios with state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor stages for bands and daily performances. Downtown Woodstock is an open container entertainment district where patrons can sip, stroll around and savor the kitchen aromas and music in the air. Options range from James Beard Award-winning fine dining to farm-to-table to fast casual.
Woodstock is just 10 minutes from Lake Allatoona, 25 minutes to the spectacular Gibbs Gardens and less than an hour to the North Georgia mountains. Woodstock hotel rates are more affordable and dining, concerts, theater and shopping are close at hand, along with outdoor activities and hiking trails you’d expect to find much farther from the city. Between adventures, rest and recharge at one of seven name brand hotels.
Journalists: For downloadable captioned, credited photos and more details, please go to https://www.travelmediapressroom.com/georgia/woodstock-georgia
Louisiana
The Northshore, Louisiana
The Northshore is known as Louisiana’s Easy Escape, an easy-to-love blend of natural beauty, thriving downtowns and exceptional culinary flavors. Enjoying Lake Pontchartrain, especially with the delightful fall weather down south, is a favorite pastime, whether taking in the views from a park in Mandeville, embarking on a fishing charter from Slidell or paddling out from a beautiful state park. There are other outdoor adventures, too, including a bicycle ride on the scenic Tammany Trace, one of the country’s premier rails-to-trails routes that weaves between Northshore downtowns and neighborhoods. Overall, there are 80,000 acres of wildlife preserve and green space to enjoy. And don’t miss the incredible culinary scene, shopping and great Southern accommodations.
Fall in Louisiana also means festival time. The state hosts more than 400 festivals and fairs every year and the Northshore, just forty minutes north of New Orleans and an hour east of Baton Rouge, carries its weight with many exciting fall events.
Start fall fun with delicious Louisiana culinary fare and entertainment at the Louisiana Food Truck Festival September 6, 2025. Hungry? Don’t miss the annual Bluesberry Music and Art Festival in Bogue Falaya Park in downtown Covington on October 4, 2025, or Chief’s Fandal’s Wild Game, Seafood and BBQ Cook-off October 4, 2025, in Olde Towne Slidell, which includes live music and artisans in addition to 20 teams matching off.
A tradition since 1910, the St. Tammany Parish Fair fills up five days of carnival rides, animals and food October 1-5, 2025, in the parish fairgrounds in Covington. There’s music—and of course lots of dancing—at the Abita Fall Fest in Abita Springs October 10-11, 2025.
The Maritime Museum Louisiana celebrates the heritage of Madisonville along the beautiful Tchefuncte River with its annual Wooden Boat Festival October 18-19, 2025. Named a 2023 Signature Event of the Southeast, and celebrating 34 years in 2025, the Wooden Boat Festival assembles more than 100 boats for this two-day event.
Don’t miss a chance to get outside and enjoy October’s balmy weather while the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and the Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra perform October 17, 2025, on Covington’s former Columbia Street boat landing. The free concert’s part of the Sunset Symphony on the Lake series.
The Covington Heritage Foundation and costumed interpreters bring former Covington residents to life in the Whisperings living history tour of Covington’s historic cemetery October 19, 2025. Treasure hunters will not want to miss the Slidell Antique Street Fair October 25-26, 2025, and music lovers should visit Covington for 100-plus free performances at the Ozone Songwriter Festival & Artists Showcase October 31-November 2, 2025.
Finish fall with the rich cultural traditions of Louisiana Creole November 2, 2025 at the Mandeville Creole Culture Festival and the juried Covington Three Rivers Art Festival November 15-16, 2025.
Journalists: For downloadable captioned, credited photos and more details, please go to https://www.travelmediapressroom.com/louisiana/northshore-louisiana/
South Carolina
Thoroughbred Country, South Carolina
Just east of Augusta, Georgia, along I-20 between Atlanta and Charleston are the rolling hills of Thoroughbred Country, South Carolina, consisting of Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg and Barnwell counties. This part of the Palmetto State is filled with world-renowned horse racing, training and tracks, Civil War sites, gardens and plantation homes, state parks, historic healing springs, folk art and antique shops in charming towns.
Thoroughbred Country’s epicenter is Aiken, developed in the early 1900s as a “Winter Colony” for the rich and famous, who introduced the traditions of polo and thoroughbred racing. In addition to many equestrian and fall polo events, roll into a day of fun with an Aiken Trolley Tour. This two-hour immersion into the best of Aiken includes a guided walk through Hopelands Gardens. Next door, enjoy free admission to the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum. Year-round golf can be played on courses frequented by current, past and future greats.
Tailored Tours of Aiken–Haunted Aiken takes guests on a nighttime walking tour combining chilling tales of spirits with Aiken’s history. Spooktacular stories include haunted secret passages in the Old Post Office and bones in the basement. In the former 1878 Aiken Hotel, phenomena have included shadowy movements, whispers, crying and screaming from empty rooms, where toilets flush and doors open or close. Housekeeping carts have been found down the hall when left outside a room. Family-friendly. Year-round, including historic city tours.
Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site in Aiken County has been named by the South Carolina African American Heritage Commission as one of the “Top 10 Sites to Visit in South Carolina.” Redcliffe provides a setting for exploring the experiences of the enslaved, as well as the larger institution of slavery, and reflects on the historical importance and impacts of the people who lived and worked at the site from 1855 through Reconstruction and up to 1975.
The Fall Festival at Boondock Farms in Jackson, South Carolina, brings farmers, artists, food trucks and live music on the second Saturday of each month. Come enjoy a beautiful day shopping on the farm, tour the market gardens, hike the trails, and see the animals.
The Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee October 24-25, 2025, in beautiful downtown North Augusta on Georgia Avenue includes live entertainment on two stages along with an awesome variety of great food, arts and crafts vendors, car show, corn hole tournament, amusement rides and kids’ activities including a costume contest, face painting, clowns, kiddie rides and inflatables.
Celebrate Halloween weekend (October 24-25, 2025) at the BBQ, Blues, & Boos Festival in Barnwell with great food, music and fun. It’s a fundraising event to showcase the vibrant culture of the region and support the non-profit economic development work of the Southern Palmetto Regional Chamber and The Palmetto Innovation Center. Explore authentic Mennonite culture with a visit to nearby Blackville. While there, visit God’s Acre Healing Springs where Indigenous Americans brought wounded Revolutionary War soldiers to drink and convalesce.
Stay in luxury at The Willcox Hotel, voted among the best in the world and consistently rated a favorite of guests and travel critics. Additional delightful area accommodations are Lazy Dog Acres, The Birdnest Inn and Stable View. Dining ranges from chef-refined and down-home Southern specialties, family restaurants, international cuisine and the unique find of a Mennonite bakery. More on what to do, eat, where to stay: TbredCountry.org
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Virginia
Southwest Virginia
It’s clear to see, and easy to appreciate, the beauty and diversity of the scenic Southwest Virginia landscape, which sits among the majestic Appalachian Mountains, features thousands of acres of public land and boasts a total of 11 state parks. It’s no wonder world class outdoor activities are popular throughout this region. Add the spectacular beauty of fall foliage and it’s the perfect outdoors escape.
The variety of hiking and biking trails in Southwest Virginia is unmatched and is best known by cyclists for the Hall of Fame Virginia Creeper Trail (Abingdon Trailhead: 300 Green Spring Road, Abingdon, Virginia 24210) a premier Rails to Trails route offering stunning views along 34 miles of multi-use trail. Virginia has more miles of the Appalachian Trail than any other and one of the most scenic and accessible sections runs through the heart of Southwest Virginia.
The Clinch River is known as the world’s most bio-diverse river. It travels 135 miles and is home to about 50 species of mussels (which is more than any other river in the world) and more than 100 species of non-game fish.
Breaks Interstate Park (627 Commission Circle, Breaks, Virginia 24607; 276-865-4413, ext. 3201) is home to the Breaks Canyon, one of the deepest gorges east of the Mississippi River, known as the Grand Canyon of the South. There are miles of hiking trails through rugged cliffs, roaring rivers and dense forests. Mountain biking, rock climbing and bouldering, as well as fishing, paddling and boating are also popular activities.
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area (3714 VA-16, Marion, Virginia 24354; 800-628-7202) offers approximately 200,000 acres and spans what’s known as the Crest Zone, with elevations of more than 4,000 feet. This area boasts Virginia’s two highest peaks, Mount Rogers and Whitetop, both recording elevations of more than 5,000 feet. The variety here is unmatched, with large rock formations and mountain balds as well as forest lands. The 68-mile Virginia Highlands Horse Trail and the Virginia Creeper Trail each traverse these lands. Mount Rogers Scenic Byway offers 50 miles of views through the recreation area and, of course, the famed Blue Ridge Parkway is a favorite for those who want to take in the scenic beauty of the Southwest Virginia region.
A host of outdoors adventures awaits visitors at the 57-mile New River Trail State Park, including canoeing, tubing, kayaking and fishing. The rails to trails park runs along the New River through Grayson, Carroll, Wythe, and Pulaski counties. Click here for a trail map and parking options.
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Wytheville, Virginia
Head high into the Blue Ridge section of the Appalachians to Wytheville in Southwest Virginia, at the crossroads of I-77 and I-81. Wytheville (ca. 1790; pronounced WITH-vil) is an off-the-beaten track getaway with unique attractions, breathtaking fall mountain scenery and activities from fly-fishing and watersports to horseback riding and wilderness adventure.
Wytheville’s classic downtown includes the old, the contemporary and the quirky, like the selfie-worthy “biggest pencil in Virginia.” Just three miles from downtown, Crystal Springs Recreation Area and Big Survey Wildlife Management Area offer more than 9,000 acres of preserved lands, 13 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, all dressed in fall colors. A 57.5-mile trail, canoeing, tubing, kayaking and fishing are all favorites at the New River Trail State Park.
Book a luxurious stay at the recently reopened Inn at Foster Falls, Virginia’s only Inn within a State Park. Climb the oldest and highest private attraction in Virginia, the 100-foot Big Walker Lookout, for views of five states at an elevation of 3,405 feet. The Big Walker Country Store offers live regional music, the wares of local artisans, authors, and musicians, as well as gifts and handmade preserves and ice cream.
Richdale Farm’s Fall on the Farm sets the stage for classic autumn adventures—from pumpkin picking and hayrides to a corn maze packed with twists and turns. It’s a hands-on, laughter-filled day for families and fall lovers alike. Seasonal celebrations continue throughout town. Oktoberfest at the Homestead Museum combines Appalachian heritage with Bavarian flair, featuring local food, music, and cold brews. Mayhem on Main weekend transforms Downtown Wytheville with trick-or-treating, costumes, and spooky surprises for all ages. More information can be found on these activities as well as events at West Wind Farm Vineyard & Winery, Seven Sisters Brewery, 7 Dogs Brewpub and unique lodging options via the Visit Wytheville blog: www.VisitWytheville.com/wytheville-small-town-fall-town.
As the sun sets, the Wythe Arts Council’s Spirit Tours invite guests to explore the haunted history of downtown. These guided walking tours blend storytelling and history, bringing to life eerie tales and local legends just in time for Halloween.
Two gems of downtown Wytheville are the boutique Bolling Wilson Hotel, offering luxurious guest rooms, featuring Graze On Main restaurant and The Perch, a rooftop lounge. The Trinkle Mansion Bed and Breakfast has four guest rooms in its grand historic home, as well as a quaint garden cottage. www.VisitWytheville.com
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Two gems of downtown Wytheville are the boutique Bolling Wilson Hotel, offering luxurious guest rooms, featuring Graze On Main restaurant and The Perch, a rooftop lounge. The Trinkle Mansion Bed and Breakfast has four guest rooms in its grand historic home, as well as a quaint garden cottage. www.VisitWytheville.com
Journalists: For downloadable photos go to https://www.travelmediapressroom.com/virginia/wytheville-virginia
West Virginia
Berkeley County, West Virginia
Just a short distance from the Washington, D.C., metro area, West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle revives visitors with a relaxed atmosphere full of history, scenery and small-town charm. Escape from the big city to soak in healing waters, shop at eclectic storefronts and walk through national historic parks.
The best time to see fall foliage in the Eastern Panhandle is generally from mid-October to the first week of November. This timeframe allows for the vibrant colors of autumn to be at their peak, transforming the landscape into a beautiful display of reds, yellows and oranges.
Kick off Martinsburg’s fall events with Main Street Martinsburg’s Fall Food Fest on October 4, 2025, a downtown event on Queen Street that features a variety of food trucks showcasing regional offerings, a beer garden, vendors and live music.
Walk through apple orchards, pick a fresh apple and really get into the fall spirit with the 46th Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival October 16-19, 2025. The Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival celebrates the region’s apple industry every third weekend in October with a parade, pancake breakfast, music, art fair, contests and, of course food, among so much more. The Martinsburg event has become a treasured homecoming.
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Jefferson County, West Virginia
Jefferson County, West Virginia is where “almost heaven” begins. There are quaint towns steeped with history surrounded by stunning views of a landscape filled with recreational opportunities. In the state’s Eastern Panhandle, just an hour west of Washington, D.C., this heavenly destination is a welcoming world away, filled with special places, plenty of stories and a wealth of activities to enjoy.
This fall, celebrate all things spooky and supernatural at Shepherdstown’s Boo Fest during October. The whole town gets into the spirit—German Street is decked out with festive decorations, and the local restaurants and pubs offer fun seasonal specials. Throughout the month, there are events hosted by downtown businesses, community organizations and Shepherd University, so there’s always something going on.
Spend an unforgettable weekend visiting artists in their studio spaces on a self-guided tour through the winding hills of the Eastern Panhandle. Over the Mountain Studio Tour is always the second week of November (November 8-9, 2025).
Oktoberfest is a lively outdoor festival held on the scenic 11-acre property of the Bavarian Inn Resort in Shepherdstown, an event designed to be fun for the whole family. The September 21, 2025, festival features traditional German food, live music and performances by German bands and dancers. Guests can enjoy German beer and wine, as well as craft brews from Bavarian Brothers Brewing, the on-site brewery. The festival also includes local vendors and a variety of children’s activities, making it a festive and welcoming event for all ages.
Visit Harpers Ferry to explore charming fall foliage followed by a spine-tingling Ghost Tour. A stop on the West Virginia Paranormal Trail, this journey uncovers unearthly tales of the town’s former residents.
Shepherdstown Ghost Tours is a candlelit walking tour of historic and haunted Shepherdstown where visitors learn local history and legends and hear true ghost stories of the town’s haunts.
In Charles Town, The Traditional Ghost Tour is the tour that started it all. This haunted walk covers the dark and eerie east side of Charles Town, including visits to three types of burial grounds. Visit the haunted sites where abolitionist John Brown, six of his Raiders and their hostages spent their last few moments. We’re talking mystery, body snatching, botched hangings and spirits. Journalists: For more ideas and downloadable photos go to https://www.travelmediapressroom.com/west-virginia/jefferson-county-west-virginia/