As the scorching heat of summer finally starts to fade, daylight grows shorter and the leaves begin their annual shift from varying shades of green to hues of red, orange and yellow, it is clear that autumn has finally arrived. Bringing a unique charm with it, fall is a season of transition and transformation. The heavy, humid air of summer begins to fade away – albeit a little later in the South than other parts of the country – and is replaced by the light, crisp air of autumn. With an average low of 55 degrees F to an average high of 75 degrees F, fall is perhaps the best time of the year to spend time outdoors in Georgia.
From hiking, camping and scenic drives to fairs, festivals and trips to the farm, fall in Georgia offers something for everyone to enjoy. It is also when football kicks off, tailgating is at its best, orchards and farms swing open their gates for harvest-time fun, pumpkins and apples are ripe for picking and crackling fire pits offer cozy settings for ghost stories and s’mores. So put on your favorite sweater, grab a pumpkin spice latte and set out for an autumn adventure. Below are some ideas to put you in the seasonal spirit!
- Visit a Pumpkin Patch – Nothing says fall like pumpkins! And sure you can get your pumpkins from the local grocery store, but where is the excitement in that? There is something special and memorable about heading out on a cool, crisp day to pick your own pumpkin straight from the patch. Whether an intimate u-pick experience is what you are looking for or you prefer a pumpkin picking adventure with games, rides and more, a short road trip is all it takes. These are some fun pumpkin patches to check out this fall
- Rent a Cabin for the Weekend – Escape the city for a weekend and take advantage of the cooler temperatures by cuddling up in a cozy cabin with the ones you love. A change of scenery can do wonders for the soul. Imagine waking up surrounded by nature’s finest. And what better way to take in some serious leaf peeping and pumpkin picking than making a mini vacation out of it. Explore some of the cabin and cottage rentals that will put you in the middle of the autumn action.
- Pitch a Tent – If you are looking for a more immersive experience than a cabin rental, consider some good old-fashioned camping fun. What better way to celebrate the changing season and cooler weather than being gathered around the campfire singing songs, roasting hotdogs, making s’mores and telling stories under a starlit southern sky. Pack your cooler and grab your tent and sleeping bag, and head out to one of these top campground destinations.
- Navigate a Corn Maze – Add a touch of whimsy and excitement to the fall season by exploring one of Georgia’s many corn mazes. This delightful outdoor adventure involves stepping into a corn maze where you will find yourself surrounded by towering walls of cornstalks, creating a feeling of being lost in a natural labyrinth. As you wind your way through the twists and turns of the maze, you will use your problem-solving skills to find your way out. It is like a real-life puzzle that you get to solve with friends or family. Explore some farm fun and put your navigational skills to the test at these top Georgia corn mazes.
- Attend Oktoberfest – Grab a beer stein and get ready to dance the polka at an Oktoberfest celebration. Georgia’s longest running Oktoberfest has been held in the Bavarian-style village of Helen since 1970, attracting visitors from all over the world to experience a taste of Germany in the North Georgia mountains. Stretching from mid-September to late October, Oktoberfest in Helen takes place amid the beauty of the changing seasons as cooler temperatures usher in a gorgeous palette of fall foliage. But Helen isn’t the only place to experience Oktoberfest in Georgia. Join any of these Oktoberfest festivities happening this season around the state and toast the season – German style.
- Pick Apples in North Georgia – Autumn is apple season in Georgia and going apple picking is one of those fall traditions you just can’t miss! The thrill of eating a juicy, crisp apple just picked off the tree is an experience like no other. Pick a bushel full of honey crisp or red delicious apples to take home. And while you are there, be sure to sample the fried apple pies, apple cider and apple cider doughnuts. Sounds good, doesn’t it? Visit these Georgia orchards for a taste of fall combined with plenty of family fun.
- Attend a Fall Fair or Festival – Fall beckons everyone outdoors to enjoy Georgia’s festivals and fairs. It is a popular way to celebrate the season and enjoy the vibrant colors and cooler weather. Whether you are interested in music, food, arts and crafts, or just want to soak up the festive atmosphere, there are numerous fall festivals held around the state throughout the month of October. Experience the season’s best and create memories at these Georgia fall festivals and fairs.
- Take to the Trails – Georgia offers a variety of beautiful hiking opportunities, especially in the fall when the weather is pleasant and the foliage is at its most vibrant. A fun fall activity is to get out and explore Georgia’s many hiking trails. You can start (or finish) hiking the Appalachian Trail at its southern terminus on Springer Mountain, or you can do short sections if you’re not ready to commit to the entire thing. There are also shorter overnight hikes to the state’s incredible peaks and waterfalls, along with trails of varying lengths throughout the state for day hikers and backpackers. If you are looking for trails that will deliver vistas of fall foliage, check out these popular Georgia hikes for max autumn color.
- Watch the Leaves Change – A sea of red, orange and yellow magnificently spills across the landscape in the fall. And some of the best ways to take in the tapestry of colors is by visiting Georgia’s State Parks. As you can imagine, they do get pretty busy this time of year. If you want to get out and take in the stunning scenery but are looking for some hidden gems to explore the fall foliage, head to these secret State Parks to enjoy the fall colors and take advantage of the smaller crowds and wide open spaces.
- Visit a Winery – When it comes to wine accolades, they are not just limited to well-known regions such as Tuscany, Burgundy and Napa. North Georgia’s wineries are earning high praise from critics and wine-lovers alike. And many even offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, making your wine-tasting experience that much more enjoyable – especially in the fall. Why not put your tasting prowess to work by visiting Georgia wine country and taking in the gorgeous autumn vistas. Start with this list of wineries with stunning views and become a connoisseur of the state’s varied wine landscape.
A Few New Listings this Week
Offered for $4,495,000
Offered for $3,795,000
Offered for $3,650,000
Offered for $2,399,000
Offered for $2,195,000
Offered for $2,095,000
Offered for $1,650,000
Offered for $1,487,5000
Offered for $1,350,000
Offered for $980,000
Offered for $975,000
Offered for $855,000
Offered for $850,000
Offered for $849,000
Offered for $765,000