4 Southern Cities Worth Visiting During Fall

You don’t have to travel up North to experience changing leaves, cooler weather, and seasonal dishes. The South may take a bit longer to cool off, but once it does, cities come alive with color. Fall in the South offers a wide variety of scenery, from mountain ranges in Alabama to coastal breezes in Georgia. Dropping temperatures are a great reason to start planning your next road trip, so visit one of these Southern cities if you’re craving ultimate fall vibes.

Greenville, South Carolina

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains is Greenville, South Carolina. This Southern city transforms during fall, creating a perfect scenic getaway for outdoor activity lovers with no shortage of trails, rivers, and waterfalls. Whether visiting or passing through, you’ll find the city engulfed in fall colors, especially along Main Street. There is no shortage of fall-themed activities to fill your trip with, including apple-picking, family-friendly festivals, pumpkin patches, and corn mazes.

If you’re looking for a place to stay that offers a natural mountain feel, check into the Grand Bohemian Lodge on the Reedy River and enjoy the forest-green interior under exposed wooden beams. After admiring all the nature this Upstate city has to offer, stop by one of the many restaurants in town, like Sum Bar and Scoundrel. End the visit at People’s Tap, a taproom where guests choose their favorite drinks. You can even get food delivered from Papi’s Tacos. Who doesn’t love a beer and taco combination?

Birmingham, Alabama

Just south of Huntsville sits Birmingham, Alabama, known for its mountainous landscape that comes to life in the fall. Avid hikers can journey to Ruffner Mountain for local trails and a stunning city overlook full of color. If you’re looking for fall activities, find your way to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens for their fall plant sale and community harvest. 

Birmingham’s culinary scene continues to grow. Book a room at the Elyton Hotel for your stay and enjoy beautiful city views from the rooftop bar Moonshine. Take a three-minute walk to Helen for dinner reservations downtown, less than a block away from your hotel. This contemporary Southern grill cooks over hardwood coals and is led by husband-and-wife duo chef Rob and Emily McDaniel.

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville, North Carolina, sits just north of Greenville, in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This trendy city is home to mountainous views that show off autumnal colors like none other. While the city is a great fall destination, it has also made a name for itself as a top Southern destination for award-winning chefs. To immerse yourself in the foliage, hike the Blue Ridge Parkway for stunning waterfalls and hidden swimming holes. 

Let the place you stay be just as much in nature as you’ll be with a room at the Chetola Resort. This 78-acre oasis offers hiking trails, archery, guided fly-fishing, and more for your fall getaway. But before you make the 2-hour drive up to Chetola, spend time in downtown Asheville for delicious food at Luminosa, where you’ll find a blend of Appalachian ingredients with Italian dishes.

Savannah, Georgia

Fall in the South wouldn’t be complete without coastal views. Sightsee in the Hostess City filled with historic homes, churches, and museums as you enjoy the cooler weather. Each street is lined with enormous live oaks, adding that little something extra to make it feel more like fall. 

Stroll the cobbled stone streets and settle into a room at the Bellwether House. Located just two blocks from Forsyth Park, enjoy a cozy, intimate stay before making your way outdoors to the Saturday farmers market. After enjoying the fall weather, stop by Origin Coffee Bar for a seasonal drink like their blueberry cobbler flat white or a pumpkin spice latte. End the evening at The Grey, a Greyhound Bus terminal turned restaurant with a rotating menu depending on what’s in season.

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