Thoroughbred Country’s epicenter is Aiken, which developed into a snowbirds’ mild-climate winter retreat in the early 1900s, as the railroads pushed farther south. Aiken became the home of the famed Winter Colony where Vanderbilts, Astors, Pinkertons, Goodyears and other Golden Age notables vacationed. Golf, polo and other equestrian pursuits became pastimes that are still treasured today. This genteel and manageable small city admirably combines historic preservation with a contemporary vibe.

Surrounded by a one-of-a-kind parkway system and lush landscaping, walkable and picturesque downtown Aiken offers unique art galleries, antiques, boutiques and more. You’ll also find shops sharing all things equine, from art and photography to tack, clothing and accessories. A truly wide variety of restaurants range from family-friendly to trendy upscale dining in inviting spaces. Many have extensive wine lists, and there’s even a taproom in the dining and entertainment district known as The Alley, with 48 taps for beers, ciders, kombucha and coffee.

Get a great overview of this picture-perfect town on an Aiken Trolley Tour. Discover historic homes and churches, equestrian sites, the Battle of Aiken, the live oak canopy on South Boundary and the remaining Winter Colony residences. This two-hour immersion into the best of Aiken includes a guided walk through Hopelands Gardens. There you’ll also enjoy free admission to the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame, where champions are commemorated. It’s been named the Carolinas’ “Best Equestrian Attraction.”

For more equestrian immersion, visit the Aiken Training Track to watch future winners and past champions exercise in the early morning hours with their trainers. (538 Two Notch Rd SE, Aiken) At the Equine Rescue of Aiken tour the largest refuge of its kind in the Southeast with 80 acres of rolling pastures where volunteers and employees care for rescued horses. (532 Glenwood Drive, Aiken) Horse lovers can find more information on pages 33-34 of the Thoroughbred Country Visitors Guide.

Aiken is one of the most horse and rider-friendly cities around, and cars must yield the right-of-way. Walk or saddle a steed for a ride through an urban forest on 70 miles of sandy trails in historic Hitchcock Woods, larger than Manhattan’s Central Park. Horseback riding is offered by The Trail Riding Company. Horse owners can also explore the trails at Langley Pond Park in Warrenville, and at equestrian facilities like King Creek Campground in Fairfax, where camping and 350 acres of woods await. For more horseback riding ideas go to the Guided Tours section of https://www.tbredcountry.org/Thoroughbred-Country-Visitor-Guide

Equestrian Events, Fall Festivals and More

Horse owners and horse-lovers will find a myriad of fall events, from polo to racing and jumping. Watch the matches at the Aiken Polo Club Sunday afternoons in September through mid-November at historic Whitney Field, 420 Mead Avenue, in Aiken’s horse district. Admission ranges from $10 per person to $75 per person in the pavilion with open bar and catered food. Weekday matches are more informal and free to attend.

The Oktoberfest Horse Trials, September 26-28, 2025, at Stable View is a festive event with food trucks and vendor booths, the Aiken Horsepower Car Show, free admission and more. A ticketed VIP luncheon is also held on September 27. (USEF/USEA Oktoberfest FEI CCI-S Horse Trials)

The Mustang Summit – Mustang Symposium, November 6-9, 2025, at Halfway to Heaven Mustang Rescue is a fundraiser for the facility that brings the excitement of Mustangs and horse films to Aiken. It’s a weekend of programming including the EQUUS Film Festival, an art and literary event, Equestrian/Mustang demos, lectures, even Cowboy Church.  

November at Bruce’s Field, November 6-9, 2025, is a United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) National A Rated Level 3 Jumper three-day event with prizes ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. The event is free and open to spectators. 

November 22, 2025 is the National Steeplechase Association’s final race of the season, The Aiken Fall Steeplechase Championship, which will determine the top trainer, jockey and horse of the year. (Aiken Steeplechase Racecourse, 2020 Richland Ave E, Aiken) Bruce’s Field at Aiken Horse Park hosts a variety of dressage, eventing and hunter/jumper shows throughout the year. To find more equestrian events, visit the Thoroughbred Country calendar.

More don’t miss events center around music, food and fun for all. Shoutfest, October 18, 2025 is the Central Savannah River Area’s largest, free outdoor, family-focused gospel festival that boasts national and regional gospel recording artists, a Kidszone, food and merchandise vendors. BBQ, Blues & Boos, October 24-25, is a Halloween weekend extravaganza. Profits go directly to free and low cost programs to support emerging entrepreneurs and small businesses around Barnwell and Allendale Counties. Free admission for kids under 12 in costume. Check the Thoroughbred Country calendar for the Aiken Symphony, The Etherredge Center, museums and more.

Where to Stay

Amongst the trees, experience the charm of The Birdnest Inn in an urban farm close to downtown Aiken, golf courses and equestrian competitions. This tranquil bed and breakfast is full of upscale adornments, antiques and unique artwork 5200 Sizemore Circle, Aiken, South Carolina 979-530-3900. Rates from $217.

Want to bring your horse or want to be around horse-lovers? Magnolia Shadows, a Ridge Spring bed and breakfast offers horse boarding and is pet-friendly. The 1895 historic plantation home has restored interiors surrounded by pastures, magnolia trees, a pool and manicured gardens. 595 Engineer Rd, Ridge Spring, South Carolina 29129; 803-522-1226. B&B rooms start at $160, cottages from $180/night. Broxton Bridge Plantation  in Ehrhardt is an 1850s plantation home with bedrooms and baths and 125 RV campsites, most with water, electric and sewage hookups, along with horse corrals. Guests can enjoy walking trails around a 10 acre lake, hunting, fishing and sporting clays.  1685 Broxton Bridge Hwy, Ehrhardt, South Carolina 29081; 803-267-3882.

Want to be right in the middle of all the equestrian action? Stay at Stable View Farm. Sprawling over 1,000 acres of gently rolling hills and bordered by canopies of forests, Stable View hosts an array of horse trials, dressage, hunter and other events. Cottages, barn residences, loft-like “hunt boxes” and cozy apartments are available for short- or long-term stays. RV hookups are also available throughout the property. Stable View Farm, 117 Stable View Drive, Aiken

For a classic Southern mansion-style stay, Lookaway Inn nobly presides over the historic town center of North Augusta, just over the bridge from Augusta This classic Beaux-Arts jewel from the 1800s is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Guests enjoy a sumptuous breakfast, large, elegant bedrooms, private bathrooms and landscaped courtyard and gardens. 103 W Forest Avenue, North Augusta, South Carolina; 803-426-1030. $139-229 per night.

In 1934 during the Great Depression, Aiken State Park was built by an African American detachment of the Civilian Conservation Corps. No-WiFi encourages guests to enjoy nature trails, birding, a playground, orienteering and seasonal swimming. Bring or rent a canoe to paddle a scenic 1.7-mile canoe/kayak trail along the south fork of the Edisto River. Pet friendly except for bath house. Sites are convenient to restrooms with hot showers. All have water and electrical hookups; some have sewer hookups and can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet. 1145 State Park Road, Windsor, South Carolina 29856; 803-649-2857. Campsites, $18-45/night, Nominal admission fee for day use.

For more on where to dine and what to do, go to www.TBredCountry.org

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KINGSLAND, GEORGIA—JUNE 2025—Nosh on local seafood, sample a variety of beer and wine, enjoy live music and browse antiques and collectibles. Add in a children’s amusement area, over 150 arts and crafts vendor booths, a car show, and it adds up to one of the area’s most popular and longest-running events, the Kingsland Catfish Festival, which kicks off with a Friday evening street party from 5-8 p.m., November 21, and then continues 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025. Held on the streets of historic downtown Kingsland, this November event has been a favorite among locals and visitors alike for more than 40 years.

Located on the southeast coast of Georgia, just three miles from the Georgia/Florida border and 25 miles north of Jacksonville, Florida, Kingsland is a charming small town oozing with natural beauty, Southern hospitality, delicious seafood, interesting shopping and loads of unique adventures. During the Catfish Festival, downtown Kingsland comes alive as the backdrop for food, entertainment, arts, crafts and more. Parking and admission are free.

Scheduled events include a Lions Club pancake breakfast, arts and crafts vendors, a variety of food booths, antiques and collectibles, a children’s amusement area, a car show, a hospitality tent featuring beer and wine and entertainment featuring local and regionally noted performers. 

Festival attendees will find plenty to tempt the palate. In addition to various mouth-watering catfish recipes, the menu includes everything from hot dogs, hamburgers, fries and onion rings to barbecue, Asian fare, meats kabobs, chicken, sausage, boiled peanuts, funnel cakes, homemade ice cream, succulent sweets, treats and ice-cold beverages.

Now surpassing its 40th year, the Kingsland Catfish Festival has grown in size and scope under the production and sponsorship of the Kingsland Downtown Development Authority and The City of Kingsland. This event has become one of Camden County’s largest and most well-known festivals and has received multiple regional and national awards. A four-time award winner of the Southeast Tourism Society “Top 20 Events” and three-time award winner of the American Bus Association’s “Top 100 Event in North America,” this festival is a proven fun-filled day for the entire family.

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Here are just a few ways to get a jump on the season, plus some prime outdoor events and activities from September through November (See calendar listings below).

Revel in fields of sunflowers at Fausett Farms from mid-September through October. A family-owned farm since 1858, for 60 years the primary product was poultry which ended in 2011. Now the farm offers nearly a million sunflowers for picking, photography and tours on 30+ acres of beautiful rolling land with mountain backdrops. (11336 Hwy 136 West, Dawsonville, Georgia; 706-265-9661)

Pumpkins and More

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 of the ride, get a glimpse of Amicalola Falls, the tallest cascading waterfall in Georgia and the third tallest east of the Mississippi River.

The Burt’s Farm hay ride has become such a popular fall tradition that a fleet of tractors and covered wagons is at the ready. 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 fresh baked goodies. (5 Burts Pumpkin Farm Rd, 11336 Hwy 136 West, Dawsonville, Georgia 30534 706-265-3701)

Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch offers a unique twist to the time-honored fall pumpkin patch trip. Each year a 15-acre, elaborate Corn Maze is a different design. With choose-your-own pumpkins, 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 unique haunted trail through some of the most twisted trails of a separate corn field, illuminated only by the moon. Just be warned, you will not be alone! The misty October night air always seems to bring out the worst in this little patch of corn. Come see what fiendish family fun can be found lurking among the rows. (125 Bannister Road, Dawsonville, Georgia 30534; 1-888-OSHUCKS)

Visit Bradley’s Pumpkin Patch for choose-your-own pumpkins and fresh produce including gourds, Indian corn and apples. You can find honey, apple cider, quilts, books and more at their country store. Family visits are free; group rates are available for educational field trips. (25 Lawrence Drive, Dawsonville, Georgia 30534; 770-380-3636) https://www.bradleysfarms.com/

Specialty Floriculturalists

Abbott Creek Nursery, Inc. is a wholesale grower serving the commercial landscape industry in Metro Atlanta and North Georgia. Specializing in floral color, it’s open seasonally in the spring and fall to retail customers. Buying direct from the grower ensures fresh and top-quality plants and flowers. Choose from flats of in-season perennials and annuals and an assortment of other sizes. In the fall, visit from October through mid-November. Check the website for days and hours. In the spring, they are open the second week in April through the first week in June. (884 Thompson Road, Dawsonville, Georgia 30534; 706-265-1607)

Through November, something is always blooming or ready to plant at Jungle Paradise, including thousands of daylilies and daffodils that will come up in the spring. Depending on the season, take a tour and choose azaleas, wildflowers, camellias, perennials, tropical and rare flowers to purchase for a garden retreat. This floral oasis includes a stream along the path through the garden, a picnic area for families or groups and a playground. 929 Mill Creek Drive, Dawsonville, GA 30534; (706) 265-3943

Plan Your Visit: 

October 11, 2025
8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Fausett Farms Sunflower 5K and Fun Run
Fausett Farms Sunflowers
11336 Highway 136 West Dawsonville, Georgia 30534
https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=126424
Run, walk or hike through thousands of sunflowers in the heart of Dawson County. All finishers receive a custom event t-shirt and finishers medal. Event is family friendly. Registration closes October 7th.

October 10 and 11, 2025
7:00 PM
Judy Harris Memorial Ghost Walk & Tails from the Crypt Haunted House & Escape Room
Georgia Racing Hall of Fame 
415 Hwy 53 East Dawsonville, Georgia 30534 
(706) 216-7223 
https://www.destinationdawsonville.com/events/haunted-ghost-walk/ 
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. In conjunction with the Ghost Walk, experience Tails from the Crypt Haunted House and Escape room presented by the Dawson County Humane Society. All proceeds benefit the shelter. 

October 10 and 11, 2025
Gates open 5:00 PM | Rodeo starts at 7:30 PM
Rotary Rodeo 
https://www.destinationdawsonville.com/events/rotary-rodeo/
4520 Hwy. 53 East Dawsonville, GA 30534
Saddle up! This fall marks the very first NCPRA-sanctioned Rodeo in Dawsonville for two unforgettable nights! Join us on the grounds for entertainment and food trucks, featuring crowd favorites like barrel racing, bull riding, and more. Tickets must be purchased in advance! 

Saturdays through October 18, 2025
8:00 AM–1:00 PM 
Amicalola Regional Farmers Market 
Dawsonville City Hall Farmers Market Pavilion 
86 Allen Street Dawsonville, GA 30534 
(706) 265-2442 https://www.destinationdawsonville.com/visit-our-market/ 
Stock up on fresh produce and much more. The majority of produce is grown in Dawson County or a neighboring county. Leashed pets are welcome. The Market was launched by the Amicalola Regional Agriculture Committee, a program of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce.   

October 24-26, 2025
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
58th Annual Mountain Moonshine Festival and Car Show  
Georgia Racing Hall of Fame and Dawsonville City Hall’s Main Street Park
415 Highway 53 East Dawsonville, Georgia 30534 
Kare for Kids-706-216-5273 
https://www.destinationdawsonville.com/events/mountain-moonshine-festival/ One of the longest running festivals in the U.S., the Mountain Moonshine Festival celebrates 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. This year’s Grand Marshal is Dawsonville native and Grand Ole Opry star, Peytan Porter, with a special live performance Saturday at 4pm. One of the highlights is a huge car show, featuring show cars, race cars and the largest gathering of moonshine hauling cars in the United States. The Festival is KARE’s largest fundraiser; all proceeds go toward the purchase of clothes, school supplies, medical needs and Christmas gifts 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   

Nov. 22, 2025
2:00 PM-8:00 PM 
Christmas in Dawsonville   
Dawsonville City Hall and Georgia Racing Hall of Fame 
415 Hwy 53 East Dawsonville, Georgia 30534 706-265-6278 
https://www.destinationdawsonville.com/events/downtown-dawsonville-christmas-parade-and-tree-lighting/ 
Race over to Dawsonville, Georgia, the birthplace of stockcar racing, to slow things down for the holidays. Located just an hour north of Atlanta, Dawsonville kicks off the season with the 11th Annual Christmas Parade, Jingle Market and Tree Lighting in Downtown Dawsonville on Saturday, November 23, 2024. Find a perfect streetside spot to experience a true small-town parade as Santa makes his way through the town at 4 p.m. sharp. Sip warm cocoa at the Jingle Market and find perfect Christmas gifts (2-8 p.m.). As the sun begins to set, gather with family and friends around the Christmas Tree and join in the countdown. Enjoy food trucks and live performances (4-8 p.m.), photos with Santa and more. The parade begins Downtown at the Dawsonville cemetery and runs through the historic downtown area and finishes around the Dawsonville City Hall. All other festivities take place at Dawsonville City Hall and the Farmers Market Pavilion For more information, visit destinationdawsonville.com or call the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce at 706-265-6278.

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With fun for the whole family, you’ll want to put these festive events on your fall calendar. Here’s a list of a few upcoming fall events you don’t want to miss:

Fridays on the Flint. These free community events happen Fridays in September through December. Offering live music, vendors, a kid zone and more, there’s no better way to wind down your week—or kick off your weekend—than with a fun filled evening on the Flint River!

Water, Wings & Wildlife Festival. Celebrate the Flint RiverQuarium’s 20^th anniversary at the annual Water, Wings & Wildlife festival happening 11a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, September 28, 2024. Featuring a butterfly tent, birds of prey shows, reptile presentations, wildlife demonstrations, crafts, food trucks and more, this festival is not only fun but educational too! Activities are included in aquarium admission and are free to members.

Mark’s Melon Patch. Running September 28-October 27, 2024, this family-oriented fall festival is sure to be loads of fun! Enjoy a day on the farm with plenty of activities for the kids, great photo opportunities and so much more. From a corn maze, gigantic jump pad and duck races to pumpkin bowling, a spooky barn hay maze, face painting and more, this beloved festival is sure to have everyone in the fall spirit! Festival hours are 11a.m-6 p.m. on Saturdays and 1-6 p.m. on Sundays.

Pink Run. Show your support for breast cancer awareness by participating in the Pink Run happening Saturday, October 5, 2024. Race includes a 5k and a one-mile fun run. Click here for more information and to register.

Albany State Football Homecoming Week. Root, root, root for the home team! Albany State University’s homecoming game will take place on Saturday, October 19, 2024. Stay tuned for a full list of events and celebrations here.

Boo at the Zoo. This not-so-spooky Halloween event will take place at the zoo from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, October 26, 2024. Attendees will enjoy Halloween themed fun for all ages including games, activities, special Halloween animal enrichment, tons of fun prizes, candy and more! This family friendly event is sure to please everyone in your crew!

Monster Dash. Get in the Halloween spirit with a 5k or one-mile fun run! The Monster Dash will take place on Saturday, October 26, 2024. For more information and to register, click here.

Exchange Club Fair of Southwest Georgia. Don’t miss this year’s Exchange Club Fair of Southwest Georgia happening October 29-November 3, 2024. Offering classic fair fun, this beloved fair is where traditions are made, and fond memories are created. In addition to fair rides, food and games, attendees will also enjoy a livestock show, a demolition derby, 4H school displays and more.

Heart of Albany Festival. Happening 10 a.m.-5 p.m. November 16, 2024, this year marks the seventh annual Heart of Albany Festival. Festival goers can enjoy art, music, vendors, food trucks and more to the grounds of the Albany Museum of Art. Commemorating the 60^th anniversary of the founding of the Albany Museum of art this year, this fun filled fall day will be packed with exciting demonstrations, music and more. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the museum’s 60^th anniversary! The event will take place on the museum grounds located at 311 Meadowlark Drive in Albany and admission is free.

Turkey Trot. Don’t miss the 5^th annual Turkey Trot happening Saturday, November 23, 2024. Featuring a 5K and a one-mile fun run open to all ages, there’s a race for everyone to enjoy! Click here for more information.

For additional information on these events and more, click here.

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HELEN, GEORGIA—August 2024—Each fall, seekers of lively festivities and those who cherish quiet mountain getaways head to Alpine Helen/White County, Georgia. Some take the roads less traveled, seeking fall color, waterfalls, wineries and cool mountain air. Others flock to the celebratory Bavarian-themed town of Helen for entertainment, dining, shopping and staying close to the action during Helen’s biggest party of the year.

Kicking off the fall season is the Helen Oktoberfest, the longest running of its kind in the United States, held from September 5 – October 27, 2024,  with weeks of dancing, entertainment, food, and, of course, beer–and wine. The Helen Chamber hosts this a 54-year tradition featuring 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.

Starting at 6 p.m. on September 5 the riverside Helen Festhalle welcomes visitors for German bands, dancing and authentic food and beverages in an atmosphere like no other. Saturday September 7, 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. The first keg-tapping of the festival will take place afterward at the Festhalle, 1074 Edelweiss Street.

In the Festhalle, see performers in traditional dirndls, Tyrolean hats and lederhosen, sample the beers and the best of the wurst (six kinds), German potato salad, red cabbage, potato cakes, American dogs, chicken fingers, desserts, snacks and more.

Helen’s Oktoberfest Festhalle is open September September 5 – October 27, 2024 (check times at the website). Festhalle Admission: Monday-Friday $10, Saturday $12, Sunday free. Active and retired military with ID, free; kids 6-12 half price; under 6 free. Check https://helenchamber.com/oktoberfest for group discounts and Friday/Saturday passes.

Check the schedule for additional events. For instance, those age 21 and over can participate in Helen’s traveling Oktoberfest keg-tapping ceremony on Saturdays that rotates to various biergartens, restaurants and taverns. In this German tradition an officiant says a few words, the crowd chants and then imbibes from the freshly tapped keg. Listen for these two phrases: O’zapft is! (It’s tapped!) and “Oans, zwoa, drei, g’suffa!” (One, two, three. . . drink!).

Events throughout the town add plenty of fun, while shops and dining establishments create their own festival ambience.  Give local wine equal time! Take a break for serene vineyards and mountain views at several award-winning Helen-White County wineries. Each has its own personality and ambience, and several have special fall events. Check the events schedule for details closer to the season.

Oktoberfest Pro Tips

Helen has a road less traveled through town. Edelweiss Strasse runs virtually parallel to South Main Street, from the Budgetel Inn and Suites at the south end to the public parking at Chattahoochee Strasse on the north end. Visit during the week to enjoy fewer crowds. Early risers find more leisurely morning breakfasts and shopping before the party crowd gets started. Book accommodations well in advance. For more details go to https://helenchamber.com/index.html

Stay

Stay at the heart of the action in 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. Whether you choose a remote cabin, a small property on the river or a branded hotel within walking distance of the Alpine Village, book early for this very popular celebration. Helenga.org/lodging

More Fall Events

Plenty more events are happening in Alpine Helen/White County in the fall. August 31 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 12–November 3 at the Helen Arts & Heritage Center. On September 28, meet farm animals, play harvest-themed kids activities, shop for locally made crafts, local fresh produce and other goods at Agrifest in nearby Cleveland, Georgia.

On October 26 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 19-20 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.

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AMERICUS, GEORGIA—SEPTEMBER 2023—Located in west-central Georgia, convenient to I-75, three hours south of Atlanta and just two hours north of I-10, Americus offers an array of events and cultural experiences making the area a must stop destination this fall. As the weather starts to cool, visitors can’t get enough of some of the area’s most beloved festivals and events. Here’s a taste of what’s to come this fall in Americus. 

Americus Music Festival

Building on the success of the first year, the second annual Americus Music Fest is expected to be bigger and better this year. Held at the historic Jackson Street Depot October 21, all genres of music will be featured in this popular free event, from rock to country, hip hop to soul, jazz to blues and more in between. For the second year the Food Truck Fest will return to Jackson Street. This year the Americus Arts Council will host an Art Fest down Finn Street in the Americus Arts District and a MEGA Kid Zone will be positioned on the green. The SAM Shortline Excursion Train will offer trips to and from Plains, as well as a ride from the park to Americus to enjoy the festivities. Don’t miss this one-day event happening 10 a.m.-11 p.m., October 21.

Taste of Sumter

Another beloved fall event is Taste of Sumter, one of Americus’s largest events, September 28. Festival goers will enjoy live entertainment, local restaurants and food vendors along Jackson Street and lots of family friendly fun. Taste of Sumter is an annual event held on the last Thursday of September. 

Plains Peanut Festival

Celebrate peanut harvest season in nearby Plains at the beloved Plains Peanut Festival. Fun for all ages, the Plains Peanut Festival offers a plethora of activities from a parade, road race, fun run and kiddie rides to peanut exhibits, all day entertainment, arts and crafts, food vendors, SAM Shortline train rides and more! Visitors and locals alike love this annual event as it celebrates one the area’s most plentiful crops. 

Looking for more fun events happening this fall? Click here for a list of the area’s most popular events. 

Cultural experiences

In 2019, the Americus-Sumter County Movement Remembered Committee received the first of two $500,000 grants from the National Park Service (NPS) African American Civil Rights Preservation Fund, to rehabilitate and preserve the Historic Americus Colored Hospital building. Opening in 2023, the new Americus-Sumter County Civil Rights and Cultural Center will be home to the history of the Americus Colored Hospital (1923-1953), which became a gathering point for the Americus-Sumter County Civil Rights Movement (1962-1966). 

Included in this collection are a treasure trove of photographs, letters, articles from the media, records from the jailing of local activists, memorabilia and field reports from civil rights workers representing the three major groups working to end segregation and to establish voting rights during the period: the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC); the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). The center’s archives will demonstrate the invaluable contributions of African American families throughout Sumter County prior to and during the Americus Movement. The new campus will ultimately include a community garden and community health clinic, both supported by the Phoebe Putney Hospital Authority.

Another cultural gem is the Rylander Theatre, built in 1921 and operated as a Vaudeville theatre just a few blocks from the Windsor Hotel. Restored in 1999 to its Art Deco style, the Rylander features a rare, working 1928 Moller Theatre Pipe Organ. It celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2021 and is offering an impressive lineup of plays and performances for 2023. Click here for a list of upcoming performances. Rylander Theatre, 310 West Lamar Street, Americus, Georgia 31709; 229-931-0001

Where to eat

Small, locally owned dining establishments are a big part of what makes Americus so special and you definitely won’t leave hungry. Start your day at Café Campesino, Georgia’s first and only 100% fair trade, organic specialty coffee company. Founded in 1998, Café Campesino is a cooperative importer, roaster, wholesaler distributor and online retailer all in one. Located in the heart of Americus, just nine miles from Plains, patrons can stop in for a cup of joe and browse the many varieties available in the shop. Café Campesino, 725 Millard Fuller Boulevard, Americus, Georgia 31709; 229.924.2468

Known for their “always fresh” menu items, Little Brother’s Bistro is a perfect spot to grab some lunch. From homemade pimento cheese sandwiches and refreshing wraps to muffulettas, salads, soups and paninis, there’s no way you can go wrong with anything on the menu! Following lunch, head to Sweet Georgia Bakery and Café for homemade Southern delicacies that are sure to knock your socks off. Don’t miss the Buttermilk Pie, Devil’s Food Cake, Peach Tarts and more. There’s no way to go wrong. Little Brother’s Bistro, 123 West Lamar Street, Americus, Georgia 31709; 229-410-9827; Sweet Georgia Bakery and Café, 134 West Lamar Street, Americus, Georgia 31709, 229-380-0439

Indulge in Victorian elegance for dinner at Rosemary & Thyme. Located within the Historic Windsor Hotel, in the heart of downtown Americus, Rosemary & Thyme celebrates the Victorian era from top to bottom. The original tile floor, wrought-iron footed tables and furnishings reflecting the Victorian period create quite an elegant ambiance. Diners delight in a flavorful modern American menu featuring the freshest ingredients and seasonal favorites. Rosemary & Thyme, 125 West Lamar Street, Americus, Georgia 31709; 229-924-1555

Where to stay

Whether you are visiting Americus or planning a hub and spoke adventure, Americus and the surrounding area is home to many great lodging options with proximity to many area attractions. Think Andersonville National Historic Site, Jimmy Carter National Historic Park Grounds, Lake Blackshear, the SAM Shortline Excursion Train and more.

Located in the heart of downtown Americus, the Historic Windsor Hotel was built in 1892, to attract winter visitors from the north. The Windsor was a 100-room, five-story Victorian masterpiece architecturally designed with a tower and turret, balconies and a three-story open atrium lobby. The hotel occupies nearly an entire city block and was the site of numerous balls and celebrations over many decades and after nearly 80 years in operation, the hotel closed its doors in 1972. In 1991, the hotel re-opened after a $6.5 million dollar renovation. Historic Windsor Hotel, 125 W. Lamar Street, Americus, Georgia, 31709; 229-924-1555.

History lovers will fall for the Americus Garden Inn. This historic bed and breakfast was built before the Civil War in 1847 and is situated on Rees Park within Americus’s beautiful residential historic district and among many fine homes of the Victorian era. The Americus Garden Inn Bed and Breakfast offers seven spacious comfortable air-conditioned rooms, in-room private baths and several guest amenities. Americus Garden Inn, 504 Rees Park, Americus, Georgia, 31709; 229-931-0122

For more on Americus, visit VisitAmericusGA.com.

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NORTH ALABAMA–MAY 2023–North Alabama is known as a year-round destination for a number of reasons. The region, which begins at the Tennessee border, spans the state’s 16 northernmost counties and is dissected by Interstate 65. The diverse landscape and wealth of natural resources bring outdoor enthusiasts including anglers, paddlers, hikers, climbers and more. Its cities have world-wide appeal for those with such diverse interests as space travel and music. Its small towns are classic and its state parks are known as some of the best in the country. 

In fall, all this is cast against an amazingly colorful background. Vibrant fall foliage adds color to the region’s scenery and is a favorite time for many visitors. Peak time for the color show in North Alabama can occur from early October through November. There are a number of excellent ways to enjoy the color while taking in some of the region’s best-known treasures.

Alabama has beautiful sections of two of America’s most scenic drives. In the northwest corner of the state, the Natchez Trace Parkway (800-344-0783), a National Scenic Byway and All American Road, has been named one of America’s most beautiful scenic byways and one of America’s best drives. Along the state’s northeast border is Lookout Mountain Parkway (256-845-3957), with its waterfalls, canyons and scenic vistas. Alabama’s portion of each of these multi-state routes are lined with natural wilderness and exceptional views. They offer a perfect entry to all the beauty of North Alabama in the fall.

On North Alabama’s roadways, visitors will find a number of iconic covered bridges, many of which are located in beautifully forested areas. Blount County, which is known as Alabama’s Covered Bridge Capital, is home to three of the state’s 13 covered bridges. Easley (335 Easley Bridge Road, Oneonta Alabama 35121; 205-274-2153), Horton Mill (25 Covered Bridge Circle, Oneonta, Alabama 35121; 205-274-2153) and Swann (1590 Swann Bridge Road, Cleveland, Alabama 35049; 205-274-2153) covered bridges are some of the region’s most picturesque spots to view fall color.

The region is also home to beautiful waterfalls. The Waterfalls of North Alabama trail guide features 27 not-to-miss stops, many of them close enough to each other to be enjoyed in a single day. Travelers can combine visits to the falls with a hike in surrounding natural areas, a photography tour or stops at area wineries.

Lodging options offer a full spectrum of accommodations choices. There is a wide range of rental cabins to fit any need, many with amazing views of the region’s seasonal foliage. And many of North Alabama’s state parks have lodge and cabin accommodations, too.

If you go

Combining a fall foliage tour with a memorable special event or fun farm visit can add to any North Alabama experience. These fall events each feature unique elements of North Alabama’s history and culture and are regional favorites.

Buttahatchee River Fall Fest (225 1st Street SW, Hamilton, Alabama 35570; 205-921-7786) Created to celebrate the history and heritage around the Buttahatchee River, this is a family friendly event offering a day of arts and crafts, music, tractor and car show and kids’ area.

Covered Bridge Festival (110 1st Avenue E., Oneonta, Alabama 35121; 205-274-2153) Blount County holds the title of Covered Bridge Capital of Alabama, with three covered bridges. As a tribute to these symbols of its roots, a one-day festival is held every year in downtown Oneonta. It’s filled with family fun including a quilt show, arts and crafts displays, a rib cook-off, car show, live music, great food and more.

Cullman Oktoberfest (309 1st Avenue NE, Cullman, Alabama 35055; 256-734-9157) This is one of North Alabama’s largest annual events and takes place at Depot Park in downtown Cullman. Typically held the first weekend in October, the fest features a biergarten, an arts and crafts show, live German music, kids’ activities and a bratwurst eating contest.

Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention (Athens State University, Athens, Alabama 35611; 256-233-8241) Old-time music lovers of all ages enjoy this “grandaddy” of music festivals each fall. Nearly 200 contestants compete in categories including fiddle and guitar categories, harmonica, mandolin, bluegrass banjo, dulcimer, old-time singing and buck dancing. 

Belue Place Pumpkin Patch (700 County Road 513, Lexington, Alabama 35648; 256-366-6277) On the site of the family’s early 1800s farm, the Belues have turned the farm into a pumpkin patch. Other activities on the farm include a petting zoo, hayloft, corn crib, hayride and cow train.

McGee Farm (8211 County Road 7, Florence, Alabama 35633; 256 766-2725) During the month of October, McGee Farm in Florence welcomes thousands of visitors to its pumpkin patch to celebrate the arrival of fall. The public is invited to a fun-filled pumpkin picking experience along with additional on-the-farm fun activities.

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For folks itching to plan a road trip filled with all things fall, point your compass just south of Atlanta (about 30 minutes actually) and visit Henry County, a destination with an abundance of outdoor adventure, heritage and culture, foodie delights and endless memories. You simply can’t go wrong with a Georgia getaway in Henry County.

Outdoor adventure

Fall is special at Southern Belle Farm where old-fashioned harvest celebrations are an everyday affair. Families are welcome at the Farm and will love all the activities available in the great outdoors. Enjoy the pumpkin patch, a four-acre corn maze and many more outdoor attractions. Don’t miss the U-Pick Flowers, Farm Market and Bakery for fun souvenirs to take back home. It’s strongly advised to buy your tickets online to save time and to guarantee entry since capacity is limited this season and entry may sell out. 

Visit Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary, take a self-guided tour or “Walk on the Wild Side” with a guided tour led by a volunteer for an incredible, unforgettable adventure allowing guests between the fences and including stories of each animal along the way. Another unique option, “Painting with Doc” pairs guests with the head Animal Husbandry Manager also granting entry between the fences for a front row seat to watch as Doc the Tiger or Anna Lou the Grizzly Bear paint a picture just for you, using their face and paws. What a unique and special take-home souvenir!

The Georgia State Fair always puts excitement in the air and this year is no different. Enjoy exciting attractions and shows along with live music, carnival rides and your favorite fair foods that will take your mind quickly to memories of yesteryear. The event is held at the EchoPark Speedway (formerly known as the Atlanta Speedway) from September 30-October 9, 2022 and will follow strict COVID guidelines listed on the website. Another fun option, Drive In At The Speedway features a series of concerts with a tailgate friendly atmosphere. Bring your own food and beverage to the show or partake in on-site concessions as you rock to the beat of concerts at the EchoPark Speedway.

For the athletic traveler or even a competitive family outing, check out Rum Creek Golf at Eagles Landing. This venue offers a Par 3, 9-hole executive golf course, Footgolf (great for families), a driving range, putting green and batting cages. Outdoor activities make it easier to stay socially distanced and this is an affordable option conveniently located off I-75. Also, J.P. Moseley Park offers a free championship-caliber Disc Golf Course, another fantastic, family-friendly venue. 

Panola Mountain State Park is a 100-acre granite outcrop much like Stone Mountain, only smaller and more pristine. Guests can take a guided hike to the top of the outcrop and see its rare ecosystem in the same manner that the Native Americans did centuries ago. Panola Mountain showcases much of Mother Nature’s playground for visitors who want to picnic, fish, rent a boat, hike, bike or practice archery. Other fabulous choices for outdoor frolic at Panola includes birding, geocaching and tree-climbing! Look for rare plants and animals in this special place among the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, one of only three National Heritage Areas in Georgia. 

Experience shopping with all your favorite brands in one place at Tanger Outlets in nearby Locust Grove. Discover great deals on designer labels and know that COVID enforcements are followed as listed on the website. Curbside pick-up zones are available for shoppers wishing to utilize this touchless service. 

Safe options for dining

Shopping, playing and exploring are bound to bring on the hunger pangs. When dining inside a restaurant doesn’t make sense, look for opportunities at eateries who offer patios or outside seating. Henry County has plenty and below is a good list to get you started. 

• Graffiti’s Pizza – A Greek Taverna is a great place to grab made-from-scratch gourmet pizzas, vegan pizzas, calzones, Gyros and sandwiches. Dine-in or order online for takeout, delivery or curbside pickup. 
• Tierra Mia is a scrumptious Mexican cuisine restaurant with an expansive menu and lots of drink choices. Order online, dine in or enjoy the quaint outdoor, bistro-like setting that will really wow you.
• The Original Shane’s Rib Shack has lots of outdoor options or order online and pickup curbside. Don’t skip the sandwiches, wings, burgers and more at Shane’s with lots of delicious sauces.
• French Market and Tavern is located in Historic Downtown Locust Grove. This hot dining venue serves an eclectic mix of Southern and New Orleans cuisine along with ice cold brews and creative martinis. Order take out, dine in or dine on the patio. 
• The Peach Pit Bar & Grill is a local and visitor favorite serving American classics with a lengthy list of rotating craft beers (with a local focus) available. Guests can enjoy the open-air atmosphere with outdoor tables. 
• 15th Street Pizza and Pub is the place for great pies, Georgia brews, big screen TV’s and a patio atmosphere.

Cabin fever is a real thing and when the travel bug bites, think Henry County for a quick getaway with lots of space for safe, socially responsible travel. For more information, please visit VisitHenryCountyGeorgia.com. 

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Stop trying to savor the season via a spiced latte and, instead, dive into experiences that capture autumn’s true essence–all while making memories that last in Blue Ridge, Georgia, about 90 minutes north of Atlanta via I-575.

Make trails
Grab a backpack and hit the hills of Blue Ridge to get your heart pounding along the collection of trails which make the destination a true hiker’s paradise. Fannin County includes some of the most notable hiking trails in the United States. Two of the greatest outdoor adventures in the world, the Appalachian Trail and the Benton MacKaye Trail, begin in Fannin County at the top of Springer Mountain. The Benton-MacKaye, more remote than the Appalachian, winds through remote areas of Fannin County for approximately 54 miles, before it enters Tennessee from Fannin’s Cohutta Wilderness and continues a 286-mile trek along the western slopes of the Appalachian Mountains, eventually rejoining the AT in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. Choose from trails that range from easy to moderate to difficult to find the right hike for the whole crew. For waterfall-seekers, local trail favorites include Fall Branch Falls, Long Creek Falls and Amicalola Falls. The Aska Trail system, with four points of entry off Aska Road and six interconnecting loops varying in distance for a total of 30 miles of trails, meets up with the Benton-MacKaye Trail at certain points.  www.BlueRidgeMountains.com/outdoor_adventure.html

Farm fresh adventure
For ultimate fall fun, take a farm tour of the 400-acre Mercier Orchards and stock up on fried pies, fresh veggies and fruits. Mercier is a family-owned and -operated, primarily apple, orchard. The must-see Blue Ridge attraction rewards senses with bushels of apples, fresh pressed cider, warm fried pies–but, most importantly, memories. Started back in 1943 by Bill & Adele Mercier, Mercier Orchards is now celebrating more than 70 years of fruitful harvests. Beyond apples, their onsite store serves up a variety of farm toys, pet items, kitchen paraphernalia, home decor and is host to a meat and cheese shop. Visit the tasting room, offering hard ciders and wines, including locally-produced varieties. Mercier Orchards is the only apple orchard in Georgia that grows, presses, ferments and bottles their own hard apple cider and farm wines. Mercier Orchards is also the first producer of hard cider in the state. Enjoy a round of tasting; hard ciders include Grumpy Granny, Rock Steady Red, Adele’s Choice, Pearody, Black Bee, Lone Tree, Old #3 and Just Peachy. Their farm wines include Fall Harvest Apple, Blackberry Winter and Summer Sweet Peach wines. Mercier Orchards also offers tastings of regional wines produced in the Georgia Mountains. Open: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week. Hard cider and wine tastings are offered 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday-Saturday, 12:30-6 p.m., Sunday; 706-632-3411 or www.Mercier-Orchards.com.

Take a roadtrip
Capture breath-taking scenery alight with blazing fall color during a drive along these top five local routes which highlight the best of the area:

1. Mountains and Countryside: Packed with popular stops, like Falls Branch Falls, a hike to The Swinging Bridge, this Blue Ridge drive takes passengers outside of city limits and on a scenic loop around Blue Ridge. Savor views of the Chattahoochee National Forest and surrounding countryside full of opportunities to view fall colors. Start in Blue Ridge; round trip mileage is 27.5 miles. Available for download at BlueRidgeMountains.com/selfguidedtours.html or contact the Welcome Center at 800-899-MTNS.
2. Day Trip to Dahlonega and Apple Valley: This day trip, originally produced by the U.S. Forest Service, is beautiful any time of year, but is stunning in the fall. The drive begins and ends at the intersection of Georgia Highways 5 and 515 in Blue Ridge. Stops along the way include the Swinging Bridge over the Toccoa River, Amicalola Falls, Burt’s Pumpkin Farm and Apple Alley. Round trip mileage is 91.4 miles and approximate driving time without stops is three to four hours. Download detailed directions at BlueRidgeMountains.com/selfguidedtours.html.
3. Ocoee Scenic Byway: This drive takes you along Highway 64 from Copperhill to Cleveland, Tennessee, through the Ocoee Gorge. Follow the nation’s first Scenic Byway as it winds through the Cherokee National Forest alongside the Ocoee River, past the Ocoee dams, flume line and powerhouses and Parksville Lake. Ocoee Whitewater Center is also on the way. For more information, see www.ByWays.org.
4. Cherohala Skyway: From Blue Ridge, Highway 60 becomes Highway 68 which takes drivers to Highway 165 and into Tellico Plains, Tennessee. Head to Robbinsville, North Carolina, winding through scenery that rivals the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Cherohala Skyway crosses through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests, providing spectacular mile-high vistas and brilliant fall foliage. Plan for the drive to take 1 ½ to 2 hours spanning the Skyway’s 40 miles. (800) 245-5428 or see www.Cherohala.org.
5. Southern Highroads Trail: For a multi-day adventure, this road trip covers Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.  The Southern Highroads Trail winds its way through the Appalachian Mountains in four states. Experience the scenic beauty, diversity and rich history found along the way as you travel the 360-mile route. The entire trail takes about three days to complete, and includes the Georgia cities of Blue Ridge, Ellijay, Chatsworth, Blairsville, Young Harris, Hiawassee, Clayton, Dillard and Mountain City. Find out more at www.SouthernHighRoads.org.

Ride the train
Chugga-chug down the 13-miles of rails comprising the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. The 1-hour (each way) excursion is a generation-bonding adventure that starts at the historic 1905 depot in Downtown. Vintage climate controlled rail cars, along with open-air rail cars, host more than 70,000 passengers each year for a ride that winds alongside the Toccoa River, with a stop in the twin border towns of McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee. Copperhill/McCaysville is one town with two names because it is split by the GA/TN state line, where visitors have a two hour layover, plenty of time to eat lunch, shop for unique crafts and antiques, snack on ice cream or walk around. Capture the essence of the season and savor the brilliant autumn colors during special Fall Foliage Trail Rides throughout October and early November.

If you go
Find links to rental companies for mountain cabins with lake-views and room for 20 (hot tub included!) at www.BlueRidgeMountains.com, 1-800-899-MTNS.

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