Crispness is in the air and that golden sun is casting a more amber hue across the landscape, it is fall. And with the season comes a stirring in my soul to explore, to feel the crunch of the leaves beneath my soles and see the sunset painted across the sky in all shades of fall. Here are 7 places to travel this fall that capture the essence of the season across the south.
The Shaker Village at The Pleasant Hill, Kentucky – Step back in time for an experience that will ignite your imagination and deepen your understanding of our connection to the land. The Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill is the home to the 3rd largest Shaker Village in the United States. Shakers were a religious sect that began in England and believed in simple living, best known for their beautiful, minimalistic handcrafted furniture. At The Shaker 
Village you will find over 3,000 acres of discovery featuring hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, canoe trips, historic buildings, and a working farm that supplies the village restaurant. There are also events throughout each month including special farm dinners, artisan classes, fox hunts, hayrides, and music on the lawn. You can also stay at the village in one of their restored original Shaker buildings. This trip is ideal for couples and families. For eats enjoy meals at the village restaurant or take a trip into Lexington and dine at Shakespeare and Company, The Village Idiot, or enjoy a cup of joe at one the of funkiest coffee shops you will ever set foot in Third Street Stuff.
Chattanooga, Tennessee – A hiker’s paradise, Chattanooga is the place to explore the outdoors in fall. Finding an awe-inspiring trail in Chattanooga is easy to do in this city bordered by mountains and carved by the Tennessee River into a ‘Moccasin Bend’, two of my favorites are Cravens House to Sunset Rock and Rainbow Lake to Signal Point, both offer vistas for miles that are sure to mesmerize your mind and give your body a healthy workout. Signal Point offers a sunset view that will leave your mouth gaping with its beauty. There is also paddle boarding along the magnificent the Tennessee River Gorge that is easy to do from downtown Chattanooga. 
Even a walk over the pedestrian bring from downtown to North Shore is a fun excursion. The Hunter Museum of American Art in the Bluff View Arts District is also a must visit offering some of the Southeast’s best exhibits. You may also want to stay in the Bluff View Arts District which overlooks the Tennessee River Gorge and is in walking distance to downtown. Bluff View offers historic lodging, dining, and its own outdoor sculpture garden. For proximity to downtown and for spa relaxation, The Chattanoogan is an excellent choice. Spacious rooms, a stellar restaurant, and a wonderful spa await guests. For eats, choose Urban Stack, Alleia, Easy Bistro, and Milk and Honey.
St. Marks, Florida – If capturing fall’s most epic wildlife events is your goal, head towards St. Marks Wildlife Refuge below Tallahassee. At the end of October, St. Marks is home to two equally enticing wildlife moments – it is a place where the Monarch butterflies gather near the lighthouse on St. Marks Wildlife Refuge before making their trek along the 
Gulf Coast shore towards Mexico and it is also the host to the annual Stone Crab Festival marking the beginning of Stone Crab season. For a trip that is full of adventure you can actually stay in Tallahassee and take the 20 mile bike trail into the St. Marks Wildlife Refuge. With such close proximity to Tallahassee it is a convenient place to stay offering accommodations like The Governor’s Inn and Hotel Duval. For a truly unique Southern experience there is also the Wakulla Springs Lodge located in Wakulla Springs State Park right beside St. Marks. Known as Florida’s northern castle, this hotel is beautiful and historic and located on the nation’s largest springs.
Waynesville, North Carolina – There is no where in the world that captures all the colors of fall like the Great Smoky Mountains. The fall foliage color display is one of the most captivating sights you will ever see, its beauty shines in the eye of every beholder. Whether you drive the jaw dropping 46 miles of the most beautiful stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway located in Haywood County or you venture to one of my most favorite hikes in the world, Purchase Knob, a fall trip to Waynesville will permeate through your soul. While you are enjoying that Smoky Mountain high, you should also sip the local brews. Waynesville boasts some of North Carolina’s best breweries including Frog Level, Boojum, Bear Waters, and Tipping Point. Another incredible aspect 
about Waynesville, the Buy Haywood initiative that puts locally grown, organic produce at the forefront of restaurants and markets. With such a strong organic food market there is no shortage of incredibly fresh meals. Look for fall festivals like the Waynesville Apple Festival in mid October and others throughout the season. If you are interested din taking taste of fall home with you, plan a day trip to Stepp’s Apple Orchard in Hendersonville so you can enjoy the season’s freshest apples. For the swankiest of lodging with vistas for miles choose The Swag. For a more centrally located lodging at a great price, Waynesville Inn Golf Resort and Spa. For eats enjoy some of the best barbecue in the South at Haywood Smokehouse or choose more modern fare at Sweet Onion or Bourbon, Beef, and Ale.
Franklin, Tennessee – Just outside of Nashville lies charming Franklin. Sauntering is a favorite activity in this town, where a stroll down Main Street provides people watching, boutique shopping, and musical entertainment. Just a short drive you will find Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and Museum of Art, one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the South with an array of activities for fall including a pumpkin house, Halloween Pooch parade, Dia de los Muertos festival, and so much more. For an evening to remember plan your Franklin getaway around one of the historic Franklin Theatre shows with acts like Rumor Willis, Kathy Mattea, and the Gateway Chamber Orchestra. Also close by Kix Brooks’ Arrington Vineyards where 
you can enjoy Jazz in the Courtyard and Bluegrass in the Barn throughout the season. For an unforgettable place to stay choose Cabin Creek Farm nestled on 5.5 acres of farmland and 3 miles from Franklin. If proximity to downtown is what you are looking for check out the Inn at Franklin Square with beautifully furnished rooms at a great price. For eats you must make reservations at the Homestead Manor located on a 10 acre farm. Try their Chef’s Table Experience, an intimate dining occasion where the chef personally chooses items for your party that are not available to anyone else by way of our regular menu. For other eats enjoy Saffire, Cork and Cow, and Puckett’s Grocery.
Natchez, Mississippi – To those who make their way to Natchez, Mississippi in the fall, the colors they see are not just fall leaves along the Natchez Trace, but also ones that are big, bright, and full of hot air. For 31 years, the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race has brought people from all over the world to Mississippi. With festivities October 14-16, there is a balloon glow, ballon race, beer garden, and great music including The Revivalists and Tab Benoit. The place to stay is Brandon Hall Plantation, a former cotton plantation located just off the beautiful Natchez Trace. For eats, enjoy the breakfast at Brandon Hall then make the short drive into Natchez proper for a meal at Cotton Alley Cafe or Carriage House at Stanton Hall.
New Orleans, Louisiana – Already filled with characters, I cannot imagine a more fun place to experience Halloween festivities. Enjoy the Krewe of Boo on October 22, New Orleans official Halloween parade filled with larger than life paper mache and fiberglass spooks and ghouls. On actual Halloween weekend enjoy Voodoo Music Festival featuring some of the world’s top musicians, artists, and of course New Orleans’ famous food. See the lineup here. For plush accommodations, a bit of Sazerac history, and a rooftop pool and bar, The Roosevelt is always an ideal choice. For eats, you cannot visit New Orleans without dining at Cochon, Galatoires, and the new, distinct Shaya.