3 Local Destinations to Visit this Fall

What better way than to spend your fall and Thanksgiving breaks than traveling around to see and experience the best weather in some of the most beautiful cities in the state? As the leaves start to change colors and the temperatures begin to drop, these are some of the most commonly visited places, and are great for any family or group trip during the fall season! The best part? All of these are relatively local places, all located within the state of Georgia, making it possible to turn some of these into day trips rather than an entire week-long vacation.

HELEN

Visiting this quaint town in North Georgia during the fall months is one of the best and most memorable days you’ll likely have. Helen is famous for its Oktoberfest celebrations, and it’s actually one of the longest-running Oktoberfest celebrations in the entire country. The festival runs from mid-September to late October, but check its website for specific details. Oktoberfest features live music, German food, beer, and all sorts of activities and entertainment for everyone. You can also go tubing in the lazy river that runs through the German town. Because the weather will be cool but still warm, this might very well be your last opportunity to hit the water before it turns cold. You can also explore the Alpine-style stores in downtown Helen and find unique gifts and souvenirs. Lastly, if you prefer to make this longer than just a day trip, you can rent cabins in the woods to entirely immerse yourself in the fall atmosphere. 

TALLULAH GORGE STATE PARK

One of the main highlights of visiting Tallulah Gorge State Park in the fall is to see the vibrant display of foliage throughout. Start off in the visitor center to gather information, view the exhibits they have inside, and pick up maps of the trails that you can hike. There are typically park rangers stationed throughout to give advice on the best spots to visit during this season. The park’s peak fall season begins in October, so it’s advised to visit sometime then. Be aware of park fees, hours, and safety regulations. Check the website to see how much you have to pay for entrance, how long you can be there, and appropriate forms of dress and shoes to ensure you have a safe hike. Once there, you can set up camp with tents or RVs (as long as you make a reservation in advance). You can also visit waterfalls along the path of your hike.

SAVANNAH

Visiting Savannah, GA is a great idea during the fall season. The weather is pleasant, there are a variety of outdoor activities to participate in, and it gives you a chance to stroll and explore all of the historical elements of the city without feeling the intensity of Georgia heat and humidity. Take a stroll through Savannah’s historical district with its cobblestone streets, oak trees, and take in the beautiful architecture. You can also plan a visit to Forsyth Park and visit the iconic Forsyth Fountain. Another key tourist attraction in Savannah is River Street. The street is lined with restaurants, shops, and other historical buildings. You can even participate in riverboat cruises or ghost tours while the weather is still great to learn more about the city’s spooky past and enjoy scenic views from all angles of the city.