Skip to content

Top Navigation

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Food
  • Holidays & Entertaining
  • Home & Garden
  • Style & Culture
  • News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Southern Living

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Explore

    Explore

    • These Haircuts Are Going To Be Huge in 2021

      The trendy haircuts you’ll be seeing everywhere next year. Read More Next
    • How To Season A Cast-Iron Skillet

      Learn how to season this Southern kitchen staple in five easy steps. Read More Next
    • The Right Way to Heat a Pre-Cooked Ham

      It's so easy, trust us. Read More Next
  • Food

    Food

    See All Food

    Lost Cakes of the South

    These simple and spectacular Southern cakes deserve a comeback
    • All Food
    • All Recipes
    • Holidays & Occasions
    • Quick Fix Suppers
    • Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Desserts
    • Casseroles
    • Healthy Recipes
  • Holidays & Entertaining

    Holidays & Entertaining

    See All Holidays & Entertaining

    70 Wedding Vow Examples That Will Melt Your Heart

    Fight writer's block and find ways to express your love with these romantic, funny, and short wedding vow examples.
    • Christmas
    • Entertaining
    • Thanksgiving
    • Southern Weddings
    • Easter
    • Kentucky Derby
    • Valentine's Day
    • 4th of July
    • Mother's Day
  • Home & Garden

    Home & Garden

    See All Home & Garden

    7 Paint Colors We’re Loving for Kitchen Cabinets in 2020

    ‘Tis the season to ditch your all-white palette in favor of something a little bolder and brighter.
    • Home Decor Ideas
    • Idea Houses
    • Before & After
    • Inspired Communities
    • Curb Appeal
    • House Plans & Builders
    • The Grumpy Gardener
    • Plant Names A-Z
  • Style & Culture

    Style & Culture

    See All Style & Culture

    50 Books Everyone Should Read in Their Lifetime

    Curl up with a classic!
    • Southern Culture
    • Hair
    • Travel
    • Beauty
    • Pets
    • Southern Fashion
    • Healthy Living
  • News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Southern Living
  2. travel
  3. 12 Southern Towns Perfect for a Cozy November Getaway

12 Southern Towns Perfect for a Cozy November Getaway

By Kaitlyn Yarborough
October 18, 2018
Skip gallery slides
Save FB Tweet
Credit: Simplyphotos/Getty Images
Finally, we say. Finally, fall has arrived. In the South, regardless of what the calendar might say, fall doesn’t really kick off until we officially dip under 75 degrees. On that day, we break out the sweaters, grab our pumpkin spice latte, and get ready for fall festivities.Nothing celebrates the season like catching the mountains, valleys, forests, and fields throughout the South when they’re absolutely on fire with fall color. Pair that stunning scenery with fall festivals, apple orchards, train rides, and charming town squares, and we’re really sold. These 12 Southern towns have you covered with the best places to travel in November and the ultimate places to see fall colors. Sounds like a win-win. 
Start Slideshow

1 of 13

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Pack your bags!

1 of 13

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 13

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Blue Ridge, Georgia

Credit: Robbie Caponetto

There’s a lot to love about this little mountain town. Though you can make it here from Atlanta in less than two hours, it’ll feel more like you’ve taken a deep dive into mountain country—and fall foliage heaven. Nestled up against the Chattahoochee National Forest, embark on an array of autumnal pursuits, such as apple picking at Mercier Orchards (which has been in business over 70 years) or hopping on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Either way, you’ll be taking in all the seasonal sights and smells.

2 of 13

3 of 13

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

New River Gorge, West Virginia

Credit: Simplyphotos/Getty Images

New River Gorge might be known for its white-water rafting, fishing, and hiking, but imagine doing all of those outdoor pursuits amid stunning displays of yellow, orange, and red leaves. Sound ideal? We thought so too. These woods are undeniably on fire with fall color. Long Point Trail, an easy 1.6-mile hike, serves up a breathtaking view of New River Gorge and its bridge—perfect for a sunset hike, perhaps?

3 of 13

Advertisement

4 of 13

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Charlottesville, Virginia

Credit: Robbie Caponetto

This stately town offers a hearty dose of history, merlot, and fall festivities. Settled amongst crisp, bright fall foliage, this Virginia getaway boasts an annual Heritage Harvest Festival that's so charming it belongs on the set of Gilmore Girls. The celebration kicks off the season on the colonial stomping grounds of Thomas Jefferson, aka his historic plantation Monticello, and the spirit carries into October and November. Monticello hosts an apple cider tasting in honor of "Virginia Cider Week" during the second week of November, and it runs holiday wreath workshops throughout the month. If visiting later in the season, get a taste of Virginia’s wine country on the Monticello Wine Trail and enjoy that autumn weather.

4 of 13

5 of 13

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Natchez, Mississippi

Credit: Robbie Caponetto

Here, it’s all about the antebellums, baby. During early fall, you can embark on what Natchez calls a “Fall Pilgrimage,” which is a seasonal tour that lets you take a peek inside some of the most breathtaking historic antebellum homes in the South. After the pilgrimage comes to a close in October, you can follow a self-guided tour of sorts, using our handy guide. Wind down at King’s Tavern, the oldest standing building in Natchez. (We recommend ordering their craft bourbon cocktail, "Rabbit’s Foot.”)

5 of 13

6 of 13

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Mobile, Alabama

Credit: Kim Hojnacki/Getty Images

There is no better place to wind down and enjoy a fall weekend than being cozied up right on the bay in Mobile. Few places are as inviting as a Southern hotel, especially when it’s all dressed up in the fineries of fall, so get into the getaway spirit by staying at The Battle House. Tucked in downtown Mobile, this historic hotel is filled with Southern charm. If inclined, make the 30-minute jaunt to neighboring Fairhope. You’ll be hard-pressed to find somewhere more scenic—with its antebellum homes, streets lined with live oaks, and charming, walkable downtown.

6 of 13

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 13

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Fredericksburg, Texas

Credit: Robbie Caponetto

This fall, find some unexpected gems in Texas Hill Country. Home to over 30 wineries, this getaway has us more than ready to say goodbye to tailgate beer and bourbon. In downtown Fredericksburg, experience the small town’s German heritage. You’ll find a festive Bavarian Inn and a few biergartens along the way. If you’re looking for fall color, journey outside of town to the Lost Maples State Natural Area, which is home to stunning—you guessed it—maples that turn bright orange and red.

7 of 13

8 of 13

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Hendersonville, North Carolina

Credit: Facebook/Bold Rock Hard Cider

Located 22 miles south of Asheville, Hendersonville feels similarly hip and funky, but boasts some real fall-worthy charm. Get your fill of pumpkin and apple spice donuts at fourth-generation working farm and orchard, Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard; then head over to Flat Rock Cider Works or Mills River Cidery to taste the local ciders. Hendersonville is a bit of a hard apple cider hub. The colorful Main Street seals the deal with more than a few cute shops and restaurants worth a visit.

8 of 13

9 of 13

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Townsend, Tenneessee

Credit: Charlie Choc

Words that describe this Tennessee town’s fall aesthetic: bluegrass, apple butter, woodworking, and jam cake. Oh, and a festival dubbed Old Timers Day, as if it couldn't get any more old-fashioned. Nestled right into the Smokies, this historic town packs in plenty of ways to celebrate the season. Don’t miss out on its Grains and Grits Festival in November, if you’re into that kind of thing. (Who isn’t?)

9 of 13

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 13

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Pensacola, Florida

Credit: Slava Bowman / EyeEm/Getty Images

The Panhandle is working hard to recover from the devastation done by Hurricane Michael, and this Old Florida beach town wants to keep spirits high. Show your support by spending a weekend walking the charming downtown shops and sticking your toes in the white sand. The Panhandle needs the love. Fall festivals run the gamut, from the artsy Foo Foo Festival to the festive Beach-O-Ween.

10 of 13

11 of 13

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Abita Springs, Louisiana

Credit: Chris Granger

This bayou town boasts big charm and craft brewing. It’s also home to a place known as “Louisiana’s most eccentric attraction," so naturally we’re hooked. For a quick weekend trip, this Cajun town offers some fall-worthy appeal. Start with Abita Mystery House (aforementioned eccentric attraction). Visitors can enter the mystery house through a vintage Standard Oil gas station, which leads to Louisiana-inspired exhibits and intriguing open-air vignettes. You can also explore the main hall of peculiar showpieces housed in a Creole cottage that’s over a century old. Finish the day with a cold craft brew from Abita Springs Brewery and Taproom. The seasonal Pecan Ale won’t disappoint.

11 of 13

12 of 13

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Harrodsburg, Kentucky

Credit: Facebook/Beaumont Inn

Located in the famed Bourbon-Bluegrass-Horse Country, Harrodsburg is Kentucky’s oldest town. As if that wasn’t quaint enough already, it has a historic downtown district that’s only a 10-minute walk from one of our South’s Best Inns, Beaumont Inn, which is celebrating its 99th birthday this year. Keeping alive old-timey dishes like “Yellow Legged” Fried Chicken and offering personalized bourbon tastings with the fifth-generation owner, this inn makes it easy to sit back and relax. Right outside of town, slip into a slower pace of life at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, home of the largest restored Shaker community in America.

12 of 13

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 13

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Winchester, Virginia

Credit: Courtesy City of Winchester

A gateway to the Shenandoah Valley, this small town feels cozier than a cashmere sweater. Steeped in Civil War history, it instantly makes you feel taken back in time. (Seven battles raged in and around the town.) Between its Greek Revival courthouse built in 1840 and refurbished 90-room George Washington Hotel built in 1924, this destination has even more to offer than the stunning fall color seen in the Valley. But that’s pretty nice on its own, too.

13 of 13

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Kaitlyn Yarborough

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 13 Pack your bags!
2 of 13 Blue Ridge, Georgia
3 of 13 New River Gorge, West Virginia
4 of 13 Charlottesville, Virginia
5 of 13 Natchez, Mississippi
6 of 13 Mobile, Alabama
7 of 13 Fredericksburg, Texas
8 of 13 Hendersonville, North Carolina
9 of 13 Townsend, Tenneessee
10 of 13 Pensacola, Florida
11 of 13 Abita Springs, Louisiana
12 of 13 Harrodsburg, Kentucky
13 of 13 Winchester, Virginia

Share options

Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Login

Southern Living

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • About Us
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Books from Southern Living
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
  • Sitemap

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
Southern Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. Southern Living is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporationthis link opens in a new tab All Rights Reserved. Southern Living may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.southernliving.com

View image

12 Southern Towns Perfect for a Cozy November Getaway
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.