by Denise K. James

Nature and Nurture: Jekyll Island, Georgia

A fall getaway on Jekyll Island, Georgia is twice as nice – less commercialized than some coastal towns, and, given the ebbing temperatures, it’s easier to unplug from life and immerse yourself in nature. Because Jekyll is one of Georgia’s state parks, visitors look forward to points of interest such as the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, the state’s only sea turtle rehabilitation facility, or Driftwood Beach, a shoreline known for its “boneyard” of beautiful driftwood. Biking and hiking are especially enticing in the autumn months, and you can catch the end of turtle hatching season – lasting August through October – or participate in an eco-tour.

The Shrimp & Grits Festival, this year on October 24 and 25, is another reason to book the trip. This free two-day event offers a variety of takes on the classic Southern dish, and festival-goers can enjoy live music, an artisan market and plenty of other food at the Jekyll Island National Historic Landmark District. Oceanfront accommodations book quickly, so it’s best to plan early. And pack layers, according to the locals, though the afternoons are warm, nights start getting breezy and cool.

Foodies on Jekyll will have plenty to choose from. Lovers of margaritas, Mexican fare and oceanfront vibes can find all three at Tortuga Jack’s; they also serve breakfast till 11 a.m. Order a stunning cocktail at the Alexander Bar and Boar’s Head Lounge, located at the Jekyll Island Club, serving libations from points in history. For an upscale dinner experience, check out Eighty Six Ocean Kitchen and Bar or Willet’s Lowcountry, or enjoy more casual fare at Zachry’s Riverhouse, Red Bug Motors Pizza, Sunrise Grille, and Corridor Z Kitchen & Cocktails.

A Southern Smoke Show: Lexington, North Carolina

Established around the furnishing and textile traditions of North Carolina, Lexington continues to boast small-town charm but with a burgeoning food and wine scene. With its own barbecue style, aptly known as Lexington barbecue and born in the early 1900s, the town maintains local lore around this Southern delicacy, including the fact that the municipal judge stopped court for lunch based on tantalizing aromas.

Fans of ‘cue should visit the town any time for its dozen or so restaurants, but autumn has an even more enticing reason: to attend The Barbecue Festival, this year slated for October 25. The one-day event is a town-wide celebration with thousands of pounds of pork, red sauce, slaw and hushpuppies, plus wines from internationally-known winemaker Mark Friszolowski, hundreds of vendors, a carnival area and even a pig sand sculpture. In addition to the festival, locals recommend a handful of delicious restaurants worth the road trip, including Southern Lunch, a meat-and-three helmed by third-generation owner Herb Lohr; the 60-year-old (and counting!) Lexington Barbecue; and Sophie’s Cork & Ale, a bistro of small plates, great wine and seafood.

For those who prefer a more nature-forward getaway, Lexington is ideal. As home of High Rock Lake, which covers 15,000 acres and is the second-largest lake in the state, the area draws a number of visitors for swimming, boating and fishing, and the 22-mile Daniel Boone Canoe Trail follows Yadkin River and is great for paddling. Or, for a more curated experience, take a lesson at Elevated Wake Park, where even beginners can try paddleboarding.

Follow the North Star: North Charleston, South Carolina

When most of us think about Charleston, we picture carriage rides and couture on King Street. But just slightly north of the oft-overcrowded downtown is North Charleston, filled with new ways to see and enjoy the Lowcountry. Think more casual but just as full of great restaurants, events and views. As the heat breaks in the late summer and into early fall, it’s a fantastic time to explore Park Circle or the Historic Navy Yard, now hosting the Charleston Design District, where you can visit artisans at their studios, learn about Naval history, and dine at a new restaurant slated to open in late in the year.

Riverfront Park, home of the popular Highwater Festival each spring and stunning views of the Cooper River, remains a great spot for music in autumn. Riverfront Revival, a two-day musical celebration on October 10 and 11 this year, features acts like local celebrities Darius Rucker and Bill Murray (plus his Blood Brothers band) as well as The Red Clay Strays, Riley Green, and Whiskey Myers. Curated by Rucker, the festival benefits the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital.

Cuisine is still the focal point in North Chuck, and Park Circle’s restaurant row and other “hidden gems” attract foodies near and far. A weekend trip to North Charleston won’t break the bank – accommodations are more affordable, and parking is often free – and patrons can explore eateries such as CODFather Proper Fish & Chips, The Tattooed Moose, Jackrabbit Filly, King BBQ, Nigel’s Good Food, Cakette Bakeshop, Paddock and Whisky, and more. Don’t forget great cocktails, craft beers, and coffee to wash everything down.

Closer Than You Think: Richmond, Virginia

Where can you travel that is equal parts history and progress – where you might find a tea room and a tattoo parlor in the same neighborhood, or where you can easily choose between nature or culture? The Richmond, Virginia region is less than one day’s drive for most Americans and a surprisingly quick road trip for those of us in the South. In the Fall, Richmond comes to life with events, opportunities to make the most of natural beauty, and a welcoming cityscape to explore.

With seven districts in the city, there’s a little something for everyone in Richmond, from countrysides with stately homes and wineries to urban cores with arts and culture. Two must-dos for visitors in autumn (besides just driving around and admiring the foliage) include rafting on the James River – a picturesque escape tucked into the city – and visiting the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, spanning 5,000 years and containing 50,000 objects. Events in the Fall months include the Richmond Folk Festival, a free three-day event of performances; the Second Street Festival, also free and celebrating the culture of Jackson Ward, a historically BIPOC neighborhood; and Hops in the Park, featuring craft beers, music and food at Henricus Historical Park. Fall’s weather is unpredictable, so pack layers, and leave your car parked to experience Richmond’s free bus system.

The food scene in Richmond is delightfully diverse, ranging from authentic Jewish delis to Southern barbecue. For French fare with a Southern twist, book a table at the whimsically named L’Opossum, an artsy space with a seasonal, frequently changing menu. Barbecue fans will want to scout out the Original Ronnie’s BBQ, a casual roadside eatery with ribs, brisket and pulled pork. Sample Greek cuisine at Stella’s, a Richmond institution since 1983, or try the award-winning Indian food at Lehja. For daytime meals, grab breakfast, lunch and drinks at Perly’s, Richmond’s authentic Jewish delicatessen.

Not Just a Football Town: Athens, Georgia

We don’t blame anyone for venturing to Athens to watch the University of Georgia Bulldogs play a game, but we will tell you that the town offers much more than just collegiate activities. Equal parts bohemian, historic, and academic, Athens tends to draw visitors for what they’ve heard about it, then delight and surprise with its cuisine, culture, and charm.

Music fans know that REM, the B-52s, Widespread Panic and scores of other well-loved acts – as well as some newer ones, such as Hotel Fiction – hail from the streets of Athens. But it takes an in-person adventure to see how the same creative spirit is still alive and well. Fall is the perfect time to dive into everything Athens offers, including the seventh annual Porch Fest, this year on October 19 and featuring more than 200 acts. Or check out the Wild Rumpus Halloween Parade and Spectacle, now in its 17th year, on October 25. Not a football fan? Plan your trip during the week or on UGA’s away weekends for shorter restaurant waits, better lodging prices, and fewer crowds, according to locals. And pack some comfortable shoes—the town is incredibly walkable.

Athens’ upscale restaurant scene is growing and gaining traction. Spots such as Puma Yu’s – an Asian eatery led by James Beard finalist Chef Pete Amadhanirundr – and modern Italian with Southern flair eatery, Osteria Olio, are worth the splurge. But you really can’t go wrong in Athens when it comes to a cuisine-led adventure: Even casual spots such as the famed Last Resort Grill, Mama’s Boy (Get the Georgia Peach French Toast), and British market Birdie’s will keep you physically and spiritually full.

A Harvest of Autumn Adventures: Visit These 5 Southern Towns For Seasonal Getaways