With a new season fast approaching, many of us are starting to map out our fall travels. If you’re looking for inspiration, consider placing these five Southern destinations at the top of your bucket list — Morehead & Rowan County, KY; Natchez, MS; North Charleston, SC; Frankfort, KY, and Corinth, MS. From seasonal celebrations to outdoor adventures and exciting attractions, each destination offers something ex citing and different!
Morehead & Rowan County, KY
Tucked inside the Daniel Boone National Forest and dubbed an official Kentucky Trail Town, Morehead and Rowan County is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Here are some of the highlights!
Golfers will enjoy playing a round or two at Eagle Trace Golf Course. The public 18-hole course is designed to challenge avid golfers while remaining enjoyable for all skill levels. Covering a maximum distance of 6,092 yards from the championship tees, you’ll find everything from water to sand and other topographic features.
The course also includes a spacious practice range and a clubhouse with a fully merchandised pro shop. When you’re done, grab a seat and unwind at the on-site concession area.
Another popular attraction is the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail. Whether you’re a hiker or biker, the multi-use trail covers over 330 miles. The trail runs through some of Rowan County’s most breathtaking hills and valleys, offering views of old homesteads, gas wells, and other remnants of Kentucky’s past.
Sheltowee Trace is also the only National Recreation Trail to run along a Main Street, as it winds through Downtown Morehead. This is the perfect opportunity to refuel with a snack and caffeine at local eateries like The Fuzzy Duck, 537 Coffee House, and All Seasons Cafe (which also doubles as a flower shop!).
If it’s water-related fun you’re after, spend an afternoon exploring Cave Run Lake. Known as a top destination for boating, fishing, and swimming, the lake is home to over 8,000 acres of open water and gorgeous views.
To make the most of your Cave Run endeavors, consider enlisting help from a local outfitter. Cave Run Kayaking Adventures offers kayak rentals, while Cave Run Muskies Guide Service hosts a variety of guided fishing tours ranging in length from half a day to three days.
Campers can also take advantage of the nearby campgrounds, Twin Knobs and Zilpo, which offer about 400 campsites in addition to swimming beaches, group picnic areas, and RV hookups.
Natchez, MS
Autumn in Natchez, MS, is full of fall festivals and other family-friendly seasonal events. Hosting everything from live music to pumpkin patches and historic home tours, here’s how to maximize your experience!
We recommend planning your trip to Natchez around one of its premier fall festivals. First on the agenda is the Downtown Pumpkin Patch Festival, which runs from October 10 to 31. Attendees can enjoy the pumpkin patch, face painting, a Halloween selfie station, ghost tours, and a haunted scavenger hunt.
Beginning shortly after the Pumpkin Patch Festival, Junkin’ on the River takes place on October 12 and 13. The 15-mile shopping trail runs along the banks of the Mississippi River and hosts a variety of antique stores, thrift boutiques, and food trucks.
Another fall staple, the Natchez Balloon Festival, returns on October 18 and 19 for its 39th year. Since 1986, the festival has welcomed visitors from across the country to enjoy a weekend of hot-air balloons, live music, and an arts and crafts market.
Rounding out October and presented by Y’all Means All Natchez, “The Weekend” hosts several fundraisers from October 24 to 27. The events support mental health efforts, psychology funds, and counseling grants for youth and displaced LGBTQ+ youth.
History buffs will enjoy Angels on the Bluff, which offers walking tours through the Historic Natchez City Cemetery. As you stroll among the majestic oak trees, you’ll hear stories about individuals who reside in the cemetery. Tours take place from November 7 to 9.
Rounding out the fall lineup on November 9, Allumer serves as Mississippi’s only light-based exhibition and festival. Taking place in Downtown Natchez, the festival hosts a variety of contemporary art installations that are free and open to the public.
Natchez is also home to a variety of beautiful historic homes, so it’s only fitting that the Pilgrimage Garden Club hosts a “Fall Pilgrimage,” where many of the homes are themed for the holidays and host festive events.
Natchez continues to host its year-round tours in the fall, too, including horse and buggy tours, ghost tours, kayaking tours, and more. For a complete list of options, click HERE.
North Charleston, SC
North Charleston, SC, is a fun-filled destination year-round. However, the city comes to life each fall with live music alongside scenic views. Here are a few of this season’s upcoming events — plus where to eat during your visit!
Curated by country superstar Darius Rucker, Riverfront Revival is a highly anticipated event every fall. Taking place at Riverfront Park, this year’s festival runs from October 11 through 12. The 2024 lineup includes musicians like Hootie & The Blowfish, Jamey Johnson, Hailey Whitters, the Tedeschi Trucks Band, and many more.
If you can’t attend the festival, we still recommend making time to explore Riverfront Park. Sitting on the banks of the Cooper River, surrounded by grand oak trees, the park offers so much to do beyond taking in the natural beauty. For example, spend some time looking at the historic homes or visiting the Charleston Naval Base Memorial.
Golfers can also enjoy a few hours at The Golf Club at Wescott Plantation. The 27-hole course was designed by renowned architect Dr. Michael Hurdzan and offers three nine-hole loops — the Black Robin Course, the Oak Forest Course, and the Burn Kill Course.
Newer to North Charleston’s attraction lineup is Park Circle. In addition to the world’s largest inclusive playground, you’ll also find an art and rehearsal studio, an inclusive baseball field, a nature garden, and walking trails.
After a day of exploring, it’s time to refuel. Luckily, North Charleston is home to a variety of casual eateries. King BBQ offers a unique twist on Southern barbecue, offering specialty plates like Moo Shu chopped smoked pork and BBQ Noodle Soup.
Just off the beaten path of Downtown Charleston, Firefly Distillery offers a delicious food truck menu alongside a collection of homemade spirits. Whether you’re a fan of vodka, moonshine, gin, or whiskey, you’re sure to find something to quench your thirst.
And we can’t forget about pizza lovers! EVO Pizzeria — which stands for Extra Virgin Oven — offers a robust menu full of specialty pies. Favorites include the Pork Trifecta, Speck and Peaches, Vegan Cali Summer, and Italian Meatball.
Frankfort, KY
For an authentic Kentucky vacation filled with riverboats, bourbon, and fall foliage, Frankfort is the ideal destination. Here are some of our favorite things to do and see in this Southern town!
A popular and unique way to experience the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is via Kentucky River Tours. As the only boat-based bourbon tour in the U.S., you can see first-hand why some of the earliest distillers decided to craft whiskey near the river.
Perfect for families, couples, and history enthusiasts, you can choose from a variety of tour options, including the flagship KY River Bourbon History Tour, the Old Taylor Tour, the Trace Tour, and the River Tour and Taste.
Frankfort also offers a few ways to enjoy bourbon on land. A standout option is Whiskey Thief Distilling Co., as it offers Kentucky’s first and only thieve-your-own bourbon experience. In addition to filling your own bottle of bourbon, the Whiskey Thief Uncut and Unfiltered Tour walks you through the still house and invites you to sample up to five bourbons or whiskeys straight from the barrel.
If it’s leaf-peeping you’re after, spend an afternoon at Cove Spring Park. In addition to plenty of hiking and biking trails, the 250-acre park offers up-close views of streams, springs, and waterfalls. Scenic overlooks, a children’s memorial, and an archery range complete the park.
Another popular outdoor green space is Josephine Sculpture Park. As Kentucky’s only outdoor sculpture park, it’s free and open to the public every day. As you stroll through the walking paths, you’ll see nearly 70 pieces of artwork. While some are there permanently, other sculptures are rotated out, offering guests a unique experience with every visit.
Exploring Historic Downtown Frankfort is also a must, as it’s home to some of the city’s best eateries and museums. For example, fuel up at restaurants like Bourbon on Main or Goodwood Brewing before visiting the Capital City Museum.
Be sure to peruse the local shops in Downtown Frankfort, too. Popular businesses include Completely Kentucky, em+me Boutique, and Broadway Clay.
Corinth, MS
For a fall getaway filled with a bit of everything, consider a trip to Corinth, MS. Whether you’re a history buff or foodie, there’s something for every type of traveler here!
To learn more about Corinth’s deep-rooted history, explore the interactive exhibits at the Civil War Interpretive Center. As you walk up the sidewalk to the 15,000-square-foot museum, you’ll spot metal replicas of war artifacts, ranging from weapons to shoes and hats.
When you enter the building, a good starting point is grabbing a seat in the theater to watch the informative introductory film. The movie sets the scene for the rest of the museum and its exhibits, highlighting Corinth’s pivotal role in the war and the events that transpired.
When you’re done exploring the Civil War Interpretive Center, take a quick drive to the Corinth Contraband Camp. While the camp’s structures no longer stand, there are metal statues throughout the park that showcase where nearly 6,000 newly freed slaves took their first steps toward freedom.
If you’d prefer to spend the afternoon shopping, there are plenty of charming boutiques to explore in Downtown Corinth. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to get a head start on your holiday shopping!
Sanctuary Antiques is a popular store with thoughtfully curated antiques, home decor, furniture, and clothing. It’s a beautiful place to stroll through the shelves filled with eye candy.
Another popular boutique is Sage & Willow. Filled with home goods, women’s and men’s apparel, paper goods, and accessories, you’re sure to find something to bring home with you.
Kates & Co. is primarily known as an interior design studio, but you can also stop in to peruse its collection of homewares, accessories, fabrics, and pottery.
When you’re ready for lunch, Borroum’s Drug Store is an absolute must. As the oldest operating drug store and soda fountain in Mississippi, it’s known for its famous slugburger, which includes a deep-fried meat patty in the middle. And don’t forget to top off your meal with a milkshake!
Pizza Grocery is another popular eatery known for its … you guessed it … pizza. However, if it’s a more upscale meal you’re after, consider booking a dinner reservation at Vicari!
Here’s to an adventure-filled fall!
This article is sponsored by Morehead-Rowan County Tourism, Visit Natchez, Visit North Charleston, Visit Frankfort, Kentucky, and Visit Corinth.
