Ask anyone what their favorite season is, and most are quick to reply, “fall!” The temperatures are mild, the decor is cozy, the food is comforting, and the celebrations are festive – especially in Atlanta. Autumn is the season where the Big Peach truly shines. Here are just a few of the best things to do in Atlanta this fall:
Stone Mountain Park
Nestled in 3,200 acres of natural beauty, visitors enjoy family-friendly attractions, outdoor recreational activities, and year-round events. You can spend a whole day exploring Stone Mountain Park. There are over 15 miles of nature trails for hiking, including a 1-mile trail to the summit of Stone Mountain. Enjoy a picnic by the 363 acre lake, or tee-off on one of two beautiful golf courses. Bring your camera and have a family photoshoot at one of the many picturesque spots throughout the park – from the Grist Mill to the historic Washington W. King covered bridge. One of the park’s best events, the Pumpkin Festival, is now through October 31 on select days. Enjoy family-friendly park attractions and fall entertainment all day. Then, after the sun goes down, discover the new Nighttime Parade and plenty of other new, not-so-spooky, glowing experiences!
Sweetwater Creek State Park
This 2,549 acre Georgia state park is located in east Douglas County, 15 miles from downtown Atlanta. Throw on your best flannel and pack a picnic basket for a fun-filled day at Sweetwater. Discover miles of wooded trails along the stream to the ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company, a textile mill that was burned during the Civil War. Beyond the mill, the trail climbs rocky bluffs to provide views of the beautiful rapids below. The landscape at this state park is stunning – from the fields and forest, ferns, magnolias, wild azaleas, and hardwoods. On your route back home, make a pitstop at Reformation Brewery for a cold beer, a game of bingo, and some BBQ.
Atlanta Halloween Half Marathon/5K
Fall is the perfect time to lace up your running shoes and hit the pavement, and the Atlanta Halloween Half Marathon and 5k is the ideal inspiration to get in shape.
Apple Picking
One of everybody’s favorite fall pastimes is apple picking, and there’s no better place for it than in Atlanta. Discover many of the various charming farms near the city, including Urban Sprout Farms, Mitcham Farm, and My Dad & Me Family Farm. Bring the kiddos, wear some flannel and enjoy a day of good old-fashioned family fun. Don’t stop there – take your fresh pickings home and whip up a homemade apple pie.
The Inn at Serenbe
Atlanta has a lot of hidden gems, but one of the best, and one of our favorites, is the Inn at Serenbe. This rural, upscale inn is located just 30 miles outside of Atlanta, making it the perfect romantic autumn staycation. Cozy up in the farmhouse or a cottage for a long weekend, and discover the charm of Chattahoochee Hills. Start your day with a complimentary country breakfast at the inn or an artisanal coffee at the quaint Blue Eyed Daisy Bakery. Next up, enjoy a class at the nearby Studio13 or Serenbe Yoga + Bodyworks. Continue the activities with a visit to the Art Farm or the Serenbe Farm’s market. Here, you can shop for various healthy food and artisan goods from local vendors. If you bring the kiddos along, they’ll love visiting with and petting the local farm animals. If you still have the energy to explore, there are 900+ acres of trails on the inn grounds, an outdoor pool, hot tub, and croquet lawn. Lastly, when hunger strikes, there are a variety of dining options near Serenbe. The Farmhouse offers organic, farm-to-table cuisine in an airy, genteel setting with country touches.
Rooftop Bars
Autumn is the perfect season for making the most of the crisp, cool air and cozying up on a rooftop bar. The Clermont Hotel and Rooftop Bar is one of our favorites. Here, you can enjoy a hot toddy in the fall and the romance of the skyline view. Grana is another favorite rooftop for cozy fall nights. Enjoy a comforting meal, like a wood-fired pizza or Pascarella’s handmade pasta, while overlooking Piedmont and cozying up by the fire pits.
Football game
Autumn, America, and football are a trio as old as time, and nowhere does football quite like Atlanta. Cheer on your local Falcons at the Mercedes Benz Stadium all season. If the game isn’t your thing, organize a crew, a few fun appetizers, some local craft beers, and some games for a pre-game tailgate.
Atlanta is one of the best places in this beautiful country to enjoy the season. If you’re looking for a new place to call home in the Atlanta area, start your search here.
