The weather is changing to this beautiful crispiness that we didn’t receive this spring and I couldn’t be more thrilled! Fall is full of football, foliage and a fantastic time for memories. Atlanta has so many great things to do to, and you need to get the most of your beautiful fall weather before it’s too late! Here are some of my favorite things to do.
- Waterfall Chasing
Georgia has some beautiful waterfalls that can make enjoying that foliage even better. There are some waterfalls super close to the city. But there are some waterfalls a little ways away but worth the drive!
The Roswell Mill
Roswell Mill- An easy hike about 25 minutes north of the city, Roswell Mill is situated right next to downtown Roswell!
Amicola Falls- An hour and a half north of the city, with a vigorous hike worth the views! As a state park, entry will run you $10.
Emery Creek Falls– Slightly east of Dalton, this piece of paradise is stacked with beautiful waters and an amazing hike to match.
Lullwater Park – An unknown piece of paradise right inside the city near Emory University, Lullwater is surrounded by a beautiful array of homes!
2. Corn-Mazes and Pumpkin Patches
Corn Dawgs Corn Maze
Nothing screams fall more than these two! Together, they are great for date nights, kids nights, or even simply to just get out of the house. Most require a small drive outside the city, but for the cost the fun is well worth it.
Corn Dawgs Corn Maze– East of the city and situated in Convington, this location provides the most bang for your buck. Not only will you get a corn maze, but also a hay ride and tons of games! Only $12 for entry.
Buford Corn Maze– A little outside the city but a huge maze to compensate! A little more expensive with the corn maze being $15, but you can get a combo ticket for $25.
Uncle Shucks– Probably the most famous outside Atlanta, but 100% worth it based on my experience last year! An hour outside the city in Dawsonville, I think their corn maze deals are excellent with the original being $11 or the haunted one and a hayride at $22 (warning: possibly the scariest and funnest corn maze I have ever experienced).
Sleepy Hollow Farm & Escape Woods– A little west of the city but great for kids and families! $12 gets you the corn maze and a hayride.
3. Wine Tasting
View at Three Sister’s Winery
For those unfamiliar with the regions outside Atlanta, North Georgia has incredible vineyards. An hour and a half drive will give you access to 10+ vineyards, complete with the great views and wine everyone loves to enjoy! It is a perfect thing to do for a day trip; take the girls, the hubby or just go alone to enjoy the peace and quite of the North Georgia mountains.
Three Sisters Winery – A beautiful vineyard with multiple outdoor spaces to sit back and relax. The tasting area is on the small side, but they do have some interesting choices like a wine that pairs with cheetos! I promise wine and cheetos were meant for each other. $15 gets you 5 wine tastings.
Frogtwon Winery – Nestled next to some breath-taking mountains, this winery has excellent charm and space. A huge house for tasting, siting and relaxing completes the image. You can cater your tasting to having only reds or only whites depending on your preferences as well! Going on a Sunday helps avoid the large crowds Frogtwon draws. $24 equals 5 wine tastings here.
Montaluce– This winery wins the academy award for Castle Doppelgänger and reminds me of my time in southern France! You can also choose only red or white wines in this location as well, and they even have a free tour of their cellars at 12pm every weekend! $18 equates to 5 wine tastings.
Wolf Mountain Vineyards– This beautiful property is perfect for a family setting, where the founding family themselves live on the vineyard to complete the image. You can see the vineyards with a panoramic view from wherever you choose to sit and enjoy the wine. $16 for 6 wines or you can even get a class for around $7.
Cavender Creek– The smallest but most intimate of these wineries. This beautiful slice of land and rustic cabin feel can make anyone feel at home, with their delicious wine completing the ambiance. $12 creates 4 tastings.
4. Foliage Watching
The best place to see the beautiful foliage is through any local or state park! I have some favorites that I think are worth it for the views.
The beautiful foliage at Sweetwater Creek State Park
Sweetwater Creek State Park– $5 gets you some of the flattest trails and the best places to watch, with a beautiful river that runs through as well!
Chastain Park– Just 10 miles north of the city, this park is the perfect place for everyone. With lots of trees for leaves to fall off of, nothing could be better. Park near the horse park to see some beauties as well!
Tallulah Gorge– An hour and a half drive outside the city, this hike is vigorous but one of the best views in the state. It includes a beautiful waterfall as well. Perfect for a day trip to stop by the dancing goats restaurant after! $10 for parking.
Anna Ruby Falls– Another far drive outside the city, but waterfalls and foliage galore! What more could you ask for?
Panola Mountain State Park– If you are wanting to stay a tad closer to the city, this is the place! It is located in southeast Atlanta with relatively low trails.
Leita Thompson Memorial Park– Right between Woodstock and Roswell, this park is the best place to go for a mini hike just beyond the perimeter. The woods are full of beautiful trees to show off that foliage!
East Palasides Trail– Tucked inside the perimeter right next to the Chattahooche river, this park has great views and a touch of bamboo.
5. Festival’s Galore!
Fall is the best time for festivals that allow you to walk around and always have something to do! See below for some of my favorites.
Yellow Daisy Festival– Located at Stone Mountain park, this fair is focused on arts and crafts but is still an amazing place to see! $15 gets you into the park and $5 earns the festival, but you can also spend the whole day at the park doing some hiking!
Marietta Street Fest– Just 30 minutes north of the city inside Marietta Square, this festival is free for the whole family! Make sure you park at the church parking lot and walk over to avoid unnecessary spending.
Atlanta Streets Alive– Do you love biking? If so, this festival is all about you! Closing the streets of Atlanta and avoiding cars is what this festival is all about.
Atlanta Greek Festival– A great recommendation from one of my students. I go to the Marietta location in the spring, but this is in the fall and is for all of Atlanta! Located just north of the city off Clairmont Road, get ready for some delicious food and amazing dancing.
Candler Park Fall Fest– What I love most about this festival is how you can see the local community by touring the homes! The cute bungalows that give this area its identity make it a worthwhile visit, and you can even take MARTA to get there too and avoid some driving.
