Southern Getaways for Fall Slideshow

Where better to enjoy dramatic shifts in elevation and tree-covered peaks and valleys than the Mountain State? Home to a swath of the Appalachians, West Virginia is laced with hiking trails and peppered with appealing burgs such as Davis, Snowshoe, and Harper’s Ferry. While you are there, you’ll want to plan an excursion to the United States’s newest national park: New River Gorge, tucked near the southern border and famed for its rushing waters and diversity of flora and fauna.

Mississippi might not be the first state that comes to mind when you think about a coastal getaway, but one of the South’s best-kept secrets is the sweet, sleepy town of Ocean Springs. Blessed with soft sandy beaches, excellent shopping, and a thriving arts culture, it’s among our most cherished escapes for pure relaxation.

As the autumn days mellow, the South’s most beautiful lakes beckon, whether your passion is boating, fishing, canoeing, paddleboarding, or lounging dockside to watch the sun set over the rippling horizon. Among the top such destinations in the region is Arkansas’ Lake Hamilton, an easy drive from the popular town of Hot Springs. One of our favorite botanical gardens, Garvan Woodland Gardens, is tucked along its shores; pair time spent on the water with a stroll through its peaceful forests and a visit to its dramatic, light-filled Anthony Chapel, where the turning leaves are visible through towering glass-paneled walls.