Fall in the South, just the words evoke visions of brightly colored leaves, fields of cotton, apple pie, tailgates, deeply hued sunsets, and hiking trails. With the changing landscape and a breeze rustling through the trees, nature beckons us to wander and with so many destinations in driving distance, Huntsville sits perfectly positioned to hit the road this autumn. From farmhouses and fields, to fall foliage and mountain peaks, to coastlines and city lights, here are 3 destinations to chart as temperatures become more mild and the urge to explore this fall wonderland takes hold.
Just a short drive, Chattanooga offers plenty of outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking as well as great places to eat and unwind. Journey north to Lexington and find the finest destination in horse racing, Keeneland, along with celebrations of all things fall at the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. Then journey south to a city renowned for its culture, diversity, food scene and love of a good time, New Orleans.
CHATTANOOGA
Just a short drive from North Alabama is a place where the mountains tower above, the river runs deep below, and the cool vibe is present almost everywhere you go, that place nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains is Chattanooga.
Where To Stay
The Edwin - This downtown luxury hotel is situated right by the pedestrian walking bridge and located in walking distance of many attractions and restaurants. Its convenient location, well decorated interiors, renowned spa and attentive service make it a favorite place to gather for visitors and locals.
Where To Eat
Urban Stack - Gourmet burgers of all kinds with unique, locally sourced sides and lively atmosphere make Urban Stack a must when in the Nooga.
Easy Bistro - Easy Bistro is an award winning restaurant located in downtown Chattanooga. Enjoy slurping tasty bivalves while sipping on a craft cocktail or mocktail then move along to small, medium, or large plates that use the freshest, local ingredients.
Whitebird - Located inside The Edwin, enjoy Southern fare with a twist while immersed in a beautifully designed space. Its location also makes it ideal for watching sunset.
What To Do
Hiking - A hiker’s paradise, Chattanooga is the place to explore the outdoors in fall. In this city bordered by mountains and carved by the Tennessee River into a ‘Moccasin Bend’, it is easy to find a great hike. Two of my favorites are Cravens House to Sunset Rock and Rainbow Lake to Signal Point, both offer vistas for miles that are sure to mesmerize and give your body a workout.
Bluff Arts District - The Hunter Museum of American Art in the Bluff View ArtsDistrict offers some of the Southeast’s best exhibits. A stroll through the Bluff View Arts District is a treat in itself as you pass by the blown glass exhibit overlooking the Tennessee River and stroll through the sculpture garden. Rembrandt’s Cafe offers coffee, breakfast and lunch. Make a stop in the River Gallery which features many local and regional artists.
Tennessee Aquarium - Chattanooga is home to America’s best aquarium with a wide range of exhibits to explore and creatures to discover, a must for anyone with children. Not only will the kids learn something new, but so will you.
L2 Outside - Paddleboarding and kayaking is offered daily along the Tennessee River Gorge by L2 Outside. It is easy to do from downtown Chattanooga. For a real treat, book a sunset tour for only $40.
LEXINGTON
Rolling green hills dressed in wildflowers, thoroughbreds grazing behind white fences that sweep along the highway, this is Lexington, Kentucky. Besides the obvious reasons people visit Lexington – horses and bourbon – there is a town full of charm, creativity, and fun for the whole family that is staking its claim in the modern South.
Where To Stay
1880's Historic Kentucky Cabin – Situated on a vast horse ranch right outside of Paris, Ky and right beside Claiborne Farm, this historic log cabin was built in the 1880s and is as charming and functional as it gets with plenty of amenities – a beautiful screened porch, fully equipped kitchen, fireplace, sunrise and sunset views, kayaks, a canoe, Adirondack chairs overlooking Stoner Creek, and an outdoor dining area that is gorgeous. Owners Chet and Diane are incredible hosts and make sure you are well taken care of. Fifty horses live in the pastures surrounding the cabin and sheep roam freely. A kayak or canoe trip down the slow moving Stoner Creek is as peaceful as it gets. Visit airbnb.com - ‘Cabin on Stoner Creek’.
The Gratz Park - The Gratz Park Inn sits on land first settled in 1781 and is conveniently located in historical Lexington with downtown in easy walking distance. The hotel exudes Southern hospitality with nicely furnished rooms, a beautiful library, and even gardens to sit and relax in.
Where To Eat
Third Street Cafe – One of the coolest coffee shops I’ve ever been in. Enjoy reading the walls outside and inside while browsing the art. Third Street serves up Fair Trade, Certified Organic, locally roasted coffee, breakfast, and sandwiches. They also have a slew of unique, creative gifts to shop too.
Lockbox – Led by executive chef Jonathan Searle, the menus at Lockbox showcase a deep network of local providers and the bounty of ingredients fed by Kentucky’s limestone-rich soil.
Crank and Boom – Crank and Boom is a must visit for those with kids or those kids at heart. Enjoy a flight of ice cream and any of their signature flavors: Bourbon & Honey, Kentucky Blackberry & Buttermilk, Coffee Stout, Vanilla Bean, Blueberry Lime Cheesecake, SuperFudge, Fresh Strawberry, and Salted Caramel.
What To Do
Keeneland – No doubt you are aware that Kentucky is known for its racing, but did you know that one of the most beautiful race tracks in the world is in Lexington? Only open in October and April, Keeneland is a part of Lexington life. For a mere $5 general admission or $10 grandstand seat you can partake in its Southern sophistication and infectious energy.
Claiborne Farm – Want to visit where Secretariat lived along with other Triple Crown, Derby, and Breeder’s Cup winners? Take a trip to Paris (Kentucky that is) and book the 10am or 11am tours at Claiborne Farms. You will learn the history of Claiborne Farms and meet horses valued at $85 million too.
Shaker Village Of Pleasant Hill – Something the whole family will enjoy is a visit to Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill just 30 miles South of Lexington. You can stay, dine, or just enjoy the day with incredible activities and events throughout the year. Regularly occurring events include riverboat rides, paddleboarding, cycling, music on the lawn, horse-drawn carriage rides, and gardening classes. Special events include Harvest Fest, Halloween Boo! Cruise, Spirit Strolls, Family Quail Dinner, and Blessing of the Hounds Fox Hunt.
Old Friends Farm – In a little more than a decade Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY, has put a new face on the concept of equine aftercare. Founded in 2003 by former Boston Globe film critic Michael Blowen, the organization has grown from a leased paddock and one horse to a 136-acre farm, a herd of over 175 rescued and retired horses. March 15 – November 4, tours are daily at 10 am, 1 pm & 3 pm. Reservations are required and can be made online.
NEW ORLEANS
If there is a Southern city that best captures the charm, the character, and the diversity of the South it is New Orleans. A city that is alive and thriving with a richness in diversity, curiosity to explore, and a culinary experience that has moved far beyond beignets and Bearnaise.
Where To Stay
Windsor Court Hotel - This luxury hotel is reason enough to fall in love with New Orleans. If you want to feel like royalty book one of The Windsor Court’s Club Level suites. These rooms have a foyer, bar room, living room, bedroom, vanity and closet room, bathroom, and 2 balconies boasting unrivaled views of New Orleans. Enjoy attentive service, a heated rooftop pool, plush linens, and the coziness of home.
Where To Eat
Jack Rose - Looking for a scene? This is THE place. Just imagine if Auntie Mame opened a restaurant. With maximalist decor defining each room in its own theme, artwork by Ashley Longshore adorning the walls, an inventive drink list with cocktails and mocktails, and a mile high dessert that comes equipped with pyrotechnics, if you came to New Orleans to experience the grandiose, Jack Rose has it all.
Doris Metropolitan – Doris Metropolitan may be a meat lovers dream, but the menu is packed with creative delicious fare for palates of all kinds. I highly recommend the Beetroot (one of the best dishes I have ever eaten), Artichoke Flower salad, and Baladi Eggplant. The view is quite nice too, if you get a window seat, you may see wedding parties as they parade down Chartres.
Bywater American Bistro - James Beard Award Winner Nina Compton opened Bywater with chef Levi Raines at the helm while Compton’s Caribbean influences are seen in dishes like Roasted Gulf Fish with Coconut Crema and Jerk Peanuts served with Burrata and Peaches.
SABA - Meaning Grandfather in Hebrew, SABA is located in Uptown New Orleans and celebrates chef Alon Shaya's food journey. With influences from the Middle East, Europe and North Africa, SABA offers mouth watering flavor combinations in family style portions.
Galatoire's - For a taste of traditional New Orleans there is Galatoire’s. This iconic restaurant is one of those that should be on your bucket list. Reservations for Friday lunch is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. Locals recommend the Oyster Rockefeller and Escargot to start, Godchaux Salad, and for an entree the Stuffed Eggplant, you won’t regret it. And for quite the show order the Cafe Brulot for the table.
Domilise's Po' Boy - The best po' boy hands down. Domilise's was founded in 1918 by Peter and Sophie Domilise, after World War II Peter turned it over to Sam and daughter in law Dorothy 'Miss Dot' Domilise. Miss Dot would live and work for more than 70 years on Annunciation and Bellcastle Streets. Still thriving Domilise's has served many generations of families.
Cochon – Whether you choose the restaurant or the butcher you will be in for a treat. Cochon delivers some of the best food you will ever put in your mouth with the key ingredient being ‘simplicity’.
Peche – Honored with two James Beard Awards, try the steak tartare with oyster aioli, marinated crab claws, crab and jalapeño capellini, or Louisiana shrimp roll.
Cafe du Monde – Whether it’s early morning or late night – you just have to dive into that powdered sugar sand castle.
What To Do
Preservation Hall – Open nightly, all ages are welcome. What a treasure Preservation Hall is to New Orleans, to the South, and to jazz music. This is a must whether you are traveling with friends, on a couples trip, or with the family. Every night, Preservation Hall presents intimate, acoustic concerts featuring bands made up from a current collective of 100+ local master Traditional New Orleans Jazz musicians.
NOMA – Impressive collections and unique exhibits can be found at New Orleans Museum Of Art, but a not to be missed part of NOMA is a morning walk through the Sculpture Garden.
The Sazerac Bar at The Roosevelt Hotel – The original ‘who dat’ drink , the Sazerac was created in New Orleans and The Sazerac Bar at The Roosevelt carries with it as much history and folklore as the famed cocktail.
Whatever your destination this fall. Get out and enjoy the different personalities of the South.
Besides the obvious reasons people visit Lexington – horses and bourbon – there is a town full of charm, creativity, and fun for the whole family that is staking its claim in the modern South.