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As we welcome the arrival of a new season, many of us are starting to map out our fall travels. If you’re looking for some inspiration, consider putting these three small Southern towns at the top of your destination list. Each one offers something different — from seasonal celebrations to outdoor adventures and exciting attractions. Take a look!
3 Small Southern Towns to Visit This Fall
Vicksburg, Mississippi
Whether you love to shop, learn about history, or take in the sights and sounds of nature, Vicksburg, MS, offers something for every type of traveler. The city’s historic downtown district is a great place to begin your adventure, as it’s home to local shops, eateries, and cultural attractions.
Downtown Vicksburg is set against a beautiful backdrop, thanks to the nearby Yazoo and Mississippi Rivers. As you stroll through the streets, be sure to stop at the famous ‘Welcome to Vicksburg’ mural for the perfect photo-op. Then, pop into any of the local shops to pick up a souvenir or two. H.C. Porter Gallery and Attic Gallery are both popular hotspots that showcase unique artwork from local makers. Plus, the Jackson Street Gallery at The Mulberry is new to Vickbsurg’s art scene and is another great place to soak in local artwork!
Downtown Vicksburg is home to plenty of opportunities for retail therapy.
For history buffs, downtown Vicksburg is also home to several museums. The Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum walks visitors through the history of one of America’s most well-known beverages. The Old Depot Museum is another popular destination that honors Vicksburg’s rich railroad history.
If Civil War history is more your speed, don’t miss out on the Vicksburg Civil War Museum, which houses millions (yes, millions) of Civil War-era artifacts. If you’re looking to dive even deeper into the city’s Civil War history, be sure to also visit the Vicksburg National Military Park, where the Siege of Vicksburg took place.
SB Tip: To make the most of your time in Vicksburg and its attractions, pick up a City Attractions Passport. Once you collect five stamps, you receive a free T-shirt!
Visit the Vicksburg National Military Park to see why Abraham Lincoln gave the city the nickname “Key of the South.”
Vicksburg is also a popular destination among hobby gamblers. Whether you prefer video poker, table gaming, slot machines, or sports betting, hundreds of games are available to test your luck. Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, Vicksburg is home to four casinos: Riverwalk Casino & Hotel, Bally’s Vicksburg, WaterView Casino, and Ameristar Casino.
Speaking of the Mississippi River, there are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy an exciting river excursion, thanks to the city’s proximity to the Mighty Mississippi. Whether you’re new to the world of canoeing or a seasoned expert, you can turn to the experts at Quapaw Canoe Company to see the best views of local wildlife and the changing fall foliage. Tours include day trips, overnight trips, and even multi-day trips.
Take in sunset views from the Mississippi River by booking an excursion with Quapaw Canoe Company.
When you’re ready for dinner, Vicksburg offers no shortage of delicious cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a casual, laid-back meal or something a bit more upscale, there are a variety of options to choose from. For dinner and a view, head to 10 South Rooftop & Bar, which overlooks the Mississippi River, Yazoo Diversion Canal, and downtown Vicksburg. You also can’t go wrong paying a visit to Beechwood Restaurant. As one of the city’s oldest restaurants, the family-friendly hotspot is known for its steaks and seafood.
Helen, Georgia
When you first arrive in Helen, GA, you may think you took a wrong turn and somehow ended up in Germany. From the cobblestone streets to colorful shops and stunning backdrop starring the Appalachian Mountains, it’s no wonder this alpine village is Georgia’s third most visited tourist destination.
To truly experience the Bavarian magic of Helen, we recommend visiting during Oktoberfest. As the longest-running Oktoberfest celebration in the U.S., this festival offers plenty of live music, dancing, beer, and delicious food at the Helen Festhalle. The festival runs from Thursday to Sunday through September and daily from Thursday, September 29, to Sunday, October 30. One of the festival’s most anticipated events is the annual Oktoberfest Parade, which starts at noon on Saturday, September 10, in downtown Helen.
Unlike other Oktoberfest celebrations, Helen’s annual Oktoberfest is family-friendly, offering an exciting parade and a kid-friendly dance floor.
If you can’t make it in time for Oktoberfest, don’t worry — Helen is also known as a top-rated Christmas destination! Celebrations kick off on Friday, November 25, at Riverfront Park, with the city’s annual Lighting of the Village. The event includes appearances from Mr. and Mrs. Claus as well as live music. Be sure to spend some extra time strolling the streets of downtown Helen as the city is decorated with thousands of twinkling lights, Christmas trees, and more fun decor.
Outdoor enthusiasts can also take advantage of Helen’s unique fall foliage. Thanks to the town’s mountain-filled scenery, it’s the perfect leaf-peeping destination. The autumn colors typically peak in the second week of November and can be viewed from popular hiking trails, such as Andrews Cove Trail and the Appalachian Trail.
However, one of the more unique ways to take in Helen’s breathtaking views is by enjoying a ride on the Georgia Mountain Coaster. As Georgia’s first alpine coaster, the track was built by the world’s top manufacturer of alpine coasters! Flying through the mountains at about 28 miles per hour, it’s no wonder this exciting attraction draws in thousands of visitors annually.
Georgia Mountain Coaster is located in downtown Helen and glides through the town’s surrounding mountains.
Before heading out of town, be sure to check out any of Helen’s unique shopping destinations. Betty’s Country Store has been a Helen staple since 1973, offering everything from fresh produce to delicious deli items, beer, wine, candy, and more. The store is also known for Betty’s famous carrot cake and cheesecakes! You can also check out the extraordinary work of local artisans at shops like Big Willie’s Woodwork and Craft, The Glassblowing Shop, and Hickory Flat Pottery.
If your stomach starts to grumble during your shopping excursions, stop at a local eatery to enjoy a delicious snack. Christoff’s Caramel Corn and Coffee is home to — you guessed it — delicious buttery caramel corn. Or, to enjoy authentic German staples like schnitzel and bratwursts, head to Hofer’s Bakery & Cafe.
Stop into any of the unique shops or eateries along downtown Helen’s cobblestone streets.
Ridgeland, Mississippi
Located along the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway, it’s no wonder that Ridgeland, MS, is a popular destination among outdoor enthusiasts. From an exciting lineup of can’t-miss fall events to over 35 miles of hiking and biking trails, this charming Mississippi town is jam-packed with fall fun.
Be sure to plan your Ridgeland trip around the 14th Annual Euro Fest Classic European Auto and Motorcycle Show. The event kicks off on Friday, September 30, as drivers from Memphis to New Orleans come together at Renaissance at Colony Park for the police-escorted eBay Motors Renaissance Road Rally Drive. The fun continues on Saturday, October 1, during the main event, which includes European beer and close-up views of rare European vehicles.
The annual Euro Fest Classic European Auto and Motorcycle Show showcases over 150 rare European vehicles.
For biking enthusiasts, Ridgeland is also slated to host some cycling events this fall. The annual McGee Lungbuster Fat Tire Festival is a family-friendly two-day event full of live music and mountain biking races. This event takes place on Saturday, October 15, and Sunday, October 16. More details are expected to be announced soon, so visit sorba.org regularly to stay up to date as more information is released.
If you’d prefer a bike race that offers fully paved roads throughout, Cycle Out Kids Cancer on Saturday, October 8, hosts bike races for every skill level, including 10-, 25-, 44-, and 65-mile routes. Registration begins at $30 and includes a T-shirt. During the event, cyclists can enjoy rest stops with food, water, Gatorade, restrooms, and post-ride food and entertainment.
Mountain bikers are invited to compete at the annual McGee Lungbuster Fat Tire Festival.
If you’d prefer a more leisurely bike ride without any competition, Ridgeland is also home to plenty of scenic trails. A popular trail among cyclists is the Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail, a 10-mile paved path along the Natchez Trace Parkway. Or, to take in all that Ridgeland has to offer, embark on a leisurely self-guided bike tour, where you can stop at hotspots like the Barnett Reservoir, Bill Waller Craft Center, Pelican Cove Grill, and more.
Ridgeland also invites travelers to celebrate Small Business Saturday on November 26 along the Ridgeland Retail Trail, home to some of Mississippi’s best shopping. This is the perfect place to get a head start on your holiday shopping, whether you’re looking for clothes, accessories, antiques, or home goods. Shopping centers along the trail include the Township at Colony Park, Renaissance at Colony Park, and Northpark Mall.
Ridgeland is also a popular destination among foodies, offering everything from delicious seafood to juicy steaks. CAET is a popular seafood spot, thanks to its oysters and popular dishes like the Tuna a la Plancha and Spicy NOLA Shrimp and Grits. Ridgeland is also the steakhouse capital of Mississippi, so don’t miss out on spots like Kathryn’s Steakhouse and Seafood Restaurant, Doe’s Eat Place, and Tico’s Steakhouse. To see a complete list of Ridgeland steakhouses, click HERE.
Enjoy authentic seafood at any of Ridgeland’s delicious dining options.
Enjoy your fall travels — wherever they may take you!
This article is sponsored by the Alpine Helen/White County Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Vicksburg Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Visit Ridgeland. All photography provided.
