6 Places to Experience Autumn in the South

When the humidity dips, the days begin to cool, and the leaves of the maple and birches turn to red and gold, it’s time to celebrate autumn in the South. Consider these six places to experience the joys of a Southern fall this year.

6 Places to Experience Autumn in the South

Sometime around mid-October in the Southeast, fall ushers in cooler temperatures. When the humidity drops, it’s time to head to the farm for a pleasant day of pumpkin picking, hay riding and strolling in the flower fields. Read on for six of our favorite places to experience the rich colors and fun activities of autumn in the South.

Georgia State Museum of Agriculture

TravelingMom Christine Tibbetts says that autumn celebrations take on a historical note at Georgia’s State Museum of Agriculture in Tifton. That’s because the Historical Village is a living history museum—a big one with 35 structures on 95 acres.

The museum regularly offers sawmill, cotton gin and syrup-making demonstrations. It also hosts special events, such as Trick-or-Treat in the Village, which takes place this year from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on October 30. The museum’s Country Store includes a pumpkin patch for the entire month of October.

The State Museum of Agriculture represents far more than museum preservation because it’s part of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, a four-year degree institution that incorporates the museum in its nationally recognized Rural Studies degree. That means students, professors and museum professionals design the programming. The museum is located directly off Interstate 75 in Tifton, 200 miles south of Atlanta and 60 miles north of the Florida line.

Burt’s Farm

Burt’s Farm is family owned, raising 20 varieties of pumpkins and creating personal care products from butternut squash. The highest waterfall east of the Mississippi is easily in reach of Burt’s Farm in Dawsonville, Georgia, adding value to a day of hay rides. Amicalola Falls is in view during the two-mile tractor-pulled wagon ride. So is a sea of orange with pumpkins ranging from small to 150 pounds.

Autumn activities continue daily from September 15 through November 10. Admission to the farm is free. Hayrides are $6.00 for visitors ages 3 and up.

Fausett Farms

TravelingMom Shawn Shepard loves to combine a day at Burt’s Farm with a stop at the Fausett Farms sunflower fields. Visitors can walk through two large sunflower fields for $5 per person (kids 5 and under are free). It’s a perfect spot to enjoy a gorgeous fall day and take some stunning family photos. This year, the fields open on September 24.

Uncle Shuck’s

Also located in Dawsonville is Uncle Shuck’s. Known for its incredibly intricate corn maze, you may or may not choose to spend most of your day finding your way through it. If mazes aren’t your thing, you can always hitch a ride on their hay-filled trailer to pick out the perfect pumpkin for your family. After dusk, if you’re brave enough, there are haunted hayrides and a haunted trail ride. And even the corn maze gets a creepy makeover! Prices vary for each activity, and children 4 and under are free.

Old Baker Farm

TravelingMom Sarah Gilliland recommends a visit to Old Baker Farm located slightly southeast of Birmingham, Alabama in a town called Harpersville. Old Baker Farm offers the usual hayrides, hay mazes, and pumpkin picking, which is all included in the admission price for those 3 and up, but they also host special event days during the fall season.

On Oct. 9-10, Cowboy Days will include Western music, hay rides and a pumpkin patch. Kids are encouraged to come dressed in their Western attire.

On Oct. 23-24, a Cotton Pickin’ Celebration will feature artisans from all over the area showing off their skills including blacksmiths, basket makers, soap makers and more.

Special event days have special operating hours, so be sure to check out their website before planning your visit.

Berry Patch Farms

TravelingMom Kendra Pierson recommends Berry Patch Farms, which is located in Woodstock, just northwest of the Atlanta area. In addition to pumpkin picking, they offer a playground and a hayride.

There are plenty of opportunities for great fall pictures with the pumpkins, on the playground area or with the baby animals in the mini-farm area.

Kendra visited for the first time with a mother’s play group as part of a field-trip. Each child was given their own pumpkin. It’s best suited to families with younger children looking for a family-friendly pumpkin experience.

The patch will open to the public on weekends beginning in early October. Admission is free and pumpkins are priced per pound. Watch their Facebook page for updates on opening and closing of the season.