School is in full swing and the crisp feeling of fall is in the air. Thank goodness for fall break, which gives you a little extra time to enjoy the changing leaves and cooler weather. If you’re in the southeast and looking for some fall break destinations, consider giving one of these small towns a try.
Here are some fall break activities for the entire family.
Nestled on the border of Georgia and Tennessee and only a couple hours from both Nashville and Atlanta, Chattanooga has a small town feel with big time attractions. From beautiful landscapes to indoor happenings, there’s plenty of fun things to do no matter the weather. If you want to enjoy the fall foliage check out Rock City and Lookout Mountain, from where you can see seven states at once.
Other outdoor activities include Anna Ruby Falls, Raccoon Mountain Caverns, and walking the Walnut Street Bridge and the Tennessee Riverwalk to the Riverpark (where there is a playground!). Should you want to venture indoors, head to the Tennessee Aquarium or take a train ride on Tennessee Valley Railroad.
3 Family Friendly Fall Break Destinations In The Southeast Click To TweetThe biggest city in Alabama, Birmingham has recently been put back on the map as one of the South’s most family friendly travel destinations. It’s full of history (specifically from the civil rights movement), beautiful parks and landscapes, and plenty of activities to entertain children of all ages.
If you’re interested in some outdoor fun, visit Red Mountain Park and enjoy hiking trails, a zip line, and adventure courses. For a less strenuous nature experience, pack a lunch and enjoy the cool weather at Railroad Park with playgrounds and lakeside views. And if you’re on a budget, the Botanical Gardens and the Birmingham Museum of Art are both free! For more ideas, read this New York Times article “What to do 36 Hours in Birmingham.”
Ashville is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains and with dozens of hiking trails and spectacular views, is perfect for a fall getaway. It’s a quirky town known for it’s artistic flair, live music, and funky personalities that roam the streets. If you have older kids, a favorite tourist spot is the Biltmore Estate. It is a late 19th century privately owned mansion that has been preserved for tours and even includes a winery.
If you’re looking for something more rustic, visit the Western North Carolina Nature Center to observe and learn about all kinds of animals native to the area. The Pigsah National Forest is another beautiful area if you want to be outdoors during Ashville’s best time of year.
Whether you decide to spend your break at one of these fall break destinations or just hanging at home, may it provide the refreshment your family needs to keep working hard ’til the holiday season!