Ahhhh, fall. The weather is beautiful, the colors are ambient, the promise of holiday joy is on the horizon, and everyone’s favorite spices are back in the culinary spotlight. With so much to make this season great, perhaps it’s no wonder that bucket lists of activities and events are common among lovers of autumn. If you’re a Savannahan in that camp, we’ve got some ideas for you …
Pumpkins, Apples, and Corn, Oh My!
What fall season is complete without a family trip or day date to a you-pick destination? As Georgians, we’re lucky to have ample options from family farmers who invite us to explore and enjoy their year’s hard work and harvest.
Nearby Holiday Farms is a must-do for anyone with children. The Great Pumpkin Patch—and its arguably unparalleled quality of selection—is just one exciting feature. Other activities include duck races, the “Haytona Speedway,” corn grinding, steer roping, cow milking, a corn maze, barrel car rides, a jump pad, and more.
If you’re up for a bit more of a drive and perhaps one night away from home, Hillcrest Orchards in Ellijay is worth the trip. The farmstead hosts an Apple Pickin’ Jubilee on September and October weekends, as well as wagon rides and a petting zoo. Plus, its fried apple pies, apple cider donuts, and apple fritters are famous in the region for good reason, and one can purchase honey, canned goods, and more from the market.
The Journey Is the Destination
While bursting, fiery fall foliage is harder to come by without heading quite a few hours north, the Historic Effingham-Ebenezer Scenic Byway does display breathtaking golds and oranges. Seasonal flair aside, the views are nearly unbeatable—and they’ll make you fall in love with our city and region all over again. Prep a moody, autumnal playlist or perhaps a fantastically creepy audiobook, be sure to pack your camera, and hop on State Route 21!

Photography by Porapak Apichodilok
A Change of Shopping Scenery
Maybe it’s the warm hues it brings to wardrobe and home, or maybe it’s the coming holidays, but the fall makes us want to shop. It’s not just us, right? If you do feel the same, a fresh set of storefronts can make for a delightful day that ends with novel treasures. We’d recommend Charleston, which is only two hours away and boasts a collection of shops that will have you shipping goodies back. Trust us when we say, King Street must not be missed. The legendary architecture is a draw, too.

Photography courtesy of Pixabay
Hollywood From the Highway
Perhaps a nighttime endeavor is more your speed? Just an hour away from Downtown Savannah, the classic and long-beloved Highway 21 Drive In movie theater makes for a charming fall evening. Roll up those cozy flannel blankets, get in your comfy clothes, pack some popcorn, mulled cider, pumpkin donuts, candy corn, and snack mix, and go watch something spooky.

Photography by Gantas Vaičiulėnas
Some Time for Tybee
While the annual Pirate Festival—a cherished fall event—is canceled this year, Tybee Island will have a farmers’ and artisan market, as well as the Haunted Ghost Boat, on select weekends this month. And, its Witchy Soiree invites one to have their fortunes told, on October 24th.
This year is a bit different from those of the past, but that doesn’t mean Savannahans have to go without charming—and some thrilling—activities this month. Enjoy, and when you’re back home, we’ll see you on the riverfront to chat all about the fun you had!