8 Family-Friendly Fall Getaways in the Southeast (All Within a Day's Drive of Auburn & Atlanta)

8 Family-Friendly Fall Getaways in the Southeast (All Within a Day's Drive of Auburn & Atlanta)

Every August, I hit the same point.

I'm tired of sweating through my clothes before 9 a.m. I'm ordering pumpkin-flavored everything (iced, of course) while it's still 97 degrees outside, and I'm desperately searching Airbnb for somewhere that actually feels like fall.

If you're anything like me, you don't necessarily need a week-long vacation. Sometimes you just need a cozy cabin, a mountain view, a good cup of coffee, and weather that justifies wearing a sweatshirt.

The best part? You don't have to fly to Vermont or Colorado to find it.

These are my favorite (and most anticipated) fall destinations within about a day's drive of Auburn and Atlanta which would be perfect for families, couples, girlfriends' weekends, or anyone who just wants to trade humidity for crisp mountain air.

🍂 Mentone, Alabama

If you've never heard of Mentone, don't worry … you aren't alone.

This tiny mountain town tucked away in northeast Alabama feels like one of the state's best-kept secrets. Picture cooler mountain air (goodbye, Alabama humidity), winding roads, cozy cabins, and the kind of small-town charm that makes you want to leave your phone behind for the weekend (or throw it into the woods).

One of my friends is absolutely obsessed with Mentone has made me promise that I’ll book a trip one day.

FIND: scenic overlooks, nearby waterfalls, DeSoto State Park, and plenty of cozy cabins tucked into the woods. The itinerary can simply be: grab coffee, go for a hike, read a book on the porch, repeat. Which is my ideal kind of mountain situation.

And while you're there? Make the short drive over to Unclaimed Baggage in Scottsboro.

Unclaimed Baggage is a destination all by itself. It's part thrift store, part treasure hunt, and part "how in the world did someone pack (and then lose) this?" You never know what you'll find, which somehow makes it even more fun.

Don't miss: DeSoto State Park, Little River Canyon, Brow Park, Unclaimed Baggage

🚂 Blue Ridge, Georgia

We visited Blue Ridge in January, and I immediately understood why people love this little mountain town.

Downtown is incredibly walkable, filled with boutiques, coffee shops, local restaurants, and enough antique stores to keep me happily occupied for an entire afternoon.

One thing that's already on our family bucket list? Riding the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway during peak fall foliage.

I just know Addy is going to think riding a train through the mountains is the coolest thing ever once she's old enough to really appreciate it.

Blue Ridge also makes a great home base because you can easily spend time over in nearby Ellijay. Between apple orchards, hiking trails, shopping, and more antiquing than I anticipated (and thoroughly enjoyed), there's plenty to fill an entire weekend.

Don't miss: Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, Mercier Orchards, downtown Blue Ridge, Ellijay

🏔️ Blowing Rock & Boone, North Carolina

Confession: I haven't made it here...yet.

Blowing Rock and Boone have been sitting on my travel wish list since we moved to Auburn almost eight years ago, and every single fall they creep back onto my radar.

Yes, it's a bit farther from Auburn than some of these other destinations, but I think the payoff is huge.

Being farther north means you're much more likely to get that crisp fall weather we're all dreaming about while we're sitting in Alabama wondering if summer is ever going to end.

Mountain views, scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway, charming downtowns, outdoor adventures, and cozy coffee shops? Sign me up.

I've also heard it's absolutely magical around Christmastime when it transforms into more of a ski town, so honestly...it might deserve two trips.

Don't miss: The Blue Ridge Parkway, Grandfather Mountain, Tweetsie Railroad, downtown Blowing Rock

🤠 Cataloochee Ranch | Maggie Valley, North Carolina

If you've ever dreamed about taking your family to Montana but your wallet had other plans...allow me to introduce you to Cataloochee Ranch.

This luxury ranch resort keeps popping up on my Instagram feed and I’ve sent it to George more times than I can count.

Horseback riding, campfires, mountain views, s'mores, hiking, cozy cabins...

It's giving Yellowstone meets Southern hospitality.

My dream afternoon here looks something like this: my kids running around outside, George by the fire, me in an Adirondack chair wearing an oversized sweater with a glass of red wine while staring at the mountains.

That is the energy I'm trying to manifest every fall.

Don't miss: Horseback riding, campfires, mountain views, nearby elk viewing in Cataloochee Valley

🍁 Highlands & Cashiers, North Carolina

If I had to choose a favorite destination on this list...

It would probably be Highlands.

We've visited multiple times (in both summer and fall) and it somehow gets better every single trip.

Fall is especially magical.

The temperatures are perfect for lingering outside, the leaves are gorgeous, and the entire town somehow feels cozy without trying too hard.

The restaurant scene is incredible, there are plenty of easy hikes nearby, and I could happily spend an entire afternoon wandering through the shops with a latte in hand.

We've stayed at 200 Main, which is part of the Old Edwards family of properties, and absolutely loved it. One of my favorite perks was getting access to Old Edwards' amenities. George and I played a round at Old Edwards Club, and I can confidently say it's the prettiest golf course I've ever played.

Now...if someone would like to book me a stay at High Hampton (Cashiers) one day, I certainly wouldn't complain. It's currently sitting in my "aspiring rich girl" budget. A girl can dream.

Don't miss: Dry Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Old Edwards Inn, High Hampton, Whiteside Mountain

🌿 Greenville, South Carolina

Greenville is probably the destination on this list I'm most excited to explore.

It feels like one of those cities that people quietly rave about once they've visited?? But also falls so far under the radar??

From everything I've seen, it has the perfect mix of city energy and outdoor beauty. Falls Park looks absolutely stunning, downtown is incredibly walkable, and the restaurants seem to punch way above their weight.

If you're traveling with little ones, I also love that you get all the convenience of a city without feeling overwhelming. I have a feeling Greenville is hiding a whole lot of gems that don't get nearly enough attention.

Stay tuned...I have a feeling Living & Local will be making a trip there soon.

Don't miss: Falls Park on the Reedy, Swamp Rabbit Trail, downtown Greenville

🌊 Beaufort, South Carolina

Not everyone dreams about mountains.

Some people want waterfront sunsets, seafood, and Spanish moss. If that's you, Beaufort deserves a spot on your radar. We drove through Beaufort on the way to Hilton Head and from my window I kept commenting “OMG LOOK AT HOW CUTE THIS/THAT IS!!” Bonus: it’s close enough to Savannah that you could easily spend an afternoon exploring.

October also happens to be one of my favorite times to visit the coast because the crowds have thinned out, the weather is gorgeous, and you can actually enjoy being outside without melting.

It's proof that "fall getaway" doesn't always have to mean mountains.

Don't miss: Hunting Island State Park, downtown Beaufort, waterfront sunsets, easy day trip to Savannah

🍷 Dahlonega, Georgia

If Hallmark made southern mountain towns...Dahlonega would probably be one of the filming locations.

It's charming, full of wineries, surrounded by mountain views, and somehow manages to look beautiful in every season. Now, full disclosure...

I'm a Fredericksburg, Texas girl.

I grew up surrounded by wineries, and because of our climate, I naturally gravitate toward drier varietals. North Georgia is known for muscadine wines, which tend to be sweeter than what I usually order.

Will that stop me from sitting on a winery patio overlooking the mountains?

Absolutely not.

I'll happily give the wine a try, and if it's not my favorite, I'll simply switch to a local beer and continue enjoying the view.

Problem solved.

This one feels especially perfect for couples looking for a cozy mountain weekend, though there are plenty of family-friendly activities nearby if you're bringing the kids along.

Don't miss: Wolf Mountain Vineyards, Montaluce Winery, Amicalola Falls, downtown Dahlonega

Which one would I choose?

If you're traveling with kids (ages 4-12): Blue Ridge.

If you're craving total relaxation: Mentone.

If you're planning a romantic getaway OR you have little littles: Highlands.

If your Pinterest board is full of cozy cabins and mountain views: Cataloochee Ranch.

If you're ready to trade Alabama humidity for crisp mountain air (even just for a weekend) any one of these destinations will have you reaching for your favorite sweater, ordering the pumpkin latte, and pretending fall has officially arrived.

That's all I really want this time of year.