Fall in the South

Fall in the South is a time when the temperatures begin to cool, leaves begin to change, families get outside more, and there are adventures around every corner.  From hiking through colorful landscapes to attending harvest festivals and football games, the season offers a unique blend of nature and culture, perfect for enjoying the crisp autumn air. At Sparks Insurance, we are proud to serve customers all over the South. Here are a few stops we encourage you to make if you find yourself in Knoxville, Atlanta, Birmingham, or Tampa this fall.

Knoxville, Tennessee—Football and Fall Foliage

Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville is the perfect spot to enjoy the beauty of fall foliage and outdoor adventures. You can explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, as it is only a short drive from Knoxville. Hiking trails like Alum Cave and Clingmans Dome offer breathtaking views of the mountains drenched in fall colors.

If you’re looking to get outside and embrace fall at its finest with pumpkin patches, corn mazes, haunted houses, and apple picking, then East Tennessee has you covered. The Knoxville Moms have done the homework to bring you a list for Knoxville pumpkin patches and the best places to apple pick in east Tennessee.

Fall means football in Tennessee, and there’s no better place to experience it than at Neyland Stadium. Grab some tickets and cheer on the Tennessee Volunteers alongside thousands of fans.

Atlanta, Georgia—An Urban Fall with Art and History

The bustling metropolis of Atlanta offers both urban and outdoor fall fun. The city’s combination of parks, festivals, and events make it a prime location for autumn adventures. Stone Mountain Park’s Pumpkin Festival is a family-friendly event featuring a pumpkin patch, glow-in-the-dark mini golf, and evening laser shows. You can take in the colorful leaves while exploring the park’s trails or hop aboard the scenic train for a relaxing fall ride.

The Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail is a vibrant multi-use path connecting neighborhoods like Old Fourth Ward and Midtown. It features public art, direct access to parks such as Historic Fourth Ward Park, and popular destinations like Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market. Autumn is the perfect time of year for visitors to enjoy walking, biking, and exploring local shops along the trail.

Looking to get into the fall spirit? Oakland Cemetery’s Capturing the Spirit of Oakland Halloween Tours give guests the opportunity to experience Atlanta’s history with a spooky twist. The tours are an autumn tradition in Atlanta, drawing enthusiasts from far and wide, and selling out each year. History, culture, and the thrill of Halloween converge at the Capturing the Spirit of Oakland tours, which are designed to enlighten rather than frighten

Birmingham, Alabama—History, Culture, and Fall Colors

With its blend of history, culture, and outdoor recreation, Birmingham is a great spot for enjoying fall in Alabama. Vulcan Park and Museum offers panoramic views of the city framed by autumn leaves as well as a glimpse of Birmingham’s industrial history. If you find yourself in Birmingham on Halloween, Vulcan’s Spooktacular is the area’s premier family friendly Halloween events. Spooktacular features trick-or-treating stations throughout the museum, photo opportunities around the Park, music, face painting, and complimentary popcorn and refreshments along with wine, beer, and cocktails for adults.

Looking to immerse yourself in the colors of fall? Look no further than the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. The Japanese garden is particularly stunning during autumn, with vibrant foliage that creates a serene atmosphere. With a full calendar of events including Storytime at the Gardens, Antique Markets and a variety of classes, there is plenty to keep you occupied outdoors this fall.

Every October, the city comes alive with the sounds, sights, and tastes of Greece. The Greek Festival is Birmingham’s oldest and most anticipated cultural event that offers an abundance of delicious Greek cuisine. The festival has been an act of love from Birmingham’s Greek community to the city going back four generations. Enjoy traditional Greek food, music, and dance while soaking in the autumn ambiance.

Tampa, Florida—Sunny Skies and Thrill Rides

The sunny Florida skies might not bring changing leaves, but there is no shortage of activities in the fall. The Tampa Riverwalk is a great place to take in the slightly cooler temperatures as the seasons shift in the south. The Tampa Riverwalk is a 2.6-mile path that follows the Hillsborough River to the Garrison Channel. Rent a bike or go for a leisurely walk along the river, starting your adventure at the lively Heights Market at Armature Works, taking a break at the vibrant Curtis Hixon Park, and continuing until you reach Sparkman Wharf.

For thrill seekers who find their way to Florida this fall, Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens is the ultimate fall event. Haunted houses, scare zones, and roller coasters combine for an adrenaline-pumping experience that’s perfect for Halloween. Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream was voted One of the Top 10 Best Halloween Theme Park Events by USA TODAY’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

For those who are looking for the quintessential fall experience complete with corn mazes, pumpkin patches, hayrides, and sunflower fields, look no further than Sweetfields Farm. Located just north of Tampa in Masaryktown, Sweetfields Farm opens their farm up to public access each fall for families to enjoy the traditions of the season.

Whether you’re drawn to the natural beauty of Knoxville, the urban adventures of Atlanta, the cultural charm of Birmingham, or the sun-drenched fun of Tampa, fall in the South offers a wide variety of activities. From scenic hikes and football games to spooky events and pumpkin festivals, these cities have something for everyone. Get out and enjoy the best the season has to offer!