Fall travel often focuses on more northern climes, but Southern destinations know how to celebrate the season in their own “cool” way. You’ll find changing leaves in many of these places, but fall is also when these destinations host incredible festivals and events that bring people and cultures together…and lots and lots of pumpkins. This fall, MBPR encourages you to follow the birds and head south to see what all the fuss is about.
Dollywood's Harvest FestivalhasPigeon Forge, Tennessee
From September 9 to October 28
As the leaves turn to autumn glory in the Great Smoky Mountains,Dollywoodtransforms its theme park into a celebration of fall during itsHarvest Festival, presented by Humana. At this time of year, Dollywood features colossal pumpkins that weigh anywhere from 800 to 1,500 pounds;Dolly Parton-inspired attractionslike a larger-than-life guitar (made of pumpkins!) that plays “Tennessee Mountain Home” and a tree where Dolly’s voice narrates the changing seasons in the Smokies; live musical performances including Southern gospel, bluegrass and country tunes; more than 50 world-class rides and attractions; and delicious fall-themed treats in pumpkin and apple flavors. At night, the park transforms into “Great Pumpkin LumiNights,” presented by Covenant Health, and guests can admire more than 12,000 illuminated pumpkins that have been carved into whimsical creatures.
International festivalhasBowling Green, Kentucky
September 28
Bowling GreenEastthe third largest city in Kentuckyand it is considered an epicenter of diversity in large part because it is home to the state's refugee resettlement center. Because of this, a wide range of cultures are represented in the city, particularly within the small business community. These cultures come together each fall for theInternational festival, a cultural extravaganza that draws attendees from near and far. Festival-goers stroll through vibrant streets adorned with colorful flags and bustling booths offering authentic dishes from around the world. More than 40 food vendors specializing in international cuisine serve their specialties, featuring international menus that incorporate locally sourced ingredients. Attendees can grab a bite while enjoying dynamic performances showcasing music, dance, and artistic expressions from a variety of cultures.
40eFrank Brown Annual International Songwriters Festivalon thebeachesfrom Alabama
From November 7 to 17
THEFrank Brown International Songwriters Festivalbrings together nearly 200 unsung heroes of the music industry from around the world for a 10-day festival. Celebrating its 40eanniversary this year, the event is taking place at locations along the Alabama-British borderand FloridaAttendees can enjoy live, in-person concerts (most of which are free!) while learning the stories behind many of the award-winning songs. The festival is named afterFrank Brown, former night watchman of the famousFlora-BamaLounge and Oyster Bar, a grand American roadhouse that straddles the state line. The songwriters play at Flora-Bama, where it all began, and about two dozen other venues in the beach communities ofGulf ShoresAndOrange Beach, Alabama, AndLost KeyAndPensacola, Florida.Big Boy's Main Street Cook OffAnd
Thibodeauxville Fall FestivalInLouisiana's Cajun Bayou8and November 9Two of the biggest fall events in
Louisiana's Cajun Bayouare happening on the same weekend, meaning visitors get double the fall, double the fun, and double the food! Feast on delicious Cajun cuisine prepared by more than two dozen chef-led teams working to showcase the region's culinary heritage at Big Boy's Main Street Cook Off
. From savory gumbo (“sweater time” in other parts of the country is “gumbo time” here on the bayou) to savory jambalaya, there’s a vibrant range of flavors. Just as stomachs start to growl again, a new day brings the Thibodeauxville Fall Festival. People come to this free, award-winning event to enjoy Cajun cuisine, art vendors, a car show and… ducks? Yes… the festival is best known for its rubber duck race!SOURCE MBPRRead more
English 
French