With fall on the horizon, we’re ready for destinations that promise misty mornings, breezy evenings, and plenty of opportunities to savor the great outdoors.
Explore our roundup of five charming mountain escapes that offer ample natural beauty, delectable food, engaging events, and rich history.
1. Roanoke, Virginia
It’s easy to get lost on the Blue Ridge Parkway beneath canopies of beautiful foliage, but when you’re ready to find a place with a warm and familiar Southern air, Roanoke, Virginia, extends an open invitation. Locals share a contagious passion for the area, fostering a small-town charm that permeates this Virginia hub where metro life meets many options for outdoor adventure. The Roanoke Valley is full of welcoming accommodations, spanning historic hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, and cozy cabins.
Make plans to browse downtown, where eateries, boutiques, and art galleries line the pedestrian-friendly streets that have brought together local farmers and vendors for the Historic Roanoke City Market since 1882. Hop on the Appalachian Trail from several entry points close by, or experience the area’s natural beauty at a leisurely pace via the city’s pristine network of greenways and parks.
2. Braselton, Georgia
In the foothills of Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Braselton offers visitors year-round activities—from concerts to antiques festivals to a world-class winery and resort. Though only a 40-minute drive north of Atlanta, arriving at Château Élan Winery & Resort feels like stumbling into the French countryside of a bygone era, where rows of grape-laden vines stand sentinel on the front lawn of a stately villa. The property blends Continental style and modern indulgences, like a winery, several golf courses, a multitude of dining options, and a spa. Each of the 251 guest rooms and 24 suites is furnished to reflect the surrounding landscape while honoring the parcel’s old-world charm.
Guests are encouraged to wander the stunning atrium, vintage-style library, and flourishing vineyard—at their leisure or with a knowledgeable guide—before tasting a selection of Château Élan’s 30-plus wines. International influences abound as you walk, bike, or ride the complimentary shuttle from venue to venue, such as Paddy’s Irish Pub and the Parisian-inspired Le Petit Café + Boutique in the hotel’s main lobby.
3. Highlands, North Carolina
Whether you unwind indoors or explore the natural marvels all around, you’ll discover Highlands, North Carolina, has it all. For entertainment, visit downtown Highlands to find artistic hot spots, museums, theaters, music venues, and local eateries. This quaint village has justly earned its reputation for comfortable accommodations, luxurious spas, outdoor fun, and Southern hospitality. Explore the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains for hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails in wooded forests, as well as lakes and rivers for canoeing and fly-fishing.
If you’re looking for rustic luxury and seclusion, one of the surrounding lodges at Old Edwards Inn & Spa might be the answer. The historic inn was built in 1878, just three years after the city of Highlands was founded. It includes a spa and wellness center, heated mineral pools, as well as neighboring lodges and spacious cottages like Piermont Cottage, a Victorian estate with four bedrooms, a full kitchen, and a wraparound porch complete with rocking chairs. At the nearby Old Edwards Club, take in striking vistas from an 18-hole golf course or a steamy whirlpool.
4. Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Nestled in the Ozark Mountains among scenic lakes, rivers, and springs, lies a Victorian village that made a name for itself through its distinctive natural splendor. Eureka Springs, Arkansas, exudes old-world wonder thanks to its dedication to preserving its past. The entire city is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation named it one of “America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations.” Its mountainous setting results in miles of winding walkways, and the main street showcases pristine examples of Victorian-style architecture, charming shops, quaint bed-and-breakfasts and hotels, and tasty eateries—but not a single traffic light.
Fine art galleries and an eclectic shopping scene continue the city’s creative character, and you can often meet the people behind the products that catch your eye, which might be glass, woodcrafts, clothing, jewelry, or other special finds. About 1,800 acres of park land and water make outdoor exploration a breeze—from hiking to biking, swimming to paddle boating, and birding to geocaching. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Bachman-Wilson House are about an hour away in Bentonville, Arkansas, and worth a drive.
5. Blue Ridge, Georgia
Blue Ridge, Georgia, projects a tranquil aura that makes it a popular spot to unplug and unwind from the bustle of everyday life. It’s the perfect getaway, whether you want to bask in the glory of nature or enjoy easygoing pastimes, like a vista-viewing railway on the popular Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Located about halfway between Atlanta and Knoxville (roughly a two-hour drive from each), the town was described in a 1939 magazine ad as “The Switzerland of the South” for its gorgeous scenery, nice climate, and holiday atmosphere. Blue Ridge has everything from top-notch restaurants and eclectic shops to hiking trails and exciting annual events.
Accommodations run the gamut from multi-bedroom cabins to traditional hotels. Hiking, boating, jeeping, rafting, and trout-fishing await outdoor enthusiasts. Festivals also fill the community calendar, including the biannual Arts in the Park, Blue Ridge Mountains Wine and Jazz Festival in late spring, Fourth of July extravaganza, and the Blue Ridge Blues & Barbecue Festival in September. Immerse yourself in the energetic arts scene by visiting various markets on East and West Main streets.
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