10 Reasons Why Fall Is the Best Time of Year in Georgia

Once again, I'll say it. Fall is absolutely my favorite time of year, and there's no wonder why. In the fall, I get more time with family, the weather is absolutely beautiful, and because I live in Georgia, I have an excuse to eat all my favorite Southern comfort foods.

Between the gorgeous fall foliage and charming mountain towns, there's no shortage of festive autumn things to see and do in The Peach State. Still not convinced? Here are 10 reasons why fall is the best time of year in Georgia.

1. The Fall Foliage Is Supreme

With all of Georgia's many trees and gardens, it's pretty hard for any other state to compete with the beauty that befalls Georgia in autumn. Peak leaf colors typically start around mid-October and end mid-November, depending on whether you're in the mountains or valleys of the state.

2. It's an Excuse to Hang Out With Family

Between the holidays, football games, fall festivals, and community functions, I find myself surrounded by loved ones more often during the fall season. It's the perfect excuse to get everyone together, cozy up around a fire, or head out for a hike, and simply enjoy quality time for the sake of it.

3. The Weather Is Perfect

What better time to get outdoors than during the cool and mild fall weather? In Georgia, fall temperatures range from a low of 55 degrees to a high of 75 degrees Fahrenheit—perfect weather for camping, hiking, or just walking through town. I always bring a light jacket wherever I go, in case a light breeze blows by or the sun decides to heat things up.

4. Halloween Is Super Fun

One of the main reasons fall is undoubtedly the best time of year in Georgia is... Halloween. Neighborhoods go all out with the spooky, colorful decorations, and kids dress up to go trick-or-treating and fill up on candy (plus some adults, too).

We also have several Halloween-themed events throughout the month, like the Halloween PathParade & Carnival in Braselton or the Haunted Seas at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. All in all, we know how to have a spooktacular time.

5. We Go All Out for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is definitely one of the best fall holidays in Georgia. Not only do we get to indulge in delicious traditional and southern classics, but it's a chance to give thanks and feel grateful for the wonderful people in our lives. If we're not keen on cooking ourselves, we order pickup at Woods Chapel BBQ or Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q in Atlanta. Or, we enjoy a lavish buffet at Ray's on the River or the Four Seasons Atlanta.

6. The Pumpkin Patches Are Top-Tier

Speaking of fun activities, I can't talk about fall in Georgia without mentioning our gorgeous pumpkin patches. There's something for everyone at these festive farms, from hay rides to apple cider and donuts, and of course, pumpkin picking—to carve the best jack o' lanterns out there.

7. And So Are the Corn Mazes

There are dozens of fun corn mazes to explore in Georgia, all with an interesting shape or theme. Most of them are staples at annual fall festivals, complete with other activities like hay rides, bounce houses, face painting, and more. It's fun for the whole family. Just don't get lost in the maze!

8. We Have All. the. Pie.

Pumpkin, sweet potato, pecan, apple, you name it: Georgians love a good pie. Stop into any local bakery this time of year and you're sure to find all the classics, including a southern favorite called chess pie—a custard pie made with eggs, butter, and sugar. Pie Bar in Marietta, Georgia, makes a mean brown sugar chess pie. I just love it!

9. Football Season Is Top-Tier

When the weather starts to grow cool, we know that football season is officially here. In Georgia, we take this as a reason to go all-out with barbecues, football watch parties, delicious snacks, and all sorts of get-togethers. Whether we're cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs or the Atlanta Falcons, we're having a blast shouting at our TV screens or in person at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

10. It's a Reason To Eat More Southern Food

With the holidays coming up and more family functions to attend, the excuse to eat more Southern cuisine is inevitable. Mac and cheese, fried chicken, collard greens, and biscuits will grace our dinner tables all season long. (I'm not complaining!) When we can't get it homemade, we frequent places like Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room in Savannah and Buckner's Family Restaurant in Jackson.

These are by far my favorite things about living in Georgia in the fall. Care to discover more of The Peach State's autumn traditions? Plan a personalized trip down south using Only In Your State's itinerary planner.