SEPTEMBER 11, 2022 A ADVERTISINGSPECIALSECTION ✜ Louisiana’s top fall festivals and fairs ✜ New changingEngland’sleaves ✜ The inviting atmosphere of Natchez ✜ Eight ways to make fall camping fun ✜ Attractions to see on LSU + Saints road trips
When is the best time for a fall foliage trip?
The changing of the leaves in New England showcase nature at its finest
Where should I go on a fall foliage trip in New England?
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The colors extend throughout the region, so it’s best to create a route for yourself ahead of time. Some people use Boston as the main hub, but there are scenic routes throughout Massachusetts as well as Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Maine and Rhode Island.
This is a trip designed to see the leaves in New England change from green to vibrant oranges, yellows and browns. The thousands of trees in this region create a stunning visual that leaves many people awe-inspired. While you’re there, you can visit some of New England’s many attractions, several of which are nature-based or explore the deep history of both the region and America.
What’s the best way to see the fall foliage?
What exactly is a fall foliage trip?
f you’re ready to experience a true seasonal shift under crisp conditions, you might want to add a trip to New England to see the fall foliage. These trips have become more popular than ever as more people embrace the outdoors and appreciate nature. Here are some common questions and answers about fall foliage travel.
By Amanda McElfresh amcelfresh@theadvocate.com
Finally, don’t be in a rush! Most routes have multiple stops where you can pull off to the side of the road and take photos. Take this into account when planning your travels. Consider driving to fewer destinations and slowing down to embrace the scenery.
What are some ways to make a fall foliage trip a fun experience?
Road trips are the most popular method. Many people drive themselves, but guided tours are also available. Seeing the foliage by air is another option, as there are hot air balloon tours in certain spots. In addition, there are some train trips that take tourists through the heart of the changing tree canopy.
Keep an eye on the weather and pack well. Temperatures are usually already dropping in New England even in the early fall, so make sure to bring jackets and sweaters.Withso many locations and options, it’s best to have a clear plan of where you want to go and how you want to get there. If not, the trip might become overwhelming. When you’re in New England, stop at tourist information centers or ask locals about must-see stops.
The exact times vary each year depending on weather conditions, but most experts recommend going before the end of October to see the colors at their best.
...like digging your toes in the sand, grabbing a drink after a long day in the sun, and catching up with old friends. Unwind, dine, and reconnect on the relaxing, pristine beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
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City: Auburn, AL Game: LSU at Auburn, Saturday October 1
Learn more at ranecenter.auburn.edu.
The brand new Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center is the first facility of its kind in the world. Inside, the Laurel Hotel and Spa features a fitness studio, rooftop pool, yoga pavilion and more. The educational side of the facility houses a learning food and beverage media studio, coffee roastery and bar, brewing science lab and wine appreciation center.
Learn more at www.kindacandid.com
Where To Go:
City: Gainesville, FL Game: LSU at Florida, Saturday, October 15
his year’s LSU football schedule includes four road games that are all within reasonable driving distance. The Tigers will head out of town to take on Auburn, Florida, Arkansas and Texas A&M.
City: College Station, TX Game: LSU at Texas A&M, Saturday, November 26
Located about 14 miles southeast of Fayetteville is Terra Studios, featuring a six-acre art park, gallery, art classes and more. The park includes sculpture gardens, murals, sparking glass, a soothing pond and a stone labyrinth. The peaceful inspiration continues in the gallery building, where the moving water showcase is a highlight.
30 trails that stretch more than five miles.
Where To Go:
Learn more at www.usingart.org
Learn more at wp.auburn.edu/ preserve
If you’re heading to any of those games, it can become a weekend trip by visiting the many attractions each town has to offer. Here are some picks for the places to visit in between cheering on the Tigers.
Where To Go: Any nature buff can spend hours at the Florida Museum of Natu ral History. Permanent exhibits feature butterflies, fossils, water ways, wildlife, and the people and environments of South Florida. Learn more at www.floridamuseum. ufl.edu
Game: LSU at Arkansas, Saturday, November 12
Where To Go: History comes alive at the Muse um of the American G.I.., whose mission is to increase apprecia tion for American service men and women from World War I to the present day. Visitors get an up close look at military uniforms through the years, plus equip ment that has been fully restored to showcase its power.
Turn your trip to see the Tigers into a complete getaway with these attractions across the SEC
Learn more at www.american gimuseum.org
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A trip to Fayetteville isn’t com plete without a pass along Dick son Street, the city’s epicenter for entertainment. There’s always live music, plus the performances at Walton Arts Center and The atreSquared make it an artistic mecca. The nearby Historic Downtown Square includes stores, restaurants and a micro brewery.
Kinda Candid is here to help you improve your Instagram game. At the interactive selfie museum, visitors can gather their friends and family to take photos in 14 exhibits. Make funny faces, show your goofy side and use some of the available props to create photos and memories that will last a lifetime.
By Amanda McElfresh amcelfresh@theadvocate.com
Learn more at com/experience/dicksonexperiencefayetteville.
The Cade Museum For Creativity and Invention leaves both adults and kids wide-eyed and inspired. This year, there are special exhibits on the solar system and space travel. Animationland takes visitors through the process of creating animated features. Permanent exhibits feature Gatorade, modern plumbing and some of history’s most impactful inventors.
Learn more at www.cademuseum.org
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from September 23 to October 29 with The Dollywood Harvest Festival, including events like the Great Pumpkin LumiNights and Southern Gospel Jubilee. Another popular attraction is The Old Mill, a nationally registered historic site that played a key role for early settlers. Pigeon Forge is also home to extensive shopping malls, boutiques and outlets, so be sure to save some room in your suitcase! If you’re more of an outdoorsy person, several Pigeon Forge businesses can help you create ziplining or rafting adventures.Justafew miles away is Gatlinburg, Tennessee, which boasts the longest pedestrian skybridge in North America
Maybe the hardest part about planning a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains is deciding where to go. Both Tennessee and North Carolina are filled with communities that are always happy to greet new and longtime visitors. However, a few places have truly embraced tourism and have plenty to offer the whole family.Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is on the northern side of the Smokies. It’s perhaps best known as being the home of the Dollywood amusement and entertainment park. Dollywood
proudly embraces that heritage. A trip here isn’t complete without a visit to the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, which features interactive videos, displays and a full sensory experience of the 12,000 year old Cherokee story. Expand your horizons even more with a nighttime storytelling session led by the Cherokees themselves.Ifyou’relooking for even more of an unplugged getaway, the Smokies also are home to smaller, more rustic communities like Bryson City, North Carolina and Townsend, Tennessee, among others.
Tram, both of which give upclose looks of the picturesque mountains. In addition, there are 800 miles of hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with plenty of premier spots for biking, bird watching and horseback riding. After you work up an appetite, take in a meal at one of Gatlinburg’s many dining options, which include classic steakhouses, smaller cafes and internationalMeanwhile,cuisine.thepeople of Cherokee, North Carolina encourage visitors to go a bit deeper and open their hearts and minds to both the surrounding landscape and its history. Located on the southern side of the
Learn more www.tnvacation.com/the-smokiesat:
By Amanda McElfresh amcelfresh@theadvocate.com
These Great Smoky Mountain destinations are filled with charm, history and the great outdoors
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By Amanda McElfresh amcelfresh@theadvocate.com
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In the outdoors, garbage and uneaten food is a magnet for critters of all shapes and sizes. Talk to your campsite manager about trash regulations and disposal options. If you’re away from your campsite, seal trash in a large bin and store it in a safe location. When it’s time to leave for good, always leave your site cleaner than you found it.
3. Make a list and check it twice
7. Make sure any trace of campfires are out
Campgrounds can be miles away from the closest stores, meaning it’s extra-important to pack the essentials. Create a packing checklist and go through it multiple times before you head out. Besides food, clothing and gear, remember a first aid kit, medications, toiletries, small tools and other items you may need in a pinch. You may also want to make a separate camper preparation list to remind yourself to check fluids, fuel, tire pressure and other aspects of your vehicles.
that’s best for you. Consider driving time, fees, reservations and any campsite restrictions. Visit www.recreation.gov for a list of sites around the country and www.louisianatravel.com for ones in Louisiana.
temperatures can drop quickly in the fall once the sun goes down. Bring a mixture of clothing that you can easily layer. If you’re going to sleep outside, pack a cold weather or extra sleeping bag so you don’t wake up shivering.
Traveling in or with an RV can feel much different than a regular road trip, so it’s important not to overdo it, especially when you’re just getting started. Veteran RV enthusiasts have developed the 2/2/2 rule – drive no more than 200 miles in a day, stop every two hours and stay two nights in each place. Some have added another element, encouraging travelers to arrive at their destination by 2:00 p.m.
Especially if you are new to RV trips, drive during the day. Your camper will be easier to navigate and park when it isn’t dark outside. Plus, you’ll be more visible on the road to other drivers.
2. Use daylight
6. Never leave trash unattended
Before you leave home, let someone know where you’re going, how long you’ll be gone, and how they can reach you in case of an emergency. Bring a charger for your phone and other devices so you can reach out as well if the need arises.
8. Don’t be a ghost
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pending a few days away can be the perfect way to unplug from the world and recenter yourself in nature. And, with cooler weather in the South and fall colors taking hold in many other parts of the country, the fall is a great time to hook up your RV, pop a tent and get away from it all. While such trips are usually relaxing and fun, they can become a challenge without the right equipment and preparation. Here are some tips to make the most of your camping adventure.
make fall camping a fun, safe, and memorable experience
Even if the flames have dissipated, fire sites can stay hot and dry enough create a new spark even hours later. No one wants to be accidentally responsible for a fire that spreads quickly and causes unnecessary damage. As a rule, you should be able to put your hand on the ground of your campfire site comfortably before you leave.
4. Pace yourself
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What: Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival
More info: www.meatpiefestival.com
What To Know: Dress up in your favorite German attire and celebrate the season with new Oktoberfest beers, traditional German food, games for the kids and much more. The outdoor brew park in cludes bocce ball courts, disc golf, corn hole, yard games and other activities for all ages.
Where: Natchitoches
When: September 23-25
When: September 22-25
When: September 16 and 17
Your guide to some of Louisiana’s top FALL FESTIVALS AND FAIRS
After taking a break during the summer, Louisiana communities enter the fall festival season with enthusiasm and welcoming arms for locals and visitors. Here are some of the events to look forward to in 2022. For further details visit www.louisianatravel.com
Where: New Orleans
More info: come-see-us/oktoberfestfaubourgbrewery.com/
What: Oktoberfest at Faubourg Brewery
Alligator Festival | September 22-25 | Luling
Where: New Iberia
and September 30-October 2
What: Natchitoches Meat Pie Festival
More info: www.hisugar.org
bank Bridge Park, the Rotary Club of St. Charles Parish hosts this annual festival to raise college scholarship funds for local youth. Come of the live alligators and craft booths, stay for the 10 bands, carni val rides and Cajun cuisine. More info: www.alligatorfestival.org
What To Know: This year marks the 20th anniversary of the annual festival in the Meat Pie Capital of Louisiana. The event also includes live music, kids’ activities and a Brew Fest this year.
By Amanda McElfresh amcelfresh@theadvocate.com
What To Know: Celebrate the crop that has been a stalwart of the Louisiana economy and culture for centuries with a street fair, live music, blessing of the crop, historical and photographic exhibits, parades and more.
Where: Washington
What To Know: There will be no short age of activities at the 116th edition of the largest fair in Louisiana. The events in clude free concerts, street entertainers, a rodeo, car show, exhibits, and much more. More info: www.statefairoflouisiana.com
Rougarou Fest | October 21-23 | Houma
What To Know: Plan your eating schedule accordingly ahead of this food extrav aganza that highlights a Louisiana favor ite. The main event is the cooking contest, which features gumbo, jambalaya and other dishes with andouille sausage as a main ingredient.
When: October 21-23
What: Rougarou Fest
More info: rougaroufest.org
Where: Shreveport
What To Know: Immerse yourself in Louisiana folklore at this family-friendly festival with a spooky flair. There are lots of cultural activities, children’s activities and live music, plus the Krewe Ga Rou parade and more. All proceeds go to the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Cen ter, a nonprofit organization with efforts focused on education about the Louisiana coast.
When: October 7-9
What To Know: The Old Schoolhouse Mall is one of the best stops for unique finds. The fall fair features more than 200 vendors outside the mall and even more vintage items inside. When you’re ready for a break, have a meal at the Old Schoolhouse Café, a 1950s-style diner with burgers, sandwiches, plate lunches and more.
More info: oldschoolhouseantiquemall.com
What: The State Fair of Louisiana
What: Andouille Festival
More info: www.dixiemaze.com
What To Know: There are few better ways to get into the fall spirit than at this North Louisiana event, which features a pumpkin patch, corn maze, pony rides, hay rides, haunted attractions and more.
What: Old Schoolhouse Antique Fair
When: October 14-16
Where: LaPlace
Where: Houma
When: October 27-November 13 Where: Shreveport
More info: www.andouillefestival.com
Chick-Fil-A College Football Hall of Fame, Atlanta
There’s
Both dedicated and casual racing fans will leave here in awe after seeing dozens of cars and artifacts on display, as well as hearing the inspirational stories of Hall inductees like Dale Earnhardt Jr., Tony Stewart, Richard Childress, Cale Yarborough and many more. The hall is open daily, with guided tours available on Mondays and Fridays.
More information: www.cfbhall.com
By Amanda McElfresh amcelfresh@theadvocate.com
In Louisiana, we’re used to the humid climate and swampy terrain. That’s why exploring the ecology of the West can be truly eyeopening. The Desert Botanical Garden is the perfect place to see how plants and animals thrive in completely different conditions. The site covers 140 acres and features more than 50,000 plants and more than 4,400 species in the Living Collection. Nature paths and hiking trails give visitors an up-close look at things at their own pace.
There’s nowhere else in the world that celebrates college football’s his tory like the Hall of Fame in downtown Atlanta. A three-story helmet wall honoring more than 750 teams is a highlight, along with histori cal artifacts, galleries and interactive exhibits. Plus, test your throwing and kicking skills at the Indoor Playing Field.
More information: www.nascarhall.com
More information: www.dbg.org
Add attractionsthese to your list of stops to make the most of your trip
no fan base like the Who Dat Nation, whether cheering on the Saints in the Caesars Superdome or traveling alongside the team to road games. This year, the black and gold will travel to Atlanta, Charlotte, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Tampa Bay, Cleveland and Philadelphia, and we know a number of fans will be following along.
Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix
NASCAR Hall of Fame, Charlotte
Besides being home to a Saints opponent, each of these cities has one-of-a-kind attractions. When you’re not rooting for the team during the game, here are some sites to visit that can make your trip an unforgettable
Traveling with the Saints?
The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia
Interactive experiences are the name of the game at this institute. Both kids and adults can be educated and inspired with exhibits focused on electricity, aviation, machinery, space travel, trains, technology and much more. Plus, the 60-feet Fels Planetarium provides the ultimate astronomical presentation.
As a Smithsonian affiliate, the Heinz History Center is committed to preserving and honoring the history of the Western Pennsylvania region. The center is home to thousands of artifacts from the past 250 years, from major collections featuring large corporations to smaller pieces from everyday life. With a mission of education, many of the center’s exhibits are interactive and great for kids.
This home of the world’s top music icons is unmatched in its scope and tributes to everyone from rock’s earliest artists to the stars of today. There are thousands of items on display, videos, interactive kiosks and much more. Be sure to check out the Rock Hall staple Legends of Rock, featuring handwritten drafts of hit songs, performance outfits and instruments from some of history’s greatest live shows. More information: www.rockhall.com
Situated along the Hillsborough River is this 2.6 mile path that lets visitors stroll by museums, shops, restaurants, parks and other attractions. Take a leisurely pace and enjoy the scenery, or stop in for a bite at a local restaurant, take a water taxi ride or explore sites that honor Tampa’s history.
The mission of this museum is to educate visitors about the man behind so much classic entertainment while inspiring them to follow their own imaginations and achieve their goals. The current highlight is a special exhibition on the making of the 1967 film The Jungle Book, including how Disney and his team showcased characters’ personalities and used artwork and cutting-edge animation techniques to create a classic.
More information: www.heinzhistorycenter.org
More information: www.thetampariverwalk.com
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland
Senator John Heinz History Center, Pittsburgh
More information: www.fi.edu
Walt Disney Family Museum, San Francisco
Tampa Riverwalk, Tampa Bay
More information: www.waltdisney.org
By Amanda McElfresh amcelfresh@theadvocate.com
Whether you’re in Natchez because of a special event or a fall road trip, there’s no shortage of attractions. The city is home to one of the country’s largest collections of pre-Civil War historic homes and cultural heritage sites that pay homage to the African-Americans and Native Americans who helped Natchez develop over the years. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the St. Catherine’s Creek Reservoir, where they can kayak, take a nature walk or participate in a scavenger hunt.
A slate of fall festivals provides the perfect chance for Natchez to welcome visitors with events, music and familyfriendly fun. One of the season’s most-anticipated events is the Natchez Balloon Festival, which
In addition, Heath said live music can be found around Natchez on any given night, part of the city’s growing entertainment and lifestyle scene. More artists are displaying their work in public spaces, while acclaimed chefs are putting new spins on regional cuisine.
fascinating and it’s a longtime favorite event for people who are in Natchez in the fall.”
When Devin Heath made his first trip to Natchez, he showed up at a local restaurant near closing time on a Sunday night. Instead of grumbling about the late arrival, the friendly staff gave him a warm welcome and didn’t rush him through his meal. Now that Heath serves as the executive director of Visit Natchez, he’s had even more opportunities to witness the true hospitality that is a hallmark of the community.
Y’all Means All Natchez will host The Weekend on October 20-22 with a focus on supporting equality, LGBTQ+ rights and mental health. Events include Drag Queen Bingo, a cocktail party, and the Battle of Belles and Beaus variety show
takes place October 14-16 in downtown Natchez overlooking the Mississippi River. Now in its 37th year, the Natchez Balloon Festival is expected to attract about 40 hot air balloons from across the country. The festival will also feature rock, country and blues bands from around the region.“Alot of our balloonists have been coming for years and they always look forward to visiting again,” said Carter Burns, director of the festival. “Depending on the weather, we try to have tethered rides when we can. However, a great way for people to see the balloons is the Friday night balloon glow, where the burners are lit up. It’s a magical scene. We also have fireworks and live music, so it’s a special time.”
Heath said there is also excitement around the inaugural Blues & Soul Super Bowl, which will take place on the Natchez Bluff on October 7 and 8. The musical lineup includes Kool & The Gang, Patti LaBelle, CeeLo Green and many others. Local restaurants like Johnny’s Pizza and C&M Crawfish will be selling their eats on-site, and Smoot’s has created a signature cocktail for
Natchez City Cemetery’s Bicentennial, the annual Angels on the Bluff will take place over the first two weekends in November.“Thisisa chance to tour the cemetery and different sites around Natchez,” Heath said. “They visit about 10 or 12 grave sites, and there are actors in full time-appropriate attire who tell individual stories. It’s really
thePlus,festival.
Fall festivals and inviting atmosphere make Natchez
“Whenever we recognize that someone is a visitor, someone in Natchez will immediately strike up a conversation,” Heath said. “Our community understands how important our visitors are as well as how important the stories of Natchez are. They want to tell those stories, so people are excited any time they get to interact with someone new.”
“When people come to Natchez, they tend to come for one attraction or event and then find other things they want to see,” Heath said. “People always want to either extend their stay or come back.”
the Southernperfect getaway
See you again in Spring 2023!
