Hither & Yon

By Christiana Roussel | Photos Contributed

Go farther afield this fall with trips to some spots that might not have been on your radar before. When you’ve done the mountains, beach and lake year-in-and-year-out, it might be fun to change course and discover some place altogether new.

Thomasville, Georgia

Fall is a phenomenal time to head south for this small-butsophisticated town. Pass through pecan groves and cotton fields, over red clay roads and under canopies of live oaks before reaching the storied bricks of downtown Broad Street. Known as The Quail Capital of the World, the season opens in early November and draws outdoor enthusiasts from across the globe. A conservationist’s dream, this Red Hills Region, with its hills of rolling wiregrass and longleaf pine, is a biodiverse wonderland. But whether you come for the bobwhites or just a long weekend away in a vibrant and charming town, Thomasville hits all the right notes.

What to Do

This region has a rich and storied history that is centered upon the land. After the Civil War, many northern industrialists came to the area and purchased large parcels, building magnificent plantation-style homes. The vast majority of these are still privately held, but visit a site such as Pebble Hill Plantation to learn more—explore the grounds, take in the museum, attend an on-site art show or event. pebblehill.com

Whether you grew up shooting or are new to the sport of upland hunting, there is no finer place to chase quail than in the Red Hills. The lucky few lock down their invitations to private plantations when offered, while others book spots at places such as Pine Hill Plantation in nearby Donalsonville or Rio Piedra Plantation in Camilla or Orchard Pond Estate in Tallahassee (just 30 miles south).

If you just want to get a taste of the sporting lifestyle and history, attend Kevin’s Southern Game Fair (Nov. 9-11). This annual event kicks off the season and serves as a fundraiser for Tall Timbers, a non-profit organization dedicated to land stewardship and conservation. kevinscatalog.com

If quail is king in these parts, then the arts are queen. Philanthropy runs deep in the Red Hills and a robust arts scene is one of those beneficiaries. The Thomasville Center for the Arts (TCA) was founded more than 30 years ago as a creative hub for the community. TCA hosts exhibits and performances and offers a wide range of after-school classes (dance, drama, visual arts and design) to more than 300 students daily. The annual Wildlife Arts Festival (Nov. 9-19) is a 10-day celebration and fundraiser that spotlights the best of the region with events such as the Red Hills Rover Rally, Whiskey in the Woods, Fine Art Show, Artisan Market, lectures and workshops. thomasvillearts.org

Where to Stay

The Courtyard by Marriott is ideally situated at one edge of downtown, making it a walkable location to great restaurants ( Liam’s, Jonah’s, Sweetgrass Dairy, Grassroots Coffee, Hubs & Hops ) and shopping ( Kevin’s, Sensoree, C.H. Whitney, ABODE, Firefly, Relish, The Hare & The Hart ) Pebble Hill Plantation—Immerse yourself in the genteel surroundings of this estate, with a room in the Overflow Cottage or The Firehouse Apartment.

Staying for longer than a weekend? Book a VRBO or AirBnB.

Of note: Lagniappe Artistry Afield offers curated sporting, outdoor and cultural experiences around the world. This fall, they will partner with legendary gunmaker, Holland & Holland, to offer a three-day, two-night South Georgia plantation hunt boutique experience. One-on-one shooting instruction, bobwhite quail hunts from mule-drawn wagons and world-class dining are all included. Secure your spot at artistryafield. com.

What to Expect

Even if you don’t know a hind-end from a muzzle, there is so much to enjoy at this ultra-luxe 300-acre property, where no detail has been overlooked: the soaring 20foot high marble-clad lobby, adorned with oil paintings of beloved canines and horses; the English-saddle-festooned Yellow Pony Pub ; the Hermès-inspired carpets that line the guest hallways; the sweeping floor-to-ceiling views of the Grand Arena from your suite.

What to Do

During eventing season, dine al fresco and watch world-class horses compete for $100k+ purses. Book treatments at the hotel’s 7,000-foot Calluna Spa . Shop for your next bauble at Lugano Diamonds or put the Master Sommelier to the test with wine pairings at Stirrups Restaurant . Or maybe you caught pastry chef Yohann LeBescond on Food Network’s “Summer Baking Championship,” and you’re dying to try his confections.

Of Note: Nov. 3-5, The Equestrian Hotel plays host to the Ocala Food & Wine Festival , where their chefs go head-to-head with celebrity chefs all weekend long. Bourbon, BBQ and Blues are the theme for Friday night. Breakout classes and Taste of Ocala take place during the day on Saturday, while that night, the chefs vie for guests’ tastebuds, as each prepares a different course for the grand dinner.