Top Fall Activities

Posted by Jenni Barnett on Friday, October 8th, 2021 at 11:20am.

In Middle Tennessee, there’s no shortage of fall fun to be had. Soon, the foliage will transform into its glorious autumn colors, and cool breezes have begun to sweep away the lingering summer heat. For most of us, this is the perfect time of year to enjoy natural splendor, community events, and seasonal spooks and scares.

Do you feel it? It’s time to celebrate autumn! When you’re ready to get out and join in the fun, we recommend the following 11 top fall activities.


1.) Visit Farmers’ Markets

Middle Tennesse’s farmers’ markets are an excellent resource for obtaining your pie-making produce, pumpkins for carving, gourds and colorful corn stalks for your porch, and delicious fruits and veggies for your meals from now through Thanksgiving and beyond. Additionally, delicious meals and artisan crafts are available at most of the markets. Go ahead, we encourage you to shop here while you’re hungry.

Did you know that many of our local farmers’ markets offer delivery right to your door? Follow the links above for more information.


2.) Decorate Your Home 

It’s time to welcome fall with a change of décor. Whether you want to decorate your porch with scarecrows or wreaths, update your home’s interior for fall, or both, our seasonal guides can help. 

We've shared dozens of tips to take you from blah to BOO, as well as recommendations for setting a beautiful table this Thanksgiving. 

When you post photos of your beautiful displays and seasonal home décor, we would love for you to tag us on Twitter and Instagram so that we can see the results of your hard work.


3.) Attend Fall Festivals

As you'll see in our guide, Middle Tennessee’s fall festivals don’t wind down after October’s first festival week! In fact, you could attend two festivals per weekend and still not see them all before the end of the season. Our festival themes include food, culture, history, and dogs—what more could we ask for?


4.) Explore Haunted Houses

Nashville and the surrounding areas are home to some of the most expansive and terrifying haunted houses in the country. Whether you’re looking for a gentle, family-friendly spooky time or want to have your socks scared off by a crew of the scariest actors in the state, our guide is stocked with your destination’s details. 


5.) Take Ghost Tours

Perhaps you’re in search of the paranormal and truly bizarre side of our region’s history? Then you must join one of the ghastly ghost tours listed here. There’s no better time than autumn to commune with the dearly departed who linger here—or hear more about those who have done so.


6.) Visit Pumpkin Patches

Almost no fall adventure is more iconic than the family’s annual pumpkin patch trip. Fortunately for all of us, Middle Tennessee boasts truly amazing farms that pull out all the stops to make autumn in TN a magical time. 

You and yours can easily spend a whole day out in the beautiful countryside enjoying the festivities. From petting zoos and pumpkin fields to jump houses and live bands, we’ve got it all!


7.) Master Corn Mazes

While you’re out hunting pumpkins, take a stab at one of the state’s massive corn mazes! Just be sure to wear sturdy, mud-proof boots, a jacket, and bring your best sense of direction—you're going to need it.


8.) Pick Your Trick-or-Treat Destinations

There’s only one difficulty when it comes to trick-or-treating in Middle Tennessee: there are more sweet stops here than you’ll see on a Candy Land game board!

Take a look at our past guide to trick-or-treating here, then plan your Halloween festivities accordingly. We suggest starting with a giant bag for all the candy your little one will bring home.


9.) Tackle Outdoor Exploration

We love heading outdoors year-round, but there’s nothing quite like crisp autumn air and riotous fall colors to tempt us out on refreshing hikes and slow-going day trips. If you feel like we do, and you can’t wait to head out of the city and suburbs this time of year, you may find our guides to TN attractions helpful. You can find our guide to natural attractions here. If you’re looking for more unusual and weird destinations, we’ve got a list for that, too!


10.) Make Time for Family-Friendly Camping

The wilting heat of summer is past, and the chill of winter will soon set in. Before then, though, how about a few camping trips? Tennessee offers safe, fun, activity-packed family-friendly camping destinations. Any one of them is sure to help you relax while you enjoy the natural beauty located just a hop, skip, and a jump from your front door.


11.) Maximize Your Tailgating Game with These Tips

It’s fall, so you know what’s happening on Saturdays, right? Tailgating with your friends and family, of course! Second to the game’s first home team touchdown, this may just be the best part of football. Our guide to tailgating like a pro will help you level up your pickup truck festivities and wow your friends with your hospitality.


Does your family have Tennessean fall traditions? We’d love to hear all about them in the comments below, so please leave us a note. While you’re out enjoying the wonderful celebrations happening throughout the region this fall, be sure to snap a photo and tag us on Twitter and Instagram! We wish you and your loved ones a beautiful autumn.

Leave a Comment
Format example: you@domain.com
Format example: yourwebsitename.com