Best Southern U.S. Destinations for a Fall Getaway

Fall is one of the most beautiful seasons, and perhaps the least expensive to travel. Thanks to the shaky economy, travel deals abound. So if you are looking for a fall getaway, now is the time to make some plans. Many people flock to New England to see the fall foliage. But did you know that the South also has some spectacular autumn colors? Whether you are looking for fall foliage in the mountains, outdoor adventures or relaxation in a charming town, you'll find it in these 3 Southern U.S. destinations.

Asheville, N. Carolina
One of the best places to see fall foliage in the South is Asheville, N. Carolina. A drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway on a crisp October morning will reward you with magnificent vistas and a kaleidoscope of colors. Stop at the various lookout points to admire Mother Nature's artwork. You can check the weekly foliage report here.

While in Asheville, pay a visit to The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa. Its grand lobby features a towering fireplace that is awe-inspiring. Walk outside to the Sunset Terrace to drink in the view of the resort's manicured golf course set against the backdrop of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains. Indulge in a heavenly spa experience at the wonderfully designed 40,000-square-foot spa. Another popular attraction in Asheville is the Biltmore Estate, the 250-room French chateau built by George Vanderbilt. Spend a day touring the house and the gardens (designed by Frederick Law Olmsted who also designed New York's Central Park), and sampling some estate wines.

Hilton Head, S.Carolina
Fall is the perfect time to visit Hilton Head. The cooler temperatures keep the mosquitoes at bay, which makes exploring the outdoors so much more pleasant. The sneaker-shaped island is a haven for the nature and outdoor enthusiasts. Miles and miles of bike path await you. Not a biker? Don't worry. Hilton Head also has world-class tennis facilities, championship golf courses, and beautiful beaches and creeks. Paddle a kayak on Broad Creek to see egrets, blue herons and other birds patrolling the shores at low tide. If you're lucky, you may see pods of dolphins close to the riverbanks looking for dinner; they literally go into a feeding frenzy, as they chomp down on their bounty. A word of caution. The tide goes out fast. I've seen kayakers stranded out there at low tide.

Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is enchanting all year round. It is a charming city that exemplifies Southern hospitality. In the fall, it hosts a number of festivals, from Octoberfest to the internationally acclaimed Savannah Film Festival to the Savannah Folk Music Festival, and the Savannah Greek Festival. Savannah is an architectural gem. Thanks to its residents who had the foresight to surrender the city during the civil war, Savannah was saved from the burning and pillaging. Most homes and buildings in the downtown area have been restored to their former glory. Explore the city to see the intriguing architecture, and when your tired feet need a break, stop at any of the historic city squares to see beautiful palms, crape myrtle and stately live oak trees canopied with Spanish moss. Food lovers might like to visit Celebrity chef Paula Deen's restaurant Lady and Sons for some Southern comfort foods like fried chicken.

More From This Contributor:
Best Northeastern Fall Weekend Getaways
Fall Foliage Hiking in the Southern States
Top 10 Destinations for a Fall Vacation