Experience the Best of Fall Activities in Florida

Lights bring holiday cheer

St. Augustine, the nation's oldest city, is always an attractive place to visit but never more so than during the Nights of Lights. The small city's best-known event this year runs from Nov. 19 to Jan. 31. More than three million lights adorn every corner of the historic district. Every night, from dawn to dusk. Businesses stay open longer. Photo opportunities range from the lights along the bay to the Christmas tree in the downtown center's main plaza. Trains and trolleys offer special seasonal tours. Or you can simply pace yourself by taking a walk through the downtown area.

Motorcycles and beach driving

You don't have to own a motorcycle to join the 100,000+ people who descend on Daytona Beach for the annual Biketoberfest. There are shows, rallies, live music and scenic rides along historic AIA twisting past the Atlantic Ocean. There's also racing at the world-famous Daytona International Speedway. And while beach driving areas are dwindling, it's still easy to find places to enjoy the area's famous year-round pastime: driving on the beach.

Sarasota among best farmers' markets

Mild weather in Florida allows two growing seasons for produce: fall and spring. Farmers' markets' abound but one of the best is in downtown Sarasota on Lemon Avenue and State Street which is open every Saturday, year-round. Produce and services from dozens of farmer style vendors in a 5,000 square foot setting. Everything from bountiful crops of broccoli and tomatoes to everyday house plants.

You pick it at old-time Hunsader Farms

"U-pick it" season starts in September at Hunsader Farms in Bradenton but most visitors choose October dates because that's when the annual Pumpkin Festival takes place. There's over 100 craft vendors, tons of food, music, shows, hay rides, petting zoo, face painting, a corn maze, and more. The place got its start in 1967 when three brothers left their Wisconsin farm for the sunnier south. Their 80-acre tomato field prospered and grew. Hunsader today is a big farm with a feed store, a produce market, tours, a petting zoo, picnic areas and u-pick vegetables.

Florida Seafood Festival among state's oldest

Some of the country's best festivals are held in small towns. One good example is the Florida Seafood Festival, often dubbed the state's oldest maritime event. It draws tens of thousands of visitors during the first weekend of November to small town Apalachicola. Attractions include highly competitive oyster eating and shucking competitions, carnival rides, a 5K run, a parade, fireworks and musical entertainment. This year's headline entertainer is country singer Rodney Atkins.

Visiting the town that time forgot

The tiny town of Micanopy near Gainesville is sometimes referred to as the town that time forgot. But not during its annual fall festival. The quiet little town fairly bursts with activity on normally laidback Choklokka Boulevard. Local artists, crafters and musicians come from all over the southeast. The main stage hosts a variety of musical entertainers. Micanopy is located just 12 miles from Gainesville and the University of Florida. It was named after a Seminole Indian chief. It also offers antique and used book stores and a handful of first-rate bed and breakfast inns.

Best boat show in the world

Where else might you find the best boat show in the U.S.? At the self-styled "Yachting Capital of the World," of course. Fort Lauderdale hosts the Annual International Boat Show. A wide variety of boats, including cabin cruisers, sailing yachts, bowriders, fast or high-performance boats, catamarans, ski boats, inflatables, and even canoes.

Winter Park art show among best in U.S.

Not so long ago, it was just another minor gathering with little-known artists. But the Winter Park Autumn Art Festival in the trendy Orlando suburb has grown to be recognized as one of the best in the U.S. In addition to drawing famous artists, there are furniture makers and other craftsmen. Also live entertainment and a variety of food, though lines can be long. A children's art workshop is also among offerings.

Birders flock to South Florida to see…what else?

Birders of all kinds flock to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables for the annual Bird Festival. South Florida is a bird haven during the fall and winter months, welcoming dozens of migratory species to its warm climate. One of the best ways to see them is a guided birding tour. In addition to two days of on-site tours at Fairchild, the Tropical Audubon Society will lead two days of off-site tours before the festival (registration required). To see the amazing diversity of bird species, visitors can stop by the festival booths of local organizations presenting encounters with birds from around the world.

Key Insights at a Glance

• Fall is the second most popular season for visitors in Florida
• Statewide fall activities are mostly outdoor-themed
• Unique fall events in Florida include Nights of Lights in St. Augustine, Biketoberfest in Daytona Beach, and Sarasota's farmers' market
• Hunsader Farms in Bradenton offers a pumpkin festival and u-pick vegetables
• The Florida Seafood Festival in Apalachicola and the Micanopy fall festival are popular small-town events
• Fort Lauderdale hosts the Annual International Boat Show, known as the best boat show in the U.S.
• The Winter Park Autumn Art Festival in Orlando is recognized as one of the best in the country
• Birders flock to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables for the annual Bird Festival