Virginia's Best Fall Activities

Wine festivals

Fall is harvest season, and with over 280 wineries in the state, one doesn't need to travel far to have one's cup overflow. Nine wine festivals run throughout the state from October to November. Celebrate Virginia Wine Month in October with festivals in Norfolk, Ashburn, Chincoteague, Powhatan, and more. Wine festivals are one of Virginia's oldest and strongest traditions: You should have no trouble finding one in any part of the state.

Cider tasting

Virginia offers almost as many cider (fermented apple juice) celebrations as wine, and has as many variations, too. Visit any of the numerous cider farms throughout the state in preparation for Cider Week. According to the official Virginia state website, "the week-long celebration will feature special tastings, pairings, dinners, events, and workshops." Fall never tasted better.

Pumpkin picking

An autumn staple, Virginian children love pumpkin picking. With plenty of farms scattered across the Commonwealth, one should have no trouble locating a prime destination. Back Home on the Farm in Harrisonburg is a personal favorite, but, as long as they've got pumpkins, you can't go wrong.

Apple picking

When you're done picking out your soon-to-be jack o'lantern, look up the closest apple harvest and butter festival near you. Pick your own apples, ripe for the season, and stay for the corn maze, great food, and, of course, choice ciders. Great for a family outing or a fun fall date.

Corn maze

Speaking of corn mazes, Virginia boasts some of the best in the country. Whether you live in northern, central, or southern Virginia, corn mazes are always nearby. Wind your way through the labyrinthine maze and stay late for Halloween activities, or come early to pick pumpkins and eat seasonal treats. Nothing screams fall like a corn maze.

Hiking

Take adventure of the cooler weather before the winter frost to enjoy the beautiful Virginia scenery. National parks are dotted throughout the state, each offering something unique. Climb McAfee Knob, the most photographed location on the Appalachian Trail, or take a quiet walk along the Potomac River. You can't go wrong.

Kings Dominion, Doswell, VA

Virginians are lucky to have not one, but two great theme parks well with-in driving distance. Kings Dominion offers their annual Halloween Haunt, a special Halloween themed experience If you're in the market for Halloween thrills, it can't be beat.

Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, VA

Busch Garden's Howl-o-Scream is sure to delight. Haunted houses, themed shows, and Halloween themed escape rooms make for a frightening good time. And, of course, there are roller coasters, too.

Fall festivals

In Virginia, a weekend doesn't go by without a fall festival. Many festivals have celebrated the season for well over decades. Highlights include pumpkin patches, hayrides, fields of fear, pumpkin chucking contests, bake-offs, and live music.

College football games

Virginia Tech has one of the best college football teams in the nation, and a game is well worth the trip to Blacksburg. It's easy to get swept up in "Hookie" fever during football season, even for those who aren't generally interested in the sport. Imagine it: the roaring crowds, the talented cheerleaders, the overwhelming pride as the winning touchdown is scored… It's almost enough to make you want to go back to college yourself.

Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah Valley

Take an afternoon detour through Skyline Drive to enjoy the splendor of the season. Watch as the leaves change colors seemingly before your eyes. Keep an eye out for deer, black bears, wild turkeys, and other animals that call Shenandoah home. The full trail is about three hours long, but with 75 overlooks offering stunning views, it will be three hours well spent.

The Virginia Film Festival, Charlottesville, VA

Virginia has a burgeoning film community, and once a year the city of Charlottesville, in partnership with the University of Virginia, hosts a film festival to celebrate upcoming filmmakers. Come for the films, but stay for the festivities, including special guests, family day, and the parties. Book tickets early for this November delight.

Neptune Festival and Sandsculpting Contest, Virginia Beach, VA

Sandsculptors worldwide flock to Virginia Beach in September to show off their sandsculpting skills as part of the Neptune Festival. These structures aren't your typical art by any stretch of the imagination: you'll see creations that defy logic and are alive with imagination. These "sculptures" deserve your attention. You won't be disappointed.

Civil War reenactments

Many Virginians still celebrate Virginia's checkered history as the capital of the Confederacy in the American Civil War. No matter your personal leanings, the many Civil War reenactments throughout the state can be educational, as well as entertaining. Virginia is home to many of the most significant historical events in the nation's history, including more Civil War battles than any other state. Witness battles as they would've been fought, ask questions of the participants, and experience camp life.

Key Insights at a Glance

• Fall in Virginia is harvest season, with over 280 wineries in the state and nine wine festivals running from September to November.
• Celebrate Virginia Wine Month in October with festivals in various cities across the state.
• Virginia also offers cider celebrations and cider farms to visit during Cider Week.
• Children love pumpkin picking at farms like Back Home on the Farm in Harrisonburg.
• Apple picking, corn mazes, and hiking are popular fall activities in Virginia.
• Enjoy Halloween-themed events at Kings Dominion and Busch Gardens theme parks.
• Attend fall festivals with pumpkin patches, hayrides, and live music throughout the state.
• Experience the beauty of the season on Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah Valley.
• Attend the Virginia Film Festival in Charlottesville and the Neptune Festival in Virginia Beach.
• Learn about Virginia's history through Civil War reenactments held throughout the state.