Dawson Times

This fall, discover nature’s beauty in Georgia’s cinnamon-colored leaves, blue skies, still black waters and earthy scents. Georgia offers a rare blend of outdoor activities and adventures in picturesque settings that will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. From pristine beaches and world-renown golf courses to mystic mountains and fertile farmlands, Georgia’s diverse and beautiful landscapes offer a world of adventure, history and culture. Visit our historical museums or enjoy unique festivals, pumpkin patches and corn mazes complimented by Georgia’s mild climate and crisp autumn air. Georgia is a getaway rich with experiences and images you will long remember.

You will find a sample of some of Georgia’s most popular October festivals below. Visit www.georgia.org for more information on these festivals and many more happening around the entire state.

Visit Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain for Autumfest at Callaway Gardens to take place October 1 through November 4. Celebrate the beauty and cooling temperatures of the Fall. The autumnal color of the trees, annual beauty of seasonal flowers and the bountiful fall harvest are just a few of the reasons to visit. In addition, each weekend will feature special programs and activities such as hay bale and corn mazes; wagon rides; pioneer crafts; mum displays in many colors; demonstrations; steeplechase race and more. www.callawaygardens.com  

What started as a local wager on who cooked the best barbecue has grown to draw over 120 cooking teams with entries of hogs, shoulders, ribs, plus kettles of Brunswick stew, barbecue sauce and barbecued chicken. Spend October 5 and 6 in Vienna at the Annual Big Pig Jig. www.bigpigjig.com  

What better way to enjoy fall in Atlanta’s DeKalb County than at Stone Mountain Park’s 5th Annual Pumpkin Festival. The event will take place every weekend in October. In addition to the great fall decorations, the festival will include the Pumpkin Express Train Ride, PumpkinPalooza Live Show, the South’s Largest Talking Pumpkin Tree, Pumpkin Patch, Pumpkin Pie Eating Contests, arts and craft activities and great live entertainment. www.stonemountainpark.com  

Oliver Hardy was born in Harlem, Georgia and the city celebrates this hometown comic each year by hosting the Annual Oliver Hardy Festival on October 6. The festival features more than 250 crafters, food vendors, a parade, look-a-like contest and the old Laurel and hardy movies are shown in the theatre inside the Laurel and Hardy Museum in downtown Harlem. www.harlemga.org  

Showcasing Georgia's best in country music, zydeco, bluegrass, Latin jazz, and classic rock as well as events such as hot air balloons, wine tasting, micro-cars, boating, paragliding, a "Kids Universe," local cuisine, and auctions make sure to visit the 4th Annual Lake Oconee Music Festival in Madison on October 13 and 14. www.lakeoconeefestivals.com  

With its mild temperatures and beautiful scenery there is no better place to be than the North Georgia Mountains in the fall. Each October, the 10-day Georgia Mountain Fall Festival features exciting musical performances, educational demonstrations, a flower show and the ever-popular Georgia’s Official State Fiddlers' Convention. This year the event will take place October 12 through 21. www.georgia-mountain-fair.com  

The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state's sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a location for film, video and music projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development.

For more information, visit www.georgia.org or call (404) 962-4075