Autumn activities near Lee

As cooler temperatures settle into southeast Tennessee, there are many opportunities to enjoy the season. Read on to discover the places you have to visit as the leaves change hues and the cable knit tops emerge:

1.) Downtown Drink Discovery

The temperature is dropping and leaves are falling! Sweater weather is approaching fast, so how do we find a cozy place to warm back up?

From First Bloom’s Amber Waves to Inklings’ Organic Blood Orange Rooibos tea, Cleveland offers plenty of walking-distance locations for a hot and comforting treat this season. With comfy seating and shelves of books nearby, you won’t need mittens when you have one of these sweet beverages in hand. 

Put on some vintage fall tunes and take a stroll by First Bloom Coffee and Bakery, Ruddles Bread and Book, or Inklings Bookstore, just to name a few, in the coming “-‘ber” months. 

2.) Apples to Apples

Grab your overalls, bring a tote, and get ready for some harvesting! If you are interested in stocking your dorm with fried pies, canned goods, and apples galore, Apple Valley Orchard on Waterlevel Highway is the place to be.

At this community staple, markets are full of many varieties of this ripe fruit. You will not want to miss this Tennessee offering, so reserve your tour before the leaves change.

You can also show your love for this ruby-red treat with a mid-October walk to Cleveland’s annual Apple Festival, at the Courthouse Square. This is a unique excursion full of dances, contests, food, crafts, and live music, with all proceeds going to local non-profits. 

3.) Camp With Your Crew

Want to take a trek? Need to recuperate from the busyness of academic life and exams? Just interested in scenic views and fresh air? A weekend camping trip with friends may be just what fun you are looking for. 

Grab a sleeping bag, snacks, warm flannel layers, and take your roommates along for a night of fellowship and stargazing in the Tennessee mountains. 

Hiwassee Scenic River State Park or Chilhowee’s Campgrounds are under an hour from campus. Both are perfect getaway spots to reconnect with nature, roast marshmallows, and hike throughout the vibrant foliage. 

Whether you find yourself walking downtown, taking an afternoon to browse pastries and fruits, or spending the night by a fire, any of these local gems are sure to enhance your Autumn experience. So make like an apple and keep your eyes peeled for these harvest-themed spots!

Photos by Lauren Gray.