Plus: Crystal-clear Florida springs; Georgia’s Ossabaw Island; a NOLA inn

PHOTOS: FALL FOR GREENVILLE; HIGHLANDS FOOD AND WINE

There are plenty of reasons to love autumn in the South: cooler temps, football, and of course, festivals galore. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the region’s most tempting annual gatherings, including a food and wine fest in Florida’s horse country, an apple harvest in North Georgia, and a standout celebration of Appalachian culture in North Carolina.

Jacksonville, Florida. Since my sister moved back to the Sunshine State last year, I’ve taken every opportunity to visit her, even in the sweltering summer. Well-air-conditioned shops, breezy beaches, and good company make braving the heat worth it. Here’s how we spent our time:

Loafin’ around. The smell of Community Loaves’ display case is worth the stop alone. Sourdough is the star of the show at the cozy bakery and cafe in Murray Hill, but we also gushed about the slightly citrusy cardamom swirl.
Browsing beach reads. After an hour of exploring Chamblin Bookmine, I began to wonder—is that really another section I see, or is it just a mirage? After two trips to the shop, I’m still not certain I’ve traversed every corner of it. Across 102 aisles stacked floor to ceiling with used, new, and rare books, there’s something for everyone: My sister and I scoured the “Southern serpent” section while her boyfriend searched for a Star Trek story.
Hitting the sweet spots. On a rainy afternoon in Atlantic Beach, the scent of fresh pies mixed with the Florida humidity at Pie Heaven Bakery Cafe. Our slices of heaven that day were of the triple berry and key lime varieties, but we’ve already made plans to return for the coconut custard. When the sun came back out, Dreamette’s soft serve was our saving grace.