Your Guide to Visiting Virginia in October

Fall is officially here, and that means it's time for cozy nights by the fire, leaves changing, and taking a trip through Virginia’s colorful mountains. Start with a drive through stunning Southwest Virginia on one of our incredible scenic roadways, such as the Blue Ridge Parkway or Skyline Drive.

Southwest Virginia offers some of the state’s top fall experiences, from top-tier hikes with even better views, awesome mountain lodges for overnighters, and scenic drives, as well as a plethora of wineries and breweries perfect for an afternoon tasting. The Blue Ridge Parkway will wind you through charming small towns, beautiful overlooks, and some of Virginia’s best fall wineries. 
 

If you are on the lookout for peak fall foliage, be sure to download our fall foliage map and sign up for our fall foliage emails, with the latest info delivered straight to your inbox! 
 

Where to Stay

For a taste of luxury, The Lodge at Primland, Auberge Collection offers spacious accommodation options on 12,000 acres surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. Stay for a round of golf, scenic hike, or horseback ride, or choose from one of Primland’s many other outdoor offerings.

Situated right off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Peaks of Otter Lodge is an ideal spot for a peaceful stay with dreamy, cozy lodge vibes perfect for fall. The lodge has access to countless hiking trails as well as close proximity to some of Virginia’s best wineries and unique museums.

If you’re looking for a city stay, the Liberty Trust Hotel is a great option during the fall season. You'll find the hotel within a restored First National Bank building. The elegant rooms and historic finishes make for a comfortable retreat from your downtown explorations. Plus, don't miss dining in The Vault. 

Wintergreen Resort is another top option for lodging this season, as it is surrounded by stunning mountain views, great for taking in fall colors. The drive alone is breathtaking, not to mention the on-site spa, golf course, sports, and recreation facilities. This mountain resort also features a variety of dining options.

Where to Eat

Blue Mountain Brewery in Afton is not only a great option for craft beer with a beautiful view, but also an awesome meal. The full-service kitchen offers apps, salads, pizzas, sandwiches, and more all made from scratch right there on-site. 

For a unique, upscale dining experience, The Farmhouse Restaurant at Veritas Winery offers a special farm-to-fork dinner and Sunday brunch. Tuesdays through Saturdays, get dinner in the Farmhouse or Garden house for a home-grown menu that's frequently refreshed by the chef. Did we mention the views are stunning?

One of the most iconic structures along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Mabry Mill is a historic gristmill that still grinds flour over a 100 years after its construction! The site features a restaurant that's great for breakfast, plus a stunning backdrop for fall colors. Don't miss perusing the gift shop before you continue your adventures. 

For more delicious destinations, check out our Roanoke dining guide and Southwest Virginia dining guide.

What to Do

Taking a scenic drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway is a fall must. With over 400 miles of roadway and countless overlooks, the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the best ways to experience fall in Virginia. The drive is dotted with designated campgrounds and picnic areas for easy stops as well as small towns and cities if you’re looking to try some local restaurants or book a longer stay.

On the sunrise side of the Blue Ridge, you will find the charming community of Nelson County, with Virginia Route 151 running straight through. This section of Rt. 151, referred to as Nelson 151, is the ultimate journey through some of Virginia’s best wineries, craft breweries, cideries, and even distilleries. Don’t miss the famous Devils Backbone Brewing “Campground” or the views from Afton Mountain Vineyards.

See the full list of Nelson 151 offerings.

For some outdoor recreation, check out Explore Park in Roanoke. From camping, mountain biking, and paddling to treetop quests, zip lines, disc golf, and an on-site brewpub, Explore Park has everything you need for an adrenaline-pumping experience or something leisurely if that’s more your style. It's open through October 26. 

Further west, the Floyd Country Store makes the perfect stop for anyone looking to experience an authentic country store with traditional Appalachian roots. Inside you will find quirky merchandise themed around simple country living. Every Friday night starting at 6:30 p.m., locals and visitors alike come together for the Friday Night Jamboree, an authentic Appalachian experience of live music, dancing, and general celebration.

While cruising down the Blue Ridge Parkway, make time for a hike or two to take in the fall foliage. There are a plethora of fantastic options from Humpback Rocks, Peaks of Otter, and Roanoke River Trail to McAfee Knob — which is west of Roanoke, but worth the detour, as it’s the most photographed spot along the Appalachian Trail.

Bonus: For more hikes along the Blue Ridge, check out our guide to the best Blue Ridge Parkway hikes.

Meadows of Dan is another great stop off the Blue Ridge Parkway. A small community boasting a variety of hiking trails and outdoor activities as well as a town for shopping and snacking, Meadows of Dan makes for a great fall experience. Be sure to check out Nancy’s Candy Company, a one-of-a-kind giant candy factory, and stop by the nearby Chateau Morrisette Winery on the way out! It's one of Virginia's largest-producing wineries and is absolutely stunning in the fall.

Natural Bridge, an iconic spot and natural wonder, turns even more vibrant in fall as the colors change. October is a great time to explore the state park, as it is often less busy than the summer months.

More Virginia Vacation Ideas for October

Popular Fall Activities in Virginia

Search for the perfect seasonal decor at one of Virginia’s many pumpkin patches. Throughout October, these pumpkin farms come alive with events, games, and all kinds of family fun, plus plenty of pumpkins available for the picking! Some of our favorite farms even have elaborate corn mazes to get lost in. 

For more harvest fun, go apple picking! October is the perfect month to pick your own apples at one of Virginia’s many orchards. As the weather cools down, take in the crisp mountain air, pick some apples to take home, and finish the afternoon with a local cider or two and a fresh apple cider doughnut!

Celebrate Virginia Wine Month

October is Virginia Wine Month and harvest season for Virginia wineries. Vineyards throughout the state will be harvesting this year's grapes and following up with all kinds of celebrations — think harvest dinners, special tastings, and even some grape stomping for your very own “I Love Lucy” moment.

Pro tip: Our friends at Virginia Wine have a great roundup of events so you can find your perfect harvest party.

Another way to explore Virginia's wine scene is to book a guided tour with a local wine tour company. Spirited Wine Tours, a tour operator in the Northern Virginia area, is a great option for a wine excursion, driving you around several wineries throughout the day with a certified wine expert who can answer questions and teach you all about Virginia's thriving wine scene.

Thirsty for more? Use our ultimate guide to Virginia wineries to make the most of sipping season. 

October Festivals & Events in Virginia

Check out one of these awesome festivals and events happening around the state in October:

Got a need for speed? Attend Martinsville Speedway's Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300 on October 23, 2025.

Go coastal this October at the Annual Chincoteague Island Oyster Festival. This all-you-can-eat festival takes place on October 11 on Chincoteague Island and offers up oysters in every form- raw, steamed, fried, and Rockefeller-ed, plus more food, drink, games, and live entertainment. 

​The Go Outside Festival is a free annual festival that promotes outdoor recreation in Roanoke. October 17-19, attendees can try a variety of outdoor activities such as paddle boarding, kayaking, and fishing. You will also find over 175 workshops, three stages with live music, and pro athletes showing off their skills. You can even camp overnight.

The Graves Mountain Apple Harvest Festival is the epitome of fall in Virginia and takes place the first three weekends of October in Syria, Virginia. Pick your own apples and pumpkins, take a hayride or guided horseback ride, listen to local bluegrass musicians, and indulge in apple butter made on-site or a bowl of homemade Brunswick stew. 

Get a glimpse of traditional rural life in Virginia at the annual Blue Ridge Folklife Festival in Ferrum on October 25, 2025. Hear traditional mountain music genres, from bluegrass to old-time strings, learn rural hand skills from local craftspeople, and listen to stories that have been passed down for generations. It’s a one-of-a-kind festival, not to be missed!