How to Spend Autumn in Tennessee

It's time to fill up the gas tank, crank up the tunes, and follow the map to Tennessee's hidden gems landscaped by autumn leaves, mountains and rolling hills of the Cherohala Skyway National Scenic Byway. Before embarking on your journey, stop in the Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center in Tellico Plains for maps, souvenirs and gifts. The more than 40-mile stretches through the Cherokee National Forest. Stop off and stretch your legs on a hike. See foliage by waterway in a kayak or canoe.

Learn some music history while enjoying fall color along the Americana Music Triangle or "Gold Record Road," which includes Brownsville, Franklin, Memphis and Nashville in Tennessee. The Triangle is a collaboration of cultural attractions across the South, a culmination of work by a multi-state team of historians, musicians, tourism professionals and digital media experts.

Tennessee has 10 stops along the U.S. Civil Rights Trail that tell the stories of the brave men and women who brought words to action through peaceful protests and legal actions to secure their American civil rights. You can follow their footsteps through Memphis, to Nashville and end in the quiet but historically significant town of Clinton in East Tennessee.

Bristol TN/VA is known for its deep-rooted music history as it was the site where the "Big Bang of Country Music" took place. Celebrate this history each September with a slew of artists. Previous artists include: Old Crow Medicine Show, Taj Mahal Trio, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, The SteelDrivers, Asleep at the Wheel, Barns Courtney, Sierra Hull and many more. Weekend passes range from $90-$135, with individual tickets ranging from $40-$60.

Amp up your autumn at Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival every September with award-winning music artists and a dynamic line-up that changes each fall. Happening at The Park at Harlinsdale, a century-old horse farm, the rolling hills and natural amphitheaters of this property enhance fall vibes at the festival. Get ready for the mix of artists, genres and sounds that will rise from Franklin.

Spice up fall at Corsair Distillery in Nashville with their pumpkin spice moonshine. Ellie's Old-Fashioned Doughnuts in Franklin and Ralph's Donut Shop in Cookeville serve seasonal pumpkin donuts. Have some autumn in a shot glass with Ole Smoky Moonshine's pumpkin pie moonshine that tastes like a dessert in Gatlinburg and at the Island at Pigeon Forge.

Finally, relax and rejuvenate at Oak Haven Spa in Sevierville where guests can take advantage of fall-inspired packages like the pumpkin spice facial with warm stones, or a pumpkin latte manicure and pedicure.

For more than 100 years, L.C. King Manufacturing Co. has been producing fashions for men and women since 1913 in Bristol, TN/VA. The makers of Pointer Brand Workwear have also made coats, womenswear ranging from jeans to skirts, and accessories like wallets and aprons. Find comfortable, affordable clothing that will last for many autumn seasons ahead.

For the finest fall accessory you could ever tote around this season, head to Colonel Littleton's shops in Lynnville, Tennessee. Inside, you'll find handcrafted leather goods like luggage bags, purses, briefcases, pouches and more. For the office, buy a leather journal, iPad cover, phone case, leather coasters and more.