Ready to celebrate all that autumn has to offer? Then you surely won't want to miss the upcoming Hands & Harvest Festival in Highland County, Virginia.

This county-wide festival is an invitation for locals and visitors alike to embrace the best of the season.

To start, you'll want to embark on the Harvest Trail, which is a tour of the county's maple camps and farms. It's a great way to sample one of the season's finest creations: apple butter!

The farm tours are equally informative, and you won't help but fall in love with the animals who call Highland County their home.

Of course, no trip to Highland County is complete without purchasing at least a few Highland County maple syrup products.

As for activities, there will be something for all ages. From tractor rides...

...to a friendly 5K...

...and even some dancing, all visitors are encouraged to let loose and enjoy themselves.

Picture this: you've been out exploring the waterfalls hikes and meandering trails of Shenandoah National Park all day, and you're looking for a cozy place to call it a night.

Suddenly you notice the sign for Hillside Motel — tucked away between the Blue Ridge Mountains and Massanutten Mountainsand — and you know you've found the perfect home base for your adventures.

The rooms are modest yet offer everything you'll need for your stay.

And we hear it's the perfect place to bring the kiddos; there are swings on the property and a pool that's open seasonally. Plus, there's plenty of space for everyone to roam and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

And speaking of the mountains, it's hard to imagine a better view, especially in the heart of autumn when the entire region transforms.

This lovely motel is open only seasonally, so be sure to book your stay between April and October.

So whether you're looking for a place to rest your head between hikes or a getaway for the whole family, you'll be so glad you discovered this hidden gem.

If you've ever been curious to experience the surreal beauty of Chincoteague and Assateauge Islands, look no further than this stunning sunset wildlife cruise in Virginia.

Operated by Assateague Explorer, this guided boat tour promises to showcase the magic of the region. The tour, which lasts between 1.5 and 2 hours, is narrated by a knowledgeable and friendly guide.

Along the way, you may be able to spot famous wild ponies, dolphins, eagles, shorebirds, and more

The first part of the tour will take you by the Assateague Island National Seashore and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, where it's possible to see these majestic island ponies.

As you continue to the inland coastal waterways along Chincoteague Island, you'll want to keep your eyes on the horizon for a majestic dolphin or two!

So sit back, relax, and prepare to be absolutely charmed by all the beauty that surrounds you on this guided tour.

For gourmet Venezuelan cuisine, look no further than Arepas Capitol.

The moment you set foot inside the space, you'll discover a brightly-lit interior with the irresistible scent of home cooking pervading the air.

If you stop by early enough, you can enjoy breakfast, which includes three mini arepas, scrambled eggs, black beans, and your choice of shredded meat or vegetables.

The arepas are, of course, the star of the show. Stop by for lunch and you can enjoy a dozen different varieties on the menu.

Equally delicious are the empanadas. Visit on a Tuesday and you can enjoy four of these delicious treats for just $14.

And don't forget dessert! The homemade quesillo is one of the best things on the menu.

Between the friendly staff, the inventive cuisine, and the warm atmosphere, you'll find there's so much to love about Arepas Capitol.

All aboard! A vintage steam train is making its way through Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, promising leaf-peepers an unforgettable four-hour excursion they won't soon forget.

The opportunity to ride an authentic steam train from the 1950s is a bucket-list experience in and of itself. And when you pair that with peak foliage season, you've got yourself an adventure of a lifetime.

The round-trip train rides will be taking place in October and November, two times per day on Saturdays and Sundays. The trip will leave from Goshen, Virginia.

From there, the train will head east, winding its way through the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, which will be absolutely adorned in fall splendor.

After making its way through Augusta County, the train will eventually stop briefly in Staunton before returning back to Goshen.

There are different levels of tickets available, with the most luxurious including a table seat on the second level with a glass dome top to enhance views.

Less than 20 miles north of Charlottesville awaits a true culinary destination: the Bavarian Chef.

The story of this famed restaurant began in 1974 when Eckhard and Bruni Thalwitz opened their German restaurant on Route 29.

Visit this locally-operated restaurant today and you'll agree; the menu is fantastic and the atmosphere is second to none!

The restaurant is currently owned by Jerome Thalwitz, who continues his parents' legacy. He's also the head chef, creating inspired dishes that combine authentic German meals with seasonal ingredients.

The Bavarian Chef also operates a food truck, which you'll spot throughout the Fredericksburg area.

One thing's for sure: you won't want to miss out on dessert.

From German chocolate cake to Apfelstrudel, the options are absolutely decadent!

Buttermilk Trail is a beautiful 5.3-mile trek within Richmond's James River Park.

The trail is named for Buttermilk Stream, which is where farmers in the 1800s would keep their milk cold before selling it.

The trail itself is considered to be moderately challenging, with a few stairs and inclines to navigate. It takes most hikers a little over two hours to complete.

It's a trail that attracts outdoor explorers of all kinds, especially bikers, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled and be sure to share the trail.

The majority of the hike will be forested, interspersed with glimpses of the beautiful James River.

And the views of downtown Richmond are absolutely breathtaking, especially on a clear, sunny day.

You'll also encounter some scenic bridge crossings, which add an element of magic to the experience.

One thing's for sure -- you'll want to be sure to bring your camera with you!

Just 40 miles west of Roanoke, nestled in the Blue Ridge Highlands region of Virginia is the beautiful town of Blacksburg.

During the autumn, a drive through the area will reveal an explosion of awe-inspiring fall colors.

And speaking of town, there are ample recreational opportunities as well as lots of local festivals and events throughout the year.

Of course, no trip to Blacksburg is complete without visiting the Farmers Market at the Market Square Park.

While the fall festivities are great, what makes this town truly remarkable is the stunning landscapes that are bursting with autumn beauty.

And believe it or not, the Virginia Tech campus is one of the best places to experience all that the vibrant season has to offer.

You can also admire the season by simply driving through scenic areas throughout the town.

Or explore one of the local parks or waterways to witness the changing leaves.

Because of its proximity to the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest, there are acres and acres of natural landscapes to explore.

So, the next time you find yourself searching for a town in Virginia to experience the best of fall, be sure to add Blacksburg to your list.

You'd never guess this breathtaking natural oasis was located in the midst of Virginia's largest city, let alone in the middle of an urban industrial park!

The Tidewater Arboretum is a breath of fresh air in every sense of the word. If you've never visited an arboretum, it's by definition a collection of trees, plants, and shrubs that are grown for educational and research purposes.

Of course, another purpose of an arboretum is for enjoyment! It's nearly impossible to find yourself surrounded by such stunning plants and feel anything but peace and appreciation.

The arboretum, which is operated by Virginia Tech, has done a wonderful job of organizing and identifying each plant by Plant Family, Scientific name, and Common Name.

There's something absolutely magical -- and a bit whimsical -- about exploring the gardens.

And the best part of all? Tidewater Arboretum is completely free! It's run by a group of volunteers, and we think you'll agree that they do an absolutely beautiful job with upkeep and maintenance.

One thing to note: parking is very limited. So if you're planning a trip, it's best to arrive early in the morning so that you can enjoy all that this lovely natural space has to offer.

1. Powhatan's Festival of the Grape

2. Annual Chincoteague Island Oyster Festival

3. Graves’ Mountain Apple Harvest Festival

4. The Virginia Wine & Garlic Festival

5. Urbanna Oyster Festival