As the Southern summer heat gives way to a crisp autumn, the South transforms into a playground of adventure. Whether it’s the thrill of a delta dawn duck hunt, the unifying rites and spiritual elements of college football Saturdays, or cozy cabin fireplaces in the Blue Ridge mountains—the South is the ultimate destination for fall adventure, traditions, and natural beauty.
To keep your skin refined during a fall of rugged adventures, we’ve provided our top skincare tips—simple, efficient, and effective ways to keep you thriving…
...and our top 5 fall traditions for experiencing the Southern sporting life:
- Equestrian traditions like Keeneland, The Carolina Cup, and Aiken Steeplechase.
- College Football road trips for the spiritual experience of game day in Oxford, Tuscaloosa, and across the South.
- Fall Hunting a long-standing rite of passage from deer hunting camps to waterfowl and Georgia’s quail belt.
- Mountain weekends in places like the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains encompass hiking, fly fishing, and the natural beauty of changing colors and Appalachian views.
- Oyster roasts unite friends and family in the South Carolina lowcountry as oyster season begins.
The best skincare routine is one that you’ll follow with products that work. So we’ve compiled simple tips designed for your lifestyle. As the weather changes and humidity drops, a few things to keep in mind to keep your skin in the best condition:
- Repair and rejuvenate damaged skin from the elements and a summer with a lot of golf.
- Hydrate your skin and maintain moisture as cooler temps can lead to dry and flaky skin.
- Don’t forget the SPF summer’s over but you’re still exposed to the elements, UV rays, and other stressors. Making it an all-seasons habit is the best anti-aging remedy.
- Be gentle when it comes to cleansing and exfoliating as the drier air can cause dry, flaky skin.
- Quality over quantity save your time and skin by investing in multifunctional products with high-quality ingredients.
Now pour some Wild Turkey in a highball and build a cozy fire after a morning waterfowl hunt with some good friends. Here’s how you can make the most of fall while looking and feeling your best.
1. Fall Adventure: College Football Roadtrip
Certain college football programs are synonymous with their regions, influencing how these areas are perceived nationally and shaping local culture and identity. Shared game day rites have spiritual elements that serve as a unifying force across generations.
Whether returning to your alma mater or making a rivalry game pilgrimage, college football road trips create the ties that bind and deep connection. Saturdays in the South are special across the region but here's the best of the best:
- The Grove and The Quad: tailgating at iconic locations like The Grove at Ole Miss and The Quad at Alabama provides an unparalleled game day atmosphere.
- Death Valley: couldn’t think of a better place than a night game at Death Valley in Baton Rouge. No place gets rowdier while the cajun food and nightlife are legendary.
- Big Weekend Rivalry Game: rent a house in St. Simons and enjoy the “World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party” rivalry between Georgia and Florida. Like Mardi Gras and Spring Break in one place.
College Football Saturdays are legendary throughout the South. So grab some friends, pack a cooler, and hit the road.
Skincare Tip: Hydrate & Maintain Moisture
Why it Matters: Cooler temperatures and lower humidity levels can lead to dry, dull skin. For outdoorsman and stadium patrons, exposure to the elements exacerbates this. Moisturizing is also the best way to fend off breakouts—as dry skin produces excess oil that clogs pores.
Tip: Choose a nourishing, hydrating moisturizer that contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe, and ceramides that lock in moisture. Apply it morning and add a night cream (more on this in the next tip) to keep skin smooth, vibrant, and hydrated.
2. Fall Adventure: Equestrian Traditions
The South is rich in equestrian traditions, many of which take place during the fall season. Here are some of the best horse and equestrian traditions to experience this fall:
- Keeneland (Lexington, KY): the granddaddy of them all when it comes to thoroughbred racing. Much more than a horse race, Keeneland is a month-long celebration of Kentucky bluegrass culture and a who’s who of thoroughbred racing. Here’s a detailed guide to plan your trip this October.
- The Carolina Cup (Camden, SC): held in November and in the spring, this steeplechase is one of the most popular in the South—attracting large crowds for both the race and the tailgating, a premier social event in the state. Learn more.
- Aiken Steeplechase (Aiken, SC): Aiken is a town we love and have written about several times. With rich equestrian history and some of the nation’s best golf, this charming small small town comes alive during Steeplechase in November.
Steeplechases are a longstanding tradition in the South, combining horse racing with the elegance of a social event.
Skincare Tip: Repair and Rejuvenate
Why It's Important: After all the rounds of golf and glorious sun-kissed pool days of summer, it’s time to repair damage from the sun and elements to gear up for rugged fall adventure. Skin repairs itself overnight so adding a good night cream is a fantastic investment.
Tip: Use a nourishing moisturizer and/or night cream with regenerative ingredients to repair and rejuvenate the skin. Ingredients—such as centella, ocean minerals & algae, and ceramides—can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve skin texture, especially after a day of exposure to the elements.
3. Fall Adventure: Hunting Season
As the leaves change and weather cools, hunting season opens—a time-honored tradition where families and friends gather in hunting camps.
- Deer Hunting: in Georgia, the season typically begins in October and varies depending on your weapon (e.g. archery, firearms). All Southern states offer excellent deer hunting opportunities, due to its diverse habitats and healthy deer populations, but the Alabama Black Belt has some of the best I’ve seen.
- Duck Hunting: generally begins in the late fall, but the exact dates can vary depending on the state and specific hunting zones. There’s great waterfowl hunting across the South, but the Mississippi Flyway is the crown jewel—Arkansas (“duck hunting capital of the world”), Louisiana, and Mississippi are prime hotspots.
- Bird Hunting: usually begins in mid-November and runs through late February. In the South, it’s all about quail. Especially in South Georgia. Albany and Thomasville are known as the “quail hunting capital of the world.” They offer numerous lodges, such as Riverview Plantation and Wynfield Plantation, where hunters experience traditional Southern quail hunts.
With some of the best deer, quail, and waterfowl hunting in the country—the South is the perfect place for fall hunting adventure.
Skincare Tip: Continue Daily Sun Protection
Why It's Important: Summer’s over, but don’t skip the sunscreen. Even though it’s cooler and the sun isn’t as intense, UV rays are still present and can cause skin damage. SPF also protects against omni-present stressors that damage skin—such as blue light from screens and pollution.
Tip: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, especially if you're outdoors for activities like running, hiking, or cycling. Look for a formula that’s lightweight, non-greasy, and natural mineral (versus chemical) to avoid clogging pores. Sunscreen is the #1 way to prevent early signs of aging so wear it daily in all seasons.
4. Fall Adventure: Mountains, Hiking, and Cozy Cabins
The South’s mountains, national parks, and forests, such as the Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah National Park, become popular destinations for hiking and camping, offering breathtaking fall foliage.
This is the perfect time to rent a cozy cabin, light a fire, and wear some flannel for the perfect fall mountain weekend. You can’t go wrong with these places:
- Blue Ridge Mountains (North Carolina): from upscale resort communities like Cashiers and Highlands, to bustling towns like Asheville—the Western Carolina blue ridge area has an abundance of rugged outdoor adventure and rustic lodging for all tastes.
- Great Smoky Mountains (Tennessee): features the nation’s most visited national park and highest peak in the Appalachians, Clingmans Dome. Get a cabin in Pigeon Forge and enjoy breathtaking views of the fall foliage, wildlife spotting, and opportunities for hiking.
- Shenandoah National Park (VA): take Skyland Drive, a 105-mile road running across the entire park and famous for its scenic beauty, especially during fall. Hike a portion of the famous Appalachian Trail, the hike to Stony Man Mountain is not to be missed.
Bonus: many towns in these regions host fall festivals celebrating the harvest, local crafts, and music. Check out events like the Woolly Worm Festival in Banner Elk, NC, or the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival in Gatlinburg, TN.
Skincare Tip: Cleanse & Exfoliate, Gently
Why It’s Important: As skin becomes drier, dead skin cells can build up, leading to a dull complexion and clogged pores. So you need to cleanse & exfoliate but with a gentle cleanser that doesn't strip and dry your skin further.
Tip: Incorporate a gentle cleanser with natural exfoliators into your routine. This will help remove dead skin cells and allow your moisturizer to penetrate more effectively. Opt for one with naturally graceful exfoliating and toning ingredients—like Vitamin C and Rosehip—with no irritating sulfates or synthetic fragrances.
Fall Adventure: Lowcountry Oyster Roasts
Oyster roasts are a beloved Southern tradition, especially during the fall when the oyster season is in full swing. Outdoor oyster roasts become popular gatherings in coastal areas like the Lowcountry of South Carolina and the Gulf Coast.
Fresh oysters are roasted over an open flame and enjoyed with friends and family. Here are some of the best places and events to experience an authentic oyster roast during the fall:
- Lowcountry Oyster Festival (Mount Pleasant, SC): the world’s largest oyster festival, with over 80,000 pounds of oysters. Technically takes place in early February, but the area hosts smaller roasts during the fall, especially in the Charleston area. Here’s a list.
- Oyster Cook-Off & Craft Beer Weekend (Gulf Shores, AL): taking place on the beach in early November, this annual event features a competition among chefs from across the country, preparing oysters in every way imaginable.
- Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival (Bluffton, SC): this week-long festival in October celebrates the arts and seafood of the Lowcountry, with an emphasis on fresh oysters. Various events include oyster roasts, art exhibits, boat tours, and plenty of fresh seafood.
Up and down the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, there’s no shortage of places to enjoy this seasonal delight. Excellent festivals found throughout the Carolinas, Maryland, Virginia, and Alabama.
Skincare Tip: Invest in Quality Multifunctional Products
Why It's Important: Active men need skincare products that are both effective and durable enough to withstand their lifestyle. Multifunctional products with quality, active ingredients deliver better results with fewer products and time spent.
Tip: Investing in high-quality, multifunctional products that address specific skin concerns such as sun protection, anti-aging, or hydration. Look for products that are free from harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances that can further dry, irritate, and inflame your skin.