The walkable historic downtown area boasts plenty of curious and eclectic boutiques and cafes. Theres something to do here all year-round, from outdoor recreation to Christmas festivities. Heres what to do when youre ready to explore Staunton, Virginia. Credit:Ian Bradshaw Visitors can also explore the home where our 28th president was born. Also on display are more than 2,000vintage photographsof Staunton and Augusta County. As a bonus, most performances are free to the public....

Its outdoor amenities are a draw, especially during the area’s peak tourism season from April through October. The Hagley Museum and Library is on the site of the du Ponts former gunpowder mill. With year-round displays and seasonal installments, Longwood offers new sights every season. Credit:Getty Images Cuba Center became a public botanical garden in 2002. Across its 1,083 acres, the center is dedicated to conserving native plants and the habitats that sustain them....

Getty Images As the summer winds down, it’s time to prepare for the fall harvest. It’s the idealtime to plant vegetablesthat will peak in the fall and winter months. Plant these veggies alongside yourfestive fall flowersfor a colorful, balanced garden. Credit:Getty Images The possibilities are endless with these autumnal veggies. So put your gardening gloves on and plant these 16 fall vegetables. Carrots Hardy carrots are a great fall vegetable to roast and easy to grow yourself....

Way beyond the patty. We’re talking casseroles, muffins, quesadillas, quiches, and more. of pork sausage in your fridge or freezer at all times. Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Torie Cox you could make both the biscuits and sausage gravy from scratch in under an hour. There’s not just one, but two types of cheese in the hearty casserole. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox...

From Beaver Nuggets to buckets of bacon grease. Any Texan can tell you: There is no pitstop like aBuc-ee’s pitstop. No other roadside gas stations can compete. Credit: Getty Images/The Washington Post/Contributor Wonderingwhat makes it so special? Because you’ll be hooked. Beaver Nuggets for all! Credit:Kaitlyn Yarborough (And us, too.) Just a little something to cool folks off on a hot Southern day. Buckets of Bacon Grease We’re being serious....

These butternut squash recipes make the best of the fall gourd. To help you celebrate harvest time, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite fall butternut squash recipes. Busy hosts can simplify their day-of preparations by assembling this side dish the night before the get-together. Credit:Jessica Furniss Its a colorful, flavor-packed side that will elevate any autumn meal. The crumbled bacon-almond-and-brown butter topping will have them coming back for seconds....

From casseroles to stews,roast chickento pot pie, a delicious dinner brings everyone together. There’s a reasoncream of chicken soupandcream of mushroom soupare so ubiquitous in Southern kitchens. It’s a known fact: Chicken and mushrooms make everything taste better. Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox Here are our best recipes that star our favorite protein and produce combo. Make it even more wholesome by replacing the white rice with a whole grain....

Warm up the dinner table with these chicken recipes. Our best fall chicken recipes to make during autumn will deliver plenty of warmth and comfort in every bite. The chicken becomes mouthwateringly tender and flavorful when cooked in a pot of chicken broth mixed with aromatics. Credit:Stacy K. Allen; Props: Julia Bayless; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer Plus, it’s ready in under an hour, with just 25 minutes of hands-on work....

It’s a potato party! We have delicious and comforting potatosoup recipesthat pile on our favoritebaked potatotoppings or provide some spicy heat. After cooking until very tender, blend the soup with an immersion blender. Credit:Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely Add a pretty swirl of Greek yogurt or garnish with roasted pumpkin seeds. Also pictured: an incredible potato-beet version of this recipe. Serve it dressed up with a drizzle of maple syrup-yogurt sauce and crunchy pistachios....

Whencookie cravingscall, answer with one of these way-too-easy recipes. Lemon Crinkle Cookies Molly Bolton Lemon cake mix forms the dough for these soft, citrus-filled cookies. Sprinkling the batter with an extra layer of chocolate chips on top makes them extra gooey. Credit: Photographer: Antonis Achilleos, Prop Stylist: Christine Kelly Food Stylist: Ali Ramee These are topped with a layer of ganache and crushed peppermint candies. A crunchy peanut butter-cornflake base is topped with a thick layer of ganache and a sprinkle of sea salt....

Depending when you plan your visit, you might even catch one of the towns many festivals too. High Hampton For an elevated yet quintessential camp-like experience,High Hamptonis a must. Youll truly feel like you stepped on the set of Dirty Dancing when you walk onto this picturesque property. Credit:Sarah Rau / Courtesy of High Hampton In the heart ofAustin, youll find the 358-acre Zilker Park which is home to Barton Springs....

Impress guests with these surprisingly easy napkin-folding ideas. Laurey W. Glenn The art ofsetting a tableis one Southerners know well and practice often. One of the most basic elements of table-setting that is surprisingly versatile is thedinner napkin. Credit:Laurey W. Glenn The Diamond Mary Hollis Huddlestonaka Mrs. Southern Socialloves The Diamond fold. It can be rustic or fancy depending on your tablescape and linens. The Simple Triangle This is another easy napkin fold that prominently placesyour monogrammed or embroidered linenson display....

Find the palm tree that that works best for your yard. Getty Images Palm trees are cherished for the tropical flair they add to any setting. When selecting palm trees, take into account their desired function in the landscape. Credit:Getty Images It grows an orange fruit similar to dates without much flavor. This palm can be planted as a single specimen or in groups along a border. In cooler regions, it is grown incontainers....