What Is ‘Lore-Tripping’? The Quirky Travel Trend We Can’t Wait To Try This Fall

I consider myself to be pretty well-traveled. This year, I've crossed a new continent off my list and even hiked my first volcano. So people are often surprised when I tell them my might have been to Louisville, Kentucky. Or that I'm a Southerner with a special place in her heart for Madison, Wisconsin.

After years of gallivanting around the globe, I've learned some of the best travel memories can be waiting in the most unexpected places. And I'm not the only one who feels this way. Airbnb's latest travel trends note that Gen Z travelers are trading in "Instagrammable" destinations for lesser-known towns this fall. Visiting quirky places might be nothing new, but if you need a reminder to take the road less traveled, "lore-tripping" might just be the trend to take a cue from this fall.

Lore-tripping is all about prioritizing over major cities and traditional hotspots. This fall, Gen Z is taking more "lore-trips," setting its sights on under-the-radar, quirky towns with "colorful backstories." According to Airbnb, nearly half of Gen Z's trending fall destinations are small towns.

So, what's driving this affection for smaller towns? For many travelers, it comes down to getting more for their money, experiencing a place on a more local, authentic level, and finding unusual attractions they won't see anywhere else. And Gen Z's interest in small-town travel is showing up in the numbers, too. Airbnb searches for southern destinations like Hot Springs, Arkansas, are up 30 percent among the generation, while searches for Helen, Georgia, are up 15 percent. The only question now is: Where in the South should you "lore-trip" this fall?

Small Towns In The South Worth Visiting This Fall

We're big fans of tiny towns and . Here are the Southern spots that made Airbnb's list.

Hot Springs, AR : In the Ouachita Mountains, Hot Springs is home to 47 natural springs and the historic bathhouses of . After soaking up the town's spa-town history, explore Garvan Woodland Gardens or head out to one of the area's three major lakes for a day on the water.

Helen, GA : You don't have to cross the Atlantic to get a taste of Bavaria. This tiny mountain town has German-inspired architecture, cobblestone streets, and plenty of outdoor adventures. And if you visit in the fall, you may just catch Helen's famous Oktoberfest festivities, which kick off in September.

Point Pleasant, WV: If your idea of a memorable getaway involves a little mystery, Point Pleasant has you covered. The Ohio River town is best known as the birthplace of the Mothman legend, which dates back to a series of reported sightings in 1966. Visit the Mothman statue and museum downtown, then explore the TNT area where the mysterious creature was reportedly spotted.

Gibsonton, FL : Just south of Tampa, this quirky community—better known as "Gibtown"—has an unusual claim to fame: it was once a winter haven for circus and carnival performers. Today, its sideshow history is still part of what makes Gibtown unlike anywhere else.

Read the original article on Southern Living