Assuming both are able to grow there two possibilities are Elaeagnus (evergreen kinds) and Osmanthus (autumn-blooming kinds).

Abelia? Post a photo.

Maybe a Gardenia?

I'd put my money on Eleagnus - they're doing their thing around here at the moment. But a photo would settle it.

Very few abelia offer much in the way of fragrance, certainly not strong enough to waft on the air for any distance. The osmanthus or elaeagnus would be my guesses as well, barring any photos to confirm. Their fragrance is delightful and carries well.

I repeatedly see Abelia x grandiflora described as fragrant yet only get a little from it myself. People raved about the fragrance of A. mosanensis during the 5 minutes it was on the garden center market yet that didn't knock me out either. It did seem to be more fragrant than glossy abelia, but that isn't saying a lot. These plants are definitely scented if you hold a flower to your nose, otherwise...

Maybe it wafts around more under warm, humid conditions - that we don't have here much.

My osmanthus are blooming now. My eleagnus are not to my knowledge, but I haven't really checked.

But in any case, a pic would nail it.

or a viburnum - true, October might be a little early but...without a picture, very tricky

Just checked and Eleagnus x ebbingei is blooming in my yard too. E. pungens may be more common in Piedmont.

the fragrance of osmanthus is more like perfume to my nose than elaegnus, which reminds me of bath powder.

I'll bet Osmanthus, too.

Fall blooming osmanthus is much less common than E. pungens around here though.