Spring and summer are great times to visit the mountains of North Carolina, but the best season to come experience the beauty and wonder of Western North Carolina and the city of Asheville is autumn. There is no other season (except Christmas) which compares with the colors of fall.
Not long after fall begins, the city of Asheville is surrounded by autumn hues. The days are comfortable and the evenings begin to get cooler. The city of Asheville seems to conform to the season as people start to dress in the colors which surround them and artists, bakers, and shop owners decorate their stores for the season. While walking through the city, the smell of autumn leaves, air, and food fill the streets.
Of course, the real attractions are outside the city, where the journey of fall around Asheville, N.C. is the perfect place to begin.
Autumn on The Blue Ridge Parkway
There are numerous trails to explore or roads to drive while visiting the mountains. If one is trying to stay close by Asheville, here are a few suggestions as to where to visit during the autumn season.
Craggy Gardens
Rattlesnake Lodge Trail
Graveyard Fields
Linville Falls
Mt. Pisgah
Dupont Forest
These trails are not even close to a hand full of walks and hikes that the mountains have to offer. However, most are relatively close to Asheville and all are within an easy driving distance. For those looking for waterfalls with autumn reflections gleaming in the sunlight, go to Dupont National Forest or Linville Falls or Looking Glass Falls. Dupont and Linville have more family friendly trails, but be careful near the water and on the rocks. It is slick, as is Looking Glass falls (which is a great spot for adventurers).
As for Rattlesnake Lodge trail and Graveyard Fields, these are family friendly as well. These are amongst trees and forest and one may get to see some wildlife while hiking in these woods. There are some waterfalls at Graveyard Fields, and autumn offers some spectacular views and colors (as well as weather) while hiking.
For views, Mt. Pisgah, Cold Mountain, Craggy Gardens (which may not be the most family friendly trail, due to its dropoffs, but is great to hike in autumn), or Grandfather Mountain (which is quite a drive from Asheville, but worth it!). Mt. Pisgah and Craggy Gardens is not too far from the Asheville area and well worth the trip. Grandfather Mountain is almost a must see for visitors, but plan on leaving early and spending a day or night in the area. Finally, for those who enjoyed the book and movie, Cold Mountain, plan a trip to the mountain itself. Located in Pisgah National Forest, this mountain offers beautiful foliage and views that will leave one breathless.
Of course, these are far from being the only trails to visit. With so many in the area it is hard to choose just one. If hiking or biking isn't on the agenda, at least take time to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway. Along the drive one can visit museums, visitor centers, lookouts, and more. It is well worth the journey.
Towns Close To Asheville
Even if one does not go hiking or on a exploration of the Forests, Smokey Mountains, and Blue Ridge Parkway, it is still easy to take in the beauty of the area by visiting nearby towns, taking in some good food, music, and fun.
One town, Weaverville, holds an autumn art safari annually. The name of the event is, Art In Autumn, and is held in September. It is a great chance for locals and visitors to explore the town of Weaverville, and while there, be sure to stop in to one of the local eateries. There are a few new ones, but three personal favorites are the Well Bred Bakery and Cafe, Blue Mountain Pizza, and Athens Restaurant. Well Bred Bakery is a must eat location in Weaverville, located on Main Street. The long time star of the bakery is the Mountain Eclair, and these eclairs are large enough for two and worth the trip to Weaverville. Other items that are a must buy include their cookies (especially the ginger molasses and the pecan pralines, yum), cakes, cheesecakes, cobblers, sandwiches, and burritos. They serve breakfast, lunch, and are open til 7PM, 9PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Of course, try some coffee, tea, cold drinks, and bread while visiting as well (their food makes great gifts to take home).
Across the street is Blue Mountain Pizza, and it is a great place to enjoy some good pasta, salad, pizza, sandwiches, wraps, and local beer (or non-local). The atmosphere is friendly, and the best time to go is lunch, before the crowds hit. It is considered one of the best places to eat. Just down the road, before the Post Office, sits another great place for pizza, Athens Restaurant.
Athens has been a staple of Weaverville for years. It's mix of Greek and American food is wonderful, and the gyros and pizza (especially the Greek pizza) is wonderful. Like Blue Mountain Pizza, it is a local favorite and gets crowded at lunch and dinner. Even so, both places provide take-out, so for those who just want to grab some good food on the go, give these spots a call and take it back to the hotel.
Another town near Asheville is, Hendersonville. The most exciting time to visit this little town is especially busy during the Apple Festival (held during Labor Day Weekend). This historic town is perfect for families to walk in and enjoy. It is also home to historic Flat Rock Playhouse. There are many good restaurants to enjoy, one being Piggy's Ice Cream.
Of course, one of the most popular towns is Biltmore, home to the Biltmore House, the Bohemian Hotel, and Biltmore Village.
Historic Attractions to Visit
As far as two of the must see spots historic while visiting in autumn, the Biltmore House and Grove Park Inn are a definite go to. These two places have played a huge role in tourism for Asheville. Although it's worth it to mention that, Vance Birth Place (Weaverville), Smith McDowell House (AB Tech Campus), and the Thomas Wolfe Memorial (Downtown Asheville) are also good places to visit.
The Biltmore House and Village are probably by far the most visited spots in Asheville, and to see the house during the fall is amazing. There is always something happening at the Biltmore. The House features a concert series that runs well into the fall, and there are a number of guided tours and events throughout the day. One of the best things about visiting during the fall is the Halloween feel and decor, and there use to be an evening tour during the autumn, but for information, simply go to their website.
The Grove Park Inn is a must see for the ambiance, history, and views. It is a great place to eat dinner while taking in the spectacular view of Asheville, along with the autumn breeze. A fun evening hangout is definitely the balcony, but also Elaine's.
Autumn in the City of Asheville
Back to Asheville, where the fun starts and ends. While visiting during this time, check out the Asheville Arts Museum and some shows at Diana Wortham Theater, and try some cupcakes right across the way at the Cupcake Corner (featuring the Pumpkin and Spice cupcakes during the fall).
Some events include MoogFest and Oktoberfest. These two events are huge for Asheville. Moogfest celebrates the musical contributions of Robert Moog, and Oktoberfest is self explanatory. Both events occur in October (one of the best times to visit). In September, the City and area will be celebrating the reason why Asheville is Beer City USA by having the annual brewgrass festival (which is already sold out!).Autumn is a great time to come to asheville and experience Brewery Tours, local beer and wine, and warm one's self with a cool or hot beverage. Of course, for those who will be visiting during the spookiest time of year, be sure to go on one of several ghost tours (Trolley, Walking, Graveyard, or Pub Crawling) and don't be surprised if visiting close to Halloween, if zombies begin to appear (Zombie Walk). With so much culture in one area, Halloween becomes a gigantic event. Other fun activities include Halloween parties for adults and kids, and there are many great places for kids to trick-or-treat (Biltmore Village, Weaverville Main Street, or Montford Park), and a variety of corn mazes and pumpkin fields to enjoy.
Overall, Asheville in Autumn is an experience one will never forget. The weather may be cooling, but the people are inviting and the views awesome.
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