Hickory Nut Gap Farm

Looking for something to do this week? Visit Hickory Nut Gap Farm in beautiful Fairview, N.C. Not far from Asheville, this farm is open everyday in September and October in celebration of the coming of fall and Halloween!

The farm features fresh food, as always, mazes, pumpkin picking, apples, berries, and a chance to meet some farm animals (always a plus for the kids). You can even put in an order for a Thanksgiving turkey!

This farm is great for locals, school groups, and visitors. It is open to the public year around, but everyday in Septemner and October. For anyone looking for a fun, laid back, fall like farm trip, this a great place to go (not to mention a great way to keep it local).

Dan Savage At UNCA

The so called anti-bullying and gay rights activist is set to speak at UNCA this month. He claims to be against bullying, but he fact is, he is only against it towards specific groups of people. Everyone else, including pro-lifers, Christians, Mormons, God, and anything to do with the Bible. Even so, he claims to be anti-religious, yet he attacks one specific religion (blaming his upbringing).

Savage is a prime example of a boy who was forced into circumstances he could not control and then bullied and made fun of because he was not like all the other boys. As a result, in adulthood, he has decided to go on the defensive and bad mouth anything to do with what happened to him during his childhood. He has shifted his anger about what happened onto all who share any similarities to those who treated him badly.

For one to say, that is not understandable would be wrong. It is understandable that a grudge such as this can be held for a lifetime if one wants, and it is especially hard to give up wanting to see a group related to these problems not suffer out of desire for revenge. The problem with it is, he is suppose to be speaking against hate speech and hate acts, but as his incident earlier this year made clear, he is only speaking for one community. Instead of being a spokesperson against bullying (especially since he seems to verbally abuse and bully those who do not agree with him or have the slightest difference of opinion), perhaps he should be more specific and just be a spokesperson for the gay community only because he is not an anti-bullying activist. He is, however, an activist for homosexual rights.

Overall, his reception at UNCA will no doubt be welcoming.

Biltmore Village

"The Last Straw"

Biltmore Village is located outside the entrance to the Biltmore House in beautiful Asheville, North Carolina. The Village looks as if it should be located in a storybook or fairy tale. It is lined with English looking cottages, brick sidewalks, and truly makes one feel like they have just stepped back in time. Within the village are a number of shops and restaurants, and this past weekend, our family happened to stumble upon a newly opened (opened in March), The Last Straw.

This shop proved to be a perfect find for our family. It is filled with seasonal collections and the aroma of fresh fall candles fill the air as one enters the store. To begin our journey, we went upstairs into a room full of Christmas decorations for the tree and home, then to the spring/summer room with gorgeous stands and lovely aromas perfect for any garden inside or out. After exploring the upstairs, we journeyed back down to the one room we truly wished to view, the autumn home decor area.

The autumn room was full of nick knacks and decorations to turn any home into an autumn paradise. Some great finds included a beautifully made glass pumpkin, some wooden candy corn pumpkins (which light up and sit on a shelf), and a number of baskets and candles. There were also small pumpkin plates which were perfect for holding some candy or a candle, witch themed decorations, garlands of leaves, autumn wreaths, and a variety of pumpkins.

Once I pulled myself away from my favorite area, our family explored more Christmas items downstairs. There were exquisite nativity scenes and an absolutely stunning sleigh with Santa and his bag of toys. Even so, there were also a number of light hearted items that would be perfect as Christmas gifts.

There are gifts for ornament collectors, wine lovers, and more. For those who look for unique Christmas gifts, this would be a great store to find some. The best time to go shop for one would be in December during the Village's "Dickens" weekend.

Even so, The Last Straw is a great place to shop and enjoy some seasonal flare.

NC Apple Festival

It's that time, again! The NC Apple Festival is back in Hendersonville, N.C. this Labor Day weekend. It is a time to celebrate the coming of autumn, and enjoy parades and events celebrating the end of summer and beginning of fall.

This is a great festival to attend and enjoy. Local farmers, artist, and businesses will be displaying their goods in downtown Hendersonville, and the best part is, much of it is free (with the exception of purchases). It is a great time to enjoy and appreciate local foods and entertainment. There are numerous activities for children and it is just a wonderful excuse to get outside and walk around in the fresh Blue Ridge Mountain air.

Take some time this weekend to head to beautiful downtown Hendersonville and take part in events from a parade to breakfast and "apple recipe contest."

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, North Carolina

This weekend marks the 25th Anniversary of the film, Dirty Dancing. It is expected to be a huge event for Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Thre will be dance competitions, tours, and even a lift competition in the lake. Visitors are also welcome to dress as their favorite characters and get into the whole Dirty Dancing mood.

To kick off the festival, go to the free outdoor viewing of Dirty Dancing on Friday, August 17th at 7PM. Bring food and plan on enjoying a beautiful evening under the stars, surrounded by the beauty of Chimney Rock and the Blue Ridge Mountains. On Saturday, the festival really speeds up with family dance events and things for kids and adults.

Of course, while visiting the area, take time to journey up to Chimney Rock and enjoy the view. Then do some shopping and eating in Chimney Rock and have some fun on the Lake before heading out.

Autumn In Asheville, North Carolina

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.

Carmike Thursdays

Parents, looking for something to do with the kids over the summer. Take advantage of seeing a kid movie on the big screen at Carmike Cinema's on Thursdays (times are on the door). Call for times, but it is only $2 per person. The movies are all previously shown kid flicks.

If looking for a good new kid movie to see this summer, take advantage of the new movie BRAVE! It is a great movie. It has everything a kid would want. An entertaining story, cast of characters, music, action, and laughs. It's playing in 2D and 3D at Carmike and other area theaters.