Editor’s Note: This article was published prior to the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene. North Carolina businesses and residents need our support now more than ever, but before finalizing your fall travel plans, be sure to confirm available traffic routes. If you’re looking for ways to help, consider donating to United Way of North Carolina’s relief efforts here.
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Vibrant leaf colors, world-renowned artists, top-notch Southern cuisine, and seasonal festivals are just some of the things that make us fall head-over-heels for fall in North Carolina. These four North Carolina locales offer the perfect mix of outdoor fun, small-town charm, and cultural richness, making them fantastic autumn retreats for Carolinians and visitors alike. Learn more about the Heart of North Carolina, Burke County, Mitchell County, and Alamance County!
Heart of North Carolina
About an hour and a half from Charlotte and Raleigh, Randolph County is known for its enchanting main streets, rich pottery heritage, outdoor beauty, and family-friendly attractions like the North Carolina Zoo. Fall in the Heart of North Carolina offers an incredible lineup of family-friendly activities, cozy places to stay, and small towns to explore.
For a spookier twist, dress up and head over to Boo at the Zoo (October 19, 20, 26, and 27) at the beloved North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro. With costume contests, trick-or-treating, and other Halloween-themed fun among the adorable animals, it’s a must for families with young kids.
A “can’t miss” is the Potters’ Pumpkin Patch in the famous art community of Seagrove. Here, you can pick out pottery pumpkins, ceramic gourds, woodland creatures, home decor, and much more while mingling with the makers and enjoying the crisp air.
For those who love fresh produce and the sensory overload of fall, Millstone Creek Orchards is a dreamy stop. Indulge in apple cider slushies, go apple picking, and savor the best homemade treats the area has to offer. If you’re brave enough for a proper fright, Kersey Valley Spookywoods in Archdale is made up of haunted trails, themed sets, and terrifying characters that will keep you on edge the whole visit.
SB Tip: Millstone Creek Orchards is also home to The Cider House on weekends! Stop here after apple picking to enjoy even more locally crafted drinks and food.
After a few full hours of fun, settle in for a cozy stay at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone™ Park Campground, where you can enjoy the rustic feel with plenty of fun activities for kids. If you’re craving a little more seclusion and digital detox, the Getaway Campgrounds offer tiny cabins tucked into nature for the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.
Burke County
Burke County, NC, is a little east of Asheville and offers the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and cultural fun. Its crown jewel is charming Downtown Morganton, filled with locally owned stores, art galleries, street art, and restaurants. Stop by Root & Vine for a farm-to-table meal with Southern flair. For a caffeinated or sweet treat, Thornwell Books serves author-themed drinks like the Hemingway, Poe, and Tolstoy.
The fall colors here are nothing short of spectacular. Hop aboard the Ridgeline Trolley’s Fall Color Tour to see Pisgah National Forest and part of the Blue Ridge Parkway in all its leaf-peeping glory. Whether you’re hiking to High Shoals Falls or taking a scenic drive, the views at South Mountains State Park are truly unforgettable. If you’re feeling adventurous, Linville Gorge (nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the East”) offers dramatic cliffs and sweeping vistas from a variety of hiking trails.
Burke County is also home to a culturally diverse population, particularly Guatemalan and Hmong communities. You’ll see this influence in local businesses, especially in Morganton’s eateries and coffee shops. Be sure to visit Little Guatemala, an authentic Guatemalan coffee shop, and check out the International Food Festival if your timing lines up — it’s a vibrant celebration of culture and food.
Wrap up your weekend with a brewery jaunt to Fonta Flora, Hillman Beer, and Sidetracked Brewery for some craft beer while soaking in the beauty of the Appalachian foothills. Or pop over to the award-winning Silver Fork Winery, where you can watch local musicians while sipping fantastic wine in a lovely setting.
Mitchell County, NC
A fall weekend in Mitchell County, NC (comprised of the towns Spruce Pine, Bakersville, and Little Switzerland) is packed with adventure and local charm. Kick things off by hiking part of the iconic Appalachian Trail on Roan Mountain. The sweeping views of autumn colors will leave you breathless (figuratively and maybe literally after you hike up to the summit)! If you’re up for more, the famous Roan Highlands straddle the NC-TN border and are known for their stunning fall vistas and rich ecological diversity.
Next, grab a canoe or float from a local outfitter and roll down the Toe River that runs through Mitchell County. The peaceful river is surrounded by fall foliage, and it’s a fantastic way to take in the scenery from a different angle.
Mitchell County is also an artist’s and an art lover’s haven. Pick up one of the local craft maps and take your pick of hundreds of artists’ studios and galleries, from potters to fine art painters. You’ll definitely want to check out the Spruce Pine Potters Market on October 12 and 13, where you can meet the artists and get a head start on holiday gift-giving.
In the spirit of the season, don’t miss Hilloween, a multi-day festival throughout Mitchell County that celebrates the “history and mystery of the Blue Ridge.” Old Crow Medicine Show headlines the festivities on Saturday, October 26, alongside a lineup of costumes, crafts, tricks, and treats for all. The NC Mountaineer & Apple Butter Festival on October 11 and 12 celebrates the region’s unique mountain culture surrounding cooking, crafting, and mountaineering.
Alamance County
A fall weekend in Alamance County, NC, offers the perfect mix of music, craft brews, outdoor adventures, and small-town charm! You can easily spend a whole day and night in the unique riverside village of Saxapahaw. Before or after a show at the iconic Haw River Ballroom, swing by Haw River Farmhouse Ales for local brews, shop a seasonal makers’ market, or grab a bite at The Eddy Pub, where farm-to-table meets riverside dining.
If you’re craving more nature, Cane Creek Mountain Natural Area offers beautiful trails with amazing views of the fall foliage, or you can explore Cedarock Park for hiking, picnicking, and even a glimpse of some historic farm structures. For a peaceful afternoon, Lake Mackintosh has kayaking and waterside relaxation.
When it’s time to explore Alamance County’s charming downtowns, start in Graham with a visit to Press Coffee + Crepes for breakfast or brunch. Then head to Mebane, where Clay Street is lined with fun boutiques and eateries. Over in Burlington, enjoy a sweet treat at Smitty’s Homemade Ice Cream as you pop into the town’s galleries, music stores, consignment shops, and bakeries.
There’s no better way to welcome the holidays than at the soon-to-open Charles M. Schulz Exhibit at Alamance Arts in Graham. For over 50 years, Schulz brightened the world and our newspapers with Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and the rest of the Peanuts crew. You’ll step inside the artist’s creative process and a replica of his studio. You can even snap photos in Lucy’s psychiatric booth and Snoopy’s dog house. The exhibit runs from November 2, 2024, through January 17, 2025, with special opening events on Friday, November 1.
Speaking of dogs … Are your furry friends road-tripping with you? Keep an eye on Allie in Alamance’s Instagram! The area’s canine mascot hits all the best dog-friendly establishments and festivities. Whether you’re here for music, craft beer, or outdoor bliss, Alamance County is a fall getaway with something for everyone!
This article is sponsored by Heart of North Carolina, Discover Burke County, Discover Mitchell County, NC, and Visit Alamance.
