Cool crisp autumn air, enjoying pumpkin spiced or maple lattes, while cozying up in your favorite flannel before heading to pick apples and find the perfect pumpkinā¦Fall is when we come together to celebrate the season, while also taking time to reflect in the natural beauty of as the leaves paint the landscape with the fire red, burnt orange and vivid golden leaves. One my favorite places to explore fall is in the Blue Ridge Mountains of my home state of North Carolina. In our last post I highlighted upcoming fun fall festivals North Carolinaās High Country around Boone and Blowing Rock. Today weāre traveling to the greater-Asheville area (within fifty miles) sharing fun festivals and events in the region that you will apple-so-lutely fall for.
September Fun:
NC Mountain State Fair – September 5th – 14th (Fletcher, NC):
Kick off fall in Western North Carolina with fun at the NC Mountain State Fair, where tradition, family fun, and mountain magic come together! Enjoy thrilling rides, award-winning livestock shows, delicious fair food like elephant ears and hot apple cider, and great live music. Held at the WNC Agricultural Center in Fletcher, this mountain tradition is a must for families. Plan your Visit and Purchase Tickets on their Website
Heritage Weekend at the Folk Art Center – September 21-22nd
A free celebration of mountain arts, crafts, and heritage, this event takes place in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains at the renowned Folk Art Center, located just a few miles from Asheville off the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s a fantastic opportunity to see and learn about traditional Appalachian skills. Watch demonstrations of traditional woodworking with hand tools, weaving, spinning, dyeing, broom making, stone carving, and printmaking. As you explore, you can get your toes tapping to the sounds of mountain-grown music. The best part? You’ll have a chance to try your hand at making your own crafts, with special activities available for kids as well. Milepost 382, Blue Ridge Parkway Website
Highland Brewing Companyās Clawtoberfest- September 20th
Raise a stein to a spirited Oktoberfest at this popular Asheville Brewery. This festival provides fun for the whole family. This jam packed day includes live music from Lagerhosen, a magic show, delicious food, German eats, games and a craft market. Event Website
Harvesting Heritage Festival at Center for Pioneer Life in Burnsville on September 20th.
Celebrate Appalachian traditions at the 2025 Harvesting Heritage Festival in beautiful Burnsville! Enjoy a full day of pumpkin picking, live music, historic craft demonstrations, and guided tours of our pioneer homestead. Shop from local artisans and savor seasonal bites from food vendors. Whether you’re exploring with family or looking for a day steeped in culture and community, thereās something for everyone at this one-of-a-kind mountain festival. Event Website
Art in Autumn (Weaverville) – September 20th
Head to Weaverville’s Art in Autumn event, where you can browse the works of over 100 juried artists in this beloved fall festival. Peruse a wide variety of arts and crafts booths and find the perfect piece to take home. Weaverville is a charming mountain community lined with local shops and delicious restaurants, making it a perfect place to spend an early autumn day. Website
Black Mountain Blues Festival: September 26th:
Get your groove on at this jamming festival in the charming mountain town of Black Mountain. Headliners include Robert Randolph, Nik West and more. Presented by the non-profit Black Mountain Blues Society, the festival will bring the blues to downtown Black Mountain across multiple venues. They will also feature panel discussions, open blues jams and educational opportunities. 50% of proceeds will go to Hurricane Helene relief. Buy your tickets here
Mountain Heritage Days in Cullowhee NC at Western Carolina University – September 22-27th:
For more than 50 years, WCUās Mountain Heritage Days has honored the music, stories, and traditions of Appalachia ā and now the celebration is bigger than ever. Enjoy a full week of events, from evening lectures and heritage demonstrations to a Friday night concert in Sylva. Then, on Saturday, experience the festival you know and love with live music, clogging, cultural showcases, arts and crafts, great food, and family fun. Itās a fresh take on a beloved tradition ā and an unforgettable way to celebrate the spirit of the mountains. Website
October Fun:
Oktoberfest on October 4th in Pack Square in Asheville:
Tap into this festive event celebrating fall. Did you know that Asheville has more breweries per square mile than any other city in the United States? This festival will feature over twenty local breweries and over 60 beverages. There will also be great music, German inspired food and family games. Website
Cherokee Indian Fair – October 6th to 11th in Cherokee NC:
Immerse yourself in the rich culture and heritage of the Cherokee people, who have called these mountains home for centuries. This is the 113th anniversary of the Cherokee Fair, a celebration of Cherokee life and culture. Highlights include the Cherokee Indian Fair Parade, Elders Day and Children’s events.
Cherokee is a gateway to the Smokies (Great Smoky National Park website) with tons of fun family friendly things to do. While in Cherokee, I recommend stopping by The Museum of the Cherokee People. Fair Website
Lovely Asheville Annual Fall Festival (Asheville) October 11-12th:
A two-day, family-friendly event in Pack Square Park, this festival celebrates the community’s resilience and the area’s natural beauty with live music, food vendors, and activities. Website
LEAF Global Arts Festival (Black Mountain):
A beloved arts and crafts festival at Lake Eden in Black Mountain that celebrates music, art and culture from around the world. It features a diverse lineup of performers, global cuisine, and a variety of workshops. Musical highlights include BeauSoleil, a rocking cajun group and Irish celtic group SOLAS. Festival Website
Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands (Asheville): October 16th-19th
Immerse in one of Asheville’s oldest traditions, The Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands, where you can see over 200 juried artisans from across the region, showcasing work in a variety of mediums. You can watch live demonstrations and shop for unique crafts. The fair also features live Appalachian music, children’s activities and more. Website
Lake Lure Arts and Crafts Festival (October 18th)
A wonderful festival to celebrate the arts and community in Lake Lure and Chimney Rock areas. Both towns faced extreme devastation during Hurricane Helene and are beginning to open for business. This festival will allow you the chance to see amazing art, listen to live music and try delicious food. I recommend staying at the Lake Lure 1927 Inn. Festival Website
Corn Mazes, Pumpkin Patches & Apple Picking
Did you know that North Carolina is the seventh-biggest producer of apples in the United States? A majority of these apple orchards are nestled in the mountains around Asheville, especially in nearby Hendersonville. The region truly comes alive with fall harvest activities that are perfect for families, couples, and friends.
Sky Top Orchard (Flat Rock): Sitting high atop the mountain, overlooking the ridge and valley below, Sky Top is a must-visit family destination every fall. Visitors can pick their own apples, enjoy panoramic views, and explore the orchard’s animal park, hayrides, and famous apple cider donuts.
Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such (Hendersonville): This family-owned farm offers a wide variety of activities, including apple picking, a pumpkin patch, and a corn maze. Don’t miss their bakery for fresh-baked goods and delicious treats. My personal favorite is the cider slushie!
Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard (Hendersonville): With over 20 varieties of apples for picking, a five-acre corn maze, and an apple cannon, Stepp’s is a fun-filled destination. They also offer scenic wagon rides through the orchard.
Jeter Mountain Farm (Hendersonville): This beautiful farm offers a wide range of U-pick options, including over 20 varieties of apples. It’s a great place to spend a day, with a farm market, a coffee house, and a BBQ food truck on-site.
Eliada Corn Maze (Asheville): For those looking for a great corn maze close to the city, Eliada’s annual corn maze is a must-visit. All proceeds from this event go to support the children and families served by Eliada Homes
Small Town Charm and Must-See in Southwestern NC
Fall is the perfect time to drive the Blue Ridge backroads of Western NC. Great News – nearly the entirely Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville, south to Cherokee is now open! You can also wind through country byways from Asheville through the resplendent scenery stopping at different small towns and immersing yourself in the natural wonders, cool local shops and eateries and art and history. There is something for everyone in this neck of the woods.
I’m using Asheville as a basecamp as it is conveniently located within an hour from numerous vibrant mountain communities and adventures waiting to be explored. Here are a few of my favorite NC haunts near Asheville. We’ll be exploring them more in depth in the coming weeks. Don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for the latest adventures.
Brevard: This quaint town, roughly thirty miles from Asheville is one of my favorite spots in Western North Carolina. Home to Brevard College, the community is anchored in their love of music, the arts and mountain adventure. The downtown streets are lined with eclectic shops including the popular Rocky’s Grill and Soda Shop, as well as cozy coffee shops and eateries. Brevard appeals to travelers who love exploring small town shops as well as adventure lovers.
Brevard’s location is smack dab in what is called the Land of Waterfalls. This area of North Carolina receives more rain than any other part of the state, creating an environment that powers endless waterfalls from the iconic roadside Looking Glass Falls to nearby Hooker and Triple Falls at DuPont State Forest, and many popular waterfalls at the Gorges State Park. I usually stay at the Hampton Inn while in Brevard. Check out their official website to play your adventure.
Hendersonville: The Apple Capital of North Carolina – Hendersonville is a quaint town just south of Asheville worth exploring. In addition to their apple farms, Hendersonville also has a great ‘ice-cream trail.’
Flat Rock: Historic Town that is home to the renowned Flat Rock Playhouse and Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site.
Black Mountain – The Little Town that Rocks!: Growing up I’d visit Black Mountain every summer and fall while attending church camp at neighboring Montreat (an equally charming and beautiful town worth exploring). Black Mountain has long been a hub of arts of crafts, once home to Black Mountain College with famous alums like Willem de Koonig. The arts and crafts tradition continues at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts. The downtown has amazing local restaurants and fun shops. Don’t overlook Black Mountain as your mountain retreat while in the Asheville area. Stay tuned for an upcoming post on Black Mountain. Website
Burnsville – The Gateway to Mt. Mitchell: Burnsville is a vibrant community rooted in history, the arts, and a strong sense of community. The town is anchored by wonderful, locally owned downtown shops, historic hotels like the iconic NuWray Hotel, and thriving performing arts at places like The Parkway Playhouse.
It serves as a perfect basecamp for exploring the highest peak east of the Mississippi, Mt. Mitchell, which is just a scenic drive away. Burnsville is one of my favorite mountain getaways, offering a mix of small-town charm and big-mountain adventure. *Mt. Mitchell State Park will reopen in 2026, but still tons of outdoor activities to do in Burnsville in 2025! Website
Weaverville: This serene mountain town is wrapped by the beauty of the Blue Ridge. Stroll downtown streets lined with coffee shops and delicious eateries. Weaverville is soaked in history – travel through time at the Dry Ridge Historical Museum and also Vance Birthplace State Historic State. Website
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Areas: Devastated by Helene in 2024, both Lake Lure and Chimney Rock are now open for business (check their websites for latest road information to avoid closures) I had the pleasure of visiting in early July and while the area is still on the mend, the mountain scenery and resilience remains. I enjoyed a meal at the Lake Lure Inn. River Watch and Bubba O’Leary’s are now open in Chimney Rock. You can also visit Chimney Rock State Park.
Sylva:
Home to one of the most beautiful courthouses I have ever seen! The downtown is filled with shops, breweries, and great food. Sylva is not far from Great Smoky Mountain National Park and offers a more laid back base camp and easy access to outdoor activities such as fishing in the Nantahala National Forest, hiking in Pinnacle Park. They also have a Cat Museum!
Dillsboro: Just down the road from Sylva, Dillsboro has unique character and is worth a detour as you navigate the backroads.
Canton: Just 20 minutes west of Asheville, Canton is a mountain town that deserves a closer look. While it’s often overlooked, it’s a true hidden gem brimming with historic charm and natural beauty. Explore its downtown and the scenic Pigeon River, or head to the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway for iconic hikes like Shining Rock and Graveyard Fields. Lake Logan, a beautiful 260-acre sanctuary, is also just a short drive away. Canton is also home to the Southeastās longest-running Labor Day celebration and the historic Colonial Theater, offering a blend of culture and adventure. Come see why this is a place where the mountains truly “kiss the sky.
Lake Junaluska: A hidden jewel west of Asheville. This Methodist Retreat Center has been a beloved haven for generations of those looking to find respite in the mountains. Lake JunaluskaĀ offers a lakeside hotel, historic inn, meeting venues, walking trails and more. Website
Franklin, Cashiers, Highlands are other great mountain towns will explore in more detail in an upcoming post.
Gateways to the Smokies:
Cherokee: The official eastern entrance to the beloved Great Smoky Mountain National Park. What makes Cherokee unique is that it is within the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation and an opportunity to learn about the rich culture of the Cherokee and their important impact in North Carolina and American history. Website
Bryson City: As a hub for outdoor adventure, this charming mountain town is a perfect basecamp for families. You can ride the iconic Great Smoky Mountains Railroad to soak in the breathtaking scenery, or enjoy easy access to the trails and rivers of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Website
Maggie Valley: Small-town mountain hospitality at its finest. A laidback and scenic place to enjoy the mountains and explore the Smokies. Website
fall in love with ASheville:
Stay tuned for a full feature on Asheville sights, but here are a few of my favorite spots to help you fall into Autumn Fun in Asheville.
Biltmore in the Fall: While every season at Biltmore Estate shines, there is something special about autumn when the leaves transform into a palette of color that creates a tapestry of natural wonder amid the estate grounds. Check out a feature I wrote on Biltmore here. You can purchase tickets and plan your Biltmore adventure via their official website.
Western North Carolina Nature Center: One of my favorite places to visit while in Asheville. They are fully reopened and the staff and animals are ready to welcome you for a visit. Meet native NC animals like the endangered Red Fox and elusive Hellbender Salamander and more. Buy your tickets and get up to date travel info here
Enjoy a latte and mouthwatering chocolate at French Broad Chocolates – tour the factory and treat yourself to the best chocolate in Western NC!
Folk Art Center off Blue Ridge Parkway: Learn about the rich traditions of arts and crafts in Southern Appalachia and shop with local artisans.
Enjoy a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway – The Parkway is now open from Asheville south as far as the Graveyard Fields and beyond. Reclaim the cherished tradition of riding the parkway and enjoying the kaleidoscope of color as the leaves put on their show. Following the NPS Official Page for latest information.
Thanks for journeying us on this mountain adventure. Let me know your favorite NC Mountain towns in the comments.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for the latest posts and travel tips.
Hi, Iām Adele Lassiter, the travel enthusiast behind American Nomad Traveler. This is where I share my love for history, cool museums, art, and travel tips. When Iām not writing, I’m a singer-songwriter with a passion for Americana music. You can find my new album here: adelelassiter.bandcamp.com
You can also follow us on facebook for the latest blog posts, cool reels, daily history and travel tips
We also have a podcast and vlog ā American Nomad Traveler is available on all streaming platforms through Buzzsprout and on YouTube
We are now on Substack for additional content from Travel to History to Art and beyondā¦
Are you interested in collaborating with American Nomad Travelerā¦or have an idea for a story? Contact Adele at: americannomadtraveler@gmail.com or use the form below:
