Autumn fun in WNC

The air is cooler, the kids are back in school, and the leaves are changing from green to yellow, orange, and red. Fall is upon us in Western North Carolina. Luckily, autumn in the Asheville area is a beautiful season, with tons of fun activities to get you feeling the fall vibes! Here are some great ways to enjoy the autumn:

Visit a family favorite, the Eliada corn maze. This year’s theme is Growing Eliada, and proceeds, as always, go to supporting children at the Eliada home. Walk the cornfield maze, take a hay ride, do some target practice with the corn cannons, and more. The corn maze is open daily from September 30-October 31 – and don’t miss Corn Stock on October 14, with live music and food trucks adding to the festivities! 

Music lovers, rejoice! Summer is over, but the music doesn’t stop. Asheville’s diverse concerts give you an opportunity to hear live music and dance any night of the week – stay up to date via Asheville Music Guide. Here are a few fun festivals to enjoy: Check out the Brewgrass festival October 27. This event combines bluegrass music with lots of local beer and hard cider. For a true music festival experience, head to LEAF (Lake Eden Arts Festival) in Black Mountain. The festival features over 25 music and performances over the weekend of October 18-21. There is lots more to enjoy—get a massage, experience sound healing, do yoga, and bring your kids to the family adventure area. For an old-timey music festival, head to Mars Hill October 6 for the 51st annual Lunsford Festival. Dance to the twangy music and learn at one of the fiddle, banjo, and guitar workshops. 

Head to Hendersonville and visit Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard. Pick your own apples, grapes, and pumpkins, or just hit the farm market and browse the variety. They grow 21 apple varieties! Find a new favorite apple, or grab a doughnut or cider slushy. On the weekends, Stepp’s has lots of activities beyond apple-picking, like wagon rides and educational tours. Visit them rain or shine throughout September and October!

If you love a leisurely drive with stunning vistas, take in the fall colors on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is also known locally as “leaf peeping.” Start in Asheville and head toward Cherokee and Smoky Mountain National Park, or head toward Blowing Rock and Mt. Mitchell. Pack a lunch and stop at the breathtaking overlooks to enjoy panoramic fall colors. Another great stop is at the Folk Art Center at milepost 382 –it’s part art gallery, part gift shop, and they have live crafting demonstrations daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

In a spooky mood? Asheville’s history is full of ghost stories, legends, and hauntings. Go on a ghost tour! They range from historical to macabre to downright silly (we’re looking at you, LaZoom.) Read AVLToday’s list to find out which tour is for you.

If you’d rather scare vampires away, perhaps Garlic Fest is more your speed. Held in downtown Asheville at his event is organized and supported by Sow True Seed. After you’ve tasted your way through adventurous dishes like garlic ice cream, garlic fudge, garlic cookies, and honey fermented garlic, you can learn from local farmers and be prepared to go home and grow your own! The pungent festival is slated for October 6 from 12-6 p.m. 

Finally, if your vision of fall is just to get outside and enjoy the cool breezes and bright colors, take a hike! Explore the trails in the Asheville area, from city parks like Carrier Park and the Botanical Gardens to the multitude of trails off the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you need a guide or a group to hike with, Romantic Asheville has a great list of options. Fill up your water bottle, lace up your sneakers or hiking boots and get ready to hear the crunch of leaves underfoot.