North Carolina is a beautiful state to visit any time of year, but taking it in during autumn has some especially nice advantages. During the season, you will see spectacularly colorful hillsides speckled with changing foliage and migrating monarch butterflies. But that’s just the beginning. Here are three of the best reasons to visit North Carolina in the fall.
Colorful mountains
One of the best things about visiting North Carolina is the beautifully adorned mountainous regions. Several mountain ranges abide in the state and offer fantastic flowing waterfalls, beautiful fall foliage, and a number of adventurous hiking trails. But you don’t have to be in it for the sport or rigorous activity. You can also relax and take in the breathtaking views while lodging in NC mountain cabins or taking leisurely strolls along the trails. And you won’t want to miss the migration of the beautiful and rare monarch butterflies that starts in September. You can watch these fascinating creatures on the move through the Smoky Mountains as they fly toward Mexico for the winter.
Quiet beaches
Imagine strolling the pristine beaches of the North Carolina coast without the loud crowds and noise that comes with them. During the fall months, the summer crowds are gone, but the ocean’s beauty isn’t. In fact, the weather is just about perfect with average temperatures of around 68 degrees Fahrenheit. This means you can hang out on the beach comfortably and even get your feet wet in the ocean. It’s also a great time to camp under the stars with your choice of open spaces.
Fall activities
Many fall festivals and activities throughout North Carolina make a trip for the season well worth it. From magical family events to spooky Halloween festivities, everything gets a little bit of a facelift in the fall. Here are just a few to check out:
- Autumn at Oz Festival: The characters from The Wizard of Oz come alive every September in the Appalachian Mountains. You can travel down their own yellow brick road, view museum exhibits, and watch the monkeys perform. It’s something new every year and fun for every age.
- Carolina Balloon Fest: Every year in October, visitors flock to the Carolina Balloon Fest in Statesville. Not only can you book a ride in a beautiful hot air balloon, you can also enjoy shows, kids’ activities, specialty foods, and wine and beer tasting.
- Ghost Train at Tweetsie Railroad: At certain times throughout September and October, you can board the Ghost Train or participate in other fun activities at Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock. They have a haunted house, Halloween shows, a 3D maze, and much more.
- Carolina Renaissance Festival: On weekends beginning at the end of September and running through mid-November, you can visit this festival that features jousting, a mermaid exhibit, and medieval displays, games, shops, and shows.
- Mayberry Days: In late September, you can visit Andy Griffith’s hometown for a festival that features a concert, golf tournament, parade, games, and more.
- Brushy Mountain Apple Festival: This free, one-day arts and crafts festival in Moravian Falls is one of the largest in the state. You’ll find more than 500 vendors selling craft and concessions. You’ll also get to listen to your choice of music, watch various dancers and other performers, and hear stories.
Visiting North Carolina in the fall is a great reprieve from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its quiet beaches, family-friendly festivals, and colorful, peaceful mountain ranges make it the perfect place to escape to no matter the occasion.
Love traveling.
