The Best Fall Activities and Events in North Carolina
From Charlotte to the Triangle, make some time for these fun fall pastimes in beautiful North Carolina.
Letting go of summertime is always bittersweet, but the autumn colors and endless activity options in North Carolinamake the transition into fall a pleasant one. Throughout the state, beautiful foliage, cultural events, and fun activities characterize the harvest season. Get the most out of this fall with these activities and events!
Get in the spooky spirit
With Halloween right around the corner, many families are ready to get into the holiday spirit with haunted houses and close encounters. North Carolina is full of haunted destinations and filming locations from renowned horror films. Asheville’s Omni Grove Park Inn, for example, is known for its resident ghost, the Pink Lady. For a more nautical haunt, head to Battleship North Carolina, where apparitions of soldiers have been sighted throughout the years since World War II.
In Charlotte, the Duke Mansion’s former owner is the subject of a Halloween-worthy ghost story, plus the history and architecture of the building itself are reason enough to visit. Visit the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in Outer Banks to discover the mystery of the 1921 ship washed ashore without a soul on board. If these spots don’t get you in the spooky spirit, nothing will!
Attend a fall festival
Whether you’re interested in sampling local beers at an Octoberfest celebration or shopping the best of the fall harvest farmer’s markets, there are plenty of festivals to choose from throughout the state. In Cary, the Farmers Market Fall Festival will feature music, games, food and beer on September 25th. If you’re itching to get out of the city scene, head to Mount Airy for the Autumn Leaves Festival.
For some of the season’s most anticipated events, head to the Triangle. The Triangle Oktoberfest will take place October 1st and 2nd and feature competitions, entertainment, and plenty of Bavarian food. October 14-24th, head to Raleigh for the North Carolina State Fair! Rides, a ferris wheel, horse shows, and live entertainment make for a memorable event for the whole family!
Hit the road
Go for a scenic drive to take in the fall foliage throughout the Tar Heel State. Regardless of your launching point, there are countless state parks to drive through with stunning changing trees and the possibility of wildlife sightings! Falls Lake State Recreation Area makes a perfect quick trip from the Triangle. An hour from Charlotte lies Uwharrie National Forest, where mountain views and backcountry adventures await.
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