7 NC small towns to visit in autumn
Autumn is an exciting time. There's the anticipation of Halloween and the ushering in of the holiday season. We're outside more often, joyously relishing cooler temperatures. Some of our favorite comfort foods make their way back into the spotlight.
As for activities, multitudes of memories are made during family hayrides. Pumpkin patches turn into outdoor selfie museums and photo backdrops. And there's the adrenaline rush to chase colorful leaves across our state.
It's all about the quality time you spend with your family and what makes you happy.
Let's take a look at small North Carolina towns you may want to visit this season. They offer a bit of it all or are in close proximity to other popular places. I made sure to include areas with non-traditional activities, too.
Make it a point to visit restaurants in these locations for new culinary experiences. Menu items often change with the seasons. You may discover a new favorite thing.
Atlantic Beach
Maybe your idea of fall festivities doesn't involve traditional things like hayrides and pumpkin patches. Perhaps you prefer getting outside in an adventurous sense. This NC beach town fits the description.
Go bird watching or join a group hike at Fort Macon State Park. Try biking and fishing here, too. All of the activities allow you to take in fall scenery.
Stroll the Atlantic Beach boardwalk. If you're into photos, bring props to set up on the beach and snap away.
Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium is another local attraction. On Oct. 28, it becomes a haunted aquarium with a swamp and mermaid cove.
Blowing Rock
There are mountains all around if leaf peeping is a priority. Take a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, traverse numerous local parks or head to the legendary Blowing Rock. You're destined to see an array of fall colors!
If spooky activities are what you crave, Tweetsie Railroad's Ghost Train Halloween Celebration is ongoing throughout the season.
There's also an upcoming Halloween festival with a Monster Walk downtown.
Attend an event like Art in the Park or catch live music by local artists at Timberlake's Restaurant.
Corn mazes, pumpkin patches and more can be found at farms and other locations a short drive away!
Cary
The town of Cary is giving residents and visitors plenty to enjoy this season. Some events are particularly unique.
Zombiepalooza is a zombie film competition where attendee costumes are encouraged. Admission is free and all ages are welcome.
The Great Pumpkin Carve is a downtown Cary event where families purchase pumpkins and carve them at stations on site. All other activities are free.
Harvest Fest at Good Hope Farm is a free event. The farm is an historic site dedicated to the preservation of Cary's agricultural history. There are various food vendors, crafts, farm tours, face painting, a bounce house, etc. Two more of these festivals are scheduled for 2023.
For more traditional fall excitement at a one-stop family attraction, visit Phillips Farms of Cary. You can spend hours indulging in everything from a corn maze to giant slides and wagon rides. Head to their website for a full activity list. So much to do!
If you're interested in leaf peeping, Cary has beautiful community parks and trails. Some of them have gorgeous lakes that further enhance the scenery. I've taken my children to many of them over the years.
Chapel Hill
Festivals, farms, music and art! Chapel Hill will keep you busy this autumn.
Carve pumpkins with goats at Spring Haven Farm. There's a fee for this event, but your ticket price includes other activities like roasting s'mores, gem mining, and a tractor train ride.
There is the Festifall Arts Festival, happening three times in October. This is an art market with live performances, food galore, art activities and more. Fun for the whole family and each event will offer its own unique experience.
Kick back and relax with live bands at the On The Green Music Festival. It's a weekend event the whole family can enjoy. All you need to bring are your lawn chairs and a picnic basket.
Hendersonville
I don't think most people tire of mountain views, especially in autumn. This thought brought Hendersonville to mind, a town I'm told is full of life all year round.
This season, join the community for various events like Fiesta Hendersonville, a celebration of Latin American culture and talent.
Halloween Treat Street Carnival is another downtown event.
Take the family to pick pumpkins at Nix Pumpkin Patch. Other products are also sold at this farm.
Of course, leaf peeping comes to mind. However, it would be a different experience entirely by horseback! Saddle-Up Trail Rides is less than 15 minutes away. Enjoy a peaceful ride and take in beautiful views of Pisgah National Forest.
If you'd prefer a scenic drive instead, the Visit Hendersonville website has you covered with routes offering the best views.
New Bern
My search of New Bern's fall activities left me excited to visit. Options are plentiful for all ages.
Check out shows hosted by the New Bern Civic Theater and Movies In The Park events for community gatherings.
Take the Ghostwalk Tour through burial grounds and other haunted places around town. My oldest daughter and I are eager to try this!
Attend the annual downtown fall event, Mumfest! It runs a full weekend with family fun and entertainment. You can look forward to carnival games and rides, stunt shows, fossil digs, live performances and more.
Oxford
About an hour drive on I-85 North takes me to the town of Oxford, a rural area I haven't visited in years, although I grew up nearby. If it's small town vibes you want, you'll find them here. A little research also revealed an adequate lineup of fall activities for anyone willing to head that direction.
Granville Haunt Farm is one reason I chose to highlight this town. It has become a popular attraction I often hear about this time of year. Your favorite and scariest horror movie characters come to life when you enter this Drive-Thru Drive-In.
Looking for a more relaxed family activity? At Dixon Farms, the pumpkin patch opens to visitors on weekends. There's a children's playground, a petting zoo, and other farm games to play.
Spooktacular is a downtown, family-friendly Halloween event. Participate in trick or treating and costume contests, while enjoying various music selections and food options.
