You Won’t Believe What Our Leaves Can Do!

Leaf-Looker Season in the Blue Ridge

First come the wannabe Leaf-Lookers. They start arriving in late September, inevitably disappointed by the lack of fall foliage anywhere but atop the highest portions of the Blue Ridge Parkway, but happy there are so many side excursions to engage, festivals to attend, and adventures to embark upon.

Then, about mid-October the real Leaf-Lookers arrive in droves. They can start at either end of North Carolina’s section of the Parkway, timing their stops along the way to the many events going on. Starting in the north, the Yadkin Valley Grape Festival is scheduled for Saturday, October 20 in downtown Yadkinville.

Food, live music, children’s events and a wine-tasting of exceptional vintages from Yadkin Valley wineries are the main events, along with the Ginny B. Motorcycle Ride to benefit Hospice. If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast this is a spectacular ride through the scenic countryside and vineyards of Yadkin.

Continuing down the Parkway south to catch the show as well as the expansive views, the crisp autumn air and deep blue skies set off the colorful display of leaves. The first to turn are dogwoods, sourwood and blackgum - turning deep red. The tulip poplars and birches then follow with their sunshine yellows, the sassafras and red maples donning a range of crimson to the most impossible flame orange you can’t believe unless you see it. Finally, the oaks turn russet and hold that pose well into November.

Along the way south, there are plenty of events just off the Parkway in towns like the Mountain Glory Festival in Marion, Old Fort Octoberfest and Mountain Music, and the Maggie Valley Fall Arts & Crafts Festival.

As you’re passing through Asheville on the Parkway, don’t neglect to drop in at the Folk Art Center, where there are crafts on display and usually some artisans present to demonstrate how it’s done. And for a really special treat, there is the famous Biltmore Estate and Winery, where descendants of the castle’s original owner George W. Vanderbilt still host guests touring the estate and the most-visited winery in the U.S.

Biltmore’s award winning wines can be purchased at the winery, and there are events every weekend through the fall. Biltmore Living offers some great wine suggestions for pairing with foods, some ideas on gracious entertaining even if you don’t live in a castle, and some wonderful recipes from famous chefs that will have your mouth watering well before dinner is served!

Plan to end the southward drive at Cherokee and Maggie Valley, turning off the Parkway at the south end of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are events going in both towns all the way through October, offering music, dancing, displays of cider making and mountain crafts, award-winning BBQ, fresh rainbow trout, guided nature hikes and even canoe trips on the river.

By November, the tourists still coming into the mountains but missing the peak of fall color are known locally as Limb-Lookers. Not to worry, there are still plenty of things to do and see. Check out the links above and below for more information on events and recommendations, get planning!

Links:

Blue Ridge Parkway Calendar of Events

NC Arboretum Asheville

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Old Fort Mountain Music

Headwaters Outfitters

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Filed under Blue Ridge Parkway, Family Events, Autumn Leaves, Festivals, North Carolina |