Exploring fall traditions
- cdavis884
- Oct 24
- 4 min read
By Missy Craver Izard
A season of color in the mountains
As the air turns crisp and golden leaves begin to tumble, autumn settles into Western North Carolina. Although it’s never easy to say goodbye to summer, some of the most cherished adventures belong to fall — a season rich with color, harvest and tradition.
October brings the grand foliage show to the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains, painting ridges and valleys in a kaleidoscope of color. Thanks to the region’s 6,000-foot peaks, deep valleys and varied microclimates, Western North Carolina enjoys one of the longest fall color seasons in the nation.
“Every week looks a little different,” says Dr. Howard Neufeld, Appalachian State University biologist often dubbed the “Fall Color Guy.” “Our mountains let you chase color from late September at the highest elevations through early November in the valleys.”
Best ways to see the leaves
A drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway offers sweeping mountain vistas and the thrill of watching the colors change day by day. No two years are ever the same. Sometimes it’s fiery reds, sometimes more golden. Either way, it’s like the mountains are putting on their own fireworks show.
Another unforgettable way to take in the season is aboard the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, with excursions that wind along the Nantahala and Tuckasegee Rivers, crossing valleys, tunnels and mountain ridges. When you ride the train, you see parts of the mountains you just can’t reach by car. Crossing the river gorge in the middle of peak color — people gasp every time. It never gets old.
Apples, orchards and autumn flavors
And of course — who doesn’t love an apple pie in October? The soft bite of spiced apples wrapped in cinnamon warmth against the crisp fall air evokes that cozy, fireside feeling. North Carolina ranks seventh in the nation for apple production, with Henderson County at the very top in the state. From August through October, orchards invite visitors to pick apples, wander corn mazes, ride hay wagons and visit barnyard animals. Many serve up what locals claim are some of the best apple pies you’ll ever taste.
Among the 150 orchards of Henderson County, a few standouts include Jeter Mountain Farms, Sky Top Orchard and Granddad’s Apples. Jeter Mountain Farms, in particular, transforms into a full-on fall festival with live bluegrass, a bustling market and mouthwatering smoked barbecue. Climb aboard a tractor-pulled wagon to discover which of their 25 apple varieties are ripe for the picking, then settle in at The 1813 Smokehouse for barbecue and hearty sides — or savor a flight of farm-fresh ciders in the Taproom.
After more than four decades of operating Sky Top Orchard, David and Lindsey Butler have learned that success is measured by much more than dollars and cents. Sky Top is their home. It’s where they raised their three children, and where they’ve welcomed generations of families who return year after year to pick apples, sip cider and make memories.
Adding to that legacy, their daughter Katie Butler Murphy has just released the Sky Top Orchard Tree to Table Cookbook. Brimming with recipes for everything from classic pies to creative savory dishes, it’s a tribute to the orchard and the fruit that has shaped their family’s story.
Where to stay: a luxury twist on summer camp
For those seeking a memorable place to stay, Tuxedo Falls offers an upscale twist on the summer camp experience. Once a traditional camp, it has been reimagined as a boutique retreat where high-end hospitality meets rugged natural beauty. Guests can chase waterfalls, fly fish private streams, or soak in outdoor tubs while surrounded by forest.
Located near Lake Summit and Flat Rock, Tuxedo Falls sits in the heart of camp country — alongside legends like Green Cove, Mondamin, Glen Arden, Arrowhead, Falling Creek, Ton-A-Wandah, Wayfarer and Pinnacle. It carries the same spirit of adventure, community and connection with nature, but with the added comforts of luxury.
“We want to bring back those wonderful memories of summer camp or going camping with your family, but do it in comfort with an upscale experience,” says Lark Elliot, co-owner with her husband, Tommy. “You still get that sense of wonder and camaraderie, but with a glass of cider by the fire at the end of the day.”
Events and festivals
— Tryon International Film Festival, October 9-12, come experience the 10th annual Tryon International Film Festival in the charming small town of Tryon, N.C. Discover diverse voices, inspiring stories and a vibrant community of filmmakers and audiences in the First Peak of the Blue Ridge region, south of Asheville.
— Leaf Festival, October 16-19, is a longtime favorite, multicultural music festival held in Black Mountain on Lake Eden at Camp Rockmont.
— Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands, October 16-19, showcases the work of members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild with free craft demonstrations, regional music and entertainment.
— Tutankhamen: His Tomb and His Treasures at Biltmore, Now - Jan 4, 2026, is a captivating exhibition that invites you to delve into one of the most remarkable archaeological discoveries in history — the unearthing of King Tutankhamen’s tomb in 1922.
Visit Romantic Asheville for more information on events and festivals in Western North Carolina: www.romanticasheville.com/fall_events.htm
Missy Craver Izard was born and raised in Charleston, S.C. and resides in Flat Rock, N.C. A retired summer camp director and art teacher, Missy is an entrepreneur, speaker, author, journalist, community leader and the recipient of several awards including the White House Champions of Change.
