Trick or Treat Street and Scarecrow Contest in Chimney Rock

October 31   Trick or Treat Street   5 PM - 7 PM on Main Street in Chimney Rock Village. Annual Trick or Treat Street plus the Scarecrow Contest final voting and winner awards. Traditional, creative and funny scarecrows line the sidewalks, shops fronts and restaurants.

Halloween Event: Trick or Treat in Historic Downtwon Hendersonville

October 31   Trick-or-Treat Street in Historic Downtown Hendersonville. Halloween costume contest for children and pets and the Monster Mash entertainment. 

Halloween Event: Trick or Treat in Bryson CIty

October 31  Downtown Trick or Treating   All are welcome to dress up in costume, and safely enjoy getting treats from merchants in Bryson City. Prizes will be awarded for costumes in several age groups. Free event.

Learn more about Bryson City on the Bryson City NC Visitor Guide.

Halloween Event: Halloween Day Celebration in Dillsboro

October 31  Halloween Day Celebration  A family-oriented costume parade starts at 6 PM at Town Hall on Front Street. Kids, parents and friends are encouraged to enter the costume contest – there will be prizes for several categories. Trick or Treat around downtown from 4 - 7 PM. Free movies, music and more. Vote for the spookiest shop. 


Learn more about the charming mountain town of Dillsboro NC HERE

Halloween Event: Treats on the Street in Waynesville

October 31      Treats on the Street   Downtown Waynesville merchants will open their doors for trick-or-treaters on Wednesday evening. This is a safe and fun adventure for costumed children and their parents to stroll the streets in search of delicious candy and special treats offered by participating Main Street businesses and the Waynesville Fire and Police Departments.

Halloween Event: Haunted Ghost Trail in Boone

October 24 - 27, 30-31    Haunted Horn Ghost Trail     is a hair-raiser set on the grounds of Horn in the West and Hickory Ridge Living History Museum. It is a fundraiser for and by ASU's ( Appalachian State University)  Dept. of Education students and the Southern Appalachian Historical Association,  producer of "Horn in the West."

Ghost Trail hours: Hours: Dusk to 11:30 PM.  Dates: October 24 - 27 and 30 - 31 (closed Sunday and Monday).

Learn more about Boone events, attractions and cabin rentals on the
  Boone NC Visitor Guide. 

Antique Tractor and Engine Show in Asheville

October 25-27 Fall Harvest Days 27th Annual Antique Engine and Tractor Show   Held at the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center. This is the largest show in Western NC and features crafters, demonstrations, farm tools, antique engines, antique tractor pulls and swap meet.

The Antique Engine and Tractor Show features antique tractors, hit n’ miss engines of all sizes, tractor pulls and lots of vendors selling parts. Three full days of activities include crafters, sawmill and hit n’ miss engines. More than 250 vendors/exhibitors with tools, antiques, collectibles, toys and odd stuff. There will be a Tractor Parade daily, weather permitting at 3:00 PM.

The event will be held rain or shine, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM with Admission of $8/day, Children under 12 free with paid adult.

Get a link for the Fall Harvest Days Antique Engine and Tractor Show, nearby lodging and attractions on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Halloween Weekend Event: Punkin Chuckin

October 27-28    Punkin Chunkin Festival   An Annual Fall Festival featuring flying Pumpkins. Games, crafts, food and music, beer and wine garden in a large mountainous area with beautiful scenery. Sunday's events include the "Anything Pumpkin" cooking contest and the finals of the Punkin Chunkin. Held in downtown Hayesville NC.

Learn more about Hayesville NC HERE.

23rd Annual Leaf Lookers Gemboree in Franklin

October 26-28   23rd Annual Leaf Lookers Gemboree  The mountains of southwestern North Carolina are alive with more than autumn color during the annual Leaf Lookers Gemboree. Choose from rough & cut gemstones, fine jewelry, minerals and more. The event is held at the Macon County Community Building.

Get more information about Franklin cabins, vacation rentals and area attractions on the Franklin NC Visitor Guide.

Last Weekend for the Tweetsie Railroad Ghost Train

October 26 - 27  Tweetsie Railroad Ghost Train  makes it final runs for the 2012 season this weekend.  All aboard for the 23rd spooktacular season of Tweetsie Railroad's Ghost Train® Halloween Festival and the High Country's most popular Halloween celebration.

Enjoy a variety of special frighteningly fun activities and spooktacular experiences including the Boneyard, 3-D maze, Black Hole, a stroll through the Freaky Forest and the spine-chilling Haunted House

Halloween Event: Haunted Historic Homes Tour in Black Mountain

October 26-27  Haunted Historic Homes Walking Tours   In conjunction with the Swannanoa Valley Museum, six property owners on and around the Dougherty Heights Historic District will open their homes and host a ghoulish walking tour to share the intriguing histories (and resident ghost stories) associated with each property.

Tours will last approximately 1.5 hours and groups of 10-15 will leave every half hour, 6:00pm, 6:30pm, 7:00pm, 7:30pm, or 8:00pm. Meet your tour guide at the Swannanoa Valley Museum at 223 West State Street in Black Mountain at least 10 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Refreshments will be provided about halfway through the tour and at the end of the tour. House historians and guides will be in costume. Feel free to wear your costume as well.

Halloween Event: Brevard hosts Transylvania County Halloweenfest

October 27  Halloweenfest  in Transylvania County   Now in its 30th year this annual spooktacular is held in Downtown Brevard NC, beginning at 10:00AM. Activities include tiny tot pumpkin bowling, cookie decorating, inflatables, costume parade, little spooky hay maze, costume parade, Downtown trick-or-treat, pumpkin patch. Preceding the StreetFest the Annual “Flight of the Vampire” 5/10K Run & Walk begins at 8 AM. 

Halloweenfest also hosts, the 17th Annual Old Time Music Competition. Musicians can compete in: Junior Fiddle, Folk Song, Lap Dulcimer, Old Time: Banjo, Fiddle, & String Band, Mandolin, and Guitar. The Old Time String Band Competition takes place in the County Courthouse, beginning at 8:00pm.

Learn more about Brevard lodging, events and the Transylvania County Halloweenfest on the Brevard NC Visitor Guide. 

Last Weekend for the Peanuts Pumpkin Patch Express on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

October 26-28   Peanuts Pumpkin Patch Express The PEANUTS gang makes a last visit for the fall season at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Pumpkin Patch for this annual family fun favorite.

The excursions, which are themed after Charles M. Schulz's classic story "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," will be departing from the Bryson City Depot and arriving at the Pumpkin Patch. Event activities include campfire marshmallows, a coloring station, temporary tattoos, trick or treating, bouncy house, hayrides and live musical entertainment. 

Maggie Valley Fall Arts and Crafts Show this Weekend

October 20 - 21  Maggie Valley Annual Fall Arts and Crafts Show  An annual seasonal show always popular with leaf peepers. Crafters from all over the southeast gather at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds to sell their unique wares. A wide selection of seasonal items, yard art, woodwork, paintings and much more. Chainsaw art demonstrations, raffle to benefit local charity and a variety of food.

Learn more about Maggie Valley lodging, events and attractions HERE.

Valle County Fair Today

October 20    Valle Country Fair    The Fair is an overgrown church bazaar set in the center of one of the most picturesque valleys in the North Carolina Mountains at the peak of the fall color season. The tents of 150 juried craft exhibitors line wide lanes that meander back and forth across the grounds.

Local mountain musicians perform throughout the day on the main stage while square dancers and cloggers entertain on the youth stage. The church members serve up Brunswick stew, barbecue, baked goods, homemade jams and jellies, fresh-pressed apple cider, and hot-out-of-the kettle apple butter - with 100 percent of the proceeds going to charity.

Enjoy the best of harvest season food and entertainment while shopping for the finest variety of quality handmade crafts in the High Country.  Get a link for the Valle Country Fair and other local events and attractions on the Valle Crucis NC Visitor Guide.

Fall Leaf Color Hike at Chimney Rock Park

Fall color at Chimney Rock Park

Date: October 20   Off the Beaten Path Guided Hike: Fall Color Ridge Hike Hike to the top of the ridges of Chimney Rock Mountain and experience dramatic views surrounded by beautiful fall color. Your guide will be internationally renowned naturalist Ron Lance.

The hike proceeds more than 1,000 feet above the valley floor. Bring your camera—this is the most scenic Chimney Rock hike all year long! The 2-hour hike is moderately strenuous.

Find Chimney Rock Lodging and more local events on the Chimney Rock NC Visitor Guide.

Wooly Worm Festival this weekend in Banner Elk NC

October 20-21    Wooly Worm Festival   The 35th Annual Festival includes the infamous worm races along with live entertainment, arts and crafts, food vendors and amusement rides. A family-oriented weekend and one of the most popular NC mountain annual events.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. The Festival is open Saturday 9 AM - 5PM and Sunday from 9 AM - 4 PM in beautiful downtown Banner Elk NC.

All proceeds benefits local community organizations including schools, children's programs and Avery county businesses and tourism activities.

Bryson CIty Smoky Mountains Cabin Rental

October dates still available - come see the NC fall leaf color!

Newer Smoky Mountains Cabin near the Park - 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps 4. Wooded privacy less than 5 minutes to Bryson City and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hot tub, covered porch with charcoal grill, fireplace, pets considered. $139 - $189 night.

See cabin photos, details and availability

NC Leaf Season Event: Bryson CIty Chili Cook Off

October 20   22nd Annual Chili Cookoff  The Bryson City Chamber Chili Cook Off is in its 22nd year and is a favorite of both locals and visitors alike. This festival environment includes craft booths, live music and family fun. From 11 AM - 3 PM sample chili from some of the best cooks in the area and enjoy local musicians, arts and crafts. Cast your vote for the People's Choice Award.

Learn more about Bryson City lodging, events and attractions on the Bryson City Visitor Guide

Lake Eden Arts Festival (L.E.A.F.) this Weekend

October 18-21   Lake Eden Arts Festival (LEAF)  Camp Rockmont hosts a weekend of art, music, and outdoor fun. The annual event offers music and art shows, Kids Village, healing workshops, and lots of food and local beer.

Enjoy dancing (Contra, Salsa, Swing, Waltz), poetry & puppetry slams, folk art & craft exhibitions, outdoor adventure, and the LEAFlet Kid’s Village, a festival in and of itself, LEAF never ceases to offer new and exciting cultural connections. Tickets start at $25

Get a link for the Lake Eden Arts Festival and other Black Mountain events and attractions on the Black Mountain NC Visitor Guide

NC Fall Leaf Season Event: Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands

October 18-21   Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands   This 65th annual event includes over 200 exhibitors, craft demonstrations, and live regional music and entertainment. Both levels of the Civic Center are filled with artisans selling their works of clay, fiber, glass, leather, metal, mixed media, natural materials, paper, wood and jewelry.

The Fair showcases the work of members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild and includes craft demonstrations and, beginning on Friday, local musicians performing traditional and bluegrass mountain music live on the arena stage.

Learn more about local lodging, events and attractions on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Get on Your Pony and RIDE!

Sandy Bottom Trial Rides offers one of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of the NC fall color. Breath in the fresh mountain air along picturesque trails through the high country, scenic mountain meadows and the wooded forests of Madison County, just north of Asheville NC. 

Their most popular horseback ride  takes you and your fellow riders to the famous “Little Pine Gem Mine”, located in a remote corner of the ranch. This ride is three hours, and you are free to keep all the gem-quality garnets you can find.

Sandy Bottom Trail Rides cater to first time riders, families and children with no age or weight limits. They are also equipped for  the Disabled.  Groups are always welcome from churches to schools to Scouts to business affiliates.  Special Events with catering are available for  Weddings, primitive camping or other occasions.  Riding Lessons are also offered. 

They currently offer a horseback riding special: FREE RIDE to a child age up to 6 if there are 4 in the group!  If  2 children age 6 and under ride double....1 child is FREE and the other is 1/2 price.

The Trail Rides are OPEN YEAR AROUND, seven days a week, closed only on Thanksgiving and Christmas day. Located at 1459 Caney Fork Road in the "art-full" small town of Marshall NC, Sandy Bottom Trail Rides is only a short drive from Asheville, Mars Hill, Bakersville and Hot Springs.

Sugar Mountain Getaway with beautiful views

Beautiful views of the slopes at Sugar Mountain - 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps up to 6. Vacation condo in the Reserve II with year around views, fireplace, flat panel TV with Blueray DVD player, WIFI. $165 - $250 night, $1050 week.  See condo photos, details and rental availability

Learn more about Sugar Mountain Lodging and attractions HERE

Sugar Mountain holds Oktoberfest this weekend

13-14   Sugar Mountain Oktoberfest   Enjoy the beautiful fall foliage and a panoramic view of the surrounding area from the mile and a half long chairlift ride to Sugar's 5,300 ft peak. Everyone, even mountain bikers, are welcome to ride the lift. Enjoy Oom Pah Band, Bavarian cuisine, including Bratwurst, Knackwurst, German Potato Salad, Sauerkraut and pretzels. 

Over 40 artisans and crafters will be exhibiting and selling their work plus there will be a childrens activity center. 10 AM - 5 PM each day.

Get a link for the Oktoberfest and other Sugar Mountain events and attractions on the Sugar Mountain NC Visitor Guide.

Fall Getaway Special on the New River in Todd

Fall Special - $125.  Enjoy the mountains of North Carolina! Special Offer  good for bookings between October 11, 2012 and November 30, 2012.

Charming getaway at a Riverfront Cabin - 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps 6. Getaway cabin on the banks of the New River. Deck with hot tub and grill, fishing poles, kayaks and canoe. Pool table, Internet, Pet Friendly.Located in Todd NC, between Boone and West Jefferson.  See cabin photos, details and availability

Get local information and attractions on the West Jefferson NC Visitor Guide.

NC Fall event: New River Festival in Todd

October 13   Annual Todd New River Festival   This FREE festival features multiple music performances, storytelling, bluegrass jams, puppet shows, athletic competitions and other recreational events for all to enjoy. More than 30 vendors offer a variety of arts and crafts.

Enjoy plenty of NC barbecue and great food. Admission is free. Parking and a shuttle ride to the festival are available for $5 at the field just off Railroad Grade Road from the Highway 194 entrance to Todd.

Todd is located in between Boone NC and West Jefferson NC.

Getaway this weekend to the Boone area for the NC Leaf Color

October Cabin Availability!

Cool mountain setting near Boone - 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps 6. Covered porch with beautiful mountain view, game room, Internet service.

Located in the Leatherwoods Mountains Community, a short drive to Boone.  Facilities include horseback riding and trails. $210-$240 night, $1260 - $1440 week. 

 See cabin photos, details and availability

Learn more about Boone attractions and fall leaf season events on the Boone NC Visitor Guide.

Dream Home Tour in Yancy County

October 12-13   Yancey County Dream Home Tour   The Tour is a fantasy of eclectic architectural elements, high style, massive wood beams and stone surrounded by spectacular color and views. This year's tour captures some of Yancey County's most gracious living as defined by homes atop Mountain Air, inside an historic area of Burnsville, and in the secluded forest of Chestnut Hills.

This year’s tour features 6 incredible homes PLUS a silent auction of artwork created by artists at the EnergyXchange. All tickets are good for BOTH days of the tour, meaning you can see the homes, get a long look at the artwork, enjoy lunch, shopping and a leisurely weekend in beautiful Yancey County.

October Resort Cabin Special: Save $50 - $75 per Night

Save $50 - $75 per night in October. Scenic Wolf Resort cabin rentals still have availability to enjoy the fall leaf season color. Choose from a variety of rentals with only a 2 night minimum stay. Resort amenities include long range mountain views and an  indoor pool open April-October. Scenic Wolf Resort is located in Mars Hill NC, about 30 miles north of Asheville.   CLICK HERE to get more details

NC Fall Leaf Season Event: Asheville Oktoberfest

October 13  During  Asheville Oktoberfest downtown Asheville's Wall Street will transform into "Little Germany" for the Asheville Downtown Association's 4th Annual Oktoberfest. Internationally-renowned "oompah" band, The Stratton Mountain Boys, returns to the stage with happy yodeling songs, shoe-slapping dances and lively spirited Polka music sure to incite dancing in the street and rousing cheers of "ein Prosit!" 

This lively event will feature beer tastings from local breweries including Highland Brewing, Asheville Brewing Company, Pisgah Brewing, Green Man Brewery, Craggie Brewing and French Broad Brewing Company. Many brewers are featuring seasonal ales for Oktoberfest, and will be on hand to discuss their beers. Oktoberfest Games are back as well with some old favorites like the Stein Races and Keg-rolling contests as well as some new ones.

Get a link to learn more about the Asheville Oktoberfest and other local events on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Last Minute Special - $298 Week

Last week in October still available as of today.  October - Leaf Season Special $298 a week, 1/2 price! 10/5/12 - 11/1/12. 

Vacation rental with view of Mount Jefferson - 3 bedrooms 2 baths, sleeps up to 8. Mountain views, recently remodeled, jacuzzi bathtub, wrap-around porch, grill, fireplace, fire pit, Pet Friendly.  Located near West Jefferson NC.   See cabin photos, details and availability

Get information for local attractions, restaurants and events on the West Jefferson NC Visitor Guide.

NC Fall Leaf Season Event: Jump Off Rock Festival

October 13  Jump Off Rock Fall Festival   from 4 PM - 8 PM with  live music. Bring your lawn chairs and warm blankets for an evening of food and entertainment. Jump Off Rock will be closed to the public during the event and entry will be by ticket only. Enjoy great food from Tooley's Cafe. The menu is, BBQ Chicken Breast, Margarita Coleslaw, Baked Potato Salad, Homemade Cornbread, Tea and Water. Food will be served from 4 PM to 7:30 PM 

Jump off Rock is located in Laurel Park just 10 minutes from downtown Hendersonville NC. It's a great place to visit if you like hiking, biking, stunning  views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, or just reading a book in the afternoon sun on one of the park's benches. There are three trails for hiking, each one varying in length and difficulty level.

Get a link for the Fall Festival and Jump Off Rock on the Hendersonville NC Visitor Guide.

The House of Flags Exhibits Eisenhower Presidential Library

October 10 - 13   Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum on Display at The House of Flags   For the first time in history all six original flags from the White House during President Eisenhower’s administration will be together in a single exhibit. The 50-star U.S. flag on display is the actual flag unveiled in the White House Cabinet Room when Hawaii became our 50th state.

The House of Flags Museum is located at 33 Gibson Street, Columbus NC.

Last Minute Vacation Home Rental - come see rhe Fall Leaf Color

Vacation home on 5 acres - 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps up to 10. Distant view of Mt Pisgah and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Patio and covered porch, grill fireplace, WIFI, pets considered. Minutes to downtown Hendersonville.  $1500 per week.  Currently available for Leaf Peak in October - book NOW. See rental photos, details and availability

Get local information on the Hendersonville NC Visitor Guide.

3rd Annual Farm to Fork Dinner

October 13, 5:30 - 9:30 PM - Farm to Fork Supper and Open House, a benefit for the Mill Spring Agricultural Development Center. The Open House is 5:30 - 6:30 PM with Dinner from 6:30 - 8 PM.  Live entertainment, a Silent Auction and 50/50 Raffle follows from 8 - 9:30 PM.

Celebrate an evening of local, farm-fresh food at the 3rd Annual Farm to Fork Dinner. Enjoy artisanal beverages grown and made in and around Polk County. Join local farmers, area chefs, bakers, caterers, winemakers and “foodies” as they prepare a gourmet, buffet style community Feast using local, seasonal ingredients.

Dine by candlelight outdoors under a giant, century old magnolia tree. Listen to live music and shop the Silent Auction.  Relax with friends and neighbors and Support the  Mill Spring Agricultural Center while experiencing a true sense of community and the deep agricultural roots of the area.

Admission for the event is $25 for adults, $15 for children 13 and under.  Purchase tickets ONLINE HERE.

Help even more:  bring your own patterned, cloth napkin and a pint size Ball jar and leave it behind for future events.

The Mill Spring Agricultural Development Center, locally known as the "Ag Center",  is  156 School Rd., Mill Spring, NC. Learn more about Polk County Farms and fresh food events HERE.

NOCtoberfest celebrated this month at the Nantahala Outdoor Center

October 6-31   NOCtoberFest    NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center) draws down the year with a month-long series of events geared to commemorate the rich variety of the season. The Beer Garden menu will include schnitzels galore, old-fashioned German potato salad, classic beef goulash, and Bavarian dumplings. 

Beverage Selection will include: Spaten Octoberfest, Gaffel, Franziskaner, and hot mulled wine. Activities include hayrides, a haunted house, The Great Pumpkin Pursuit Harvest Festival, Face Painting and Costume Contest, Live Music, a Fall River Cleanup Community Service Project and more. Get a list of events on the website.

NOC celebrates the changing of the colors, the crispness in the air, and the beginning of the new hiking season with NOCtoberfest. The event has grown so popular,that this fall celebrations offer a month-long series of events geared to commemorate the rich variety of the season.

NOC began in 1972 with the mission of  sharing the wonders of the river, trails and mountains and all the places to raft, hike, pedal and paddle in the Nantahala area. Today's NOC is a complete outdoor outfitter offering whitewater rafting, an outfitter's store, group adventure programs, four restaurants, guided activities, a bike shop, special events and festivals and lodging.

The Nantahala Ourdoor Center (NOC) is located on US Highway 19, approximately 12 miles west of Bryson City.  Get a link for NOC and other outdoor activities on the Nantahala River on the Bryson City NC Visitor Center.

NC Fall Leaf Event: Oktoberfest on Old Fort

 October 5-7    Oktoberfest    An annual festival featuring a variety of musicians, food and craft vendors, raffles and children's activities. There is also the amazing Duck Race. This is a Free event held at the  Mountain Gateway Museum grounds, in downtown Old Fort.

Chimney Rock Park Fall WIldflower Hike

October 6   Off the Beaten Path Guided Hikes: Fall Wildflower    The Changing of  leaves is not the only source of Fall color in the mountains. In Chimney Rock Park there are magnificent fall flowers along the trails. 

With guide Ron Lance, an internationally renowned and published naturalist, you can discover yet another beauty of the mountains.  Many folks think spring is the peak wildflower season, but at Chimney Rock  flowers are in bloom much of the year. Expect to see such beauties as asters, Pink Turtlehead, boneset and more. Off the Beaten Path Guided Hikes: Fall Wildflower

Learn more about Chimney Rock Park on the Chimney Rock NC Visitor Guide.

Autumn at OZ Bigger and Better than ever

October 6-7  Autumn at OZ   Follow the yellow brick road to the annual Autumn at Oz party. Be sure to dress warm, you never know when a twister will come through. Visitors can tour Dorothy's House, Uncle Henry's Barn, and a mini Oz museum. There will be food, crafters and games, plus chairlift rides up to Oz for those who prefer not to go by shuttle. Enjoy a hayride, the petting zoo, a bonfire and a full weekend of entertainment.

The Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce is proud to present "Autumn at Oz" for 2012, now larger than ever. Travel back in time to 1939 to the enchanted world of the "Oz", high atop Beech Mountain at the Land of Oz park. This year the 19th annual "Autumn at Oz" Festival is returning with an expanded venue providing visitors with more activities, food, drink, and sights to behold while maintaining the same nostalgic feeling from the Land of Oz.

Theme park entrance times are also expanded for 2012. The purchase of your ticket designates the time that you will be transported to the Land of OZ from the Resort. The park opens at 9:30AM and tickets are available for entrance to the Land of OZ every hour until 5:30PM. The last bus leaves at 4:30PM. Come early and stay late, enjoy the shows and entertainment at the Resort prior to and after leaving the Land of OZ. Purchase tickets online.

Get more local information on the Beech Mountain NC Visitor Guide.

Peanuts Pumpkin Patch Express on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

October 6-28   Peanuts Pumpkin Patch Express  The PEANUTS gang returns to the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Pumpkin Patch for this annual family fun favorite. The excursions, which are themed after Charles M. Schulz's classic story "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," will be departing from the Bryson City Depot and arriving at the Pumpkin Patch. 


Event activities include campfire marshmallows, a coloring station, temporary tattoos, trick or treating, bouncy house, hayrides and live musical entertainment.

Get a link for the Peanuts Pumpkin Patch Express and other Smoky Mountains fall events on the Bryson City NC Visitor Guide.

Come to Grandfather Mountain after dark for Creatures of the Night Program

October 6   Creatures of the Night and Bonfire Delight at Grandfather Mountain   Families will enjoy this rare opportunity to visit Grandfather Mountain after dark. Get your Halloween juices flowing while listening to scary stories told by firelight and keep a tight hold on your loved ones' hand as you set off on a rare after-dark tour of the Mountain that includes a nocturnal animal prowl. Must be age 8 or older. Additional cost. Reservations required: 828-733-8715.

Get more information about Granfather Mountain and special events on the NC Attractions Guide.

American Craft Week event: ColorFest, Art and Taste of Appalachia

October 6   ColorFest, Art and Taste of Appalachia   Autumn's colors and flavors take center stage Saturday, Oct. 6, during this fourth annual festival. This arts and food event fills the sidewalks of Dillsboro with a variety of mountain artisans demonstrating their skills, plus food vendors serving up a taste of the North Carolina mountains. Local musicians and street entertainers add music to festivities, while restaurants and shops are open to serve the crowds throughout the day. 10 AM - 4 PM.

Leisurely stroll through the town encountering fine artists painting at easels under colorful umbrellas, hear strands of music blossoming through the doorways and experience a delicious taste of NC foods and wines ...all the time surrounded by the spectacular fall beauty of the mountains.

Talk with local artists, authors, growers, wine makers and musicians as you wander through the picturesque town, unique shops and choice restaurants. Works from participating artists have been on display in the windows of shops in Dillsboro since September 6.

Get a link for ColorFest and other Dillsboro events and attractions on the Dillsboro NC Visitor Guide.

NOC hosts the ACA Canoe Slalom and Championships this weekend

October 5-6  ACA Open Canoe Slalom Nationals & North American Championships   Some of the country's best paddlers will test their skills at the technical Nantahala Falls course, and will also compete in a downriver event, starting at Feribee Park, and finishing at the NOC Founder's Bridge.

This event is open to participants of all ages and ability levels. The exciting Nantahala Falls course promotes convenient spectator viewing, particularly from the river-right platforms and sidewalk.

Get a link for the ACA Slalom Nationals and the NOC and Nantahala River events on the Bryson City NC Visitor Guide

New Pink Corn Maze is a Fun Fundraiser

October 5-28  Taylor RanchFest and Pink Cornmaze   to partner with Mission Hospital and raise funds for local cancer care. Every weekend in October family, fundraising and fall themed fun come together for North Carolina's first ever 6-acre Pink Cornmaze/ The maze is open until dusk with the Haunted Mountain Trail opening as night falls.

Additional activities include an old fashioned game field with corn jumps, sack races, a kids maze, music by the lake, games, food and themed weekends. There will also be a wide range of entertainment combining "green" education, outdoor recreation, farm conservation and down home fun.
 
The first corn maze grown with ‘pink’ corn, which represents the ‘pink ribbon’ of Breast Cancer Research, is actually Indian corn developed in the American South West mixed with regional varieties to ensure health and height. Created by Billy Taylor, the maze stands on a 6-acre plot adjacent to Cane Creek Rd.  Open daytime, evenings by flashlight (bring one or buy one) ‘til 10 p.m.-Admission for RanchFest and Corn Maze: $12 at the gate, $10 on the web in advance, kids (10 & under) $8 at the gate, $6 on the web, kids two and under free.

The Taylor Ranch is located at 1005 Cane Creek Road in Fletcher NC, a suburb of Asheville. Get a link for more information about the Pink Corn Maze on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Blue Ridge Corn Maze - 1/2 price limited time Offer

The Blue Ridge Corn Maze, located at 1605 Everett Rd in Pisgah Forest NC ( near Brevard), is offering a limited time Groupon Speical: Only $7 *(value $14) for one of the mountain's favorite cornfusing Corn Mazes. Enjoy 6 acres of twisting cornstalks and climb to an observation deck to see the maze's themed design.

Get details or purchase online now 

* the offer Expires Oct 31, 2012. Limit 1 per person, may buy 4 additional as gifts. Appointment required for visits Monday-Friday. No appointment required for a weekend visit between 2-8 PM, though hours may vary. This Groupon is not valid for the haunted house and may not be substituted for the haunted house. Subject to weather conditions. Valid only for option purchased.

100th Annual Centennial Indian Fair in Cherokee

October 2-6    100th Annual Centennial Indian Fair   Part carnival, part art exhibit and part agriculture show, the 100th annual fair features artwork, traditional Cherokee food, nightly musical entertainment, rides and games, and of course, fireworks. 

You’ll find Cherokee white oak baskets, pottery and beadwork, and you’ll marvel and the traditional Cherokee contests and competitions like the infamous Cherokee Stickball games. While you’re on the Ferris wheel, be sure to take in the gorgeous fall foliage that engulfs the Great Smoky Mountains this time of year.

Get a link for details and daily schedules for the Cherokee Indian Fair and other events, attractions and lodging on the Cherokee NC Visitor Guide.