Last Chance to see "The Shadow of the Bear" this Fall in Cashiers

this incredible photograph by Jerry Jaynes

October - November: Don't miss "The Shadow of the Bear" a naturally occurring phenomenon from mid October through early November. The Shadow is visible for about 30 minutes daily between 5:30 and 6 PM and can best be viewed from the Rhodes Big View Overlook on U.S. Hwy. 64, approximately 4.5 miles west of Cashiers. The shadow is also visible in late winter from mid February through early March.

Get a link for The Shadow of the Bear and other attractions, lodging and visitor information on the Cashiers NC Guide.

NC Corn Mazes Open this Weekend

Eliada's Corn Maze in Asheville, the largest maze in WNC, has created a “Love Asheville Give Local” theme in the maze this year. A giant heart, with this familiar slogan creates the maze trails and celebrates Eliada as a local charity in the region. “Get Lost” in corn mazes over 12 acres of twisting trails. Eliada's includes activities for kids of all ages including like corn cannons with pumpkin men targets, a cow train, hayride, pumpkin patch, giant sandbox filled with corn kernels, haybale maze, spider-web net climb on and giant slides.

The Blue Ridge Corn Maze in Brevard offers 6 Acres of "corn~fusion" where you can lose it and it's all right! Self-serve hours that fit your schedule!  Instructions are posted at the gate which send you into the field to where a school bus is parked. Further instructions are posted there along with clue cards which help navigate the maze, a few rules, admission prices and where to place the admission. Trails are marked out front of the bus,with the 1st trail being the shortest. They both begin and end at the same point.  Go when you want to / self serve/ honor system.   14th Annual "Shock in the Corn" October 18-19, 25-26, 31.

The Ashe County Corn Maze in the West Jefferson Area takes anywhere from 25 minutes to 45 minutes to hours! There are six "stations" in the maze to explore.  The corn maze can take anywhere from 25 minutes to 45 minutes to hours if you like! There are six "stations" in the maze. Remembering where you've been and finding all the stations can be a little confusing but you'll have lots of fun trying to find your way out!  There will also be a variety  of games and activities for the entire family. Special Event: Corn Fest on October 12.

The Hickory Nut Gap Farm in the Asheville area lets you wind your way through the corn maze, pick your own pumpkin, fill your bag with organic apples, hold a baby chick, visit the animals and enjoy a day with your family. Open 7 days a week in October.  Visit the farm store and see first hand the landscape where your food is grown and to meet the people who make it happen. Purchase meat, fruits, and mushrooms from the farm as well as other local producers and spend some time with the animals.

The Maze at Seasonal Produce Farm in Canton includes special events such as a professional lumberjack competition, haunted house and Hospice Day. Enjoy Family Fun on the Farm! Pick out a pumpkin and enjoy a variety of attractions including campfires, the corn box, mini mazes, the hay jump, hayrides, the pumpkin patch, the haunted maze and the Scout Maze. Field trips and group events are available. October 12 is Heritage day.

Darnell Farms in Bryson City is a true "Agritourism" farm with horseback riding, wagon rides, camping, bluegrass music, educational tours, pick-your-own seasonal produce and an 8+ acre corn maze that opens in mid August! The Corn maz will open this year on October 11.

Grandad's Apples and Such  in Hendersonville NC includes  5 acres of corn maze and a fun-filled hour of exploring. After visiting five different way stations, your corn maze adventure will be complete! Grandad’s has several funny backdrops to create some great family photo ops. Visit the pumpkin patch and pick out your perfect pumpkin from  all sizes and shapes, including extra large and baby pumpkins. Ride the Cow Train on a tour of Grandad’s. The cow train is made from barrels painted to look like cows

New River Corn Maze  on the Brown Family Farm in Deep Gap NC, just outside Boone.  Get lost in the family fun and enjoy a High Country tradition on the banks of the New River. Bring your family, friends, church or student group. The maze itself winds through 5 acres of planted corn with over a mile of twists, turns, dead-ends, and switchbacks.  While visiting the Corn Maze, come by our Pumpkin Patch, to pick your own for Halloween. New this year - Come take a ride around the farm in a genuine passenger train.

Additional NC mountain Corn Mazes:
Smoky Mountain Corn Maze (Otto NC near Franklin)
Fodder Trot Trails ( Sprata NC)
The Great Pumpkin Patch (Glade Valley NC).

Peanuts Pumpkin Patch Express on The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

October 11-13   Peanuts Pumpkin Patch Express   The PEANUTS gang return the 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.

Listen to a narration of Schulz’s “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” as the train travels through the beautiful fall leaf color to the Pumpkin Patch. Upon arrival, passengers will be greeted and have a photo opportunity with Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Snoopy. During the 1 hour and 45min layover, your activities will include: campfire marshmallows, a coloring station, temporary tattoos, trick or treating, bouncy house, hayrides and live musical entertainment.

And kids - don’t forget to wear your Halloween costumes. There will be plenty of PEANUTS™ merchandise at the Smoky Mountain Trains gift shop for those who would like a souvenir.  Each child will also select their own pumpkin from The Great Pumpkin Patch to take home.

Advanced booking and ticket purchase are recommended. Get complete information on the website.

Find links for the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and other attractions in the Smokies on the Bryson City NC Visitor Guide.

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.

NC Leaf Season Event: First Annual Okltoberfest in Hendersonville

Oct 22 - noon until 6 PM at Southern Appalachian Brewery in Hendersonville NC,   Hendersonville's First Annual Oktoberfest Celebration and Jump Off Rock 10K Race.  Enjoy traditional German fare including brats, sauerkraut, potato salad, "brezels" and, of course,  Oktoberfest Beer. Family fun activities will be available on site for the younger attendees. The "Jump Off Rock 10K Race"will begin the day.

The Oktoberfest is open to the public but a limited number of tickets will be sold for $10 the day of the event. Children under the age of 16 are free.

NC Ghost Tours: Candle Light Ghost Tours in WIlkesboro

October 21 - 22   Candle Light Ghost Tours  An evening of tales, mystery and haunts. Learn about the ghosts that haunt the old buildings of downtown Wilkesboro. Visit a cemetery where Civil War Soldiers are buried, stand in the jail cell where Tom Dooley spent his last days and listen to the stories of the haunted Smithey Hotel. Tours start at 7:30pm.

Get details and a link for the Candle Light Ghost Tours and other Wilkesboro NC events, Lodging and visitor information.

NC Fall Leaf Season Event: Lake Eden Arts Festival (LEAF) this Weekend

October 20-23   Lake Eden Arts Festival ( LEAF) A weekend celebration of world folk arts: music concerts, dancing, handcrafts, healing arts, poetry, kidventures and workshops. Beautiful mountain camp setting with lakes and camping.

Get a link for the Lake Eden Arts Festival and other Black Mountain NC events, lodging and visitor information HERE.

NC Fall Leaf Event: Harvest Festival in Stecoah Valley

October 14 - 16    Harvest Festival   A wide variety of fall-themed events including an old-fashioned bonfire and a visit from Civil War era soldiers on patrol from their nearby camp; a 5K run and a "One Mile Fun Run", mountain music and dancing feet, hit and miss engines, antique tractors and the corn-grinding exhibit, local artists offer their handmade crafts and foods for sale and demonstrations.

Vendors also offer BBQ, hot dogs, hamburgers, Indian tacos, ice cream and drinks. The Country Fair features competition and exhibits of jams, jellies, pies, cakes, quilts, needlework and much more. There's even flat foot dance instruction and bed turning of antique quilts. Saturday night Balsam Range performs on the grand old stage and on Sunday there is free gospel singing in the afternoon beginning at 2:30 pm featuring local groups.

Get a link for this event and other Robbinsville events, lodging and visitor information HERE.

NC Fall Leaf Season Event: Sugar Mountain Oktoberfest

October 8-9  Sugar Mountain Oktoberfest   Enjoy the beautiful fall foliage, cool weather and a panoramic view of the surrounding area while riding 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. The celebration at the top of Sugar Mountain includes an Oom Pah Band and Bavarian cuisine - Bratwurst, Knackwurst, German Potato Salad, Sauerkraut and pretzels, More than 40 artisans and craftspeople will show and sell their wares plus there will be events at the children's activity center.