I tell people all the time that it is NEVER lost on me how lucky I am to be living up here in the mountains. This has been my home, second home, retreat, and refuge since I was born. And without a doubt, my favorite time of the year is October. The weather is perfect; no a/c, no heat, no pollen, windows wide open. But the best part...and most would agree...is the leaves. I LITERALLY LIVE IN A BOB ROSS PAINTING! People travel from, not only RDU/Charlotte/Triad, but from around the world to see where I live! I'm so fortunate. And I'm here to help!
Every year, starting in mid September, Appalachian State University Department of Biology releases its annual weekly Fall Color Reports. This is BY FAR, the best and most reliable source for planning your trip up here to see the spectacular fall colors.
There are also two main festivals during the autumn season...both held on the same weekend and only 6 miles apart. This year, the Wooly Worm Festival in Banner Elk and the Valle Country Fair in Valle Crucis are being held on the weekend of October 21, 2023. Both are big draws and offer very unique experiences.
Wooly Worm Festival: For over 40 years the town of Banner Elk has welcomed both old and new friends to the annual Woolly Worm Festival. This family event co-hosted by the Avery County Chamber of Commerce and the Kiwanis Organization of Banner Elk welcomes more than 16,000 people to the community to make family memories, the chance to earn the prestigious honor of predicting the high country winter weather and win the $1000 bounty! Come early because the fun begins at 9:00 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, with entertainment all day. Bring your dance shoes because you never know when a line dance will begin. There's great music by local groups, and make sure to check out the Wace Stage for impromptu guests!
Valle Country Fair: The Valle Country Fair is a yearly craft fair sponsored by Holy Cross Episcopal Church of Valle Crucis. All proceeds go to support local charities. Last year 13,000 people browsed 150 juried fine art & crafts booths and savored homemade brunswick stew, chili, barbecue and fresh baked desserts - all accompanied by the sound of local bluegrass and country bands. Guests watched the Apple Butter Boys stir the applesauce and cinnamon in copper pots over open fires to make the the Fair's signature thick, sweet condiment. Youngsters entertained themselves carving pumpkins and then used other pumpkins to bowl down soda bottles. In addition to homemade apple butter, other signature flavors of the fair include fresh pressed apple cider and homemade jams and jellies. Admission is free with $10 parking per vehicle adjacent to the field.
I'll see you there!
Andrew