As the summer comes to a close and the leaves begin to change, we look ahead to all the exciting seasonal things to do in the area. Here are five great things to do if you are looking for fun with friends and family.
- Check out the leaves on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Junior, Kennedy Combs takes pictures at frying pan tower on the blue ridge parkway last fall.
The Blue Ridge Parkway, famous for its scenic overlooks and winding roads through the area’s mountains, is perfect for experiencing the beauty of the autumn leaf change. Thousands of people make the trip to Asheville every October to experience the leaf change on the Parkway and in the surrounding area. Though it may be slightly crowded around this time of year, the leaf change on the Parkway is definitely something that you should not miss this fall. Don’t forget to show off your great photos on Instagram.
- Try out Eliada Home’s corn maze
Children play in the hay at Eliada’s corn maze.
Eliada Home’s annual corn maze located at 2 Compton Drive in Asheville is the only completely nonprofit corn maze in Western North Carolina. The event features everything from hayrides to a corn cannon and, of course, one of the largest corn mazes in the state. Prices range from $15 for adults and $10 for children. The maze will run from Sept. 14 to Oct. 23 and all proceeds benefit the children at Eliada Home.
- Attend a college football game
Junior, Grant McIntyre takes a picture at an Appalachian State football game against Western Carolina.
High school football is fun, but few activities in the fall compare to the excitement of college football. Some of the most popular games attended around the area are games at Western Carolina University and Appalachian State. Both schools have upcoming home games with WCU on Oct. 29 and on Nov. 5. App State has home games on Oct. 22 and Nov. 5 and Nov. 19. Many students who formerly attended West are now at WCU marching in the Pride of the Mountains Marching Band, directed by David Starnes. Few collegiate marching bands can compare to the more than 500 musicians who perform at halftime in Cullowhee. Students and fans actually go to the games to see the band.
- Haunted houses/places
One of the many characters played at The Haunted Farm.
When we think of fall, one thing that comes to mind is Halloween. And what’s Halloween without a good scare? A fun, exciting way to get scared and have a good time is to visit a haunted attraction. One of the most popular in our area is the Haunted Farm, right here in Hendersonville, located at 624 Townsend Road in Hendersonville. Many students go to the farm with friends, and some even work the haunted farm, preparing make-up and costumes and even scaring other students. The Haunted Farm is open Oct. 20, 21, 22, 28, 29, 30 and 31 from sundown to midnight.
A little bit further away, Pinhead’s Graveyard Outdoor Haunted House is another popular attraction located at 2099 Asheville Highway in Candler. Haunted attractions are always a great time with friends, if you’re looking for a good scare in time for Halloween.
- Apple picking/pumpkins
Apple picking has become a classic fall tradition over the years. The simplicity of filling up your many baskets with all the apples you can pick has been an enjoyable activity for many years. There are many orchards in our area to choose from, one of the most popular being Grandad’s apples, located at 2951 Chimney Rock Road in Hendersonville is open seven days a week throughout the fall season. On top of apple picking, another classic tradition of this cool, crisp season is picking out a pumpkin. Whether you are picking out as many apples as possible or narrowing it down to the perfect pumpkin, both are great ways to spend your time with family and friends in the fall.
By: Bobby Slagle and Blake Kinsey
Photos from: (In order): Kennedy Combs, Eliada’s Corn Maze, Grant McIntyre, NC Haunted Farm
