The weather is presumably nicer and there’s activities all around leaving you no excuse to not get out and about. And no, all the fall weddings don’t count.
1. Embark on a journey with the Sandhills Trolley Co. with multiple fall-themed trolleys. Choose from Oktrolleyfest, Haunted History Tours, Here for the Boos Cruise, Take the Trolley to Kalawi Farms and more. *Bonus: If you’re single, but trying to get ready for cuffing season try the Single and Ready to Mingle Cruise.
2. Make your own Oktoberfest with the Sandhills Pour Tour. Yes, that’s still happening. Bonus points if you dress up and thoroughly confuse the rest of the bar.
3. Get creative and do one of the many fall themed wine and paint classes at Wine & Design. Be sure to share the after-photo. Usually it boils down to what the painting was supposed to look like, and your partner’s interpretation of the class. See what’s available here.
4. Cooler weather makes for a less-sweaty picnic. Plan a snack-and-walk at Reservoir Park or Weymouth Woods. Even if texting memes to each other is your love language, it’s good to get some fresh fall air. The route probably won’t have the typical hues of orange and red. In fact, it probably won’t at all. Instead you’ll find a trail that is evergreen, like your love. We like long walks on the pinestraw.
- Want to elevate your trek? Check out our hiking guide.
5. Go to a farm, pick a pumpkin, have some cider, frolic in a field. See what farms are throwing down for the season here.
6. Plan a short getaway. We recommend:
- Sept. 28-Oct. 31: Spring Haven Farm in Chapel Hill. Celebrate fall on the farm all season long with “Carving Pumpkins With Goats” or head up on Oct. 18 for “Drinks with Goats” featuring Dirty Bull Brewing Company. You’ll meet other animals, get a chance to ride a tractor train and get lost in a haunted maze. More info here.
- Oct. 6-9: Celebrate the soundtrack to fall at the Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival in Pittsboro. There’s bands, camping and more. The best grass is blue.
- Oct. 8, 1-4 p.m.: Bring your mountain mama up to Asheville for the 8th Annual NC Ciderfest. Sample different ciders and mead from over 20 local cideries. Bottoms up.
- Oct. 28, 4-7 p.m.: Join the Pumpkin Flotilla in Cary. See jack-o-lanterns float across the water for a perfectly spooky night. Drop off your pumpkin the day before (guidelines apply) or just go on the day to watch the fun. See more on the great glow here.
- Oct. 14-16: The Carolina Balloon Festival in Statesville. See hot air balloons take flight in the sky, enjoy food and more. Times vary at this three-day event. See details here.
- Oct. 15-16: Race your woolly worm (that’s not a euphemism) at the Woolly Worm Festival in Banner Elk, where your favorite crawler can compete in races up a three-foot length of string. His name shall be Speedy.
