Things are cooling off in the High Country, so grab a sweater and head out to enjoy one of the most fun-filled weekends of the year. With the colors of autumn in the sky, fresh air all around us and a long list of things to do over the next couple of days, there’s no reason we can’t have a good time! Take a look at our list of events you ought to check out and find the best fit for you. Stick with your favorite or challenge yourself to try them all! Gather your friends and family — this is going to be a good one!
While you’re out on Saturday, stop by the brand new Reid’s Café and find out what’s on the menu.
Ghost Train Halloween Festival at Tweetsie — Friday and Saturday
The first Ghost Train leaves the station at nightfall, usually shortly before or close to 8 p.m. this time of year, and it runs approximately every half hour throughout the night. When you’re ready to embark on this spooky adventure, secure your place in line, grab a seat when the train pulls up (first come, first serve seating) and prepare yourself for the darkness that’s lurking through the night! The train may be the signature attraction of the park’s Halloween festival, but there’s so much more to see when you’re at Tweetsie this time of year. The dark skies of the October nights play host to other festivities, like trick-or-treating for the kids, special Halloween performances, the Haunted House, the Tweetsie Palace Spooktacular, the Warp Tunnel and the Creepy Carnival.When night falls, the park’s Hacienda becomes “the Boneyard,” which features the Black Hole, the 3D Maze and the Freaky Forest. Click here to learn more and find out how to buy your tickets online.
Valle Country Fair — Saturday
Enjoy everything you love about the harvest season at this annual event in Valle Crucis, which raises thousands to support local charities every fall. The fun starts at 8 a.m. on Saturday and lasts through 4 p.m. that afternoon. The fair is held on the grounds of the Valle Crucis Conference Center in a huge meadow at the intersection of N.C. Highway 194 and Dutch Creek Road. Admission is free and ample parking is available in the adjoining field for $10 per car. Bring cash to spend on local vendors and concessions. ATMs will be on site in two locations. Pets are not allowed. Call Holy Cross Church at 828-963-4609 or visit the Fair on the Web at www.vallecountryfair.org for more information.
Inaugural Pumpkin Festival in Newland — Saturday
In order to celebrate Greater Newland’s harvest season, the festival will provide several events for this fun-filled day, including but not limited to: a family and school scarecrow making contest, a Native American presentation by Hawks Nest Unified Tribe, story-telling, hayrides, local and Native American artists and craft vendors, the Best Pumpkin Costume contest, food and beverages, live bluegrass and Celtic music and so much more. Along with this, Downtown Scarecrows are up on Newland Lamp Post, and awards for the first, second and third places for business scarecrows will be announced at 4 p.m. at the Pumpkin Festival. Click here to learn more.
Mountain Home Music — Saturday
Don’t miss this evening full of traditional mountain style entertainment. Saturday’s performance will take place at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.) at the Blowing Rock School auditorium and will feature old-time and celtic music from the group Strictly Strings and the World Champion Green Grass Cloggers. Get more information here.
Woolly Worm Festival — Saturday and Sunday
Winter is coming! Enjoy crafts, food, live entertainment and the highlight of this annual event — the popular woolly worm races! Watch the races from the sidelines or enter a fuzzy little guy of your own to get it on the fun and a chance to win a cash prize. The festivities begin when gates open at 9 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, which races taking off shortly thereafter. Each day concludes with a championship race at 4 p.m. This annual celebration draws thousands of folks from across the country to the charming mountain community of downtown Banner Elk. Join the fun for just $5 per person. Kids ages 6-12 are admitted for just $3 and those 2 and under get in for free. Want to stay for the whole weekend? Lodging options are available atBannerElk.com. Visit www.WoollyWorm.com or call 800-972-2183 for details. Click here to learn how to take care of your woolly worm after the race so he can turn into a Tiger Moth and you can release him with care.
Wood, Clay and Fiber Art on Display at Carlton Gallery — Saturday and Sunday
A beautiful Autumn Season in the High Country enhances Carlton Gallery’s 33rd Autumn Group Exhibition with its focus on wood, clay and fiber art by the many talented and innovative artists the gallery represents. Enjoy the changing season and visit Carlton Gallery’s 33rd Autumn Group Exhibition with an emphasis on wood, clay and fiber art which runs through November 15. A special exhibit by Warren Dennis, “Celebrating a Lifetime of Art”, also runs through November 15 and showcases his “cubist style of painting for the 21st century.” Click here fore more details.
Preseason Sale at App Ski Mountain — Saturday and Sunday
Temperatures are dropping, seasons are changing and winter will be here before you know it! With colder weather comes a whole new way to enjoy the High Country, and the folks at Appalachian Ski Mountain are working hard to prepare for you a new season of fun in the snow. Shop great deals of up to 70 percent off on your favorite brands and 2015 clothing, equipment and accessories at ASM’s annual preseason sale.
Sale hours between Oct. 16-25 include:
- Monday through Thursday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Fridays: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sundays: 1-5 p.m.
While you’re shopping the sale, enter the raffle for a chance to win a season pass, a typical value of more than $400.
Click here to learn more about the sale.