10 Ways to Do Autumn In Asheville
Fall is my very favorite season. Growing up in Asheville made the autumn months feel almost magical. The legendary leaves, the perfect weather. Crisp days whiled away at festivals and fairs, cool nights spent sipping a hot beverage by the fire. People come from all over the nation to our mountain town to wrap themselves in our fall "feels" because...well...we're really good at fall, guys.
For locals and visitors alike, here are ten ways to celebrate the season's spirit in Asheville's backyard.
1 | Spend the afternoon picking apples and pumpkins at Justus Orchard.
2 | Sample seasonal pumpkin beers from our slate of local breweries. Enjoy a river view while you sip Pumpkick at New Belgium, then cross the bridge to try a flight of Wicked Weed's various pumpkin ales and porters. Make a day of it and head downtown to Oktoberfest on October 8th, then follow up with CiderFest at Salvage Station on October 15th.
3 | Take a Sunday drive on the Parkway and listen to a oldie-but-goodie album while you admire the leaves.
4 | Stroll the Woolworth Walk and pick up a Spiced Chai or Apple Clover candle from Element Tree Essentials to infuse your home with the perfect fall fragrance. Grab an iced tea or an ice cream from The Soda Fountain!
5 | Shop for fall boots from Tops For Shoes to go with a new pair of Paige jeans from Minx. (Stay tuned for my post on where to shop for designer denim here in town!).
6 | Relax with a glass of red wine in front of the roaring fireplace in the Grove Park Inn's Great Hall Bar.
7 | Invite friends over for an outdoor marshmallow roast and serve spiked cinnamon cider.
8 | Go to High Five Coffee planning to order a PSL and leaving with the weekly Barista's Choice (an apple butter, caramel, cinnamon and sea salt double cappuccino, for instance!).
10 | Try a new recipe for fun or feast with ingredients sourced from our weekly Farmer's Markets. Go seven days a week to the WNC Farmers Market, to Fairview on Saturdays, or to Biltmore Park and the River Arts District on Wednesdays.
So many fun ways to be festive! The best part is, whether you go out or stay in, you're wrapped in Asheville's crisp, colorful embrace no matter what. Close your eyes, breathe in the cool, autumn air, and appreciate this slice of Southern heaven in which we're so blessed to be.
xxBrooke