Even More Fall Things to do in Asheville—A Local’s Perspective
Every so often I forget that I’ve written about fall in Asheville before. So I go off researching, outlining, planning, putting pen to computer screen. Eventually, inevitably, I awaken from my amnesia, and I realize, horror-stricken, I’m re-doing an article... or am I?
I compare notes. I cross-reference. I realize that I have, in fact, come up with five fall things to do in Asheville that I haven’t actually written about before. So vast is this great season, perhaps we’ll never run out of new things to do.
Here's hoping. Makes my job that much easier, giving me more time to get outside and make leaf-angels, and soak in hot cider. If that sounds just up your alley, then read on, and discover five more fall things to do in Asheville.
I can’t believe this one wasn’t at the head of my first article. When you live in Asheville, sometimes its easy to forget just how beautiful your common commute can be, if you take the right road.
But what we locals may take for granted could just be the highlight of your trip. If you’re staying at Asheville Cottages, which I recommend, then it's all as easy as driving five minutes down to the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance close to the NC Arboretum, and following it south.
As you steadily gain elevation, you’ll be treated to spanning views of the French Broad Valley, all of it illuminated by those fabulous bright fall leaves. At the height of leaf-season (typically mid-October), you’ll feel like you’re driving through a painting.
If you want to extend your autumn outing, make a stop off the parkway at one of these awesome places to walk among the fall leaves. Otherwise, I suggest taking some hot chocolate, parking at an overlook, and simply taking some time to enjoy the view.
Personally, I’m a fan of Asheville’s farmer’s markets year-round. But there’s something to be said of that special fall visit to the market. Sweaters. Crisp air. Gourds the size of my head. There’s a vibe to it: a fall vibe.
And by golly, it’s delicious. Between those seasonal apples, winter squash, and all-year favorites like fresh-baked local bread, you’d be missing out not to come away with a cornucopia on your hands.
My favorite local farmer’s market is the Asheville City Market, found on the aptly-named North Market Street in downtown, open from 9am to noon on Saturday mornings. You can park outside the Family Justice Center, across the street from the YMCA. From there, it's only a five minute walk to the market, and all the fall produce you can handle.
Beware though: when a cold wind kicks up in Asheville, downtown can get pretty chilly indeed. Watch that weather forecast and dress in layers. I’ve lost too many good men in the hunt for red delicious.
When you get to be my age, all your friends start talking about skydiving. Skydiving this, skydiving that. What ever happened to simply appreciation, I ask you? What do we need all this adrenaline for? I for one would prefer to take in some high-altitude views without the imminent threat of doom.
And while I’m having my druthers, if I were to take a cruise in a hot air balloon ride, I’d aim to do it in fall in Asheville. The weather can be tricky, especially later in the season, so this one requires a good amount of fore-planning. But if you can swing it, then you’ll be treated to the very best view of WNC’s fall leaves that our sciences have yet discovered. It's got all the magnificence of a scenic drive, and then some.
You can read more about it, right here. Good luck, sky-sailor.
Come fall-time, many city-folk become possessed by a yearning to return to the land. Take a hayride, maybe. Or get lost in a corn field. It's almost as if our ancestral memories come back to haunt us, saying, “It's time to pull the vegetables out of the ground, OR ELSE!”
But whatever your reason, a visit to a farm is always a fall hit, and one of the best farms in WNC for this purpose is Hickory Nut Gap, just a half hour southeast of downtown Asheville.
Starting in early September, Hickory Nut Gap has all your favorite farmyard activities. Hayrides, pony rides, barn dances, and above all, just a wonderful chance to get out and frolic in nature.
It's a great place to take kids, so long as you’re okay with them deciding to become farmers when they grow up. Visit the farm store to grab some local cider, and near Halloween, the perfect pumpkin for the year’s jack-o-lanterns.
I always like to mention some food or drink at the end of these articles. It gives you a place to relax after that whirlwind of fall activities. And, more importantly, writing makes me hungry. And thirsty.
I’ve done cider, I’ve done beer. What’s next? Why, the third most popular beverage, of course: chocolate.
Specifically, I recommend the hot chocolate at the French Broad Chocolate Lounge, found just off downtown’s central Pack Square, near the Asheville Art Museum. It's thick, steamy, rich in its flavor, and in short, just perfect for warming up on a cold fall day.
If you’re as smitten with their chocolate as I am, then I recommend picking up some mix to-go. It makes for the perfect stocking-stuffer, with winter close at hand.
Businesses Mentioned
Asheville City Market
(828)-348-0340
52 N Market St, Asheville, NC 28801
Hickory Nut Gap Farm
(828)-628-1027
57 Sugar Hollow Rd, Fairview, NC 28730
French Broad Chocolate Lounge
(828)-252-4181
10 S Pack Square, Asheville, NC 28801
コメント