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Foliage Filled Weekends in Lexington
When fall descends upon the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, Lexington is one of the most prominent places to be. Center yourself downtown where college traditions play out every weekend, the aroma of exciting cuisine wafts down Main Street, and plush accommodations at The Georges or The Gin Hotel ensure you’re in the middle of everything.
Craft an Adventure with the Blue Ridge Craft Fairs
Stop in the many studios and galleries scattered throughout the region between leaf-peeping drives. Take home one-of-a-kind pieces of handmade art, or try your hand at creating crafts under the helpful guidance of a seasoned artisan.
Traveling Vietnam Wall Memorial Display Coming to Dahlonega
The fall will bring a very special event for a short amount of time to Dahlonega. The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial along with a mobile Education Center, will be on display from October 31 – November 3, 2024 at the University of North Georgia. The exhibit will be open 24 hours a day and free to the public. The Wall That Heals honors the more than three million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces in the Vietnam War and it bears the names of the 58,281 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam.
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highlights
It's FALL Y'ALL!
41st Annual
Mountain
Glory Festival
Celebrate the arrival of autumn in the Blue Ridge Mountains during Marion, North Carolina’s 41st Annual Mountain Glory Festival from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on the 2nd Saturday in October.
This event spotlights regional makers and the joys of small-town living. Visitors looking for original handicrafts will find plenty of choices for shopping with three jam-packed blocks, featuring over 200 craft, food, non-profit and sponsor booths of locally made arts and crafts; festival foods and local restaurants. Plus, two stages presenting Marion’s finest musicians.
Blue Ridge Highlands Special Section
Music History In The Heart Of The Blue Ridge Mountains
At The Rex Theater every Friday night in the City of Galax, Virginia WBRF 98.1 FM sends out 100,000 watts of live old-time and bluegrass music from the stage of the historic Rex Theater into five states and over the World Wide Web.
Wytheville
Small Town,
Fall Town
Escape the hustle-bustle of the interstates and explore the scenic backroads of the area with unique attractions along the way. Local farms showcase the beauty of harvest time as fields become blanketed with the orange of pumpkins and host family friendly events. Fans of spooky activities will love the area with its haunted attractions, Haunted Graham Mansion, and the Octagon Mansion’s Dinner with a Ghost, as well as a weekend devoted to zombies in Downtown Wytheville. Join in on a walking Spirit Tour through downtown, hosted by the Wythe Arts Council. Learn about Wytheville’s past and the characters that might still be with us.
Fall Driving Adventures in Giles County, VA
Historic covered bridges like the Sinking Covered Bridge or smallmouth fishing on the New River with experienced guides from New River Outdoor Company or Tangent Outfitters, or perhaps staying with the whole family in a riverside cabin, these adventures are all quintessential activities in Giles County. Seasonal colors really pop along the New River Water Trail whether you are enjoying a stone oven pizza at The Palisades after a day of hiking to breathtaking peaks, or picking apples at Doe Creek Farm, a mountaintop historic farm. If you are looking to step away and discover a relaxed space that still offers plenty of activities, Giles is happy to be your host.
Experience the Blue Ridge Highlands
Welcome to the Blue Ridge Highlands of Southwest Virginia! Here you’ll find breathtaking mountain views, authentic Appalachian culture, and charming small towns around every curve.
Alpine Helen’s
54th Annual Oktoberfest 2024
Alpine Helen's Oktoberfest celebrations have been going on for more than 50 years, involving multiple weeks of traditional dancing, food, and beer from September through October. Held in the city’s riverside Festhalle, the permanent home of the festivities, the celebration is the longest-running of its kind in the United States.
Fall Delights Await in Dawsonville, Georgia
Nestled amidst the vibrant foliage of North Georgia, Dawsonville emerges as an outdoor lover’s paradise, beckoning visitors with its captivating beauty and enchanting attractions. As the air turns crisp and leaves transform into a kaleidoscope of colors, this town’s landscape becomes the perfect destination to indulge in the delights of fall. Among its hidden gems,
Visit Clayton
In Northeast Georgia
It is true that Clayton is a foodie’s dream offering anything that your taste buds desire. The only downside to this is choosing where to eat. If you are in the mood for wings, then Friends American Grill is your spot with over a dozen flavors to choose from. And they are also the only place in town to get an authentic Monte Cristo sandwich. Enjoy outdoor seating at Hush for Cuban food or the Universal Joint for a great burger and a beer. Fortify and Fortify Pi are local favorites for good reason. If southern cuisine is wanted,
Boone’s Fall Bucket List
With a refreshing breeze to your back and breathtaking colors all around, there’s no better setting than the Boone area to explore fall festivals, lively Oktoberfests, picturesque leaf-peeping spots, and bustling farmers’ markets.
Let Your Cell Phone Lead a Walking Tour of Banner Elk, NC
The Historic Downtown Banner Elk Walking Tour showcases 24 iconic buildings and points of interest along a 1.5-mile self-guided stroll.
Created by the Greater Banner Elk Heritage Foundation, the app gets people out of their cars to learn about locations that played a pivotal role in the formation of this popular town in the North Carolina mountains.
Art and More
in the Heart of Historic Downtown Bedford, VA
The Bower Center for the Arts is located in historic downtown Bedford, Virginia, just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Center offers a variety of art exhibits throughout the year, gallery and studio tours, demonstrations, workshops, live performances, and community events. Gallery admission is always free!
Coming
SPRING
2025
More exciting things to do in the mountains!
Riverfest in Waynesboro
NC Trail DaysNational D-Day Memorial celebration
78th Rhododendron Festival
Grandfather Mountain
Highlands Games
Shenandoah, Apple Blossom Festival
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