Welcome to our Fall 2025 Issue!

Get ready to explore the Carolinas in all their autumn glory, where crisp air, golden leaves, and seasonal festivities set the stage for unforgettable experiences. This issue highlights everything from adrenaline-pumping football showdowns—from Friday night high school rivalries to Carolina Panthers prime-time clashes—to charming small-town celebrations like Thomasville’s century-old Everybody’s Day Festival.

Fall is also the perfect time to chase vibrant foliage along the Blue Ridge Parkway or the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway, wander historic haunted sites and thrilling Halloween attractions, or unwind along the coast with uncrowded beaches and peaceful riverfront escapes. We’ve rounded up the best seasonal events, scenic drives, and must-see experiences that showcase the Carolinas at their most colorful, spooky, and festive.

Whether you’re a leaf-peeper, a thrill-seeker, a foodie, or simply in search of a cozy weekend getaway, this guide is your ultimate roadmap to making the most of autumn in the Carolinas.

🔑  Fall Day Trips: Cemetery Stories, River Paddles & Mountain Color

Fall in the Carolinas is made for day trips—where crisp mornings and golden leaves set the stage for history, adventure, and mountain charm.

Discover Victorian cemetery traditions in Burlington, paddle the Haw River in Saxapahaw, or head to Banner Elk for orchard visits, Blue Ridge views, and the quirky Woolly Worm Festival.

From mystery to mountain magic, these autumn escapes are pure Carolina. Plan your next adventure! 

Fall Family Fun Adventure Guide

Gaston County knows how to celebrate fall—with pumpkin patches, scarecrows, hayrides, and plenty of festivals to keep the whole family smiling. From wagon rides at Lineberger Farm to the Trail of Treats at the Schiele Museum, every weekend brings a new reason to get outside.

Add in live music, kids’ zones, carnival rides, and even a Bigfoot hunt, and you’ve got a fall calendar packed with adventure. Whether you’re after cozy autumn traditions or playful Halloween thrills, Gaston County is the place to be. Check out the full article! 

A Fall Journey Along the Ridgeline Craft Beverage Trail

When the ridgeline blazes with autumn color, Gaston County’s Craft Beverage Trail is the perfect blend of trails, tastes, and small-town charm. Hike Crowders Mountain for sweeping views, paddle the Catawba, then reward yourself with a bold red at Veronét Vineyards, a craft pour in downtown Gastonia, or a rum tasting at Mount Holly’s Muddy River Distillery.

Each stop mixes outdoor adventure with local flavor—think ropes courses at the Whitewater Center, antique shops in Belmont, and cozy dinners in historic downtowns. Stretch your day trip into a weekend to savor more vineyards, breweries, and scenic escapes along the ridgeline.

This fall, the journey is as rewarding as the destination. Read more…

Don’t Miss These Exciting Fall Events in the Carolinas!

From mule parades and seafood feasts to spooky trails and sizzling barbecue, fall in the Carolinas is a nonstop celebration. Every weekend offers something new—think carnival rides at the NC State Fair, street food and music at Fall for Greenville, and waterfront fun at the Little River Shrimp Festival.

Carolina Traveler VIPs also score free tickets to some of the season’s hottest events, including the Spooky Bottom Haunted Trail, Charlotte Wine & Food Festival, and Whiskey, Wine & Fire Festival. Whether you’re craving fair food, live music, or a taste of small-town tradition, these festivals belong on your fall calendar. Read more…

🔑  Fall on the Carolina Coast: Wide Beaches, Cool Breezes, and Room to Breathe

Summer may bring the splash and sizzle, but fall is when the Carolina coast truly shines. With warm water, mild days, and wide-open beaches, autumn is the season for travelers who crave quiet mornings, golden afternoons, and a salty breeze without the crowds.

From wild horse sightings in Corolla to the timeless calm of Pawleys Island, every stretch of shoreline offers its own off-season magic. Wander historic towns like Edenton and New Bern, stroll Folly Beach’s surf-town streets, or sip cocktails by the sound in Wrightsville or Sullivan’s Island. The pace slows, the parking opens up, and the sunsets seem to last just a little longer.

This fall, trade the boardwalk bustle for breezy barrier islands and coastal towns that feel all your own. Read more…

Nostalgic Small-Town Fall in the Heart of NC

Randolph County shines in the fall with pumpkin picking, cider donuts, and hayrides at Millstone Creek Orchards, plus family favorites like Boo at the Zoo and Pumpkin Palooza. For a thrill, brave the legendary Kersey Valley Spookywoods.

Sip pumpkin ales in Asheboro, stay cozy at Postcard Cabins or Jellystone Park, and explore Seagrove’s Potters Pumpkin Patch weekends for handmade autumn treasures. Small-town charm meets seasonal adventure in the Heart of North Carolina.

From Friday Lights to Sunday Glory

Fall in the Carolinas means one thing: football. From Friday-night showdowns where future stars like Faizon Brandon take the field, to Saturdays filled with ACC rivalries, to Sundays in Charlotte with Bryce Young and the Panthers chasing redemption, every weekend is packed with drama. Mark your calendars—big games, fierce rivalries, and rising legends are about to make this a season to remember. Read more…

Celebrate 100+ Years of Fun at Everybody’s Day

On Saturday, September 27, downtown Thomasville comes alive for North Carolina’s oldest street festival. Everybody’s Day has been serving up small-town charm for more than a century, with arts and crafts, live music on every corner, carnival rides, and plenty of festival food.

Arrive hungry, bring the family, and join thousands of visitors for a day of community spirit and classic fall fun. 

Spooky Season Awaits in the Carolinas

Fall in the Carolinas isn’t just about pumpkin spice—it’s haunted history, eerie lighthouses, and adrenaline-pumping attractions. From candlelit tours of century-old mansions to chainsaw-wielding clowns in dark corn mazes, the region comes alive with chills and thrills for every kind of brave visitor. Read more…

Chasing Fall Colors: Leaf Peeping Road Trips in the Carolinas

When the leaves turn fiery red, gold, and orange, the Carolinas transform into a road-tripper’s paradise. From the misty mountain overlooks of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Parkway to South Carolina’s serene lakefront drives, every winding road offers stunning fall vistas, charming small towns, and unforgettable photo ops. Pack a thermos of cider, hit the highways, and chase the season’s most colorful moments on a leaf-peeing road trip. 

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Plenty more!

Dive into the Thrill Seekers 2025 issue to get the scoop on even more amazing things to do!