Get Ready For The Best Fall Ever
Autumn has arrived, and the Carolinas are bursting with color, flavor, and fun. From Thomasville’s 115th Everybody’s Day Festival to leaf-peeping road trips along the Blue Ridge Parkway and Cherokee Foothills, there’s a fall adventure for everyone. Explore craft beverage trails in Gaston County, hunt for Bigfoot, soak up small-town charm, or unwind on uncrowded beaches—the season is packed with unforgettable experiences.
Everybody’s Day Festival Returns to Thomasville
On Saturday, September 27, 2025, downtown Thomasville comes alive for the 115th Everybody’s Day Festival—a century-old celebration filled with arts and crafts vendors, sizzling festival food, live music on every corner, and carnival rides for all ages. It’s small-town North Carolina at its finest, where community spirit shines and every visitor feels like a local.
Welcome to Our Fall 2025 Issue 🍂
Autumn in the Carolinas is calling—and this issue is your ticket to the best of the season. We’ve packed these pages with leaf-peeping road trips, haunted history tours, small-town festivals, football thrills, and coastal escapes that shine in the crisp fall air. Discover Thomasville’s century-old Everybody’s Day Festival, chase fiery foliage along the Blue Ridge Parkway and Cherokee Foothills, or savor pumpkin patches, cider donuts, and Bigfoot hunts across Gaston and Randolph counties.
From craft beer trails and seafood feasts to Friday night lights and Sunday Panthers showdowns, there’s something for every traveler, whether you’re chasing cozy, spooky, or spirited adventures. The Carolinas are bursting with stories to tell and unforgettable moments waiting for you. Check it out in our Fall Issue!
The Best Leaf-Peeping Road Trips in the Carolinas
When the Carolinas burst into red, gold, and orange, the open road becomes the best seat in the house. From the sweeping overlooks of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Grandfather Mountain to the peaceful lakes and rolling foothills of South Carolina, every mile is a photo op. Whether you’re chasing early color in the High Country or soaking in late-season brilliance along the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway, these routes deliver fall magic at every turn. Pack cider, a playlist, and your camera because it’s time to chase the season’s most colorful road trips!
Sip, Stroll, and Savor Fall on the Ridgeline Craft Beverage Trail
This autumn, Gaston County’s Ridgeline Craft Beverage Trail offers the perfect mix of outdoor adventure, local flavors, and small-town charm. Hike colorful peaks, wander riverside trails, and explore downtowns in Kings Mountain, Gastonia, Belmont, and Mount Holly, all while tasting wines, craft beers, and small-batch spirits. Whether for a day trip or a weekend escape, the trail turns fall into an unforgettable journey of scenery, flavor, and Carolina hospitality.
Huzzah! The NC Renaissance Festival Returns
Step back in time this fall at the NC Renaissance Festival near Charlotte! From jousting knights and fire-breathing shows to giant turkey legs and artisan treasures, the festival is packed with royal fun for the whole family. Carolina Traveler VIPs get an extra perk—up to four free tickets (a $104 value) with their subscription.
Carolina Traveler VIPs Scored $762 in Free Tickets Last Year!
Want in on the perks? Carolina Traveler VIPs enjoy exclusive access to free tickets for events, festivals, and top attractions across the Carolinas. From beer festivals and aquariums to historic tours and adventure parks, we’re unlocking hundreds in savings every year—just for our subscribers. 👉 Sign up now and make this your best summer yet!
Make the most of your summer—discover, explore, and create memories that last long after the season fades.
Compare Hotel Rates & Save
Traveling doesn’t have to break the bank! Our newsletter gives you access to the best hotel rate comparisons, so you can save up to 40% on your next stay. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a week-long retreat, we’ll help you find the best deal. Learn more and start planning your next trip today!
Travel Fearlessly
Traveling is an adventure, but sometimes things don’t go as planned. In this week’s issue, we share some expert tips on how to travel fearlessly and handle unexpected emergencies with ease. With the right preparation, you can enjoy your travels with peace of mind. Learn more about smart travel practices to ensure a safe, stress-free journey.
Upcoming Events
Here’s a quick look at upcoming events across the Carolinas—perfect for planning your next adventure
- Ghost Tour Season June 21-Oct 25 | Wilkesboro, NC Details
- Renaissance Festival Sep 8 – Nov 23 | Huntersville, NC Check back for FREE tickets!!!
- Spooky Bottom Haunted Trail Sept 26 – Oct 31 | Seagrove, NC Details ♕VIP Free Tix
- Everybody's Night September 27 | Thomasville, NC Details
- Fall At Fogleman's Farm Sep 14 – Nov 10 | Liberty, NC Details
- Wine & Food Festival September 27 | Charlotte, NC Details
It’s the ultimate holiday giveaway — enter daily for a chance to win four VIP tickets to a dazzling holiday wonderland! With over a million lights, this event is a true spectacle that will leave you in awe. Read more to find out how you can win these exclusive tickets!
Be Prepared with Good Sam
Holiday travel can be stressful, but don’t let car trouble ruin your festive fun. With Good Sam’s Roadside Assistance Plan, you can rest easy knowing you’ve got comprehensive coverage on the road. Find out how Good Sam can keep your holiday travel plans on track, no matter where you’re headed.
Plan an Epic Trip to the Outer Banks with These Tours and Experiences
Warmer weather will be here before you know it, so it's time to start planning your next getaway to the Outer Banks! These exciting tours offer a unique way to experience the Outer Banks, showcasing its beauty and diversity. Witness wild horses in their natural habitat, try out hang-gliding, or enjoy the natural beauty of Alligator River. The adventure never stops!
Save Big, Travel More
Got family coming into town? Or maybe you’re planning a holiday escape yourself? Carolina Traveler has the inside scoop on unpublished hotel rates that’ll stretch your vacation dollars. Join Tripfox and start planning that extended stay—or just bank the savings for more eggnog.
More VIP Perks You’ll Love
What’s better than having fun? Doing it for free. When you become a Carolina Traveler VIP, you’ll score free tickets to events worth over $200 annually.
Last year we offered VIPs more than $700 in free tickets!
Sound too good to be true? It’s not. Just sign up and start reaping the rewards..
Want more ideas? Subscribe to the Carolina Traveler newsletter and make sure you don’t miss a single event.
Here’s to making your holidays as merry and bright as they can be.
Share your adventures on Facebook when you join the Carolina Traveler Facebook group
For more exciting adventures, sign-up for our newsletter!
