Welcome all leaf peepers and fall fanatics! Autumn has arrived in Boone, NC and Graystone Lodge is here to help you make the most of it. From picturesque pumpkin patches to old-timey fall festivals, these October events and activities will make your mountain getaway even more fabulous.
Ghost Train | All Month Friday & Saturday 7:30pm – 10:30pm
Tickets from $40, ages 2 and under free.
The Tweetsie Railroad Ghost Train is a must-do. Every night this beloved western themed amusement park transforms into an amazing Halloween experience. Step into a world of creepy carnival rides, venture through scary haunted houses, brave the eerie depths of the Freaky Forest and take a ride on the delightfully scary Ghost Train. If you’re looking for other spooky things to do this month, don’t miss our curated list of Halloween fun in Boone. Think haunted trails, costume parties, interactive theater and spooky activities for every age.
Buskers Fest | October 6th 5pm – 9pm
Free admission!
Celebrate Boone’s diverse artistic community at Buskers Fest, an open-air street festival in Downtown Boone. Experience live music, performances, demonstrations and a wide variety of artwork on display. You’ll also have opportunities to get hands-on with painting, pottery making, dancing and more. Visit the link for lots of details on activities and performers.
Brushy Mountain Apple Festival | October 7th 8am – 5pm
Free admission!
The Brushy Mountain Apple Festival is worth the drive from Boone. Each year, the streets of Downtown North Wilkesboro fill with more than 400 artisan booths, 100 concession vendors and multiple stages for live entertainment like bluegrass and folk bands, gospel artists, cloggers and rope skippers. Soak in the beauty of Appalachian Heritage crafts like woodcarving, quilting, and pottery throwing. Oh, and all the apples you can handle, of course.
Sugar Mountain Resort’s Oktoberfest | October 7th & 8th 10am – 5pm
Free admission!
Come celebrate the 33rd annual Oktoberfest at Sugar Mountain Resort where you can find classic Bavarian festival vibes against a glorious High Country backdrop. Get your lederhosen on (literally, if you want!) and enjoy live music and dance, activities for all ages, an artisan market and lots more. See a full schedule of the weekend at the link.
Grandfather Mountain’s Fall Color Ramble | October 14th 10am – 3pm
Tickets: $9 – $28, must be purchased online.
Grandfather Mountain has a full-day Fall Color Ramble featuring fall color activities, naturalist talks and guided nature walks through the foliage. Included with Grandfather Mountain admission. Note: If this date doesn’t work for you, you can participate in guided fall color walks daily from September 30 to October 8.
Valle Country Fair | October 21st 9am – 4pm
Free admission! Parking from $10 per vehicle.
Just down the road from Boone is the Valle Country Fair with fresh-baked treats, handcrafted artwork, local bluegrass and gospel musicians, square dancing, storytelling and all manner of family-friendly country fun. This event showcases 150 arts and craft exhibitors who contribute 10% of their earnings to support the local community.
Woolly Worm Festival | October 21st & 22nd 9am – 4pm
Tickets: $10 for adults, $7 for kids, ages 5 and under free.
The 46th annual Woolly Worm Festival has everything you’re looking for in a fall festival – yummy food, artisans and vendors, crafts, family fun and live entertainment – plus the famous and ever-popular woolly worm races. Don’t forget to bring your own woolly worm to race on Saturday! First place gets the honor of predicting the High Country’s winter weather forecast as well as winning a trophy and $1000! Graystone Lodge pro tip: Pick a woolly worm with lots of light brown – that means lots of snow!
Pumpkin Patches + Corn Mazes | All Month
Harvest Farm in nearby (and perfectly quaint) Valle Crucis has a corn maze, fun activities, and plenty of pumpkins. Graystone Lodge staff recommendation: Pair this outing with a visit to the original Mast General Store followed by a delicious meal at Over Yonder, both minutes from the farm.
Ashe County Corn Maze and C and J Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze are both great pumpkin patches near Boone, complete with activities and games, bounce houses and concessions.
New River Corn Maze offers pumpkins and more than a mile of twists and turns in its corn maze alongside the New River. Bring a picnic!
The Orchard at Altapass | All Month Wednesday – Sunday
Apple picking is the perfect activity – it’s fun and you leave with souvenirs. The Orchard at Altapass offers guided U-Pick apple tours and a variety of pre-bagged apples. Explore the general store, grab a bite from the Apple Core Grill and enjoy live music, games, walking trails and Blue Ridge Mountain views that can’t be beat.
Perry Lowe Orchard | All Month Saturday and Sunday Only
Looking for another fantastic apple-picking destination near Boone? Look no further than Perry Lowe Orchard. In addition to all their apples and apple-based treats, you’ll find lots of cute activities for kids – a bee train, an apple cannon, the all-new Super Mega Slide and so much more family fun. Note: Reservations are required so make sure you make your book in advance to secure your spot.
Plan a trip to the High Country this October and discover beauty and community around every corner. Book your stay with us today!