The Blue Ridge Parkway is a haven of surprises! The mountain magic takes on a life all of it’s own in the crisp, autumn air! The Smoky Mountains literally come alive with the vibrant, colors of fall, making the Blue Ridge Parkway a spectacular sight! Annual Fall Festivals are in full swing, adding beautifully to the bustling life of the Parkway! Visitors come from all over to drink in the magnificent scenery and enjoy the fall festivals!
The Blue Ridge Parkway
Get ready to feast your eyes as you drive along The Blue Ridge Parkway! It is 469 miles of sheer scenic delight! You will find trails, lookout points, historic areas, visitor information centers and numerous opportunities to stop and just enjoy a picnic lunch while taking in the beauty of nature! Enjoy the Blue Ridge Parkway by driving straight through it, or maybe by breaking it down region by region, or by letting your activities be your guide! There are even apps available to point out access points, hiking trails, visitor centers, and provide various fun facts about the Parkway, such as wildlife information and points of interest. Plan to take some time to visit various festivals along your way or stop in the charming mountain towns and take in the local flavor!
North Carolina Festivals
On the third Saturday of October, the North Carolina’s Mount Airy Autumn Leaves Festival is held. The event is said to attract plenty of people who gather around to celebrate local gospel musical performances as well as food and crafts on display at the Valley Country Fair held in Valle Crusis, North Carolina. It is 2-day event that celebrates the local gifts and talents of its residents.
At the Maggie Valley and Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort, the North Carolina Oktoberfest celebrations take place, showcasing the best of German music. This festival is also held in October. At Mars Hill University, visitors are treated to folk music and dance traditions of the southern Appalachian Mountains during Bascom Lamar Lunsford Festival.
National Park Festivals
Fall festivals are also hosted at the two national parks found along the Blue Ridge parkway. In each September, visitors can be treated to bluegrass music and various demonstrations that are held to showcase the traditional way of making delicacies such as Iye soup, apple cider, hominy and quilts. Visitors get a chance to witness as a horse-powered sugarcane mill produces sorghum molasses. This event is held at the Mountain Farm Museum that can be found at the entrance near Cherokee North Carolina.
At the Shenandoah National Park, visitors get a chance to indulge themselves in the mouthwatering taste of the apple butter while listening to gospel, traditional and Bluegrass music held at the annual Apple Butter Celebration held in September of every year at the Park’s Skylands Resort near Lurray, Virginia. Children can enjoy fun fall games and be treated to pony rides!
Autumn in Virginia
Over 10,000 people flock at the Moffett Field in Radford University for the Virginia’s Radford Highlanders Festival held in the second weekend of October every year. Visitors are entertained by men wearing kilts, dancing and lifting tree trunks that are over 20 feet in length at the caber toss. The hammer tossing and stone throwing games allow visitors to sign up and enjoy these exciting and memorable Scottish games. In Waynesboro, an estimated number of more than 150 artistes display their work to delight the visitors at the Virginia Fall Foliage Festival Art Show.
Toe-Tapping Tennessee
The Museum of Appalachia holds a three-day Tennessee Homecoming Festival in Clinton. The Festival got its name from the toe tapping dance moves that take place in the event. Visitors get a wonderful chance to experience traditional, mountain, bluegrass and gospel music. Children enjoy old-fashioned games while adults watch demonstrations near the museum’s log cabins.
Dollywood, the family amusement park located in Pigeon’s Forge, Tennessee is the annual host to the National Gospel and Harvest Celebration. This celebration lasts for 3 weeks starting in mid-September and runs all the way through October. During this celebration, approximately 300 concerts are held at different locations throughout the park. This is a very memorable event that is a huge crowd pleaser and builds happy memories for years to come!
Visitors can also enjoy craft exhibitions from some very talented local artisans or choose to revel in listening to master storytellers tell their fascinating tales.
Whatever venue you choose, you won’t want to miss the fall experience along The Blue Ridge Parkway! You are certain to come away refreshed, revitalized and thoroughly entertained! Maggie Valley Creekside Lodge offers a comfortable place to stay as you explore all the fall activities in the Smoky Mountains. Call today and let our friendly staff at Creekside Lodge help you firm up your travel plans. Contact us at (800) 621-1260. You’ll be so glad you did!
