Fall Vacations in North Carolina | Travel

This post on the best fall vacations in North Carolina was originally published in October 2019 and has since been updated and recirculated for 2021.

While North Carolina is such a beautiful state regardless of the season, it is absolutely gorgeous in the fall. The weather can change rather quickly from feeling like summer at the beginning of August to being seasonably appropriate in the middle to late parts of October. Regardless of your preference, here are the top 5 best fall vacations in North Carolina.

Top 5 Best Fall Vacations in North Carolina

Asheville

Asheville is such a fun city in the mountains is the perfect general location for going on a day trip to hike local trails. If you choose to stay in town, I love spending an afternoon at the Grove Park Inn’s porches overlooking the skyline. I also love walking the streets and taking in the fresh air. Black Mountain is a close drive and worth a trip there. I think Black Mountain is one of my favorite towns in North Carolina, and a beautiful place to spend a fall day taking in the fall colors.

Blowing Rock

We love Blowing Rock in the fall with its convenient location to Grandfather Mountain and other surrounding hiking trails, delicious restaurants both in town and out, a beautiful walk right in town around Bass Lake & Moses Cone House, and great shopping. It’s also a two-for-one deal to be so close to Boone and experience all of the options that Boone has, as well! We highly recommend staying at New Public House & Hotel!

Bryson City

The first time I ever went to Bryson City was in high school during the fall, and I still remember how beautiful and idyllic it is during this time. The Nantahala National Forest has so much to offer and is the perfect place to spend a day. You can take a picnic and eat in the forest, or you can grab lunch at Pizza By the River or at River’s End. We loved staying at Lakeview at Fontana, and I imagine the soaking tub would be even more breathtaking in the fall.

Wilmington

One of my favorite parts of North Carolina is the beauty of the North Carolina beaches in the fall. The weather is usually still warm enough to take a stroll on the beach or even have a nice little afternoon watching the tide come in. Plus, there are so many notable restaurants to try, art activities to experience, shopping, and other casual experiences. We loved staying at the Hotel Ballast because of its location on the river walk and its central location in downtown! Another beautiful spot to stay is the Blockade Runner on Wrightsville Beach.

Winston-Salem

I know I rave about Winston-Salem often, but I really do think it’s a lovely spot to visit in the fall. It’s right in the foothills, so there is the opportunity to soak in fall colors around town, including favorite spots like Reynolda Gardens and Old Salem. There are so many walkable areas around the city that are full of art, history, and delicious food and drinks. I recommend staying at the Graylyn Estate, right across from the Reynolda House, and have the tomato pie at Mozelle’s.

Where is your favorite trip in North Carolina during the fall?

Check out more of my fall favorites for home decor, style, beauty, and trips here.