It’s finally fall time here in our beautiful Smoky mountains and the crisp air, beautiful leaves and changing scenery calls for fun family adventures. If you ask us, there’s hardly a better time of the year to get outside and enjoy what Waynesville, NC and surrounding areas have to offer. Here are 5 different autumn activities fun for you and the little ones!
Find the perfect orange gourd to carve, paint, or decorate with the family at the First United Methodist Church pumpkin patch! Pumpkin proceeds are fed into the youth program and used to fund trips taken over the summer. Waynesville’s youth is able to create long lasting memories thanks to your support in the pumpkin patch!
Downtown Waynesville offers fun for the entire family. Choose from a variety of restaurants for delicious food, stop by the chocolate shop for dessert, and shop for unique treasures in our cozy boutiques. Of course don’t forget to come in and see us at the Georgia Colt! To finish off a fun family day, check out the Candy Barrel downstairs in the Mast General Store where you’ll find sweet treats, toys and more!
Get lost in the stalks at the Cold Mountain Corn Maize! Each year the maze is created with a new design and portions are donated to different causes. Not feeling a maze? No problem! Enjoy other activities like hay rides, picking out pumpkins, the haunted house or simply enjoy some warm hot cocoa by the campfire. Portions of each ticket sold are donated to the Autism Foundation this year, so you can get lost for a good cause!
For visitors, this is an absolute MUST during the fall months! Gas up your car, buckle up and go for a relaxing drive to enjoy wonderful scenery and a multitude of hiking opportunities. Breathtaking views of rainbow painted mountains make for the perfect photo opp for holiday cards, and there are hikes for nature lovers of all ages. If you are looking for short and rewarding spots to hike, try out spots like the lower falls at Graveyard Fields and a beautiful mountain top view at Devil's Courthouse.
Did you know that fall time is the best time for buying apples? Grandad’s Apples N’ Such is an orchard located in Hendersonville, NC where your family can choose from a variety of pre-picked fresh mountain apples, but the fun doesn’t stop there! Grandad’s also has a fun variety of friendly farm animals for you and your little ones to love on and interact with. Take a stroll through the corn maze and enjoy shopping in the country shop for some family fun.
Looking for something a bit more adventurous? On our warmer fall days, check out Pigeon River Outfitters! Starting at Bearwater Brewing in Canton, NC, enjoy a guided tour on the gorgeous Pigeon River by means of canoe or kayak. The staff at Pigeon River Outfitters is wonderful with children and making sure everyone stays safe while enjoying the river. Anyone can enjoy the foliage by car, but how many get to enjoy from the river? Remember to call ahead and make your reservations!
Make sure to pack accordingly, and most importantly make sure to have fun creating lasting memories here with us in the mountains that you can cherish forever. From all of us here in the Waynesville area, thank you so much for supporting local and small businesses this fall season.
