North Carolina
Asheville a top autumn destination in North Carolina: See other WNC spots in this report
Time to ‘fall back’ means it’s also time to check those smoke alarms
The same time to set your clocks back for daylight saving time is a great time to assure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are in order.
WorldAtlas has released a list of nine best places to visit in North Carolina this fall – and this time, most items on the list are located in Western N.C., with Asheville included.
WorldAtlas, founded in 1994 by cartographer John Moen and his wife Chris Woolwine-Moen, publishes educational materials and articles on geography, sociology, demography, environment, economics, politics and travel.
Writers of the report praise N.C. for “enticing” fall weather and, of course, vibrant foliage throughout the season. Here’s what WorldAtlas says about Asheville, plus the other locations on its list of must-sees.
More: Gluten not required: Asheville restaurant, cider rank on national list of bests
Fall activities in Asheville
Of the nine entries, Asheville is easily the least nature-centric on the list — though certainly not without the fall foliage visitors look for. In fact, “leaf peepers,” the designated label for travelers aiming to observe the changing colors in person, are known for being responsible in part for the town’s booming tourist industry.
All the same, WorldAtlas has other praise for Asheville beyond the famous leaves. The report appreciates the town’s arts scene, architecture, museums and galleries.
WorldAtlas also mentions a few of its favorite fall activities and events:
- Eliada Fall Festival and Corn Maze – A festival with a cause, 100% of the proceeds from this fall event go to benefit children, youth and families supported by nonprofit Eliada. Open weekends from Sept. 20 to Oct. 27 this year, the fall festival features a number of festive options such as lawn games, hay rides, food trucks, pumpkins for purchase and more.
- Oktoberfest Half Marathon & 5K in the River Arts District – With a scenic Asheville race route and promised post-run festivities featuring craft brews the city is famous for, the half marathon and 5k is a perfect choice for sporty fall fun. Run through classic locales such as the River Arts District and historic Montford neighborhood, then celebrate with a beverage at Hi-Wire Brewing Beer Garden. This year’s race takes place on Sept. 28.
More: Southern Living ranks Asheville restaurant on list of best new BBQ joints
Top fall destinations in NC
The full list of best fall destinations from WorldAtlas:
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Asheville
- Pisgah National Forest
- Chimney Rock State Park
- Hanging Rock State Park
- Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
- Forest Heritage Scenic Byway
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- Uwharrie National Forest
More: Answer Woman: Will Asheville see good fall color? What makes for vibrant fall color?
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.
Friends and family members gathered in Washington state on Saturday, remembering former Miss North Carolina Carrie Everett, who died on Easter Sunday. Another memorial service is planned in North Carolina next month.
Web Editor : Sydney Ross
Posted
Virginia 3, North Carolina 0 | First Quarter
Virginia 3, North Carolina 0 | Q1 8:19
After a faceoff win by Henry Metz, Brendan Millon finds Truitt Sunderland to give the Hoos a 3-0 lead. Timeout North Carolina.
Virginia 2, North Carolina 0 | Q1 9:00
Brendan Millon gets the scoring started for the Cavaliers with a question mark style goal. On the defensive end, Jake Marek opens the game with three early saves with his third save setting up a transition goal by Tommy Snyder.
Virginia vs North Carolina pregame notes
UVA owns a 59-33 advantage since the series began in 1938.
The 59 wins are UVA’s most against any opponent in program history (followed by 51 against Duke).
In Chapel Hill last year, the Tar Heels defeated the Cavaliers 18-9, snapping UVA’s six-game series win streak.
UVA has won nine of the last 11 meetings, dating back to 2018.
The Hoos have won the last two meetings with Carolina at Klöckner Stadium, 11-4 in 2022 and 14-6 in 2024.
The Tar Heels’ four goals in 2022 marked the fewest goals in a game under Joe Breschi, who was named UNC’s head coach in 2006.
The last time the Tar Heels knocked off the Cavaliers at Klöckner was a 16-13 decision during the first of three games between the two teams in 2021.
Later that year, UVA claimed back-to-back meetings against the Heels, including in the NCAA semifinals on the way to capturing the 2021 national title over Maryland.
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HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Fire crews are responding to a brush fire near Howard Gap Road in Hendersonville on Friday evening.
The fire is across the street from the Ebenezer Baptist Church and near the Highlands Square Shopping Center.
Henderson County Fire Marshal Glen Gillette said crews are fighting “blowdown from Helene.”
NEW WILDFIRES IGNITE IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA FOREST AMID WORSENING DROUGHT
Around 11 p.m., the fire appears larger than it did an hour ago because crews are backburning, which refers to using fire to help control the wildfire.
Dana Fire Department Chief Jimmy Womack said that what was a 3-acre fire an hour ago will be an 8-acre fire due to back burning. He said the fire is 80% contained.
Womack said the cause of the fire is unknown, but one of the conditions contributing to the blaze is the Helene blowdown.
“There’s a lot of blowdown in these woods behind us. That’s what creates most of the problem,” said Womack.
Womack said there has been no property damage and no injuries have been reported for this fire in the woods that 24 personnel are fighting. They got the call to arrive at 6:05 p.m.
LOCAL NEWS
Dana Fire and Rescue and Henderson County Fire Department are supporting the U.S. Forest Service with this fire.
Glen said no structures are threatened at this time and Howard Gap Road is closed.
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This story will be updated as new information is discovered.
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