Summer may be drawing to a close, but with the change in season comes a number of fall activities to enjoy in Charlotte. From festivals and breweries to art crawls and farm hayrides, there is no shortage of things to do, see, and try in and around the Queen City. Experience everything Charlotte has to offer this fall.
Stroll Through the Garden
Autumn is a perfect time to take in the beautiful leaves and crisp air. Take a stroll through some of Charlotte’s beautiful gardens such as Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. Just 20 minutes from Uptown, the garden is a perfect way to connect with nature and features over 110 acres of gardens, conservatory, and walking trails. There’s no better way to absorb the autumn season.
Location: Belmont, NC
Cost: $14.95 for adults, $7.95 for kids 2-12
dsbg.org
Hit the Bike Path
Choose your own biking adventure at Sustain Charlotte’s Biketoberfest. There will be new twists and turns this year to safely accommodate crowds but Sustain Charlotte will still be partnering with local businesses for a scavenger hunt and a chance to win raffle prizes. It will be a socially distancing-friendly outdoor event.
Location: Charlotte, NC
Cost: Free
sustaincharlotte.org/biketoberfest
Go Apple Picking
A quintessential aspect of fall is the apple picking. Carrigan Farms in Mooresville more than supplies this key feature to the season. But the family-owned farm doesn’t just stop at apple picking. Go for a hayride and pick a pumpkin or explore Scarrington Farms on select October nights to get into the Halloween spirit.
Location: Mooresville, NC
Cost: $11 for apple picking and hayrides. Pre-register and buy tickets online to help with social distancing measures.
carriganfarms.com
Enjoy the Best of Charlotte’s Fall Brews
Indulge in and enjoy the best of Charlotte’s fall beverages, from craft beers, ciders, and wine. Local breweries like Noda Brewing Company offer both year-round brews and seasonal selections. Choose from brews like Gordeous, a pumpkin ale that was gold medal winner of the 2018 Great American Beer Festival.
Location: Charlotte, NC
Nodabrewing.com
In the mood for cider instead? Since 2015 Red Clay Ciderworks entered the hard cider scene in Charlotte and it’s more than perfect to enjoy this fall season. A few drinks to put on your radar include Chai Jacked, a chai spice pumpkin cider; or Pomme Pom, with notes of pomegranate and apple.
Location: Charlotte, NC
redclayciderworks.com
Spend a day by the lake
Summers may be best spent by the lake, but don’t forget autumn! Charlotte lakes are even better enjoyed in fall with warm water and cool air, and many aren’t that far from Uptown. Lake Norman also includes a number of activities such as a corn maze or hiking and biking trails around the area if you’d rather not be by the lake.
Location: Lake Norman, NC
Cost: $6.00 for maze, $4.00 for kids 5-12
visitlakenorman.org
Dig into Fall Comfort Food
With its blend of classic Thanksgiving cuisine and non-traditional, The Asbury always delights with their seasonal fare. Go enjoy pan-roasted grouper with a fall squash bisque. Or try a new take on mac & cheese with piquillo peppers and country ham.
Location: Charlotte, NC
Theasbury.com
Take in a Cute Downtown
With the cooling temps, it’s the perfect time to pack up the family and drive to Davidson. The quaint downtown is always bustling on weekends, and you can do everything from enjoying live music to grabbing to-go coffee and food as you stroll through some of Davidson’s historic and timeless streets. Pro tip: Whether you have the kids with you or not, swing by Davidson Wine Bar’s patio for a crisp, local glass.
Location: Davidson, NC
Cost: Free
Take a Hike
There’s no better time to hike to the top of Crowders Mountain State Park.The 25-mile views of the surrounding Piedmont and the breathtaking fall foliage make the trip more than worth it.
Location: Kings Mountain, NC
Cost: Free
