Asheville has one of the most spectacular fall foliage displays, thanks to our extreme elevations and the many species of trees that grow in our area. The fall scenery in the Blue Ridge Mountains is also one of the longest and most vibrant leaf seasons in the country, taking our leaf season from September through Mid November. Since this is Sourwood Inn’s busiest season, our rooms fill up well in advance. So check out the 2022 Fall Forecast from our friends at Romantic Asheville, book your stay today, and start planning your Asheville getaway at our beautiful mountain lodge.
Fall tips for your visit to Asheville
When you’re visiting Asheville in the fall, one of the first things that you might wonder about is what you should wear. What will the weather be like in Asheville in September, October, and November?
September continues with beautiful warm weather, perfect for hiking. As October rolls in, the beautiful mild days continue, and our Asheville bed and breakfast offers outside dining on our beautiful patio with mountain views as the weather allows. The crisp, cooler nights allow for a restful night’s sleep, especially with our private balconies that include screen doors to let those beautiful breezes lull you to sleep. We recommend bringing layers for your fall visit. You may find yourself in short sleeve shirts by day, but at night you’ll usually need that cozy sweater or sweatshirt to keep warm. As November rolls in, check the forecast. Some years the mild temps run well into Thanksgiving, and other times frost comes early, and you’ll appreciate having your winter coat with you.
Now let’s dive into the best things to do in Asheville in the fall-
Autumn Activities in Asheville
1. Attend the Village Arts and Crafts Fair
Our guests return yearly to attend the extensive Art and Crafts Fair at Biltmore Village. Here you’ll find quality artisan crafts that may be the perfect holiday gift for that special loved one.
2. Visit the Biltmore and stroll the gardens
The Biltmore is magical no matter what the season. But if you find you’re visiting Asheville in November and December, don’t miss out on the Biltmore tours during the holidays, which begin on November 4th and run until January 7th. The 250-room lavish structure decks the halls (and gardens) with massive trees, garlands, lights, and festive decor. Choose from two tour holiday times: one during the day and a special candlelight evening celebration. Check out a previous blog for things to look for during your tour.
3. Discover Haunted Asheville With Asheville Terror Tours
Everyone loves Halloween, the perfect time to indulge in “real” ghost stories. Consider an October visit to the Sourwood Inn and discover a spookier side of Asheville during an exclusive ghost tour. During your Asheville Terrors Tour learn the secret behind the hauntings at the Battery Park Hotel, the Jackson Building, and many more of Asheville’s most active paranormal locations! Next, you’ll learn all about the Civil War’s impact on Asheville, how the Great Depression tore through the town, driving the Mayor to Suicide in one of the buildings downtown. Finally, discover what makes Asheville the Paris of the South and one of the country’s most haunted places.
4. Grab a picnic lunch and take in the views
Everyone loves a good old fashion picnic. We have the perfect little bakery in Weaverville to pick up a sandwich and snack and head out to the perfect location to enjoy a romantic picnic with beautiful views.
5. Pick your own apples
Hendersonville, just an hour’s drive from the inn, is the apple capital of the country. Visit one of the many orchards to pick your own apples and enjoy fresh mulled cider and homemade donuts.
6. See the Fall Foliage via a paddle board tour
Open until October 30th, seeing the fall foliage from a paddleboard on the French Broad River is quite an experience. Check out the details here.
7. Enjoy some live music downtown
Asheville’s music scene is born of age-old traditions and is the muse of our mountain landscape. Here you’ll find our rhythm is proudly rooted in old-time mountain music, but it’s our full spectrum of innovative musicians who truly define our sound. Check out our friends at Live Music Asheville and Explore Asheville for the latest schedule of events.
8. Step on the Swinging Bridge of Grandfather Mountain
Enjoy panoramic views of the region’s fall colors from the beautiful vantage point of Grandfather Mountain. Home to a beloved swinging bridge, this destination is the perfect starting place for various difficult yet rewarding autumn hikes. Dress in layers; Grandfather Mountain tends to be significantly colder than Asheville, which can already be brisk on an autumn day.
9. Visiting a local farm and find a pumpkin to take home
Nothing gets those fall vibes going like eating a fresh apple just picked off the tree and hunting for that perfect pumpkin. So head to Hendersonville to Grandad’s Apples. This 100-acre family farm includes over 20 apple varieties, a pumpkin patch, and a corn maze. Enjoy a delicious glass of fresh-milled cider and a homemade donut too.
10. Cruise the Blue Ridge Parkway as the Seasons Change
Along with biking and walking through the changing leaves, driving the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of locals’ and tourists’ favorite things to do in the fall. The colors are particularly gorgeous at our own lodge and can be seen from all of our private balconies and porches.
Asheville is filled with bike paths that are particularly gorgeous during the fall. Check out a previous blog for everything you need to know about biking in Asheville.
11. Go on a Nature Hike
Walking in nature is one of the best things to do in Asheville in the fall. Check out this blog written by the National Forest Foundation that lists the 10 Best Hikes in Asheville.
12. Visit the North Carolina Arboretum
The North Carolina Arboretum’s 434-acre campus is nestled off the Blue Ridge Parkway minutes from downtown Asheville and offers beautiful gardens and natural areas. The gardens are especially breathtaking in the fall.
13. Take In a Asheville Fall Festival
The towns and local businesses across our area host many great festivals and events. Our friends at Romantic Asheville have outlined the events perfectly here.
14. Check out the Craft Beer Scene in Aheville
Craft beer culture is a big deal in Asheville, home to some of the nation’s finest breweries. From hoppy IPAs to dark stouts, the city’s breweries keep the beer flowing like mountain water. Check out this blog for your Asheville Bew Pub hoping here.
15. Go on a Waterfall Hunt
We have many waterfalls for you to explore in the area that is highlighted here. Most of them are easy hikes to reach the falls. But few outdoor activities match the splendor of an autumn hike to Rainbow Falls. This thrilling expedition will take you up to the top of the 150-foot Rainbow Falls, where you can enjoy a picturesque view of the area. On sunny days, the autumn colors surrounding the falls may be matched by an equally vibrant rainbow in the mist. This beauty is a 55-mile drive from downtown Asheville.
16. Sample the Area’s Best Ciders at Urban Orchard Cider Co.
Apple and fall go together, which includes spirited apple cider! Local Urban Orchard Cider Co. produces more than 50 types of hard cider, each made with apples grown just south of Asheville in Hendersonville, N.C. They are aged at least eight months and are nothing short of exquisite. Check out the seasonal options, which are infused with various fruits and herbs.
17. Enjoy a Treetop Adventure With Navitat Canopy Adventures
There’s no better way to take in the fall colors of the Asheville region than from a zip line. Head to nearby Barnardsville for an exciting treetop tour of the Blue Ridge Mountains. In addition to zooming from one tree to the next on the zip line, you’ll navigate sky bridges and finally, rappel to the forest floor. There’s also plenty of fun to be had for those who hate heights; guided RTV tours bring Moody Cove to life.
18. Check out the WNC Farmers Market
Asheville is home to several excellent farmers’ markets, but the Western North Carolina (WNC) Farmers Market is especially worth checking out during the fall season. There, you’ll find plenty of fresh produce from local farmers. Check out their calendar of events here. Options abound, but fall visitors enjoy the wide selection of apples, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes on display.
19. Enjoy Small Town America at the Weaverville’s Art in Autumn Event
For over a decade, Art in Autumn has brought the best of local talent to the lovely town of Weaverville. Various crafts are represented at this juried festival, including ceramics, wood, jewelry, and photography. When you’re not marveling at the talent of Appalachia artisans, you’ll find yourself enjoying the live music on the streets of Weaverville.
Picturesque Fall Lodging in the Mountains of Asheville
During your fall visit, you’ll enjoy cool mountain breezes as the mountains ignite in a colorful patchwork of autumn hues. Whether you choose to hike among fall foliage in search of stunning vistas and waterfalls, take a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway, or celebrate the harvest season with pumpkins, corn mazes, and cups of warm apple cider with donuts, you’ll soon come to understand why this season lures leaf peepers back to our inn year after year. Check out this list of our 19 top things to do during your fall visit to Asheville. It’s a whole lot of fun mixed in with a little bit of relaxation at our mountain lodge to make this a trip of a lifetime!
As you experience the best things to do in Asheville in the fall, Sourwood Inn can provide luxurious accommodations. We have twelve guest rooms all with wood-burning fireplaces, spa-like baths, and stunning mountain views. Sourwood is also known for its farm-to-table breakfasts and dinners, along with our outstanding wine list. Come and cozy up in front of our fireplaces is a perfect way to warm up after a busy day of exploring Asheville in the fall. Each morning, we prepare a deluxe breakfast buffet, including locally roasted coffee, to give you the energy to begin your Asheville adventure.
Check our availability for your next trip to Asheville in the fall and book your stay today!
