Fall is a beloved season across the country and everyone celebrates its arrival differently. Charlotte and its residents definitely have their own unique way of embracing the autumnal months that include everything from festive food and drinks, sporting events, festivals and any and every outdoor activity they can find. Below you can find a guide to help you blend in with all the other Charlotteans during the fall!
Show Off Your Panther Pride
All around the country, fall marks the start of football fever- but in Charlotte, it’s all about the Panthers. From the start of the preseason until playoffs, everyone in Charlotte can’t get enough of the Carolina Panthers. From the tailgates to post-win celebrations, Sundays in the fall are 100% dedicated to football. You don’t have to have tickets to the game to get in on the fun, restaurants and bars around the city have viewing parties and food and drink specials all day.
Pick Apples and Drink Cider at Windy Hill
Windy Hill is a family-owned orchard just outside of Charlotte in York, South Carolina. Since it opened its doors, it has been a favorite among Charlotteans every fall. It’s the perfect activity for people of all ages with their amazing apple ciders, hard ciders and hot apple cider doughnuts- you can even go out and pick your own apples! Nothing says fall in Charlotte quite like an evening of apple cider tasting while listening to live music in the brisk weather.
Get Spooked at Scarowinds
Every year, Carowinds is transformed into a super spooky haunted world known as Scarowinds. Every Charlottean who loves an adrenaline rush and Halloween is an annual visitor to Scarowinds. When you go, there is everything from fall-themed treats to spooktacular rides all outside in the perfect North Carolina fall weather. The creators behind Scarowinds create haunted houses, mazes and even transform some of the existing rides into spooky Halloween-festive delights!
Go Back in Time at the Carolina Renaissance Festival
Every fall the Carolina Renaissance Festival brings Charlotte residents back to the Middle Ages with a fun, entertaining day for the whole family. When you attend the Renaissance Festival, you will really feel as though you have travelled through time. Experience fall like other people in Charlotte do by attending this fun festival- they put on amazing shows like horseback jousting, falconry and comedy and dance shows! All of this entertainment can really work up an appetite and luckily the food and drink options are endless- from meats on a stick to stews and beer of all kinds!
Go Leaf Peeping at Crowders Mountain
It’s no secret that one of the best parts about fall is seeing the leaves become vibrantly colored and being outside in the beautiful temperate temperatures, which is why everyone in Charlotte loves to go to Crowders Mountain during the autumn months. Crowders Mountain is only 40 minute drive for those coming from the Charlotte-area, which makes it a very easy Saturday activity. Crowders offers eleven different trails that range from easy to strenuous, but they are all beautiful during the fall. There are even views on some trails that allow you to see the Charlotte skyline from the top! Whether you’ve never been hiking or you’re an avid trailblazer, Crowders Mountain is a must-do for all Charlotteans during the fall!
If you’re in the Charlotte-area during the fall months, be sure you follow the guide above in order to celebrate autumn like a true Charlottean!
