Come see November unfold in Western North Carolina
By Missy Craver Izard
Fall is peak season for visitors in Western North Carolina and is traditionally where businesses in this region find most of the revenue that sustains them until next year. Approximately 47,000 Western North Carolinians directly rely on tourism for their jobs and as you would expect, local governments are facing steep rebuilding costs and are depending on fall tourism for millions in local tax revenues.
“While our communities were shaken by Hurricane Helene, the beauty of our mountains was not,” said North Carolina U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards. “We need your support now more than ever. I encourage you to please come see for yourself.”
The leaves in WNC will not disappoint this year: The fall foliage show is one of the prettiest I’ve seen in years, bringing a kaleidoscope of leaf colors and breathtaking views of the mountains. The Blue Ridge Mountains and Great Smoky Mountains have one of the longest autumn color seasons in the country thanks to the many 6,000-foot peaks, deep valleys and varying microclimates.
Weeks after Hurricane Helene devastated our mountains, many communities are seeking a sense of normalcy as businesses and towns call out to customers and tourists to return. Restaurants, bars, breweries and businesses are reopening gradually including an innovative partnership with the Tryon International Equestrian Center and Chimney Rock Village Businesses to establish temporary shops for the fall and holiday seasons. The partnership came after Hurricane Helene destroyed many of Chimney Rock Village’s business facilities.
The historic Biltmore Estate has announced that it will reopen to the public on November 2 with its traditional Christmas at Biltmore featuring an array of holiday trees and decorations. Embrace a glittering evening spectacle sure to leave you spellbound: Biltmore’s Candlelight Christmas Evenings are your yuletide dream come true. Another way to make this season even more memorable, plan to see Biltmore’s thrilling exhibition: Chihuly at Biltmore. https://www.biltmore.com/
Another wonderful way to experience the leaves and holidays in WNC is with excursions along the Nantahala and Tuckasegee rivers on the Great Smokey Mountain Railroad over mountains, across valleys and through tunnels. The Polar Express Christmas excursion is one of the most popular holiday events in the Smokies and is definitely the ideal trip for making memories and starting a family tradition. Don’t forget to wear your pajamas and be sure to enjoy the depot decorations. On the train, sing some Christmas carols, and enjoy warm cocoa and a treat as you listen to the magical children’s story. Santa is waiting at the North Pole, where he will board the train, greeting each child and giving them their own silver sleigh bell (approximately an hour 15 minutes round trip). This special ride runs from early November through December.
Riding trains will develop a hunger for North Carolina’s finest apples; as readers may know, N.C. is the seventh largest apple-producing state in the nation and Henderson County is the largest apple-producing county in the Old North State. The apple season runs from August through November, and many of the orchards are open daily for pick-your-own apples; hayrides; corn mazes; and barn animal petting arenas. In addition, many apple outlets feature country stores with homemade jams and jellies along with delicious fresh apple donuts and pies. These are my three favorites and there are many more:
If you’re searching for that special holiday for the entire family, look no further than Kanuga, the Episcopal Church’s largest independent, non-profit camp and conference center right in Flat Rock. Kanuga, a word of Cherokee origin, means “a gathering place.” With a mission to invite all people to connect with each other, nature and the Creator, Kanuga encompasses 1,400 acres across the Blue Ridge Mountains with a 40-acre lake.
Celebrate Thanksgiving or Christmas with your family at Kanuga and skip the chores of cooking and cleaning and spend the days simply relaxing hiking, reading, crafting, meeting new friends and enjoying your family. Visit Kanuga's website for more information:
If Thanksgiving is already planned, then look towards Christmas at Kanuga — I speak from personal experience when I say that Kanuga is a gem and will bring a new tradition to your family’s holidays. Click here for more information.
Perhaps, some of these highlights will entice you to make the trek to the mountains, see the leaves, pick some apples and enjoy a bit of the season. Pack your bags and stay at Kanuga while you enjoy what it has to offer, ride The Polar Express, visit Biltmore and explore the area.
