Fun Things to Do in Fall (North Carolina & Beyond) - Part 1

The transition between the bittersweet end of summer and the arrival of a sleepy winter season is my most favorite season of all, FALL. During this period, the landscape dramatically changes putting on a brilliant show of rich colors that sadly only stays for a brief period of time. It's not too hot, and it's not too cold on most days during the month, which causes the world outdoors to beckon even louder than before.  

Cody often complains that I never want to visit the same place twice. I can't lie, it's sort of true. Nothing excites me more than the prospect of seeing something new or going somewhere that I've never been. This is why, when the opportunity arises, I pick going someplace new over a place I've already been.

The month of October is different, though. During the meatiest part of FALL, I have a lengthy list of super fun things to do that are often being repeated from the previous year. It's my most favorite month of the year, because it's jam-packed with lots of really entertaining activities that I don't want to miss.

At times, sacrifices do have to be made due to the fact that certain events collide with others, which leaves us very conflicted. So many tough decisions to be made. I'm not here to make it any easier on anyone either, because I'm going to share my massively long list of fun things to do during fall, so that you'll suffer the same dilemma as I do. 

Is there really such as thing as 'having too much fun'? I don't know, but I'm definitely willing to test that absurd theory by conducting a few experiments of my own :D

Below is my massively long list of fun things to do during FALL across the state of North Carolina and beyond. Okay, so, it's not super massive, that might be a slight exaggeration. It's really only 5 items for now. But I'll be adding to this list as the week progresses, this is only part one of a longer list. 

{Fairs & Festivals}

1. Renaissance Festival: Eat, Drynk & Be Merrie! This is the most anticipated event of the season for us. We've been looking forward to the Ren Fest since last year! Oh, how I've missed that medieval village of madness. It really is a jolly good time. Visit last years blog post to see pictures and a video of a crazy  daredevil dude who juggles with a chainsaw (it's awesome) :D

2. Carolina Balloon Festival in Statesville, NC I'm pretty sad that this is one of those events that we'll have to miss this year. We had such an awesome time amongst the colossal hot air balloons. Walking next to something so massive makes you feel super small, but it's a cool experience. And when the sun goes down allowing the firelight to fill the night, it creates the most beautiful glow. Maybe next year...

3. North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh, NC If you have the urge to spend way more money than you intend, but have a roaring good time while you're doing it, this is definitely the best place to achieve that goal. as skewed as it seems. From the moment you walk through the gates, you are inundated with options to the point of overload. The bright lights and fast and furious rides will get your heart pumping, and the food will surely entice even the most disciplined dieter. We're definitely making plans to do it again this year, I can't wait!

4. Wolly Worm Festival in Banner Elk, NC This is one that we wouldn't be able to do because of other plans. It is a family oriented festival on a much smaller scale, however, they still have plenty of vendors and rides to keep you occupied. The main event would be the good ol' fashioned wolly worm race where the winner predicts the severity of the upcoming winter weather season based on its bands of color. 

5. Oktoberfest in Helen, GA is set in a picturesque town that was made to look like an alpine village complete with Bavarian-style buildings to round out the German celebration experience. During October, the town is crawling with colorful characters donning all sorts of interesting get-ups offering entertainment around every corner. Oktoberfest isn't complete without a brat from Troll Tavern and some chicken dancing at Festhalle!

With just the few events that I have named here, we surely do have an exciting month ahead of us, and this is only half of it - if you can imagine. There are many other things that I hope to do as well before the month is out, and I'm planning to take full advantage of every bit of autumn I can before it's over. This is only Part 1 of the "Fun Things to Do in Fall" Series, as the week continues, I will put up new posts with additional ideas. Going forward, I plan to share my favorite things to do in autumn around Boone, NC, but most can be applied to the area in which you live as well. To see more photos, visiting the links in BOLD above will take you to my archived blog posts (with the exception of the Wolly Worm Festival).

Tell me, what are your favorite things to do during the fall/autumn season? When I asked on facebook, I got a lot of answers pointing more toward indoor comforts instead of outdoor activities. Where do you stand?

Related Links:

• Part 2 - Fun Things to do in Fall