Fantastic Getaways Even Without Festivals

COVID-19 has cleared the calendar of some of our favorite fall events. Yet, bad news on the festival front comes with a silver lining: destinations across North Carolina offer ample appeal for memorable fall getaways even with canceled marquee events.

WILMINGTON: The Port City and its nearby beaches make a grand occasion of any getaway, even with Riverfest removed from the 2020 calendar. In the historic downtown, Riverwalk links shops and restaurants along a 1.75-mile stretch of the Cape Fear River, where a sunset cruise will remind you that the mountains hold no fall color monopoly. Seasonal blooms, live oaks and the Minnie Evans Bottle Chapel make Airlie Garden an enchanting escape, while water and walking trails at Greenfield Lake Park & Gardens bring the natural wonders of a swampland into view. Stay downtown at ARRIVE Wilmington, a unique boutique property that opened in 2019, or head to the Blockade Runner Beach Resort at Wrightsville Beach. It’s worth waking up in time to see sunrise at Johnnie Mercers Pier. www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com

BANNER ELK: Fans of the Woolly Worm Festival might miss racing isabella tiger moths up a string with a goal of predicting the severity of winter. Regardless of exactly how cold it will get, socks made with alpaca fiber will come in handy, and a visit to Apple Hill Farm to buy a pair will warm your heart as you watch the herd frolic within the colorful Blue Ridge Mountain landscape. Make an appointment to tour the working farm on a getaway that might also include Grandfather Mountain, hiking, kayaking, fly fishing, a canopy tour, and tastings at Banner Elk and Grandfather wineries. Lodging options include the Perry House B&B and the villas at Banner Elk Winery. www.bannerelk.com

LEXINGTON: Without 125,000 people coming for the Barbecue Festival, pitmasters will smoke 11,000 fewer pounds of pork shoulders the last weekend in October. But festival or no, barbecue is always on the menu and reason enough to visit Lexington, whose name is attached to a signature style. While here, travelers can trail Daniel Boone at Boone’s Cave Park, explore downtown and sample craft beverages. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lexington-NW The Vineyar is a half mile from Childress Vineyards and its strollable grounds. visitlexingtonnc.com

STATESVILLE: Even the bluest skies will look a bit drab without the mass ascensions of Carolina BalloonFest. Yet the rolling woodlands below will glow with autumn color along Interstate 77. To the south, experience nature and history at Lake Norman State Park, the Carolina Raptor Center and Historic Latta Plantation. Head north into the heart of the Yadkin Valley to taste some of North Carolina’s best wines. With its lively vibe, assorted land and river trails, and eclectic cabins, Elkin makes an ideal base for a getaway. www.exploreelkin.com

Find more ideas, inspiration and the latest advisories at VisitNC.com.

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