Picture this: It’s a crisp October morning. You wake up in a cabin surrounded by explosive hues of red and orange from peak fall foliage. You wrap yourself in a warm blanket before stepping outside to enjoy a steaming cup of coffee before kindling a cozy, crackling morning fire.
If you’re imagining this scene in a town thousands of miles away (say, Vermont or Upstate New York), what if we told you this fall fantasy was only one state away?
Randolph County is located in the heart of North Carolina — a mere four hours from Charleston. That means you can step into this postcard scene (and of all your favorite nostalgic, small-town fall activities) in less than a half day’s drive.
Here’s a peek into your weekend in Randolph County, NC:
🍎 Orchards + pumpkin patches
Millstone Creek Orchards hosts new events each weekend including pumpkin picking, orchard tours, live music, and an apple cider-themed menu at The Cider House. (We’re eyeing the apple cider donuts.)
Bonus: Meet Dooley and Rooster, the orchard’s Highland cows (yes, the ones with the bangs). For more animal-themed activities, check out Boo at the North Carolina Zoo.
🌽 Corn mazes + haunted houses
Explore the winding corn maze or take a festive wagon ride to the pumpkin patch at Kersey Valley during the day... and once night falls, get lost in the Spookywoods. This haunted attraction has been an NC staple for over 40 years, and with more than a dozen themed sets like an abandoned motel (Psycho vibes), it’s not hard to see why.
🍂 Picturesque downtowns + cozy cabins
Explore artisan shops, restaurants, bakeries, and coffee shops in Stars Hollow — ahem, we mean downtown Asheboro. Stop by Four Saints Brewing Co. for a pumpkin ale or Leo’s Whiskey Bar for an apple bourbon smash.
Then settle back into your cabin tucked away in the woods or set up camp for a more rustic experience.
