Visit Hickory Metro Director of Sales & Marketing Sarah Jones and Marketing Coordinator Elizabeth Clark love the area in fall, where old-timey charm meets a modern vibe.

Discover the first fall colors of the Blue Ridge Mountains around the mile-high resort Village of Sugar Mountain, aptly named for the brilliant red sugar maple tree. With a 1,200-foot elevation difference in the village itself, Sugar Mountain has two to three weeks of fall color. Colors then extend in the surrounding lower valleys for an additional two weeks — so if the leaves are past peak in one area, just head down in elevation. Here’s the typical fall foliage forecast and timeline for the Sugar Mountain area:

Savor country living by picking your own apples or letting others do the prep work as you enjoy a meal created with local ingredients. Or to fully reconnect with the rhythms of nature and your food, spend the weekend on a working farm.

These often-overlooked scenic drives in NC pop with color in fall — and delight with hidden treasures year-round.

Experience the sights, sounds and flavors of the fall season in Winston-Salem. Take a hike at its two neighboring state parks — a short drive from the city center — or cozy up at a local winery with a cabernet. A trip to Winston-Salem is full of adventure, relaxation or a delightful combination of both. And you’ll want to travel back again and again.

Bring cinematic scares to life with North Carolina’s iconic movie sites and haunts inspired by your favorite scary films.

Whether you’re a nature novice or a veteran hiker, we’ve found 10 North Carolina hikes that’ll help you reconnect with nature – and yourself. And by following the 7 Outdoor NC Leave No Trace Principles, you can help preserve the natural beauty all around.

Beach season doesn’t end on Labor Day in NC’s Brunswick Islands — just look at its warm temperatures, spacious coastline, and next-level sunrises and sunsets.

Enjoy a spooky meal in a haunted restaurant, visit one of our famous lighthouses humming with spiritual activity or dare to stay the night in a haunted hotel.

NC is a burst of color as the calendar flips to the fall months. From the foliage in the mountains to the gorgeous sunsets on the coast and all the bright and festive events in between, autumn in North Carolina is practically made to star on your Instagram feed.