Autumn in the North Carolina Mountains
A perfect weekend getaway can be experienced in the North Carolina Mountains anytime, but a visit in October is a special time of the year. On a crisp autumn Saturday afternoon, there is nowhere I had rather be than spending a colorful October day in Ashe County. Whether it is taking a scenic tour of the back roads, hiking on the many hiking trails, bicycling or floating down the New River, you will enjoy fresh mountain air and breathtaking scenery around every bend in the road. Visit the small town of West Jefferson where small town America still exists. It is a combination of local Appalachia heritage with a contemporary flair. There are many unique shops, restaurants, a town park with many art galleries and street murals. If you are lucky and arrive at the right time, you will be entertained by music in the park or can participate in the West Jefferson Gallery Crawl. Don't miss the farmer's market located on the backstreet where handmade mountain crafts, locally homegro...