While Charlotte isn’t exactly the picture of fall weather yet (see my children in short sleeves) this time of year is perfect here. One of our favorite parts of living here is that the fall lasts so long. The temps are in the high 70’s now, but nice and cool at night and we won’t hit that cold, winter weather for a good 2.5 – 3 months. This leaves plenty of time for the great fall activities the Queen City has to offer. Here are some of the greatest!
1. Hodges Family Farm Pumpkin Patch
3900 Rocky River Road East, Charlotte
Open September 25 – October 31, this farm is a perfect fall family activity. You can pick your own pumpkins, see the farm animals and wander through the hay maze. On weekends, they offer pony and hay rides for $5.
2. Rural Hill Amazing Maize Maze
4431 Neck Road, Huntersville
October 3 – November 1st
With 7 acres and over 2 miles of paths, you will love the challenge of this maze! The farm itself is huge, so pack a picnic and spend the day hiking, exploring the historic site and picking pumpkins.
3. SCarowinds
Exit 90 off I-77
Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays starting October 2
The Carowinds theme park gets spooky for the month of October! This scary PG-13 event is great for those with teenage kids or a grown up night out. There will be terrifying mazes, fright zones and live shows in addition to the wild rides Carowinds offers. Not into the scary? On October weekend days, enjoy the Fall Festival, which is geared towards kids with all fun and no fear.
4. Laketoberfest
11536 Bailey Road, Cornelius
October 17, 2015
The 3rd annual Laketoberfest Music and Brew Festival is a fundraiser for the Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationist. In addition to music and beer, you’ll find food trucks, a kid zone, crafts and games.
5. Ballantyne Festival
9405 Bryant Farms Road, Charlotte
October 10, 2015
This family friendly event has it all. Music, chili cook-off, oyster roast, pumpkin carving contest, inflatables in the kid zone, arts and crafts, hayrides and more. Free admission makes this no brainer way to spend your fall Saturday!
6. Fall Finale – U.S. National Whitewater Center
5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte
The fall finale is an all day event and the end of the River jam concert series. The very entertaining B.Y.O.B (build your own boat) competition is sure to be an exciting one to watch. Take part in the Dirty Dozen Obstacle Trail Race in the morning and finish with hard cider tastings in the afternoon.
Nothing really says fall like a pumpkin beer and NoDa Brewing Company has perfected this one. Stop by one of their 2 locations to try their seasonal Gordgeous Pumpkin Ale. They’re now canning their own beer, so while you’re there, grab a 4 pack for sipping on your own back porch.
Charlotte Marriott City Center is still holding it’s contest for the best our great city has to offer. Don’t forget to post your photo with the hashtag #DesignCharlotte to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to be entered to win!
Want to know more about the Queen City? Check out my other Charlotte favorites: where to eat and what to do with kids!