It’s hard to pick a favorite season in Charlotte. The blooming trees around the city in Spring. The bounty of summer Farmer’s Markets. The mild winters capped off with an occasional snow to give us reason to appreciate our weather the rest of the year. And of course, the Fall. There are so many things to love about the Fall in Charlotte. We thought we’d share a few favorites. Can you say Go Panthers!?
Of course, Fall means it’s time for the battle of the best chili to begin. How does one pick a favorite?
While the area’s pumpkin patches and traditions like Scarowinds and The Carolina Renaissance Festival get a lot of attention in the Fall, there are some great events you can enjoy without leaving town. Here are a few you might want to add to your social calendar.
Bay Haven Food & Wine Festival
Camp North End is at it again. There is always something worth checking out there (link to weekender blog) and October is no different.
The Bay Haven Food and Wine Festival will feature more than 75 Black chefs, artisans, farmers, brewers and distillers in one epic food festival. Eat your way through the 3-day event that celebrates Charlotte’s diverse food scene and indulge in the creations of people like two-time James Beard-nominated chef Gregory Collier of Leah & Louise and “Top Chef” alum chef Tiffany Derry of Roots Chicken Shak and Roots Southern Table. There’s even a special brunch event planned.
- Ticket prices vary.
- Oct. 22-24, 2021. Camp North End, 301 Camp Road.
Biketoberfest
Bike your way through this scavenger hunt-style event that winds through the neighborhoods of Villa Heights, Optimist Park, Midtown, and NoDa. Following the ride will be an after-party at Triple C Brewing Co.
- Tickets are $35
- Sunday, October 24 from 11:30am to 6:30pm.
Great Elizabeth Pumpkin Wall
The Great Elizabeth Pumpkin Wall is a Halloween tradition in Charlotte. Each year, community volunteers in the Elizabeth neighborhood build a 60-foot wall lined with jack o’ lanterns galore.
The actual location of the wall in the Elizabeth neighborhood varies from year to year. This year you’ll find it at 2229 Greenway Ave. at the corner of Greenway and Laurel.
Give in to the Pumpkin
Are you team pumpkin spice? We say go ahead and eat that donut, latte, or pumpkin whatever around town. Charlotte bakeries and eateries are ready for you!
BUT, if you only have room for just one pumpkin treat then don’t miss the Pumpkin Pie Deluxe Waffle from Cast Iron Waffles. It’s topped with pumpkin drizzle, caramel, and house-made whipped cream.
- It’s available Now through December
- Ballantyne at 9604 Longstone Lane.
You can grab one for breakfast (starting at 7am) before you head out to the mountains to check out the Fall leaves!