FIELD GUIDE Resources for planning your getaway
Contra dancers cut the rug at LEAF. PHOTO BY JONATHAN WELCH
When you’re setting off on an adventure — even one that’s relatively close to home — it pays to have a fi eld guide handy. Here’s a colorful sampling of the multitude of fall and early-winter festivals within easy driving distance of Asheville, plus listings for state and national parks in the area as well as major visitor and tourism centers in the region. Be sure to check out Getaway’s online listings (mountainx.com/getaway) for even more information. Now get ready to explore those mountains, sample that barbecue and plug into our local culture.
aR e a f e s T I va l s autumn leaves festival Head to the home of Andy Griffi th and Mayberry for a festival begun more than 40 years ago to celebrate the tobacco and apple harvest. Th ese days, it’s all about showcasing the area’s musical heritage and local foods as well as arts and crafts. Main Street and surrounding areas, Mount Airy, NC Open Oct. 14-16 Admission Free autumnleavesfestival.com (800) 948-0949
28th annual barbecue festival Barbecue Festival organizers boast that Lexington, NC, is the “barbecue capital of the world.” Titles aside, it’s certainly a fi ne place to taste-test that superlative ‘cue, plus sample a day’s worth of entertainment and musical acts.
Scan the Square to check out even more Getaway info online.
ptown Lexington, NC U Open 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 22 Admission Free barbecuefestival.com
biltmore village Dickens festival e Montford Park players act out scenes Th from beloved Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol while musicians, choral groups, singers and dancers perform in the streets. Shops stay open late, shopkeepers dress up in Victorian costumes, and buildings are bedecked in lights. Biltmore Village, Asheville, NC Open Dec. 2-4 Admission Free biltmorevillage.com/dickens_festival. htm (828) 274-8788
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