Haunted tales, coastal trails and everything fall in between
Kevin here! My wife and I have spent 20 years living and raising our boys in Onslow County on NC’s southern coast. We might be “come heres,” and not “from heres,” but this is our forever home.
My family loves the slower pace of life here, especially in fall. We might start a Saturday with shark tooth hunting at North Topsail Beach, then head inland for a family-style meal at Mike’s Farm. For date night, my wife and I sit under the string lights at The Boro, watching boats drift along the river.
In Onslow County, fall feels endless. The water stays warm, the air cools just enough, and the outdoors invite you to embrace fall for all its worth.
While some federal sites in NC may be affected by the government shutdown, countless adventures await. From breathtaking state parks and vibrant city experiences to local gems and hidden trails, there’s still plenty of fall activities to be discovered.
Check our website for the latest updates and find open alternatives to keep your travel plans inspired and unforgettable.
Ghosts don’t take the season off — and neither do we. Two chilling new episodes of our First in Fright podcast just dropped, with more haunting tales on the way. Think you're brave enough to go beyond the pod? Our haunted itineraries might just make you a believer.
When the air cools and the crowds thin, that Outer Banks magic rises: Think Jeep rallies and seafood festivals by day, and stargazing skies and ghost crabs by night. Layer in Bluegrass Island tunes, bird migrations, beach bonfires and horseback rides for a coastal fall trip that’s equal parts chill and thrill.
A riverside ballroom, an art deco theater and a lion’s roar in the night — and that’s just the start. In Alamance County, history is mixed with the unexpected.
Embrace Greenville culture, served with a side of ‘cue
Grab your PassPork and eat your way along the Brew & ‘Cue Trail before exploring murals (how many secret squirrels can you find?), music halls and the Tar River Greenway.
North Carolina is ground zero for leaf peeping, but the season isn’t just about ogling our colorful canopy. Autumn is an important season for local wildlife too. Elk are engaging in annual mating rituals in the Smokies, loggerhead sea turtles are hatching on the coast and multiple species of birds are migrating throughout the state. Make sure these activities go unhindered by keeping wildlife wild. Observe animals from a distance and if you’re camping, store your food in a safe place that’s out of reach for curious creatures.
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