Hi, I’m Sarah, a proud Bryson City local with roots that run deep in NC’s Smoky Mountains. I grew up spending summers with my grandparents, listening to my grandmother share stories of the people and places that shaped this region, especially the Fontana area where my grandfather was born. That history grounds me here, and in fall — when cool mountain air drifts through town and the hills glow in reds and golds — it feels like stepping right into those stories.
This season, you’ll find me watching elk in Cataloochee Valley, riding the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad with the windows open and savoring cinnamon rolls from Bryson City Bakery. Come see the Smokies at their brightest — and leave with your own stories to tell.
Love triangles, iconic beach houses and peach stands — “The Summer I Turned Pretty” might be fiction, but its filming locations are yours to explore. Sip coffee at Conrad’s go-to cafe, share a slice where Belly and Steven had their heart-to-heart, and revisit that waterfront lunch spot on a film-inspired trip through Wilmington, Southport and nearby beach towns. Mark your calendar — the series finale drops Sept. 17!
Animal Park at the Conservators Center: Where fall goes wild
At The Animal Park in Burlington, fall fun roars to life: Join a costumed candy hunt, carve pumpkins for the exotic residents or learn about these predators’ fearsome reputation by moonlight. The Animal Park’s fall lineup is all treat, no tricks.
Find your next base camp for adventure with the Official North Carolina Trail Town Guide
North Carolina’s trail systems are often the focus of our attention, but the small towns that care for those recreational hot spots deserve to be celebrated. There are towns across the state dedicated to preserving the places we visit by combining world-class trails with best-in-class preservation practices. Outdoor NC’s Trail Town Program recognizes those communities that offer fast access to our favorite trails while championing destination stewardship. Dig into our Trail Town Guide to find your next base camp for adventure.
Visit North Carolina is part of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina 150 Fayetteville St., Ste. 1200, Raleigh, North Carolina, 27601, United States
