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North Carolina Family Farm Offers Fun Fall Entertainment

Our son graced us with his presence this weekend .  He turns 22 this Wednesday and with Coastal Carolina playing a game last Thursday, his college social calendar had an…

Hodges Family Farm and Pumpkin Patch
Pexels/Zen Chung

Our son graced us with his presence this weekend <g>.  He turns 22 this Wednesday and with Coastal Carolina playing a game last Thursday, his college social calendar had an opening.  So, his mama got to bake a cake and we all got to hang out on a beautiful weekend.  Temperatures were in the 70s and the sun was shining.  It reminded me of all the "agri-tainment" that we used to do on weekends when he was growing up.  If it was a haunted house or trail, we were there.  And no fall season was complete without a trip to the pumpkin patch.

You want to make memories with your family?  I've got the spot for you.  Hodges Family Farm and Pumpkin Patch is now open and has been serving the Charlotte community for more than 100 years.  There's no cost for admission and no charge for parking Monday thru Friday ($5 on Saturday and Sunday).  At Hodges, you can pick that perfect pumpkin, takes pictures (a must, right mom?), go on hayrides (weekends) and so much more.

And it's not like it's a hard day of travel to get there.  Hodges Family Farm and Pumpkin Patch is just 9 miles northeast of Uptown Charlotte, located between WT Harris Blvd. and 485.  Hours of operation are 9-5:30 daily.

5 Can’t Miss Festivals This Fall And Winter In Jackson County North Carolina

Fall is here and winter is quickly approaching. And this is the perfect time of year to plan a mountain getaway to the mountains of North Carolina. And the towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro, and Sylva are ready to host you and visitors from all over at 5 festivals and events in the Jackson County towns. This area is about a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Charlotte making it the perfect spot for a fall or winter getaway. From leaf season which is a site to see anywhere in the North Carolina Mountains, to winter and the holidays and maybe even a snowfall there is something for everyone to enjoy.

These 5 festivals and events take place between October and December and include fall craft festivals and holiday events across Jackson County. But even if you can't swing a trip before the holidays, perhaps pay a visit at the beginning of the year with small crowds and lower prices. And an even better chance for that snow I'm dreaming of! Keep reading to learn more about these events. And get more info on planning your visit here.

Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival

Cashiers Leaf Festival

Dates: October 6th-8th

Location: The Village Green 160 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers, NC

This annual three day festival features 90 artisan vendors, live music, crafts for kids, food trucks, and more. Everything sold at the festival is handmade by the vendors including unique handcrafted wood, pottery, jewelry, and more. All while the leaves are turning their gorgeous colors the beautiful mountain village of Cashiers. The Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival is free to attend.

WNC Pottery Festival

WNC Pottery Festival

Date: November 4th

Location: Bridge Park, Railroad Ave, Sylva NC

One of the top events in the North Carolina mountains and Top 20 event in November in the Southeast the WNC Pottery Festival features more than 40 master potters, with many demonstrations in a variety of techniques. Potters come from over 13 states and work with a variety of clay art styles.

Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries

Dates: December 1-2, and December 8-9th

Location: Downtown Dillsboro

2023 marks the 40th anniversary or Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries. The downtown of Dillsboro comes alive with 2,500 candles and white lights. There are carolers, cocoa and cider, and horse-drawn carriage rides. There is also live music and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Cashiers Christmas Parade

Date: December 2nd

Cashiers Christmas Parade

Location: Cashiers Crossroads

Don't miss the Cashiers Christmas Parade this December. Local businesses, organizations, and residents take part in the yearly parade that travels a 1-mile loop.

Sylva Christmas Parade

Sylva Christmas Parade

Date: December 3rd

Location: Downtown Sylva's Main Street

This hour-long parade features floats, bands, and of course, Santa makes an appearance. If you're in town you'll also want to check out the town's tree lighting and fireworks on December 1st.

Charlie Nance is the Afternoon Drive co-host (along with his wife) of "The Charlie and Debbie Show" at WSOC, Country 1037 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The couple have been with the radio station since 2006. Charlie has won the prestigious CMA (Country Music Association) Award for Radio Personality of the Year and has been a finalist for the Country Radio Hall of Fame four times. Prior to his time in Charlotte, Charlie (along with Debbie) spent more than a decade hosting successful morning radio shows in Greenville, SC; Augusta, Ga; and Birmingham, Al. As a content creator for Country 1037, Charlie writes about dream lottery windfalls, sports, restaurants and bars, and travel experiences in North and South Carolina.