2014 FALL EVENTS IN RUTHERFORD COUNTY NC 
Home of Lake Lure / Chimney Rock State Park / South Mountains
and Blue Ridge Foothills (Images Available)


Rutherfordton, NC (Sept. 30, 2014)  Looking for a new place to explore? Step into our fall wonderland. Our hiking and biking trails, zip lines and pontoon boat tours feel completely different when surrounded by red, orange and yellow and a hint of pine. The 75-mile view from atop Chimney Rock blazes with color, and you can almost touch the clear blue sky. Here, you’ll notice an increased craving for cider and hot chocolate, and your urge to buy bulky sweaters, hats and scarves will only be satisfied by ducking into one of our friendly shops. When you make Rutherford County your base, Asheville is only 30 minutes away—as is Hendersonville. (Although we warn you, it’s hard to leave our borders once you settle in.)

DISCOVER A NEW MOUNTAIN GETAWAY FOR YOUR FALL COLOR FIX 

Leaf Alert: With most of our county checking in between 900 to 1200 feet in elevation, our peak color arrives after the mountain areas to the west and north. Most of the time, our prime dates are in early to mid November, allowing visitors to bask in the season a little longer. Visit Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park’s website for regular fall color reports:
http://www.chimneyrockpark.com/visit/fallcolor.php

HILLTOP FALL FESTIVAL

Oct. 4 – Historic downtown Rutherfordton, www.rutherfordtown.com/hilltop-festival.html, 828-287-2071

The Tour de Pumpkin, a 50K and 100K bike ride, gears up in the morning, rutherfordoutdoor.org/events. Come for the food: roasted corn, barbecue, fried pies and Twinkies to name a few; local churches provide homemade desserts and homegrown beef burgers. Enjoy live music, dance, martial arts and demonstrations. Downtown merchants fling their doors open and greet guests with special sales, and artists hawk crafts and handmade items, too. Don’t miss the Overmountain Victory Trail Association march and storytelling; both commemorate the role of the Overmountain Men in the Revolutionary War and their success at the Battle of Kings Mountain.

VINTAGE CAR SHOW

Oct. 4 –  Bald Mountain Driving Range at Rumbling Bald Resort, 112 Mountains Blvd., Lake Lure www.rumblingbald.com/ discover/featured-events Since 1996, visitors time their fall drives with this car show featuring 250 classic beauties and a cookout. Call 800-260- 1040 for car show details and lodging and golf packages.

LAKE LURE ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL 

Oct. 18, 19, 119 Arcade St., Lake Lure, www.lakelureartsandcraftsfestivals.com

Independent artisans working in photography, oils, acrylics, jewelry, textiles, fibers, pottery, wood and more come to this meet-the-makers festival overlooking Lake Lure. The artisans who make the crafts must be there, so it’s a chance to mingle, buy and find inspiration. Children will love the face painting and mini golf, and the entertainment stage features cloggers, folk bands and mountain dulcimer music.  

DON’T MISS

     >>  Fall is apple time in the mountains; be sure to sample apples from nearby orchards at the farm stands. 

     >>  Gear up for fall at Bubba O’Leary’s General Store and Outfitters in Chimney Rock and Puzzle Creek Outdoor Company in Forest City. 

     >>  Jumpstart holiday shopping with work from local artisans. In downtown Rutherfordton, visit The Gallery and the Rutherford County Visual Arts Center, showcasing the work of more than 50 local artists.   

Rutherford County Tourism is home to Lake Lure, Chimney Rock and “small-town-friendly” main streets nestled in the Western NC mountains and foothills. An emerging outdoor destination gaining national recognition with its bouldering, bike trails, waterways and lake, the getaway is also known for its relaxing pontoon boat tours on Lake Lure, family-friendly destinations and movie heritage. “Last of the Mohicans” was shot here, and Lake Lure is forever famous for the “lift" movie scene and more in “Dirty Dancing”. Welcome Center: 800-849-5998 www.rutherfordtourism.com @VisitRCNC   

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Media contacts: Susan Dosier at Susan@DKCommunicationsGroup.com / 704.993.7871 or Diane Jackson at diane@tributemediaconsulting.com / 678.428.1596