Less than a mile from the Cone Estate, the camp sprung up each summer so young boys could learn about Homer’s Odyssey, hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and discover music and art. Vera and her partner, Tui St. George Tucker (the camp’s music director), ran the camp from 1944 to 1970.
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Tonalism, taught by nationally acclaimed landscape painter Kyle Buckland. This workshop will guide you through the core principles of this evocative style, including limited palettes, close values, and creating a sense of mood and atmosphere through subtle color variations.
Saunders Old Country Store is excited to be hosting the 7th Annual Apple Butter Festival — a free, family-friendly event happening on Saturday, October 11th from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Enjoy a two-day Oktoberfest from 10:00am until 5:00pm in the North Carolina Mountains. The festival features live Bavarian music by the Harbour Towne Fest band, German and American food & beverages, a children’s fun center, hay rides; local & regional craft fair, lift-rides on the Summit Express chairlift, a winter sports shop sale, lodging specials and much, much more.
From Oct. 4 through 12, guests enjoy short, guided nature walks that highlight Grandfather Mountain’s fall colors. The Fall Color Rambles take place daily, weather permitting, and are included in your admission ticket. The short excursions begin at 1 p.m. and typically last for 30 minutes. Rambles will start outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery.
Tom Gow will be demonstrating how he carves whimsical cottages out of the thick bark of fallen cottonwood trees. This demonstration will be held on the front porch of the the Moses Cone Manor from 10am-4pm.
The annual Valle Country Fair is a sure favorite among locals and visitors. Local food and crafts fill the space, while musicians and demonstrators entertain all day. Admission is free, but bring cash for parking and easy shopping.
Head over on October 18 & 19, 2025 in Banner Elk, North Carolina for woolly worm races, craft and food vendors, live entertainment, children’s activities, and so much more.
App State vs. Coastal Carolina
Get an in-depth look at one of BRAHM’s most ambitious exhibitions yet: “Daingerfield and the Tonalist Instinct.” We feature extraordinary works by Blowing Rock’s own Elliott Daingerfield, including some from private collections that have rarely been seen publicly, as well as works borrowed from major museums.
Join BRAHM on Thursday October 23 at 11 am when curator Ian Gabriel Wilson will be in conversation with Pam McKay, guest curator of the exhibition Arlee Mains: A Life in Watauga. We will learn about Arlee, her relationship with Pam, and what it is about Arlee's paintings that still captivate us today.
Visit Grandfather Mountain for a day of nature programs about animals that some consider creepy and crawly! This fun-filled celebration includes an opportunity to trick-or-treat on the mountain and then watch special Halloween enrichments be given to the animals. Included with admission.