10 Reasons to Fall for Western North Carolina

Flat Rock – Judy Johnson
Perfect for a family outing, Sky Top Apple Orchard (1197 Pinnacle Mtn Rd; 828-692-7930; www.skytoporchard.com) offers 40 acres of apple trees with more than 25 varieties available progressively from early September until end of harvest. Taste the samples and then select your favorites, already picked or pick your own. Younger family members also enjoy the ducks and geese navigating the ponds, a collection of barnyard animals, and an observation bee hive. Fresh apple cider and made-while-you-watch doughnuts are fragrant treats; caramel and fudge apples, honey, jam and other apple products are also on offer.

Eat ...
Your own picnic looking out over the orchard, your cloth spread under the trees.
Visit ...
Connemara, writer Carl Sandburg's home and working farm (81 Carl Sandburg Ln; 828-693-4178; www.nps.gov/carl/).
Catch...
A show at Flat Rock Playhouse, the State Theatre of North Carolina (2661 Greenville Hwy; 828-693-0731; www.flatrockplayhouse.org).

Highlands – Travis Seward
Conveniently located 2˝ hours from Atlanta and 3 hours from Charlotte, Highlands enjoys perfect weather each of the four seasons. The first signs of fall signal what is soon to be the end of another busy tourist season. Nestled among trees of crimson and gold, in the heart of downtown there is a trove of boutiques, art galleries, antique shops, and restaurants. Highlands is central to hundreds of miles of trails, several scenic waterfalls, and some of the most challenging golf courses in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Get ...
Inspired by the ever-changing inventory of European antiques and high-end furnishings at Fletcher and Lee Antiques & Interior Design (417 N 4th St; 828-526-5400).
Stay ...
At Old Edwards Inn and Spa (445 Main St; 828-526-8008; www.oldedwardsinn.com); 28 guest rooms with period antiques and spectacular amenities located in the center of town.
Taste ...
The daily special at Ristorante Paoletti (440 Main St; 828- 526-4906; www.paolettinc.com), and be sure to make reservations.

Saluda – Lydia Dishman
With a clutch of two-story buildings marching along one side of Main Street and the curve of train tracks just opposite, Saluda could easily be Mayberry, that idyllic North Carolina town full of quirky characters beloved by generations of TV viewers. But Saluda is real, and so are its charms. It's the site of that famously steep Saluda Grade, where engineers of the Southern Railroad once cautiously inched their way along its three-mile crest. It's a veritable goldmine for enthusiasts of Victorian architecture, and it's a most pleasant place to while away a weekend afternoon, taking a brisk stroll in the mountain air, peeking into shops and tucking into fine food.

Lunch ...
On the Crazy Squirrel Salad from Saluda Grade Café (40 E Main St; 828-749-5854; www.saludagradecafe.com).
Buy ...
A contemporary keepsake from Heartwood Gallery (21 E Main St; 828-749-9365; www.heartwoodsaluda.com).
Rest ...
For the night in a comfy room at Charles Street Garden Suite (76 Charles St; 828-749-5846; www.charlesstreetgarden.com).

Sylva – Lydia Dishman
The Great Smoky Mountains rise around Sylva, cradling the town in a picturesque surround of rounded forms. At once progressive and quaint, Sylva boasts a tree-lined Main Street lined with shops and cafes, a community filled with outdoor enthusiasts and college students, and the outstanding greenspace of Pinnacle Park, which bursts with hiking trails, waterfalls, and a gorgeous town view had from 5,000 feet. The breeze is stiffer here, carrying with it the scent of adventure, but if you are on your way to fish or paddle the Tuckaseegee or hike more remote trails, tarry a bit and discover some of Sylva's delights.

Try ... 
Wasabi shrimp or walnut spinach ravioli at Lulu's on Main (612 W Main St; 828-586-8989; www.lulusonmain.com).
Visit ...
Penumbra Gallery & Studio (528 W Main St; 828-631-5278; www.penumbragallery.com) for Matthew Turlington's stunning photography.
Spend ...
The night being pampered in the warm confines of Balsam Mountain Inn (68 Seven Springs Dr; 800-224-9498; www.balsaminn.com).